The current A2 City News resident newsletter articles appear in plain-text format below. The newsletter in its entirety can be viewed in its original format by clicking on the following PDFs.
A2 City News - Spring 2008, Volume 2, Number 1
Court-Police facility project underway
With the county’s lease-expiration deadline on the horizon for the 15th District Court, the City of Ann Arbor is making progress on its plans for a building to house the court as well as the police department. On Oct. 22, 2007, City Council approved a contract with Quinn Evans/Architects to develop the project’s design and detailed plans. The resulting schematic design narrative incorporates feedback from the project team and the public.
The design and site development are consistent with the city’s dedication to green building practices, complete with rain gardens and other sustainable stormwater practices. The design-development phase is expected to continue into June, including a presentation to City Council in mid June. Construction bidding is slated to begin in November, and groundbreaking in early 2009.
This project includes a second phase to refurbish areas of the current Guy C. Larcom Jr. Municipal Building at Fifth Avenue and Huron Street. With an ultimate goal of providing a central, accessible location for city services, this phase will also allow the city to vacate leases and reconfigure service access points. A public forum to review the proposed building design is Wednesday, April 30, 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. Additional public meetings about this project will be held throughout the year. Meeting dates will appear in the monthly Tree Town Log meeting calendar as well as on the city’s Web site, www.a2gov.org.
State of the City
The community is invited to attend a State of the City presentation at the city’s annual town hall meeting Wednesday, April 9, at 7 p.m. The event will take place in Council chambers on the second floor of City Hall. City staff and elected officials will also be available to answer questions after the presentation. The town hall meeting will be replayed on Community Television Network Comcast Cable Channel 16. Visit www.a2gov.org/ourtown for replay times and further details.
Two city parks go to the dogs
Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Services in partnership with Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission maintain two off-leash dog areas.
- A joint city-county Swift Run Dog Park (off-leash) at the Swift Run Park: The 10-acre site was developed and will be maintained in partnership with Washtenaw County thanks to financial contributions from both the city and county.
- An off-leash dog play area at Olson Park, located in the south-central portion of the park.
Dog permits/tags are available in the Ann Arbor City Clerk’s Office and the Washtenaw County Treasurer’s Office for the off-leash dog play areas and are required for all dogs visiting these parks. To learn more about the cost and park rules, visit www.a2gov.org/parks.
It’s easier to be GREEN in Ann Arbor
Recently selected as one of the top 25 greenest cities in the nation by Popular Science, it is no wonder Ann Arbor also organized the world’s first Earth Day celebration in 1970. Here are ways the city and its residents continue to be leaders in environmental stewardship and innovation.
- Energy - Ann Arbor is a world leader in LED streetlight technology; and one of 13 cities selected to take part in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar America Cities initiative.
- Water - Ann Arbor has award-winning drinking water. The city is aggressive in its efforts to reduce phosphorus levels in the Huron River.
- Transportation - Ann Arbor is currently ranked third- Best Walking City by Prevention Magazine and the American Podiatric Medical Association and is recognized as a bicycle-friendly community by the League of American Bicyclists.
- Resource use - The Environmental Protection Agency recognizes Ann Arbor’s model waste-reduction program. The city recently expanded its compost and recycling facilities; more than 90 percent of Ann Arbor households routinely recycle.
Visit www.a2gov.org/green to view the 2007 State of our Environment report and for more environmental initiatives. And don’t forget to come out for the 2008 Earth Day Festival Sunday, April 27, noon to 4 p.m. at the Leslie Science & Nature Center, 1831 Traver Road.
For more recognitions, green and otherwise, visit www.a2gov.org/news.
Are you ready?
Severe weather and other safety threats can happen at any time. Be prepared before an
emergency occurs. The Community Emergency Preparedness Workbook and Guidelines
from the City of Ann Arbor Office of Emergency Management can help you develop
an emergency plan, provide information on how to assemble an emergency supply kit
and provide important phone numbers and Web site addresses to assist you during a
threatening situation.
Pick up your copy of this detailed manual at the following Ann Arbor locations, or
download the electronic version at www.a2gov.org. If you have any questions, the
Office of Emergency Management can be reached at 734.761.2425. Copies are available at: • City Hall • Customer Service Center • Parks and Recreation facilities • Ann Arbor District Library • Ann Arbor Convention and Visitors Bureau
Live from South Industrial
A new studio, individual editing suites, expanded hotline studio, and for the first time, a sound booth are the enhanced features of the new City of Ann Arbor Community Television Network facility. In March, when their nonrenewable lease expired at the Edison Center Building, CTN moved to their new location: Eisenhower Corporate Park, 2805 S. Industrial
(near Eisenhower), Suite 200, Ann Arbor, 48104. Ample, complimentary parking is also available in the adjacent lot, and an AATA bus stop is located directly in front of the building.
Now in its 35th year, CTN has been providing the Ann Arbor community with public, educational and government programming on Comcast Cable channels 16 (City of Ann Arbor meetings); 17 (public access); 18 (education); and CitiTV 19 (original local programs), along with production training and media equipment for Ann Arbor residents and not-for-profit organizations. Watch for details on an open house this summer for your chance to tour the new studios. For more information and updates, please visit www.a2ctn.org or call 734.769.7422.
Greenbelt and parkland acquisition successes
The Open Space and Parkland Program has helped to protect 755 acres within the Greenbelt District and has added an additional 30 acres of parkland. The success of the Greenbelt Program is due in large part to the city’s ability to secure federal grant dollars – over $3.9 million to date – and the city’s partnerships with other agencies. Additional park
properties provide better linkages with existing parks and protect critical urban natural areas. Here are just two examples of recent acquisitions.
- The Fox Science Preserve was protected through a collaborative effort involving former owners Betty and Mel Fox, the City of Ann Arbor, Scio Township and Washtenaw County Parks, who now holds title to the land. Once a gravel pit, this site provides an outdoor classroom to investigate fossils, natural succession and evidence of glaciers. Approximately half of the site’s 49 acres has a cover of native woods of significant habitat value.
- The city also recently acquired the Narrow Gauge Woods property. Preservation of this property, with big oak trees and high banks overlooking a wooded valley, has been a high-priority interest of the City of Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation program for years.
Public art effort gains permanent status
In December 2007, City Council established the organizational structure and funding mechanism for a new Ann Arbor Public Art Commission. This commission oversees a public art program, with dedicated funding from the city as well as from private donations and grants.
According to City Code Chapter 24 ... the creation of public art will improve the aesthetic
quality of public spaces and structures, provide cultural and recreational opportunities, contribute to the local heritage, stimulate economic activity and promote the general welfare of the community.
Funding for these public art projects will come from the allocation of 1 percent of the construction costs of municipal capital improvement projects, up to a maximum of $250,000 per project. This is consistent with other municipalities’ practices.
AAPAC previously operated as the Ann Arbor Commission on Art in Public Places, which, since 2000, helped facilitate local art installations including at the Fourth and Washington parking structure and the Plymouth Road water tower. Ann Arbor’s public art process is explained in jumpstART!, a community workbook available at the parks and recreation office on the sixth floor of City Hall. The workbook may also be downloaded at www.annarborpublicart.org.
Neighbors unite to Adopt-A-Park
With 162 city parks, spanning 2,095.05 acres, most Ann Arbor neighborhoods have a park nearby. Throughout the city on Saturday, May 17, the 2008 Adopt-A-Park Kick-off event will bring neighbors together to celebrate volunteerism and community spirit.
Volunteers will participate in planting, mulching and general clean up – and will have a perfect opportunity to meet neighbors and new friends, and get the whole family involved.
Times may vary by location. For complete event details, or if you’re interested in adopting your neighborhood’s or another area park, contact the City of Ann Arbor Adopt-A-Park program coordinators Jason Frenzel or Anna Shipley at 734.994.3029 or e-mail adopt-a-park@a2gov.org. The Adopt-A-Park Web address is www.a2gov.org/adopt-a-park.
The Adopt-A-Park program promotes ongoing community involvement in the advocacy, upkeep and use of neighborhood parks. The program also establishes a partnership with city staff to ensure the parks continue to meet the neighborhoods’ needs.
The annual Downtown Blooms and Cleanup Day also takes place May 17, 9 a.m. to noon. For details, call 734.994.4176 or visit www.a2gov.org/green.
Task force, public advise on golf in Ann Arbor
The City of Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Services hired a professional golf consultant to develop a business plan for improving the operations of the city’s Huron Hills and Leslie Park golf courses. Public input was gathered by the consultant as he developed a business plan for the courses. The business plan and the valuable public feedback and involvement have led the city’s efforts to the next phase.
The City Council has formed a Golf Courses Advisory Task Force to provide input and advice to city staff and City Council as the city develops an implementation plan for the golf courses. Staff is working with the task force as they develop recommendations on the future of the city’s golf operations for consideration by City Council. The taskforce is comprised of eight members, including a Council member, a Park Advisory Commission member, and several community members with proven expertise in golf operations. The Golf Courses Advisory Task Force reports directly to the mayor and City Council, and also
reports out to the Park Advisory Commission. Two task force meetings recently took place in March and April. For details and updates on this process, visit www.a2gov.org/parks.
Season passes and customer rewards at city golf courses
The 2008 golf season is here! Remember to log on to www.a2gov.org/parks to register for golf lessons/instruction for juniors and adults. Also, season passes are on sale at Leslie Park Golf Course, and a new customer rewards program is also being introduced. Season pass members are automatically enrolled in the new A2 Rewards Program.
Members will receive one point for every $1 spent at Leslie Park and Huron Hills golf courses. Reach 100 points and receive a $5 reward certificate. Reward certificates can be used to rent golf carts and purchase non-alcoholic beverages and merchandise at Leslie Park and Huron Hills golf courses. For details, visit www.a2gov.org/golf.
Discovering Downtown
Last year, City Council approved a comprehensive set of recommendations designed to strengthen and support the downtown. Known as the Ann Arbor Discovering Downtown (A2D2) initiative, it identified needed changes in zoning rules, building design, historic district and new development reviews, and parking and transportation policy. City staff and citizen commissions are now working to implement these recommendations through changes to city codes and policies. For details on these projects, go to www.a2gov.org/a2d2.
Barrier Busters
You can donate to the City of Ann Arbor Assistance Fund via your water bill. Since 1984, homeowners have been able to contribute small amounts to the assistance fund through their quarterly water utility payments, which are transferred to the Barrier Busters program to assist families in need of utility shutoff protection. To start giving, simply check the
appropriate box on your water bill that states “Ann Arbor Assistance Fund.” On behalf of the family or families your donation helps, thank you.
Good 2 Know
My Property
The city Web site provides resident homeowners with specific information such as water consumption activity, voting precincts, online tax payment options, each ward’s City Council member and solid waste collection. Visit the “My Property” link at www.a2gov.org and enter your street address for access to these and other features.
Compost collection
Weekly neighborhood curbside compostable collection resumed April 1, 2008. For details, visit www.a2gov.org/recycle or call 734.99.GREEN.
The municipal Compost Center, 4150 Platt Road, provides special compost sales hours, Saturday 8 a.m. to noon, during April, May and June in addition to the year-round weekday
schedule. For details, visit www.a2gov.org/recycle or call 734.971.8600.
Mayor’s Green Fair
The eighth annual Mayor’s Green Fair on Main Street is Friday, June 13 from 6 to 9 p.m. Downtown Main Street will be open to pedestrians for free entertainment and over 100
exhibits with environmental information, hands-on youth activities, green energy construction and transportation options, Bike Fest 2008, WasteKnot Business Partners, walking tours and more. For details, visit www.a2gov.org/green or call 734.994.2766.
Know where to turn
Warm weather brings cultural events, and, yes, road maintenance to town. Find out about road closures, construction and detour announcements at www.a2gov.org.
Register for parks programs online
Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation registration is available online at www.a2gov.org/parks. Sign up, 24/7, for summer day camp, swimming and so much more for all ages. Copies of the 2008 Spring/Summer Program Guide are also available at all city parks and recreation facilities, City Hall, the downtown district library as well as online. For details, visit us on the Web or call 734.994.2780.
Legislative Information Center
A record of all City Council activity is now conveniently accessible through the City of Ann Arbor’s online legislative information center. This technology provides real-time links to City
Council information, including agendas, minutes (dating back to 1992), entire Council packets (Oct. 1, 2007, to present), ordinances, resolutions and even Council member profiles. The legislative information center also makes available the complete legislative history of an agenda item and allows for specific keyword searches. Access the legislative information center on the city’s Web site at www.a2gov.org/agenda or contact the City Clerk’s Office at 734.994.2725 for more information.
CodeRED
Ann Arbor residents, businesses and students are encouraged to register for the CodeRED program to receive personal alerts from the City of Ann Arbor in the event of an imminent health or safety threat – such as a chemical spill, evacuation notice, bomb threat, boil water notification or missing child alert. To sign up online, click on the “Emergency Call Sign-up” link at www.a2gov.org, or pick up a free CodeRED registration form from the Customer Service Center or from the 24-hour police desk in City Hall’s lobby. Information is reserved for authorized local emergency phone communications only and is not used or sold for any other application.
City meetings and events
Remember to check the city’s online calendar, www.a2gov.org/calendar, and the Tree Town Log monthly calendar for MANY more events and details. The following list is not inclusive and is subject to change.
Monday, April 7
- 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Last day to register to vote for the May 6 School and Library Board Election, www.a2gov.org/elections
- 7 p.m. City Council Meeting, Council chambers,
second floor of City Hall
Wednesday, April 9
- 7 p.m. Town Hall Meeting State of the City Address, Council chambers, second floor of City Hall
Saturday, April 12
- 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Huron River Cleanup, for details and to register, call David Fanslow at 734.741.2353.
- 10 a.m. Gallup Park and Argo canoe liveries open for the season, www.a2gov.org/canoe
- 10 a.m. – noon Materials Recovery Facility Open House: Celebrate Earth Day with Compost, 4150 Platt Road
Monday, April 14
- 7 p.m. City Council Workshop, Council chambers, second floor of City Hall
Saturday, April 19
Monday, April 21
- 7 p.m. City Council Meeting, Council chambers, second floor of City Hall
Sunday, April 27
- Noon – 4 p.m. Earth Day Festival, Leslie Science & Nature Center, 1831 Traver Road; All-species Parade begins at 3 p.m., www.a2gov.org/green
Wednesday, April 30
- 6:30 – 8 p.m. Public Forum to Review Proposed 15th District Court-Police Building Design, Council chambers, second floor of City Hall
May is Curb Your Car Month, www.getdowntown.org
Saturday, May 17
Monday, May 26: Memorial Day
- City Hall offices closed; trash collection delayed by one day
Friday, June 13
City Contact Info
- City Clerk’s Office ..............734.994.2725 / Second floor, City Hall / E-mail: jbeaudry@a2gov.org
- City Hall .............................734.994.2700 / 100 N. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48104
- Customer Service Center ....734.994.2700 / First floor, City Center Building / E-mail: customerservice2@a2gov.org
- Fire Department Non-emergency ....................734.994.2772
- Parks & Recreation ..............734.994.2780 / Sixth floor, City Hall / E-mail: parks&rec@a2gov.org
- Planning & Development ...734.994.2674 / Sixth floor, City Hall / E-mail: building@a2gov.org
- Police Department Non-emergency: 734.994.2911 / E-mail: police@a2gov.org
- Trash collection, recycling: 734.99.GREEN / Web address: www.a2gov.org/recycle
Additional Resources
The following list highlights additional city resources located on the city’s communications
office Web page or in hard-copy format in the lobby of City Hall. Copies of the city’s major plans can also be viewed in the City Clerk’s office.
- Natural Area Preservation newsletter
- Parks and recreation program brochure
- Safety Services Area newsletters
- Tree Town Log monthly calendar and online calendar
- WasteWatcher quarterly newsletter
- Water Matters quarterly newsletter
Special Accomodations
If you know a city resident who requires this newsletter in an alternative format, please contact the city communications office at feedback@a2gov.org or 734.996.3155.
Persons with disabilities are encouraged to participate in public meetings. Accommodations, including sign language interpreters, may be arranged by contacting
the City Clerk’s office at 734.994.2725 or by written request via e-mail to jbeaudry@a2gov.org, or mailed or delivered to the City Clerk’s office, 100 N. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48104. Requests need to be received at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting.
City Mission Statement
The City of Ann Arbor is committed to providing excellent municipal services that enhance the quality of life for all through the intelligent use of our resources while valuing an open environment that fosters fair, sensitive and respectful treatment of all employees and the community we serve.
City Council
Go to the city’s Web site for contact information for council members (www.a2gov.org/CityCouncil/index.) or to determine your ward (www.a2gov.org/CityAdministration/Clerks/elections); or contact the City Clerk’s office, second floor of City Hall, at 734.994.2725.
MAYOR John Hieftje (D)......................jhieftje@a2gov.org
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City Administration
A2 City News is provided by the City of Ann Arbor. Please send comments to: feedback@a2gov.org or call 734.996.3155.