A2Council Meeting Summaries

Tag: Sustainability

Ann Arbor City Council: June 21, 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 Grand was absent
CM Hayner was absent
CM Song was absent

Ann Arbor City Council Meeting Summary

APPROVED: $7,496,424 Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Enerlogics Networks, Inc. will fund the installation, operation, and maintenance of solar infrastructure at seven locations at City facilities. The installations are predicted to provide over 3 megawatts of power. (Legistar)

  • A PPA was chosen as the preferred contracting vehicle because the City did not have the capital to directly purchase the solar installations at all sites outright. The PPA allows the City to use the power generated from the solar installations at each site, with additional energy usage purchased from DTE. At any point, the City can purchase the solar systems at fair market value; otherwise, the City will continue to pay the PPA for 20 years, with the option of extending the contract beyond that.
  • City Council previously approved $4.5 million in ARPA funds for this project. Under this agreement, the City will make an upfront payment of $3,419,000 using $3,100,00 from ARPA funding and $319,000 from the Public Safety Rebate associated with the Community Mental Health and Public Safety millage.
  • https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2022/06/ann-arbor-oks-8m-plan-to-go-solar-at-city-water-plant-other-locations.html

APPROVED: $520,172 contract with Enerlogics Networks, Inc will purchase and install solar energy storage and battery systems at the Water Treatment Plant and the Wastewater Treatment plant. This is funded from the Public Safety Rebate associated with the Community Mental Health and Public Safety millage. (Legistar)

APPROVED: $98,306 purchase of 13 electric vehicle charging stations at City facilities: Burns Park Senior Center, Fuller Park, Veterans Memorial Park, Huron Hills Golf Course, and Leslie Park Golf Course. This is funded from the Public Safety Rebate associated with the Community Mental Health and Public Safety millage. (Legistar)

APPROVED: $505,567 construction contract for repairs and renovations of the Bandemer Park Bridge.  Steel stringers will be replaced and floor beams painted, among other essential repairs to this pedestrian bridge. (Legistar)

APPROVED: $2,329,200 construction contract for work on a water main, curb ramps, crosswalks, and resurfacing of Platt Road from Packard to Huron Parkway. An amendment was approved directing the City Administrator to incorporate bike facilities into the final plan, in accordance with the City’s transportation plan, which identifies this corridor as an All Ages and Abilities Bicycle Route. (Legistar)

APPROVED: $4,230,895.60 construction contract for the replacement of asphalt pavement and installation of sidewalks, bike lanes, and stormwater upgrades at Geddes Avenue (Observatory to Highland Road) and Huron Parkway and Tuebingen. (Legistar)

APPROVED: Annexation of 5.71-acres at 2600 Pontiac Trail from Ann Arbor Township to the City of Ann Arbor. (Legistar)

APPROVED: Due to ongoing renovation and construction work by Ann Arbor Public Schools, eight polling places for the August 2, 2022 primary will be relocated. It is expected that all affected voters will be able to return to their usual polling place on November 8, 2022. (Legistar)

  • Ward 1 Precincts 2 & 3: Community High to Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum (220 E. Ann St)
  • Ward 2 Precinct 18: Clague Middle School to Thurston Elementary (2300 Prairie St)
  • Ward 3 Precinct 24: Tappan Middle School to Burns Park Elementary (1414 Wells St)
  • Ward 3 Precincts 27, 29, 30: Scarlett Middle School and Pittsfield Elementary to Mitchell Elementary (3550 Pittsview Dr)
  • Ward 5 Precinct 43: Bach Elementary to Pioneer High School (601 W. Stadium Blvd)
  • Ward 5 Precinct 47: Eberwhite Elementary to Slauson Middle School (1019 W. Washington)
  • Ward 5 Precincts 52, 53: Forsythe Middle School to Ann Arbor Open (920 Miller Ave)

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for June 21, 2022 Part 1
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for June 21, 2022 Part 2
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for June 21, 2022 Part 3
Ann Arbor City Council Voting Chart for June 21, 2022 Part 4

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

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: 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.

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: 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.

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: 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.

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: 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.

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.

Ann Arbor City Council Meeting Summary

APPROVED: Amendments to the local Unified Development Code add a new zoning district: TC1, 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

Ann Arbor City Council: February 16, 2021

This was the twenty 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.

APPROVED: Site plan for a two story 14,570 square foot parish addition at 2150 Frieze Avenue (St Francis Assisi). It is a Special Exception Use for a residential district. (Legistar)

APPROVED: Site plan for a six-unit 36 bedroom rental complex at 907 & 913 South Main Street (two existing houses will be demolished, lots combined). (Legistar)

APPROVED: $25,000 payment from the Police and Firemen’s Relief Fund to the widow of Craig Sidelinger (Ann Arbor Fire Department). (Legistar)

APPROVED: $83,085 for traffic calming treatments at Glenwood Road (from Overridge to Washtenaw). (Legistar)

APPROVED: $188,503 for outdoor pool UV disinfection improvements at Veterans Park, Fuller Park, and Buhr Park pools. (Legistar)

APPROVED: Resolution adopting energy criterion and principles to guide energy-related Investments in A2ZERO, as developed by the Sustainability and Innovations office. The City Administrator is authorized to take all necessary actions to implement this resolution. (Legistar)

APPROVED: Amendments to the City Attorney Contract will delay the timing to his personnel evaluation until next year, to include the Council Members seated in November 2020. (Legistar)

APPROVED: A street closure for the benefit of Conor O’Neil’s celebration of St. Patrick’s day at Main Street (between Liberty and William) from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. on March 17, 2021. (Legistar)

DEFEATED: A request for the City Administrator to determine the cost and feasibility of supplemental snow and ice removal of our pedestrian infrastructure to improve pedestrian safety in the downtown DDA district. (Legistar)

RECONSIDERED & APPROVED: New Council Rules initially approved at the previous meeting of 2/1/21 were brought back for reconsideration by CM Ramlawi. The rules were re-approved with a different vote split (8-3), with CMs Hayner, Nelson, Ramlawi voting “No”. (Legistar) (Legistar)

A2ELNEL Voting Chart

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

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.