This Ann Arbor City Council meeting was held in person at City Hall. Members of the public can participate in public hearings and public comment either in person or via phone.
This was the first meeting for CM Mallek
A2Council Update Video
Ann Arbor City Council Meeting Summary
APPROVED: The appointment of a Mayor Pro Tem and an order of succession that includes all re-elected incumbents and one newly elected Council Member (Jon Mallek, Ward 2). Traditionally, the role of Mayor Pro Tem is assigned to the Council Member with the most seniority. Council Member Radina (Ward 3) will serve as Mayor Pro Tem and other members are ordered in succession by seniority and numerical Ward. (Legistar)
APPROVED: A $6,358,946 construction contract for the Miller Avenue Rehabilitation project. The project includes water main and stormwater management work, plus resurfacing and a two-way bike-track on the south side of Miller, between First Street and North Maple Road. (Legistar)
- You can find more details about the project here: https://www.a2gov.org/departments/engineering/Pages/Miller-Avenue-Improvements-Project.aspx
- During the meeting, Council Member Eyer questioned the process used to assess bids and award the construction contract. City Administrator Dohoney explained that the project will use federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Federal guidelines dictate that contracts be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder.
- In May 2024, the City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP), and staff assessed bids under the “Best Value” standard. Staff recommended awarding the contract to E.T. Mackenzie. For details, see RFP 24-19 on the City’s “Request For Proposals” page: https://www.a2gov.org/departments/finance-admin-services/purchasing/Pages/Proposals.aspx
- In October 2024, the City issued a new Invitation to Bid (ITB), and staff assessed bids under the “Lowest Responsible Bidder” standard. Staff recommended awarding the contract to Fonson Company. For details, see ITB 4753 on the City’s “Invitation To Bid” page at: https://www.a2gov.org/departments/finance-admin-services/purchasing/Pages/Bids.aspx
- https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2024/11/86m-project-aims-to-improve-safety-calm-traffic-along-major-ann-arbor-corridor.html
APPROVED (First Reading): Proposed amendments to the Unified Development Code will allow childcare centers and private schools as permissible uses in more areas of the city. Amendments would add the category of Child Care Centers to permitted uses in residential zoning districts (R1, R2A, R2B) and office/research/limited light industrial zoning districts (ORL) In those districts, Childcare Centers are currently Special Exception Uses that require specific approval from the City’s Planning Commission. Childcare Centers would also be allowed in Research (RE) zoning districts. Amendments would also allow private schools as a special exception use in the RE and ORL zoning districts. (Legistar)
- These amendments were specifically requested by Oxford Companies in a letter to the City’s planning department dated July 17, 2024. (link)
- On October 1, 2024, the amendments were approved unanimously at the City Planning commission. Planning Commission Chair Wonwoo Lee was recused, due to his employment as Chief Real Estate officer for Oxford Companies. https://a2council.com/ann-arbor-city-planning-commission-october-1-2024/
- https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2024/11/ann-arbor-making-it-easier-to-open-child-care-centers-including-in-neighborhoods.html
APPROVED (First Reading): An ordinance amendment will clarify that solid waste carts may not be placed in bike lanes. Solid waste regulation will clarify where curb carts may be placed relative to bike lanes and paths. (Legistar)
- Recommended regulation of cart placement:
- Waste carts may be placed in any painted non-bollarded buffer of a bike lane
- If buffer is unavailable, carts may be placed on a lawn extension
- If lawn extension is unavailable, carts may be placed on driveways next to the street
- If there is no lawn extension or driveway, carts will be placed on the sidewalk next to the curb
- The City may refuse to collect solid waste where these regulations are not followed.
A2ELNEL Voting Chart
