A2Council Meeting Summaries

Tag: City Attorney

Ann Arbor City Council: June 5, 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.

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Ann Arbor City Council Meeting Summary

APPROVED: By resolution, the City Planning Commission is directed to make recommendations regarding TC-1 rezoning of Washtenaw and Plymouth corridors and that this work be “prioritized above any additional considered modifications to the TC-1 Zoning district beyond those identified in Resolution R-22-390.” (Legistar)

APPROVED: The Council of Commons (CoC) is dissolved with explanation that moving forward “the evaluation of the feasibility and vitality of a central plaza on the Center of the City site can be conducted by City staff and City Council.” The City-owned property described as the “Commons” is the result of a City charter amendment approved by voters in 2018. That charter amendment designates the “Center of the City” as a public resource to remain under City ownership for the purpose of an “urban park and civic center commons.” The CoC was established in 2020 and has met since 2021. (Legistar)

APPROVED: A subrecipient grant agreement with the University of Michigan will facilitate a universal basic income pilot program. The UM group – Poverty Solutions – will partner with the Steady company to disburse a total of $1,600,000 in federal ARPA funds to 100 local families (estimated $528 per month for two years). Staff memo explains: “Details on how individuals may be selected for participation in the program will be announced after the contract is executed.” (Legistar)

APPROVED: A construction contract for $2,759,293.42 with Bailey Excavating will replace a water main, make stormwater improvements, resurface roads, replace curbs, add bumpouts, improve sidewalk ramps, and add buffered bike lanes on Pontiac and Moore as part of the Pontiac, Swift, Moore and Wright water main and resurfacing project. (Legistar)

APPROVED: $7,543,000 construction contract with Cadillac Asphalt for resurfacing and rehabilitation of streets on the west side (Norfolk, Suffolk,Tudor, Dunmore, Winsted) and in Ann Arbor Hills (Burson, Avon, Stratford, Belfield, Devonshire, Melrose, Aberdeen, Hawthorne, Bedford, Exmoor, Newcastle, Edinborough, Stonehaven, Mills, Shannondale). The contract also includes traffic calming devices on Granger Avenue (Packard to State), planned improvements to the shared use asphalt path along Huron Parkway and minor repairs to stormwater structures, water supply systems, and sewage disposal systems. (Legistar)

APPROVED: Up to $206,367 to purchase a conservation easement on a 20-acre forested parcel along Zeeb Road between Jackson and Liberty Roads in Scio Township (DeVine property). Washtenaw County will contribute $150,000. This is a Greenbelt Purchase paid for with the Open Space and Parkland Preservation Fund. (Legistar)

APPROVED: A $8,133,255 contract with Enerlogics Networks for purchase and installation of solar arrays at City facilities (approved 1/9/23) was RESCINDED in order to approve a $7,499,999 contract with Melink Solar. The size of a planned solar array at Steere Farm – on the site of the city airport in Pittsfield township – will be reduced by nearly half (from roughly 605kw of solar to 303kw). (Legistar)

  • In answer to a question to the agenda, City staff explained (link) that “the initial proposed size has been flagged by DTE as problematic. We are not fully clear on why, but we are working hard to resolve the issue. As one way to help compromise, we are proposing a decrease in size at Steere Farm and a slight increase to the size of the Wheeler system to help move the project forward.”

APPROVED: A $200,000 amendment to a contract for legal services related to the Platt Convenience, Inc. v City of Ann Arbor lawsuit. With this amendment, the City will have spent a total of $810,000 on outside legal services to handle this case. (Legistar)

APPROVED: Council Rules amendment to allow pre-registration for public comment until 5 p.m. on the day of a Council meeting. In November 2022, a majority of Council eliminated open public comment at the end of City Council meetings, adding a requirement that all public commenters pre-register. This amendment extends the deadline for pre-registration of public comment by one hour. (Legistar)

  • The elimination of open public comment and the new policy of pre-registration (up to 4 p.m.) allowed that public comments may occur at the end of a Council meeting but only when the total of pre-registered comments exceed 45 minutes. Since this change, there have been no opportunities for public comment at the end of (and in response to what has happened at) a City Council meeting.

APPROVED: The Council Calendar will be amended in order to reschedule the Monday, July 3, 2023 meeting to Thursday, July 6, 2023. (Legistar)

APPROVED: By resolution, the City attorney now has the “authority to initiate and pursue litigation or other legal action on behalf of the City – including but not limited to, lawsuits, administrative actions, appeals, alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods, amicus curiae briefs, and settlements as a class member.” The City Attorney will use “their best professional judgement” and provide “timely report to Council.” In the City charter, only two positions are directly accountable to City Council: the City Administrator and the City Attorney. (Legistar)

APPROVED: The City Administrator will work with the Ann Arbor Housing Commission to evaluate how to leverage the proceeds of the Affordable Housing Millage (approximately $6 million annually) for bond financing of affordable housing units and/or acquiring additional parcels. The millage proceeds would be used to “pay back bonds directly or as credit enhancement to improve the terms of the bond.” Recommendations and proposed timing of bond issuance will be reported to Council by December 2023. (Legistar)

APPROVED: The City Administrator is directed to work with staff to “identify incentives that would support voluntary efforts by residents and businesses to increase emissions reductions through a transition to sustainable and clean heating as well as beneficial electrification.” A friendly amendment asks the City Administrator to provide a written progress report to Council on “internal processes, particularly in the development review process” by December 30, 2023. (Legistar)

  • This resolution repeats goals and strategies approved by a previous Council and identified as the responsibility of the Office of Sustainability and Innovations (OSI).
  • Page 32 of the A2Zero Climate Action Plan issued April 2020 (link) explains: “To support the electrification of appliances, the City of Ann Arbor will work to establish policies that promote electrification of heating and cooking systems by evaluating options in codes, inventive programs, and through other avenues.”

APPROVED (first reading): An ordinance amendment will clarify that bicycles impounded by the Ann Arbor Police Department may be sold at public sale or they may be donated to a charitable organization, such as Common Cycle Community Bicycle Repair, a local nonprofit. (Legistar)

APPROVED (first reading): An ordinance requiring landlords to provide their tenants with local voter registration information will be repealed. This is in response to court decisions that invalidated similar laws in Minneapolis and St. Paul (Minnesota), declaring them unconstitutional. Similar ordinances in East Lansing and Ypsilanti are currently the subject of litigation. City staff report that the Ann Arbor ordinance is not actively enforced and other methods of voter outreach are more effective. (Legistar)

APPROVED (first reading): An ordinance amendment will prohibit the sale of dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, long-lived birds, or large reptiles at pet stores, the roadside, public rights- of-way, commercial parking lots, outdoor special sales, swap meets, flea markets, or other similar events in the City of Ann Arbor. Animals may only be sold on the premises of a breeder, by a publicly operated shelter or rescue organization, or private nonprofit rescue organization. Pet stores may provide space and care for animals owned by a shelter/rescue organization, for the purpose of adoption. (Legistar)

A2Council Update Video

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for June 5, 2023 Part 1
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for June 5, 2023 Part 2
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for June 5, 2023 Part 3
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for June 5, 2023 Part 4

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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Ann Arbor City Council Meeting Summary

Three items related to the “Village of Ann Arbor” 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 (“Village of Ann Arbor”) (Legistar)
  • APPROVED: The City approves $31,369,715 in public funding for development of the “Village of Ann Arbor”. 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

The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners approved the Brownfield Plan for the “Village of Ann Arbor” on May 3, 2023

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: March 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 $1,360,502.72 construction contract with Bailey Excavating 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)

Two resolutions related to traffic calming

APPROVED: An Industrial Development District (IDD) is established at 3874 Research Park Drive (plus four adjacent vacant lots), as requested by Sartorius BioAnalytical Instruments, Inc. for Sartorius/Research Park. An IDD will allow for local Tax Abatement for the benefit of Sartorius, through an Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate. (Legistar)

APPROVED: Appropriation of $30,177.39 from the General Fund toward a Design and Cost Estimate of an East-West Pathway under the East Medical Center Drive bridge. (Legistar)

APPROVED: In anticipation of the retirement of current City Attorney Stephen Postema (3/11/22) and the employment of successor City Attorney Atleen Kaur (beginning on 4/11/22), Chief Deputy City Attorney Kevin McDonald is appointed Interim City Attorney from March 12 until April 10, 2022. Mr McDonald will be paid the current salary for the City Attorney while he serves as Interim City Attorney. (Legistar)

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for March 7, 2022 Part 1
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for March 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: December 20, 2021

This was the forty second 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.

CM Disch called in from Chicago, IL
CM Song called in from Honolulu, Hawaii

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APPROVED: Masks will be required for those attending in-person City Council meetings, starting in January 2022. Free masks will be provided. Remote public comment will be available outside of City Hall. An area at City Hall will be established for unmasked members of the public to watch meetings live and provide comment. (Legistar)

APPROVED: Council approves an employment contract with Atleen Kaur, who will serve as the Ann Arbor City Attorney, starting April 11, 2022. (Legistar)

Two items related to the proposed Mill Creek Townhomes development:

  • APPROVED: Rezoning of 32.6 acres at 3002 Chelsea Circle from R3 (Townhouse Dwelling) to R4B (Multiple Family Dwelling) to allow for infill development of apartment buildings (Mill Creek Townhomes). Current zoning allows for the development of ten housing units per acre and the new zoning permits up to fifteen housing units per acre. (Legistar)
  • APPROVED: A site plan for Mill Creek Townhomes that includes 383 dwelling units and 669 parking spaces with a 5,000-square foot community center at 3002 Chelsea Circle. This development will not fully comply with Electric Vehicle (EV) parking requirements but this site plan was granted a variance by the Zoning Board of Appeals. (Legistar)
  • https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2021/12/15m-apartment-development-gets-ann-arbor-councils-final-ok.html

APPROVED: The PUD zoning of Monroe and Tappan (“Casa Dominicks”) is modified to delay closure of a curb cut that is recommended in the Supplemental Regulations. Supplemental Regulations were written in 2010, as requirements to be implemented with a site plan for expansion. That expansion never took place, but a site plan was required as part of licensing for a provisioning center on the property. The curb cut currently provides access for a residential tenant. At first reading (11/15/21), the PUD was amended to require the removal of all impervious surface currently used as parking. At second reading, the PUD was further amended to remove two parking spots that have existed since the 1960s. (Legistar)

Two items related to allowing customers to opt out of automatic water reading:

  • APPROVED: An ordinance amendment creates an “Opt out” provision for properties that are not equipped with a device that allows automatic or remote reading of a water meter. Where the public services area is not able to install, repair or replace a meter, water may be cut off or property owners may be assessed a surcharge under an “opt out” provision. (Legistar)
  • APPROVED: A set of new fees and regulations is established for utility customers who wish to opt-out of the city’s current automatic remote meter reading equipment. Two options for opt-out are proposed. Customers may relocate the meter transmitter unit to an outside location and will be charged $115 as a one time fee (homeowners would be required to install an exterior wire to accomplish this). Alternatively, customers who wish to remove the meter transmitter unit will be charged $399 as a set up fee for installation of reading display equipment outside of the home, plus a $58 quarterly meter reading fee. (Legistar)
  • https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2021/12/ann-arbor-homeowners-who-dont-want-smart-meters-must-pay-extra-fees-city-decides.html

APPROVED: An ordinance amendment updates the list of substances considered intoxicating agents, clarifies that operating a motor vehicle while under their influence is a violation whether or not they were ingested legally, and updates pronouns for gender neutral language. (Legistar)

APPROVED: An ordinance is repealed and replaced to add Juneteenth and Indigenous Peoples Day to the list of referenced national holidays, add forfeiture of a firearm to penalties, incorporate state law and International Fire Code (IFC) definitions, and update pronouns for gender neutral language. (Legistar)

APPROVED: The City of Ann Arbor will participate in a settlement of national prescription opiate litigation. Per the settlement, three pharmaceutical distributors and one manufacturer will pay up to $26 billion over 18 years, which will be distributed to state and local governments. The state of Michigan expects to receive up to $800 million. Ann Arbor’s participation means that the City would receive funds for abatement of the opioids epidemic, e.g. treatment and prevention. (Legistar)

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for December 20, 2021 Part 1
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for December 20, 2021 Part 2
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for December 20, 2021 Part 3

Ann Arbor City Council: November 1, 2021

This was the thirty 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.

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Ann Arbor City Council Meeting Summary

APPROVED: A new Ward map adjusts boundaries to equalize the five local City wards, in response to the 2020 Census. As stated in the resolution: “The proposed changes were made with the goal of minimizing impacts; however, all five wards have some modifications, with Wards Four and Five moving more into the downtown area.” (Legistar)

APPROVED: Attorney Atleen Kaur will be offered the position of Ann Arbor City Attorney to begin at a time in 2022 to be mutually determined by her and the City Council. An employment agreement will be negotiated by the Mayor and brought back to Council for approval at the December 6, 2021 meeting. (Legistar)

APPROVED: City Council formally expresses opposition to the Secure MI Vote initiative, and any similar efforts to limit ballot access or restrict voting rights.  Council encourages residents to decline to sign the Secure MI Vote petition and directs that this resolution be sent to the Majority and Minority Leaders of the Michigan Senate, the Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives, the Minority Leader of the Michigan House of Representatives, and all elected officials representing Ann Arbor in the Michigan House and Senate. (Legistar)

On the Tuesday after this meeting (November 2, 2021), a city referendum election approved four ballot measures:

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for November 1, 2021

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: August 16, 2021

This was the thirty fourth 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.

CM Briggs was absent

CM Disch called in from Evanston, IL

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A Special Session was held before the regular Council meeting in order to approve the performance evaluation and employment agreement for Stephen Postema, City Attorney. That agreement included a lump sum payment, salary increase, and cashing out of 100 hours of vacation time. (Legistar)

Ann Arbor City Council Meeting Summary

APPROVED: The current Assistant City Administrator, John Fournier, is named Acting City Administrator through September 20, 2021 with salary adjusted (increased) to that of the City Administrator. The City will search for an external candidate to act as interim for a period of approximately one year. (Legistar)

APPROVED: A new ordinance bans sales, offers for sale, and displays for sale or trade of fur products in the City of Ann Arbor. A person may not distribute a fur product for monetary or nonmonetary consideration in the City. Exemptions include re-sale of used items (pawn or vintage), traditional tribal, cultural or religious practice, and sales permitted by state or federal law. Effective date of this ordinance is in one year, to allow time for businesses to sell off existing inventory. (Legistar)

APPROVED: A new ordinance will ban “conversion therapy” on minors within the City of Ann Arbor. It will be unlawful for any person who is licensed by the State of Michigan to engage in counseling, practice, or treatment that seeks to change, reduce, or eliminate an individual’s Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, or Gender Expression. (Legistar)

APPROVED: Downtown street closures will be extended to November 1, 2021. Main, W. Liberty, and E. Liberty will continue to be closed from Thursday afternoon to Monday morning. West Washington will continue to be closed 24/7. On football game days, Main Street will not be closed. (Legistar)

APPROVED: A “Social District” would be established downtown, allowing for shared outdoor dining space (and service of alcohol by licensed establishments). The social district will permit use of the right-of-way on Main, 4th, Washington, Liberty, and Ashley to promote social distancing on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 4 PM to 11 PM. (Legistar)

Three event related street closures were approved:

  • APPROVED: Street Closures for UM Go Blue Mix on September 4, 2021 (4 PM to midnight). Washington will be closed from Fletcher to Thayer. (Legistar)
  • APPROVED: Street Closures for the Mayor’s Green Fair on October 1, 2021 (3-11 PM). S. Main, Liberty and Washington will be closed. (Legistar)
  • APPROVED: Street Closures for the A2 Artober Fest the weekend of October 8-10, 2021. Fourth Avenue and Ann Street will be closed. (Legistar)

APPROVED: September 2021 is proclaimed Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Awareness month to increase the awareness and understanding of mental ailments, the need for appropriate and accessible treatment options, and the transformative power of psychedelic-assisted therapy for all those suffering or looking to improve their mental health. (Legistar)

APPROVED: A total of $59,000 will be distributed to twelve local entities, to cover city costs related to various community events: Art fairs (2021), Monarch Migration Festival, Taste of Ann Arbor (2021 and 2022), Veterans Day Memorial, Earth Day Celebration (2022), Fool Moon (2022), Festifool (2022), Standing Tough Against Rape Society (2022), Top of the Park and Summer Festival (2022). (Legistar)

APPROVED: Acceptance of four sidewalk connectors as public rights-of-way (off of Delaware & Morehead in Lawton neighborhood) (Legistar)

APPROVED: $87,450 to renovate and resurface tennis and basketball courts at Burns Park, adding a pickleball court. (Legistar)

APPROVED: Evergreen Downtown restaurant at 208 W. Liberty Street will be issued a downtown development district liquor license. This license will permit them to serve beer and wine. (Legistar)

APPROVED: The City will purchase a property at 519 Eighth Street for $180,000 plus costs (not to exceed $20,000) out of the Solid Waste Fund balance. The purchase of this property will ensure city access to a sanitary sewer main and also provide space for city vehicles (e.g. solid waste trucks) to turn around after servicing residents on Eighth Street. (Legistar)

APPROVED: The City Administrator is directed to evaluate interim measures that can be implemented to address reported flooding issues in the Narrow Gauge area and communicate a report to Council by September 16, 2021. (Legistar)

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for August 16, 2021 Part 1
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for August 16, 2021 Part 2
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for August 16, 2021 Part 3
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for August 16, 2021 Part 4

Ann Arbor City Council: August 2, 2021

This was the thirty third 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.

CM Radina called in from Roscommon, MI
CM Song called in from Charlevoix, MI

Legistar
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Ann Arbor City Council Meeting Summary

Two resolutions related to concluding employment with City Administrator Tom Crawford

APPROVED: The City’s Early Leasing Ordinance will add requirements: for leases longer than eight months, a landlord must communicate the terms of a lease renewal no later than 180 days before the end of the term. Landlords will not be permitted to show rental units to prospective tenants or enter into leases for a subsequent term until 150 days before the end of the current lease term. (Legistar)

APPROVED: Downtown street closures (Main and Liberty) for Taste of Ann Arbor on Sunday, September 19, 2021 (6 AM to 6 PM) (Legistar)

APPROVED: Street closures (E. Keech and S. Main) for home games during Michigan Football Season: 9/4, 9/11, 9/18, 9/25, 10/23, 11/6, 11/27 (Legistar)

APPROVED: Allocation of $439,780.38 to fill sidewalk gaps on Barton, Traver, Stimson, and Boardwalk. (Legistar)

APPROVED: A historic study committee will be established to make recommendations about the Robert Hayden House at 1201 Gardner Avenue. (Legistar)

APPROVED: Amendments to Council Rules will allow the Chair of a meeting (Mayor) to determine when any attendee has engaged in a personal attack that disrupts the meeting or (in language added) is “unrelated to Council business.” The Chair may make a call to order and mute any attendee who is attending remotely. (Legistar)

APPROVED: A ballot question for 11/4/21 will approve ranked choice voting in our local elections (if the state ever passes a law that would permit ranked choice voting). In a conventional election, voters communicate a single choice and, among multiple candidates, a contest can be one with a plurality rather than a majority of votes. A ranked choice system of voting would permit voters to “rank” every candidate for City Council and Mayor numerically in both our partisan primaries and general elections. Ranked choice voting would measure voter preferences more accurately in contests between more than two candidates. (Legistar)

APPROVED: A question will be put on the 11/4/21 ballot for a City charter amendment. The City charter will acknowledge a method for emergency procurement of supplies, materials, equipment, professional services, and construction services without obtaining prior Council approval and securing competitive bidding. The City charter would permit such emergency procurement, according to city ordinance. (Legistar)

APPROVED: A question would be put on the 11/4/21 ballot for a City charter amendment. The City Administrator would be permitted to make appropriations and purchases of up to $75,000 without competitive bidding or the approval of Council. (The amount of $75,000 would also be subject to adjustment for inflation.) Currently, the limit for such purchases is $25,000. (Legistar)

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

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

Ann Arbor City Council: July 20, 2021

This was the thirty second 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

Two resolutions related to concluding employment with City Administrator Tom Crawford

APPROVED: A timeline is established to search for and hire a replacement for City Attorney, Stephen Postema. A candidate will be chosen by November 15, 2021 and the term of employment will begin in March 2022. (Legistar)

APPROVED: $1,398,650 is allocated for debris removal and reconstruction of the road at Jackson and Maple (site of a water main break in June 2021) (Legistar)

APPROVED: $579,107 for improving universal access at the Argo Livery (Legistar)

APPROVED: Street closures are approved for the Ann Arbor Marathon on Sunday, October 24, 2021 (Legistar)

APPROVED: A site plan and development agreement will permit the construction of a five story, 95-room hotel at 300 W. Huron. (Legistar)

APPROVED: An amendment to the A2Zero plan, Strategy 6 will add the phrase “Implement Sensors to Monitor and Strategies to Manage Heat, Air Quality, Waterways, and Flooding.” (Legistar)

APPROVED: A question will be placed on the November 4, 2021 ballot to amend the City Charter. Currently, the Charter requires that City contracts be awarded to the “lowest responsible bidder” – this language would be amended so that City contracts would be awarded to the “best value” contract. (Legistar)

APPROVED: (back to first reading) The City’s Early Leasing Ordinance will add requirements: for leases longer than eight months, a landlord must communicate the terms of a lease renewal no later than 180 days before the end of the term. Landlords will not be permitted to show rental units to prospective tenants or enter into leases for a subsequent term until 150 days before the end of the current lease term. (Legistar)

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for July 20, 2021 Part 1
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for July 20, 2021 Part 2

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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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