A2 City News

Rebecca Rhodes for the City of Ann Arbor

Tree Town's Ins and Outs and All-Abouts, AKA Everything you need to know about what is going on in the City of Ann Arbor.

  1. 10/04/2012

    October 2012 - A2 City News

    The Newsletter for the City of Ann Arbor, Mich. • October 2012  • Volume 6 • Number 10Fall fun for allEvents are taking place in Ann Arbor throughout October. Check out these fun ways to celebrate the season (find more events on the city’s online calendar).  On Saturday, Oct. 13, 10 a.m.– noon, meet “nature’s recyclers” at the Materials Recovery Facility Open House (4150 Platt Road). A Leslie Science & Nature Center naturalist will provide a fun, interactive program featuring a vulture and other living recyclers. An optional MRF tour is also available. This event is free, and space is limited! Preregister by calling 734.794.6000, extension 43112. Preregistered programs start at 10 and 11:30 a.m.Trick or Treat Down the River is Sunday, Oct. 21 from noon to 4 p.m. at Gallup Canoe Livery (3000 Fuller Ave., 734.794.6240). By canoe or kayak, encounter creatures along the river handing out treats and candy. Bring a bag for collecting candy. And feel free to dress up, too. Fee is $18 per boat. Pre registration is not required.  Volunteers are also needed to dress up and hand out candy during the Trick-or-Treat paddle. Interested? Visit the Volunteer 365 page on the city website, email or call 734.794.6230, extension 42510. Pumpkin-carving fun is planned for Saturday, Oct. 27, 11 am.–1 p.m., at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market (315 Detroit St.). All ages are welcome to enjoy pumpkin carving, face painting and treats from vendors. This event is free. Skate to spooky sounds at the Veterans Memorial Park Halloween Skate, 1–2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27 (2150 Jackson Road, 734.794.6235). Best-costume prizes will be awarded. General admission rates apply at this fun-for-all-ages event.Animal Haunts at the Leslie Science & Nature Center (1831 Traver Road, 734.997.1553) is a family-friendly event Saturday, Oct. 27. Enjoy a guided a hike through Black Pond woods where costumed characters bring plants and animals to life through skits and songs. Pumpkins, games, face painting, cider and more round out the evening. A shorter hike designed especially for families with children ages 5 and under is offered 4:30 to 6 p.m.; and the 7 to 9 p.m. hike is more suitable for older kids and their families. Pre registration rates are $8 per person, $30 per family; or $10/$35 at the door.  And finally … Halloween Trick-or-Treating for participating residents will take place in Ann Arbor neighborhoods between 5 and 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 31. To help keep this holiday fright free and full of fun, tips from the Ann Arbor police department are available online. Among the most basic safety guidelines — parents and guardians should supervise their trick-or-treaters, and stay in neighborhoods that are well lit and familiar.City and residents talk trashAnn Arbor residents are encouraged to lend their voices to the city’s updating process of the five-year Solid Waste Management Plan. The draft five-year update plan is posted for review online, and a printed copy is available at the Customer Service Center, on the first floor of Larcom City Hall, 301 E. Huron St. weekdays during regular business hours, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.  An advisory committee representing Ann Arbor residents, businesses, agencies and the University of Michigan, has been working with staff, City Council and city environmental commissioners over the last year to update the Solid Waste Management Plan. Once adopted, it will provide an outline of cost-effective, customer-friendly and environmentally responsible options to consider and prioritize for implementation over the next five years.There are several ways to provide your input:Take the solid waste planning survey — through Friday, Oct. 5 — either online at or by using the printed version in WasteWatcher newsletter (with a prepaid return mailer), which was delivered to all city residential addresses in September. Residents who wish to include their address with their response can be eligible in three random drawings for a $50 gift certificate to a local restaurant or grocery store, iTunes or Ann Arbor Canoe Liveries.Public forums are planned for Thursday, Oct. 18, 6:30–8:30 p.m. at the Ann Arbor District Library Traverwood  Branch, 3333 Traverwood Drive (at Huron Parkway); and Tuesday, Oct. 30, 6:30–8:30 p.m. at Community Television Network, 2805 S. Industrial (between Stadium and Eisenhower). The draft Solid Waste Management Plan presentation and discussion group summaries will be taped for replay on CTN.Or please send your comments, by Nov. 30, 2012, to Solid Waste Coordinator Tom McMurtrie, 734.794.6430, extension 43707.Find out about roundaboutsDid you know modern roundabouts can have multiple advantages over signalized intersections? Go online to find out how best to navigate Ann Arbor’s roundabouts and for other safety tips.Street-safety remindersCheck out the rules-of-the-road reminders and resources on the city’s “walk bike drive” Web page, www.a2gov.org/walkbikedrive, to help ensure safe travels for all, including:For those on foot, cross at marked crosswalks, and make sure to give motorists enough time to see you and stop.For bicyclists, ride on the road when possible — and obey the traffic signals. Use bike lanes when available.For motorists, be extra alert at crosswalks, and stop when pedestrians are present to cross. Drivers should also safely give bicyclists room on the road, ideally 3–4 feet of space.Nov. 6 Election Day remindersThe State General Election is Tuesday, Nov. 6, when polls will be open 7 a.m.–8 p.m. Visit the elections Web page for the list of candidates, two City of Ann Arbor ballot proposals and polling places.    Residents who need to register to vote must do so by Tuesday, Oct. 9 at the City Clerk’s office, second floor of Larcom City Hall; the Washtenaw County Clerk’s office; at any Secretary of State branch office; or by mailing in a voter registration application (postmarked by Oct. 9) to: Ann Arbor City Clerk, PO Box 8647, Ann Arbor, MI 48107. Please note, the City Clerk’s office is closed on Fridays through Oct. 19 as staff prepares for the election. However, absentee ballot applications and/or voted ballots may be dropped off in the north atrium entrance in the Clerk’s office ballot box, faxed to 734.994.8296 or emailed. Staff will respond to calls (734.794.6140) and emails on the Monday following each closure. A closer look at the Nov. 6 City of Ann Arbor ballot proposalsIn addition to the mayoral and Council candidates, Ann Arbor voters will be asked to consider two City of Ann Arbor proposals on the Nov. 6 Election Day ballot.Proposal A is the Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage Renewal. On Aug. 9, 2012, Ann Arbor City Council voted unanimously to place on the Tuesday, Nov. 6 ballot a renewal of the city’s parks maintenance and capital improvements millage at the rate of 1.1 mills. City Council also voted unanimously to reaffirm the policies for the administration of the Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage. Between 60 percent and 80 percent of the annual millage funds support city park maintenance activities. Park maintenance activities include forestry and horticulture, natural area preservation, park operations, park equipment repairs and recreation facility maintenance. Between 20 percent and 40 percent of the annual millage funds are designated for city park capital improvements in the following areas: active parks; forestry and horticulture; historic preservation; neighborhood parks and urban plazas; pathways, trails, boardwalks, greenways and the Huron River watershed; recreation facilities; and park equipment acquisitions. This millage renewal proposes 1.10 mills and estimates total revenue in the first year of the millage of $5,052,000. The estimated annual cost to a household in the first year of the millage renewal, based on a mean taxable value of $108,600, is expected to be $119.46, or slightly less than $10 per month. The current cost to a household for the expiring millage based on a mean taxable value of $108,600 is $119.13. Additional information, fact sheets, FAQs, administrative policies and millage project status tables are available online.  Or, if you have questions regarding the millage, please email the parks staff. The Wednesday, Oct. 10 episode of Conversations on Ann Arbor Community Television Network will also feature Parks and Recreation Services Manager Colin Smith sharing facts about this ballot proposal. Watch this episode on Channel 19 on Comcast Cable or streamed on the Web.Proposal B is the Art in Public Places Millage. On Monday, Aug. 20, 2012, City Council voted unanimously to place on the Nov. 6 ballot a proposal for a publically funded Art in Public Places Millage at the rate of  0.10 mills. The new Art in Public Places Millage would be used to fund a range of art initiatives in Ann Arbor, including permanent installations; temporary art events; performance art; and exhibitions. The proposed millage would replace the existing funding mechanism for public art. The city’s Public Art Charter would be amended to replace the current funding from capital improvement projects (1 percent from street, sewer, bridge, parking lot construction) with the new art in public places millage funding. The city would still be able to use the remaining balance of capital improvement funds set aside for public art purposes. The new millage of one-tenth (0.10) mill, if approved, is expected to raise approximately $459,273 during the first year. For a household in the City of Ann Arbor with a mean taxable value of $108,600, the one-tenth (0.10) mill would add a tax of $10.97 per year, or 91 cents per month.To see how these proposals will appear on the Nov. 6 ballot, please visit the elections page on the city website. Fall golf eventsDon’t miss the final golf events of the season coming to nationally acclaimed Leslie Park Golf Course, 2120 Traver Road. Register today! Call the c

  2. 09/02/2012

    September 2012 - A2 City News

    The Newsletter for the City of Ann Arbor, Mich. • September 2012  • Volume 6 • Number 9 A2 Open City Hall debuts Ann Arbor residents have a new way to share feedback with city staff and Council members with the debut of A2 Open City Hall. This new online forum will feature questions about specific projects and initiatives on a regular basis, inviting the public to give input from the convenience of their keyboards.  The first topic on A2 Open City Hall is already underway and focuses on changes residents would like to see along the South State Street Corridor. Additional topics will be launched this fall. Fire restructure proposal meetings  In March, Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard presented a fire department restructuring proposal to City Council, which would position the department to operate out of three fire stations. One station would be located on the north side of the city (Station 5), one on the south side of the city (Station 2) and one in downtown Ann Arbor (Station 1).  However, before this proposal is considered further, community meetings have been scheduled in each of the city’s five wards to give citizens the opportunity to hear more about the fire restructure proposal and ask specific questions pertaining to fire suppression coverage. Please consider attending one of these forums. Tuesday, Sept. 18, 6–8 p.m., Cobblestone Farm, 2781 Packard Road. Wednesday, Sept. 19, 6–8 p.m., Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave.    Thursday, Sept. 20, 6–8 p.m., Ann Arbor District Library Downtown Branch, 343 S. Fifth Ave., conference room A.     Tuesday, Sept. 25, 6–8 p.m. Ann Arbor District Library Traverwood Branch, 3333 Traverwood Drive, program room. Wednesday, Sept. 26, 6–8 p.m., Community Television Network, 2805 S. Industrial, Suite 200. This meeting will be taped and later replayed on CTN Channel 19 and available online to view on demand.  More information about the fire restructure proposal is available on the city website.  Be street savvy The streets of Ann Arbor are again bustling with vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians as schools are back in session, and summer vacations have come to a close. Check out the rules-of-the-road reminders and resources on the city’s “walk bike drive” Web page to help ensure safe travels for all, including:  For those on foot, cross at marked crosswalks, and make sure to give motorists enough time to see you and stop. For bicyclists, ride on the road when possible — and obey the traffic signals. Use bike lanes when available. For motorists, be extra alert at crosswalks, and stop when pedestrians are present to cross. Drivers should also safely give bicyclists room on the road, ideally 3–4 feet of space. Fall/Winter registration now open Registration for Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation fall/winter classes is now open. Find the new, 56-page, color guide at Larcom City Hall, local library branches, Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Customer Service Center (at Cobblestone Farm, 2781 Packard Road) and all parks and recreation facilities. It's also posted on the parks website as a PDF that you can view or download.  Classes include indoor swim lessons at Mack Pool, instructional skating, beginning hockey skills, yoga, cultural arts programs at the senior center and much more. The guide also features events at the canoe liveries and Leslie Science & Nature Center. Sign up is easy and convenient. Register in person, or use the online registration system. Solid waste plan update The City of Ann Arbor five-year Solid Waste Management Plan updating process is underway.  An advisory committee representing Ann Arbor residents, businesses, agencies and the University of Michigan has been working with staff, City Council, and city environmental commissioners over the last year to update the plan. Opportunities for residents to participate are now being offered as well. Take the solid waste planning survey online or use the printed version in the WasteWatcher newsletter (with a prepaid return mailer) that is delivered to all city residential addresses in September. All residential survey participants have the option to include their address to be eligible for three random drawings for a $50 gift certificate to a local restaurant or grocery store of your choice, or a $50 certificate for an Argo Livery canoe rental or from iTunes. Just respond by Friday, Oct. 5, 2012, to be included in the survey summary and prize drawings. After the survey is closed and tabulated, Solid Waste Management Plan updating process public forums and hearings will be held. The meetings will provide opportunities for small-group discussion about city solid waste program and policy areas, such as easier disposal options for specific materials, expanded recycling, waste-reduction strategies, composting expansion and Drop-off Station operations.  Thursday, Oct. 18, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Ann Arbor District Library Traverwood Branch, 3333 Traverwood Drive. Tuesday, Oct. 30, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Community Television Network studio, 2805 S. Industrial. (The draft  Solid Waste Management Plan presentation and discussion group summaries will be taped for replay.) Public hearings will be held at Environmental Commission and City Council meetings, tentatively in December.  Please visit the Solid Waste Management Plan Five-year Update Web page for project updates. CTN hours change Beginning Sept. 1, Community Television Network will have new facility hours for the public and education channels. The new hours are: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Wednesday: 4–9 p.m. CTN is located at 2805 S. Industrial Highway, suite 200, in Ann Arbor. Go online for more information.  CERT Program registration The Ann Arbor Police Department Office of Emergency Management in conjunction with the Washtenaw County Emergency Management Division is accepting applications for the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training program. The application can be found online, or call Crime Prevention Specialist Adele El-Ayoubi, ICPS, with the Ann Arbor Police Department at 734.794.6933. A background investigation will be conducted on all applicants. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14.  The training will be held every Tuesday from Sept. 25 to Nov. 6, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Coursework is a combination of classroom sessions and hands-on training in scene assessment, fire safety, emergency medical response, team organization, disaster medical operations and light search and rescue. Attendance at all classes is required for certificate completion. The CERT program educates residents about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact Washtenaw County and trains participants in basic disaster response skills. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist neighbors or fellow employees following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community. A2 passes 2,000 mark with latest LED streetlights Ann Arbor was one of the first cities in the world to convert conventional streetlights to light emitting diodes (LEDs) in an effort to contain costs, save energy and support Mayor Hieftje’s Energy Challengeto reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the community. Since it began in 2007/2008, cities from across the country and the world are now moving to LEDs. Ann Arbor’s latest batch of LEDs, funded through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program, will go up at the Broadway Bridge, nearly completing the conversion of the over 2,000 city-owned streetlights.  The Lumecon brand “Ring of Fire” LED series replicates the decorative acorn style of the lights now seen along Broadway Bridge. Detroit Edison owns and operates another 5,000-plus streetlights in Ann Arbor, and is beginning to pilot more LEDs, especially as they look to replace mercury-vapor streetlights that will no longer be manufactured. LED streetlights in the downtown, arterial streets and in neighborhoods use on average about half of the electricity of conventional lights and are reducing around 700,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year — or the equivalent annual electricity usage of 60 households. Two-thirds or more of the cost savings in converting city-owned lights to LEDs is in the deferred cost of not having to maintain the fixture (work hours to replace the light and components like ballasts and igniters). LEDs manufactured today are expected to last 10 times longer, if not more, than their metal halide, sodium and mercury-based predecessors. The long life of LEDs frees up city labor hours or the need to hire outside support to operate, maintain and replace fixtures. LEDs also contain zero mercury. Each LED fixture saves around $90 per year in energy and avoided maintenance, and, with over 2,000 lights, that is over $180,000 per year in potential costs.  Previous grant support from the Downtown Development Authority for the nearly 1,000 downtown decorative globe lights, and federal grants for much of the remaining LED streetlights, have made this innovative energy solution a reality. Ann Arbor assists USDOT in vehicle crash-avoidance pilot According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, nearly 3,000 cars, trucks and buses equipped with “connected” Wi-Fi technology will enable vehicles and infrastructure throughout Ann Arbor to “talk” to each other, in real time. This initiative kicked off last month as part of a year-long safety pilot project by the USDOT. This innovative technology is designed to help avoid crashes and improve traffic flow. U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood recently joined elected officials and industry and c

  3. 08/13/2012

    August 2012 - A2 City News

    The Newsletter for the City of Ann Arbor, Michigan                           August 2012, Volume 6, Number 8 This is a reprinted version of the original, which was e-mailed to A2 City News subscribers on Aug. 1, 2012. Further information on featured topics and current news can be found at www.a2gov.org. IN THIS ISSUE  New police chief * Park millage update * A2NonMoto blog * FRA high-speed rail grant * Police golf outing * CTN podcasts * Vote Aug. 7 * Farmers Market turns 93 * Street resurfacing * Tree-care tips * A2 social media * “Around Ann Arbor” * Dates to remember New police chief appointed Ann Arbor City Council has appointed John Seto safety services administrator and police chief. Since April 1, 2012, Seto has served in this role on an interim basis. He was originally hired with the city as a patrol officer in 1990 and was appointed deputy chief of police, operations division, in 2008.  “The internal promotion of a candidate who meets the position’s requirements of leadership, management experience, community involvement, judgment, and trustworthiness is healthy for the police department,” said Ann Arbor City Administrator Steve Powers. “I’m confident John has the experience necessary to serve our community well in this role.” Go online to read more. Park millage update At their June 19, 2012, meeting, the Ann Arbor Parks Advisory Commission unanimously passed a resolution to recommend placement of a renewal of the Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage on the November 2012 election ballot. The resolution also recommends City Council reaffirm the administrative millage policies to inform voters of the manner in which it intends to oversee the administration of the millage if the proposed renewal is approved. This item has been placed on the (Thursday) Aug. 9, 2012, City Council agenda for review and approval. (The Council meeting is scheduled on a Thursday, instead of the usual Monday, due to Election Day.) The Aug. 9 City Council meeting will take place at 7 p.m. in the second floor Council chambers in Larcom City Hall (301 E. Huron St.). As with all other regular Council meetings, this meeting will be telecast live on CTN Channel 16 (Comcast Cable), or watch the meeting live online.  Parks improvements and maintenance activities status tables are available online, by fiscal year, and list park projects funded through your support of the 2008–2013 Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage. Find your path The City of the Ann Arbor has launched a blog that celebrates the culture of nonmotorized transportation within the community: walking, cycling, etc. The “A2nonmoto”blog contains posts with a wide variety of features, such as bike helmet-cam videos, photos from bicycling commuters, pedestrian photos and news from the local and wider nonmotorized worlds. The blog serves as a platform for encouragement and education about the culture of nonmotorized transportation. For more information on the blog, or how to submit your own bicycling or pedestrian photos, please email the city’s transportation office.  City receives FRA high-speed rail grant Ann Arbor City Council recently voted to accept a planning grant from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to support planning of a proposed new rail passenger station in Ann Arbor. The city, in cooperation with Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), applied to the FRA for funding under the FRA’s High Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail program. The city was awarded a grant of $3.5 million to complete a comprehensive planning analysis, draft environmental documents and undertake preliminary engineering for the Ann Arbor station.   Originally identified as an element of the 2006 Ann Arbor Model for Mobility and included in the 2009 City Transportation Plan Update, this grant allows the city to continue planning for this essential component of our community’s transportation system. City staff is coordinating closely with MDOT and Amtrak to assure thinking about this facility reflects the community’s needs, state’s investment in higher-speed intercity passenger rail along the Wolverine Line as well as the efforts to reintroduce commuter rail service from Ann Arbor to Detroit.  With MDOT investing to acquire and improve this corridor, increased rail service and demand for access to the rail system is expected. It is generally recognized that the current station needs to be improved. Long-term parking is inaccessible to many, as it requires a lengthy walk without provision for those with mobility limitations. The facility is located along Depot Street, a road heavily impacted by peak-hour traffic. Transit connections, limited today, are anticipated to be needed as the rail use and need for access to the rail service increases. Bus routing to the current station is impacted by the high volumes of traffic at the station site. With improved rail service, the shortcomings of the existing station will be exacerbated. The grant funds support preparation of a conceptual plan, environmental review and preliminary engineering. The conceptual planning process includes review of the current facility, identification of alternative sites and considerations of how to best proceed.  To date, the city has evaluated 15 sites, including the existing station site for accommodating the proposed future station. The concept planning process will occur simultaneously with the environmental review. Under this grant, the city will prepare a complete environmental assessment report seeking the FRA’s approval of a project concept. Staff anticipates the project receiving a “Finding of No Significant Impact” (FONSI), a determination made by the FRA. Once the environmental review is completed, and FONSI is secured, the city will move forward and initiate preliminary engineering on the locally preferred alternative. Public participation is a fundamental part of this planning process. Recognizing there have been many public meetings as part of the Fuller Road Station project, this newly initiated work will provide additional opportunity for the project team to more fully evaluate and document the issues taken into consideration in this project. These materials will be subject to public review at project-related public meetings, as well as other city boards and commission meetings including the City Council, Planning Commission, Park Advisory Commission, among others. At this time, the next public meetings are anticipated to occur later this fall. For more information, please contact City Transportation Program Manager Eli Cooper. Police charity golf outing Get ready to golf for a good cause. Registration is going on now for the 21st annual Ann Arbor Police Charity Golf Outing Friday, Sept. 21 at Leslie Park Golf Course. This year’s event is held in honor of two of the department’s fallen officers, Jason Zogaib and Vada Murray, raising money for The Jason Zogaib Memorial Fund and The Vada Murray Fund for Cancer Research. The four-person scramble includes 18 holes of golf (and cart); a shotgun start at 9 a.m.; lunch; dinner; raffle, prizes and games; and more. Space is limited. Click here for details and the registration form (PDF).  CTN helps you stay in the know, even on the go New “On Air with CTN” podcasts provide an audio overview of everything happening on air and at the studios of Ann Arbor Community Television Network.  Listen in and find out the line ups for CTN’s four channels (16, 17, 18 and 19 on Comcast Cable), interviews with special guests, highlights of events new programs and a rundown of upcoming workshops for city residents and not-for-profit agencies. Follow us! Learn about upcoming meetings, facts, tips and more via the City of Ann Arbor’s Facebook and Twitter pages. The city posts useful information — usually on a daily basis. In fact, a local realtor recently named the City of Ann Arbor’s Twitter page as the No. 1 area “tweep” to follow. You can also subscribe to receive topic-specific bulletins directly to your email. Find convenient links to each of these ways to stay connected on the homepage of the city website. Vote Aug. 7 Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. for the City Primary Election on Tuesday, Aug. 7. On Saturday, Aug. 4, the Ann Arbor City Clerk’s office will be open 8 a.m.–2 p.m. for in-person absentee ballot requests. Go to the city election website, www.a2gov.org/elections, for ballot details and more information, or call 734.794.6140. Farmers Market turns 93 Join the fun as the Ann Arbor Farmers Market turns 93 years old! On Saturday, Aug. 4 from 7 a.m.–3 p.m., the market, located at 315 Detroit St. in Kerrytown, will celebrate its birthday and its customers. At noon, free ice cream and toppings donated from market vendors will be served (while supplies last). Call for details, 734.794.6255, or go online.  Paving the way to better streets The city’s 2012 street resurfacing initiative began in the spring, and as of early August, 20 major and residential streets have been completed. Not only are streets’ surfaces getting a makeover during this process, resurfacing also typically consists of removing/replacing sections of damaged or settled curb; repairing/replacing drainage inlets and utility structures (manholes); replacing corner ramps (to meet current Americans with Disability Act standards); and repaving the roadway. Among the roads undergoing work this month are: Geddes Avenue between Highland Road and Apple Way. Intermittent closures of Geddes to through traffic are in effect during construction, with detour routes posted. Local traffic will be maintained. Completion is expected in mid August.

  4. 07/02/2012

    July 2012 - A2 City News

    The Newsletter for the City of Ann Arbor, Mich. • July 2012  • Volume 6 • Number 7 Public comment sought for fire restructure plan At the City Council budget work session on March 12, a fire department restructuring proposal was presented by Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard which would position the department to operate from three fire stations: stations 1, 2 (reopened) and 5. This plan would enable four firefighters to be on duty at each of the three stations. Before this proposal is considered further, the City Administrator and Council would like to give community members the opportunity to hear more about the proposal and ask specific questions. There are a variety of options available to citizens to learn about the Fire Restructure Proposal including: View Fire Restructure Proposal presentation. Watch Chief Hubbard’s March 12 Work Session presentation to City Council via CTN’s video on Demand (use the pull-down menu at the top left of the screen to select "City Council," then scroll through the pages to find the March 12 meeting link).  Watch an interview of Chief Hubbard on CTN’s “Conversations” program which airs on Channel 19 via Video on Demand (use the pull-down menu at the top left of the screen to select "Conversations," then scroll through the pages to find the Chief Hubbard interview link).  Email your feedback, questions and comments about the proposal, with the subject line: Fire Proposal   Request a Fire Restructure Proposal presentation to be given to your neighborhood, community, or Business association by contacting Lisa Wondrash, 734.794.6152.  Website survey Please take a few minutes to complete an online survey about the City of Ann Arbor website. Feedback will be instrumental in helping the city to identify ways to improve user experiences. Thesurvey deadline is July 23. Concerts in the park The Ann Arbor Civic Band summer 2012 concert series is underway. Bring the family, bring a friend and enjoy music in the open air at the West Park band shell. Concerts are Wednesdays at 8 p.m.: July 4: Tribute to the USA July 11: Children's Concert July 18 (season finale): Big Bands Admission is free. Visit the Ann Arbor Civic Band online for more information. MDOT to host meeting for I-94 Business Loop improvements The Michigan Department of Transportation will host an open house-style meeting on Tuesday, July 10 to discuss improvements to I-94 Business Loop (BL) in Ann Arbor, between I-94 and Main Street. The meeting will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. at Abbot Elementary, 2670 Sequoia Parkway. MDOT officials will be available to answer questions about plans to convert a section of I-94 BL, between Dexter Avenue and Burwood Avenue, from four lanes to three. There will be no formal presentation given at the meeting; however, maps and project information will be on display. Construction is currently scheduled for 2014. Go online(PDF) for more information.  2011 water quality report Wonder what’s in your drinking water? Check the annual City of Ann Arbor Water Quality Report to find out! Grand opening of Library Lane Parking Structure On Thursday, July 12, a grand opening party will take place 5–8 p.m. for the Library Lane Parking Structure, 319 S. Fifth Ave. Hosted by the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority, there will be cake, music and a fabulous collection of vintage cars on display, a preview of the Rolling Sculpture Car Show. Bring along something for the parking structure time capsule (which has a 12-inch diameter). Visit the DDA online for details. Transportation survey The Washtenaw Area Transportation Study is beginning development of the 2040 long-range transportation plan for Washtenaw County. To help inform this process, WATS is inviting feedback via the Community  Values Survey. The Community Values Survey is available now through the end of July. West Park construction In 2010, various improvements were made to West Park, including band shell seating; new access stairs from the Huron Street entrance; new pathways from Seventh Street; relocation of the basketball court; regrading the open-field play area for better drainage; a boardwalk; and installation of stormwater-management features, such as swirl concentrators and bioswales. During the construction in 2010, problems were encountered with the new underground stormwater treatment systems. Therefore, repairs and alterations will be made this summer and fall to the treatment units and reconnect them to the stormwater system, along the west edge of the park. During construction, the north and south access paths to West Park off of North Seventh Street will be closed. The central access path will remain open. This work is expected to be complete in early fall 2012. If you have any questions, please contact the project’s manager, Nick Hutchinson, via email or call 734.794.6000, extension 43633. Information is also available on the project’s Web page. If you would like to receive email updates for this project, send an email to Hutchinsonwith “West Park email list” in the subject line. Ann Arbor Bridges Facebook giveaways The Ann Arbor Bridges Reconstruction Project (AAB) is continuing to progress. Project update meetings are being held every third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Burns Park Shelter, 1200 Baldwin Ave., with the next meeting taking place Thursday, July 17. Updates are also available on the AAB website orFacebook page. When you like AAB on Facebook, you will be entered for a chance to win project logo buttons or a project golf wind shirt. This contest will run until the project’s next public meeting, Thursday, July 19, 2012. Ann Arbor to host sustainability conference The City of Ann Arbor is set to host the Michigan Green Communities (MGC) Leadership Academy later this month. Senior officials and key stakeholders from up to 20 Michigan communities, counties and regions will attend workshops about local government sustainability, economic development and planning staff to help further sustainability initiatives around Michigan. These peer-learning workshops will showcase national and local examples of effective action at the intersection of sustainability and local economies. Go online for more about the City of Ann Arbor’s sustainability efforts. New electric vehicle-charging stations The Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority and Clean Energy Coalitionheld an event last month at the Forest Avenue Parking Structure, 650 S. Forest, to celebrate the installation of 18 electric vehicle-charging stations. The charging stations can now be accessed by the public free of charge; electric vehicle owners need only pay the usual parking fees. This project was substantially funded by a U.S. Department of Energy Clean Cities Recovery Act grant awarded through Ann Arbor-based Clean Energy Coalition. In this issue: Comment on fire restructure plan * Website survey * Concerts in the park * I-94 BL improvements meeting * 2011 water quality report * Library Lane Parking Structure * Transportation survey * West Park construction * Ann Arbor Bridges Facebook giveaways * Ann Arbor to host sustainability conference  *New electric vehicle-charging stations * Huron River Day is July 15 * Summer taxes due * Art Fair * Vote Aug. 7 * Local rainfall cycles on display * SEMCOG FY 2011–2014 Transportation Improvement Program * Dates to remember Huron River Day is July 15 Celebrate one of this community’s greatest resources, the Huron River. The 32nd annual Huron River Day is Sunday, July 15 at Gallup Park and Parker Mill Park. Activities include TRI the Huron Triathlon (beginning at 7 a.m.); $5 canoe/kayak rentals; children’s activities; live animal programs; river exhibits; live music; food; fishing; and more. Arrive by bike, and receive a coupon for a free boat rental! Sponsored by DTE Energy Foundation.Go to the Huron River Day website,www.a2gov.org/hrd, for details or call 734.662.9319. Summer taxes due Summer property taxes are due this month. Taxes may be paid online, by mail, at the City of Ann Arbor Customer Service Center (located on the first floor of Larcom City Hall at 301 E. Huron St.) or at several local banks. TCF Bank, Bank of Ann Arbor, Michigan Commerce Bank, Huntington Bank, Citizens Bank and Ann Arbor State Bank will accept full tax payments in July only.Online payments can also be made. Go to the city’s treasury Web page for more information, including how property taxes are calculated. Art Fair comes to town The annual Ann Arbor Art Fair will draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city when it returns this year Wednesday through Saturday, July 18 through 21. Drawing an equally impressive crowd during the Art Fair is the Ann Arbor Community Television Networkvideo greeting booth. The CTN video booth will be located on North University between Thayer and Fletcher. Be sure to stop by to record a fun video greeting, which will be aired on CTN Channel 19 (Comcast Cable) and online. This year, CTN will be recording interviews with not only fair goers, but fair artists, directors and special guests. Visit CTN’s website for details. The CTN video greeting booth is also sure to be a draw at the traditional kick off to the Art Fair, the Townie Street Party, Monday, July 16, taking place on East Washington Street, between Fletcher and Thayer streets. While the Art Fair greetings come from visitors throughout the region, country and even the world, Townie greetings are typically for Ann Arbor, by Ann Arbor. Be sure to stop in, say hello, and share why living in A2 is special to you. With the Townie Party and the Art Fair taking place on streets around the downtown and university areas, several detours will be in place. See the str

  5. 06/08/2012

    June 2012 - A2 CIty News

    The Newsletter for the City of Ann Arbor, Mich. • June 2012 • Volume 6 • Number 6 Fiscal year 2012 budget approved On May 21, 2012, Ann Arbor City Council adopted the fiscal year 2013 budget after many hours of deliberation and discussion. The City of Ann Arbor fiscal year 2013 runs July 1, 2012, until June 30, 2013. Although the adopted budget was very similar to the city administrator’s recommended budget, it did include amendments that made minor adjustments to the human services, housing commission and District Court budgets. In addition, direction was given to increase fire staff if additional revenue from the state is obtained via fire protection grants. A more extensive description of the key highlights included in the budget can be found on page one of the draft budget book. To view the May 21 meeting in its entirety, visit CTN’s Video on Demand. AAPD welcomes new officers Ann Arbor police services held a swearing-in ceremony on May 11 to welcome five new police officers (pictured above). City Council’s recently adopted fiscal year 2013 budget, which begins on July 1, 2012, will include one additional full-time police officer position and the hiring of five part-time officers for a new recruit program. Historic District Commission Awards The City of Ann Arbor Planning and Development Services Unit together with the Ann Arbor Historic District Commission will present the 2012 Historic District Commission Awards on Monday, June 4 during the introduction portion of the City Council meeting. Certificates will be awarded for preservation, rehabilitation, lifetime achievement, special merit and two centennial awards — all in honor of National Preservation Month in June. Go online for a complete list of this year’s honorees. Visitor parking Are you planning to visit Ann Arbor Larcom City Hall or the Ann Arbor Justice Center? There are now three additional short-term, metered parking spaces on the southeast (Huron Street) side of the municipal center site, which is located at 301 E. Huron St. These new spaces are especially convenient for after-hours visitors to the site. Just cross the bridge through the municipal center plaza to reach either buildings’ entrance. The science of road construction After nearly six weeks of construction, Huron Parkway, between Hubbard and Fuller, is now complete, and the road is reopened. Still, with plenty of other road projects underway, here is some insight into road construction planning in the City of Ann Arbor. Prioritization When choosing which roads will be reconstructed, the city first calculates the best return on investment, to make sure street millage money is invested in the most economical way. This includes taking into account the condition of the city's utilities. For example, it is prudent to repair water and sewer lines ahead of street resurfacing projects, so the streets do not have to be opened again shortly after the reconstruction. If a water main is identified to need replacement, the city adjusts road project priorities to minimize the overall expenditure. Detours When it comes to rerouting traffic due to construction activities, the detour options are admittedly limited. A street map of Ann Arbor will clearly show the general "wheel and spoke" shape of the city’s road system, with some areas in a grid pattern. As a result of this configuration, there are few substitute routes capable of providing convenient detours. Perhaps the best route to take when construction project “season” approaches is to know the facts. Be sure to subscribe to receive road and lane closure email updates. In addition, some of the larger-scale projects may have their own, specific subscription topics. See a complete topic list on the city website at www.a2gov.org/subscribe. Updates may also be posted to the City of Ann Arbor Facebook and Twitterpages.      Go online for more information on the city’s annual street resurfacing program. CTN open house Ann Arbor Community Television Network is hosting the annual Alliance For Community Media – Central States Regional Conference June 14–16. To kick off the event, CTN is holding a free public open house with a tour of its studio Thursday, June 14 at 6 p.m. VisitCTN online for more information. Stay safe in the heat The City of Ann Arbor Office of Emergency Management is sharing a heat awareness fact sheet recently issued by the National Weather Service.Click here to learn the difference between heat watches, advisories and warnings, how to prevent a heat-related emergency, symptoms and treatment of heat illnesses and much more. Veteran hiring fair The Department of Veterans Affairs is hosting the VA for Vets Hiring Fairshowcasing careers for veterans in the public and private sectors. This event is June 26–28 at Cobo Center in Detroit and includes on-site job coaching, career and resume-building classes as well as interviews with both federal agencies and private companies. The free hiring fair has over 5,000 jobs committed to veterans. The hiring fair is part of the overall, first-ever National Veterans and Small Business Conference, June 26–29, which also will feature two additional distinct events:  A free Veteran Open House will welcome veterans and their family members to visit over 150 booths. This event will provide everything from on-site benefits enrollment to dental and physical exams, educational opportunities and support services. A Small Business Conference, where small businesses can meet with federal procurement officials and industry leaders to promote their products and services, and gain insight into the government contracting process. VA invites all interested persons and businesses to attend. More information about the small business conference is available atwww.nationalveteransconference.com. Information and registration for the hiring fair is available atwww.VAforVets.VA.Gov/Detroit. Are you bilingual? The City of Ann Arbor is dedicated to making its services, programs and activities available to everyone, regardless of language barriers. Through this commitment, the city is taking steps to implement a Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Plan, designed to provide language assistance to individuals who do not speak, write, read or understand English well. The city is seeking out residents who may be interested in volunteering for translation services, especially for Ann Arbor’s Hispanic- and Chinese-speaking populations. Competent translators are being sought who demonstrate one or more of the following: evidence of training that includes skills and ethics of translation; proficiency in English and the other language; ability to convey information in both languages, accurately and completely; and a fundamental knowledge in both languages of any specialized terms or concepts. If you are interested and believe you qualify to volunteer, please call or email Amy Seavitt, HR assistant, at 734.794.6122. Kudos The Certificate for Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting has been awarded to the City of Ann Arbor by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR). The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. The city’s CAFR is recognized for demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR. In addition, the city also received the Award of Financial Reporting Achievement. In this issue: FY 2013 Budget approved *AAPD new officers * Historic District Commission Awards * Visitor parking * Road construction * CTN Open House * Stay safe in the heat * Veteran hiring fair* Are you bilingual? * Kudos * Green Fair * Farmers Market for all * DEQ brownfield grant * Ann Arbor is Pure Michigan * Recycling electronics *Recyclebank update * Dates to remember 12th annual Green Fair is Friday, June 8! Main Street will be closed to vehicles, but open for pedestrians, during the 12th annual Mayor’s Green Fair 6 to 9 p.m. on Ann Arbor’s Main Street. The event includes free entertainment and over 100 exhibits with environmental information, hands-on youth activities, Clean Energy Expo, green commuting options and more. Go to the Green Fair website for more information,www.a2gov.org/greenfair. Farmers Market makes healthy food available for all The Ann Arbor Farmers Market, 315 Detroit St.,  is one of the oldest, largest producer-only markets in Michigan, turning 93 years old this year. As part of its mission, the market began a collaboration in 2009 to help ensure locally grown, nutritious offerings are available to the entire community by accepting state-aided purchases through the Michigan Department of Human Services Bridge Card. The process is simple … Holders of a state-issued Bridge Card can visit the market office to get tokens to use for market purchases; request a dollar amount to use at the market; swipe the Bridge Card; the requested amount is deducted; and market tokens are issued to use at participating market vendor stalls. The Bridge Card can be used to buy fresh food including fruits, vegetables, meat, cheese, bread, eggs, and plants to grow vegetables and herbs in your own gardens (please note that hot food items are not eligible for Bridge Card purchases). Look for a "Bridge Card Tokens Accepted Here" sign in vendors' stalls, which will identify those who accept Bridge Card tokens. More good news for Bridge Card holders: The Double Up Food Bucks program will begin Saturday, June 2 at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market, allowin

  6. 05/07/2012

    May 2012 - A2 City News

    The Newsletter for the City of Ann Arbor, Mich. • May 2012  • Volume 6 • Number 5 City administrator presents proposed FY 2013 budget to City Council On April 16, City Administrator Steve Powers presented his recommended Fiscal Year 2013 budget. City Council will consider the proposal during the next few weeks and vote on May 21. Budget overview The FY 2013 budget is the second year of a two-year budget plan. While the city administrator’s proposed budget is similar to the spending plan approved by City Council last year, adjustments were made to respond to current City Council priorities and community needs. Among the highlights: Planned reductions in police and fire staffing are eliminated. A police recruit program will supplement sworn officers and assist with public safety concerns in downtown.  Park mowing will move from the current 19-day cycle to a 14-day cycle. Seasonal park monitors will be added. Street repair and resurfacing work will be at an all-time high. These investments in services and infrastructure do not compromise the city’s financial policies. During the past several years, City Council provided the policy discipline to manage through a very difficult economic environment. The city administrator’s proposed FY 2013 budget recommends the same fiscal discipline in the coming fiscal year. Recurring expenditures are funded by recurring revenues. The proposed budget maintains reserves as a cushion for future economic and state legislative changes, such as the elimination of the personal property tax. For more information The following resources are available to learn more about the FY 2013 proposed budget: View the city administrator’s PowerPoint presentation to Council (PDF).  Watch the April 16 budget presentation to City Councilonline.      Download a complete copy ofthe FY 2013 Budget Message to Council and the Draft Budget Book (PDF).  Watch City Administrator Steve Powers live on CTN’s “Conversations” program on May 7 at 4:30 p.m. Citizens are encouraged to call in live during the program with FY 2013 budget-related questions: Call the studio at 734.794.6155 or email questions in advance. Next steps City Council Regular Meeting: FY 2013 budget and fee public hearing scheduled for May 7 at Larcom City Hall, Council chambers, second floor, 301 E. Huron St., at 7 p.m. Council Work Session: FY 2013 Budget Discussion scheduled on May 14 at Larcom City Hall, Council chambers, second floor, 301 E. Huron St. at 7 p.m. City Council Regular Meeting: City Council consideration of city administrator's recommended FY 2013 budget on May 21 at Larcom City Hall, Council chambers, second floor, 301 E. Huron St. at 7 p.m. City administration thanks you for your time and interest in the operation of your city. Public comment sought for fire services restructure plan At the City Council budget work session on March 12, a fire department restructuring proposal was presented by Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard, which would position the department to operate from three fire stations: stations 1, 2 (reopened) and 5. This plan would enable four firefighters to be on duty at each of the three stations. Before this proposal is considered further, the city administrator and Council would like to give members from the community the opportunity to hear more about the proposal and ask specific questions. There are a variety of options available to citizens to learn about the Fire Restructure Proposal including: View Fire Restructure Proposal PowerPoint presentation (PDF). Watch Chief Hubbard’s March 12 work session presentation to City Council via CTN’s Video on Demand.  Watch an interview of Chief Hubbard on CTN’s “Conversations” program, which airs on Comcast Channel 19 or isavailable via Video on Demand. Send your feedback, questions and comments about the proposal with the subject line: Fire Proposal.  Request a Fire Restructure Proposal presentation be given to your neighborhood, community or business association byemailing Lisa Wondrash or calling 734.794.6152. Congratulate your grad on CTN Do you have a special someone graduating high school this year? LetAnn Arbor Community Television Network help you congratulate him or her ... on TV! CTN will showcase soon-to-be grads on the Channel 18 electronic bulletin board (Comcast Cable), which reaches more than 72,000 households in Ann Arbor and surrounding communities. Photos will start airing Monday, May 7 and will run through mid summer. If you have a graduate from one of the Ann Arbor Public Schools, you can participate! Just submit a digital photograph (senior photo, homecoming, prom) of the graduate with their full name, high school and who is congratulating them. The photograph must be digital (800x600 pixels) and may be resized or cropped at CTN’s discretion. Email the image to CTN Assistant Manager Melissa Cohn; no hard copies will be accepted. If you have questions, contact Cohn at 734.794.6150, extension 41504. For more information about CTN, go online. A2 Downtown Blooms and Adopt-a-Park events Two annual events take place Saturday, May 19 to engage the Ann Arbor community in beautifying the city. Hundreds of volunteers will meet downtown at 9 a.m. in Liberty Plaza (Division and Liberty streets) to kick offA2 Downtown Blooms Day. Volunteers will help plant and mulch flower planters throughout the downtown, and each volunteer will receive a free t-shirt and pizza lunch. To preregister, call 734.794.6000, extension 43112. Go online for more details.   Also beginning at 9 a.m. until noon, neighbors can get to know their parks, and one another, during the Adopt-a-Park Kick Off. Training, tools and support will be provided by the city. Parks participating in the kick-off event include: Belize, Bromley, Burr Oak, Glacier Highlands, Huron Highlands, Maryfield-Wildwood, Redwood, Rose White, Sculpture Plaza, Veteran’s Memorial, Waterworks, and Winewood Thaler. Any updates to this list can be found online. All ages can participate. Free e-waste recycling event Safely dispose of your unwanted electronics at the upcoming FREE e-waste recycling events this month, sponsored by the University of Michigan and Ann Arbor Public Schools. The public e-waste event is Saturday, May 5, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at Pioneer High School, 601 W. Stadium Boulevard (enter via Main Street driveway). The institutional e-waste event (for small businesses and non-profits with large quantities of equipment) is Thursday, May 3, and Friday, May 4, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at Washtenaw Intermediate School District Office, 1819 S. Wagner Road. Registration is recommended. Acceptable items for drop off include (go online for a complete list and exclusions):  Computer systems. Telephones/cell phones. Televisions. Speakers. Printers. Wires/cables. Modems. And much more. All e-waste will be destroyed and 100 percent recycled in the United States in an environmentally sound manner by a fully permitted recycling facility. Security precautions ensure all data is destroyed. Just drive through, drop off, and drive away knowing you did right by the environment. In this issue: Proposed FY 2013 budget * Grads on CTN * A2 Downtown Blooms & Adopt-A-Park events * Free e-waste recycling * Farmers markets return Wednesdays * Election Day May 8 * Parks millage facts online * City outdoor pools open Memorial Day weekend * Argo Cascades grand opening * Lane closures/detours * 2012 Mayor’s Green Fair * Recognitions * Dates to remember Farmers markets return on Wednesdays In addition to Saturdays, the Ann Arbor Farmers Market is again open on Wednesdays for the season. The market resumes its seasonal extended hours from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 2, and the evening market returns on Wednesdays through September, from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Join us for new and returning vendors, food carts, lively music and much more. For updates, visit the Ann Arbor Farmers Market online or become a parks and recreation fan on Facebook.   Election Day is Tuesday, May 8 The Ann Arbor Public Schools Technology Millage Election will take place Tuesday, May 8. Polls will be open 7 a.m.–8 p.m. at all city polling places. For more information on this election, go online to www.a2gov.org/elections or call 734.794.6140. Parks Millage facts online The City of Ann Arbor has launched a new website section devoted to the upcoming expiration and renewal of the Parks Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage. This site provides background information about the 2007–2012 millage; millage-funded activity logs; as well as a variety of resources, such as fact sheets and related City Council meeting footage links. Renewal of the Parks Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage is anticipated to appear on the November 2012 election ballot. City outdoor pools open Memorial Day weekend Memorial Day weekend signifies the start of summer and coincides with the opening of the Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Services three outdoor pools:Fuller, Buhr and Veterans Memorial park pools. Summer season passes, on sale now, are valid from May 26 to Sept. 3, 2012. Season passes can be used at Buhr, Fuller and Veterans Memorial pools for all public swim times and tot splashes. Passes may be purchased at all of the pools, the Parks and Recreation Customer Service Center (Cobblestone Farm, 2781 Packard Road), or they can be renewed online at www.a2gov.org/parks. Preseason Rate Resident Discount (purchase a pass before May 29) — Youth/Senior: $95 / Adult: $125 / Family*: $240 Preseason Rate Non Resident (purchase a pass before May 29) — Youth/Senior: $120 / Adult: $160 / Family*: $300 Regular Rate Resident Discount (purchase a pass May 29 and after) — Youth/Senior: $110 / Adult: $140 / Family*: $265

  7. 04/05/2012

    April 2012 - A2 CITY NEWS

    The Newsletter for the City of Ann Arbor, Mich. • April 2012  • Volume 6 • Number 4 Fiscal year 2021 budget process underwayCitizens can keep up to date on the fiscal year 2013 budget planning process by visiting the online Ann Arbor Citizen Guide to Finance and Budget. A City Council Work Session was held on Feb. 13 and March 12. Presentation handouts are available online. In accordance with City Charter, the City Administrator's Recommended FY 2013 Budget is submitted to City Council on or before April 15, 2012. City Council, with at least seven affirmative votes, must adopt the budget no later than its second meeting in May. Interim safety services administrator/police chief namedEffective March 31, 2012, current Deputy Chief John Seto assumes the role of interim chief of police and safety services area administrator. Seto has served in the Ann Arbor Police Department for more than 20 years, and has extensive patrol, detective and management experience. Ann Arbor City Administrator Steve Powers will be providing a recommendation to City Council at a later date regarding a permanent replacement for Safety Services Area Administrator and Chief of Police Barnett Jones. On Feb. 28, Jones announced his retirement from the City of Ann Arbor effective March 30, 2012. “Barnett has tirelessly served the public in law enforcement for 38 years,” said Powers. “While his retirement will be a loss to Ann Arbor, we wish him well in the future and are thankful for the valuable contributions he has made to the Ann Arbor community.” Fire services newsAfter approximately two years in labor negotiations between the International Association of Firefighters Local 693 and the City of Ann Arbor, a new labor contract for fire employees, which ends June 30, 2014, has successfully been negotiated and ratified by union membership. City Council passed a resolution March 19, 2012, accepting the terms of this contract. The contract includes benefit concessions that are similar to the contract terms ratified by seven other union groups in city, such as: adoption of the city healthcare plan, elimination of the 457 plan match, new hire pension changes including 10-year vesting, and adoption of defined contribution retirement healthcare program. More information about the new contract isavailable online. At the City Council budget work session on March 12, a fire department restructuring proposal was presented, which would position the department to operate from three fire stations: stations 1, 2 (reopened) and 5. This plan would enable four firefighters to be on duty at each of the three stations. Council is considering this proposal as a part of the fiscal year 2013 budget planning process. The proposal slides are posted online, and the  Council work session presentation is available to view via Community Television Network Video On Demand.  Also showing on CTN, Channel 19, is"Conversations" with Ann Arbor Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard. Catch replays of this episode of "Conversations," airing until April 13, Mondays through Fridays at 10:30 a.m., 6:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.; and Saturdays and Sundays at 6:30 p.m.; or available soon to watch online via Video On Demand.      U-M spring football game parkingResidents and visitors interested in information about the University of Michigan Mott Spring Football Scrimmage event scheduled for April 14, 2012, at noon can visitwww.mgoblue.com. Parking, vendor operations and traffic control will be similar to a football Saturday game day in Ann Arbor, with special event no-parking restrictions in effect that day. In addition, signage will be displayed in the U-M Stadium area to promote the events parking hotline number for residents and visitors who may have questions: 734.794.6444. 2012 Street Resurfacing ProgramBeginning this spring/summer, the city will resurface a number of streets, both major and local. Resurfacing typically consists of removing/replacing sections of damaged or settled curb, repairing/replacing drainage inlets and utility structures (manholes), replacing corner ramps (to meet current Americans with Disability Act standards) and repaving the roadway. Residents who live on one of the streets slated for resurfacing will receive notice of the construction prior to the work beginning. Please go online to see the list of streets (www.a2gov.org/roadconstruction).  Construction on smaller/local streets will typically span between 20 to 40 days, while construction on longer/major streets may last between 40 and 60 days. Local access will be maintained during construction, however, there may be occasions when individual residents will be contacted about closing driveways for a few days to allow new concrete installation. Access will be maintained to allow for garbage pickup and mail delivery. If residents along the streets planned for resurfacing have sprinklers, invisible fence systems or other buried features installed near the street at their homes, please contact the city project team so they are aware ahead of time. Funding for this resurfacing project is provided by the Street and Bridge Resurfacing and Reconstruction, and Sidewalk Repair Millage. If you have any questions, please contact Senior Project Manager Elizabeth Rolla, P.E., at 734.794.6410, extension 43636. Earth Day FestivalThe Ann Arbor area 42nd annual Earth Day Festival takes place Sunday, April 22, noon–4 p.m. at Leslie Science & Nature Center, 1831 Traver Road. This free, family-friendly event features displays from local environmental, non-profit, and governmental organizations; live animal exhibits; hands-on activities; live entertainment; and green building features. This event is focused on community education and youth activities. All ages are welcome. Do you want to join the celebration in another, meaningful way? Register as a volunteer! Volunteers are needed to serve in a variety of roles. Go online for more details or to register as a volunteer,www.a2earthday.org. Get ready for fun in the Ann Arbor parks!Ann Arbor parks and recreation is gearing up for great spring and summer seasons. Are you ready? Registration is already underway with a full menu of recreation programs, including the ever-so-popular summer day camps.  Go online to register or to view the entire program guide. Guides are also available at Larcom City Hall or any of the recreation facilities. Sustainable Ann Arbor seriesIn January, the City of Ann Arbor kicked off a “Sustainable Ann Arbor” discussion series with the Ann Arbor District Library. This series brings the public together with University of Michigan faculty, representatives from community organizations and city commissioners and staff to discuss local sustainability concepts and efforts — past, present and future. The next — and final — forum of this series is Thursday, April 12, 7 p.m. at the Ann Arbor District Library downtown branch (343 S. Fifth Ave.). This final forum will focus on the topic of community, including housing, public safety, public art, recreation, outreach, civic engagement and stewardship of community resources. More information on the sustainability framework and the Sustainable Ann Arbor Forums is available on the city’s sustainability website and on the State of Our Environment Report Web page.    Help prevent stormwater system pollutionStormwater is runoff from rain or snowmelt that flows off streets, rooftops and lawns into storm drains, which lead directly into streams, lakes and rivers. Stormwater receives no treatment before being discharged to surface waters. If polluted, stormwater can negatively impact the local water resources used for drinking water, recreation and wildlife habitat. The City of Ann Arbor’s “A Resident’s Guide to Clean Water” features 10 easy tips to use at home and on the job. From using phosphorus-free lawn fertilizer to painting tips (washing latex paint brushes in the sink, not outside), these actions add up to significant reductions in pollutants entering the stormwater system and help protect the water quality in the Huron River, the source of 85 percent of Ann Arbor’s drinking water. Find these tips online, and an index to related stormwater issues is available at www.a2gov.org/storm.    Compost sales and curbside collectionThe weekly curbside collection of residential compostables has resumed early, as of March 26. Debris may be disposed of in paper yard waste bags, bundled brush or an optional compost cart. Residents seeking the convenience of using a compost cart can purchase one — 96-, 64-, or 32-gallon size — for $50 each at the city’s Customer Service Center in Larcom City Hall. Phone 99-GREEN or check www.a2gov.org/cartsfor more information. In addition, Ann Arbor residents have a free yard waste drop-off option of up to one cubic yard (six paper yard waste bags) of  acceptable compostable materials at the Drop-off Station, 2950 E. Ellsworth, 734.971.7400, with proof of residency. Details are posted atwww.recycleannarbor.org.  Bulk municipal compost, mulch and topsoil are available for sale year-round from the Ann Arbor Compost Center at 4150 Platt Road, 734.794.6380, open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon during April, May and June. Go online for more information atwww.a2gov.org/compost. Visit the critters!The Leslie Science & Nature Center is expanding public hours to the fun and educational Critter House. From rabbits to rats, iguanas to turtles, the Critter House is now open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come ask questions, and take part in hands-on activities that will be different every weekend. There is a $1 suggested donation. Also, every Saturday, the raptors will be fed for the public to watch from 4 to 6 p.m. Visit LSNC’s website for additional information. In this issue: Fiscal Year 2013 budget process * Interim safety services administr

  8. 03/08/2012

    March 2012 - A2 City News

    A2 City News

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About

Tree Town's Ins and Outs and All-Abouts, AKA Everything you need to know about what is going on in the City of Ann Arbor.

Information

  • Creator
    Rebecca Rhodes for the City of Ann Arbor
  • Years Active
    2011 - 2012
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    A2 City News