A2Council Meeting Summaries

Tag: Renters

Ann Arbor City Council: June 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.

CM Song was absent
CM Watson was absent
CM Eyer left the meeting early

Legistar
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A2Council Update Video

Ann Arbor City Council Meeting Summary

APPROVED: Rezoning and site plan for a parcel of 1.2 acres at 721 S. Forest. The parcel is re-zoned from R4C to Planned Unit Development (PUD) to permit the construction of a 12 story building with 228 residential units: 733 bedrooms in a mix of studio and one to six bedroom units. The PUD and corresponding site plan includes 95 parking spots, rooftop pool, and a small retail space of less than 5,000 square feet. Supplemental regulations include a requirement for 15% affordable affordable units or payment in lieu. The developer has offered payment in lieu of $4.7 million to the Affordable Housing Fund and an additional $50,000 to the Ann Arbor Housing Development Corporation. (Legistar) (Legistar)

APPROVED: 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APPROVED: An ordinance requiring landlords to provide their tenants with local voter registration information will be repealed.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: 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)

APPROVED: Racial deed restrictions – now illegal and unenforceable – will be removed from County records for City-owned property at Allmendinger Park. The City will file appropriate paperwork with the Washtenaw County Register of Deeds in order to discharge the restrictions from deed records. (Legistar)

APPROVED: The City Administrator will implement a process for the collection of demographic information for all contractors, suppliers of goods, and service providers who submit bids or proposals to supply goods or services to the City beginning in Fiscal Year 2024. This information will be collected but “not directly factored into decisions to approve contracts.” (Legistar)

APPROVED: The City Administrator is directed to issue an RFP (Request for Proposals) in order to procure a a third party to implement an Unarmed Response program in the City of Ann Arbor. (Legistar)

APPROVED: City staff is directed to collaborate with the federal government on redesign and potential expansion of the pedestrian plaza at the 200 block of East Liberty Street. Staff explained at the meeting that a Downtown Area Circulation study is planned and will consider potential changes in the area. The anticipated study will consider the conversion of Fifth Avenue and Division Street to two-way traffic and expanded bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. (Legistar)

APPROVED: $1,003,000 construction contract with Cadillac Asphalt for replacement of asphalt pavement, utility structure repairs, curb ramp improvements, lane narrowing to accommodate bike lanes, and wider pavement markings on Ellsworth (S. State St. to Platt Rd.) as part of the Ellsworth Road Resurfacing Project. (Legistar)

https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2023/06/14m-project-to-improve-ann-arbors-ellsworth-road-to-start-in-july.html

APPROVED: $99,000 payment to settle litigation with a woman injured from an accident caused by a pothole. Christine Harris suffered severe injuries as a passenger on a motorcycle that hit a pothole in the City of Ann Arbor. This payment settles litigation filed in March 2020. (Legistar)

https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2023/06/motorcycle-rider-injured-by-ann-arbor-pothole-gets-99k-in-settlement.html

APPROVED (first reading): An Ordinance amendment to add Chapter 124 (Initiation of Traffic Stops) of Title IX (Police Regulations) of the Code of the City of Ann Arbor (Legistar)

APPROVED (first reading): The City ordinance for Solid Waste management will add a category – “Household Items” – that may be placed on the curb (public right of way) for up to 48 hours for the purpose of donation or re-use. (Legistar)

  • The ordinance cites examples of “Household Items” in good condition (suitable for re-use) that may be placed in the public right-of-way. Toxic, hazardous, construction, commercial, and demolition waste are specifically prohibited. The City reserves the right to remove any item that’s an interference to use or maintenance of the public right-of-way, a safety hazard, or otherwise not in compliance with the definitions for “Household Items.” In order to prevent illegal street parking or blockage of bike lanes, residents and property owners consent to the use of their driveways by anyone interested in viewing or taking an item. Within ten feet of a crosswalk or sidewalk/road intersection, household items may not exceed three feet in height.
  • DEFEATED: An amendment to limit these activities to the weekend (Friday noon to Sunday at 5 p.m.)
  • APPROVED: By resolution, the Community Standards unit of the AAPD is directed to comply with the terms of the ordinance amendment prior to final Council approval and effective date. (Legistar)
  • https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2023/06/putting-household-items-at-curb-for-others-to-take-no-longer-illegal-in-ann-arbor.html

APPROVED (first reading): Rezoning petition for the 1140 Broadway “Beekman on Broadway” development. The existing the C1A/R Campus Business Residential With Conditions zoning designation would be amended, lifting the requirement that a future building conform to a site plan previously approved. In 2018, the 6.4 acre property was rezoned from PUD (Planned Unit Development) to C1A/R with conditions, including a site plan that would attach to the zoning designation. The development at 1140 Broadway is comprised of three buildings, two of which are already built. The amended conditional zoning will apply to the third building and “enable significantly more dwelling units to be constructed within approximately the same approved building mass.” (Legistar)

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for June 20, 2023 Part 1
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for June 20, 2023 Part 2
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for June 20, 2023 Part 3
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for June 20, 2023 Part 4
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for June 20, 2023 Part 5

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.

Legistar
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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: October 3, 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: An ordinance grants tenants a Right to Renew a lease, subject to specific exceptions (“just cause” for eviction). Landlords would adhere to a timeline for communicating terms of renewal (or explanation of non-renewal) consistent with the Early Leasing Ordinance: tenants will receive a good faith offer to renew (or notice of non-renewal with explanation) no later than 180 days before the end of the current lease period. A tenant will have thirty days (up to 150 days before the end of the current lease) to accept/reject terms of renewal. A landlord’s failure to comply will result in payment of relocation assistance to the tenant equal to two months rent, based on the current lease. (Legistar)

APPROVED (first reading): One hundred ninety parcels along West Stadium Boulevard/Maple Road and additional parcels along Pauline Boulevard and Dexter Avenue will be rezoned TC-1. This zoning district (Transit Corridor district) will permit unlimited density, create height minimums except in close proximity to pre-existing residential areas, establish maximum (rather than minimum) parking requirements, require mixed use, eliminate any open space requirements, and eliminate side and rear setback requirements except where adjacent to pre-existing residential areas. (Legistar)

APPROVED: An affordable housing agreement for The Standard (South Main Street and East William Street) includes two affordable housing units (one bedroom each) to be administered by the County’s Office of Community and Economic Development (OCED) and offered at a rent level affordable to households earning up to 80% of AMI which will be available for 99 years. The site plan for The Standard includes 218 dwelling units and 421 bedrooms. (Legistar)

  • The site plan for The Standard was approved by Council on March 2, 2020. (Legistar)

APPROVED: The local state of emergency is terminated, effective immediately to be consistent with the lifting of state of emergency at the state and county level. City vaccination and electronic meeting policies would continue. (Legistar)

APPROVED: The City Administrator will prohibit right turns on red on streets under City control, in the downtown and near-downtown area as bordered by Kingsley St., State St., Hoover Ave., and First St. and coordinate with the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority to provide an exemption from these turn restrictions for AAATA buses at intersections that serve multiple or frequent bus routes. (Legistar)

APPROVED: City Council urges the DDA (Downtown Development Authority) to pursue installation of improved safety barriers at City parking decks, where people have been known to fall or jump intentionally or unintentionally. (Legistar)

DEFEATED: A charter amendment would be placed on the ballot 11/7/23 for voter approval, establishing non-partisan nomination and elections to the city offices for Mayor and members of Council. This removes party affiliation from the ballot and also ensures a contested election in November if more than one candidate files to run for the offices of Mayor or City Council. If there are two or fewer candidates, there is no primary election in August and the candidates appear on the ballot in November, without party affiliation. If more than two candidates petition to run for Mayor or City Council, all candidates would appear on a primary ballot in August, without party affiliation. The two primary candidates receiving the highest number of votes in August would then appear on the November ballot, again without party affiliation. (Legistar)

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

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

Ann Arbor City Council: September 6, 2022

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

Legistar
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Ann Arbor City Council Meeting Summary

APPROVED: A $458,797 professional services contract (plus $45,879 contingency) with 5 Lakes Energy, LLC to complete a feasibility study for a traditional municipal electric utility, other pathways, and next steps for initiation of a Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU). The Office of Sustainability & Innovation had already allocated $250,000 to this task, but an additional $208,797 was required for the contract. (Legistar)

POSTPONED: An ordinance to grant tenants a Right to Renew a lease, subject to specific exceptions (“just cause” for eviction). Landlords would adhere to a timeline for communicating terms of renewal (or explanation of non-renewal) consistent with the Early Leasing Ordinance: tenants will receive a good faith offer to renew (or notice of non-renewal with explanation) no later than 180 days before the end of the current lease period. A tenant will have thirty days (up to 150 days before the end of the current lease) to accept/reject terms of renewal. A landlord’s failure to comply will result in payment of relocation assistance to the tenant. (Legistar)

APPROVED: A grant application to the US Department of Transportation Safe Streets for All. This grant could result in $22,220,000 of investment over three years, with $5,520,000 (25%) local contribution. (Legistar)

  • The City’s grant application proposes these Transportation Safety Improvements:

    • Sidewalks
    • Accessible pedestrian signals
    • Crosswalk upgrades, including streetlights
    • Eisenhower Park path connector
    • Pedestrian signal performance measures
    • Bike parking
    • Protected bike lanes, bicycle boulevards, and other bike network safety improvements
    • Citywide speed reduction
    • Education campaign
    • Signal upgrades and near miss analytics
    • Traffic calming
    • Quick build projects
    • Micro-mobility enhancements
    • Program support and management
  • https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2022/09/22m-ann-arbor-proposal-calls-for-more-protected-bike-lanes-traffic-calming.html

APPROVED: A resolution expressing support for Michigan Senate Bill 58 and House Bill 4314, which would hold polluters accountable. These bills would require polluters to clean up contamination they cause to residential standards and restore affected aquifers to drinking water standards, unless meeting those standards would be technically infeasible. Council’s support for these bills would be communicated to any relevant party. (Legistar)

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for September 6, 2022 Part 1
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for September 6, 2022 Part 2

Ann Arbor City Council: August 15, 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: Three amendments to the Uniform Development Code (UDC): (Legistar)

  • A limitation on the number of State marijuana licenses per lot is removed, so that several licenses can be ‘stacked’ on the same parcel. Other restrictions – zoning district permitted use regulations, physical separation distances, and the maximum cap for provisioning center/retailers and designated consumption facilities – remain in effect. Added at the 7/18/22 Council meeting: an amendment to the requirement that all activities occur indoors will allow curbside service at marijuana provisioning centers, retailers, and microbusinesses.
  • New site plans include requirements and procedures for installing street trees in the right-of-way. Changes to linear frontage calculation will prevent overcrowding of trees. Escrow deposit and refund related to these tree plantings are eliminated.
  • For site plans, modification to landscape requirements is permitted under certain conditions. This amendment adds an eligibility requirement and re-organizes modification conditions, standards of approval, and approval procedures.
  • The Planning Commission approved these changes at the March 15, 2022 meeting: https://a2council.com/ann-arbor-city-planning-commission-march-15-2022

APPROVED: Amendments to the UDC changing parking requirements. Parking requirements are eliminated for residential dwellings, adult day care centers, child care centers, and outdoor residential recreation facilities. Eliminated: requirements for off-street parking spaces for residential units located more than 300 feet from a bus stop and in areas with limited street parking. Also eliminated: any requirements for a “Parking Plan” of proposed off-street parking and an analysis of public parking and transit facilities in the vicinity. Parking maximums are established for the Transit Corridor (TC-1) zoning district. Requirements for Electric Vehicle (EV) ready and installed parking are amended to only apply to newly constructed parking. (Legistar)

APPROVED: $4,577,354.95 contract for application of cape sealing pavement preservation treatment on 10 major streets and 38 minor/local streets. citywide crack sealing of approximately 10 miles of major streets and 25 miles of minor/local streets. (Legistar)

APPROVED: $639,726 construction contract (with $64,000 contingency) for filling sidewalk gaps on Ellsworth Road between State and Stone School. (Legistar)

APPROVED: A total of $2,045,700 in construction contracts for the resurfacing Scio Church Road between South Maple Road and South Seventh Street, filling sidewalk gaps on the north side of the road, installing three (3) new crosswalks, converting on-street parking into bike lanes, and adding stormwater infiltration. (Legistar)

APPROVED: $698,808.92 construction contract for pavement marking maintenance and A2 Vision Zero Quick Build Projects. (Legistar)

APPROVED: $121,978 contract for redesign of the City’s website. (Legistar)

APPROVED: $853,211 contract with the Ecology Center to provide Resource Recovery Education, Outreach, Engagement, and Marketing for five years. (Legistar)

APPROVED: For the purpose of running a gas line, the City will grant two easements to DTE Gas Company: 1) across the north end of Siller Terrace (south of Virginia Park) and 2) on the south side of Dexter Avenue near the intersection at N. Maple (northwest corner of Veterans Park). (Legistar)

APPROVED: The City Administrator is authorized to execute a letter to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) in support of noise abatement and an environmental impact study of noise on M-14 from Maple Road to Main Street. (Legistar)

APPROVED: The annual meeting between the City Council and members of the Downtown Development Authority will be cancelled for 2022. Cancellation of this meeting is a deviation from the parking agreement that requires these annual meetings. (Legistar)

APPROVED: The City will pay $24,500 to Deborah Gordon-Gurfinkel and Elihau Gurfinkel. This payment will settle a claim related to injuries caused by a trip and fall on a pothole on Sunset Road. The injury occurred in August 2020 when Sunset Road was designated as a “Healthy Street.” (Legistar)

TABLED: A resolution from the Renters Commission urges City Council to adopt an ordinance creating a Right to Renew for renters in Ann Arbor. This resolution was tabled at the request of the City Attorney’s office. A draft ordinance (attached to the resolution) grants tenants a Right to Renew a lease, subject to specific exceptions (“just cause” for eviction). Landlords would adhere to a timeline for communicating terms of renewal (or explanation of non-renewal) consistent with the Early Leasing Ordinance: tenants will receive a good faith offer to renew (or notice of non-renewal with explanation) no later than 180 days before the end of the current lease period. A tenant will have thirty days (up to 150 days before the end of the current lease) to accept/reject terms of renewal. A landlord’s failure to comply will result in payment of relocation assistance to the tenant. (Legistar)

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for August 15, 2022 Part 1
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for August 15, 2022 Part 2
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for August 15, 2022 Part 3
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for August 15, 2022 Part 4

Ann Arbor City Council: February 22, 2022

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

Legistar
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Ann Arbor City Council Meeting Summary

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

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

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

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

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

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

Ann Arbor City Council: 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

Legistar
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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

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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Voting Chart

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

Ann Arbor City Council: July 6, 2021

This was the thirty 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
YouTube
Newsletter
Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Meeting Summary

APPROVED: Amendments to the local Unified Development Code add a new zoning district: TC-1, Transit Corridor district. This zoning district will require that buildings be at least two stories, permit unlimited density, set maximum (rather than minimum) parking requirements, set height limits and reduce setbacks near pre-existing residential areas, and implement as yet undetermined requirements or incentives for sustainability, affordability, and public open space. (Legistar)

APPROVED: A development Agreement and Amendment to the Swift Run Service Center Planned Unit Development for the Wheeler Center Solar Array with Pittsfield Charter Township. The City has been working with DTE to plan for this solar array, as part of a settlement through the Michigan Public Service Commission. Solar installations at the Ann Arbor landfill will be a pilot program for Community Solar Offering, so the City (the “anchor tenant”) can sponsor the solar project and subscribers (any DTE customer – residential or business) will get the same deal per kilowatt hour as the “anchor tenant.” (Legistar)

APPROVED: Articles of Incorporation for the Washtenaw Regional Resource Management Authority (WRRMA). The City of Ann Arbor joins Ann Arbor Township, the City of Dexter, Pittsfield Charter Township, the City of Saline, the Township of Scio, the City of Ypsilanti, and the Charter Township of Ypsilanti in this regional authority. (Legistar)

APPROVED (First Reading): A new ordinance would grant tenants the ‘right to renew’ a lease (longer than nine months) for up to 150 days before the end of the lease term. This protection for tenants would extend the current “early leasing ordinance” for the same timeline: landlords will not enter the premises for the purpose of showing the premises to prospective tenants until 150 days before the end of the lease term. (Legistar)

APPROVED: A Council hearing was scheduled for August 4, 2021, on the topic of a complaint filed by Council Member Julie Grand against Council Member Jeff Hayner. Council Member Grand’s complaint is based on a phone conversation between Council Member Hayner and a journalist from MLive. The official complaint requests a reprimand of Council Member Hayner. According the Council Ethics Rule 12, any reprimand of a Council Member must result on one of three possible responses: dismissal without merit, a scheduled hearing before Council, or referral for other action to the appropriate governmental or law enforcement agency. The Council hearing may include accusers and witnesses. (Legistar)

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for July 6, 2021 Part 1 Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for July 6, 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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