A2Council Meeting Summaries

Tag: ARPA Funds

Ann Arbor City Council: March 20, 2023

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.

Legistar
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Ann Arbor City Council Meeting Summary

Two items related to the removal of the Insurance Board

  • APPROVED: The Insurance Board is eliminated as the body of review for claims filed against the City. The Insurance Board – two Council Members and the City’s treasurer – previously reviewed and awarded claims against the City between $500 and $10,000. Meeting minutes for the Insurance Board were approved by City Council and Council specifically approved all claims over $10,000. The City Administrator (or his designee) is now empowered to decide all awards or denials of claims against the City, up to $75,000. According to the ordinance, Information about expenditures under $75,000 will be available to Council members “upon request.” (Legistar)
  • APPROVED: A resolution requesting that the City Administrator provide Council with a “monthly claims review report.” This resolution was amended at the table to add a request that the claims be published on a page of the City’s website. The ordinance amendment eliminating the Insurance Board does not include any requirement for publication of Risk Fund claims under $75,000. (Legistar)
  • A2ELNEL: Council Evades Responsibility: Insurance Board, Downtown Street Closures, Brownfield Review Committee
  • A2ELNEL: Eliminating The Insurance Board Reduces Council Accountability

APPROVED: An ordinance amendment permits Waste Management to directly bill customers for commercial refuse hauling in the City of Ann Arbor. Currently, the City provides billing and customer service for commercial solid waste collection. These responsibilities are delegated to Waste Management for commercial customers. (Legistar)

APPROVED: $3.5 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds allocated to the Ann Arbor Housing Commission toward the purchase of eight duplexes (17 bedrooms) at 1474 W. Liberty, 1484 W. Liberty, 528 Virginia Ave,1540 Siller Terrace, 1550 Siller Terrace, 1560 Siller Terrace, 1570 Siller Terrace, and 1580 Siller Terrace. These housing units will be developed as affordable housing priced at 60% of Area Median Income. The total purchase price of these properties is $4,135,000. The Ann Arbor Housing Commission anticipates borrowing an additional $2 million from the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, to cover closing costs and renovations. Total development cost: $5,500,000. (Legistar)

APPROVED: $615,216.72 amendment to a contract for professional engineering services with DLZ Michigan, Inc. for a redesign of the East Medical Center Drive Bridge. Amendment to the DLZ contract includes nearly 4000 additional work hours over the course of seven months. This capital improvement was scheduled to occur during the 2023 construction season but has been delayed to 2024. (Legistar)

APPROVED: The City administrator is directed to negotiate a new or amended natural gas franchise without compromising the ability of our community to heat or cook in homes and businesses The current natural gas franchise is held by DTE and does not expire until 2027. (Legistar)

APPROVED: An expanded and amended contract with SPIN, Inc. will license 100 e-bikes and reduce the licensing fees charged and collected by the City. SPIN requested and was granted a reduction in licensing fees from $1 per day to 20 cents per day (per unit). The City estimates a $54,750 reduction in revenue. (Legistar)

APPROVED: The Ann Arbor Public Art Commission will develop a project plan to design a new City Flag. The project plan will include a public engagement process, schedule, and funding necessary to complete the project as a part of the bicentennial celebration. The resolution refers to the “Five Basic Principles of Flag” from the North American Vexillological Association (NAVO) (Legistar)

APPROVED (first reading): The parcel at 415 W Washington will be rezoned from Public Land (PL) to Planned Unit Development (PUD) to facilitate the development of residential and mixed uses as permitted in the D2 zoning district including residential, commercial and office uses. The PUD will require a minimum of 15 designated affordable housing units or 15% of the total units or a contribution in lieu of units, whichever number is greater. The PUD will also require 60% open space amenities such as the extension of the Treeline Trail, benches, and ambient lighting. (Legistar)

APPROVED (first reading): The City’s housing code will be amended to require carbon monoxide detectors in all current rental units, consistent with requirements for new construction and certain alterations. (Legistar)

A2Council Update Video

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for March 20, 2023 Part 1
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for March 20, 2023 Part 2
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for March 20, 2023 Part 3

Ann Arbor City Council: March 6, 2023

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.

Legistar
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Newsletter
Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Meeting Summary

Three items related to “The Village” development were approved:

  • APPROVED: Multiple parcels adding up to 67.6 acres at 1680 Dhu Varren Road, 1710 Dhu Varren Road, 2670 Pontiac Trail, 2672 Pontiac Trail, 2678 Pontiac Trail, and 2682 Pontiac Trail are rezoned from Township (TWP) and R1C (Single-Family Dwelling District) to R4A (Multiple-Family Dwelling District) as part of The Village of Ann Arbor development site plan. Planned use is consistent with the adjacent zoning, land uses, and comprehensive land use plan. (Legistar)
  • APPROVED: A site plan will permit the construction of 484 dwelling units consisting of townhomes and stacked flats (apartment units) at 1680 Dhu Varren Road (“The Village”) (Legistar)
  • APPROVED: The City approves $31,369,715 in public funding for development of “The Village.” The development is eligible to receive this funding from the Washtenaw County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority due to its location in an “environmentally distressed” area that was used as a landfill in the mid-20th century. The developer will be reimbursed for environmental-related activities totaling $26,369,633 and for non-environmental activities totaling $5,000,082. This plan must be approved by the Washtenaw County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners. (Legistar)
  • https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2023/03/ann-arbor-oks-huge-housing-development-on-citys-north-side.html

APPROVED: Street closures scheduled for April 1, 2023 will permit the Monroe Street Fair to take place adjacent to the Hash Bash. This item was postponed from the February 21st meeting. (Legistar)

APPROVED: An agreement with Creative Washtenaw for $500,000 to design and administer an art grant program with allocated American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Creative Washtenaw will receive $40,000 to provide this service and will distribute the remaining $460,000 to qualifying artists and art organizations. (Legistar)

APPROVED: The City will purchase an all-electric mini-street sweeper and trailer for $258,445.00 in order to clean two-way partitioned bikeways in the City of Ann Arbor. A reimbursement agreement is anticipated so that the expense will be shared equally between the City and the Downtown Development Authority. (Legistar)

APPROVED: An unspent balance of $305,000 in the New Human Services Partnership FY23 budget will be allocated to Ann Arbor Housing Commission to fund eviction prevention and housing stability support to families experiencing homelessness. This spending is part of a larger annual budget that supports a range of community nonprofits, called the Human Services Partnership The City contributes over $1.2 million to the Human Services Partnership. (Legistar)

APPROVED: A service contract between the City and Recycle Ann Arbor is extended for a three year and four month period. Three thousand carts (monthly tips) will be converted to dumpster service for an estimated fee reduction of $10,000 a month. Service will continue for 32, 64, or 96-gallon curb carts to customers such as multi-family homes of eleven units or greater, commercial establishments, mixed unit buildings, and civic units. The estimated total contract is $4,534,303. (Legistar)

  • Council Member Cornell recused herself from this vote, due to a conflict of interest. Recycle Ann Arbor is a wholly owned non-profit subsidiary of the Ecology Center; Cornell serves on the board for the Ecology Center.

APPROVED: The City will pay $15,000 to Jason Kosnoski to settle a claim of personal injury caused by stepping in a hole on Brooks Street, near Sunset Road. (Legistar)

REFERRED: The City calls on the Michigan Legislature to take action toward addressing power outages, assisting rate payers and funding local resilience. It calls on the Michigan Public Service Commission to hold DTE accountable for improving the electrical systems and providing greater transparency in outage maps. The City Administrator is directed to work with the Council Policy Committee and DTE to facilitate timely installation of infrastructure. City Council asks DTE to attend meetings of the City’s Energy Commission. (Legistar)

APPROVED (First Reading): Parcels at 1815, 1855, and 1875 North Maple and 1921 Calvin Street are rezoned from TWP (Township) and R1B (Single-Family) to PUD (Planned Unit Development). A total of 3.13 acres are rezoned to allow the “North Maple Road Apartments” development of 79 dwelling units in a four-story apartment building with a single-story clubhouse with 65 off-street parking places with EV infrastructure. There will be 12 affordable units (priced permanently at 60% or less of Area Median Income). (Legistar)

APPROVED (First Reading): The Risk Fund ordinance will be repealed and replaced to eliminate the Insurance Board as the body of review for claims filed against the City. The Insurance Board – two Council Members and the City’s treasurer – reviews and awards claims against the City between $500 and $10,000. Meeting minutes for the Insurance Board are approved by City Council and Council specifically approves all claims over $10,000. The new ordinance eliminates the Insurance Board and empowers the City Administrator (or his designee) to decide all awards or denials of claims against the City, up to $75,000. Expenditures under $75,000 will no longer appear on public agendas of City Council but will be available to Council members “upon request.” (Legistar)

APPROVED: After a twenty minute closed session, the Council agenda was opened and amended to add a resolution directing the City Attorney to take legal action to enforce a 2006 settlement agreement with Gelman Sciences. (Legistar)

A2Council Update Video

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for March 6, 2023 Part 1
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for March 6, 2023 Part 2
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for March 6, 2023 Part 3

Ann Arbor City Council: December 5, 2022

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.

Legistar
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Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Meeting Summary

APPROVED: A resolution in response to two specific concerns raised regarding the TC-1 zoning district at Stadium/Maple: the viability of ongoing commercial businesses, and narrow rights of way on Stadium Boulevard. It is proposed that some commercial outlets be permitted as a special exception use within the TC-1 district. Further, the minimal setback requirements in the TC-1 district at Stadium are problematic, given the limited distance between curbs and lot lines (~7 feet). Mayoral appointees on the Planning Commission are directed to evaluate and recommend amendments to the TC-1 zoning district in order to incorporate limited automobile-related uses (except for drive-throughs and gas stations) and address the issue of narrow existing rights of way. (Legistar)

APPROVED: Council members were appointed to Boards, Commissions, and Council committees (Legistar)

APPROVED: 2023 calendar for Council meetings, both regular sessions and work sessions. This calendar eliminates all work sessions traditionally scheduled as public meetings to discuss the annual City budget. (Legistar)

APPROVED: Council Rules and procedures, including recent amendments. Rules were amended to clarify language regarding mask requirements at in-person Council meetings: mask requirements will follow CDC guidance, consistent with local transmission rates. (Legistar)

APPROVED: A motion to suspend Council Rule 13, in order to bring a budget amendment back for reconsideration. Council rules allow that an issue previously decided can be brought back for reconsideration at the following meeting and that such a motion must come from a Council member who voted on the prevailing side in the original decision. Neither of these conditions would have been met in bringing back a budget amendment that was defeated at the September 19, 2022 Council meeting. (Legistar)

APPROVED: A budget amendment for $134,000 to fund a consultant to study the feasibility of the City taking control of major corridors at North Main, Washtenaw, Huron, and Jackson. These corridors are currently considered “state trunklines” and the Michigan Department of Transportation is wholly responsible for their maintenance and repair. (The state reimburses the City for minor repairs, e.g. filling potholes.) City control of these corridors would give the City complete responsibility for the cost of maintenance and repair (with some additional funds from Act 51 and other state funds). (Legistar)

Two resolutions related to the reallocation of ARPA funds:

APPROVED: Memorandum of understanding between the City of Ann Arbor & Washtenaw County for extension of the Border to Border Trail, connecting Bandemer Park to Huron River Dr. A plan for collaboration will create a safe, non-motorized connection between Bandemer Park and Huron River Drive part of the Bandemer-Barton Trail and Underpass Project. (Legistar)

APPROVED: $4,242,055.60 construction contract for sanitary sewer pipe lining work near downtown: Jefferson/Ashley to Miller/First and Hoover/Division to Arch/White. Work is scheduled to take place January to April 2023 as part of the High Level Trunkline Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Phase 2 Project. (Legistar)

APPROVED: A grant application for up to $1,000,000 from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for improvements to Buhr Park Ice arena. A Michigan Spark Grant program funds creation, renovation, or redevelopment of public recreation facilities. The Buhr Park project will replace the whole refrigeration system, reduce energy consumption, and improve accessibility and operations. The estimated total cost of the project is $1,665,000 – $2,350,000. (Legistar)

A2Council Update Video

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for December 5, 2022 Part 1
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for December 5, 2022 Part 2

Ann Arbor City Council: June 21, 2022

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.

CM Grand was absent
CM Hayner was absent
CM Song was absent

Legistar
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Ann Arbor City Council Meeting Summary

APPROVED: $7,496,424 Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Enerlogics Networks, Inc. will fund the installation, operation, and maintenance of solar infrastructure at seven locations at City facilities. The installations are predicted to provide over 3 megawatts of power. (Legistar)

  • A PPA was chosen as the preferred contracting vehicle because the City did not have the capital to directly purchase the solar installations at all sites outright. The PPA allows the City to use the power generated from the solar installations at each site, with additional energy usage purchased from DTE. At any point, the City can purchase the solar systems at fair market value; otherwise, the City will continue to pay the PPA for 20 years, with the option of extending the contract beyond that.
  • City Council previously approved $4.5 million in ARPA funds for this project. Under this agreement, the City will make an upfront payment of $3,419,000 using $3,100,00 from ARPA funding and $319,000 from the Public Safety Rebate associated with the Community Mental Health and Public Safety millage.
  • https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2022/06/ann-arbor-oks-8m-plan-to-go-solar-at-city-water-plant-other-locations.html

APPROVED: $520,172 contract with Enerlogics Networks, Inc will purchase and install solar energy storage and battery systems at the Water Treatment Plant and the Wastewater Treatment plant. This is funded from the Public Safety Rebate associated with the Community Mental Health and Public Safety millage. (Legistar)

APPROVED: $98,306 purchase of 13 electric vehicle charging stations at City facilities: Burns Park Senior Center, Fuller Park, Veterans Memorial Park, Huron Hills Golf Course, and Leslie Park Golf Course. This is funded from the Public Safety Rebate associated with the Community Mental Health and Public Safety millage. (Legistar)

APPROVED: $505,567 construction contract for repairs and renovations of the Bandemer Park Bridge.  Steel stringers will be replaced and floor beams painted, among other essential repairs to this pedestrian bridge. (Legistar)

APPROVED: $2,329,200 construction contract for work on a water main, curb ramps, crosswalks, and resurfacing of Platt Road from Packard to Huron Parkway. An amendment was approved directing the City Administrator to incorporate bike facilities into the final plan, in accordance with the City’s transportation plan, which identifies this corridor as an All Ages and Abilities Bicycle Route. (Legistar)

APPROVED: $4,230,895.60 construction contract for the replacement of asphalt pavement and installation of sidewalks, bike lanes, and stormwater upgrades at Geddes Avenue (Observatory to Highland Road) and Huron Parkway and Tuebingen. (Legistar)

APPROVED: Annexation of 5.71-acres at 2600 Pontiac Trail from Ann Arbor Township to the City of Ann Arbor. (Legistar)

APPROVED: Due to ongoing renovation and construction work by Ann Arbor Public Schools, eight polling places for the August 2, 2022 primary will be relocated. It is expected that all affected voters will be able to return to their usual polling place on November 8, 2022. (Legistar)

  • Ward 1 Precincts 2 & 3: Community High to Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum (220 E. Ann St)
  • Ward 2 Precinct 18: Clague Middle School to Thurston Elementary (2300 Prairie St)
  • Ward 3 Precinct 24: Tappan Middle School to Burns Park Elementary (1414 Wells St)
  • Ward 3 Precincts 27, 29, 30: Scarlett Middle School and Pittsfield Elementary to Mitchell Elementary (3550 Pittsview Dr)
  • Ward 5 Precinct 43: Bach Elementary to Pioneer High School (601 W. Stadium Blvd)
  • Ward 5 Precinct 47: Eberwhite Elementary to Slauson Middle School (1019 W. Washington)
  • Ward 5 Precincts 52, 53: Forsythe Middle School to Ann Arbor Open (920 Miller Ave)

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for June 21, 2022 Part 1
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for June 21, 2022 Part 2
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for June 21, 2022 Part 3
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for June 21, 2022 Part 4

Ann Arbor City Council: June 6, 2022

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.

CM Disch was absent
CM Radina was absent

Legistar
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Ann Arbor City Council Meeting Summary

APPROVED: Location and hours of Ann Arbor City Clerk satellite offices on the University of Michigan campus to issue and receive absent voter ballots for the November 8, 2022 General Election. (Legistar)

  • University of Michigan Art Museum (525 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109)
    • September 27 – November 4: Monday through Thursday (12:00 PM – 6:00 PM) and Fridays (12:00 PM to 4:00 PM)
    • Saturday, November 5 (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
    • Monday, November 7 (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
    • Tuesday, November 8 (8:00 AM – 8:00 PM)
  • University of Michigan Duderstadt Center (2281 Bonisteel, Ann Arbor, MI 48109)
    • Tuesday, November 8 (8:00 AM – 8:00 PM)
    • October 12 – November 4: Wednesdays and Thursdays (12:00 PM – 6:00 PM) and Fridays (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
    • Monday, October 24 (12:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
  • https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2022/06/ann-arbors-2022-election-plan-includes-early-voting-at-university-of-michigan.html

APPROVED: A $932,365 contract for cost-sharing with MDOT to construct 1,010 feet of new sidewalk on the east side of Newport Road from Down Up Circle to Sunset Road, leading to Bird Hills Nature Area. The City’s share in the cost of the project will be $490,259. (Legistar)

APPROVED: $98,000 change order with CLI Concrete Leveling Inc. for the 2022 Sidewalk Repair Project, for a total of $191,600. Detailed inspections revealed more sidewalks slabs requiring sidewalk leveling than initially estimated, although City staff expects this this will likely result in a significant reduction in the number of slabs that require replacement. (Legistar)

APPROVED: $139,399.27 change order with Doan Construction Co. for the 2021 Annual Sidewalk and Ramp Repair Project, for a total of $720,962.42. The number of repairs needed in the planned 2021 areas was greater than the estimated quantity, requiring this change order which exceeds the $60,000 contingency originally approved by Council. (Legistar)

APPROVED: $3,050,000 to be spent on the purchase and installation of nine (9) solar energy systems on city sites at Veteran’s Park, Buhr Park, the Farmer’s Market, Gallup Canoe Livery, Cobblestone, Fuller Park, Leslie Golf Course, Burns Park Senior Center, and Huron Hills Golf Course. Energy storage and battery systems will be installed at Veterans Park and Burns Park Senior Center. Electric vehicle charging infrastructure will be installed at Veterans Park, Fuller Park, Leslie Park Golf Course, Huron Hills Golf Course and Burns Park Senior Center. (Legistar)

APPROVED: Eight (8) new on-premises Class C liquor licenses are recommended by the City, under the State of Michigan Liquor Control Commission’s quota system. (Legistar)

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for June 6, 2022 Part 1
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for June 6, 2022 Part 2
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for June 6, 2022 Part 3
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for June 6, 2022 Part 4

Ann Arbor City Council: May 16, 2022

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.

CM Song was absent

Legistar
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Ann Arbor City Council Meeting Summary

APPROVED: An employment agreement with Milton Dohoney, Jr. to serve as the City Administrator. Mr. Dohoney will receive an annual base salary of $250,000, with no compensation adjustments for the first 24 months. (Legistar)

Two resolutions related to the South State Street reconstruction project:

  • APPROVED: A $6,727,358.01 contract with Fonson Company, Inc for the South State Street reconstruction project. Improvements are planned for the South State Street area from Huron to North University, including water main replacement, resurfacing, bicycle improvements, and street reconstruction with a curbless design. Total project cost is estimated at $9,083,000. (Legistar)
  • APPROVED: An agreement with the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) to share costs of the South State Street reconstruction project. The DDA’s portion of the cost allocation is an estimated $4,218,283. (Legistar)
  • The South State Street reconstruction project is split into two stages: Stage 1 in June-August 2022 (E. Liberty St. to E. William St), Stage 2 in March-August 2023 (E Liberty St. to E. Huron St.)
  • https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2022/05/ann-arbor-oks-deal-to-move-forward-with-9m-state-street-redesign.html

APPROVED: The City appropriates $374,738 of federal grant money toward funding “smart intersections.” A network of these intersections is part of a University of Michigan project to enable autonomous vehicles in our local community. (Legistar)

APPROVED: By resolution, City Council reaffirms its support for women and individuals to access abortion and other reproductive rights services. The City Administrator and City Attorney’s Office will take appropriate legal action, including but not limited to, filing amicus briefs in Planned Parenthood of Michigan v. Attorney General of the State of Michigan and Governor Whitmer’s legal challenge of Act 328. (Legistar)

APPROVED: The City Administrator will provide an opportunity for discussion between City Council members and U-M Regents to dialog about net zero energy Workforce Housing on U-M properties and elsewhere in the city, with the participation of stakeholder groups. The City Administrator will raise the issue of workforce housing at the quarterly U-M policy meetings and report progress to City Council, as appropriate, while soliciting the support of the Michigan Municipal League, the City’s lobbyist, the Chamber of Commerce, and any other local groups and leaders. (Legistar)

APPROVED: The City’s water rates will increase by 6% on July 1, 2022. (Legistar)

APPROVED: The City’s stormwater rates will increase by 4% on July 1, 2022. (Legistar)

APPROVED: $24.2 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds are appropriated to the City’s Major Grants Program Fund, following allocations previously approved by Council on April 4, 2022. (Legistar)

  • Council approved the following APRA fund allocations at the April 4, 2022 meeting (Legistar)

    • $4,500,000 Solar on City Facilities
    • $3,500,000 Property Acquisition for Affordable Housing (including $500,000 allocation to residential support services)
    • $3,500,000 Unarmed Response
    • $2,300,000 Gallup Park Bridge
    • $2,000,000 Galvanized Water Service Line Replacement
    • $2,000,000 Vision Zero Plan Implementation
    • $1,682,630 Coordinated Funding Support
    • $1,600,000 Universal Basic Income
    • $1,000,000 City Clerk Election Center
    • $1,000,000 Housing for Homeless Households
    • $500,000 Community and Law Enforcement Data Platform
    • $500,000 Funding for the Arts (including $200,000 to “arts-based trauma response programs and workforce development”)
    • $100,000 Liberty Plaza

APPROVED: The City’s budget for FY 2023. General Fund recurring expenses have increased by 3.4% ($3,915,640) compared to FY 2022’s adopted budget; recurring revenues have increased by 4.5% ($5,075,679). The FY 2023 budget includes a total of 16 additional full time employees (FTE) in City departments: Parks & Recreation, Building & Rental, Public Services, City Attorney, Police, Fire, and Downtown Development Authority. Ten additional FTE’s will be permitted on a temporary basis as part of the workforce planning initiative. (Legistar)

  • AMENDMENT: Allocations for $935,336 in FY23 Marijuana Excise Tax Revenue:

    • $572,000 to City Attorney’s Office for Deflection Program
    • $100,000 to Public Works department for an apprenticeship program to fund 10 commercial driver’s licenses
    • $100,000 to Washtenaw County to fund Utility Support for low income residents through Barrier Busters
    • $75,000 to Ann Arbor Housing Commission for A BIPOC small business development space at 121 E. Catherine
    • $60,000 to Office of Sustainability & Innovations for low income sustainability grants
    • $28,336 to Washtenaw County for Child Savings Accounts
    • DEFEATED: Amendment to remove $100,000 from the Public Works Apprenticeship program and re-direct it to Dawn Farms (long-term addiction treatment services).
    • DEFEATED: Amendment to remove $60,000 from low income sustainability grants and re-direct it to Home of New Vision (substance use disorder treatment) and A Brighter Way (support for formerly incarcerated).
  • AMENDMENT: An additional $240,000 to the Office of Sustainability & Innovations for low income sustainability grants

  • AMENDMENT: Additional funding to support the City Attorney’s office:

    • $165,252 for an additional full time employee (FTE)
    • $20,000 to replace CityLaw software
    • $48,000 to fund annual maintenance for new software
  • A2ELNEL: Proposed City Budget Amendments for FY2023
  • https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2022/05/ann-arbor-oks-525m-budget-after-heated-debate-over-marijuana-money.html

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for May 16, 2022 Part 1
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for May 16, 2022 Part 2
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for May 16, 2022 Part 3
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for May 16, 2022 Part 4

Ann Arbor City Council: April 4, 2022

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.

Legistar
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Newsletter
Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Meeting Summary

APPROVED: The 0.8 acre parcel at 350 S. Fifth (the “Y Lot”) is rezoned from D1 (Downtown Core) to PUD (Planned Unit Development District). This PUD allows for more height (up to 275 feet) and lifts requirements for driveway width, building frontage, and street trees along Fourth and Fifth Avenue right of ways. No parking will be required. In exchange, a minimum of 100 (40% of total) residential dwellings will be affordable dwelling units, property will be allocated for Blake Transit Center expansion, there will be no curb cut on William, and the building will be fully electrified. (Legistar)

APPROVED: Sixty-eight lots in the South State and East/West Eisenhower area, including Boardwalk Drive and Victors Way are rezoned TC-1. This new zoning district (Transit Corridor district) will permit unlimited density, create height minimums except where adjacent to pre-existing residential areas, establish maximum (rather than minimum) parking requirements, require mixed use, eliminate any open space requirements, and eliminate side and rear setback requirements except where adjacent to pre-existing residential areas. (Legistar)

APPROVED: A Brownfield Plan will reimburse the developer of 3874 Research Park Drive $145,125 for environmental-related activities (Environmental Due Diligence, Site Control and testing; excavation, transportation, and disposal of impacted soil; and related Brownfield Plan and Work Plan preparation) and $1,513,586 for non-environmental activities (Demolition; infrastructure improvements, site preparation activities, and related Brownfield Plan and Work Plan preparation). An additional $1,101,727 of TIF capture will be deposited into the City’s Affordable Housing Fund. This plan will advance to the Washtenaw County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners for authorization. (Legistar)

POSTPONED: An Industrial Facilities Exemption certificate for Sartorius BioAnalytical Instruments will permit a 12-year abatement of local taxes up to $54,587,000 of real property site improvements and up to $8,943,000 of personal property. An Industrial Development. District was previously established for Sartorius at 3874 Research Park Drive, making them eligible for local tax abatement. This resolution was postponed to the May 5th 2022 Council meeting. (Legistar)

APPROVED: Allocations for $24.2 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Final allocations are listed below. (Legistar)

  • $4,500,000 Solar on City Facilities
  • $3,500,000 Property Acquisition for Affordable Housing (AMENDED to permit $500,000 allocation to residential support services)
  • $3,500,000 Unarmed Response
  • $2,300,000 Gallup Park Bridge
  • $2,000,000 Galvanized Water Service Line Replacement
  • $2,000,000 Vision Zero Plan Implementation
  • $1,682,630 Coordinated Funding Support
  • $1,600,000 Universal Basic Income
  • $1,000,000 City Clerk Election Center
  • $1,000,000 Housing for Homeless Households
  • $500,000 Community and Law Enforcement Data Platform
  • $500,000 Funding for the Arts (AMENDED to direct $200,000 to “arts-based trauma response programs and workforce development”)
  • $100,000 Liberty Plaza
  • A2ELNEL: ARPA Funding Update: Proposed Amendments
  • https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2022/04/big-share-of-ann-arbor-stimulus-goes-to-solar-panels-unarmed-responders.html

APPROVED: City Council declares “No Mow May” and encourages residents to refrain from mowing open green space during the month in order to preserve floral spaces for bees and other pollinators. At Council, language was added by friendly amendment to clarify: City ordinances will be enforced if plant growth impacts sight lines and safety for pedestrians. (Legistar)

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for April 4, 2022 Part 1
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for April 4, 2022 Part 2
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for April 4, 2022 Part 3

Ann Arbor City Council: October 18, 2021

This was the thirty eighth 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.

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Ann Arbor City Council Meeting Summary

APPROVED: City Council officially accepts the recommendations of Acting City Administrator, John Fournier, regarding how to spend the $24,182,630 expected from the American Rescue Plan (ARP). Council directs the City Administrator to carry out a public engagement strategy and provide a final report on prioritization and spending plan for the ARP dollars no later than March 1, 2022. (NOTE: the deadline for this final report was amended by Council. The original version of the resolution set the deadline at December 6, 2021.) (Legistar)

APPROVED: (Postponed from the 9/20/21 meeting) A $1,011,319.29 contract for engineering services related to rehabilitation and widening of the East Medical Center Drive Bridge. The University of Michigan and the City of Ann Arbor have been collaborating on this project for over two years, to address deterioration of the bridge as well as anticipated growth at the Michigan Medical Center. (It is part of the City’s capital improvement plan.) The University will be assuming 50% of the cost of rehabilitating the bridge and 100% of the cost of widening it. (Legistar)

APPROVED: A new ordinance requires owners of large properties to collect and report Whole-Building Data for energy and water use, so that potential or current tenants can access consistent and relevant information about the cost of their utilities. Property owners will use a benchmarking tool such as Energy Star to create and submit reports (annually) to the City’s Office of Sustainability and Innovations (OSI). The OSI will make these benchmarking reports available on a publicly accessible website with summaries of energy and water consumption statistics, compliance rates, trends observed, etc. Properties subject to this ordinance: greater than 10,000 gross square feet (total floor area) that are owned, leased or managed by the City, and other properties greater than 20,000 gross square feet (total floor area). Exemptions: owner occupied properties, under occupied (<50% over 10 months), in foreclosure, and permitted for demolition. (Legistar)

APPROVED: $362,739.30 Engineering Professional Service Agreement with Sam Schwartz Consultants, LLC for planning, public engagement, and engineering for the Vision Zero Comprehensive Transportation Plan. (Legistar)

APPROVED: A site plan for the construction of 57 single-family homes on a 34-acre vacant lot with access off Earhart Road. The plan will remove 311 landmark trees (the parcel includes a total of 447) and will lay sanitary sewer lines across a wetland. The developer will pay $265,500 in mitigation for natural features tree mitigation and make an off-site Parks contribution of $35,625. Solar panels and Accessory Dwelling Units will not be restricted in the development. (Legistar)

APPROVED: A 1.24 acre property at 201 Scio Church Road is re-zoned from township to R2A (two-family) district . This parcel was recently annexed into the city and this zoning is consistent with the adjacent zoning, the surrounding land uses, and the City’s Master Plan. (Legistar)

APPROVED: The City will accept an easement for a public right-of-way at 725 Stimson for the construction of a sidewalk (filling a sidewalk gap). The City will pay $5,053.05 in compensation to the property owner. (Legistar)

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for October 18, 2021 Part 1
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for October 18, 2021 Part 2
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for October 18, 2021 Part 3

Ann Arbor City Council: June 7, 2021

This was the twenty ninth 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 11:45pm CM Griswold left the meeting due to illness

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Ann Arbor City Council Meeting Summary

$1.5 million of the Affordable Housing Millage funds approved in Nov 2020 were designated.

APPROVED: $633,765 will be allocated in FY22 to non-profit entities that provide human services (recipients of Coordinated Funding) (Legistar)

APPROVED: $420,825 to be spent planting trees on City right-of-ways. (Legistar)

APPROVED: An antique fire engine owned by the Ann Arbor Fire Department will be sold to the Michigan Firehouse Museum for $1. (Legistar)

APPROVED: Church Street will be closed (24/7) between S. University and Willard, to facilitate restaurant and retail use through August 30, 2021. (Legistar)

APPROVED: $25,000 will be spent on the recruitment process to replace head city attorney, Stephen Postema, who is retiring. (Legistar)

APPROVED: Amendments to the City’s Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance will permit the construction of additional dwelling units on any residential lot in the City, without requirements for owner occupancy.  Lot size requirements (minimum 5,000 sq. Ft.) would be removed.  Requirements that the property owner reside in either the primary home or ADU would also be removed.  The required rear and side setback for ADUs would be three feet. (Legistar)

APPROVED: Rezoning and site plan for “Valhalla” development. A cluster of fifteen parcels (a total of 9.8 acres) at South Main is rezoned to R4E (Multiple-Family Dwelling District) with Conditions.  The site plan includes 454 Dwelling units (studio, one- and two-bedroom) in four stacked apartment buildings and five townhouse buildings, as well as two additional buildings. (Legistar) (Legistar)

APPROVED: A Comprehensive Transportation Plan with strategies meant to support Vision Zero, A2Zero climate goals, safety and accessibility (both regionally and across the city).   The plan includes targets for lower speed limits, specific road treatments, sidewalk infrastructure, zoning for mixed use in residential areas, and enhanced transit options. (Legistar)

APPROVED: In anticipation of an expected $24 million in federal money through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, the City Administrator will recommend and prioritize use of these funds and report to Council by October 1, 2021. (Legistar)

POSTPONED: Amendments to our early leasing ordinance will change a standard from 70 days to 240 days. A landlord would not be permitted to enter a leased premises for the purpose of showing it to prospective tenants or enter into a contract for a subsequent lease sooner than 240 days into a current lease. This was postponed to the second meeting in July to craft more meaningful protections for tenants. (Legistar)

APPROVED: Resolution asking that Council Member Hayner resign as soon as possible. (Legistar)

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for June 7, 2021 Part 1
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for June 7, 2021 Part 2
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for June 7, 2021 Part 3
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for June 7, 2021 Part 4

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My name is Elizabeth Nelson, and I believe that your local government should be accessible and transparent. Since 2018 , I have sent out a newsletter before every Council meeting with my summary of agenda items coming before City Council, plus news and events of interest to Ann Arbor residents.

After each Council meeting, I create and post voting charts so that you can easily see how Council voted, and update this website with meeting summaries that include links to the City’s Legistar website, CTN’s YouTube video, and articles published on MLive.

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