This was the thirty fifth 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.
Ann Arbor City Council Meeting Summary
APPROVED: The Energy Commission will send a recommendation to Council by December 31, 2021 as to whether or not the Commission believes the City should undertake a feasibility study to understand options related to creating a municipal utility, including traditional and non-traditional models. (Legistar)
- A2ELNEL: Feasibility Study for a Public Power Utility in Ann Arbor
- A2ELNEL: Legal Road Map for Public Electric Power Utility
- https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2021/09/ann-arbor-voters-could-ultimately-decide-on-shift-away-from-dte-energy.html
- https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2021/09/literally-power-to-the-people-ann-arbor-group-gearing-up-for-ballot-campaign.html
APPROVED: The City Administrator is directed to identify potential changes to City food purchases and submit a report to City Council before February 1, 2022 with recommendations, including an estimated cost. (Legistar)
DEFEATED: As part of a larger improvement project (installation of a larger pool pump house), the Racquet Club of Ann Arbor (3010 Hickory Lane) sought to waive the City requirement that they install sidewalks along Geddes Avenue and a portion of Hickory Lane south of their main entrance. City Staff recommended approval of this waiver; the Transportation Commission opposed it. (Legistar)
APPROVED: Amendments to the Unified Development Code will regulate Home Occupations to ensure that these uses do not have adverse impacts on neighboring properties, infrastructure, and safety. The occupation can consume no more than 25% of gross floor area of a dwelling unit and is limited to a maximum of 2000 square feet in an Accessory building. There can be no more than 24 client visits per day with hours of operation limited from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Heavy vehicles (more than 10,000 pounds) may not be regularly parked on-site. (Legistar)
APPROVED: Amendments to the City’s Outdoor Lighting ordinance will further regulate illumination after sunset and before sunrise. Amendments reference color spectrum management, glare, illuminance, and specific standards for “light trespass” on neighboring properties. Illustrations define and regulate appropriate “shielding” of luminaires. (Legistar)
APPROVED: $60,000 will pay for environmental services and remedial investigation of 2000 S. Industrial, where a 1,000-gallon underground heating oil tank leaked and contaminated the surrounding soils. The tank has been removed. This remedial investigation will inform an anticipated remedial action plan. (Legistar)
A2ELNEL Voting Chart
