This was the fortieth 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. Michigan Open Meetings Act changes effective April 1, 2021 require all Council Members to state their location.
At the beginning of the meeting, Mayor Taylor announced plans to put a 20 year Climate Millage on the ballot next May, in order to support the A2Zero plan for carbon neutrality. According to the Mayor’s statement, the millage will fund year round compost and expanded recycling, weatherization of homes and businesses, miles of new bikeways and pedestrian infrastructure, neighborhood resiliency hubs, EV support and tree plantings because “in Ann Arbor we believe in science.” The ballot proposal is expected to be on the Dec 6th Council meeting agenda.
Ann Arbor City Council Meeting Summary
APPROVED: After December 31, 2021, certain City Boards and Commissions (including City Council meetings) must meet in person, in compliance with Michigan Open Meetings Act. Other City bodies will continue to meet online. (Legistar)
- City bodies meeting in person will be: Boards of Review I and II, Building Authority, Building Board of Appeals, City Council, Caucus, and all City Council Committees, City Planning Commission, Downtown Development Authority, Economic Development Corporation Board, Election Commission, Local Development Finance Authority, Local Officers Compensation Commission, Historic District Commission, Housing Board of Appeals, Housing Commission, Human Rights Commission, Independent Community Police Oversight Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, VEBA and Employee Retirement System Boards, Water System Advisory Council.
- https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2021/11/ann-arbor-mayor-calls-forced-return-to-in-person-meetings-deeply-unwise.html
APPROVED: A new ordinance requires all toilet facilities that are open to customers, patrons, visitors, employees, licensees, invitees, students, or other members of the public to provide soap, toilet paper and menstrual products (both pads and tampons) at no cost, within the restroom, and openly accessible to users of the restroom. Violation of this ordinance will be a civil infraction, subject to a fine of no more than $100. Community Standards officers shall be responsible for enforcement. (Note: religious communities are exempted from providing supplies that are in conflict with religious beliefs) (Legistar)
APPROVED: A site plan for expansion of Grace Bible Church (1300 S. Maple Rd.) includes approximately 34,045 square feet and 107 parking spaces. The sanctuary will be expanded into existing courtyards and an addition to the south will contain a gymnasium, youth ministry, child ministry, and office space. It will comply with City requirements for electric vehicle parking, as calculated based on the total required number of parking spaces. (Legistar)
- Additional Thoughts (Nov 13, 2021) – EV Parking Ordinance
- https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2021/11/grace-bible-church-gets-ok-for-34000-square-foot-expansion-in-ann-arbor.html
APPROVED: A 1.24 acre property at 201 Scio Church Road will be re-zoned from township to R2A (two-family) district. (Legistar)
APPROVED: A two year contract costing $2,026,223.30 will pay for the replacement of residential galvanized water lines. This work is necessary in order to comply with the State of Michigan’s Lead and Copper Rule, which requires water suppliers to replace both the publicly owned and privately owned portions of galvanized service lines that are or were connected to lead. The task of replacing these lines is expected to take about twenty years; the state mandates replacement at the rate of 5% a year. This contract includes an option to renew for one year. (Legistar)
APPROVED: Council supports a state grant application that will partially fund the resurfacing of Research Center Drive. The state of Michigan’s Transportation Economic Development Fund (TEDF) grants money to local communities in order to meet immediate economic development demands placed on highways, roads, and streets; this Ann Arbor location is eligible for those funds due to a planned Sartorius BioAnalytical Laboratories, Inc. facility at 3874 Research Park Drive. State grant money will provide $1,619,000 and the City’s Street, Bridge and Sidewalk Millage funds will cover the remaining cost of $911,000 in order to resurface Research Park Drive. (Legistar)
A2ELNEL Voting Chart
