Ann Arbor City Council Meeting Summaries
Accessible from A2COUNCIL.com and A2ELNEL.com/A2COUNCIL
For each City Council meeting, I have provided links to the City's Legistar website, CTN's YouTube video, and links to my newsletters and voting charts that I publish on A2ELNEL.com. I have listed agenda items of interest from each meeting, along with Legistar links, articles I've written (highlighted purple), and articles published on MLive. Look for highlighted text to find votes on development, affordable housing, and the City's Sustainability and Innovations department.
April 19, 2021
This was the twenty sixth regular 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.
April 5, 2021
This was the twenty fifth regular 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.
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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These proposed ordinance amendments will have a second reading on April 19, 2021
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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)
March 15, 2021
This was the twenty fourth regular 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.
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APPROVED: Beginning April 1 (through August 30), downtown street closures will be permitted so that restaurants and retail businesses adjacent or near to the closed streets are able to use the street for seating and sales. It will happen on the weekends (4 PM Thursday through 6 AM Monday) at the locations below: (Legistar)
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Main Street from William to Washington
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West Liberty Street from Ashley to Main
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East Liberty Street from Main to Fourth and from Maynard to State
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West Washington Street from Ashley to Main
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State Street from Washington to William
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Maynard Street on the east side or northbound portion only from Liberty to William
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APPROVED: Contract for $65,800 for OHM Advisors, Inc. to perform pavement condition rating services. Every two years, the city’s paved street system is assessed and rated with statistical reports. This contract will run through 2025. (Legistar)
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Note: The city terminated a previous contract (2019) with Hennessey Engineering intended to provide the same service through 2025.
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APPROVED: Contract for $1,393,088.95 with Bailey’s Excavating to replace water mains at Dunmore, Waverly, Weldon, and Hartford. (Legistar)
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NOTE: This agenda item was a substitute for the staff-recommended contract with DiPonio Contracting for the same job at a cost of $1,311,467. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: A site plan for construction of a one-story 24,529-square foot retail building with 81 parking spaces at 300 South Maple (where The Quarter was previously located). Lewis Jewelers will be one of multiple tenants. The development includes construction of a pedestrian connection (sidewalk) to Westgate Shopping Center. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: March 31 will be recognized on an annual basis as Transgender Day of Visibility by flying a transgender pride flag at City Hall, evaluating non-discrimination laws and policies, and reaffirming support and commitment to a diverse, equitable and welcoming community. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: A “Fair Chance” ordinance was approved at “first reading.” The ordinance will prohibit landlords from using criminal history 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)
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Note: This ordinance was approved at “first reading” on 3/1/21. The vote at this meeting should have been final approval at "second reading" but significant amendments were made by legal staff, putting it back to “first reading".
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Additional Thoughts (Feb 27, 2021) - Fair Chance & Early Leasing Ordinances
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APPROVED: The city administrator will receive and track revenue from Marijuana Excise Tax so that those funds can be directed in a way that “intentionally reinvests in our community, acknowledges the past harm of criminalization, and supports populations disproportionately and negatively impacted by the 'War on Drugs'.” (Legistar)
March 1, 2021
This was the twenty third regular 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.
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APPROVED: A five year services contract with Recycle Ann Arbor (RAA) for collection of residential customer recyclables. The estimated cost for these services is $7,039,862.40 with an option to extend for two years (estimated additional cost of $3,043,149.60). (Legistar)
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APPROVED: The Malletts Creek/Churchill Downs Park Detention Pond Project will move forward with the City assuming the full cost: $3,050,000. This has been designed and will be constructed by the Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner's Office because it is in the Mallets Creek Drain Drainage District. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: The City Administrator and City Attorney, and Parks Advisory Commission will evaluate the preliminary feasibility of alternative development of 2857 Packard Road. The property is currently the subject of a Consent Judgement but the property owner is now in discussion with others (e.g. THRIVE collaborative) about an alternative development. Council will receive a proposed process for considering an alternative development and enough information to determine what is in the best interests of the City. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Sidewalk cafes will be permitted and regulated by the City on “trunk lines” in the city that are technically Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) rights of way: Jackson, Huron, N. Main, and Washtenaw. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: A liquor license for a new bar and record store (Up From the Skies, LLC) at 210 S. Main. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: The cost of Liquor Licenses will be reduced to $50 for the year 2021. (The fee was previously set at $90.) (Legistar)
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APPROVED: City Attorneys will prepare legal memos on the topic of First Amendment issues and Council Rules amendments. This was a substitution for the original resolution, which would have waived privilege on legal memos on the same topic that were sent to Council on 1/30/21 and 2/8/21. (Legistar)
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Several days after this Council meeting, the Washtenaw County ACLU Lawyers Committee sent a letter to City Council.
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APPROVED: The City Administrator will realign City policies, procedures, and budgets to ensure the winter maintenance of the municipal sidewalk network, with the immediate goal to eliminate snow piles in crosswalks, sidewalk ramps, and on crossing islands that impede access to bus stops. The City Administrator will “pilot solutions” on major transit corridor(s) and in the DDA. (Legistar)
February 16, 2021
This was the twenty second regular 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.
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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)
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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)
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APPROVED: $25,000 payment from the Police and Firemen’s Relief Fund to the widow of Craig Sidelinger (Ann Arbor Fire Department). (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $83,085 for traffic calming treatments at Glenwood Road (from Overridge to Washtenaw). (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $188,503 for outdoor pool UV disinfection improvements at Veterans Park, Fuller Park, and Buhr Park pools. (Legistar)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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This was a 7-4 vote, with "Yes" votes from Mayor Taylor and CMs Briggs, Disch, Eyer, Grand, Radina, Song.
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This resolution was vetoed by Mayor Taylor on Feb 20, 2021 (Legistar)
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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)
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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)
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DEFEATED: Motion to postpone consideration of new Council Rules to the 3/22/21 meeting to allow review by the ACLU.
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DEFEATED: Amendment to strike the last two new paragraphs relating to "personal privilege" and "redress of grievances".
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Additional Thoughts (Feb 13, 2021) - Council Rules and Snow Removal
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February 1, 2021
This was the twenty first regular 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.
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APPROVED: Rezoning and site plan for 2111 Packard to allow for development of a mixed use development. The project will include a 72 unit, 3-story apartment building with 118 bedrooms, 84 surface parking spaces, and 3642 square feet of retail space at each corner of the building that fronts Packard Street. (Legistar) (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Rezoning (PUD) and site plan for 2195 East Ellsworth to construct a three-story, 168,130 square foot residential building and a 154-space surface parking lot (“Lockwood”). The project will include 154 independent senior residential apartments (89 one-bedroom units and 65 two-bedroom units) in a single building. The building will also contain a commercial kitchen and dining area, small barber shop, activity room, movie room, fitness room, and small clinic. (Legistar) (Legistar)
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Three resolutions related to Greenbelt Purchases (One outside City limits, two inside City limits)
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APPROVED: Greenbelt purchase of 375 acres in Salem Township, ultimately costing the City $1,122,367 (30% of the purchase price). This would be the largest Greenbelt purchase in the history of the program. Cost-sharing terms with the County and use of grant funds (to reimburse the City) make up a total purchase price of $3,570,000.00. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Parkland purchase (in city limits) of 3.77 acres of woodland adjacent to Mary Beth Doyle Park, with frontage on Cardinal Avenue at a cost of $1,507,500.00. This purchase was recommended for improved access to existing city parkland. (Prior to purchase, the parcel was zoned as a PUD, which would have permitted the construction of nineteen homes.) (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Parkland purchase (in city limits) of 0.6 acres at 2570 Dexter Road for $211,500. The parcel will offer park amenities that don’t exist at nearby Veterans Park (e.g. basketball courts) and can serve the residents at the West Arbor affordable housing development. (Legistar)
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Additional Thoughts (Jan 30, 2021) - Three Greenbelt Purchases
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APPROVED: A contract change order for $1,194,560 to replace galvanized water service lines. State Law requires that water suppliers replace both the publicly owned and privately owned portions of galvanized service lines that are or were connected to lead. Regulations state that water suppliers must replace these lines at a rate of 5% per year beginning January 1, 2021. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Amendment adding $157,500 to the legal services agreement with Bodman, PLC to fund ongoing litigation related to the Gelman Plume contamination. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Special Event permit (through the end of 2021) for drive-through COVID testing site at Briarwood Mall, 100 Briarwood Circle (south of the former Sears wing). (Legistar)
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POSTPONED TO INDEFINITE DATE: Direction to the City Administrator to determine the cost and feasibility of supplemental snow and ice removal of our pedestrian infrastructure to improve pedestrian safety. Targeted areas would include sidewalks, driveway aprons, bus stops, and crosswalk ramps. (Legistar)
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Two resolutions related to the Council of the Commons
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APPROVED: Membership of the Council of the Commons is expanded to add a fourth at-large member, for a total of 11 members. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Appointment of four at-large members to the Council of the Commons and confirmed appointment of the representative from the Parks Advisory Commission to the Council of the Commons. All 11 members are now confirmed. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: New Council Rules limiting public announcements and also discussion and debate of agenda items with reduced speaking times for Council Members (second speaking time limit changed from 3 minutes to 2 minutes), with a goal to end Council meetings before 11 p.m. Requests for additional discussion and debate of agenda items would require a 3/4 vote of approval (nine Council Members). Council members are directed not to “assail, question or impugn the integrity, character, or motives of another Member” in any context (inside or outside of the meeting). The Presiding Officer (Mayor) will have full discretion to determine whether this violation has occurred and either grant an offended Council Member two minutes of “personal privilege” speaking time or call a Council Member out of order for making the complaint. (Legistar)
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DEFEATED: Amendment to remove additional two minutes of “personal privilege” speaking time.
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DEFEATED: Amendment to remove “Redress of Grievances” process for the Administrative Committee to regulate communication of Council Members.
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DEFEATED: Amendment to remove phrase “or in another public venue” that would allow the Administrative Committee to regulate communication of Council Members outside of public meetings.
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DEFEATED: Amendment to move public commentary to the beginning of special sessions.
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DEFEATED: Amendment to preserve three minutes of Public Announcement time for Council Members.
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January 19, 2021
This was the twentieth regular 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.
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APPROVED: Grant money of $14,000 will fund administrative staffing to support the Aging in Place Efficiently Program, helping low-income seniors age in a place of their choosing for longer by combining energy efficiency improvements with aging support and services. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: The 2021 Sidewalk Gap Elimination Project Budget will appropriate $50,000 for initial projects at Barton Drive (Brede to Pontiac), Stimson Street (State to end of gaps), Boardwalk (Eisenhower to Oakbrook). Funds from the New Sidewalk Millage (approved by voters in Nov 2020) will not be available until July 1, 2021, so this is interim financing from the Street, Bridge, and Sidewalk Millage Fund to allow construction in the summer/fall of 2021. Once the revenue from the new millage is available, the Street, Bridge and Sidewalk Millage Fund will be reimbursed. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: New parking standards will require new developments to equip a percentage of parking spaces with electric vehicle chargers and infrastructure to accommodate future chargers. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: New poverty exemptions for property taxes on a principal residence will be set at 2.2 times the Federal Poverty Level income. The maximum asset level will be set at $50,000. (Legistar)
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POSTPONED: A resolution to appoint three at-large members to the Council of the Commons was postponed to permit more coordination/communication between CM Hayner and CM Briggs. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Resolution to Rescind Council resolution R-19-139, requiring Council approval for lane reductions on major streets/corridors. City staff may now remove lanes of traffic on major streets and corridors without a vote of City Council. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Council directs Evan Pratt (County Drain Commissioner) to issue a Notice of Violation to Gelman Sciences, Inc. for causing the seepage of contaminated water into the Allen Creek Drain. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: A budget amendment of $40,000 from the General Fund for design of a spring deployment of Healthy Streets for 2021. Additional funding will be requested in the future for implementation. Recommendations include “identifying locations where previous Healthy Streets reconfigurations could be made permanent.” (Legistar)
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POSTPONED TO INDEFINITE DATE: Direction to the City Attorney to provide a memo appropriate for publication, on the topic of Council Rules and Constitutional First Amendment Rights (Legistar)
January 4, 2021
This was the nineteenth regular 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.
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At the beginning of this meeting, City attorney Stephen Postema announced his planned retirement in 2021.
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APPROVED: Twenty-six vacant parcels recently annexed into the city will be zoned R1C (Single-family dwelling) or R1D (Single-family dwelling), consistent with City staff recommendation. This proposed zoning is consistent with adjacent going, master plan, and principle use of each of the twenty-six parcels. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: An overlay zoning district will regulate and restrict what can be built in the floodplain (two parts: flood way and flood fringe). Stricter guidelines will use the 0.2% Annual Chance (“500 year flood”) to measure compliance with Base Flood Elevation (BFE). New structures cannot be built on a floodway and redeveloped structures must be elevated one foot above the 0.2% BFE. Critical facilities are prohibited in the Flood Fringe, and other structures must be elevated one foot above the 0.2% BFE. (Legistar)
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RECONSIDERED & APPROVED: A purchase order for the Ann Arbor Police Department to equip 28 vehicles with dashboard cameras. Also included in this purchase is data storage (to “offload” video) and software maintenance. (Legistar)
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PULLED FROM AGENDA: A resolution directing the City Administrator to take the necessary steps for Ann Arbor to join the Washtenaw Regional Resource Management Authority (WRRMA). The current members of WRRMA are: 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.
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This item was pulled from the agenda before the meeting, and was rescheduled for the 1/18/21 meeting
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Additional Thoughts (Jan 2, 2021) - Regional Solid Waste Authority
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APPROVED: Distribution of the A2 Vision Zero Transportation plan to neighboring community planning commissions, the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners, Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, DTE Energy Services, Norfolk/Southern Railroad, MDOT, Washtenaw County Road Commission, AAATA, Ann Arbor Public Schools and other local stakeholders in advance of public hearings. Outlined strategies are meant to support A2Zero climate goals, safety and accessibility (both regionally and across the city). The plan includes targets for lower speed limits, specific road treatments, sidewalk infrastructure, zoning for mixed use in residential areas, and enhanced transit options. (Legistar)
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At the end of this meeting, public comment included loud and angry profanity and Council calls for order.
December 21, 2020
This was the eighteenth regular 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.
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APPROVED: Resolution asking Staff and Planning commission to consider amendments to an ordinance passed 9/4/20, regulating the location of short-term-rentals in the City. Amendments will be drafted to preserve businesses already located in residentially zoned districts. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Water rate increases: 7% (starting January 1, 2021) and increase again by 6.5% (starting July 1, 2021). These changes are projected to increase revenues to the Water Supply System by $1.47 million (more than FY2020). (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Solar panel installation in Multi-family, Mixed Use, Non-residential and Special Purpose districts (up to 10,000 square feet) will be permitted under certain conditions without a Site Plan Review. (This amendment is prompted by a specific development proposal to expand a parking cover and create a larger surface for solar collection.) District height maximums will have (up to) a 12-foot exception for the purpose of mounting rooftop solar. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $72,000 to support Shelter Association of Washtenaw County (Winter Emergency Shelter & Warming Center). (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $12,000 allocation of Special Assistance Fund to Barrier Busters. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $50,000 of direct assistance to Ann Arbor Residents through Barrier Busters. (Legistar)
December 7, 2020
This was the seventeenth regular 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.
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APPROVED: Amendments to the City’s sign ordinance clearly define standards for lighting, area size (relative to street frontage), larger non-conforming signs, non-commercial flags, window signs and temporary signs.(Legistar)
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APPROVED: Site plan for Brightdawn Village, a development with four four-story buildings on 8 acres at 2805 Burton Road. It will include 120 units of housing at market rate with 284 parking spaces (located in garages beneath and in surface lots). The development will be accessed from Packard (via Burton Road). (Legistar)
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The site plan was amended at this Council Meeting to restrict access from Eli Road. A lockable gate will restrict vehicular access via Eli Road to emergency vehicles only, but will allow access for pedestrians and bicylists. The gate will allow for the possibility of more open vehiclular access at a later date (if effective traffic calming measures are in place).
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WITHDRAWN: A resolution would have delayed the City’s communication to the Governor and delayed the City’s request for EPA/Federal intervention to clean up the Gelman Plume. The City’s request would have been delayed for several months, pending the results of a court decision. The resolution was added to the agenda on Friday (12/4) and removed on Monday (12/7) before the meeting started. (This item has been removed from Legistar)
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City Council passed a resolution on 11/5/2020 to send a letter to the Governor supporting EPA involvement (Legistar)
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The City sent the letter to the Governor on 12/11/2020
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Additional Thoughts (Dec 5, 2020) - Request for EPA Intervention in Gelman Plume Cleanup
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November 16, 2020
This was the sixteenth regular 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.
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This was the first Council meeting for CM Briggs, CM Disch, CM Eyer, CM Radina, CM Song. CM Grand was elected Mayor Pro Tem (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Removal of street parking on the north side of Scio Church (between South Maple and Greenview) to create bike lanes. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $30,000 contract with Julie Roth for administration, implementation, and evaluation of the Ann Arbor Solarize Program through the Sustainability Office. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Resolution accepting the results of the November 2020 elections and recognizing President-elect Joe Biden and Vice-president-elect Kamala Harris. (Legistar)
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Two resolutions related to directing Planning Commission to consider transit supported zoning districts
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APPROVED: Resolution directing Planning Commission to consider designation of transit- supported zoning districts to increase housing density and options along major corridors. The commission would be asked to consider increasing allowable Floor Area Ratio (FAR) density, decreasing and/or eliminating parking requirements for new development along transit corridors and bring a recommendation to Council by June 15, 2021. (Legistar)
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DEFEATED: Resolution directing Planning Commission to review and update the South State Street Corridor plan, consider designation of a transit- supported zoning district to increase housing density and options. The commission would be asked to consider increasing allowable Floor Area Ratio (FAR) density, decreasing and/or eliminating parking requirements for new development along the South State Street Corridor. (This was offered as a more narrowly framed alternative to the previous resolution.) (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Purchase of the Botsford Property. The City will contribute up to $202,500 toward the purchase of 20 acres at 3015 Miller Road in Scio Township as part of the Greenbelt District. (Legistar)
November 5, 2020
In the Nov 3, 2020 election, there were three city millages on the ballot, all of which passed:
- Renewal of a 2016 millage (2.125) will fund the ongoing repair and replacement of streets, bridges, and sidewalks throughout the City (Legistar) (Legistar)
- A new millage (0.2) will cover the cost of constructing new sidewalks from 2021-2026. (Note: It will not change the obligation of developers to install sidewalks at their cost along a parcel's right-of-way frontages) (Legistar) (Legistar)
- A new millage (1.0) will fund building, maintaining, and acquiring housing permanently affordable to low-income households earning a maximum 60% of Area Median Income and social services to support those units (2021-2041). (Legistar)
- https://www.mlive.com/politics/2020/11/early-results-show-support-for-new-ann-arbor-affordable-housing-sidewalks-taxes.html
This was the fifteenth regular 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.
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This was the final Council meeting for CM Ackerman, CM Bannister, CM Eaton, CM Lumm, CM Smith
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APPROVED: The resolution supporting EPA involvement in the Gelman plume contamination site (“Superfund” designation) was previously considered and postponed (10/7/2019, 1/6/2020, 1/21/2020, 2/3/2020, 3/2/2020, 4/20/2020), considered and tabled (7/6/20), then un-tabled and voted down on 10/17/20. It was brought back for reconsideration by CM Ramlawi and approved with one amendment: a WHEREAS clause that refers to continuing negotiation on the 4th Consent Judgement. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: January and February late penalties (interest charges) would be waived for winter property taxes. Waiver of these late penalties will not apply to payments collected in escrow by financial institutions. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $94,942.05 in a cost-sharing agreement with the Michigan Department of Transportation to cover the cost of two Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacons on Huron Parkway at Glazier Way and Baxter Road. The project is partially paid for by a Federal Safety Grant of $84,557.95. Local funding comes from from the Street Bridge, & Sidewalk Millage. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Four representatives are appointed to the Council of the Commons, a leadership body established to facilitate activities on the Center of the City public property, consistent with recommendations from a task force report. (The Center of the City was established by voter referendum in 2018.) (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Amendments to the Bylaws for the Art Commission will permit members of the Commission to bid on contracts for public art. Commissioners must notify the Commission and staff liaisons (in writing) about any reasonable possibility of their own bid on a contract and the Commissioner must abstain from any discussion or voting related to the contract or associated project. (Legistar)
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DEFEATED: Resolution to waive attorney client privilege regarding specific privileged and confidential advice from the City Attorney, with any prejudicial information redacted. Fourteen memos of advice cover topics related to litigation, FOIA, civilian police review, non-discrimination, conflicts of interest and ethics, zoning and site-plans (memos dating from 2008 through 2018). (Legistar)
October 19, 2020
This was the fourteenth regular 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.
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APPROVED: A contract for routine street tree pruning for $674,020 is part of the Urban and Community Forest Management Plan (UCFMP). It will be funded through the FY21 Stormwater Fund Operations and Maintenance Budget. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: PUD zoning district for Veridian County Farm at 2270 Platt Road (Legistar), along with site plans and development agreements for Verdian County Farm South (Legistar), and Veridian County Farm North (Legistar)
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Veridian County Farm South includes 99 homes: 16 "village" homes, 42 townhouse homes, 30 walk-up flats, and 11 "nest" micro-unit apartments
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Veridian County Farm North includes 50 affordable apartment homes (stacked flats and townhomes) which will serve residents earning 60% or less of Area Median Income (AMI).
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APPROVED: Rose White park in lower Burns Park will be renamed Graydon Park in honor of former Ann Arbor City Council Member Graydon Krapohl. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Downtown Street closures for the benefit of restaurant and retail use was extended through November 29, 2020. This is the third extension of these street closures. (Legistar)
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DEFEATED: A revision of the City’s water rates would eliminate the fourth tier for residential and create seasonal non-residential rates. (An amendment to remove seasonal non-residential rates from the resolution failed to pass.) (Legistar)
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APPROVED: An employment agreement to hire Tom Crawford as City Administrator. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: In order to facilitate organization of the Council of the Commons (approved by City Council 10/5/20), Council Members Jeff Hayner and Ali Ramlawi are appointed as liaisons. An application process will be opened and appointments made by December 22, 2020. (Legistar)
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Two resolutions relating to the Gelman Plume were defeated:
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DEFEATED: Settlement documents outline the terms of an agreement ending litigation between the City of Ann Arbor and Gelman Sciences over dioxane pollution. Four (of five) proposed amendments were approved but the final agreement failed. (Legistar)
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DEFEATED: A resolution tabled on 7/6/2020 was revisited in order to request support from the state regarding EPA involvement and designation of the Gelman dioxane plume as a “Superfund” site. Prior to being tabled on 7/6/2020, this resolution was discussed and postponed at six previous Council meetings: 10/7/2019, 1/6/2020, 1/21/2020, 2/3/2020, 3/2/2020, 4/20/2020 (Legistar)
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October 5, 2020
This was the thirteenth regular 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.
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APPROVED: Traffic reconfigurations ("Healthy Streets Initiative") at three locations - South Main, Broadway/Swift, and Packard - will end early, ahead of the planned end date of November 29th. Lane closures will end October 15th. (Legistar)
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This resolution was previously considered at the Sept 21st meeting, with an end date of October 1st. It was postponed to the October 19th Council meeting, in order to give staff time to improve conditions and collect data. That postponement was reconsidered, failed, and the original proposal came back to the table.
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APPROVED: Revised Solid Waste Resources Management Plan. This plan was on the Jan 6, 2020 agenda and tabled for review by staff. The plan includes year-round compost pickup, curbside textile collection, limited bulky item collection (on a monthly schedule or at request and for a fee), and possible consolidation of waste, recycling, and compost collection services. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $8,022.25 and $106,859 contracts with the Ecology Center for Recycling Plant Tours of the Material Recovery Facilities Education Center and School Recycling Education programs on recycling, composting, zero waste, stormwater and waste reduction for Ann Arbor and Dexter (2nd Grade stormwater only) schools. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: A legal memo that was shared internally as "privileged and confidential" will be made public. It answers the questions: Does City Council have the ability to dissolve the Downtown Development Authority (DDA)? What is the procedure for dissolving the DDA? What are the effects of dissolving the DDA? (Legistar)
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APPROVED: "Community Commons Initiating Committee" is recognized as a Community Partner in the process of developing the Center of the City Community Commons (approved by ballot initiative in 2018). (Legistar)
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For the purpose of writing bylaws, membership of the "Council Commons" will include City Administrator (a non-voting member) and voting members comprised of two City Council members appointed and approved by City Council, a citizen member of the City Planning Commission nominated by Planning Commission and affirmed by City Council, a citizen member of the Parks Advisory Commission nominated by PAC and affirmed by City Council, two members of the Community Commons Initiating Committee, two members of the Library Green Conservancy, and 3 citizens-at-large to be nominated by the City Council representatives Commons Council members, and affirmed by City Council. The Initiating Committee will work to implement repurposing of the Library Lane lot location as called for in the approved Task Force recommendations.
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September 21, 2020
This was the twelfth regular 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.
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APPROVED: City Council will request a meeting with University of Michigan leadership (before November 1, 2020) to discuss the potential use of campus housing for shelter in the event of a resurgence of the COVID-19 virus. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Ann Arbor and Ann Arbor Police Officers Association effective January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022. A PDF version of the agreement is available at the Legistar link. (Legistar)
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This agreement was reviewed at the Sept 8, 2020 Council meeting: Review of Draft Tentative Agreement with Ann Arbor Police Officers Association
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APPROVED: Downtown street closures at location on Washington, Main, Liberty, Detroit, Maynard, State, S. University, and Church are extended until November 1, 2020 so that businesses are able to use the street for seating and sales in compliance with social distancing requirements. (Legistar)
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POSTPONED: Traffic reconfigurations (“Healthy Streets Initiative”) at three locations - S. Main, Broadway/Swift, and Packard - proposed to end on October 1, ahead of the previously planned end date of November 29. This resolution was postponed to the October 19th Council meeting, in order to give staff time to improve conditions and collect data. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Declaration that the investigation and prosecution of crimes related to entheogenic plants is the lowest priority in the City. The Mayor and Council use the County District Attorney to cease prosecution of people for crimes related to entheogenic plants or plant based compounds. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Site plan for a PUD development at 841 Broadway (former DTE site). It will include 96 attached residential units, 8200 sq. ft. of retail, 5600 sq. ft. of restaurant uses, 148 room hotel, and a minimum of six contiguous acres of public open space. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: The City accepts a grant of $417,268 from the Center for Tech and Civic Life to operationalize safe and secure election administration. The grant will fund an additional “client seat” for a high speed absentee ballot tabulator, application for absentee ballots, postage for any new ballot applications, staffing and extended hours for the City Clerk’s office (and satellite office), ballot drop boxes, marketing materials, and bonus pay for election inspectors during the pandemic. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $14,000 for a Budget Priorities Citizen Survey (similar in size and scope to a similar survey conducted in 2018) to help inform discussion of the City’s FY22 Budget and FY 23 Financial Plan. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $147,019 contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation for the Fuller Court Sidewalk Gap Project. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $152,435 for the installation of traffic calming devices (speed bumps) on Fernwood Avenue from Packard to Lorraine streets. (Legistar)
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For more information about requesting traffic calming: Resident Requested Traffic Calming Studies
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APPROVED: $401,500 for for traffic control materials and supplies for gateway signage, signals (Ellsworth/Research Park Drive, Broadway Park Drive/Broadway, and Pauline/Maple), multiple RRFB (Rectangular Rapid Flash beacons at crosswalks), and other maintenance. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $314,000 for traffic control products to rebuild signals at Hubbard & Huron Pkwy and Pauline at Maple Rd, upgrade school zones, install intersections at Ellsworth/Research Park Drive and Broadway Park/Broadway, and provide maintenance and repair in support of other City projects. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $187,000 for Streetlight Replacement and Asset Management (Legistar)
September 14, 2020
This was a Special Session to decide next steps in the search for a City administrator. This meeting was held online, via the ZOOM application.
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CM Ackerman absent
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APPROVED: Direction to hire Tom Crawford as City Administrator, on or before Oct 19, 2020 (Legistar)
September 8, 2020
This was the eleventh regular 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.
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APPROVED: Short term rentals will be licensed and regulated by the City, effective March 1, 2021. (Legistar)
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Licensing will require payment of a fee and application that includes: address, type of property, number of bedrooms for rent, maximum permitted occupancy, and names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of two contact persons responsible for the Short-Term Rental Unit.
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A principal residence may be licensed as a short term rental, either host-stays or whole house rental.
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A non-principal residence short-term rental will only be permitted in Mixed Use Zoning districts.
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APPROVED: Site plan for four story hotel (115 rooms) at 361 W. Eisenhower, with access off of Signature Blvd. (Legistar
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APPROVED: Annexation of Valhalla property (9.8 acres on the east side of South Main Street near the intersection of Scio Church Road, north of Ann Arbor Saline Road and adjacent to University of Michigan’s golf course). (Legistar)
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Six houses currently exist in this area. Staff recommended zoning of R1D - consistent with the Master Plan Future Land Use - would permit the development of 84 dwelling units, maximum. The City Planning Commission recommends future zoning of conditional R4E, which would permit the development of 454 dwelling units. Zoning changes have not yet been presented to Council for a vote.
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August 24, 2020
This was a Special Session to implement a temporary emergency ordinance on masks/gatherings, and to decide next steps in the search for a City administrator. This meeting was held online, via the ZOOM application.
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APPROVED: Consent for Mayoral Declaration of Emergency (Legistar)
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Council approved this in order to pass an ordinance (without delay) that will require mask-wearing in public places and prohibit large gatherings in accordance with directives issued by Governor Whitmer.
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APPROVED: Temporary emergency ordinance on mask/gatherings (Legistar)
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Ann Arbor will now require people to wear masks in public places both indoor and outdoor. Business must require customers to wear masks on premises. Indoor gatherings of more than 10 people and outdoor gatherings of more than 25 people are prohibited. Some exceptions apply, consistent with directives from Governor Whitmer. Violation of this ordinance is a civil infraction, subject to a fine.
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APPROVED: City Administrator Search Process Next Steps (Legistar)
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All four finalists in the City Administrator search process - Tom Crawford, Cara Pavlicek, Joyce Parker, Eric Wobser - will participate in additional process of engagement before a decision is made.
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Additional Thoughts (Aug 22, 2020) - City Administrator Next Steps
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August 17, 2020
This was the tenth regular 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.
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APPROVED: Lurie Terrace is approved for acquisition and renovation though the Ann Arbor Affordable Housing Corporation (a nonprofit entity of the Ann Arbor Housing Commission) (Legistar)
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A total of 136 units will be maintained as affordable housing for seniors. Current residents may continue to live there, but moving forward all tenants will be income restricted so that 40% of tenants have 60% AMI or less and 60% of tenants have 80% AMI or less. The purchase is supported by HUD- insured loans, $319,000 from AAHC budget and up to $1 million from the An Arbor Downtown Development Authority. The City will contribute $260,000 for staffing.
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APPROVED: The Ann Arbor Housing Commission will maintain a centralized waitlist process for affordable housing units included in market-rate development projects (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Two developments (rezoning and site plans) approved for new hotels
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The parcel where Red Roof Inn is currently located on Plymouth Road was approved for rezoning (from PUD to C3) and redevelopment with a new hotel and renovated restaurant. The planned restaurant will include a drive- through. (Legistar) (Legistar)
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The former location of the Michigan Inn at 2800 Jackson Road was approved for rezoning (from R5 to C3) and redevelopment as two hotels. The site plan includes the installation of new sidewalks. (Legistar) (Legistar)
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APPROVED: A land lease agreement with University of Michigan for three parking lots (Fuller Road) is extended for one year with payment of $127,007. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $34,700 for sampling and laboratory testing of City water for PFAS. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Drip House Coffee at 1336 South Main Street (NW corner of Main/Stadium) will be permitted to use three outdoor parking spaces for outdoor seating until November 1, 2020, in accordance with standards for a Special Event Sale. (Legistar)
August 10, 2020
This was a Special Session to discuss a Charter Amendment for Nonpartisan Local Elections. If approved, the question would be put to voters on the November 2020 ballot.
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APPROVED: A charter amendment would be placed on the 11/3/20 ballot 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)
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This resolution was previously considered and approved by Council on July 1, 2019 for inclusion on the November 2019 ballot (Legistar) but was vetoed by Mayor Taylor on July 5, 2019 (Legistar). An attempt to override the veto was defeated on July 15, 2019 (Legistar)
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Additional Thoughts (Aug 8, 2020) - Nonpartisan Election Ballot Proposal
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This resolution was vetoed by Mayor Taylor on Aug 11, 2020 (Legistar)
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August 6, 2020
This was the ninth regular 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.
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APPROVED: $127,140 to purchase a high speed absentee ballot vote tabulator in preparation for the November election. This equipment is partially paid for with a grant ($30,000) from the State of Michigan Bureau of Elections. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Site plan and development agreement for 2658 W. Liberty Street (north side of Liberty, immediately east of 94). Nine three-story buildings with 52 units will be built on a 4.6 acre parcel zoned R4B (Multi-family dwelling). (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Extend downtown street closures for restaurant and retail use until Sept 21, 2020 (Legistar)
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These street closures were originally approved at the June 1, 2020 Council meeting (Legistar)
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POSTPONED to Sept 8th: A proposed ordinance to regulate short term rentals (STRs) would include a system of application and paid licenses. Applications would include description of the space for rent (location, bedrooms, occupancy) and name/telephone/email information for two responsible contact persons. Whole house and host-stay STRs would be permitted for all principal residences. Non-principal residence STR’s would only be permitted in Mixed Use Zoning areas. (Legistar)
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Postponed for legal staff to assess whether existing non-principal STRs in were legal, nonconforming use in residentially zoned areas
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DEFEATED: A ballot question for a charter amendment would allow ranked choice voting in our local elections. As written, ranked choice voting would apply separately to both the August party primary and the November general election for the offices of Mayor and City Council. One candidate chosen from each party primary in August would be included in a November election.(Legistar)
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If approved, Ann Arbor could not implement ranked choice voting because it is not currently permitted under State law. Proposed State bills on this topic are not expected to pass this legislative session.
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July 27, 2020
This was a Special Session to discuss the Affordable Housing Millage ballot language. This item was postponed from the previous Council Meeting (7/20/20) because it was added to the agenda too late for Council Members to ask questions of staff.
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APPROVED: An Affordable Housing Millage (1.0 mills) will be added to the ballot in November 2020 to support the construction, maintenance, and acquisition of new, permanent affordable housing units for low-income individuals and families making less than 60% Ann Arbor Area Median Income, and for providing social services for the residents of such housing for 2021 through 2041. (Legistar)
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Two amendments to City charter language clarified that:
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Millage revenue will not be used on any new housing units in the floodplain or floodway
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The City will continue to contribute General Fund and County Public Safety and Mental Health millage money to the Affordable Housing Fund regardless of the Millage
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The ballot language will now be sent to the State for final approval.
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Newsletter Excerpt (July 26, 2020) - Affordable Housing Millage Special Session
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July 20, 2020
This was the eighth regular 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.
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POSTPONED TO SPECIAL SESSION: An Affordable Housing Millage (1.0 mills) would be added to the ballot in November 2020 to support the construction, maintenance, and acquisition of new affordable housing units for low-income individuals and families making less than 60% Ann Arbor Area Median Income, and for providing social services for the residents of such housing for 2021 through 2041. (Legistar)
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This was added to the agenda late, which did not allow time for City Council to submit written questions about it. At this meeting, the millage was amended in parts but delayed to a Special Session on July 27th to allow Council Members time to submit written questions and receive complete answers from Staff.
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APPROVED: Renewal of 2016 millage (1.0 mills) will be put on the November ballot in support of Street, Bridge, and Sidewalk repair. It may be used for resurfacing or reconstruction of existing paved City streets and bridges, pedestrian crosswalks, street crossings and corner ramps, and repair and/or replacement of sidewalks. The Downtown Development Authority will continue to fund sidewalk repairs in the DDA district. (Legistar) (Legistar)
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APPROVED: A new millage (0.2 mills) will be put on the November 2020 ballot to cover the cost of constructing new sidewalks starting in 2021. Sidewalk assessments for individual property owners will be eliminated. This millage will not displace requirements for new developments to construct and pay for new sidewalks. (Legistar) (Legistar)
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APPROVED: The City of Ann Arbor commits to a 10-year services agreement (with two potential 3-year extensions) with Recycle Ann Arbor to rebuild our Material Recovery Facility and process recyclable materials locally (Legistar)
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APPROVED (BACK TO FIRST READING): The hotel property at 3611-3621 Plymouth Road will be re-zoned to permit rebuilding of a hotel and the addition of a drive-through restaurant. This agenda item would have been approved at this meeting (“Second Reading”) but the zoning plan was changed to include a $75,000 contribution to the City’s Affordable Housing Fund, which moved it back to “First Reading.” The new "Second Reading" will be Aug 17th (Legistar)
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APPROVED: The City's definition of “responsible bidder” on construction projects will include new requirements for reporting and documentation. Bids on projects in excess of $25,000 must now verify appropriate licensing for all contractors and sub-contractors, include information about what percentage of their workforce is local (Ann Arbor/Washtenaw), and documentation of pay rates/benefits, insurance coverage, references from the last five years as well as completed projects from the last five years. Additional requirements attach to bids on contracts in excess of $100,000 and $250,000. (Legistar)
July 6, 2020
This was the seventh regular 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.
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DEFEATED: Collective Bargaining Agreement with Ann Arbor Police Officers Association (effective January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2022) (Legistar)
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APPROVED: City Council endorses the resolution of requests from the Independent Community Police Oversight Commission (ICPOC) regarding policy and the Ann Arbor Police Officer Association Collective Bargaining Agreement (AAPOA CBA). Requests include additional transparency to ICPOC (availability of personnel files), policies for discipline, and procedures for termination (elimination of binding arbitration). (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Two contracts ($3,364,492.95 and $3,429,675) for two years of services for sewer televising and cleaning construction. (Legistar)
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Three Greenbelt purchases approved:
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Two Healthy Streets resolutions approved:
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APPROVED: Pilot programs for traffic reconfigurations will move forward in order to expand available space for social distancing. Locations downtown (Division, Miller/Catherine, and State) will be funded by the DDA. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Funding of $15,000 is approved for pilot programs for traffic reconfigurations on transit corridors (Broadway, S. Main, Miller, Packard). Programs are intended to expand available space for social distancing. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: The City Administrator is directed to develop a plan to review and increase use of our Poverty Exemption Program that waives property taxes for low income residents. To be reviewed: increasing public awareness, raising the income level for eligibility, and simplifying the application process. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Application of any new C1 and C1A/R zoning requiring site plan approval is suspended for 180 days so that the Planning Commission can evaluate the continued viability of the C1A and C1A/R districts (central, campus business districts) and make recommendations whether to eliminate the C1A and C1A/R zoning districts. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: The City property at 415 W. Washington is pre-entitled for plan approval to be conducted through a Planned Unit Development and Concept Plan, or another mechanism toward the realization of goals with a future development partner. Ann Arbor Housing Commission is the applicant, and the City is reviewer/property owner. Recommendations would be presented to the City Council by March 19, 2021. (Legistar)
June 29, 2020
This was a special session originally planned as a closed session for City legal staff to advise Council on issues relating to the Gelman Plume consent judgement. This meeting was held online, via the ZOOM application.
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CM Ackerman absent
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CM Smith absent
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APPROVED: Resolution to Approve City Administrator Search (Legistar)
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The Council Administrative committee has approved a job description to be posted, a rubric for assessment of candidates, a timeline and interviewers for the position of City Administrator. The job will be posted and promoted June 30 through July 26. The Council Administrative committee would select finalists on August 10, whose information would be publicized on August 11. Council, staff, and community members would participate in scheduled interviews so that feedback could be provided by August 21. Council would determine next steps (including negotiation with a preferred candidate) as soon as August 24.
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June 15, 2020
This was the sixth regular 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.
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APPROVED: $1,247,529 Coordinated Funding allocations to Non-Profit Entities for Human Services (through June 30, 2021) (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $399,080 to purchase hot mix asphalt for street and path maintenance. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $861,457.60 for 2020 Utility Improvements: Sewer (John Street), Water Main (South Blvd), Storm Sewer (Huron) (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $3,642,400 for Street Preventative Maintenance Project, FY2021, which includes: cape sealing pavement preservation (on eight major and 26 local streets) and crack sealing on 24 miles of major streets and 18 miles of local streets. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Ann Arbor officially recognizes the month of June as Pride Month (Legistar)
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Three sidewalk plans were tabled/postponed until after the November 2020 Sidewalk Millage vote:
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TABLED: Sidewalk Gap Special Assessment District: Jackson Avenue (Westover to Park Lake) (Legistar)
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POSTPONED to December 7: Sidewalk Gap Special Assessment District: Barton Drive (Brede Place to Pontiac Trail) (Legistar)
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This was previously approved on May 4, 2020 and brought back at this meeting for reconsideration
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POSTPONED to December 7: Sidewalk Gap Special Assessment District: Nixon/Traver Sidewalk Gap Project (Legistar)
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This was previously approved on May 4, 2020 and brought back at this meeting for reconsideration
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APPROVED: $10,000 is approved to contract with Sam Schwartz, a PE with Vision Zero expertise, to review a sample of the city’s pedestrian crossings. These funds are available in the Alternative Transportation Fund. (Legistar)
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DEFEATED: Resolution to override the Mayor’s partial veto of the approved resolution that allowed unrestricted rebate funds from the County Mental Health and Public Safety millage to enter our budget as uncommitted, general fund dollars. (Legistar)
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Two resolutions related to the Independent Community Police Oversight Commission (ICPOC)
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APPROVED: Ann Arbor asks the Governor and our state representatives to change state administrative policy to give our Independent Community Police Oversight Commission (ICPOC) direct access to the records in the Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) database. (Legistar
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REFERRED to ICPOC: Our Independent Community Police Oversight Commission (ICPOC) would be directed to consult with stakeholders and review policing policies over the next 18 months, give updates every three months, and prepare a report of recommendations. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: The local state of emergency (declared on March 17, 2020) is lifted. (Legistar)
June 1, 2020
This was the fifth regular 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.
- Note: An agenda item to approve the collective bargaining agreement between the City of Ann Arbor and the Ann Arbor Police Officers Association was pulled from the agenda before the meeting started.
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APPROVED: A2Zero Ann Arbor Carbon Neutrality Plan passed unanimously (Legistar)
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Amendment language proposed by Dr Stults to remove “by right” and “up to quadplexes”, and substitute "exploring ways to increase housing" was approved unanimously. Later amendment approved unanimously to replace "exploring ways" with "supporting policies".
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APPROVED: $35,000 Fair Food grant for Double Up Food Bucks program at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market for SNAP recipients (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $145,000 for Gallup Vehicle Bridge Improvement Project (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $830,620 for bulk chemical purchases, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Direction to prepare ballot language for a Street, Bridge, and Sidewalk Millage (Legistar)
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Renewal of 2.125 from 2016
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Additional .20 mil for construction of new sidewalks
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APPROVED: Preparation of plans and specifications for Boardwalk Drive Sidewalk Gap Project (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Resolution deferring water rate increases for six months for internal re-assessment of tiering and cost-of-service charges. (Legistar)
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TABLED: 6% increase on water rates, tabled until DC-1 above completed (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Resolution for Downtown Street Closures for weekend hours during pandemic period as requested by merchant/business associations. Beginning as soon as 6/12/20 and ending 8/23/20 (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Expansion of local liquor license service areas to include outdoor, adjacent property (including the street) where license holders have proper permission from the State. (Legistar)
May 18, 2020
This was the fourth regular 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.
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At the May 11, 2020 Council work session, Interim City Administrator presented an overview of the financial challenges facing the City as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic
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COVID-19 Financial Recovery Plan (Legistar)
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Additional Thoughts (May 17, 2020) - COVID-19 Adjustments and City Budget
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APPROVED: $1,500,000 in engineering contracts for capital improvement, operation and maintenance projects at the Water Treatment Services Unit facilities (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $27,620 for 800 street sign posts, as well as 600 sleeves and 200 bases to install them (Legistar)
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APPROVED: 6.5% Sewer Rate increase (Legistar)
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APPROVED:11% Stormwater Rate increase (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Amendment to the Chicken/Duck Keeping Ordinance to eliminate 2-bird permit, remove neighbor notification, and allow animals outside of enclosure when someone is present (Legistar)
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APPROVED: PUD zoning and site plan for “The Garnet” at 325 E. Summit Street (Legistar, Legistar)
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10 condominium units
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$88,200 negotiated contribution to the Affordable Housing Fund
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This project was previously rejected 9/16/19 as a re-zoning without PUD benefit
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APPROVED: Resolution giving direction to the City Administrator for budget adjustments: hiring freeze, negotiated salary cuts, removal of 40/40/20 millage rebate spending commitment (affordable housing, climate action, and pedestrian safety), prioritizing the needs of residents “most impacted.” (Legistar)
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This resolution was amended to affirm the 40/40 share of millage rebate spending toward affordable housing and climate action for FY21
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Mayor Taylor issued a selective veto of the portion of this resolution that removed the 40/40/20 millage rebate spending commitment.
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APPROVED: FY21 Budget Amendments (Legistar)
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Up to $495,000 may be used (temporarily) from the Local Street Fund Balance to complete local street repair during a season of low traffic. The City anticipates a loss of $2.7 million in revenue from the State to fund Street Repair.
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Re-affirming the City’s commitment and timeline for the Nixon Corridor Improvement Project as a Capital Improvement Project
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Request that LDFA consider $700,000 in spending to support small business recovery
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$140,000 removed from budget, cancelling deer cull operations for FY21
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$1,094,000 removed from budget, delaying Hollywood Blvd Project, Ann Arbor Saline Project, Historic District Survey, and the Capital Sinking Fund Transfer for FY 2021
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$114,144 removed from budget. This would have been additional funding for Parks, consistent with the Parks Fairness Resolution
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May 4, 2020
This was the third regular 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.
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APPROVED: Endorsement of the Fair and Equal Campaign, to put expansion of LGBTQIA protections (against discrimination) on the ballot in November (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $250,000 budget amendment to support Washtenaw County and Shelter Association of Washtenaw County (SAWC) for current and future COVID-19 shelter response (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Unit income target goals for the DDA Housing Fund would be aligned with the City of Ann Arbor’s Affordable Housing goals, adjusted from 50% of Area Median Income (AMI) to 60% of AMI. This is adjusted to help fund planning, studies and process of potential projects at 11 City Owned properties (Legistar)
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APPROVED: August late penalties (interest charges) would be waived for summer property taxes due July 31, 2020. September interest charges would be reduced: 2.5% (from 5%). (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Direction to staff to review best practices for social distancing on sidewalks, bike lanes, and local roads. Staff will identify feasibility of expanding social distance space for cyclists and pedestrians with shared or dedicated roadways. An online public engagement tool will be used for input, a report on recommendations for implementations will be brought by June 15, 2020. (Legistar)
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APPROVED The final report of the Center of the City task force would be accepted by the City: a vision for flexible, adaptable and sustainable public spaces that are inclusive and welcoming to everyone (Legistar)
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APPROVED $1,087,050 for signal timing technology to promote smooth flow of traffic for 29 intersections and corridors including Maple Road, West Stadium Boulevard, Glen Avenue, Fuller Road and Huron Parkway (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Four sidewalk gap projects
April 20, 2020
This was the second regular 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.
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Interim City Administrator Tom Crawford presented Council with the proposed FY21 City Budget (Legistar) and several community members presented on the topic of " COVID-19 Community Impacts and Solutions" (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Direction to City staff to begin a process of community engagement around affordable housing options at 353 S. Main (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $10,655,000 constructions contract for 2020 Street Resurfacing Plan (Legistar)
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POSTPONED to 7/6/20: The creation of proposed application materials and review/recommendations for development entitlements for 415 W. Washington to Support the Development of Affordable Housing in the City (Legistar) This resolution was postponed because:
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Neighbors were not properly notified of public meetings re: this proposal
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Treeline Trail Conservancy has asked for additional communication.
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Jennifer Hall (Ann Arbor Housing Commission) stated that addressing these concerns would not particularly delay the project (which has a long time line).
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https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2020/04/plans-for-blighted-ann-arbor-historic-district-property-tabled-by-ann-arbor-city-council.html (Note: this headline was corrected to reflect that the resolution was postponed, not tabled)
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APPROVED: The creation of proposed application materials and review/recommendations for development entitlements for 350 S. Fifth Avenue (former Y lot) to Support the Development of Affordable Housing in the City (Legistar)
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APPROVED: A2ZERO Carbon Neutrality Plan is accepted (rather than adopted) (Legistar) with amendments clarifying that:
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A funding plan and prioritization framework must be presented
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The Sustainability & Innovations department will begin and continue to work to implement the plan, with quarterly updates on progress
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In answer to questions at the meeting, City Administrator Tom Crawford clarified that the current budget includes nearly all funding for beginning and implementing this plan (“almost all of it, there were a couple of minor items that were not included"). It was also clarified that nothing in the amended resolution impeded progress or shifted directions in terms of pursuing climate action goals in the plan. Dr. Stults characterized the amendments as a “totally appropriate” issue of transparency and “not anything I’m concerned about.”
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APPROVED: The City’s nondiscrimination ordinance to add definition to the protected class of “ethnicity” and also address discrimination in housing related to source of income. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Resolution asking the state to change regulatory policy re: use of food assistance benefits (EBT cards with SNAP program) (Legistar)
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Current regulation prevents the use of these benefits to place orders online or by phone, which is an obstacle for people trying to access food safely during the pandemic (e.g. deliveries and curbside pickups).
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Additional Thoughts (Apr 18, 2020) - Allow Virtual SNAP Benefit and EBT Card Use
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APPROVED: Re-zoning and site plan for a new credit union at 2151 Stadium Boulevard. (Legistar, Legistar)
April 6, 2020
This was the first regular 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.
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APPROVED: $115,000 for plans and specifications to fill the sidewalk gap on S. Main (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $409,402 contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation for repaving of road surface, replacement of pedestrian islands, and creation of buffered bike lanes for Plymouth Road Improvement Project (Murfin Rd./Upland Dr. to Nixon) (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Special assessment district for Jackson Avenue Sidewalk Gap Elimination Project (Westover Ave. to Park Lake Ave.) (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $396,752 agreement with Downtown Development Authority for design of South State Street and North University improvements, including: design for street resurfacing and watermain consolidation on State Street from South University Street to Washington Street and North University from State Street to Fletcher Street, and streetscape, safety, and mobility improvements on State Street from William Street to Washington Street (Legistar)
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DEFEATED: Reallocation of $100,500 out of the Resident-Driven Sidewalk Gap Filling Program to subsidize the current Barton Drive Improvement Project and the Jackson Avenue Sidewalk Gap Project. (Legistar)
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This budget amendment would have depleted most of the total funds — $150,000 — approved 11/18/19 for the Resident-Driven Sidewalk Gap Filling Program (Legistar)
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My post from Nov 2018 about this program: Filling the Sidewalk Gaps that Neighborhoods Want
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APPROVED: Amendment to the Nondiscrimination Ordinance to add reference and description of “ethnicity” as a protected category. Source of income calculations must multiply the value of housing assistance (X3) in order to more accurately assess a person’s ability to pay rent, prevent discrimination against housing vouchers in market rate rentals. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $200,000 in emergency aid for the Ann Arbor Affordable Housing Commission to protect residents: anticipate likely future evictions due to loss of income, food security for homebound households, and response to a possible outbreak of COVID-19 at congregate settings (e.g. Miller Manor & Baker Commons) with high risk households. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $40,323 for sampling and testing for 1,4 dioxine in wet basements that are high risk, in the footprint of the Gelman dioxane plume. (Legistar)
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TABLED: Resolution directing Planning Commission to consider designation of transit- supported zoning districts to increase housing density and options along major corridors. The commission would be asked to consider increasing allowable Floor Area Ratio (FAR) density, decreasing and/or eliminating parking requirements for new development along transit corridors and bring a recommendation to Council by June 15, 2020. (Legistar)
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This resolution was tabled until such time as the Governor lifts state of emergency and stay-at-home orders.
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Additional Thoughts (Apr 5, 2020) - Transit Oriented Development
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APPROVED: Resolution encouraging the Governor to make an executive order addressing the need for political candidates to collect nominating signatures before an April 21 deadline, in compliance with the current stay-at-home orders. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Resolution recognizing the public service and contributions of Ethel “Eppie” Potts. (Legistar)
March 16, 2020
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The following 5 Council Members were absent due to COVID-19 self-isolation
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CM Bannister
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CM Eaton
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CM Griswold
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CM Nelson
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CM Smith
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5 CMs + the Mayor were present, giving the required 6 members needed for a quorum. All items requiring 8 votes for approval were removed from the agenda at the start of the meeting.
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APPROVED: $2,334,383 agreement with Downtown Development Authority for First and Ashley Street Improvement project: road resurfacing, watermain upsizing and consolidation, stormwater improvements, crosswalk, streetscape, sidewalk enhancements, and restoration of two-way traffic on First and Ashley Streets (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $20,347 for electric vehicle chargers for the City building department (to support 10 electric City vehicles) paid from FY20 Construction Fund budget (Legistar)
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This will be the second purchase of chargers from Chargepoint this fiscal year and the total of these combined purchases will exceed the $25,000threshold for City Council action. The first purchase was also in the amount of $20,347 for a combined total of $40,694.
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APPROVED: $23,290.08 for lease of Solar Compacting Trash and Recycling Containers for use on sidewalks in certain high pedestrian areas (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Proposed Fuller Court and Nixon/Traver Sidewalk Gap Project - Special Assessment (Districts #57 & 56). Estimated project cost ($650,000) will be covered by federal funds, local millage finds, and special assessment to property owners. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Matthew Horning appointed Interim Controller and Chief Financial Officer (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Local Emergency Declaration (Legistar)
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This declaration is valid until lifted by Council
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March 2, 2020
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CM Ackerman absent
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CM Smith absent
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APPROVED: Appoint Tom Crawford as Interim City Administrator (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Reinstatement of Police Chief Michael Cox (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Collective bargaining agreements with Ann Arbor Firefighters Union (Legistar) and Ann Arbor Police Deputy Chiefs (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $811,524.50 for ramp and sidewalk repair, 2020 Sidewalk Repair Program (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $90,350 for sidewalk levelling, 2020 Sidewalk Repair Program (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $196,001 for sidewalk cutting, 2020 Sidewalk Repair Program (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Site Plan and Development Agreement for "The Standard" at 405 South Main Street (Legistar)
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218 dwelling units, 421 bedrooms (2 units at 80% of AMI)
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February 18, 2020
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APPROVED: Concluding employment agreement with City Administrator Howard Lazarus (Legistar)
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APPROVED: To increase transparency, Council liaison(s) & commissioner(s) may recommend Board and Commission appointments to the Mayor (Legistar)
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APPROVED: To improve transparency, Resolution for City Council Communications (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Resolution to Establish Council Mobility Committee (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Barton drive sidewalk improvements: $98,500 Brede Place to Pontiac Trail (Legistar), $51,000 Barton at Starwick (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $10,000 increase in funding for Veterans Treatment Court, support and services for veterans in the criminal justice system (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $38,913 for lighting design services for Ann Arbor Skate Park (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Washtenaw Housing Alliance Pledge: housing is a human right, government plays a role to increase access, we value mixed income density in urban centers (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $593,201 appropriation of Affordable Housing Trust Funds without regard to fiscal year (Legistar)
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Additional Thoughts (Feb 15, 2020) - Administrative Leave of Police Chief
February 3, 2020
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APPROVED: $3,400,000 Water Supply System Revenue Bonds for additions/improvements including water disinfection technology (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Add two youth members (16-25) to Energy Commission (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Add two youth members (16-25) to Environmental Commission (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Naming of Stadium Bridge "John D Dingell Jr Memorial Bridges" (Legistar)
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Additional Thoughts (Feb 1, 2020) - Boards and Commissions Appointment Process
January 21, 2020
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CM Smith absent
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APPROVED: Street closings for Mayor's Green Fair June 12, 2020 (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $90,000 from Sustainability & Innovations to complete preliminary engineering review and distribution study for developing a solar energy facility at the City landfill. (Legistar)
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TABLED: Prohibit On-Street Parking on Both Sides of Barton Drive from Longshore Drive to Pontiac Trail (Legistar)
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Resolution was TABLED until Lower Town Area Mobility Study Completed
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Lower Town Area Mobility Study was approved Sept 3, 2019 for $579,478 as part of FY20 budget (Legistar)
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January 6, 2020
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APPROVED: City Administrator will develop Ordinance Amendments to regulate short-term rentals (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $31,700 support for the Ann Arbor Housing Commission. One FTE (five months) for administration of additional housing vouchers (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $75,000 for one FTE (partial year) -Lieutenant for Audit & Review, supporting Independent Community Police Oversight Commission (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $117,465 agreement with Dawn Farms to provide drug abuse counselling and rehab services through the Fifteenth Judicial Court District (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $102,538 through Washtenaw Community Mental Health for mental health services through the Fifteenth Judicial Court District (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $29,322.59 additional funds for Confidential Victim Support Services through the Fifteenth Judicial Court District (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $38,431 for drug abuse screening program by the Sheriff’s office, through the Fifteenth Judicial Court District (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $39,772 Purchase of a Vehicle from LaFontaine Chrysler Dodge (Legistar)
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$21,006 from the Sustainability & Innovations County Mental Health Millage Fund to subsidize the purchase of a plug-in hybrid electric minivan for use by City Administration Services and System Planning
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APPROVED: $114,492 Purchase of Vehicles from Berger Chevrolet (Legistar)
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$28,026 from the Sustainability & Innovations County Mental Health Millage Fund to subsidize the purchase of two electric vehicles for use by Police Community Standards Unit
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December 16, 2019
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APPROVED: Support for Center of the City Interim Use and Long-Term Planning (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $2,980,000 for South University Pavement and Utility Improvements Project (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $428,363 Rehabilitate/replace park bridges (North & South Barton Nature Areas, Mitchell Field, Gallup Park, Lower Argo Cascades) (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $312,141 additional funds for 2019 Sidewalk Repair Project (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $56,000 for plans and specifications for Sidewalk Gap Elimination Project on Jackson Avenue (Westover to Parklake) (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Hideaway Lane Planned Project Site Plan and Development Agreement at 2000 Traver Road (Legistar)
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34 duplex units and a single family home
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https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2019/12/ann-arbor-oks-plan-for-duplex-housing-development.html
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December 2, 2019
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APPROVED: Negotiate an Agreement with Recycle Ann Arbor to Rebuild and Operate the Ann Arbor MRF for an Initial Period of Ten Years (Legistar)
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APPROVED: resolution to oppose expansion of concealed-carry laws being considered at the state level (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $211,865 Purchase of Vehicles from Berger Chevrolet (Legistar)
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$14,013.00 from the Sustainability & Innovations County Mental Health Millage Fund budget to subsidize the purchase of five fully electric vehicles for use by Planning and Development Services
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APPROVED: 212 S. State Street Site Plan and Development Agreement (Legistar)
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19 residential units (studio to 2 bedroom)
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APPROVED: 616 East Washington Planned Project Site Plan and Development Agreement (Legistar)
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240 dwelling units (13 at 80% of AMI, 6 at 60% of AMI)
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https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2019/12/ann-arbor-oks-tallest-high-rise-in-over-50-years.html
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November 18, 2019
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APPROVED: All recommendations from the Ann Arbor Housing Commission (AAHC). Study was directed by Resolution 19-0605 passed April 1, 2019 - written by CMs Eaton, Nelson, Bannister - cosponsored by Smith, Taylor (Legistar)
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AAHC to Develop 121 E. Catherine as Affordable Housing (Legistar)
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AAHC to Develop 404 N. Ashley as Affordable Housing (Legistar)
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AAHC to Pursue Affordable Housing Development of 2000 S. Industrial (Legistar)
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Conduct Community Engagement Around Development Options for Ashley/William and First/William Surface Parking Lots to Support Affordable Housing in the City (Legistar)
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Conduct Community Engagement Around Development Options for 721 N Main in Support of Affordable Housing in the City (Legistar)
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Continue Community Engagement around Development Options for the AAHC-Owned Properties at 3432 - 3440 Platt Road and 3435 - 3443 Springbrook to Support Affordable Housing in the City (Legistar)
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AAHC to Determine Feasibility of using 1510 E. Stadium for Temporary or Permanent AAHC or Other City Office Space (Legistar)
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Collaborate with the AAHC to Provide Coordinated Analysis on the Feasibility of the City-Owned Property at 353 S. Main as a Potential Location for Affordable Housing (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Plan to Expand Access to Voting and Registration Beyond the Minimum Required by the Michigan Constitution for Even-Year November General Elections (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Resident-Driven Sidewalk Gap-Filling Program and Appropriate $150,000 from the General Fund (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $15,000 budget amendment for plans and specifications to fill the sidewalk gap on Stimson Street (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $20,000 budget amendment for plans and specifications to fill the sidewalk gap on Scio Church Road (Legistar)
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APPROVED: The Vic Village South Site Plan and Development Agreement, 1100 South University Avenue (Legistar)
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42 one bedroom, 33 two bedroom, 32 three bedroom, 24 four bedroom (14 units at 80% AMI)
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November 4, 2019
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APPROVED: Plan to Achieve Ann Arbor Community-Wide Climate Neutrality by 2030 (Legistar)
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Initially proposed with a target date of 2035. CM Eaton's amendment to change the target to 2030 was passed unanimously
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APPROVED: Premium options in D1,D2 districts to incentivize development of affordable housing: increased FAR allowances for affordable housing dwelling units (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Six 30-Minute Limited Parking Spots at Dewey (West of Packard) (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $34,685 for five streetlight poles and fixtures on Stadium (Hutchins-Industrial) (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $30,000 to support 2020 Rain Garden Program Partnership, Master Rain Gardener Certification program, Rain Garden Assistance Program (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Settlement of litigation related to PUD zoning 2857 Packard (Legistar)
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51 total units (25 single family homes, 26 units in four two-story townhouses)
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The PUD zoning ordinance for this property was initially defeated at Oct 7, 2019 Council meeting (Legistar)
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October 21, 2019
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APPROVED: $593,201 of Ann Arbor Affordable Housing Funds to Avalon Housing to support housing at Hickory Way Phase 2 & 108/110 Glendale and to support three Ann Arbor Housing Commission projects: Miller Manor, Maple Meadows, and Baker Commons (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $55,296 for staffing requested by the office of Sustainability and Innovations and Community Services to launch a Green Rental and Building Efficiency Program (Legistar)
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$27,648 from Sustainability & Innovations budget for 50% share of an FTE to support growing demand for energy and sustainability-related services within rental, building development, and homeowner communities.
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APPROVED: Brownfield fund reimbursement for cleanup of Leslie Science Center (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Old West Side Residential Parking District - Third Street (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Amendment to Burns Park Residential Parking District - Woodlawn Avenue (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Shell Gas Station PUD Site Plan and Landscape Modification, 2679 Ann Arbor-Saline Road (Legistar)
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DEFEATED: Issuance of $23,000,000 General Obligation Capital Improvement Bonds for the DDA to expand the Ann Ashley Parking Structure (Legistar)
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Note: this was initially proposed at $27,000,000 and was defeated at the Sept 3, 2020 Council meeting (Legistar)
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Additional Thoughts (Oct 19, 2019) - New York Times article about Michigan Daily
October 7, 2019
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APPROVED: City permits for recreational marijuana businesses (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Regulation of recreational marijuana facilities (Legistar)
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APPROVED: PUD changes to height, parking for "The Glen" (201, 213, 215, 271 Glen Ave & 1025 E Ann St) (Legistar) + site plan approved (Legistar)
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162-room hotel, 24 apartments, a restaurant, and 5,181 square feet of retail
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DEFEATED: Rezone R1E to PUD 2857 Packard Road (Legistar) + site plan (Legistar)
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Note: Subsequent Council meeting of Nov 4, 2019 approved a legal settlement allowing PUD rezoning at this property (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $259,086 to purchase Police Vehicles from Signature Ford (Legistar)
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$18,690.00 from Sustainability & Innovations budget to subsidize the purchase of six hybrid vehicles for use by the Ann Arbor Police Department
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APPROVED: $130,000 for proposed Fuller Court and Nixon/Traver Sidewalk Gap Project (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $53,900 for ramp and sidewalk repair for vaulted or displaced joints in sidewalks (Legistar)
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APPROVED Review of City Transportation Planning and Operations Management and Related Staffing (Legistar)
September 16, 2019
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CM Ackerman absent
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APPROVED: $126,500 for extension of sanitary sewer service through Hickory Way affordable housing project for the benefit of a future Avalon Housing project at 1146 S. Maple (Legistar)
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DEFEATED: Rezone C1B to C1A (Legistar) and site plan (Legistar) for “The Garnet” at 325 East Summit Street
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10 condominium units
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Developers were asked to re-propose project as a PUD including public benefit
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APPROVED: $67,403.56 to purchase equipment to clear protected bike lanes (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $431,000 for soil borings, testing, and remediation at Leslie Science and Nature Center (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Road Reconfiguration Pilot for Traverwood Drive, from Huron Parkway to Plymouth Road (Legistar)
September 3, 2019
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DEFEATED: CM Ackerman reappointment to Planning Commission (defeated 6-5) (Legistar)
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State law allows CM Ackerman to serve on the Planning Commission until the Mayor nominates another Council Member
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A month after this Council meeting, I wrote a post about this issue: Elections Have Consequences
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APPROVED: $579,478 Lower Town Area Mobility Study (Legistar)
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This study was part of the FY20 approved budget for $649,478 ($579,478 plus $70,000 contingencies)
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This study was defeated when first proposed for $732,992 at Feb 19, 2019 Council Meeting (Legistar) - at the time it was an 8-vote requirement to amend FY19 budget
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APPROVED: Public Release, redacted report about former HR Director Robyn Wilkerson (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $73,710 for Sustainability and Innovations to purchase solar panels to be installed at Fire Station 6, 1881 Briarwood Circle (Legistar)
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DEFEATED: Road Reconfiguration Pilot for Green Road, from Burbank Drive to Plymouth Road (Legistar)
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Note: a similar resolution was defeated at the Aug 5, 2019 Council meeting (Legistar)
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DEFEATED: $27,000,000 General Obligation Capital Improvement Bonds for the DDA to expand Ann Ashley Parking Structure Expansion, including $5,000,000 for office space (Legistar)
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Note: This was brought back to the Oct 21, 2019 Council Meeting with a reduced cost of $23,000,000 and was also defeated (Legistar)
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August 19, 2019
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Mayor Taylor absent (trip to Japan)
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APPROVED: $75,000 Public engagement for design concepts of 415 W Washington (to be reimbursed by DDA) (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Revised fees for Planned Unit Development Districts - increase affordable housing contribution in lieu of units to $126/sq ft (Legistar)
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Additional Thoughts (Aug 17, 2019) - Informed Decision Making
August 5, 2019
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APPROVED: Review of the City's Policies on Assessing Fees for Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), alternatives and recommendations to Council that promote transparency and the public interest (written by CM Eaton) (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $213,182.50 for renovation of pathways, new ADA compliant picnic tables and benches at Riverside Park (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $45,000 from Sustainability & Innovations Budget approved for legal services to intervene in a case before the Michigan Public Services Commission (Legistar)
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Our intervention would urge DTE to make more significant investment in renewable energy to increase supply, reduce price, and reduce barriers to accessing green power.
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DEFEATED: $75,000 Road Reconfiguration for Earhart Road (US-23 to South Waldenwood Drive) (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Road Reconfiguration Pilot for Traverwood Drive (Huron Parkway to Plymouth Rd. (Legistar)
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DEFEATED: Road Reconfiguration Pilot for Green Road (Burbank Drive to Plymouth Rd) (Legistar)
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Note: a similar resolution was brought back to the Sept 3, 2019 Council meeting and was also defeated (Legistar)
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Additional Thoughts (Aug 3, 2019) - Sidewalk Gaps, Traffic Reconfigurations, Short Term Rentals
July 15, 2019
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APPROVED: $5,160,500 Contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation for the Allen Creek Railroad Berm Opening Project (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $25,000 Plans for proposed Barton Drive Resurfacing Project's Sidewalk Gap Portion (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $24,563.39 special assessment district for sidewalks on Scio Church Rd. (south side from Main to Seventh) (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $83,159.71 special assessment district for sidewalks, Dhu Varren Sidewalk Project (Legistar)
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DEFEATED: $7,322.40 Sidewalk Assessment 1425 Pontiac Street (Legistar)
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Resident objection raised the standard for approval to 8 votes
-
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DEFEATED: Attempt to override mayoral veto of ballot question about non-partisan local elections (Legistar)
-
A resolution for a ballot question about non-partisan local elections was approved at the July 1, 2019 Council meeting (Legistar)
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Mayor Taylor VETOED this resolution on July 5, 2019 (Legistar)
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Additional Thoughts (July 13, 2019) - Mayoral Veto of Non Partisan Elections
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July 1, 2019
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APPROVED: Appoint Michael Cox as the City of Ann Arbor Police Chief (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $75,000 Public engagement for design concepts, 350 S. Fifth (Y Lot) (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Agreement with Michigan Department of Transportation to accept federal grant money for an Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) at a crosswalk on Eisenhower Parkway at Plaza Road (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Ballot question for 11/5/19 election about non-partisan local elections (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Rezoning from M1 (Limited Industrial District) to PUD for 841 Broadway (Legistar)
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90 residential units, restaurant, hotel, public open space
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APPROVED: Settlement of lawsuit, Trinitas/Barton Green development (Legistar)
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48 one bedroom units, 36 two bedroom units, 13 three bedroom units, 47 four bedroom units, 67 five bedroom units (211 units total)
-
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Additional Thoughts (June 29, 2019) - RRFBs, Pride Month, Goats at Gallup
June 17, 2019
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APPROVED: $1,247,529 allocation to Non-Profit Entities for Human Services (Legistar)
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Agencies included: Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels at Michigan Medicine, Avalon Housing, Barrier Busters, Community Action Network, Food Gatherers, Home of New Vision, Home of New Vision, Ozone House, Peace Neighborhood Center, Shelter Association of Washtenaw County, The Salvation Army of Washtenaw County, Washtenaw County Community Mental Health
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APPROVED: $260,000 purchase of 1148 S. Maple in anticipation of use for affordable housing (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $950,400 Water Treatment Plant purchase of granulated activated carbon filters for PFAS removal (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $83,159.71 Special assessment district, Dhu Varren sidewalk project (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $44,467 2019 Caterpillar Electric Forklift from Fraza Forklift (Legistar)
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$6,000 from Sustainability & Innovations budget subsidized purchase of a fully electric forklift for use by Public Works
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June 3, 2019
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APPROVED: $4,230,645 for FY2020 Street Surface Treatment Project, pavement preservation applications (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $852,409.60 Contract with MDOT for Dhu Varren Rd. Sidewalk Project (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $635,000 for pavement marking maintenance (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $100,000 for pedestrian improvement projects (beacons, signals, devices) (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $17,500 Sidewalk Special Assessment District 1425 Pontiac Trail (adjacent to Beckley Park) (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $12,000 Traffic Calming Devices on Scio Church Service Drive (Legistar)
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These traffic calming measures were requested by local residents
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In Feb 2019 I wrote about the process these residents followed: Resident Requested Traffic Calming Studies
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APPROVED: Site plan “Bristol Ridge” 2750 Pontiac Trail (Legistar)
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DEFEATED: Rezoning from R4B to R4D (moderate sized multi-family to higher density and high rise multi-family) "Brightdawn Village" 2805 Burton Road (Legistar)
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160 apartment units (20 units below 80% AMI, 20 units below 60% AMI)
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Planning commission recommended DENIAL (7-0 vote)
-
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Additional Thoughts (June 1, 2019) - Resident Requested Traffic Calming, Gallup Goats
May 20, 2019
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APPROVED: FY20 Budget amendments: (Legistar)
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$3,000,000 Additional road improvements
-
$2,020,000 Advanced funding for Nixon Corridor improvements project
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$199,144 Two additional FTE, Ann Arbor Police Department
-
$100,000 One-time expenditure: new streetlights
-
$300,000 Oakbrook Drive asphalt path improvements moved to FY2020
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$389,168 Additional budget for Parks
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DEFEATED: Northside STEAM Sidewalk Special Assessment District (Legistar)
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Resident protest raised approval standard to 8 votes
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May 6, 2019
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APPROVED: 6% increase Water Rates (Legistar)
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APPROVED: 7% increase Sewer Rates (Legistar)
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APPROVED: 13% increase Stormwater Rates (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $1,135,000 for shared use, non-motorized paths at Wheeler Service Center and on Stone School Road (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $8,995,000 for 2019 Street Resurfacing and Restoration project (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $95,750 for installation of flashing beacons (RRFB’s) at five crosswalks (Legistar)
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N. Maple Rd. (near S. Circle Dr)
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N. Maple Rd. (between Pamela Ave. & Sequoia Pkwy)
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S. Maple Rd. (between Bens St. & Russell St)
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Green Rd. (Greenbrier Blvd)
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Geddes Rd. (east of Earhart Rd)
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APPROVED: Site plan and development agreement for 309 N. Ashley (Legistar)
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17 - 25 condominium units
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APPROVED: Rezoning to allow temporary uses of large parking lots (Briarwood) (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Amendment to zoning for food trucks (will be permitted in all but residential areas) (Legistar)
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DEFEATED: Zoning expansion for Accessory Dwelling Units to all residential areas (except mobile home parks) that would allow for building new accessory structures and remove requirement for minimum lot size (Legistar)
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Additional Thoughts (May 4, 2019) - Boards and Commissions Appointment Process