A2Council Meeting Summaries

Tag: East Medical Center Drive Bridge

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.

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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: February 21, 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.

Mayor Taylor was absent
CM Briggs was absent
CM Song was absent

Legistar
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Ann Arbor City Council Meeting Summary

APPROVED: A resolution directing a new beginning of collaboration with the University of Michigan for reconstruction of the East Medical Center Drive bridge at an added cost of $2,050,000. The City’s contribution will be $500,000. Construction will be delayed to 2024. (Legistar)

  • This resolution was added to the January 23, 2023 agenda in substitution for a construction contract that would have rehabilitated and widened the East Medical Center Drive bridge in the 2023 construction session. It was postponed twice before approval at this meeting.
  • In discussion on January 23, 2023, City Council added language to the resolution requiring physical barriers as part of the sidewalk design. At the February 21, 2023 meeting, this reference to barriers was removed by friendly amendment. City staff explained that such barriers could only be installed on one side, would not provide additional safety, and would cost over a million dollars to implement.
  • https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2023/02/ann-arbor-oks-compromise-for-michigan-medicine-bridge-widening.html

APPROVED: A grant application to the U.S Department of Energy will ask for funds to support a Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU) and design, installation, and testing of microgrids at Bryant, Main Street, and a not-yet-built development to be determined. The federal Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) grant program can award a maximum of $250 million with fifty percent local matching funds. The City department of Sustainability and Innovations Sustainability & Innovations plans to request $40 – $50 million, with the City providing the majority of matching funds with proceeds from a millage approved by voters in November 2022. (Legistar)

APPROVED: An agreement with University of Michigan for $450,000 will support water treatment services. As part of preparation for a new water treatment plant, the City will run a “pilot water treatment plant”: a smaller-scale production system, to test and validate the proposed treatment changes before detailed design and construction of the new facility. The approved agreement is a partnership allows faculty and students from the University of Michigan to provide operational assistance, sampling, laboratory testing, data collection, analysis and reporting services for the pilot plant. (Legistar)

APPROVED: Amendments of the City’s Non-Discrimination ordinance. This ordinance prohibits discrimination based on a number of identities/circumstances such as actual or perceived age, arrest record, color, disability, educational association, ethnicity, etc. As amended, language is to added to include use of a “government issued ID card” to this list. A government-issued ID card is defined in the ordinance: one that may be issued by a federal, state or local government, specifically Washtenaw County. The ordinance prohibits discrimination against someone for use of such cards, except where there is “reasonable grounds” for determining it is counterfeit/improper or where federal/state law or court order requires different identification. (Legistar)

APPROVED: An agreement with Elevate Energy for $300,000 will provide administration and distribution services for a Low-Income Sustainability Grant program. The grant program will support households below 80% Area Median Income (AMI) with up to $10,000 for improvements that support home comfort, safety and efficiency. (Legistar)

APPROVED: An Ordinance amendment to repeal and replace the whole of Chapter 19 (Tax Exemptions for Housing Projects). This Chapter allows property tax exemption for certain low-income housing projects, also known as a PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes). Currently, the chapter allows tax exemptions for affordable housing projects priced at 60% Area Median Income (AMI). The new Chapter allows tax exemption for housing projects priced at 80% AMI. (Legistar)

APPROVED: By resolution, Council approved a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) for the Annex Group, which plans to acquire and develop 2050 Commerce Drive with 250 affordable homes, with an average household income at or below 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). This project is newly eligible for PILOT due to final approval of the ordinance change in B-1 (see above). The changes in B-1 expand tax exemptions to housing projects for persons and families earning up to 80% of Area Median Income with a project average of 60% of Area Median Income. The housing project will be exempted from all ad valorem property taxes and shall pay an annual service charge in lieu of taxes equal to one dollar ($1.00) for each eligible housing unit in the housing project. (Legistar)

APPROVED: A resolution asking the City’s lobbyist to monitor, advocate for, and support common-sense gun safety legislation, including but not limited to, safe storage laws, universal background checks, extreme risk protection orders, protection for domestic violence survivors, and restoration of local control over firearms on public property. Note: the possession of weapons or firearms in public places is governed by state law. (Legistar)

POSTPONED: Street closures scheduled for April 1, 2023 would have permitted the Monroe Street Fair to take place adjacent to the Hash Bash. For over twenty years, the Fair has traditionally been held in coordination with the Hash Bash, providing restrooms and space for attendees of the Hash Bash to congregate. Last year and this year, the U of M plans to host the Spring Game on the same day. The City’s Fire Chief and Interim Police Chief asked Council to reject the permit for the Monroe Street Fair, because the combination of all three events in close proximity were a safety concern, compromising emergency response time. Council postponed making a decision until the next meeting on March 6, 2023. (Legistar)

A2Council Update Video

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for February 21, 2023 Part 1
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for February 21, 2023 Part 2
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for February 21, 2023 Part 3

Ann Arbor City Council: February 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.

CM Ghazi-Edwin was absent
CM Watson was absent

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Ann Arbor City Council Meeting Summary

Attached to this agenda was a communication from City Administrator Dohoney: a report on a survey conducted in 2022, regarding compliance with the City’s Prevailing Wage Ordinance. (Legistar)

APPROVED: Amendments to the UDC eliminate current exceptions and revise standards for alternative stormwater detention to allow more staff flexibility when site constraints make it infeasible to meet the full detention volume requirement. An exception for developments that do not increase total impervious surface has been eliminated; all site plans for developments over one acre in size must address the “First Flush” (first inch of runoff). Impervious areas related to ADA improvements, public sidewalk improvements, and existing areas on Historic structures are no longer exempted from stormwater management requirements. Requirements will not apply to sites less than one acre in size where there is no increase in impervious area. Amendments reorganize standards and requirements for stormwater management. (Legistar)

APPROVED: A property at 530 N. Division is rezoned from R4C (Multiple Family Dwelling District) to Planned Unit Development (PUD). As zoned R4C, the 0.19 acre parcel is permitted to have three units but it is currently nonconforming and contains four units. The rezoning to PUD will permit a three story addition on the rear of the quad-plex, each containing a six bedroom unit plus a below grade unit. (Legistar)

APPROVED: A site plan for 530 N. Division permits a three story addition on the rear of the quad-plex, each containing a six bedroom unit plus a below grade unit. (Legistar)

APPROVED: The Robert and Erma Hayden House at 1201 Gardner Avenue will be established as a historic district. (Legistar)

APPROVED: Street closure for the University of Michigan Presidential Inauguration Public Reception from 6:00 AM on Monday, March 6 until 8:00 PM on Wednesday, March 8, 2023. Washington Street between Fletcher and Thayer. (Legistar)

APPROVED: (first reading): 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 will be 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)

POSTPONED: A resolution directing a new beginning of collaboration with the University of Michigan for reconstruction of the East Medical Center Drive bridge at an added cost of $2,050,000. The City’s contribution will be $500,000. Construction will be delayed to 2024. Resolution is postponed to February 21, 2023. (Legistar)

A2Council Update Video

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

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

Ann Arbor City Council: January 23, 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

APPROVED: $5.7 million contract with Bailey Excavating for water main replacement and resurfacing at South Main from William to Huron. (Legistar)

POSTPONED: A resolution directing a new beginning of collaboration with the University of Michigan for reconstruction of the East Medical Center Drive bridge at an added cost of $2,050,000. The City’s contribution will be $500,000. Construction will be delayed to 2024. (Legistar)

APPROVED: The City will pay $39,000 to settle litigation related to a low-speed rear-end motor vehicle accident with an unmarked police vehicle that occurred on June 14, 2019. The City denies allegations that an AAPD officer caused neck and back injuries and associated damages and the lawsuit will be settled without an admission of liability. (Legistar)

APPROVED: Ann Arbor will be listed as a supporting municipality to the brief of amici curiae filed by Public Rights Project in Biden v State of Nebraska and Dep’t of Education v Brown. This Supreme Court case is a challenge to the Biden Administration’s executive authority to cancel $10,000 in student loan debt for those under certain income thresholds and an additional $10,000 for Pell Grant recipients. (Legistar)

A2Council Update Video

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for January 23, 2023 Part 1
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for January 23, 2023 Part 2

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.

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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: 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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Newsletter
Voting Chart

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: 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: September 20, 2021

This was the thirty sixth 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 Eyer called in from Mackinac Island, MI

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Ann Arbor City Council Meeting Summary

APPROVED: A new ordinance will regulate the operation of “personal mobility devices” (e-scooters, bicycles, e-bikes, and skateboards) in the City of Ann Arbor, giving these devices the same rights and duties as motorists on the roadway. On sidewalks and at crosswalks, they must yield to pedestrians. Such devices should be parked in the manner that would be legal for a bicycle and they may also be parked on a highway or street where parking is allowed for motor vehicles. Personal mobility devices can be seized and impounded by the city. (Legistar)

APPROVED: City ordinance is amended to add definition of “Dangerous Animals,” including those that have “Repeatedly attacked, chased, provoked, or menaced any person or dog.” Violation of any city ordinance related to animals – birds, bees, chickens, ducks, dogs and other animals— will be subject to a fine of no more than $500. Violation of city ordinances related to poisoning animals, harming wild birds or their occupied nests, trapping animals, and owning a vicious dog shall be misdemeanors, subject to a fine (no more than $500) or imprisonment of not more than 90 days, or both. (Legistar)

APPROVED: A Renters Commission will be appointed by the Mayor and be “representative of various renter perspectives in the City, such as student, youth, low-income, LGBTQ, immigrant, persons with criminal records, persons receiving rental subsidies, cooperative or group housing, tenant advocacy groups, persons who have experienced homelessness, or historically underrepresented groups.” The Renters Commission will “advise the City Council and City Administrator on matters affecting renters in the City.” The eleven members will include no more than two (nonvoting) members who are representative of different landlord perspectives in the City. (Legistar)

POSTPONED: 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: Resolution appointing members of the Hayden House Historic District Study Committee. (Legistar)

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

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