This was the twenty fourth regular Ann Arbor City Council meeting since Governor Whitmer declared a state of emergency and stay-at-home order due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This meeting was held online via the Zoom application.

APPROVED: Beginning April 1 (through August 30), downtown street closures will be permitted so that restaurants and retail businesses adjacent or near to the closed streets are able to use the street for seating and sales. It will happen on the weekends (4 PM Thursday through 6 AM Monday) at the locations below: (Legistar)

• Main Street from William to Washington
• West Liberty Street from Ashley to Main
• East Liberty Street from Main to Fourth and from Maynard to State
• West Washington Street from Ashley to Main
• State Street from Washington to William
• Maynard Street on the east side or northbound portion only from Liberty to William
• https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2021/03/ann-arbor-oks-street-closures-for-restaurants-retail-until-august.html

APPROVED: Contract for $65,800 for OHM Advisors, Inc. to perform pavement condition rating services. Every two years, the city’s paved street system is assessed and rated with statistical reports. This contract will run through 2025. (Legistar)

• Note: The city terminated a previous contract (2019) with Hennessey Engineering intended to provide the same service through 2025.
• https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2021/03/ann-arbor-to-spend-65k-to-rate-street-pavement-conditions.html

APPROVED: Contract for $1,393,088.95 with Bailey Excavating to replace water mains at Dunmore, Waverly, Weldon, and Hartford. (Legistar)

• NOTE: This agenda item was a substitute for the staff-recommended contract with DiPonio Contracting for the same job at a cost of $1,311,467. (Legistar)

APPROVED: A site plan for construction of a one-story 24,529-square foot retail building with 81 parking spaces at 300 South Maple (where The Quarter was previously located). Lewis Jewelers will be one of multiple tenants. The development includes construction of a pedestrian connection (sidewalk) to Westgate Shopping Center. (Legistar)

• https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2021/03/ann-arbor-approves-25000-square-foot-west-side-retail-development.html

APPROVED: March 31 will be recognized on an annual basis as Transgender Day of Visibility by flying a transgender pride flag at City Hall, evaluating non-discrimination laws and policies, and reaffirming support and commitment to a diverse, equitable and welcoming community. (Legistar)

APPROVED: A “Fair Chance” ordinance was approved at “first reading.” The ordinance will prohibit landlords from using criminal history as a determining factor in access to rental housing. An application for rental housing shall not require an applicant to disclose criminal history or authorize release of criminal history. (Legistar)

• Note: This ordinance was approved at “first reading” on 3/1/21. The vote at this meeting should have been final approval at “second reading” but significant amendments were made by legal staff, putting it back to “first reading”.
• A2ELNEL: Additional Thoughts (Feb 27, 2021) – Fair Chance & Early Leasing Ordinances
• https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2021/03/ann-arbor-gets-pushback-from-landlords-on-banning-criminal-background-checks.html

APPROVED: The city administrator will receive and track revenue from Marijuana Excise Tax so that those funds can be directed in a way that “intentionally reinvests in our community, acknowledges the past harm of criminalization, and supports populations disproportionately and negatively impacted by the ‘War on Drugs’.” (Legistar)

• A2ELNEL: Additional Thoughts (Mar 13, 2021) – Marijuana Excise Tax Funds
• https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2021/03/ann-arbor-to-put-476k-in-new-marijuana-revenue-to-social-equity-programs.html

A2ELNEL Voting Chart