A2Council Meeting Summaries

Tag: Greenbelt

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: January 9, 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: Brian D. Steglitz, P.E., F.ASCE, is appointed the City of Ann Arbor Public Services Area Administrator to oversee five units: engineering, public works, systems planning, water recovery and water resources. (Legistar)

APPROVED: Amendments to the “Best Value” purchasing ordinance. The original ordinance was approved in January 2022, in response to a City charter amendment approved by voters in November 2021. Before amendments to the charter, the City contracted with the “lowest responsible bidder.” (Legistar)

  • The following parts of the ordinance were amended:
    • The Best Value Purchasing (BVP) policy is not accepted by MDOT and other partnering agencies that help fund City projects. Amendments will give the City Administrator complete discretion to exempt contracts from BVP policy where third-party funding is a factor. Decisions will be made “at the sole determination of the City Administrator.”
    • Current BVP requirements are impossible to apply to simpler contracts, where only smaller firms are available to do the work but only larger firms can meet requirements such as apprenticeship programs. Amendments will apply Best Value Procurement policies only to contracts exceeding $50,000.
    • Current BVP policy refers to (and requires) a Michigan OSHA safety program certification that does not exist. Amendments will remove this reference.
    • Current BVP policy includes an evaluation of employment ratios for categories of employee – masters, journey persons, and apprentices – that are not recognized by the state of Michigan. Employment ratios for these categories are federal requirements through the Department of Labor (DOL). There is no published standard for ratios of these employees; they are determined by the DOL on a case by case basis. Amendments will remove the “completely redundant” criterion.
    • Current BVP policy does not require disclosure of non-craft employees or contract labor. Amendments will add disclosure requirements and preference to those companies that employ fewer non-craft employees.
  • The initial “Best Value” ordinance was approved by City Council at the January 3, 2022 meeting: https://a2council.com/ann-arbor-city-council-january-3-2022

APPROVED: Adoption of the 2023-2027 Parks and Recreation Open Space (PROS) Plan (Legistar)

Two Greenbelt conservation easement purchases were approved:

APPROVED: A 0.394 acre property at 2118 Victoria Circle will be annexed into the City. Council action on proposed R1A zoning will be scheduled after the annexation process is complete. (Legistar)

APPROVED: Two parcels adding up to 5.897 acres at 2520 & 2540 Pontiac Trail will be annexed into the City as part of the “Village of Ann Arbor” development site plan: 164 townhomes and 320 stacked multiple-family units. Planned use is consistent with the adjacent zoning, land uses, and master plan, Proposed zoning of R4A will be voted on by Council at a future meeting. (Legistar)

A2Council Update Video

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for January 9, 2023 Part 1
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for January 9, 2023 Part 2

Ann Arbor City Council: December 6, 2021

This was the forty first 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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APPROVED: Council appointments to boards, commissions and committees for the upcoming year are changed. Council Member Hayner now has no Council appointed positions. Council Members Briggs, Disch, Eyer, and Grand take positions formerly held by CM Hayner. Council Member Nelson is removed from Budget & Labor committee. Council Member Ramlawi is removed from Budget & Labor and Council Administrative committees. Council Members Disch, Grand and Radina take positions formerly held by CM Nelson and CM Ramlawi. (Legistar)

Two resolutions related to a proposed Climate Action Millage

  • APPROVED: A Climate Action Millage will be put on the ballot in the general election on November 3, 2022. A millage of 1.0 mills will be collected for 20 years, and is projected to collect $6.8 million in the first year. An earlier version of this proposal would have directed a special election in May 2022. In advance of discussion, a substitute version places the millage on the ballot in the regular November 2022 election. (Legistar)

    • DEFEATED: An amendment to change the term of the millage to ten years.

  • APPROVED: A Resolution of Intent lists the planned use and administration of funds collected from a proposed Climate Action Millage. (Legistar)

    • DEFEATED: A postponement in order to have this resolution reviewed and discussed by the Energy and Environmental Commissions.
  • A2ELNEL: Thoughts on the Climate Action Millage Proposal
  • https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2021/12/inaction-is-irresponsible-ann-arbor-climate-action-tax-headed-to-ballot.html

APPROVED: Council requests that the DDA extend the Curb Side Carry Out Program and continue the repurposing of 148 regular metered parking spaces through May 31, 2022. These spaces are repurposed to support dozens of local downtown business who must rely on take-out business in order to financially survive. (Legistar)

APPROVED: $1,093,021.50 allocated from the General Fund to support 6-month transition grants for area nonprofit service providers. This is a response to the end of the Coordinated Funding program and in anticipation of a new Human Services Partnership that is currently being developed between the City and the County. (Legistar)

Three resolutions related to Greenbelt purchases

APPROVED: Site plan for 106 North Fourth Avenue will allow for construction of a two story, 910 square foot addition at the rear of an existing one story office building. It is within the Fourth-Ann Historic district and the City Historic Commission. Council approval is required because this addition is more than 10% of the existing building. (Legistar)

Two resolutions related to electric vehicle chargers

APPROVED: $449,034 for engineering design services on a water main, resurfacing, crosswalk lighting, safety improvements, and a 2-way bike facility at State and Hill. (Legistar)

APPROVED: Winchell Park is renamed, in honor of former school board president Dr. Harold J. Lockett. (Legistar)

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for December 6, 2021 Part 1
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for December 6, 2021 Part 2
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for December 6, 2021 Part 3
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for December 6, 2021 Part 4

Ann Arbor City Council: February 1, 2021

This was the twenty first 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.

Legistar
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Ann Arbor City Council Meeting Summary

APPROVED: Rezoning and site plan for 2111 Packard to allow for development of a mixed use development. The project will include a 72 unit, 3-story apartment building with 118 bedrooms, 84 surface parking spaces, and 3642 square feet of retail space at each corner of the building that fronts Packard Street. (Legistar) (Legistar)

APPROVED: Rezoning (PUD) and site plan for 2195 East Ellsworth to construct a three-story, 168,130 square foot residential building and a 154-space surface parking lot (“Lockwood”). The project will include 154 independent senior residential apartments (89 one-bedroom units and 65 two-bedroom units) in a single building. The building will also contain a commercial kitchen and dining area, small barber shop, activity room, movie room, fitness room, and small clinic. (Legistar) (Legistar)

Three resolutions related to Greenbelt Purchases (One outside City limits, two inside City limits)

APPROVED: A contract change order for $1,194,560 to replace galvanized water service lines. State Law requires that water suppliers replace both the publicly owned and privately owned portions of galvanized service lines that are or were connected to lead. Regulations state that water suppliers must replace these lines at a rate of 5% per year beginning January 1, 2021. (Legistar)

APPROVED: Amendment adding $157,500 to the legal services agreement with Bodman, PLC to fund ongoing litigation related to the Gelman Plume contamination. (Legistar)

APPROVED: Special Event permit (through the end of 2021) for drive-through COVID testing site at Briarwood Mall, 100 Briarwood Circle (south of the former Sears wing). (Legistar)

POSTPONED TO INDEFINITE DATE: Direction to the City Administrator to determine the cost and feasibility of supplemental snow and ice removal of our pedestrian infrastructure to improve pedestrian safety. Targeted areas would include sidewalks, driveway aprons, bus stops, and crosswalk ramps. (Legistar)

Two resolutions related to the Council of the Commons

APPROVED: New Council Rules limiting public announcements and also discussion and debate of agenda items with reduced speaking times for Council Members (second speaking time limit changed from 3 minutes to 2 minutes), with a goal to end Council meetings before 11 p.m. Requests for additional discussion and debate of agenda items would require a 3/4 vote of approval (nine Council Members). Council members are directed not to “assail, question or impugn the integrity, character, or motives of another Member” in any context (inside or outside of the meeting). The Presiding Officer (Mayor) will have full discretion to determine whether this violation has occurred and either grant an offended Council Member two minutes of “personal privilege” speaking time or call a Council Member out of order for making the complaint. (Legistar)

  • DEFEATED: Amendment to remove additional two minutes of “personal privilege” speaking time.
  • DEFEATED: Amendment to remove “Redress of Grievances” process for the Administrative Committee to regulate communication of Council Members.
  • DEFEATED: Amendment to remove phrase “or in another public venue” that would allow the Administrative Committee to regulate communication of Council Members outside of public meetings.
  • DEFEATED: Amendment to move public commentary to the beginning of special sessions.
  • DEFEATED: Amendment to preserve three minutes of Public Announcement time for Council Members.
  • https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2021/02/ann-arbor-officials-divided-on-new-rules-about-personal-attacks-against-colleagues.html

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

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

Ann Arbor City Council: July 6, 2020

This was the 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.

Legistar
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Newsletter
Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Meeting Summary

DEFEATED: Collective Bargaining Agreement with Ann Arbor Police Officers Association (effective January 1, 2020 – December 31, 2022) (Legistar)

APPROVED: City Council endorses the resolution of requests from the Independent Community Police Oversight Commission (ICPOC) regarding policy and the Ann Arbor Police Officer Association Collective Bargaining Agreement (AAPOA CBA). Requests include additional transparency to ICPOC (availability of personnel files), policies for discipline, and procedures for termination (elimination of binding arbitration). (Legistar)

APPROVED: Two contracts ($3,364,492.95 and $3,429,675) for two years of services for sewer televising and cleaning construction. (Legistar)

Three Greenbelt purchases approved:

  • APPROVED: $73,593 for Greenbelt purchase of 27 acres in Northfield Township. (Legistar)
  • APPROVED: $115,830 for Greenbelt purchase of 13 acres in Scio Township. (Legistar)
  • APPROVED: $60,000 for Greenbelt purchase of 40 acres in Ann Arbor Township. (Legistar)

Two Healthy Streets resolutions approved:

APPROVED: The City Administrator is directed to develop a plan to review and increase use of our Poverty Exemption Program that waives property taxes for low income residents. To be reviewed: increasing public awareness, raising the income level for eligibility, and simplifying the application process. (Legistar)

APPROVED: Application of any new C1 and C1A/R zoning requiring site plan approval is suspended for 180 days so that the Planning Commission can evaluate the continued viability of the C1A and C1A/R districts (central, campus business districts) and make recommendations whether to eliminate the C1A and C1A/R zoning districts. (Legistar)

APPROVED: The City property at 415 W. Washington is pre-entitled for plan approval to be conducted through a Planned Unit Development and Concept Plan, or another mechanism toward the realization of goals with a future development partner. Ann Arbor Housing Commission is the applicant, and the City is reviewer/property owner. Recommendations would be presented to the City Council by March 19, 2021. (Legistar)

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for July 6, 2020 Part 1
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for July 6, 2020 Part 2
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for July 6, 2020 Part 3
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for July 6, 2020 Part 4

Ann Arbor City Council: February 19, 2019

This Ann Arbor City Council meeting was held in person at City Hall.

Legistar
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Newsletter
Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Meeting Summary

APPROVED: Waive employment restriction for Independent Community Police Oversight Commission for temporary City employees with 7 or fewer paychecks per year (Legistar)

DEFEATED: Resolution to ensure compliance with process for appointments to Independent Community Police Oversight Commission (Legistar)

APPROVED: Agreement for public/private, collaborative partnership between the TreeLine Conservancy and the City. The City will seek grants and other funding and retains ownership of the infrastructure, while the Conservancy provides support in consultation, advice, donations, and fundraising. (Legistar)

APPROVED: $546,924 for replacement of 73 street lights in parts of Fourth Avenue and Liberty Street (Legistar)

APPROVED: Site plan for 814-830 Henry Street (Legistar)

APPROVED: Direct City attorney to stay proceedings, consider alternative site plan for 2857 Packard (Legistar)

DEFEATED: $732,992 Lower Town Area Mobility Study (Legistar)

  • This was a budget amendment to the FY19 budget and required 8 votes​
  • The cost of the study was later reduced by staff negotiations to $649,478 ($579,478 plus $70,000 contingencies), added to the FY20 budget by Council on Mar 4 2019, and approved by Council on Sept 3, 2019 

APPROVED: $478,867 for Greenbelt purchase of Conservation Easement on the Lepkowski Property in Northfield Township (Legistar)

  • This purchase was initially defeated at the Jan 7, 2019 Council meeting​

A2ELNEL: Additional Thoughts (Feb 17, 2019) – Greenbelt Purchases

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for February 19, 2019 Part 1
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for February 19, 2019 Part 2

Ann Arbor City Council: January 7, 2019

This Ann Arbor City Council meeting was held in person at City Hall.

Legistar
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Newsletter
Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Meeting Summary

DEFEATED: An ordinance to amend our water rates, increasing them by 6% (Legistar)

  • Note: this passed at the May 6, 2019 Council meeting, after study completed of alternative fee structures

APPROVED:  An ordinance to amend our sewer rates, increasing them by 6% (Legistar)

DEFEATED: $478,867 for Greenbelt purchase of conservation easement at Lepkowski property in Northfield township (Legistar)​​

A2ELNEL: Commissions and Transparency

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for January 7, 2019

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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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