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A2COUNCIL.com
Ann Arbor City Council Meeting Summaries
from Council Member Elizabeth Nelson
Accessible from A2COUNCIL.com and A2ELNEL.com/A2COUNCIL
For each City Council meeting, I provide links to the agenda on the City's Legistar website, CTN's YouTube video of the meeting, and to my newsletters and voting charts. I write summaries of agenda items, 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.
August 4, 2022
This City Council meeting was held in person at City Hall. Members of the public can participate in public hearings and public comment either in person or via phone.
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CM Hayner was absent
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APPROVED: An amendment to the Uniform Development Code (UDC) adds “religious assembly” as a primary use in the M1 (Limited Industrial) district. This amendment was requested by Oxford Properties. A second amendment to the UDC reduces minimum lot sizes, areas, and setbacks in the R2A zoning district. The minimum lot size in the R2A zoning district was previously 8,500 square feet and is now 5,000 square feet. The previous minimum lot area per dwelling was 4,250 square feet and is now 2,500 square feet. The rear setback requirement is reduced from 30 to 20 feet. These amendments to R2A were initiated by the Planning Commission. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: The 1.15 acre City-owned property at 1146 South Maple sold to Avalon Housing for $260,000. In 2019, the City exercised a right of first refusal in order to buy this property for $260,000. Avalon plans to develop 14 units of affordable housing on this site. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $285,524.06 contract for engineering and design services related to the repair/replacement of the vehicle and pedestrian bridge at Gallup Park. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $59,000 in allocations from the FY23 Community Event Fund budget. The Ann Arbor Community Events Committee recommends funding to sixteen different community organizations and events in amounts ranging between $125 (Veterans Day Memorial) and $32,000 (Ann Arbor Summer Festival). (Legistar)
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APPROVED: A resolution authorizes the City Attorney to investigate all legal courses of action to protect health, welfare, and safety concerns relative to the Hexavalent chromium spill. (Legistar)
July 18, 2022
This City Council meeting was held in person at City Hall. Members of the public can participate in public hearings and public comment either in person or via phone.
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CM Eyer was absent
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APPROVED: On-street parking will be removed on both sides of Barton Drive between Northside Avenue and Pontiac Trail to make room for bike lanes. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: The City Administrator would be directed to develop a policy in the next 60 days for periodic, on-site spot checks of contractor compliance with prevailing wage requirements. He will provide an annual report on this topic for the next five years, including the results of these on-site spot-checks. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: This resolution will convene a joint meeting of representatives from the Environmental Commission, Transportation Commission, Energy Commission, Commission on Disability Issues, A2ZERO Ambassadors, plus other community stakeholders in order to identify opportunities for greater coordination between the City’s transportation, safety, and sustainability initiatives as it relates to sidewalk expansion and maintenance. (Legistar)
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DEFEATED: An amendment to refer the Ann Arbor Racket Club (Geddes Ave/Hickory Lane) sidewalk for discussion and report on environmental impact.
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At the Sept 7, 2021 meeting, Council denied a request from the Racquet Club of Ann Arbor (3010 Hickory Lane) to waive the City requirement that they install sidewalks along Geddes Avenue and a portion of Hickory Lane as part of a larger improvement project (installation of a larger pool pump house). City Staff recommended approval of this waiver; the Transportation Commission opposed it. (Legistar)
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July 5, 2022
This City Council meeting was held in person at City Hall. Members of the public can participate in public hearings and public comment either in person or via phone.
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CM Grand was absent
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REMOVED: A Mayoral nomination to the Energy Commission - Knox Cameron - was removed from the agenda a few hours before the Council meeting. This nomination would have required seven votes for approval, because Mr. Cameron is not a registered elector in the City of Ann Arbor. This nomination was introduced by the Mayor at the 6/5/22 meeting. Final confirmation of this appointment was previously included and removed from the 6/21/22 agenda, when three Council Members (CM Grand, CM Hayner and CM Song) were absent.
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Ahead of the 7/5/22 Council meeting, community members and advocates with Ann Arbor for Public Power held a rally in front of City Hall, protesting the appointment of Knox Cameron, due to his employment with DTE.
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APPROVED: A Redevelopment Brownfield Plan for 303 North Fifth and 312-314 Detroit will advance to the County for authorization. The plan will reimburse the developer for environmental-related activities totaling $2,674,011. The site is eligible for brownfield remediation due to the presence of Arsenic, barium, lead, mercury, selenium, and zinc at levels greater than State-established criteria. (Legistar)
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Two agenda items for funding and establishment of a Regional Drop-Off Station at Wheeler Service Facility
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APPROVED: A grant agreement will provide $850,000 from Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy in order to build a Regional Drop-Off Station (DOS) located at the Wheeler Service Facility. The DOS will be part of a complex that includes the City’s compost facility, the Materials Recovery Facility, and waste transfer station. The new full-service DOS will have an enclosed barn, a tip wall area, equipment storage, material processing areas, and household hazardous waste processing, among other features. Total cost for the DOS is estimated at $4,426,900, which will come from the Solid Waste Capital budget. Additionally, Washtenaw County Board of Public Works has committed $1,000,000 to this project (subject to approval by the County Board of Commissioners). (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $255,490 professional services agreement with Resource Recycling Systems, Inc. for the design of the new Drop Off Station project. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: The FY2023 City Council Legislative Policy Agenda includes “high” and “medium” priority policy goals as decided by the Council Policy Agenda Committee (CMs Briggs, Eyer, Griswold, Radina, Song). These goals will be given to the City’s lobbying firm. (Legistar)
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“High” priority goals:
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Elimination of racially restrictive property covenants
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Restoration of State revenue sharing to a level commensurate with the needs of municipalities across the state
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HB 4117, a change in state law that would give municipalities increased flexibility to set speed limits lower than the 85th percentile in corridors and also lower than 25 MPH
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Inclusionary zoning practices and affordability incentives added to land development codes
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“Medium” priority goals
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Improved voter enfranchisement through the modification or elimination of term limits for state legislators
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Federal and state funding for affordable housing
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MDOT requirements to further define and consistently adhere to the Complete Streets and Vision Zero policies
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Maximum funding level under the Michigan Fire Protection Grant Program and a similar program for Public Safety for the costs associated with police and emergency medical services
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Funding to protect, develop, and upgrade water, wastewater, drainage, and natural area resources and systems
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Federal, state, county, and private funds to advance infrastructure projects for transportation, transit, active transportation, and advanced mobility systems.
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June 21, 2022
This City Council meeting was held in person at City Hall. Members of the public can participate in public hearings and public comment either in person or via phone.
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CM Grand was absent
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CM Hayner was absent
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CM Song was absent
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APPROVED: $7,496,424 Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Enerlogics Networks, Inc. will fund the installation, operation, and maintenance of solar infrastructure at seven locations at City facilities. The installations are predicted to provide over 3 megawatts of power. (Legistar)
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A PPA was chosen as the preferred contracting vehicle because the City did not have the capital to directly purchase the solar installations at all sites outright. The PPA allows the City to use the power generated from the solar installations at each site, with additional energy usage purchased from DTE. At any point, the City can purchase the solar systems at fair market value; otherwise, the City will continue to pay the PPA for 20 years, with the option of extending the contract beyond that.
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City Council previously approved $4.5 million in ARPA funds for this project. Under this agreement, the City will make an upfront payment of $3,419,000 using $3,100,00 from ARPA funding and $319,000 from the Public Safety Rebate associated with the Community Mental Health and Public Safety millage.
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APPROVED: $520,172 contract with Enerlogics Networks, Inc will purchase and install solar energy storage and battery systems at the Water Treatment Plant and the Wastewater Treatment plant. This is funded from the Public Safety Rebate associated with the Community Mental Health and Public Safety millage. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $98,306 purchase of 13 electric vehicle charging stations at City facilities: Burns Park Senior Center, Fuller Park, Veterans Memorial Park, Huron Hills Golf Course, and Leslie Park Golf Course. This is funded from the Public Safety Rebate associated with the Community Mental Health and Public Safety millage. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $505,567 construction contract for repairs and renovations of the Bandemer Park Bridge. Steel stringers will be replaced and floor beams painted, among other essential repairs to this pedestrian bridge. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $2,329,200 construction contract for work on a water main, curb ramps, crosswalks, and resurfacing of Platt Road from Packard to Huron Parkway. An amendment was approved directing the City Administrator to incorporate bike facilities into the final plan, in accordance with the City's transportation plan, which identifies this corridor as an All Ages and Abilities Bicycle Route. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $4,230,895.60 construction contract for the replacement of asphalt pavement and installation of sidewalks, bike lanes, and stormwater upgrades at Geddes Avenue (Observatory to Highland Road) and Huron Parkway and Tuebingen. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Due to ongoing renovation and construction work by Ann Arbor Public Schools, eight polling places for the August 2, 2022 primary will be relocated. It is expected that all affected voters will be able to return to their usual polling place on November 8, 2022. (Legistar)
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Ward 1 Precincts 2 & 3: Community High to Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum (220 E. Ann St)
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Ward 2 Precinct 18: Clague Middle School to Thurston Elementary (2300 Prairie St)
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Ward 3 Precinct 24: Tappan Middle School to Burns Park Elementary (1414 Wells St)
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Ward 3 Precincts 27, 29, 30: Scarlett Middle School and Pittsfield Elementary to Mitchell Elementary (3550 Pittsview Dr)
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Ward 5 Precinct 43: Bach Elementary to Pioneer High School (601 W. Stadium Blvd)
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Ward 5 Precinct 47: Eberwhite Elementary to Slauson Middle School (1019 W. Washington)
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Ward 5 Precincts 52, 53: Forsythe Middle School to Ann Arbor Open (920 Miller Ave)
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June 6, 2022
This City Council meeting was held in person at City Hall. Members of the public can participate in public hearings and public comment either in person or via phone.
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CM Disch was absent
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CM Radina was absent
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APPROVED: Location and hours of Ann Arbor City Clerk satellite offices on the University of Michigan campus to issue and receive absent voter ballots for the November 8, 2022 General Election. (Legistar)
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University of Michigan Art Museum (525 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109)
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September 27 - November 4: Monday through Thursday (12:00 PM - 6:00 PM) and Fridays (12:00 PM to 4:00 PM)
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Saturday, November 5 (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM)
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Monday, November 7 (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM)
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Tuesday, November 8 (8:00 AM - 8:00 PM)
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University of Michigan Duderstadt Center (2281 Bonisteel, Ann Arbor, MI 48109)
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October 12 - November 4: Wednesdays and Thursdays (12:00 PM - 6:00 PM) and Fridays (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM)
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Monday, October 24 (12:00 PM - 6:00 PM)
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Tuesday, November 8 (8:00 AM - 8:00 PM)
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APPROVED: A $932,365 contract for cost-sharing with MDOT to construct 1,010 feet of new sidewalk on the east side of Newport Road from Down Up Circle to Sunset Road, leading to Bird Hills Nature Area. The City’s share in the cost of the project will be $490,259. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $98,000 change order with CLI Concrete Leveling Inc. for the 2022 Sidewalk Repair Project, for a total of $191,600. Detailed inspections revealed more sidewalks slabs requiring sidewalk leveling than initially estimated, although City staff expects this this will likely result in a significant reduction in the number of slabs that require replacement. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $139,399.27 change order with Doan Construction Co. for the 2021 Annual Sidewalk and Ramp Repair Project, for a total of $720,962.42. The number of repairs needed in the planned 2021 areas was greater than the estimated quantity, requiring this change order which exceeds the $60,000 contingency originally approved by Council. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $3,050,000 to be spent on the purchase and installation of nine (9) solar energy systems on city sites at Veteran’s Park, Buhr Park, the Farmer’s Market, Gallup Canoe Livery, Cobblestone, Fuller Park, Leslie Golf Course, Burns Park Senior Center, and Huron Hills Golf Course. Energy storage and battery systems will be installed at Veterans Park and Burns Park Senior Center. Electric vehicle charging infrastructure will be installed at Veterans Park, Fuller Park, Leslie Park Golf Course, Huron Hills Golf Course and Burns Park Senior Center. (Legistar)
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This expenditure was previously approved as an allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
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APPROVED: Eight (8) new on-premises Class C liquor licenses are recommended by the City, under the State of Michigan Liquor Control Commission’s quota system. (Legistar)
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These licenses are recommended for:
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A2WINEMAN (512 S. Main)
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Chela’s (693 S. Maple)
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Jibarito (309 S. Main)
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Lowertown Proper (1031 Broadway)
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Majek (407 N. Fifth Ave.)
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Spiedo (307 S. Fifth St.)
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The Upkeep Games (2121 W. Stadium Blvd.)
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Up From The Skies (210 S. Main)
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May 16, 2022
This City Council meeting was held in person at City Hall. Members of the public can participate in public hearings and public comment either in person or via phone.
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CM Song was absent
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APPROVED: An employment agreement with Milton Dohoney, Jr. to serve as the City Administrator. Mr. Dohoney will receive an annual base salary of $250,000, with no compensation adjustments for the first 24 months. (Legistar)
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Two resolutions related to the South State Street reconstruction project:
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APPROVED: A $6,727,358.01 contract with Fonson Company, Inc for the South State Street reconstruction project. Improvements are planned for the South State Street area from Huron to North University, including water main replacement, resurfacing, bicycle improvements, and street reconstruction with a curbless design. Total project cost is estimated at $9,083,000. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: An agreement with the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) to share costs of the South State Street reconstruction project. The DDA’s portion of the cost allocation is an estimated $4,218,283. (Legistar)
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The South State Street reconstruction project is split into two stages: Stage 1 in June-August 2022 (E. Liberty St. to E. William St), Stage 2 in March-August 2023 (E Liberty St. to E. Huron St.)
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APPROVED: The City appropriates $374,738 of federal grant money toward funding “smart intersections.” A network of these intersections is part of a University of Michigan project to enable autonomous vehicles in our local community. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: By resolution, City Council reaffirms its support for women and individuals to access abortion and other reproductive rights services. The City Administrator and City Attorney’s Office will take appropriate legal action, including but not limited to, filing amicus briefs in Planned Parenthood of Michigan v. Attorney General of the State of Michigan and Governor Whitmer’s legal challenge of Act 328. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: The City Administrator will provide an opportunity for discussion between City Council members and U-M Regents to dialog about net zero energy Workforce Housing on U-M properties and elsewhere in the city, with the participation of stakeholder groups. The City Administrator will raise the issue of workforce housing at the quarterly U-M policy meetings and report progress to City Council, as appropriate, while soliciting the support of the Michigan Municipal League, the City’s lobbyist, the Chamber of Commerce, and any other local groups and leaders. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: The City’s water rates will increase by 6% on July 1, 2022. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: The City’s stormwater rates will increase by 4% on July 1, 2022. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $24.2 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds are appropriated to the City’s Major Grants Program Fund, following allocations previously approved by Council on April 4, 2022. (Legistar)
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Council approved the following APRA fund allocations at the April 4, 2022 meeting (Legistar)
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$4,500,000 Solar on City Facilities
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$3,500,000 Property Acquisition for Affordable Housing (including $500,000 allocation to residential support services)
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$3,500,000 Unarmed Response
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$2,300,000 Gallup Park Bridge
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$2,000,000 Galvanized Water Service Line Replacement
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$2,000,000 Vision Zero Plan Implementation
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$1,682,630 Coordinated Funding Support
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$1,600,000 Universal Basic Income
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$1,000,000 City Clerk Election Center
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$1,000,000 Housing for Homeless Households
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$500,000 Community and Law Enforcement Data Platform
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$500,000 Funding for the Arts (including $200,000 to “arts-based trauma response programs and workforce development”)
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$100,000 Liberty Plaza
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APPROVED: The City’s budget for FY 2023. General Fund recurring expenses have increased by 3.4% ($3,915,640) compared to FY 2022’s adopted budget; recurring revenues have increased by 4.5% ($5,075,679). The FY 2023 budget includes a total of 16 additional full time employees (FTE) in City departments: Parks & Recreation, Building & Rental, Public Services, City Attorney, Police, Fire, and Downtown Development Authority. Ten additional FTE’s will be permitted on a temporary basis as part of the workforce planning initiative. (Legistar)
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AMENDMENT: Allocations for $935,336 in FY23 Marijuana Excise Tax Revenue:
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$572,000 to City Attorney’s Office for Deflection Program
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$100,000 to Public Works department for an apprenticeship program to fund 10 commercial driver’s licenses
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$100,000 to Washtenaw County to fund Utility Support for low income residents through Barrier Busters
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$75,000 to Ann Arbor Housing Commission for A BIPOC small business development space at 121 E. Catherine
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$60,000 to Office of Sustainability & Innovations for low income sustainability grants
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$28,336 to Washtenaw County for Child Savings Accounts
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DEFEATED: Amendment to remove $100,000 from the Public Works Apprenticeship program and re-direct it to Dawn Farms (long-term addiction treatment services).
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DEFEATED: Amendment to remove $60,000 from low income sustainability grants and re-direct it to Home of New Vision (substance use disorder treatment) and A Brighter Way (support for formerly incarcerated).
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AMENDMENT: An additional $240,000 to the Office of Sustainability & Innovations for low income sustainability grants
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AMENDMENT: Additional funding to support the City Attorney’s office:
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$165,252 for an additional full time employee (FTE)
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$20,000 to replace CityLaw software
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$48,000 to fund annual maintenance for new software
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May 5, 2022
This City Council meeting was held in person at City Hall. Members of the public can participate in public hearings and public comment either in person or via phone.
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Mayor Taylor was absent
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CM Briggs was absent
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CM Radina was absent
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There was a public hearing at this meeting related to the proposed FY23 budget, which will be voted on at the May 16, 2022 Council meeting. The proposed budget (and previously approved annual budgets) can be viewed here: https://www.a2gov.org/departments/finance-admin-services/financial-reporting/Pages/default.aspx#annualbudgets
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APPROVED: The City’s Non-Discrimination ordinance is amended to clarify that “religion” may include hairstyles and religious head coverings. Definitions related to Gender Identity, Gender Expression and Sexual Orientation will change in order to match language in the Conversion Therapy Ban Ordinance. Amendments also lift the requirement that complaints be filed within 180 days. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: An Industrial Facilities Exemption certificate for Sartorius BioAnalytical Instruments allows a 12-year abatement of local taxes up to $54,587,000 of real property site improvements and up to $8,943,000 of personal property. An Industrial Development District was previously established for Sartorius at 3874 Research Park Drive, making them eligible for local tax abatement. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: This resolution addresses the Michigan No-Fault Auto Insurance Reform Act of 2019 that was implemented last July. That legislation reduced the required rate of reimbursement to long-term care and post-acute rehabilitation facilities for victims of motor vehicle crashes. New reimbursement caps have made it impossible for Michigan residents with severe brain, spinal cord, and other catastrophic injuries to find necessary care. This resolution endorses the efforts of our own State Representative Yousef Rabhi (State House Bill 5931) to fully repeal the 2019 law in anticipation of further reforms that enable the continued care of auto crash survivors and would address other discriminatory aspects of the law. (Legistar)
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Rep. Yousef Rabhi discussed this topic at the Commission on Disability Issues (CODI). You can watch his presentation here: https://youtu.be/OW82ywgKwlY?t=612
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This is a link to House Bill 5931: http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?2022-HB-5931
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APPROVED: A $446,858.15 contract with Doan Construction for the "2022 Sidewalk Gap Elimination Project", building sidewalks at Nixon Road and Travel Boulevard (leading to Logan Elementary), 2231 Platt Road, 1121 Saunders Crescent, 710 W. Stadium (Hutchins frontage), 2900 S. Main Street, and 1320 and 1330 Prescott Avenue. (Legistar)
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A map of the sidewalk gaps is attached to the Legistar item: https://a2gov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=10822608&GUID=1C6286C4-9F2B-41B3-81DF-D65F7C85CAEF
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APPROVED: A $1,722,742.98 contract with Bailey Excavating for utility projects in 2022. Planned projects include: water main looping from Maple Road to Dicken Drive with a solid waste turnaround at the end of Dicken Drive, water main replacement and solid waste turnaround on Eighth Street, water main replacement on Sunrise Court, new storm sewer on Hiscock and a new sidewalk south of Summit. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: A $6,930,000 contract with Cadillac Asphalt will resurface five miles on 31 local streets, improve 7000 feet of asphalt paths and sidewalks, including a location in Arbor Hills nature area. Also funded: previously approved traffic calming measures on Longman Lane/Fairview Drive and Northside Avenue. (Legistar)
April 18, 2022
This City Council meeting was held in person at City Hall. Members of the public can participate in public hearings and public comment either in person or via phone.
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CM Ramlawi was absent
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At the beginning of the meeting, City Administrator Milton Dohoney presented the proposed FY2023 City budget, as well as spending recommendations for $935,336 in marijuana excise tax rebate proceeds.
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The budget presentation and excise fund recommendations can be found here:
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The whole of the proposed city budget can be viewed on the City's Financial Reporting page (along with previously adopted annual budgets):
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This is a direct link to the proposed FY2023 budget:
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In 2021, City Council unanimously approved a resolution I co-wrote and cosponsored, which would designate these Marijuana Excise Tax Funds for specific purposes related to restorative and alternative strategies for public safety. For more about that, see: Additional Thoughts (Mar 13, 2021) - Marijuana Excise Tax Funds
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APPROVED: $1,829,900 construction contract to E.T. MacKenzie for work on a water main, road surface work, and sidewalks in the residential neighborhood around Winchell/Brockman/Frieze. (Legistar)
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This is the second large contract for water main work that has been approved in recent months; City staff recommended that both this contract and the previous contract be awarded to E.T. MacKenzie. At the Feb 22, 2022 meeting, a majority of Council postponed a $1.3 million contract with E.T. MacKenzie for replacement of a water main, street surfacing, and construction of curbs, gutters, and sidewalk ramps as part of the Third and Mosley Water Main and Resurfacing Project. At the March 7, 2022 Council Meeting, CM Radina introduced a substitute resolution awarding the contract to Bailey Excavating, which was approved by a majority of Council (Legistar)
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APPROVED: The Main Street Social District is amended in order to permit sidewalk service seven days a week: Sunday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM each day. (Legistar)
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At the August 16, 2021 meeting, Council established a Main Street Social District to be in effect on select days: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: The City will issue up to $15,000,000 in Michigan Transportation Fund Bonds, which will be paid back over ten years with revenue from the Michigan Transportation Fund. The bonds will fund road repair and reconstruction projects. (Legistar)
April 4, 2022
This City Council meeting was held in person at City Hall. Members of the public can participate in public hearings and public comment either in person or via phone.
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APPROVED: The 0.8 acre parcel at 350 S. Fifth (the "Y Lot") is rezoned from D1 (Downtown Core) to PUD (Planned Unit Development District). This PUD allows for more height (up to 275 feet) and lifts requirements for driveway width, building frontage, and street trees along Fourth and Fifth Avenue right of ways. No parking will be required. In exchange, a minimum of 100 (40% of total) residential dwellings will be affordable dwelling units, property will be allocated for Blake Transit Center expansion, there will be no curb cut on William, and the building will be fully electrified. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Sixty-eight lots in the South State and East/West Eisenhower area, including Boardwalk Drive and Victors Way are rezoned TC-1. This new zoning district (Transit Corridor district) will permit unlimited density, create height minimums except where adjacent to pre-existing residential areas, establish maximum (rather than minimum) parking requirements, require mixed use, eliminate any open space requirements, and eliminate side and rear setback requirements except where adjacent to pre-existing residential areas. (Legistar)
APPROVED: A Brownfield Plan will reimburse the developer of 3874 Research Park Drive $145,125 for environmental-related activities (Environmental Due Diligence, Site Control and testing; excavation, transportation, and disposal of impacted soil; and related Brownfield Plan and Work Plan preparation) and $1,513,586 for non-environmental activities (Demolition; infrastructure improvements, site preparation activities, and related Brownfield Plan and Work Plan preparation). An additional $1,101,727 of TIF capture will be deposited into the City’s Affordable Housing Fund. This plan will advance to the Washtenaw County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners for authorization. (Legistar)
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POSTPONED: An Industrial Facilities Exemption certificate for Sartorius BioAnalytical Instruments will permit a 12-year abatement of local taxes up to $54,587,000 of real property site improvements and up to $8,943,000 of personal property. An Industrial Development. District was previously established for Sartorius at 3874 Research Park Drive, making them eligible for local tax abatement. This resolution was postponed to the May 5th 2022 Council meeting. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Allocations for $24.2 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Final allocations are listed below. (Legistar)
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$4,500,000 Solar on City Facilities
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$3,500,000 Property Acquisition for Affordable Housing (AMENDED to permit $500,000 allocation to residential support services)
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$3,500,000 Unarmed Response
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$2,300,000 Gallup Park Bridge
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$2,000,000 Galvanized Water Service Line Replacement
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$2,000,000 Vision Zero Plan Implementation
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$1,682,630 Coordinated Funding Support
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$1,600,000 Universal Basic Income
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$1,000,000 City Clerk Election Center
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$1,000,000 Housing for Homeless Households
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$500,000 Community and Law Enforcement Data Platform
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$500,000 Funding for the Arts (AMENDED to direct $200,000 to “arts-based trauma response programs and workforce development”)
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$100,000 Liberty Plaza
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APPROVED: City Council declares “No Mow May” and encourages residents to refrain from mowing open green space during the month in order to preserve floral spaces for bees and other pollinators. At Council, language was added by friendly amendment to clarify: City ordinances will be enforced if plant growth impacts sight lines and safety for pedestrians. (Legistar)
March 21, 2022
This City Council meeting was held in person at City Hall. Members of the public can participate in public hearings and public comment either in person or via phone.
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APPROVED: A resolution asking that an employment contract be negotiated for Milton Dohoney Jr to be hired as a permanent City Administrator for the City of Ann Arbor. (Legistar)
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DEFEATED: A motion to postpone the decision until the June 6th meeting in order to carry out a more regular hiring process and engage more staff.
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Mr Dohoney began serving as Interim City Administrator on Oct 18, 2021 with a contract that could have been extended to Jan 2023. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: The City will move forward with a list of recommendations to improve the City’s food procurement policies. The City will offer more nutritious and health-enhancing, ideally locally sourced, choices at City facilities. For City vending and event catering, the City will develop a directory of preferred restaurants, caterers, and other eating places that provide plant-based alternatives, support the local food system, and minimize wasteful packaging. The City will work with Washtenaw County Food Policy Council (WCFPC) and attend their meetings. An “A2ZERO Preferred” labeling system will be established to identify sustainable choices at vending machines, snack bars, and other City-operated points of purchase. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: A contract for $120,000 with Dykema Gossett, PLLC will fund lobbying services at the state and federal level. This contract displaces a $48,000 contract for state lobbying services that were provided by GCSI (Governmental Consultant Services Inc) for the last 21 years. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Downtown streets will be closed to promote increased seating and sales capacity at local businesses during the warmer season. Main Street (William to Washington), West Liberty (Ashley to Main), and East Liberty (Main to Fourth) will be closed to vehicular traffic on Thursdays at 4 p.m. and through 6 a.m. on Mondays. West Washington (Ashley to Main) will be closed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. These closures may start as early as Thursday, May 5, 2022, and may continue as late as October 31, 2022. (Legistar)
March 7, 2022
This City Council meeting was held in person at City Hall. Members of the public can participate in public hearings and public comment either in person or via phone.
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APPROVED: A $1,360,502.72 construction contract with Bailey Excavating for replacement of a water main, street surfacing, and construction of curbs, gutters, and sidewalk ramps as part of the Third and Mosley Water Main and Resurfacing Project. (Legistar)
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This was offered as a substitution for the staff-recommended contract with E.T. Mackenzie, which was postponed from the Feb 22, 2022 meeting.
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Two resolutions related to traffic calming
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APPROVED: An Industrial Development District (IDD) is established at 3874 Research Park Drive (plus four adjacent vacant lots), as requested by Sartorius BioAnalytical Instruments, Inc. for Sartorius/Research Park. An IDD will allow for local Tax Abatement for the benefit of Sartorius, through an Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate. (Legistar)
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On January 3, 2022, City Council held a public hearing (without any vote) regarding the establishment of this industrial development district. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Appropriation of $30,177.39 from the General Fund toward a Design and Cost Estimate of an East-West Pathway under the East Medical Center Drive Bridge. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: In anticipation of the retirement of current City Attorney Stephen Postema (3/11/22) and the employment of successor City Attorney Atleen Kaur (beginning on 4/11/22), Chief Deputy City Attorney Kevin McDonald is appointed Interim City Attorney from March 12 until April 10, 2022. Mr McDonald will be paid the current salary for the City Attorney while he serves as Interim City Attorney. (Legistar)
February 22, 2022
This City Council meeting was held in person at City Hall. Members of the public can participate in public hearings and public comment either in person or via phone.
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POSTPONED: A $1,299,999.25 construction contract with E.T. MacKenzie for replacement of a water main, street surfacing, and construction of curbs, gutters, and sidewalk ramps as part of the Third and Mosley Water Main and Resurfacing Project. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: A $4,656,400 contract will support the replacement of inoperable valves and piping as part of the Barton Pump Station Valve Improvement Project. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Resolutions appointing 10 people to a newly established Renters Commission. (Legistar) (Legistar)
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DEFEATED: In response to factual errors identified in an investigative report conducted by Jennifer Salvatore (published on Dec 7, 2021), a resolution asked City Attorneys to issue a legal opinion to Council by March 1, 2022. (Legistar)
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Link to critique by local attorney Ralph McKee which was sent to all of Council: Critique of Salvatore Followup Report Re Tom Crawford
February 7, 2022
This City Council meeting was held in person at City Hall. Members of the public can participate in public hearings and public comment either in person or via phone.
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APPROVED: A resolution regarding the re-building and expansion of E. Medical Center Drive bridge removing conditions that were added by amendment at the Oct 18, 2021 Council meeting. At that meeting, a majority of Council approved amendment language dictating that “The final design will utilize the additional width and capacity to facilitate and encourage multimodal travel (e.g. transit, carpool, bike).” That language was removed to preserve the original plan and financial agreement with the University: UM will pay for 50% of the cost of rebuilding and 100% of the cost of widening. (Legistar)
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DEFEATED: An amendment to this resolution directing the City Administrator to pursue rehabilitation of the E. Medical Center Drive Bridge “as quickly as possible” and without any widening except for the purpose of expanding sidewalks. According to the amendment, the work would move forward with or without agreement (or financial support) from the University.
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APPROVED: A $95,000 amendment to a contract with Bodman PLC for legal services relative to the Gelman 1,4 Dioxane contamination and related litigation. This is the eighth amendment to this contract. (Legistar)
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DEFEATED: A resolution directing the City Administrator to strengthen public education on the topic of “reducing deer-human negative interactions" and “supporting biological diversity in natural areas.” The original resolution asked that the City Administrator report on advocacy for non-lethal deer management, resume funding for vegetation studies, and include “budgetary trade-offs involved in resuming funding for the deer management program” in FY 2023 budget discussions. The resolution was amended at the table to remove reference to the FY 2023 budget. A motion to postpone to the next Council meeting was defeated. (Legistar)
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DEFEATED: In response to factual errors identified in an investigative report conducted by Jennifer Salvatore (published on Dec 7, 2021), City Attorneys would have been directed to oversee corrections and submit a corrected memo by February 21, 2022. (Legistar)
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Link to critique by local attorney Ralph McKee which was sent to all of Council: Critique of Salvatore Followup Report Re Tom Crawford
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DEFEATED: This resolution asked for transparency regarding ownership of the 68 parcels recommended for TC-1 zoning changes by the City's Planning Commission. The City would have compiled a “report of the individuals with an ownership interest in these sixty-eight parcels, and including, but not limited to, the entity name on the City Assessor's record, the Registered Agent with the State of Michigan and the ownership information available from the County Register of Deeds.” Additionally, the City would have contracted with a commercial broker to assess - for each parcel - approximately how much they increase in value due to the rezoning. A report of this information would have been published by March 21, 2022. (Legistar)
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On July 6, 2021 Council approved amendments to the local Unified Development Code to add a new zoning district: TC1, Transit Corridor district. (Legistar)
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January 18, 2022
This City Council meeting was held in person at City Hall. Members of the public can participate in public hearings and public comment either in person or via phone.
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APPROVED: The City Administrator will create a Request for Proposals (RFP) to “study the technical, legal, and financial viability of multiple potential pathways” toward sustainable energy. The study of “multiple pathways” will include a detailed technical, financial and rate analysis of a municipal electric utility that would replace DTE as well as a Sustainable Electric Utility that would supplement DTE service. This resolution also directs the City Administrator to propose a governance model for, conduct public outreach about, and draft an ordinance to formally create a Sustainable Electric Utility. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Five properties totaling 73.2 acres that are currently part of Ann Arbor township are annexed into the City: 1680 Dhu Varren (67.599 acres), 2670 Pontiac Trail (1.859 Acres), 2672 Pontiac Trail (1.256 Acres), 2678 Pontiac Trail (1.245 Acres), and 2682 Pontiac Trail (1.248 Acres). These properties are associated with a site plan for "The Village of Ann Arbor" that will include single-family homes, townhomes, and stacked multiple-family units at a density of less than 10 dwelling units per acre. At a future meeting, Council will vote on a request for R4A (multiple-family) zoning. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: A City ordinance regarding disorderly conduct is repealed and replaced to add existing penalties, alter pronouns for gender neutral language, and remove provisions already covered by state law (Crime Victims Rights Act of 1985). These amendments are part of a Reform Project and will go into effect on April 15, 2022. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: A resolution condemning antisemitism “calls upon the persons who rally to express antisemitism on Washtenaw Avenue to renounce extremism, disband, and cease their weekly show of aggressive bigotry” and affirms “support for the Beth Israel Congregation, their guests, and all members of the Jewish Community in Ann Arbor, each of whom has the right to worship, gather, and celebrate free from intimidation, harassment, and fear of violence.” (Legistar)
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APPROVED: The City Administrator will analyze the staffing and cost required to clear snow on city-owned sidewalks and paths on the same timeline as is required for private property owners. City code amendments will be prepared to allow for discretion and educational opportunities in enforcement. The City Administrator will pursue better snow clearing strategies in the DDA district in collaboration with downtown partners and also encourage AAPS to clear snow on sidewalks adjacent to their properties. (Legistar)
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REFERRED: A resolution directing the City Administrator to organize a dialogue among federal, state and local elected officials and University of Michigan leaders to discuss the development of 2000 units of workforce housing on UM North Campus. He would be directed to discuss this topic at quarterly UM policy meetings and report progress to City Council. This resolution was referred to the following commissions for discussion: Planning, Transportation, Energy, Environmental, as well as the local Economic Development Corporation. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: As part of the 2020 & 2021 Sewer Lining project, $5,946,305 is allocated toward repair and maintenance of 65,000 feet of sanitary and storm sewer pipes and 50 sanitary sewer manholes. (Legistar)
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Two resolutions related to downtown street closures:
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APPROVED: A route of downtown streets (Main, Washington, William, Ashley) will be closed for the Shamrocks & Shenanigans 5k Run on March 13, 2022. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: A route of downtown streets (State, Hoover, Hill, Madison, etc.) will be closed for the University of Michigan Big House 5K on April 10, 2022. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) will hire a new executive director, Jeffrey D. Watson. (Legistar)
January 3, 2022
This was the first City Council meeting held in person at City Hall since March 2020. Members of the public can participate in public hearings and public comment either in person or via phone.
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CM Hayner was absent
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CM Song was absent
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APPROVED: The Unified Development Code (UDC) is amended to change the City process for revision and approval of site plans. Site plans not associated to rezoning petitions will now be reviewed by the City Planning Commission, rather than City Council. Site plans will no longer be required for construction of up to four residential units (current threshold is two units). Up to six residential units may be approved by the Planning Manager, without the review of Planning Commission. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: City ordinances are amended to reflect changes in the City’s procedures for contracting and purchases. Council approval is required only for contracts and purchases over $75,000; this is a change from the previous threshold of $25,000. A set of criteria aimed at achieving “best value” will be used to make purchases and enter into contracts over $75,000; this is a change from the previous standard of “lowest responsible bidder.” Additionally, City Council is empowered to sell “surplus” property by the same standard. From the amended ordinance: “City Council retains the right to dispose of City real and personal property in a manner that provides the best value to the City, with or without competitive bids, in City Council’s determination.” All of these changes are consistent with ballot proposals approved by voters in November 2021. (Legistar)
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PUBLIC HEARING: City Council held a public hearing (without any vote) regarding the establishment of an industrial development district comprised of 16.9 acres of land at 3874, 3990, 3886, 3994, 3950, 3958 Research Park Drive, owned by Sartorius BioAnalytical Instruments, Inc. Establishment of this district would allow Sartorius to apply for industrial facilities exemption certificates, which have the effect of creating certain tax abatements. State law allows up to 50% property tax exemption for up to 12 years. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: An employment contract for retiring City Attorney Stephen Postema will permit him to act as a legal advisor to the city through Nov 30, 2022, for up to ten hours per week. (Legistar)
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At the Dec 20, 2021 meeting, Council approved an employment contract with Atleen Kaur, who will serve as the Ann Arbor City Attorney starting April 11, 2022. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: City Council waived attorney-client privilege on a followup investigation report to another report dated June 29, 2021, regarding former City Administrator Tom Crawford, “for the sake of transparency.” (Legistar)
December 20, 2021
This was the forty 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. Michigan Open Meetings Act changes effective April 1, 2021 require all Council Members to state their location.
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CM Disch called in from Chicago, IL
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CM Song called in from Honolulu, Hawaii
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APPROVED: Masks will be required for those attending in-person City Council meetings, starting in January 2022. Free masks will be provided. Remote public comment will be available outside of City Hall. An area at City Hall will be established for unmasked members of the public to watch meetings live and provide comment. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Council approves an employment contract with Atleen Kaur, who will serve as the Ann Arbor City Attorney, starting April 11, 2022. (Legistar)
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Two items related to the proposed Mill Creek Townhomes development:
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APPROVED: Rezoning of 32.6 acres at 3002 Chelsea Circle from R3 (Townhouse Dwelling) to R4B (Multiple Family Dwelling) to allow for infill development of apartment buildings (Mill Creek Townhomes). Current zoning allows for the development of ten housing units per acre and the new zoning permits up to fifteen housing units per acre. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: A site plan for Mill Creek Townhomes that includes 383 dwelling units and 669 parking spaces with a 5,000-square foot community center at 3002 Chelsea Circle. This development will not fully comply with Electric Vehicle (EV) parking requirements but this site plan was granted a variance by the Zoning Board of Appeals. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: The PUD zoning of Monroe and Tappan (“Casa Dominicks”) is modified to delay closure of a curb cut that is recommended in the Supplemental Regulations. Supplemental Regulations were written in 2010, as requirements to be implemented with a site plan for expansion. That expansion never took place, but a site plan was required as part of licensing for a provisioning center on the property. The curb cut currently provides access for a residential tenant. At first reading (11/15/21), the PUD was amended to require the removal of all impervious surface currently used as parking. At second reading, the PUD was further amended to remove two parking spots that have existed since the 1960s. (Legistar)
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Two items related to allowing customers to opt out of automatic water reading:
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APPROVED: An ordinance amendment creates an “Opt out” provision for properties that are not equipped with a device that allows automatic or remote reading of a water meter. Where the public services area is not able to install, repair or replace a meter, water may be cut off or property owners may be assessed a surcharge under an “opt out” provision. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: A set of new fees and regulations is established for utility customers who wish to opt-out of the city's current automatic remote meter reading equipment. Two options for opt-out are proposed. Customers may relocate the meter transmitter unit to an outside location and will be charged $115 as a one time fee (homeowners would be required to install an exterior wire to accomplish this). Alternatively, customers who wish to remove the meter transmitter unit will be charged $399 as a set up fee for installation of reading display equipment outside of the home, plus a $58 quarterly meter reading fee. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: An ordinance amendment updates the list of substances considered intoxicating agents, clarifies that operating a motor vehicle while under their influence is a violation whether or not they were ingested legally, and updates pronouns for gender neutral language. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: An ordinance is repealed and replaced to add Juneteenth and Indigenous Peoples Day to the list of referenced national holidays, add forfeiture of a firearm to penalties, incorporate state law and International Fire Code (IFC) definitions, and update pronouns for gender neutral language. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: The City of Ann Arbor will participate in a settlement of national prescription opiate litigation. Per the settlement, three pharmaceutical distributors and one manufacturer will pay up to $26 billion over 18 years, which will be distributed to state and local governments. The state of Michigan expects to receive up to $800 million. Ann Arbor’s participation means that the City would receive funds for abatement of the opioids epidemic, e.g. treatment and prevention. (Legistar)
December 6, 2021
This was the forty 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. Michigan Open Meetings Act changes effective April 1, 2021 require all Council Members to state their location.
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APPROVED: Council appointments to boards, commissions and committees for the upcoming year are changed. Council Member Hayner now has no Council appointed positions. Council Members Briggs, Disch, Eyer, and Grand take positions formerly held by CM Hayner. Council Member Nelson is removed from Budget & Labor committee. Council Member Ramlawi is removed from Budget & Labor and Council Administrative committees. Council Members Disch, Grand and Radina take positions formerly held by CM Nelson and CM Ramlawi. (Legistar)
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Two resolutions related to a proposed Climate Action Millage
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APPROVED: A Climate Action Millage will be put on the ballot in the general election on November 3, 2022. A millage of 1.0 mills will be collected for 20 years, and is projected to collect $6.8 million in the first year. An earlier version of this proposal would have directed a special election in May 2022. In advance of discussion, a substitute version places the millage on the ballot in the regular November 2022 election. (Legistar)
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DEFEATED: An amendment to change the term of the millage to ten years.
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APPROVED: A Resolution of Intent lists the planned use and administration of funds collected from a proposed Climate Action Millage. (Legistar)
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DEFEATED: A postponement in order to have this resolution reviewed and discussed by the Energy and Environmental Commissions.
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APPROVED: Council requests that the DDA extend the Curb Side Carry Out Program and continue the repurposing of 148 regular metered parking spaces through May 31, 2022. These spaces are repurposed to support dozens of local downtown business who must rely on take-out business in order to financially survive. (Legistar)
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DEFEATED: Recusal of CM Ramlawi. Ahead of this meeting, CM Briggs accused CM Ramlawi of a conflict of interest and demanded that he remove himself as the sponsor of DC-6 and recuse himself from the vote. The City attorney’s office advised that there was no conflict of interest.
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APPROVED: $1,093,021.50 allocated from the General Fund to support 6-month transition grants for area nonprofit service providers. This is a response to the end of the Coordinated Funding program and in anticipation of a new Human Services Partnership that is currently being developed between the City and the County. (Legistar)
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$613,764 was already budgeted and allocated for Coordinated Funding in the FY22 General Fund budget
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$350,499 to be appropriated from the County Mental Health Millage fund allocated to affordable housing but unspent
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$128,759 to be appropriated from the General Fund, fund balance for the remaining portion
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Three resolutions related to Greenbelt purchases
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APPROVED: $432,334 from the Open Space and Parkland Preservation Millage for the purchase of a Conservation Easement in Scio Township (101.361-acres at Reno Land Co) (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $230,000 from the Open Space and Parkland Preservation Millage for the purchase of the John S. Russell Property (12.5 acres in Scio Township) (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $1,071,750 from the Open Space and Parkland Preservation Millage for the purchase of the Maisel Property (220 acres at Northfield Church Road) (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Site plan for 106 North Fourth Avenue will allow for construction of a two story, 910 square foot addition at the rear of an existing one story office building. It is within the Fourth-Ann Historic district and the City Historic Commission. Council approval is required because this addition is more than 10% of the existing building. (Legistar)
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Two resolutions related to electric vehicle chargers
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APPROVED: $367,200 for an agreement between the City and the Downtown Development Authority to fund 80 Electric Vehicle Chargers. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $525,000 for electric vehicle chargers: 14 level-2 chargers (2000 S. industrial) and four direct current fast chargers (City Hall), and on-call City electric services. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $449,034 for engineering design services on a water main, resurfacing, crosswalk lighting, safety improvements, and a 2-way bike facility at State and Hill. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Winchell Park is renamed, in honor of former school board president Dr. Harold J. Lockett. (Legistar)
December 1, 2021
This was a special session to waive privilege and release an Investigative Report in response to a complaint filed by the HR Director against the Assistant (then Acting) City Administrator. This meeting was held online, via the ZOOM application. Michigan Open Meetings Act changes effective April 1, 2021 require all Council Members to state their location.
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CM Eyer called in from Traverse City, MI
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CM Radina called in from Washington DC
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CM Griswold attended the beginning of the meeting, but was absent for the vote
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APPROVED: Waive privilege and public release of Investigative Report related to formal complaints by HR Director Tom Guajardo against Assistant (then Acting) City Administrator John Fournier. Simultaneous release with original complaints. (Legistar)
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The two complaints can be found here:
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The investigative report can be found here:
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Directing an Independent Investigation of the Acting City Administrator
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November 15, 2021
This was the fortieth 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. Michigan Open Meetings Act changes effective April 1, 2021 require all Council Members to state their location.
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At the beginning of the meeting, Mayor Taylor announced plans to put a 20 year Climate Millage on the ballot next May, in order to support the A2Zero plan for carbon neutrality. According to the Mayor's statement, the millage will fund year round compost and expanded recycling, weatherization of homes and businesses, miles of new bikeways and pedestrian infrastructure, neighborhood resiliency hubs, EV support and tree plantings because “in Ann Arbor we believe in science.” The ballot proposal is expected to be on the Dec 6th Council meeting agenda.
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APPROVED: After December 31, 2021, certain City Boards and Commissions (including City Council meetings) must meet in person, in compliance with Michigan Open Meetings Act. Other City bodies will continue to meet online. (Legistar)
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City bodies meeting in person will be: Boards of Review I and II, Building Authority, Building Board of Appeals, City Council, Caucus, and all City Council Committees, City Planning Commission, Downtown Development Authority, Economic Development Corporation Board, Election Commission, Local Development Finance Authority, Local Officers Compensation Commission, Historic District Commission, Housing Board of Appeals, Housing Commission, Human Rights Commission, Independent Community Police Oversight Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, VEBA and Employee Retirement System Boards, Water System Advisory Council.
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APPROVED: A new ordinance requires all toilet facilities that are open to customers, patrons, visitors, employees, licensees, invitees, students, or other members of the public to provide soap, toilet paper and menstrual products (both pads and tampons) at no cost, within the restroom, and openly accessible to users of the restroom. Violation of this ordinance will be a civil infraction, subject to a fine of no more than $100. Community Standards officers shall be responsible for enforcement. (Note: religious communities are exempted from providing supplies that are in conflict with religious beliefs) (Legistar)
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APPROVED: A site plan for expansion of Grace Bible Church (1300 S. Maple Rd.) includes approximately 34,045 square feet and 107 parking spaces. The sanctuary will be expanded into existing courtyards and an addition to the south will contain a gymnasium, youth ministry, child ministry, and office space. It will comply with City requirements for electric vehicle parking, as calculated based on the total required number of parking spaces. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: A 1.24 acre property at 201 Scio Church Road will be re-zoned from township to R2A (two-family) district. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: A two year contract costing $2,026,223.30 will pay for the replacement of residential galvanized water lines. This work is necessary in order to comply with the State of Michigan’s Lead and Copper Rule, which requires water suppliers to replace both the publicly owned and privately owned portions of galvanized service lines that are or were connected to lead. The task of replacing these lines is expected to take about twenty years; the state mandates replacement at the rate of 5% a year. This contract includes an option to renew for one year. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Council supports a state grant application that will partially fund the resurfacing of Research Center Drive. The state of Michigan’s Transportation Economic Development Fund (TEDF) grants money to local communities in order to meet immediate economic development demands placed on highways, roads, and streets; this Ann Arbor location is eligible for those funds due to a planned Sartorius BioAnalytical Laboratories, Inc. facility at 3874 Research Park Drive. State grant money will provide $1,619,000 and the City’s Street, Bridge and Sidewalk Millage funds will cover the remaining cost of $911,000 in order to resurface Research Park Drive. (Legistar)
November 1, 2021
This was the thirty 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. Michigan Open Meetings Act changes effective April 1, 2021 require all Council Members to state their location.
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APPROVED: A new Ward map adjusts boundaries to equalize the five local City wards, in response to the 2020 Census. As stated in the resolution: "The proposed changes were made with the goal of minimizing impacts; however, all five wards have some modifications, with Wards Four and Five moving more into the downtown area." (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Attorney Atleen Kaur will be offered the position of Ann Arbor City Attorney to begin at a time in 2022 to be mutually determined by her and the City Council. An employment agreement will be negotiated by the Mayor and brought back to Council for approval at the December 6, 2021 meeting. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: City Council formally expresses opposition to the Secure MI Vote initiative, and any similar efforts to limit ballot access or restrict voting rights. Council encourages residents to decline to sign the Secure MI Vote petition and directs that this resolution be sent to the Majority and Minority Leaders of the Michigan Senate, the Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives, the Minority Leader of the Michigan House of Representatives, and all elected officials representing Ann Arbor in the Michigan House and Senate. (Legistar)
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On the Tuesday after this meeting (November 2, 2021), a city referendum election approved four ballot measures:
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Proposal A - The City Charter is amended to require the City to award contracts for supplies, materials, or public improvements, to the bidder that is deemed the “best value” to the City rather than the lowest responsible bidder.
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Proposal B - The City Charter is amended to provide that the Mayor and City Council members are to be nominated and elected by a Ranked Choice Voting method when it is authorized by State Law.
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Proposal C - The City Charter is amended to require City Council to establish, by ordinance, the procedure by which the City Administrator may make emergency purchases.
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Proposal D - The City Charter is amended to permit the City Council to delegate to the City Administrator the authority to approve purchases and to enter into contracts when the cost to the City is equal to or lesser than $75,000, to be adjustable for inflation.
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October 18, 2021
This was the thirty 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. Michigan Open Meetings Act changes effective April 1, 2021 require all Council Members to state their location.
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APPROVED: City Council officially accepts the recommendations of Acting City Administrator, John Fournier, regarding how to spend the $24,182,630 expected from the American Rescue Plan (ARP). Council directs the City Administrator to carry out a public engagement strategy and provide a final report on prioritization and spending plan for the ARP dollars no later than March 1, 2022. (NOTE: the deadline for this final report was amended by Council. The original version of the resolution set the deadline at December 6, 2021.) (Legistar)
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The memo of recommendations can be found here: https://a2gov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=9861463&GUID=DE3FB842-7FA6-40A6-9315-C3D2DC4B54C5
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APPROVED: (Postponed from the 9/20/21 meeting) A $1,011,319.29 contract for engineering services related to rehabilitation and widening of the East Medical Center Drive. The University of Michigan and the City of Ann Arbor have been collaborating on this project for over two years, to address deterioration of the bridge as well as anticipated growth at the Michigan Medical Center. (It is part of the City’s capital improvement plan.) The University will be assuming 50% of the cost of rehabilitating the bridge and 100% of the cost of widening it. (Legistar)
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This was amended at the table to add the following:
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Additional width will facilitate or encourage multimodal travel (transit, carpool, bike).
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The City will negotiate amendment to the design that includes an east/west pathway connection under E. Medical Center Drive.
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APPROVED: A new ordinance requires owners of large properties to collect and report Whole-Building Data for energy and water use, so that potential or current tenants can access consistent and relevant information about the cost of their utilities. Property owners will use a benchmarking tool such as Energy Star to create and submit reports (annually) to the City’s Office of Sustainability and Innovations (OSI). The OSI will make these benchmarking reports available on a publicly accessible website with summaries of energy and water consumption statistics, compliance rates, trends observed, etc. Properties subject to this ordinance: greater than 10,000 gross square feet (total floor area) that are owned, leased or managed by the City, and other properties greater than 20,000 gross square feet (total floor area). Exemptions: owner occupied properties, under occupied (<50% over 10 months), in foreclosure, and permitted for demolition. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $362,739.30 Engineering Professional Service Agreement with Sam Schwartz Consultants, LLC for planning, public engagement, and engineering for the Vision Zero Comprehensive Transportation Plan. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: A site plan for the construction of 57 single-family homes on a 34-acre vacant lot with access off Earhart Road. The plan will remove 311 landmark trees (the parcel includes a total of 447) and will lay sanitary sewer lines across a wetland. The developer will pay $265,500 in mitigation for natural features tree mitigation and make an off-site Parks contribution of $35,625. Solar panels and Accessory Dwelling Units will not be restricted in the development. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: A 1.24 acre property at 201 Scio Church Road is re-zoned from township to R2A (two-family) district . This parcel was recently annexed into the city and this zoning is consistent with the adjacent zoning, the surrounding land uses, and the City's Master Plan. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: The City will accept an easement for a public right-of-way at 725 Stimson for the construction of a sidewalk (filling a sidewalk gap). The City will pay $5,053.05 in compensation to the property owner. (Legistar)
October 12, 2021
This was a special session to authorize a contract for Interim City Administrator. This meeting was held online, via the ZOOM application. Michigan Open Meetings Act changes effective April 1, 2021 require all Council Members to state their location.
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APPROVED: An employment agreement for Milton Dohoney, Jr. to serve as Interim City Administrator for a period of approximately one year. Financial terms include an annual base salary of $223,600, a housing allowance of $2500 per month, plus a City vehicle or car allowance/reimbursement. His employment will begin on October 18, 2021. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Privilege is waived on a legal memo prepared by outside consulting attorneys (Dykema) advising Council on the impact of the State Budget approved on September 29, 2021. The memo addresses the narrow question of whether "boilerplate language" in the State Budget bill potentially restricts local government in imposing vaccine mandates, requiring proof of vaccination, or maintaining vaccine databases. (Legistar)
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The memo is now publicly available here: https://a2gov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=9882087&GUID=F3AD7DBC-75AD-4C41-AF4B-F022C9BC5668
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October 4, 2021
This was the thirty 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. Michigan Open Meetings Act changes effective April 1, 2021 require all Council Members to state their location.
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APPROVED: In response to a formal complaint against Acting City Administrator John Fournier that alleged blatant discrimination, retaliation, harassment, a hostile work environment, and illegal directives, the City attorney’s office is directed to facilitate policies and procedures to ensure the integrity of an investigation and prevent any harm to the complainant. This resolution was amended at the table to remove terms that included paid administrative leave during the period of investigation. A compromise - proposing paid administrative leave for as short a time as two days, to ensure safeguards to all parties - was rejected by a majority of Council. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: An agreement between the City of Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County allocates responsibility and cost for the design and engineering of the Bandemer-Barton Trail Connection, a pedestrian tunnel beneath the railroad tracks between Barton Nature Area and Bandemer Park. A cost sharing agreement with the County for design services will assign 45% of cost to the City and 55% of cost to the County. Construction costs would be assigned: 29% to the City, 71% to the County. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: A newly established Main Street Social District will include sections of Ashley, Main, Fourth, Washington and Liberty. A total of forty-three establishments with liquor licenses qualify as applicants to participate in the district. The social district will permit the service of alcohol in a shared, common space. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: As recommended by the Council Administration Committee: Council Rule 7 (Public Speaking) is amended to reference and include public commenters attending “remotely.” (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Council acknowledges and commends the work of Roger Rayle and the Coalition for Action on Remediation of Dioxane (CARD) for their longstanding public service of professional activism with respect to addressing 1,4-dioxane cleanup processes. This commendation is sent to the leadership of Washtenaw County, the Washtenaw County delegation to the Michigan Legislature, the Director of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, the Region Administrator - United States Environmental Protection Agency - Region V, Attorney General Dana Nessel, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell. (Legistar)
September 27, 2021
This was a special session to determine next steps in the search for an Interim City Administrator and a new head City Attorney. This meeting was held online, via the ZOOM application. Michigan Open Meetings Act changes effective April 1, 2021 require all Council Members to state their location.
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APPROVED: An offer is extended to Milton Dohoney, Jr. to serve as Interim City Administrator for a period of approximately one year. A final contract for Mr. Dohoney’s employment will be negotiated and executed no later than October 18, 2021. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Two finalists (identified by number, only) were selected for further consideration to fill the position of head City Attorney. (Legistar)
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Before both names could be publicized, one of the two candidates withdrew. The remaining candidate, Atleen Kaur, will be interviewed by City Council during a Special Session on Oct 6, 2021 (Legistar)
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City Press Release: https://www.a2gov.org/news/pages/article.aspx?i=828
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APPROVED: The City Attorney is directed to advise Council on potential State restrictions on the City’s implementation of COVID vaccine mandates and databases of vaccine compliance for City employees. This resolution is a response to language in State Senate Bill 82 that withholds State funding to any “department, agency, board, commission, or public officer” that requires vaccination or proof of vaccination as a condition of employment. (Legistar)
September 20, 2021
This was the thirty 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. Michigan Open Meetings Act changes effective April 1, 2021 require all Council Members to state their location.
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CM Eyer called in from Mackinac Island, MI
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APPROVED: A new ordinance will regulate the operation of “personal mobility devices” (e-scooters, bicycles, e-bikes, and skateboards) in the City of Ann Arbor, giving these devices the same rights and duties as motorists on the roadway. On sidewalks and at crosswalks, they must yield to pedestrians. Such devices should be parked in the manner that would be legal for a bicycle and they may also be parked on a highway or street where parking is allowed for motor vehicles. Personal mobility devices can be seized and impounded by the city. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: City ordinance is amended to add definition of “Dangerous Animals,” including those that have “Repeatedly attacked, chased, provoked, or menaced any person or dog.” Violation of any city ordinance related to animals - birds, bees, chickens, ducks, dogs and other animals— will be subject to a fine of no more than $500. Violation of city ordinances related to poisoning animals, harming wild birds or their occupied nests, trapping animals, and owning a vicious dog shall be misdemeanors, subject to a fine (no more than $500) or imprisonment of not more than 90 days, or both. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: A Renters Commission will be appointed by the Mayor and be “representative of various renter perspectives in the City, such as student, youth, low-income, LGBTQ, immigrant, persons with criminal records, persons receiving rental subsidies, cooperative or group housing, tenant advocacy groups, persons who have experienced homelessness, or historically underrepresented groups.” The Renters Commission will “advise the City Council and City Administrator on matters affecting renters in the City.” The eleven members will include no more than two (nonvoting) members who are representative of different landlord perspectives in the City. (Legistar)
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Two proposed amendments were defeated: one to remove the two non-voting seats for landlords and another allowing the commission to review and approve future appointments.
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POSTPONED: A $1,011,319.29 contract for engineering services related to rehabilitation and widening of the East Medical Center Drive. The University of Michigan and the City of Ann Arbor have been collaborating on this project for over two years, to address deterioration of the bridge as well as anticipated growth at the Michigan Medical Center. (It is part of the City’s capital improvement plan.) The University will be assuming 50% of the cost of rehabilitating the bridge and 100% of the cost of widening it. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Resolution appointing members of the Hayden House Historic District Study Committee. (Legistar)
September 13, 2021
This was a Special Session to consider one resolution: moving forward with a process for evaluating two candidates for the position of Interim City Administrator for a time period of up to a year. This meeting was held online, via the ZOOM application. Michigan Open Meetings Act changes effective April 1, 2021 require all Council Members to state their location.
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CM Disch was absent
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APPROVED: Candidates Peter T. Burchard and Milton Dohoney, Jr will be evaluated in public interviews by City Council and interviews by the City Executive team before September 23, 2021, in order for Council to meet and reach a decision by September 27, 2021. The resolution was amended at the table to include staff input and (after recommendation from City Attorney Stephen Postema) clarify that the evaluation process will be overseen by the Council Administration Committee, the Acting City Administrator, and the City’s Director of Human Resources. (Legistar)
September 7, 2021
This was the thirty 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. Michigan Open Meetings Act changes effective April 1, 2021 require all Council Members to state their location.
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APPROVED: The Energy Commission will send a recommendation to Council by December 31, 2021 as to whether or not the Commission believes the City should undertake a feasibility study to understand options related to creating a municipal utility, including traditional and non-traditional models. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: The City Administrator is directed to identify potential changes to City food purchases and submit a report to City Council before February 1, 2022 with recommendations, including an estimated cost. (Legistar)
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DEFEATED: As part of a larger improvement project (installation of a larger pool pump house), the Racquet Club of Ann Arbor (3010 Hickory Lane) sought to waive the City requirement that they install sidewalks along Geddes Avenue and a portion of Hickory Lane south of their main entrance. City Staff recommended approval of this waiver; the Transportation Commission opposed it. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Amendments to the Unified Development Code will regulate Home Occupations to ensure that these uses do not have adverse impacts on neighboring properties, infrastructure, and safety. The occupation can consume no more than 25% of gross floor area of a dwelling unit and is limited to a maximum of 2000 square feet in an Accessory building. There can be no more than 24 client visits per day with hours of operation limited from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Heavy vehicles (more than 10,000 pounds) may not be regularly parked on-site. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Amendments to the City’s Outdoor Lighting ordinance will further regulate illumination after sunset and before sunrise. Amendments reference color spectrum management, glare, illuminance, and specific standards for “light trespass” on neighboring properties. Illustrations define and regulate appropriate “shielding” of luminaires. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $60,000 will pay for environmental services and remedial investigation of 2000 S. Industrial, where a 1,000-gallon underground heating oil tank leaked and contaminated the surrounding soils. The tank has been removed. This remedial investigation will inform an anticipated remedial action plan. (Legistar)
August 16, 2021
This was the thirty 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. Michigan Open Meetings Act changes effective April 1, 2021 require all Council Members to state their location.
- CM Briggs was absent
- CM Disch called in from Evanston, IL
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A Special Session was held before the regular Council meeting in order to approve the performance evaluation and employment agreement for Stephen Postema, City Attorney. That agreement included a lump sum payment, salary increase, and cashing out of 100 hours of vacation time. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: The current Assistant City Administrator, John Fournier, is named Acting City Administrator through September 20, 2021 with salary adjusted (increased) to that of the City Administrator. The City will search for an external candidate to act as interim for a period of approximately one year. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: A new ordinance bans sales, offers for sale, and displays for sale or trade of fur products in the City of Ann Arbor. A person may not distribute a fur product for monetary or nonmonetary consideration in the City. Exemptions include re-sale of used items (pawn or vintage), traditional tribal, cultural or religious practice, and sales permitted by state or federal law. Effective date of this ordinance is in one year, to allow time for businesses to sell off existing inventory. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: A new ordinance will ban “conversion therapy” on minors within the City of Ann Arbor. It will be unlawful for any person who is licensed by the State of Michigan to engage in counseling, practice, or treatment that seeks to change, reduce, or eliminate an individual’s Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, or Gender Expression. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Downtown street closures will be extended to November 1, 2021. Main, W. Liberty, and E. Liberty will continue to be closed from Thursday afternoon to Monday morning. West Washington will continue to be closed 24/7. On football game days, Main Street will not be closed. (Legistar)
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Note that the State Street Merchants Association no longer wanted to participate in the street closure program, so State Street, Maynard Street, and the section of East Liberty Street in the State Street area will no longer be closed.
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The 2021 downtown street closures were initially approved on March 15, 2021 to run from April 1st through Aug 30th (Legistar)
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APPROVED: A “Social District” would be established downtown, allowing for shared outdoor dining space (and service of alcohol by licensed establishments). The social district will permit use of the right-of-way on Main, 4th, Washington, Liberty, and Ashley to promote social distancing on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 4 PM to 11 PM. (Legistar)
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Three event related street closures were approved:
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APPROVED: Street Closures for UM Go Blue Mix on September 4, 2021 (4 PM to midnight). Washington will be closed from Fletcher to Thayer. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Street Closures for the Mayor’s Green Fair on October 1, 2021 (3-11 PM). S. Main, Liberty and Washington will be closed. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Street Closures for the A2 Artober Fest the weekend of October 8-10, 2021. Fourth Avenue and Ann Street will be closed. (Legistar
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APPROVED: September 2021 is proclaimed Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Awareness month to increase the awareness and understanding of mental ailments, the need for appropriate and accessible treatment options, and the transformative power of psychedelic-assisted therapy for all those suffering or looking to improve their mental health. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: A total of $59,000 will be distributed to twelve local entities, to cover city costs related to various community events: Art fairs (2021), Monarch Migration Festival, Taste of Ann Arbor (2021 and 2022), Veterans Day Memorial, Earth Day Celebration (2022), Fool Moon (2022), Festifool (2022), Standing Tough Against Rape Society (2022), Top of the Park and Summer Festival (2022). (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Acceptance of four sidewalk connectors as public rights-of-way (off of Delaware & Morehead in Lawton neighborhood) (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $87,450 to renovate and resurface tennis and basketball courts at Burns Park, adding a pickleball court. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Evergreen Downtown restaurant at 208 W. Liberty Street will be issued a downtown development district liquor license. This license will permit them to serve beer and wine. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: The City will purchase a property at 519 Eighth Street for $180,000 plus costs (not to exceed $20,000) out of the Solid Waste Fund balance. The purchase of this property will ensure city access to a sanitary sewer main and also provide space for city vehicles (e.g. solid waste trucks) to turn around after servicing residents on Eighth Street. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: The City Administrator is directed to evaluate interim measures that can be implemented to address reported flooding issues in the Narrow Gauge area and communicate a report to Council by September 16, 2021. (Legistar)
August 4, 2021
This was a special hearing for a complaint filed by CM Grand against CM Hayner regarding an MLive story. This meeting was held online, via the ZOOM application. Michigan Open Meetings Act changes effective April 1, 2021 require all Council Members to state their location.
- CM Eyer called in from Lexington, VA
- CM Radina called in from Roscommon, MI
- CM Song called in from Charlevoix, MI
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APPROVED: A reprimand of Council Member Hayner in response to an official complaint filed by Council Member Grand. Council Member Grand’s complaint is based on a phone conversation between Council Member Hayner and a journalist from MLive in advance of an article published on May 12, 2021. CM Hayner was found in violation of a new Council Ethics Rule 13 "Behavioral Norms" (approved May 3, 2021). (Legistar)
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Legistar link to the July 6th resolution scheduling this hearing: https://a2gov.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=5013411&GUID=6C7730C7-B2B6-4860-9D27-44EB71E70896
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Read Council Member Grand's complaint here: https://4aa24807-457d-4d5a-8cd8-d99df50d15a1.usrfiles.com/ugd/4aa248_d84bb36f3e9546a9841b0693dd946d6c.pdf
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The current version of Council Rules can be found here: https://www.a2gov.org/departments/city-clerk/Documents/Council%20Rules.pdf
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August 2, 2021
This was the thirty 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. Michigan Open Meetings Act changes effective April 1, 2021 require all Council Members to state their location.
- CM Radina called in from Roscommon, MI
- CM Song called in from Charlevoix, MI
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Two resolutions related to concluding employment with City Administrator Tom Crawford
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DEFEATED: Motion to reconsider votes on DC-7 from the July 20, 2021 Council Agenda, in which Council directed the City Attorney to pursue a conclusion of employment for Tom Crawford by September 1, 2021. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: A separation agreement with City Administrator Tom Crawford will allow him to retain Retiree Health Care coverage and sets the compensation rate for any future assistance, as needed. The effective date is October 1, 2021. (Legistar)
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Statement about Tom Crawford at August 2, 2021 Council Meeting
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APPROVED: The City’s Early Leasing Ordinance will add requirements: for leases longer than eight months, a landlord must communicate the terms of a lease renewal no later than 180 days before the end of the term. Landlords will not be permitted to show rental units to prospective tenants or enter into leases for a subsequent term until 150 days before the end of the current lease term. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Downtown street closures (Main and Liberty) for Taste of Ann Arbor on Sunday, September 19, 2021 (6 AM to 6 PM) (Legistar)
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NOTE: The Main Street Area Association later announced that Taste of Ann Arbor would be cancelled due to shortages of restaurant staff and volunteers: https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2021/08/citing-worker-shortages-organizers-cancel-taste-of-ann-arbor-for-second-consecutive-year.html
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APPROVED: Street closures (E. Keech and S. Main) for home games during Michigan Football Season: 9/4, 9/11, 9/18, 9/25, 10/23, 11/6, 11/27 (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Allocation of $439,780.38 to fill sidewalk gaps on Barton, Traver, Stimson, and Boardwalk. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: A historic study committee will be established to make recommendations about the Robert Hayden House at 1201 Gardner Avenue. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Amendments to Council Rules will allow the Chair of a meeting (Mayor) to determine when any attendee has engaged in a personal attack that disrupts the meeting or (in language added) is “unrelated to Council business.” The Chair may make a call to order and mute any attendee who is attending remotely. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: A ballot question for 11/4/21 will approve ranked choice voting in our local elections (if the state ever passes a law that would permit ranked choice voting). In a conventional election, voters communicate a single choice and, among multiple candidates, a contest can be one with a plurality rather than a majority of votes. A ranked choice system of voting would permit voters to “rank” every candidate for City Council and Mayor numerically in both our partisan primaries and general elections. Ranked choice voting would measure voter preferences more accurately in contests between more than two candidates. (Legistar)
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A similar resolution was defeated in August 2020, and I wrote about my support for it here: Ranked Choice Ballot Proposal on Aug 6th Agenda
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APPROVED: A question will be put on the 11/4/21 ballot for a City charter amendment. The City charter will acknowledge a method for emergency procurement of supplies, materials, equipment, professional services, and construction services without obtaining prior Council approval and securing competitive bidding. The City charter would permit such emergency procurement, according to city ordinance. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: A question would be put on the 11/4/21 ballot for a City charter amendment. The City Administrator would be permitted to make appropriations and purchases of up to $75,000 without competitive bidding or the approval of Council. (The amount of $75,000 would also be subject to adjustment for inflation.) Currently, the limit for such purchases is $25,000. (Legistar)
July 20, 2021
This was the thirty 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. Michigan Open Meetings Act changes effective April 1, 2021 require all Council Members to state their location.
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Two resolutions related to concluding employment with City Administrator Tom Crawford
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APPROVED: Council authorizes public release of an investigation report and written response from Tom Crawford (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Council directs the City Attorney to pursue a conclusion of employment for Tom Crawford by September 1, 2021 (Legistar)
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Statement about Tom Crawford at July 20, 2021 Council Meeting
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APPROVED: A timeline is established to search for and hire a replacement for City Attorney, Stephen Postema. A candidate will be chosen by November 15, 2021 and the term of employment will begin in March 2022. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $1,398,650 is allocated for debris removal and reconstruction of the road at Jackson and Maple (site of a water main break in June 2021) (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $579,107 for improving universal access at the Argo Livery (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Street closures are approved for the Ann Arbor Marathon on Sunday, October 24, 2021 (Legistar)
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APPROVED: A site plan and development agreement will permit the construction of a five story, 95-room hotel at 300 W. Huron. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: An amendment to the A2Zero plan, Strategy 6 will add the phrase “Implement Sensors to Monitor and Strategies to Manage Heat, Air Quality, Waterways, and Flooding.” (Legistar)
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APPROVED: A question will be placed on the November 4, 2021 ballot to amend the City Charter. Currently, the Charter requires that City contracts be awarded to the “lowest responsible bidder” - this language would be amended so that City contracts would be awarded to the “best value” contract. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: (back to first reading) The City’s Early Leasing Ordinance will add requirements: for leases longer than eight months, a landlord must communicate the terms of a lease renewal no later than 180 days before the end of the term. Landlords will not be permitted to show rental units to prospective tenants or enter into leases for a subsequent term until 150 days before the end of the current lease term. (Legistar)
July 6, 2021
This was the thirty 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. Michigan Open Meetings Act changes effective April 1, 2021 require all Council Members to state their location.
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APPROVED: Amendments to the local Unified Development Code add a new zoning district: TC1, Transit Corridor district. This zoning district will require that buildings be at least two stories, permit unlimited density, set maximum (rather than minimum) parking requirements, set height limits and reduce setbacks near pre-existing residential areas, and implement as yet undetermined requirements or incentives for sustainability, affordability, and public open space. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: A development Agreement and Amendment to the Swift Run Service Center Planned Unit Development for the Wheeler Center Solar Array with Pittsfield Charter Township. The City has been working with DTE to plan for this solar array, as part of a settlement through the Michigan Public Service Commission. Solar installations at the Ann Arbor landfill will be a pilot program for Community Solar Offering, so the City (the “anchor tenant”) can sponsor the solar project and subscribers (any DTE customer - residential or business) will get the same deal per kilowatt hour as the “anchor tenant.” (Legistar)
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The settlement was approved at the 4/18/21 Council meeting (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Articles of Incorporation for the Washtenaw Regional Resource Management Authority (WRRMA). The City of Ann Arbor joins Ann Arbor Township, the City of Dexter, Pittsfield Charter Township, the City of Saline, the Township of Scio, the City of Ypsilanti, and the Charter Township of Ypsilanti in this regional authority. (Legistar
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APPROVED (First Reading): A new ordinance would grant tenants the ‘right to renew’ a lease (longer than nine months) for up to 150 days before the end of the lease term. This protection for tenants would extend the current “early leasing ordinance” for the same timeline: landlords will not enter the premises for the purpose of showing the premises to prospective tenants until 150 days before the end of the lease term. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: A Council hearing was scheduled for August 4, 2021, on the topic of a complaint filed by Council Member Julie Grand against Council Member Jeff Hayner. Council Member Grand’s complaint is based on a phone conversation between Council Member Hayner and a journalist from MLive. The official complaint requests a reprimand of Council Member Hayner. According the Council Ethics Rule 12, any reprimand of a Council Member must result on one of three possible responses: dismissal without merit, a scheduled hearing before Council, or referral for other action to the appropriate governmental or law enforcement agency. The Council hearing may include accusers and witnesses. (Legistar)
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Council Rules can be found here: https://www.a2gov.org/departments/city-clerk/Documents/Council%20Rules.pdf
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Read Council Member Grand's complaint here: https://4aa24807-457d-4d5a-8cd8-d99df50d15a1.usrfiles.com/ugd/4aa248_d84bb36f3e9546a9841b0693dd946d6c.pdf
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June 21, 2021
This was the thirtieth 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. Michigan Open Meetings Act changes effective April 1, 2021 require all Council Members to state their location.
- CM Eyer called in from Mackinac Island, MI
- CM Song called in from Newaygo, MI
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APPROVED: One year contract for temporary staffing to support seasonal workload fluctuation and to temporarily fill gaps in the Public Works department. (This appeared on our agenda as a three-year contract including an option to extend; at Council it was amended to one year.) (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $554,704 to the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) from the Capital Improvement Bond fund, for streetscape improvements on Huron, First & Ashley, and William (e.g. protected bike lanes, streetlights, street trees, widening sidewalks, etc.). Improvements on Division & William, and other areas within the development district are planned (e.g. replacing delineators on the bike path with curbs, installing raised transit stop on William, etc) (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $215,030.64 contract for deployment of Healthy Streets 2021 on 34 residential streets, South Main, and Packard. Estimated total project cost is $353,973. (Legistar)
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Healthy Streets 2021 was presented as a FY21 budget amendment in the May 3, 2021 Council meeting. It failed in a vote 7-4 (8 votes are required to amend the budget once the Fiscal Year has started) (Legistar)
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Healthy Streets 2021 was added to the FY22 budget in the May 17, 2021 Council meeting. It passed in a vote 7-4 (6 votes are required to amend the upcoming budget during the mid-May budget session) (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $1,299,868 contract with MDOT for depth milling and repaving of Plymouth Rd. at Murfin/Upland and Broadway (Plymouth Rd. Resurfacing Phase II) (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $974,510 contract for replacement of 197 streetlights and maintenance for 68 streetlights as part of the 2021 Streetlight Replacement & Painting Project. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $445,000 for city-wide Pavement Marking Maintenance (traffic & bike lanes, intersections, crossings, etc.) (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $42,510 purchase of five street light poles and fixtures for Stadium Boulevard (Industrial-Main and Hutchins-Maple) (Legistar)
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APPROVED: One-year License Agreement to permit Spin, Inc. to distribute 400 scooters in the City of Ann Arbor (fee: $146,000) (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Settlement with Michigan Environment, Great Lakes, & Energy (EGLE) regarding the wastewater treatment plant and phosphorus discharge limits under the National Pollution Discharge Elimination Program. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $915,177 five year contract for upgrades to tasers and body cameras for the Ann Arbor Police Department. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Amendments to the City’s non-discrimination ordinance to add protections for Race-Based hair discrimination by referencing “traits historically associated with race.” Amendments include specific mention of hairstyles such as “braids, locks, twists, and wraps.” (Legistar)
June 7, 2021
This was the twenty 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. Michigan Open Meetings Act changes effective April 1, 2021 require all Council Members to state their location.
- At 11:45pm CM Griswold left the meeting due to illness
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$1.5 million of the Affordable Housing Millage funds approved in Nov 2020 were designated.
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APPROVED: $1,100,000 of the Affordable Housing Millage funds are designated for Avalon Housing or an affiliated entity to support The Grove at Veridian, 2270 Platt Road. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $424,364 of the Affordable Housing Millage funds are designated for Avalon Housing or an affiliated entity to support Hickory Way II, 1130 S. Maple Road. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $633,765 will be allocated in FY22 to non-profit entities that provide human services (recipients of Coordinated Funding) (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $420,825 to be spent planting trees on City right-of-ways. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: An antique fire engine owned by the Ann Arbor Fire Department will be sold to the Michigan Firehouse Museum for $1. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Church Street will be closed (24/7) between S. University and Willard, to facilitate restaurant and retail use through August 30, 2021. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: $25,000 will be spent on the recruitment process to replace head city attorney, Stephen Postema, who is retiring. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Amendments to the City’s Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance will permit the construction of additional dwelling units on any residential lot in the City, without requirements for owner occupancy. Lot size requirements (minimum 5,000 sq. Ft.) would be removed. Requirements that the property owner reside in either the primary home or ADU would also be removed. The required rear and side setback for ADUs would be three feet. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Rezoning and site plan for “Valhalla” development. A cluster of fifteen parcels (a total of 9.8 acres) at South Main is rezoned to R4E (Multiple-Family Dwelling District) with Conditions. The site plan includes 454 Dwelling units (studio, one- and two-bedroom) in four stacked apartment buildings and five townhouse buildings, as well as two additional buildings. (Legistar) (Legistar)
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APPROVED: A Comprehensive Transportation Plan with strategies meant to support Vision Zero, 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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APPROVED: In anticipation of an expected $24 million in federal money through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, the City Administrator will recommend and prioritize use of these funds and report to Council by October 1, 2021. (Legistar)
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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 was postponed to the second meeting in July to craft more meaningful protections for tenants. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Resolution asking that Council Member Hayner resign as soon as possible. (Legistar)
May 17, 2021
This was the twentieth eighth Council meeting since Governor Whitmer declared a state of emergency and stay-at-home order due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This meeting was held online, via the ZOOM application. Michigan Open Meetings Act changes effective April 1, 2021 require all Council Members to state their location.
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APPROVED: Juneteenth will be recognized and commemorated on the third Saturday in June, starting on June 19, 2021. The City of Ann Arbor will observe it the Friday before the holiday, with City Hall buildings closed in observance. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: A Temporary Emergency Ordinance will regulate Third Party Delivery Service for so long as the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services orders restrict indoor dining establishments. Regulations will limit a commission or delivery charge to no more than 15% of purchase price (unless a higher rate is agreed upon in exchange for additional service). Third party delivery services will be in violation of the ordinance if they post inaccurate or misleading information about an Ann Arbor restaurant or such restaurant’s menu. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: The City Council Legislative Policy Agenda for FY22 articulates the values and goals driving advocacy at the state level in the interests of Ann Arbor. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Ann Arbor City Budget and Related Property Tax Millage Rates for Fiscal Year 2022. The budget proposed by the City Administrator was amended by Council to redirect funds in the following ways: (Legistar)
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AMENDMENT: Add $75,000 to City Attorney Office for succession planning for Stephen Postema.
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AMENDMENT: Add $320,830 to fund Healthy Streets at S. Main and Packard, also add $33,143 to fund Healthy Streets on 34 local neighborhood streets.
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AMENDMENT: Remove $120,000 funding for the deer cull and add to General Fund balance. Note that all of this money was distributed in amendments below.
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AMENDMENT: Add $145,929 for a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion officer. Funded from $20,000 General Fund balance (deer cull), $52,964 from Sustainability & Innovations (reductions in professional development, materials & supplies), $72,965 contributions from other city departments.
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AMENDMENT: Add $40,000 for planning to support the Center of the City. Funded from General Fund balance (deer cull).
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AMENDMENT: $200,000 for City Attorney Office for expert witnesses and public services litigation. Funded from $74,000 Water Supply System, $76,000 Sewage Disposal System, $50,000 Stormwater Sewer System.
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AMENDMENT: Add $250,000 to fund traffic calming on major streets and other road treatments (curb extensions, centerline hardening, and slow turn wedges). Funded by removing $132,000 budgeted for street light replacements, removing $58,000 budgeted for pedestrian safety education, and using $60,000 from General Fund balance (deer cull).
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AMENDMENT: Add $300,000 for “quick build” safety projects on major streets at focus corridors and intersections.
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AMENDMENT: Remove $158,000 funding for Chief Strategy Executive in the Ann Arbor Police Department.
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AMENDMENT: Add $76,690 to Parks and Recreation as part of the "Parks Fairness Resolution", which increases the General Fund Parks & Recreation budget at the same percentage as the average General Fund overall budget percentage increase.
May 3, 2021
This was the twenty 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. Michigan Open Meetings Act changes effective April 1, 2021 require all Council Members to state their location.
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APPROVED: 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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APPROVED: $646,595.50 for renovation of the Border-to-Border Pathway at the Gallup Park Vehicle bridge and Mitchell Field bridge. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: City Council asks the Michigan Department of Transportation to take deliberate measures to either reduce speeds, re-engineer the road to increase traction and prevent hydroplaning, or take other steps to reduce the frequency of truck crashes on Eastbound M14. This resolution will be sent to state legislators.and Governor Whitmer. (Legistar)
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DEFEATED: Budget amendment to appropriate $320,830.00 from the Major Street Fund Balance and $33,143.00 from the Local Street Fund Balance to fund 2021 Healthy Streets Deployment: 34 residential “Slow Streets”, temporary reconfiguration at South Main, and permanent re-design of Packard. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: City Council expresses support for State Senate Bill 352, which restores local control over gun regulations on public property. Cities, townships, and counties would be able to adopt rules like those governing courthouses or schools. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Amendments to Council Rules restricting the addition of items to the agenda after 5 PM on the Thursday before a meeting. New rules require three cosponsors to add a late agenda item, create a “Proposed Agenda Items” section to the agenda, require a vote in order to add late items and reduce the vote required (from three-quarters to simple majority) to add those items. Problematic language added three months ago (and challenged by the ACLU) is removed. New Rules add a new Ethics violation for “conduct that is unbecoming of a Councilmember.” (Legistar)
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REFERRED TO ADMIN COMMITTEE: In consultation with the director of Human Resources, the City Administrator would be asked to spend up to $20,000 to retain a professional mediator to teach effective meeting management and discourse methodology for Councilmembers. (Legistar)
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TABLED: The City of Ann Arbor would hold a forum about the Palestinian people and Palestinian-Americans with the goal of having a community conversation. (Legistar)
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. Michigan Open Meetings Act changes effective April 1, 2021 require all Council Members to state their location
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City Administrator, Tom Crawford, presented his proposed Fiscal Year 2022 City Budget. (Legistar)
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The Ann Arbor Housing Commission is moving forward on the development of affordable housing on three City owned properties
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APPROVED: The Ann Arbor Housing Commission will pursue rezoning/land division in due diligence toward the development of affordable housing at the City owned property at 721 N Main/W Summit. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: The Ann Arbor Housing Commission is directed to develop affordable housing at the City owned property at 353 S. Main. (Legistar)
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APPROVED: The Ann Arbor Housing Commission is directed to develop affordable housing at the City owned property at 1510 E. Stadium Boulevard. (Legistar)
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Additional Thoughts (Apr 17, 2021) - Affordable Housing
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APPROVED: A 1.2 acre parcel at 700 North Main was re-zoned from Planned Unit Development (PUD to R4C (Multiple-Family Dwelling) in order to permit the construction of 22 townhomes with reduced setbacks and increased height. The planned project at 700 N. Main was modified to increase height by 3 feet 6 inches, reduce the south side setback by 4 feet 3 inches, and decrease the rear setback by 25 feet 3 inches. (The most significant change - at rear - abuts homes on N. Fourth). The project includes 22 townhomes. (Legistar) (Legistar)
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APPROVED: A settlement agreement with DTE (through the Michigan Public Service Commission) is the result of a City challenge to DTE's Voluntary Green Pricing (VGP) program and its renewable energy build plans. This settlement eliminates differential treatment of residential customers vs. larger users in the VGP program and allows all categories of customers to access the same lower-cost projects. The City will partner with DTE in meetings and discussion to reduce energy demand or eliminate fossil-fueled units. Solar installations at the Ann Arbor landfill will be a pilot program for Community Solar Offering, so the City (the “anchor tenant”) can sponsor the solar project and subscribers (any DTE customer - residential or business) will get the same deal per kilowatt hour as the “anchor tenant.” (Legistar)
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APPROVED: Council Member Jeff Hayner (Ward 1) will be removed from committee assignments for seven months (through December 1, 2021). City Council recommends that Council Member Hayner attend relevant anti-discrimination, diversity, and sensitivity training. (Legistar)
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. Michigan Open Meetings Act changes effective April 1, 2021 require all Council Members to state their location.
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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 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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https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2020/03/ann-arbor-council-oks-plan-for-10-story-high-rise-o
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