A2Council Meeting Summaries

Tag: Sidewalks

Ann Arbor City Council: July 18, 2022

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

CM Eyer was absent

Legistar
YouTube
Newsletter
Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Meeting Summary

APPROVED: On-street parking will be removed on both sides of Barton Drive between Northside Avenue and Pontiac Trail to make room for bike lanes. (Legistar)

APPROVED: The City Administrator would be directed to develop a policy in the next 60 days for periodic, on-site spot checks of contractor compliance with prevailing wage requirements. He will provide an annual report on this topic for the next five years, including the results of these on-site spot-checks. (Legistar)

APPROVED: This resolution will convene a joint meeting of representatives from the Environmental Commission, Transportation Commission, Energy Commission, Commission on Disability Issues, A2ZERO Ambassadors, plus other community stakeholders in order to identify opportunities for greater coordination between the City’s transportation, safety, and sustainability initiatives as it relates to sidewalk expansion and maintenance. (Legistar)

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for July 18, 2022 Part 1
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for July 18, 2022 Part 2
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for July 18, 2022 Part 3

Ann Arbor City Council: June 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.

CM Disch was absent
CM Radina was absent

Legistar
YouTube
Newsletter
Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Meeting Summary

APPROVED: Location and hours of Ann Arbor City Clerk satellite offices on the University of Michigan campus to issue and receive absent voter ballots for the November 8, 2022 General Election. (Legistar)

  • University of Michigan Art Museum (525 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109)
    • September 27 – November 4: Monday through Thursday (12:00 PM – 6:00 PM) and Fridays (12:00 PM to 4:00 PM)
    • Saturday, November 5 (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
    • Monday, November 7 (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
    • Tuesday, November 8 (8:00 AM – 8:00 PM)
  • University of Michigan Duderstadt Center (2281 Bonisteel, Ann Arbor, MI 48109)
    • Tuesday, November 8 (8:00 AM – 8:00 PM)
    • October 12 – November 4: Wednesdays and Thursdays (12:00 PM – 6:00 PM) and Fridays (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
    • Monday, October 24 (12:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
  • https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2022/06/ann-arbors-2022-election-plan-includes-early-voting-at-university-of-michigan.html

APPROVED: A $932,365 contract for cost-sharing with MDOT to construct 1,010 feet of new sidewalk on the east side of Newport Road from Down Up Circle to Sunset Road, leading to Bird Hills Nature Area. The City’s share in the cost of the project will be $490,259. (Legistar)

APPROVED: $98,000 change order with CLI Concrete Leveling Inc. for the 2022 Sidewalk Repair Project, for a total of $191,600. Detailed inspections revealed more sidewalks slabs requiring sidewalk leveling than initially estimated, although City staff expects this this will likely result in a significant reduction in the number of slabs that require replacement. (Legistar)

APPROVED: $139,399.27 change order with Doan Construction Co. for the 2021 Annual Sidewalk and Ramp Repair Project, for a total of $720,962.42. The number of repairs needed in the planned 2021 areas was greater than the estimated quantity, requiring this change order which exceeds the $60,000 contingency originally approved by Council. (Legistar)

APPROVED: $3,050,000 to be spent on the purchase and installation of nine (9) solar energy systems on city sites at Veteran’s Park, Buhr Park, the Farmer’s Market, Gallup Canoe Livery, Cobblestone, Fuller Park, Leslie Golf Course, Burns Park Senior Center, and Huron Hills Golf Course. Energy storage and battery systems will be installed at Veterans Park and Burns Park Senior Center. Electric vehicle charging infrastructure will be installed at Veterans Park, Fuller Park, Leslie Park Golf Course, Huron Hills Golf Course and Burns Park Senior Center. (Legistar)

APPROVED: Eight (8) new on-premises Class C liquor licenses are recommended by the City, under the State of Michigan Liquor Control Commission’s quota system. (Legistar)

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for June 6, 2022 Part 1
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for June 6, 2022 Part 2
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for June 6, 2022 Part 3
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for June 6, 2022 Part 4

Ann Arbor City Council: May 5, 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.

Mayor Taylor was absent
CM Briggs was absent
CM Radina was absent

Legistar
YouTube
Newsletter
Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Meeting Summary

PUBLIC HEARING: There was a public hearing at this meeting related to the proposed FY23 budget, which will be voted on at the May 16, 2022 Council meeting. The proposed budget (and previously approved annual budgets) can be viewed here: https://www.a2gov.org/departments/finance-admin-services/financial-reporting/Pages/default.aspx#annualbudgets

APPROVED: The City’s Non-Discrimination ordinance is amended to clarify that “religion” may include hairstyles and religious head coverings. Definitions related to Gender Identity, Gender Expression and Sexual Orientation will change in order to match language in the Conversion Therapy Ban Ordinance. Amendments also lift the requirement that complaints be filed within 180 days. (Legistar)

APPROVED: An Industrial Facilities Exemption certificate for Sartorius BioAnalytical Instruments allows a 12-year abatement of local taxes up to $54,587,000 of real property site improvements and up to $8,943,000 of personal property. An Industrial Development District was previously established for Sartorius at 3874 Research Park Drive, making them eligible for local tax abatement. (Legistar)

APPROVED: This resolution addresses the Michigan No-Fault Auto Insurance Reform Act of 2019 that was implemented last July. That legislation reduced the required rate of reimbursement to long-term care and post-acute rehabilitation facilities for victims of motor vehicle crashes. New reimbursement caps have made it impossible for Michigan residents with severe brain, spinal cord, and other catastrophic injuries to find necessary care. This resolution endorses the efforts of our own State Representative Yousef Rabhi (State House Bill 5931) to fully repeal the 2019 law in anticipation of further reforms that enable the continued care of auto crash survivors and would address other discriminatory aspects of the law. (Legistar)

APPROVED: A $446,858.15 contract with Doan Construction for the “2022 Sidewalk Gap Elimination Project”, building sidewalks at Nixon Road and Travel Boulevard (leading to Logan Elementary), 2231 Platt Road, 1121 Saunders Crescent, 710 W. Stadium (Hutchins frontage), 2900 S. Main Street, and 1320 and 1330 Prescott Avenue. (Legistar)

APPROVED: A $1,722,742.98 contract with Bailey Excavating for utility projects in 2022.  Planned projects include: water main looping from Maple Road to Dicken Drive with a solid waste turnaround at the end of Dicken Drive, water main replacement and solid waste turnaround on Eighth Street, water main replacement on Sunrise Court, new storm sewer on Hiscock and a new sidewalk south of Summit. (Legistar)

APPROVED: A $6,930,000 contract with Cadillac Asphalt will resurface five miles on 31 local streets, improve 7000 feet of asphalt paths and sidewalks, including a location in Arbor Hills nature area. Also funded: previously approved traffic calming measures on Longman Lane/Fairview Drive and Northside Avenue. (Legistar)

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for May 5, 2022 Part 1
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for May 5, 2022 Part 2
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for May 5, 2022 Part 3

Ann Arbor City Council: January 18, 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
YouTube
Newsletter
Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Meeting Summary

APPROVED: The City Administrator will create a Request for Proposals (RFP) to “study the technical, legal, and financial viability of multiple potential pathways” toward sustainable energy. The study of “multiple pathways” will include a detailed technical, financial and rate analysis of a municipal electric utility that would replace DTE as well as a Sustainable Electric Utility that would supplement DTE service. This resolution also directs the City Administrator to propose a governance model for, conduct public outreach about, and draft an ordinance to formally create a Sustainable Electric Utility. (Legistar)

APPROVED: Five properties totaling 73.2 acres that are currently part of Ann Arbor township are annexed into the City: 1680 Dhu Varren (67.599 acres), 2670 Pontiac Trail (1.859 Acres), 2672 Pontiac Trail (1.256 Acres), 2678 Pontiac Trail (1.245 Acres), and 2682 Pontiac Trail (1.248 Acres). These properties are associated with a site plan for “The Village of Ann Arbor” that will include single-family homes, townhomes, and stacked multiple-family units at a density of less than 10 dwelling units per acre. At a future meeting, Council will vote on a request for R4A (multiple-family) zoning. (Legistar)

APPROVED: A City ordinance regarding disorderly conduct is repealed and replaced to add existing penalties, alter pronouns for gender neutral language, and remove provisions already covered by state law (Crime Victims Rights Act of 1985). These amendments are part of a Reform Project and will go into effect on April 15, 2022. (Legistar)

APPROVED: A resolution condemning antisemitism “calls upon the persons who rally to express antisemitism on Washtenaw Avenue to renounce extremism, disband, and cease their weekly show of aggressive bigotry” and affirms “support for the Beth Israel Congregation, their guests, and all members of the Jewish Community in Ann Arbor, each of whom has the right to worship, gather, and celebrate free from intimidation, harassment, and fear of violence.” (Legistar)

APPROVED: The City Administrator will analyze the staffing and cost required to clear snow on city-owned sidewalks and paths on the same timeline as is required for private property owners. City code amendments will be prepared to allow for discretion and educational opportunities in enforcement. The City Administrator will pursue better snow clearing strategies in the DDA district in collaboration with downtown partners and also encourage AAPS to clear snow on sidewalks adjacent to their properties. (Legistar)

REFERRED: A resolution directing the City Administrator to organize a dialogue among federal, state and local elected officials and University of Michigan leaders to discuss the development of 2000 units of workforce housing on UM North Campus. He would be directed to discuss this topic at quarterly UM policy meetings and report progress to City Council. This resolution was referred to the following commissions for discussion: Planning, Transportation, Energy, Environmental, as well as the local Economic Development Corporation. (Legistar)

APPROVED: As part of the 2020 & 2021 Sewer Lining project, $5,946,305 is allocated toward repair and maintenance of 65,000 feet of sanitary and storm sewer pipes and 50 sanitary sewer manholes. (Legistar)

Two resolutions related to downtown street closures:

APPROVED: The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) will hire a new executive director, Jeffrey D. Watson. (Legistar)

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for January 18, 2022 Part 1
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for January 18, 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.

Legistar
YouTube
Newsletter
Voting Chart

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 7, 2021

This was the thirty fifth 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: The Energy Commission will send a recommendation to Council by December 31, 2021 as to whether or not the Commission believes the City should undertake a feasibility study to understand options related to creating a municipal utility, including traditional and non-traditional models. (Legistar)

APPROVED: The City Administrator is directed to identify potential changes to City food purchases and submit a report to City Council before February 1, 2022 with recommendations, including an estimated cost. (Legistar)

DEFEATED: As part of a larger improvement project (installation of a larger pool pump house), the Racquet Club of Ann Arbor (3010 Hickory Lane) sought to waive the City requirement that they install sidewalks along Geddes Avenue and a portion of Hickory Lane south of their main entrance. City Staff recommended approval of this waiver; the Transportation Commission opposed it. (Legistar)

APPROVED: Amendments to the Unified Development Code will regulate Home Occupations to ensure that these uses do not have adverse impacts on neighboring properties, infrastructure, and safety. The occupation can consume no more than 25% of gross floor area of a dwelling unit and is limited to a maximum of 2000 square feet in an Accessory building. There can be no more than 24 client visits per day with hours of operation limited from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Heavy vehicles (more than 10,000 pounds) may not be regularly parked on-site. (Legistar)

APPROVED: Amendments to the City’s Outdoor Lighting ordinance will further regulate illumination after sunset and before sunrise. Amendments reference color spectrum management, glare, illuminance, and specific standards for “light trespass” on neighboring properties. Illustrations define and regulate appropriate “shielding” of luminaires. (Legistar)

APPROVED: $60,000 will pay for environmental services and remedial investigation of 2000 S. Industrial, where a 1,000-gallon underground heating oil tank leaked and contaminated the surrounding soils. The tank has been removed. This remedial investigation will inform an anticipated remedial action plan. (Legistar)

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for September 7, 2021 Part 1
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for September 7, 2021 Part 2
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for September 7, 2021 Part 3
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for September 7, 2021 Part 4

Ann Arbor City Council: August 16, 2021

This was the thirty fourth regular Ann Arbor City Council meeting since Governor Whitmer declared a state of emergency and stay-at-home order due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This meeting was held online via the Zoom application. Michigan Open Meetings Act changes effective April 1, 2021 require all Council Members to state their location.

CM Briggs was absent

CM Disch called in from Evanston, IL

Legistar
YouTube
Newsletter
Voting Chart

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

Ann Arbor City Council Meeting Summary

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

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

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

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

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

Three event related street closures were approved:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

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

Ann Arbor City Council: August 2, 2021

This was the thirty third regular Ann Arbor City Council meeting since Governor Whitmer declared a state of emergency and stay-at-home order due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This meeting was held online via the Zoom application. Michigan Open Meetings Act changes effective April 1, 2021 require all Council Members to state their location.

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

Legistar
YouTube
Newsletter
Voting Chart

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: June 21, 2021

This was the thirtieth 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
CM Song called in from Newaygo, MI

Legistar
YouTube
Newsletter
Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Meeting Summary

APPROVED: One year contract for temporary staffing to support seasonal workload fluctuation and to temporarily fill gaps in the Public Works department. (This appeared on our agenda as a three-year contract including an option to extend; at Council it was amended to one year.) (Legistar)

APPROVED: $554,704 to the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) from the Capital Improvement Bond fund, for streetscape improvements on Huron, First & Ashley, and William (e.g. protected bike lanes, streetlights, street trees, widening sidewalks, etc.).  Improvements on Division & William, and other areas within the development district are planned (e.g. replacing delineators on the bike path with curbs, installing raised transit stop on William, etc) (Legistar)

APPROVED: $215,030.64 contract for deployment of Healthy Streets 2021 on 34 residential streets, South Main, and Packard. Estimated total project cost is $353,973. (Legistar)

APPROVED: $1,299,868 contract with MDOT for depth milling and repaving of Plymouth Rd. at Murfin/Upland and Broadway (Plymouth Rd. Resurfacing Phase II) (Legistar)

APPROVED: $974,510 contract for replacement of 197 streetlights and maintenance for 68 streetlights as part of the 2021 Streetlight Replacement & Painting Project. (Legistar)

APPROVED: $445,000 for city-wide Pavement Marking Maintenance (traffic & bike lanes, intersections, crossings, etc.) (Legistar)

APPROVED: $42,510 purchase of five street light poles and fixtures for Stadium Boulevard (Industrial-Main and Hutchins-Maple) (Legistar)

APPROVED: One-year License Agreement to permit Spin, Inc. to distribute 400 scooters in the City of Ann Arbor (fee: $146,000) (Legistar)

APPROVED: Settlement with Michigan Environment, Great Lakes, & Energy (EGLE) regarding the wastewater treatment plant and phosphorus discharge limits under the National Pollution Discharge Elimination Program. (Legistar)

APPROVED: $915,177 five year contract for upgrades to tasers and body cameras for the Ann Arbor Police Department. (Legistar)

APPROVED: Amendments to the City’s non-discrimination ordinance to add protections for Race-Based hair discrimination by referencing “traits historically associated with race.” Amendments include specific mention of  hairstyles such as “braids, locks, twists, and wraps.” (Legistar)

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for June 21, 2021 Part 1
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for June 21, 2021 Part 2
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for June 21, 2021 Part 3

Ann Arbor City Council: April 5, 2021

This was the twenty fifth 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

APPROVED: Repairs to concrete pavement at S. Industrial (Eisenhower to Stadium). The $1,071,197.58 project will include re-striping to add north and south bound bike lanes throughout the corridor. (Legistar)

APPROVED: Sidewalk gaps will be filled at Newport/Sunset. The $120,000 project will be paid for with the Street, Bridge, and Sidewalk Millage. (Legistar)

APPROVED: Fair Chance Access to Housing – Criminal history will not be permitted as a determining factor in access to rental housing. An application for rental housing shall not require an applicant to disclose criminal history or authorize release of criminal history. (Legistar)

APPROVED: The City of Ann Arbor condemns hate crimes, hateful rhetoric, hateful acts against Asians and Asian Americans, white terrorism and white supremacism in all forms. The City encourages Asians and Asian Americans to report harassment, hate crimes, and discrimination to the Ann Arbor Police Department, the City’s Human Rights Commission, and/or the Michigan Department of Civil Rights. (Legistar)

APPROVED: This resolution expresses support for recommendations from the University of Michigan President’s Commission on Carbon Neutrality (PCCN). Recommendations include reductions in emissions and goals for carbon neutrality (exclusive of offsets) by 2040. (Legistar)

APPROVED: For the first citation of a season, the penalty for failure to comply with our snow removal ordinance is reduced from $100 to $60. (The snow removal ordinance requires making sidewalks, walks, and ramps free of snow and ice for their entire constructed width and length within 24 hours of a snowfall greater than one inch.) (Legistar)

APPROVED: The City Administrator will either establish a program of Subject Matter Expert response for public safety (in collaboration with Washtenaw County, Washtenaw County Sheriff’s office, “Subject Matter Agencies” and in consultation with the Independent Community Police Oversight Commission) or report on obstacles and ideas for overcoming them by December 31, 2021. The City Administrator may hire a consultant to help in this process and he is directed to include this endeavor in the Fiscal Year 2022 budget, while identifying sources of funding. (Legistar)

APPROVED: The City Attorney will review criminal ordinances that are enforced by the Ann Arbor Police Department and identify ordinance amendments that would be consistent with goals of the 2021 State Criminal Justice Reform Legislation and the general “spirit of progressive criminal justice reform.” Recommended ordinance amendments will be presented to Council before November 15, 2021. (Legistar)

APPROVED (First Reading): Amendments to an ordinance regulating Short term rentals, removing language that restricts location by zoning district. Short term rental is a newly defined use, added to the City zoning code. This change creates a new class of “legal non-conforming use,” permitting all current investment properties – non-owner occupied short term rentals established prior to March 1, 2021 – to continue operating indefinitely in residential areas. New investment properties would be prohibited in residential areas moving forward. (Legistar) (Legistar)

POSTPONED: Amendments to our early leasing ordinance will change a standard from 70 days to 240 days. A landlord would not be permitted to enter a leased premises for the purpose of showing it to prospective tenants or enter into a contract for a subsequent lease sooner than 240 days into a current lease. This agenda item was postponed to consider improved strategies for enforcement. (Legistar)

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for April 5, 2021 Part 1
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for April 5, 2021 Part 2
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for April 5, 2021 Part 3
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for April 5, 2021 Part 4

Subscribe To My Newsletter

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.

Subscribe