A2Council Meeting Summaries

Tag: City Administrator

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

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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: March 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.

Legistar
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Ann Arbor City Council Meeting Summary

APPROVED: A resolution asking that an employment contract be negotiated for Milton Dohoney Jr to be hired as a permanent City Administrator for the City of Ann Arbor. (Legistar)

APPROVED: The City will move forward with a list of recommendations to improve the City’s food procurement policies. The City will offer more nutritious and health-enhancing, ideally locally sourced, choices at City facilities. For City vending and event catering, the City will develop a directory of preferred restaurants, caterers, and other eating places that provide plant-based alternatives, support the local food system, and minimize wasteful packaging. The City will work with Washtenaw County Food Policy Council (WCFPC) and attend their meetings. An “A2ZERO Preferred” labeling system will be established to identify sustainable choices at vending machines, snack bars, and other City-operated points of purchase. (Legistar)

APPROVED: A contract for $120,000 with Dykema Gossett, PLLC will fund lobbying services at the state and federal level. This contract displaces a $48,000 contract for state lobbying services that were provided by GCSI (Governmental Consultant Services Inc) for the last 21 years. (Legistar)

APPROVED: Downtown streets will be closed to promote increased seating and sales capacity at local businesses during the warmer season. Main Street (William to Washington), West Liberty (Ashley to Main), and East Liberty (Main to Fourth) will be closed to vehicular traffic on Thursdays at 4 p.m. and through 6 a.m. on Mondays. West Washington (Ashley to Main) will be closed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. These closures may start as early as Thursday, May 5, 2022, and may continue as late as October 31, 2022. (Legistar)

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for March 21, 2022 Part 1
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for March 21, 2022 Part 2

Ann Arbor City Council: February 22, 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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Ann Arbor City Council Meeting Summary

POSTPONED: A $1,299,999.25 construction contract with E.T. MacKenzie for replacement of a water main, street surfacing, and construction of curbs, gutters, and sidewalk ramps as part of the Third and Mosley Water Main and Resurfacing Project. (Legistar)

APPROVED: A $4,656,400 contract will support the replacement of inoperable valves and piping as part of the Barton Pump Station Valve Improvement Project. (Legistar)

APPROVED: Resolutions appointing 10 people to a newly established Renters Commission. (Legistar) (Legistar)

DEFEATED: In response to factual errors identified in an investigative report conducted by Jennifer Salvatore (published on Dec 7, 2021), a resolution asked City Attorneys to issue a legal opinion to Council by March 1, 2022. (Legistar)

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for February 22, 2022 Part 1
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for February 22, 2022 Part 2
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for February 22, 2022 Part 3

Ann Arbor City Council: February 7, 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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Ann Arbor City Council Meeting Summary

APPROVED: A resolution regarding the re-building and expansion of the East Medical Center Drive bridge removing conditions that were added by amendment at the Oct 18, 2021 Council meeting. At that meeting, a majority of Council approved amendment language dictating that “The final design will utilize the additional width and capacity to facilitate and encourage multimodal travel (e.g. transit, carpool, bike).” That language was removed to preserve the original plan and financial agreement with the University: UM will pay for 50% of the cost of rebuilding and 100% of the cost of widening. (Legistar)

APPROVED: A $95,000 amendment to a contract with Bodman PLC for legal services relative to the Gelman 1,4 Dioxane contamination and related litigation. This is the eighth amendment to this contract. (Legistar)

DEFEATED: A resolution directing the City Administrator to strengthen public education on the topic of “reducing deer-human negative interactions” and “supporting biological diversity in natural areas.” The original resolution asked that the City Administrator report on advocacy for non-lethal deer management, resume funding for vegetation studies, and include “budgetary trade-offs involved in resuming funding for the deer management program” in FY 2023 budget discussions. The resolution was amended at the table to remove reference to the FY 2023 budget. A motion to postpone to the next Council meeting was defeated. (Legistar)

DEFEATED: In response to factual errors identified in an investigative report conducted by Jennifer Salvatore (published on Dec 7, 2021), City Attorneys would have been directed to oversee corrections and submit a corrected memo by February 21, 2022. (Legistar)

DEFEATED: This resolution asked for transparency regarding ownership of the 68 parcels recommended for TC-1 zoning changes by the City’s Planning Commission. The City would have compiled a “report of the individuals with an ownership interest in these sixty-eight parcels, and including, but not limited to, the entity name on the City Assessor’s record, the Registered Agent with the State of Michigan and the ownership information available from the County Register of Deeds.” Additionally, the City would have contracted with a commercial broker to assess – for each parcel – approximately how much they increase in value due to the rezoning. A report of this information would have been published by March 21, 2022. (Legistar)

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for February 7, 2022 Part 1
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for February 7, 2022 Part 2

Ann Arbor City Council: January 3, 2022

This was the first Ann Arbor City Council meeting held in person at City Hall since March 2020. Members of the public can participate in public hearings and public comment either in person or via phone.

CM Hayner was absent
CM Song was absent

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Ann Arbor City Council Meeting Summary

APPROVED: The Unified Development Code (UDC) is amended to change the City process for revision and approval of site plans. Site plans not associated to rezoning petitions will now be reviewed by the City Planning Commission, rather than City Council. Site plans will no longer be required for construction of up to four residential units (current threshold is two units). Up to six residential units may be approved by the Planning Manager, without the review of Planning Commission. (Legistar)

APPROVED: City ordinances are amended to reflect changes in the City’s procedures for contracting and purchases. Council approval is required only for contracts and purchases over $75,000; this is a change from the previous threshold of $25,000. A set of criteria aimed at achieving “best value” will be used to make purchases and enter into contracts over $75,000; this is a change from the previous standard of “lowest responsible bidder.” Additionally, City Council is empowered to sell “surplus” property by the same standard. From the amended ordinance: “City Council retains the right to dispose of City real and personal property in a manner that provides the best value to the City, with or without competitive bids, in City Council’s determination.” All of these changes are consistent with ballot proposals approved by voters in November 2021. (Legistar)

PUBLIC HEARING: City Council held a public hearing (without any vote) regarding the establishment of an industrial development district comprised of 16.9 acres of land at 3874, 3990, 3886, 3994, 3950, 3958 Research Park Drive, owned by Sartorius BioAnalytical Instruments, Inc. Establishment of this district would allow Sartorius to apply for industrial facilities exemption certificates, which have the effect of creating certain tax abatements. State law allows up to 50% property tax exemption for up to 12 years. (Legistar)

APPROVED: An employment contract for retiring City Attorney Stephen Postema will permit him to act as a legal advisor to the city through Nov 30, 2022, for up to ten hours per week. (Legistar)

  • At the Dec 20, 2021 meeting, Council approved an employment contract with Atleen Kaur, who will serve as the Ann Arbor City Attorney starting April 11, 2022. (Legistar)

APPROVED: City Council waived attorney-client privilege on a followup investigation report to another report dated June 29, 2021, regarding former City Administrator Tom Crawford, “for the sake of transparency.” (Legistar)

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

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

Ann Arbor City Council Special Session: December 1, 2021

This was a special session of Ann Arbor City Council to waive privilege and release an Investigative Report in response to a complaint filed by the HR Director against the Assistant (then Acting) City Administrator. 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.

CM Eyer called in from Traverse City, MI
CM Radina called in from Washington DC
CM Griswold attended the beginning of the meeting, but was absent for the vote 

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Ann Arbor City Council Meeting Summary

APPROVED: Waive privilege and public release of Investigative Report related to formal complaints by HR Director Tom Guajardo against Assistant (then Acting) City Administrator John Fournier. Simultaneous release with original complaints. (Legistar)

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for December 1, 2021

Ann Arbor City Council Special Session: October 12, 2021

This was a special session of Ann Arbor City Council to authorize a contract for Interim City Administrator. 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.

Legistar
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Ann Arbor City Council Meeting Summary

APPROVED: An employment agreement for Milton Dohoney, Jr. to serve as Interim City Administrator for a period of approximately one year. Financial terms include an annual base salary of $223,600, a housing allowance of $2500 per month, plus a City vehicle or car allowance/reimbursement. His employment will begin on October 18, 2021. (Legistar)

APPROVED: Privilege is waived on a legal memo prepared by outside consulting attorneys (Dykema) advising Council on the impact of the State Budget approved on September 29, 2021. The memo addresses the narrow question of whether “boilerplate language” in the State Budget bill potentially restricts local government in imposing vaccine mandates, requiring proof of vaccination, or maintaining vaccine databases. (Legistar)

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for October 12, 2021

Ann Arbor City Council: October 4, 2021

This was the thirty seventh 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.

Legistar
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Ann Arbor City Council Meeting Summary

APPROVED: In response to a formal complaint against Acting City Administrator John Fournier that alleged blatant discrimination, retaliation, harassment, a hostile work environment, and illegal directives, the City attorney’s office is directed to facilitate policies and procedures to ensure the integrity of an investigation and prevent any harm to the complainant. This resolution was amended at the table to remove terms that included paid administrative leave during the period of investigation. A compromise – proposing paid administrative leave for as short a time as two days, to ensure safeguards to all parties – was rejected by a majority of Council. (Legistar)

APPROVED: An agreement between the City of Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County allocates responsibility and cost for the design and engineering of the Bandemer-Barton Trail Connection, a pedestrian tunnel beneath the railroad tracks between Barton Nature Area and Bandemer Park. A cost sharing agreement with the County for design services will assign 45% of cost to the City and 55% of cost to the County. Construction costs would be assigned: 29% to the City, 71% to the County. (Legistar)

APPROVED: A newly established Main Street Social District will include sections of Ashley, Main, Fourth, Washington and Liberty. A total of forty-three establishments with liquor licenses qualify as applicants to participate in the district. The social district will permit the service of alcohol in a shared, common space. (Legistar)

APPROVED: As recommended by the Council Administration Committee: Council Rule 7 (Public Speaking) is amended to reference and include public commenters attending “remotely.” (Legistar)

APPROVED: Council acknowledges and commends the work of Roger Rayle and the Coalition for Action on Remediation of Dioxane (CARD) for their longstanding public service of professional activism with respect to addressing 1,4-dioxane cleanup processes. This commendation is sent to the leadership of Washtenaw County, the Washtenaw County delegation to the Michigan Legislature, the Director of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, the Region Administrator – United States Environmental Protection Agency – Region V, Attorney General Dana Nessel, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell. (Legistar)

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for October 4, 2021 Part 1
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for October 4, 2021 Part 2

Ann Arbor City Council Special Session: September 27, 2021

This was a special session of Ann Arbor City Council to determine next steps in the search for an Interim City Administrator and a new head City Attorney. 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.

Legistar
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Ann Arbor City Council Meeting Summary

APPROVED: An offer is extended to Milton Dohoney, Jr. to serve as Interim City Administrator for a period of approximately one year.  A final contract for Mr. Dohoney’s employment will be negotiated and executed no later than October 18, 2021. (Legistar)

APPROVED: Two finalists (identified by number, only) were selected for further consideration to fill the position of head City Attorney. (Legistar)

APPROVED: The City Attorney is directed to advise Council on potential State restrictions on the City’s implementation of COVID vaccine mandates and databases of vaccine compliance for City employees. This resolution is a response to language in State Senate Bill 82 that withholds State funding to any “department, agency, board, commission, or public officer” that requires vaccination or proof of vaccination as a condition of employment. (Legistar)

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for September 27, 2021

Ann Arbor City Council Special Session: September 13, 2021

This was a Special Session of Ann Arbor City Council to consider one resolution: moving forward with a process for evaluating two candidates for the position of Interim City Administrator for a time period of up to a year. 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.

CM Disch was absent

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Ann Arbor City Council Meeting Summary

APPROVED: Candidates Peter T. Burchard and Milton Dohoney, Jr will be evaluated in public interviews by City Council and interviews by the City Executive team before September 23, 2021, in order for Council to meet and reach a decision by September 27, 2021. The resolution was amended at the table to include staff input and (after recommendation from City Attorney Stephen Postema) clarify that the evaluation process will be overseen by the Council Administration Committee, the Acting City Administrator, and the City’s Director of Human Resources. (Legistar)

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for September 13, 2021

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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.

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