A2 City News

The Newsletter for the City of Ann Arbor, Mich. • September 2012  • Volume 6 • Number 9 A2 Open City Hall debuts Ann Arbor residents have a new way to share feedback with city staff and Council members with the debut of A2 Open City Hall. This new online forum will feature questions about specific projects and initiatives on a regular basis, inviting the public to give input from the convenience of their keyboards.  The first topic on A2 Open City Hall is already underway and focuses on changes residents would like to see along the South State Street Corridor. Additional topics will be launched this fall. Fire restructure proposal meetings  In March, Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard presented a fire department restructuring proposal to City Council, which would position the department to operate out of three fire stations. One station would be located on the north side of the city (Station 5), one on the south side of the city (Station 2) and one in downtown Ann Arbor (Station 1).  However, before this proposal is considered further, community meetings have been scheduled in each of the city’s five wards to give citizens the opportunity to hear more about the fire restructure proposal and ask specific questions pertaining to fire suppression coverage. Please consider attending one of these forums. Tuesday, Sept. 18, 6–8 p.m., Cobblestone Farm, 2781 Packard Road. Wednesday, Sept. 19, 6–8 p.m., Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave.    Thursday, Sept. 20, 6–8 p.m., Ann Arbor District Library Downtown Branch, 343 S. Fifth Ave., conference room A.     Tuesday, Sept. 25, 6–8 p.m. Ann Arbor District Library Traverwood Branch, 3333 Traverwood Drive, program room. Wednesday, Sept. 26, 6–8 p.m., Community Television Network, 2805 S. Industrial, Suite 200. This meeting will be taped and later replayed on CTN Channel 19 and available online to view on demand.  More information about the fire restructure proposal is available on the city website.  Be street savvy The streets of Ann Arbor are again bustling with vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians as schools are back in session, and summer vacations have come to a close. Check out the rules-of-the-road reminders and resources on the city’s “walk bike drive” Web page to help ensure safe travels for all, including:  For those on foot, cross at marked crosswalks, and make sure to give motorists enough time to see you and stop. For bicyclists, ride on the road when possible — and obey the traffic signals. Use bike lanes when available. For motorists, be extra alert at crosswalks, and stop when pedestrians are present to cross. Drivers should also safely give bicyclists room on the road, ideally 3–4 feet of space. Fall/Winter registration now open Registration for Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation fall/winter classes is now open. Find the new, 56-page, color guide at Larcom City Hall, local library branches, Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Customer Service Center (at Cobblestone Farm, 2781 Packard Road) and all parks and recreation facilities. It's also posted on the parks website as a PDF that you can view or download.  Classes include indoor swim lessons at Mack Pool, instructional skating, beginning hockey skills, yoga, cultural arts programs at the senior center and much more. The guide also features events at the canoe liveries and Leslie Science & Nature Center. Sign up is easy and convenient. Register in person, or use the online registration system. Solid waste plan update The City of Ann Arbor five-year Solid Waste Management Plan updating process is underway.  An advisory committee representing Ann Arbor residents, businesses, agencies and the University of Michigan has been working with staff, City Council, and city environmental commissioners over the last year to update the plan. Opportunities for residents to participate are now being offered as well. Take the solid waste planning survey online or use the printed version in the WasteWatcher newsletter (with a prepaid return mailer) that is delivered to all city residential addresses in September. All residential survey participants have the option to include their address to be eligible for three random drawings for a $50 gift certificate to a local restaurant or grocery store of your choice, or a $50 certificate for an Argo Livery canoe rental or from iTunes. Just respond by Friday, Oct. 5, 2012, to be included in the survey summary and prize drawings. After the survey is closed and tabulated, Solid Waste Management Plan updating process public forums and hearings will be held. The meetings will provide opportunities for small-group discussion about city solid waste program and policy areas, such as easier disposal options for specific materials, expanded recycling, waste-reduction strategies, composting expansion and Drop-off Station operations.  Thursday, Oct. 18, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Ann Arbor District Library Traverwood Branch, 3333 Traverwood Drive. Tuesday, Oct. 30, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Community Television Network studio, 2805 S. Industrial. (The draft  Solid Waste Management Plan presentation and discussion group summaries will be taped for replay.) Public hearings will be held at Environmental Commission and City Council meetings, tentatively in December.  Please visit the Solid Waste Management Plan Five-year Update Web page for project updates. CTN hours change Beginning Sept. 1, Community Television Network will have new facility hours for the public and education channels. The new hours are: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Wednesday: 4–9 p.m. CTN is located at 2805 S. Industrial Highway, suite 200, in Ann Arbor. Go online for more information.  CERT Program registration The Ann Arbor Police Department Office of Emergency Management in conjunction with the Washtenaw County Emergency Management Division is accepting applications for the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training program. The application can be found online, or call Crime Prevention Specialist Adele El-Ayoubi, ICPS, with the Ann Arbor Police Department at 734.794.6933. A background investigation will be conducted on all applicants. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14.  The training will be held every Tuesday from Sept. 25 to Nov. 6, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Coursework is a combination of classroom sessions and hands-on training in scene assessment, fire safety, emergency medical response, team organization, disaster medical operations and light search and rescue. Attendance at all classes is required for certificate completion. The CERT program educates residents about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact Washtenaw County and trains participants in basic disaster response skills. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist neighbors or fellow employees following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community. A2 passes 2,000 mark with latest LED streetlights Ann Arbor was one of the first cities in the world to convert conventional streetlights to light emitting diodes (LEDs) in an effort to contain costs, save energy and support Mayor Hieftje’s Energy Challengeto reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the community. Since it began in 2007/2008, cities from across the country and the world are now moving to LEDs. Ann Arbor’s latest batch of LEDs, funded through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program, will go up at the Broadway Bridge, nearly completing the conversion of the over 2,000 city-owned streetlights.  The Lumecon brand “Ring of Fire” LED series replicates the decorative acorn style of the lights now seen along Broadway Bridge. Detroit Edison owns and operates another 5,000-plus streetlights in Ann Arbor, and is beginning to pilot more LEDs, especially as they look to replace mercury-vapor streetlights that will no longer be manufactured. LED streetlights in the downtown, arterial streets and in neighborhoods use on average about half of the electricity of conventional lights and are reducing around 700,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year — or the equivalent annual electricity usage of 60 households. Two-thirds or more of the cost savings in converting city-owned lights to LEDs is in the deferred cost of not having to maintain the fixture (work hours to replace the light and components like ballasts and igniters). LEDs manufactured today are expected to last 10 times longer, if not more, than their metal halide, sodium and mercury-based predecessors. The long life of LEDs frees up city labor hours or the need to hire outside support to operate, maintain and replace fixtures. LEDs also contain zero mercury. Each LED fixture saves around $90 per year in energy and avoided maintenance, and, with over 2,000 lights, that is over $180,000 per year in potential costs.  Previous grant support from the Downtown Development Authority for the nearly 1,000 downtown decorative globe lights, and federal grants for much of the remaining LED streetlights, have made this innovative energy solution a reality. Ann Arbor assists USDOT in vehicle crash-avoidance pilot According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, nearly 3,000 cars, trucks and buses equipped with “connected” Wi-Fi technology will enable vehicles and infrastructure throughout Ann Arbor to “talk” to each other, in real time. This initiative kicked off last month as part of a year-long safety pilot project by the USDOT. This innovative technology is designed to help avoid crashes and improve traffic flow. U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood recently joined elected officials and industry and community leaders on the University of Michigan campus to launch the second phase of the safety pilot, the largest road test to date of connected vehicle crash-avoidance technology. This study was also made possible with the assistance of City of Ann Arbor information technology and signs and signals staff who assisted USDOT and U-M’s Transportation Research Institute with this first-of-its-kind test of connected vehicle technology in the real world.  The test cars, trucks and buses, most of which have been supplied by volunteer participants, are equipped with vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication devices that will gather extensive data about system operability and its effectiveness at reducing crashes. Read more about the project on the USDOT website.  WATS public meeting The Washtenaw Area Transportation Study (WATS) is hosting public meetings to discuss the 2040 Long-range Plan for Washtenaw County. On Wednesday, Sept. 12, 4–6 p.m., WATS will discuss the community values survey results and present draft goals and objectives for the plan. The meeting will take place at Larcom City Hall, 301 E. Huron St., in the Council chambers on the second floor. Visit the WATS website for more information on this initiative.  Connecting William Street Join the Connecting William Street conversation. The Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority is seeking input to shape the future of five city-owned sites downtown: the Library Lane lot, the Fifth and William lot, the ground floor of the Fourth and William Parking Structure, the Main and William lot, and the Ashley and William lot.  Community survey feedback and a market analysis have been used to begin crafting strategies for transforming these five parking areas into uses that will better serve the community. Now, your help is needed to shape a more specific plan. Please join the community conversation, and provide input to help frame development strategies for these sites. To participate via an online venue, please pre register for a webinar taking place Wednesday, Sept. 5, 7–8 p.m.  Space is limited, but more dates will be added as the meeting fills.  To participate in person, a public meeting is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 10, noon–1:30 p.m. at the Ann Arbor District Library Downtown Branch multipurpose room, 343 S. Fifth Ave.  Please pre register for this meeting.   At these events, the DDA will present an overview of the project and possible development scenarios. Please select the time and venue that works best for you. The same information will be provided at both the webinar and public meeting. Better Buildings for Michigan Program With winter just a few months away (believe it or not), now is the ideal time to make sure your home has all the proper energy-efficient enhancements. This otherwise daunting task has just gotten a little easier, thanks to the Southeast Michigan Regional Energy Office (SEMREO).   The SEMREO Better Buildings for Michigan Program offers incentives and rebates for home energy improvements, including double the current rebates offered by DTE (up to $3,000). And the program has recently expanded, making residents of Ann Arbor and all of Washtenaw County eligible.  Better Buildings for Michigan uses a community approach to deliver energy efficiency improvements for homes and businesses by providing access to incentives and affordable loans. The program is supported by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and developed by the Michigan Energy Office; Michigan Saves; the City of Grand Rapids; the Economic Development Corporation of the City of Detroit; and the Southeast Michigan Regional Energy Office. The Better Buildings for Michigan Program is available for a limited time. Go online for more information.   High-rise lighting reminder Ann Arbor again joins other cities in helping migrating birds have a “Safe Passage” during seasonal migrations. From the middle of August through the end of October, migrating birds are flying over Ann Arbor on their way south from their northern breeding grounds. These birds are at risk of dying when they become confused at night by lighted windows of tall buildings. On clear nights, birds navigate by the stars, but on cloudy and foggy nights, they attempt to navigate using the lights of tall buildings. Birds either crash into lit windows or endlessly circle buildings until they are exhausted.  Please ask occupants on floors five and above of your building to join the “Safe Passage” effort by pulling the drapes or closing the shades on windows in lit rooms between 11 p.m. and dawn. (These actions may help save energy, too.) For details, please see “safe passage" online.   In this issue: A2 Open City Hall * Fire restructure proposal meetings * Street safety * Fall/winter registration * Solid waste plan update * CTN hours change *  CERT program registration * LED streetlights * USDOT vehicle crash-avoidance pilot * WATS public meetings * Connecting William Street * Better Buildings for Michigan Program * High-rise lighting reminder * Dog Swim * West Nile Virus * Greenbelt Bus Tour * Game day traffic and parking * Urban and Community Forest Management Plan * Fall golf events *Golf for a good cause  * SEMCOG Regional Transportation Plan * Dates to remember Dog Swim After Buhr Park Outdoor Poolcloses for the season, it’s your four-footed friend’s turn to go for a swim. Register today for the annual dog swim, taking place Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 5 and 6, from 3 to 8 p.m. Pre registration is required, and spaces go quickly. For one dog, the fee is $7.50/$6 for residents; for a second dog, the fee is an additional $3.75/$3 for residents. Call today:734.794.6234. Buhr Park Pool is located at 2751 Packard Road.   Prevent West Nile Virus West Nile Virus cases are on the rise both nationally and in Michigan. And as Labor Day weekend is about to begin, Michigan residents are urged to take precautions against mosquitoes while spending time outdoors. A few simple steps can help prevent mosquito bites and potentially contracting West Nile Virus (WNV). Apply insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET, or other EPA approved repellent to exposed skin or clothing, especially during peak mosquito activity periods such as dusk and dawn.  Maintain window and door screening to help keep mosquitoes outside.  Empty water from mosquito-breeding sites such as buckets, unused kiddy pools or similar sites where mosquitoes lay eggs.  Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.  The unusually hot and dry summer has favored the mosquitoes that transmit WNV. These same conditions have led to a reduction in the number of "nuisance" mosquitoes, which are more abundant during wet summers. WNV-carrying mosquitoes breed in small collections of stagnant water, are common around people's homes and often bite people indoors. While few mosquitoes may be noticed outdoors, those that are present and biting are likely to be the type that potentially carry WNV. Most people bitten by a WNV-infected mosquito show no symptoms of illness. However, some become sick three to 15 days after exposure. WNV can cause serious neurological illnesses, such as meningitis and encephalitis and can have long-term health consequences. People 50 and older as well as people with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to severe WNV disease symptoms. When you’re running out the door, remember to grab not only your sunscreen, but your insect repellent too. Go online  for more information and surveillance activity updates about WNV. All aboard the Greenbelt Bus Tour! Tour protected farm and open space properties, and learn about the Greenbelt Program, local agriculture and talk with local farmers during the 2012 Greenbelt Bus Tour on Saturday, Sept. 22. The tour’s air-conditioned, luxury motor coach will depart at 10 a.m. from the 3700 Plymouth Road Park and Ride, and will return at 1 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. Pre registration is going on now, and closes on Friday, Sept. 14. The cost is $10 per person. To register, contact  Ginny Trocchio,734.794.6000, ext. 42798. Football fans: Know where to turn The first University of Michigan home football game of the 2012 season is Saturday, Sept. 8. And with the Ann Arbor Bridges reconstruction project targeted for completion in November this year, some football fans may need to plan their routes without the use of East Stadium Boulevard. You can follow the progress of the Ann Arbor Bridges on the  project website  and on Facebook. Will other scheduled construction projects impact your route? Visit the city’s road and lane closures Web page for project listings and to subscribe to road and lane closure e-notifications.  In addition, the university has a2012 football traffic and parking update Web page, which includes details on how to get to the game, maps and parking options once you’re here. Be sure to review the parking policies and procedures, in particular, to make sure your vehicle is safely and legally parked. Enjoy the game!  Urban and Community Forest Management Plan The city is in the process of developing its first Urban and Community Forest Management Plan. The plan will provide a framework for effectively managing the urban forest as a community asset, consistent with the values and needs of Ann Arbor residents. Trees provide many benefits including stormwater runoff reduction, water quality improvement, lower energy costs and increased property values. Ann Arbor’s city-managed trees provide $4.6 million in benefits annually to the city and its residents; the plan will help to maintain a sustainable urban forest that maximizes these benefits.  A series of draft-plan recommendations for the Urban and Community Forest Management Plan have now been developed, and the city will be hosting a public meeting to gather input on Wednesday, Sept. 26, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Cobblestone Farm, 2781 Packard Road. For those unable to attend the meeting, an online survey will also be available later this fall for residents to provide input on the draft recommendations.  Please go online for more information on the Urban and Community Forest Management Plan, where you may also subscribe to receive email updates about this project. Fall golf events Just because summer is coming to a close doesn’t mean you have to store away the clubs just yet. Register today for these final golf outings of the season, at nationally acclaimed Leslie Park Golf Course, 2120 Traver Road. Call the course at 734.794.6245 or go online for details. Longest Hardest Day of Golf:Sunday, Sept. 23, 8:15 a.m., $100 per team. Are you up for the challenge? Tee off from the “tips,” and  hit to pins that are placed in the hardest possible locations – all while greens are sped up; and the weather could change the game! This two-person scramble includes greens fee, golf cart, lunch and prizes. Pre registration is required. Fall Scramble: Sunday, Oct. 14, 8:30 a.m., $150 per team. This three-person shoot-out scramble includes greens fee, golf cart, lunch, prizes and a potential $1,000 skins pot! Bring your "A” game, and be ready to score! Pre registration is required. NEW! Michigan vs. Michigan State Golf Scramble: Saturday, Oct. 20, 8 a.m. shotgun start, $80 per team. This spirit-filled, two-person scramble will take the college rivalry to a new field (on the course). The 18-holes event includes great prizes, fun times and a little inter-school razzing. Chili Open: Sunday, Oct. 28, 9:30 a.m., $80 per team. Say good bye to fall in this fun two-person scramble all while battling the cold weather. The event includes 18 holes, a continental breakfast, prizes, chili and chili dogs.  (This will be your last chance to play holes 10, 11 and 13 as you know them!) Golf for a good cause Registration is going on now for the 21st annual Ann Arbor Police Charity Golf Outing Friday, Sept. 21 at Leslie Park Golf Course. This year’s event is held in honor of two of the department’s fallen officers, Jason Zogaib and Vada Murray, raising money for The Jason Zogaib Memorial Fund and The Vada Murray Fund for Cancer Research.  The four-person scramble includes 18 holes of golf (and cart); a shotgun start at 9 a.m.; lunch; dinner; raffle, prizes and games; and more. Space is limited. Details and the registration form can be found on the city website “news” page, or by clicking here for the event flier (PDF).   SEMCOG Regional Transportation Plan Next year, local government members of the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG), including Ann Arbor, will decide on a long-range transportation plan and a list of the highest-priority projects to be funded over the next five years for southeast Michigan. The plan and projects will demonstrate how the transportation system improves the region by supporting continued economic recovery, environmental health, community revitalization and quality of life. Improving and enhancing the region’s transit system attracts and retains talent, increases per capita income and is vital to a sustained economic recovery. The public engagement process is now underway. What part of the transportation system is most important to you? Are you willing to pay for better roads? How has the changing region impacted you most? Would you be willing to change your travel behaviors, e.g., take transit, carpool, etc.? Here are ways to get involved and provide your input: Watch the SEMCOG video explaining the public participation process.  Follow the process on  SEMCOG’s website.   Take SEMCOG’s public opinion survey, available at the end of this month/early September, on the home page under “hot topics.”   Follow SEMCOG on Twitter.  Sign up for SEMCOG’s mailing list via email to find out about upcoming opportunities.    Dates to remember Among the many public meetings/events taking place in September, here are some of the highlights. Please go online for details and a complete list.  Labor Day weekend is the last chance of the 2012 season to swim in  Ann Arbor’s outdoor pools at Buhr, Fuller and Veterans Memorial parks.  City government offices, including the Customer Service Center, will be closed on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 3. Trash/compost/recycling collection will be delayed by one day, instead taking place Tuesday through Saturday. Due to the holiday, the City Council meeting will take place 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5, rather than the usual Monday schedule. The themed open houses and tours at the Materials Recovery Facility will kick off for the season on Saturday, Sept. 22, celebrating the MRF’s 17th anniversary.   A2 City News Web Page *City Council *Contact Us *Meeting Agendas  *News/Announcements *Road/Lane Closures   A2 City News is emailed to newsletter subscribers by the City of Ann Arbor. Please share comments via email or call 734.794.6110, extension 41105.

The Newsletter for the City of Ann Arbor, Michigan                           August 2012, Volume 6, Number 8 This is a reprinted version of the original, which was e-mailed to A2 City News subscribers on Aug. 1, 2012. Further information on featured topics and current news can be found at www.a2gov.org. IN THIS ISSUE  New police chief * Park millage update * A2NonMoto blog * FRA high-speed rail grant * Police golf outing * CTN podcasts * Vote Aug. 7 * Farmers Market turns 93 * Street resurfacing * Tree-care tips * A2 social media * “Around Ann Arbor” * Dates to remember New police chief appointed Ann Arbor City Council has appointed John Seto safety services administrator and police chief. Since April 1, 2012, Seto has served in this role on an interim basis. He was originally hired with the city as a patrol officer in 1990 and was appointed deputy chief of police, operations division, in 2008.  “The internal promotion of a candidate who meets the position’s requirements of leadership, management experience, community involvement, judgment, and trustworthiness is healthy for the police department,” said Ann Arbor City Administrator Steve Powers. “I’m confident John has the experience necessary to serve our community well in this role.” Go online to read more. Park millage update At their June 19, 2012, meeting, the Ann Arbor Parks Advisory Commission unanimously passed a resolution to recommend placement of a renewal of the Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage on the November 2012 election ballot. The resolution also recommends City Council reaffirm the administrative millage policies to inform voters of the manner in which it intends to oversee the administration of the millage if the proposed renewal is approved. This item has been placed on the (Thursday) Aug. 9, 2012, City Council agenda for review and approval. (The Council meeting is scheduled on a Thursday, instead of the usual Monday, due to Election Day.) The Aug. 9 City Council meeting will take place at 7 p.m. in the second floor Council chambers in Larcom City Hall (301 E. Huron St.). As with all other regular Council meetings, this meeting will be telecast live on CTN Channel 16 (Comcast Cable), or watch the meeting live online.  Parks improvements and maintenance activities status tables are available online, by fiscal year, and list park projects funded through your support of the 2008–2013 Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage. Find your path The City of the Ann Arbor has launched a blog that celebrates the culture of nonmotorized transportation within the community: walking, cycling, etc. The “A2nonmoto”blog contains posts with a wide variety of features, such as bike helmet-cam videos, photos from bicycling commuters, pedestrian photos and news from the local and wider nonmotorized worlds. The blog serves as a platform for encouragement and education about the culture of nonmotorized transportation. For more information on the blog, or how to submit your own bicycling or pedestrian photos, please email the city’s transportation office.  City receives FRA high-speed rail grant Ann Arbor City Council recently voted to accept a planning grant from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to support planning of a proposed new rail passenger station in Ann Arbor. The city, in cooperation with Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), applied to the FRA for funding under the FRA’s High Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail program. The city was awarded a grant of $3.5 million to complete a comprehensive planning analysis, draft environmental documents and undertake preliminary engineering for the Ann Arbor station.   Originally identified as an element of the 2006 Ann Arbor Model for Mobility and included in the 2009 City Transportation Plan Update, this grant allows the city to continue planning for this essential component of our community’s transportation system. City staff is coordinating closely with MDOT and Amtrak to assure thinking about this facility reflects the community’s needs, state’s investment in higher-speed intercity passenger rail along the Wolverine Line as well as the efforts to reintroduce commuter rail service from Ann Arbor to Detroit.  With MDOT investing to acquire and improve this corridor, increased rail service and demand for access to the rail system is expected. It is generally recognized that the current station needs to be improved. Long-term parking is inaccessible to many, as it requires a lengthy walk without provision for those with mobility limitations. The facility is located along Depot Street, a road heavily impacted by peak-hour traffic. Transit connections, limited today, are anticipated to be needed as the rail use and need for access to the rail service increases. Bus routing to the current station is impacted by the high volumes of traffic at the station site. With improved rail service, the shortcomings of the existing station will be exacerbated. The grant funds support preparation of a conceptual plan, environmental review and preliminary engineering. The conceptual planning process includes review of the current facility, identification of alternative sites and considerations of how to best proceed.  To date, the city has evaluated 15 sites, including the existing station site for accommodating the proposed future station. The concept planning process will occur simultaneously with the environmental review. Under this grant, the city will prepare a complete environmental assessment report seeking the FRA’s approval of a project concept. Staff anticipates the project receiving a “Finding of No Significant Impact” (FONSI), a determination made by the FRA. Once the environmental review is completed, and FONSI is secured, the city will move forward and initiate preliminary engineering on the locally preferred alternative. Public participation is a fundamental part of this planning process. Recognizing there have been many public meetings as part of the Fuller Road Station project, this newly initiated work will provide additional opportunity for the project team to more fully evaluate and document the issues taken into consideration in this project. These materials will be subject to public review at project-related public meetings, as well as other city boards and commission meetings including the City Council, Planning Commission, Park Advisory Commission, among others. At this time, the next public meetings are anticipated to occur later this fall. For more information, please contact City Transportation Program Manager Eli Cooper. Police charity golf outing Get ready to golf for a good cause. Registration is going on now for the 21st annual Ann Arbor Police Charity Golf Outing Friday, Sept. 21 at Leslie Park Golf Course. This year’s event is held in honor of two of the department’s fallen officers, Jason Zogaib and Vada Murray, raising money for The Jason Zogaib Memorial Fund and The Vada Murray Fund for Cancer Research. The four-person scramble includes 18 holes of golf (and cart); a shotgun start at 9 a.m.; lunch; dinner; raffle, prizes and games; and more. Space is limited. Click here for details and the registration form (PDF).  CTN helps you stay in the know, even on the go New “On Air with CTN” podcasts provide an audio overview of everything happening on air and at the studios of Ann Arbor Community Television Network.  Listen in and find out the line ups for CTN’s four channels (16, 17, 18 and 19 on Comcast Cable), interviews with special guests, highlights of events new programs and a rundown of upcoming workshops for city residents and not-for-profit agencies. Follow us! Learn about upcoming meetings, facts, tips and more via the City of Ann Arbor’s Facebook and Twitter pages. The city posts useful information — usually on a daily basis. In fact, a local realtor recently named the City of Ann Arbor’s Twitter page as the No. 1 area “tweep” to follow. You can also subscribe to receive topic-specific bulletins directly to your email. Find convenient links to each of these ways to stay connected on the homepage of the city website. Vote Aug. 7 Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. for the City Primary Election on Tuesday, Aug. 7. On Saturday, Aug. 4, the Ann Arbor City Clerk’s office will be open 8 a.m.–2 p.m. for in-person absentee ballot requests. Go to the city election website, www.a2gov.org/elections, for ballot details and more information, or call 734.794.6140. Farmers Market turns 93 Join the fun as the Ann Arbor Farmers Market turns 93 years old! On Saturday, Aug. 4 from 7 a.m.–3 p.m., the market, located at 315 Detroit St. in Kerrytown, will celebrate its birthday and its customers. At noon, free ice cream and toppings donated from market vendors will be served (while supplies last). Call for details, 734.794.6255, or go online.  Paving the way to better streets The city’s 2012 street resurfacing initiative began in the spring, and as of early August, 20 major and residential streets have been completed. Not only are streets’ surfaces getting a makeover during this process, resurfacing also typically consists of removing/replacing sections of damaged or settled curb; repairing/replacing drainage inlets and utility structures (manholes); replacing corner ramps (to meet current Americans with Disability Act standards); and repaving the roadway. Among the roads undergoing work this month are: Geddes Avenue between Highland Road and Apple Way. Intermittent closures of Geddes to through traffic are in effect during construction, with detour routes posted. Local traffic will be maintained. Completion is expected in mid August.   Seventh Street between Pauline and Madison. Northbound traffic is being detoured. Completion is expected in the beginning of September.  When the initiative comes to a close this fall, 34 streets will have received upgrades. The 2012 street resurfacing project is funded by the Street Resurfacing Millage approved by voters in 2006. Visit the 2012 street resurfacing project Web page, and click on the red envelope to subscribe to receive regular street resurfacing project e-updates. You may also subscribe for e-updates to know which city streets have posted detours, on the city’s road and lane closures Web page. http://www.a2gov.org/government/city_administration/City_Clerk/Elections/Pages/Elections.aspx Tree-care tips This spring and summer have been unusually dry, and — coupled with the recent very-high temperatures — both newly planted and established trees are showing signs of stress from lack of water. Wilting or curling leaves, leaf/needle drop and leaf scorch (caused by lack of water and high temperatures) are signs that your tree needs to be watered immediately.    In normal precipitation years, Mother Nature provides the water an established tree needs, and supplemental watering is typically not necessary. This season, however, calls for human intervention. A slow, deep watering is better than short, frequent watering, for both newly planted and established trees. For newly planted trees and small trees with a trunk diameter of up to 4 inches, a good watering is 10 gallons per inch of tree diameter applied in the mulched area around the tree, once per week. For established, medium trees (5–12 inches), a general guideline for watering during prolonged dry periods is 10 gallons of water for every 1-inch diameter, three times per month. Finally, for large trees, with a trunk diameter greater than 13 inches, 15 gallons of water is needed for every inch of diameter, twice monthly during prolonged dry periods. For established, trees do not water within 3 feet of the trunk, as this can lead to root rot. And how long should watering take place? In general, use this formula as a guideline: tree diameter inches x 5 minutes = total watering time. Find more information on tree watering, mulching, benefits and more on the city’s forestry Web pages at www.a2gov.org/trees. Go "Around Ann Arbor" with CTN Community Television Network recently debuted “Around Ann Arbor,” a 10-minute weekly program featuring upcoming events in the city and surrounding communities. Following a news-style format, the show promotes events for the week ahead, making it convenient for viewers to plan their own calendars. “Around Ann Arbor” airs on A2TV Channel 17 on Comcast Cable on the following schedule. Sundays, noon and 9:05 p.m. Mondays, 10 a.m. Tuesdays, 3:50 p.m. Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 7:20 p.m. Fridays, 1 p.m. Saturdays, 1:35 p.m. And anytime on CTN Video On Demand.  “We’ve taken the electronic bulletin board and brought it to life, another great reason to tune into your community channels for local information,” said Melissa Cohn, assistant manager of the public and educational channels. To submit an event for consideration, free of charge, please email CTN. Dates to remember Among the many public meetings/events taking place in August, here are some of the highlights. Please go online for details and a complete list. Wednesday, Aug. 1, join the North Main Street-Huron River Corridor Task Force for a site tour. The Ann Arbor Farmers Market celebrates its 93rd birthday on Saturday, Aug. 4.  Also on Saturday, Aug. 4, the Ann Arbor City Clerk’s office will be open 8 a.m.-2 p.m. to accept absentee ballot requests for the Aug. 7 State Primary Election, which takes place Tuesday, Aug. 7. A special Park Advisory Commission meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 8. Because of the Tuesday, Aug. 7 State Primary Election, the City Council meeting will take place on Thursday, Aug. 9 rather than the usual Monday schedule. The first step to taking free production workshops at CTN is to attend the CTN Preview workshop, scheduled on Wednesday, Aug. 29. 

The Newsletter for the City of Ann Arbor, Mich. • July 2012  • Volume 6 • Number 7 Public comment sought for fire restructure plan At the City Council budget work session on March 12, a fire department restructuring proposal was presented by Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard which would position the department to operate from three fire stations: stations 1, 2 (reopened) and 5. This plan would enable four firefighters to be on duty at each of the three stations. Before this proposal is considered further, the City Administrator and Council would like to give community members the opportunity to hear more about the proposal and ask specific questions. There are a variety of options available to citizens to learn about the Fire Restructure Proposal including: View Fire Restructure Proposal presentation. Watch Chief Hubbard’s March 12 Work Session presentation to City Council via CTN’s video on Demand (use the pull-down menu at the top left of the screen to select "City Council," then scroll through the pages to find the March 12 meeting link).  Watch an interview of Chief Hubbard on CTN’s “Conversations” program which airs on Channel 19 via Video on Demand (use the pull-down menu at the top left of the screen to select "Conversations," then scroll through the pages to find the Chief Hubbard interview link).  Email your feedback, questions and comments about the proposal, with the subject line: Fire Proposal   Request a Fire Restructure Proposal presentation to be given to your neighborhood, community, or Business association by contacting Lisa Wondrash, 734.794.6152.  Website survey Please take a few minutes to complete an online survey about the City of Ann Arbor website. Feedback will be instrumental in helping the city to identify ways to improve user experiences. Thesurvey deadline is July 23. Concerts in the park The Ann Arbor Civic Band summer 2012 concert series is underway. Bring the family, bring a friend and enjoy music in the open air at the West Park band shell. Concerts are Wednesdays at 8 p.m.: July 4: Tribute to the USA July 11: Children's Concert July 18 (season finale): Big Bands Admission is free. Visit the Ann Arbor Civic Band online for more information. MDOT to host meeting for I-94 Business Loop improvements The Michigan Department of Transportation will host an open house-style meeting on Tuesday, July 10 to discuss improvements to I-94 Business Loop (BL) in Ann Arbor, between I-94 and Main Street. The meeting will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. at Abbot Elementary, 2670 Sequoia Parkway. MDOT officials will be available to answer questions about plans to convert a section of I-94 BL, between Dexter Avenue and Burwood Avenue, from four lanes to three. There will be no formal presentation given at the meeting; however, maps and project information will be on display. Construction is currently scheduled for 2014. Go online(PDF) for more information.  2011 water quality report Wonder what’s in your drinking water? Check the annual City of Ann Arbor Water Quality Report to find out! Grand opening of Library Lane Parking Structure On Thursday, July 12, a grand opening party will take place 5–8 p.m. for the Library Lane Parking Structure, 319 S. Fifth Ave. Hosted by the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority, there will be cake, music and a fabulous collection of vintage cars on display, a preview of the Rolling Sculpture Car Show. Bring along something for the parking structure time capsule (which has a 12-inch diameter). Visit the DDA online for details. Transportation survey The Washtenaw Area Transportation Study is beginning development of the 2040 long-range transportation plan for Washtenaw County. To help inform this process, WATS is inviting feedback via the Community  Values Survey. The Community Values Survey is available now through the end of July. West Park construction In 2010, various improvements were made to West Park, including band shell seating; new access stairs from the Huron Street entrance; new pathways from Seventh Street; relocation of the basketball court; regrading the open-field play area for better drainage; a boardwalk; and installation of stormwater-management features, such as swirl concentrators and bioswales. During the construction in 2010, problems were encountered with the new underground stormwater treatment systems. Therefore, repairs and alterations will be made this summer and fall to the treatment units and reconnect them to the stormwater system, along the west edge of the park. During construction, the north and south access paths to West Park off of North Seventh Street will be closed. The central access path will remain open. This work is expected to be complete in early fall 2012. If you have any questions, please contact the project’s manager, Nick Hutchinson, via email or call 734.794.6000, extension 43633. Information is also available on the project’s Web page. If you would like to receive email updates for this project, send an email to Hutchinsonwith “West Park email list” in the subject line. Ann Arbor Bridges Facebook giveaways The Ann Arbor Bridges Reconstruction Project (AAB) is continuing to progress. Project update meetings are being held every third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Burns Park Shelter, 1200 Baldwin Ave., with the next meeting taking place Thursday, July 17. Updates are also available on the AAB website orFacebook page. When you like AAB on Facebook, you will be entered for a chance to win project logo buttons or a project golf wind shirt. This contest will run until the project’s next public meeting, Thursday, July 19, 2012. Ann Arbor to host sustainability conference The City of Ann Arbor is set to host the Michigan Green Communities (MGC) Leadership Academy later this month. Senior officials and key stakeholders from up to 20 Michigan communities, counties and regions will attend workshops about local government sustainability, economic development and planning staff to help further sustainability initiatives around Michigan. These peer-learning workshops will showcase national and local examples of effective action at the intersection of sustainability and local economies. Go online for more about the City of Ann Arbor’s sustainability efforts. New electric vehicle-charging stations The Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority and Clean Energy Coalitionheld an event last month at the Forest Avenue Parking Structure, 650 S. Forest, to celebrate the installation of 18 electric vehicle-charging stations. The charging stations can now be accessed by the public free of charge; electric vehicle owners need only pay the usual parking fees. This project was substantially funded by a U.S. Department of Energy Clean Cities Recovery Act grant awarded through Ann Arbor-based Clean Energy Coalition. In this issue: Comment on fire restructure plan * Website survey * Concerts in the park * I-94 BL improvements meeting * 2011 water quality report * Library Lane Parking Structure * Transportation survey * West Park construction * Ann Arbor Bridges Facebook giveaways * Ann Arbor to host sustainability conference  *New electric vehicle-charging stations * Huron River Day is July 15 * Summer taxes due * Art Fair * Vote Aug. 7 * Local rainfall cycles on display * SEMCOG FY 2011–2014 Transportation Improvement Program * Dates to remember Huron River Day is July 15 Celebrate one of this community’s greatest resources, the Huron River. The 32nd annual Huron River Day is Sunday, July 15 at Gallup Park and Parker Mill Park. Activities include TRI the Huron Triathlon (beginning at 7 a.m.); $5 canoe/kayak rentals; children’s activities; live animal programs; river exhibits; live music; food; fishing; and more. Arrive by bike, and receive a coupon for a free boat rental! Sponsored by DTE Energy Foundation.Go to the Huron River Day website,www.a2gov.org/hrd, for details or call 734.662.9319. Summer taxes due Summer property taxes are due this month. Taxes may be paid online, by mail, at the City of Ann Arbor Customer Service Center (located on the first floor of Larcom City Hall at 301 E. Huron St.) or at several local banks. TCF Bank, Bank of Ann Arbor, Michigan Commerce Bank, Huntington Bank, Citizens Bank and Ann Arbor State Bank will accept full tax payments in July only.Online payments can also be made. Go to the city’s treasury Web page for more information, including how property taxes are calculated. Art Fair comes to town The annual Ann Arbor Art Fair will draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city when it returns this year Wednesday through Saturday, July 18 through 21. Drawing an equally impressive crowd during the Art Fair is the Ann Arbor Community Television Networkvideo greeting booth. The CTN video booth will be located on North University between Thayer and Fletcher. Be sure to stop by to record a fun video greeting, which will be aired on CTN Channel 19 (Comcast Cable) and online. This year, CTN will be recording interviews with not only fair goers, but fair artists, directors and special guests. Visit CTN’s website for details. The CTN video greeting booth is also sure to be a draw at the traditional kick off to the Art Fair, the Townie Street Party, Monday, July 16, taking place on East Washington Street, between Fletcher and Thayer streets. While the Art Fair greetings come from visitors throughout the region, country and even the world, Townie greetings are typically for Ann Arbor, by Ann Arbor. Be sure to stop in, say hello, and share why living in A2 is special to you. With the Townie Party and the Art Fair taking place on streets around the downtown and university areas, several detours will be in place. See the street closures maps on the city website — where you can also subscribe to receive e-notifications, year round, whenever detours are scheduled. Vote Aug. 7 The City Primary Election is Tuesday, Aug. 7, when polls will be open 7 a.m.–8 p.m. Visit the elections Web page for the list of candidates and information about polling places, times, etc.  Residents who need to register to vote must do so by Monday, July 9 at the City Clerk’s office, second floor of Larcom City Hall; the Washtenaw County Clerk’s office; at any Secretary of State branch office; or by mailing in a voter registration application (postmarked by July 9) to: Ann Arbor City Clerk, PO Box 8647, Ann Arbor, MI 48107. The City Clerk’s office will be open Saturday, Aug. 4 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for in-person absentee ballot requests. Please note, the office, and all city government offices, are closed Wednesday, July 4 for the Independence Day holiday. Additional details can be found on the elections website, via email or by calling 734.794.6140. Local rainfall cycles on display The bronze, water-feature sculpture on the City of Ann Arbor Municipal Center Plaza,301 E. Huron St.,  uses only the rainwater that is captured on site and stored in tanks under the structure. As designed by international award-winning artist Herbert Dreiseitl, the water component of the installation is a demonstration of the cycles of local rainfall. When the storage tanks are low, the pumps stop circulating water over the surface of the sculpture until the next rainfall. However, the energy-efficient lights continue their cascading display. In order to conserve water from evaporation, the pumps generally operate during the daylight hours. Go online for information on the plaza’s rain gardens and adjacent green roof, too. Comment on the SEMCOG FY 2011-2014 Transportation Improvement Program Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) is seeking comment on the amendment of projects to the Fiscal Year 2011–2014 Transportation Improvement Program(TIP). The TIP is a list of projects fromDirection2035 (the region’s long-range transportation plan) selected for funding by cities, villages, county road agencies, transit providers and the Michigan Department of Transportation. A total of 137 projects are proposed to be added to the TIP, while another nine are proposed to be deleted. Several of the projects are in Ann Arbor or Washtenaw County. Additional details can be found on the amendment Web page. Dates to remember Among the many public meetings/events taking place in July, here are some of the highlights. Please go online for details and a complete list,www.a2gov.org/calendar.  City government offices – including the Customer Service Center – will be closed on Wednesday, July 4 for the holiday. Trash/recycling/compost collection will be delayed by one day following the holiday, resuming Thursday through Saturday. The Ann Arbor Farmers Markethours on Wednesday, July 4, are 7 a.m.–noon, and 4:30–8:30 p.m. Monday, July 9 is the last day to register to vote in the Aug. 7 election.  MDOT is holding a public meeting Tuesday, July 10 to discuss planned improvements for the I-94 business loop in Ann Arbor (PDF). Huron River Day is Sunday, July 15 A2 City News Web Page *City Council *Contact Us *Meeting Agendas  *News & Announcements *Road/Lane Closures A2 City News is emailed to newsletter subscribers by the City of Ann Arbor. Please share comments via email or call 734.794.6110, extension 41105. QUESTIONS FOR THE CITY OF ANN ARBOR? Contact us STAY CONNECTED WITH THE CITY OF ANN ARBOR:

The Newsletter for the City of Ann Arbor, Mich. • June 2012 • Volume 6 • Number 6 Fiscal year 2012 budget approved On May 21, 2012, Ann Arbor City Council adopted the fiscal year 2013 budget after many hours of deliberation and discussion. The City of Ann Arbor fiscal year 2013 runs July 1, 2012, until June 30, 2013. Although the adopted budget was very similar to the city administrator’s recommended budget, it did include amendments that made minor adjustments to the human services, housing commission and District Court budgets. In addition, direction was given to increase fire staff if additional revenue from the state is obtained via fire protection grants. A more extensive description of the key highlights included in the budget can be found on page one of the draft budget book. To view the May 21 meeting in its entirety, visit CTN’s Video on Demand. AAPD welcomes new officers Ann Arbor police services held a swearing-in ceremony on May 11 to welcome five new police officers (pictured above). City Council’s recently adopted fiscal year 2013 budget, which begins on July 1, 2012, will include one additional full-time police officer position and the hiring of five part-time officers for a new recruit program. Historic District Commission Awards The City of Ann Arbor Planning and Development Services Unit together with the Ann Arbor Historic District Commission will present the 2012 Historic District Commission Awards on Monday, June 4 during the introduction portion of the City Council meeting. Certificates will be awarded for preservation, rehabilitation, lifetime achievement, special merit and two centennial awards — all in honor of National Preservation Month in June. Go online for a complete list of this year’s honorees. Visitor parking Are you planning to visit Ann Arbor Larcom City Hall or the Ann Arbor Justice Center? There are now three additional short-term, metered parking spaces on the southeast (Huron Street) side of the municipal center site, which is located at 301 E. Huron St. These new spaces are especially convenient for after-hours visitors to the site. Just cross the bridge through the municipal center plaza to reach either buildings’ entrance. The science of road construction After nearly six weeks of construction, Huron Parkway, between Hubbard and Fuller, is now complete, and the road is reopened. Still, with plenty of other road projects underway, here is some insight into road construction planning in the City of Ann Arbor. Prioritization When choosing which roads will be reconstructed, the city first calculates the best return on investment, to make sure street millage money is invested in the most economical way. This includes taking into account the condition of the city's utilities. For example, it is prudent to repair water and sewer lines ahead of street resurfacing projects, so the streets do not have to be opened again shortly after the reconstruction. If a water main is identified to need replacement, the city adjusts road project priorities to minimize the overall expenditure. Detours When it comes to rerouting traffic due to construction activities, the detour options are admittedly limited. A street map of Ann Arbor will clearly show the general "wheel and spoke" shape of the city’s road system, with some areas in a grid pattern. As a result of this configuration, there are few substitute routes capable of providing convenient detours. Perhaps the best route to take when construction project “season” approaches is to know the facts. Be sure to subscribe to receive road and lane closure email updates. In addition, some of the larger-scale projects may have their own, specific subscription topics. See a complete topic list on the city website at www.a2gov.org/subscribe. Updates may also be posted to the City of Ann Arbor Facebook and Twitterpages.      Go online for more information on the city’s annual street resurfacing program. CTN open house Ann Arbor Community Television Network is hosting the annual Alliance For Community Media – Central States Regional Conference June 14–16. To kick off the event, CTN is holding a free public open house with a tour of its studio Thursday, June 14 at 6 p.m. VisitCTN online for more information. Stay safe in the heat The City of Ann Arbor Office of Emergency Management is sharing a heat awareness fact sheet recently issued by the National Weather Service.Click here to learn the difference between heat watches, advisories and warnings, how to prevent a heat-related emergency, symptoms and treatment of heat illnesses and much more. Veteran hiring fair The Department of Veterans Affairs is hosting the VA for Vets Hiring Fairshowcasing careers for veterans in the public and private sectors. This event is June 26–28 at Cobo Center in Detroit and includes on-site job coaching, career and resume-building classes as well as interviews with both federal agencies and private companies. The free hiring fair has over 5,000 jobs committed to veterans. The hiring fair is part of the overall, first-ever National Veterans and Small Business Conference, June 26–29, which also will feature two additional distinct events:  A free Veteran Open House will welcome veterans and their family members to visit over 150 booths. This event will provide everything from on-site benefits enrollment to dental and physical exams, educational opportunities and support services. A Small Business Conference, where small businesses can meet with federal procurement officials and industry leaders to promote their products and services, and gain insight into the government contracting process. VA invites all interested persons and businesses to attend. More information about the small business conference is available atwww.nationalveteransconference.com. Information and registration for the hiring fair is available atwww.VAforVets.VA.Gov/Detroit. Are you bilingual? The City of Ann Arbor is dedicated to making its services, programs and activities available to everyone, regardless of language barriers. Through this commitment, the city is taking steps to implement a Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Plan, designed to provide language assistance to individuals who do not speak, write, read or understand English well. The city is seeking out residents who may be interested in volunteering for translation services, especially for Ann Arbor’s Hispanic- and Chinese-speaking populations. Competent translators are being sought who demonstrate one or more of the following: evidence of training that includes skills and ethics of translation; proficiency in English and the other language; ability to convey information in both languages, accurately and completely; and a fundamental knowledge in both languages of any specialized terms or concepts. If you are interested and believe you qualify to volunteer, please call or email Amy Seavitt, HR assistant, at 734.794.6122. Kudos The Certificate for Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting has been awarded to the City of Ann Arbor by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR). The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. The city’s CAFR is recognized for demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR. In addition, the city also received the Award of Financial Reporting Achievement. In this issue: FY 2013 Budget approved *AAPD new officers * Historic District Commission Awards * Visitor parking * Road construction * CTN Open House * Stay safe in the heat * Veteran hiring fair* Are you bilingual? * Kudos * Green Fair * Farmers Market for all * DEQ brownfield grant * Ann Arbor is Pure Michigan * Recycling electronics *Recyclebank update * Dates to remember 12th annual Green Fair is Friday, June 8! Main Street will be closed to vehicles, but open for pedestrians, during the 12th annual Mayor’s Green Fair 6 to 9 p.m. on Ann Arbor’s Main Street. The event includes free entertainment and over 100 exhibits with environmental information, hands-on youth activities, Clean Energy Expo, green commuting options and more. Go to the Green Fair website for more information,www.a2gov.org/greenfair. Farmers Market makes healthy food available for all The Ann Arbor Farmers Market, 315 Detroit St.,  is one of the oldest, largest producer-only markets in Michigan, turning 93 years old this year. As part of its mission, the market began a collaboration in 2009 to help ensure locally grown, nutritious offerings are available to the entire community by accepting state-aided purchases through the Michigan Department of Human Services Bridge Card. The process is simple … Holders of a state-issued Bridge Card can visit the market office to get tokens to use for market purchases; request a dollar amount to use at the market; swipe the Bridge Card; the requested amount is deducted; and market tokens are issued to use at participating market vendor stalls. The Bridge Card can be used to buy fresh food including fruits, vegetables, meat, cheese, bread, eggs, and plants to grow vegetables and herbs in your own gardens (please note that hot food items are not eligible for Bridge Card purchases). Look for a "Bridge Card Tokens Accepted Here" sign in vendors' stalls, which will identify those who accept Bridge Card tokens. More good news for Bridge Card holders: The Double Up Food Bucks program will begin Saturday, June 2 at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market, allowing you to double your Bridge Card dollars.  For added convenience to all shoppers, the token system is also available for any market guest who wishes to have a credit card swiped in exchange for market tokens. The Ann Arbor Farmers Market is open year round on Saturdays, and May through December on Saturdays and Wednesdays. A dynamic evening market takes place Wednesday evenings in the spring and summer. Go online for more information. DEQ brownfield grant The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality has awarded a $1 million brownfield redevelopment grant to help clean up and return the former Georgetown Mall site to commercial use. Past development efforts of the 6.7-acre site on Packard Street on Ann Arbor’s south side have been hindered by contamination of soils under the building from a dry cleaning business that previously operated in the mall, thus the reason for the brownfield classification. The grant will be administered by the Washtenaw County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority to facilitate the site’s reuse, including removal of contaminated soils, demolition of the existing buildings and the development of mixed-use space. The new development will be pedestrian friendly, with a bus stop, secure bicycle parking, a pocket park and will have on-site stormwater management. For more information on this project, visitthe city’s website (PDF). Details about the DEQ Brownfield Redevelopment Program is available on the DEQ website. Ann Arbor is Pure Michigan The Ann Arbor Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is partnering with Travel Michigan for a fifth consecutive year to nationally promote the Ann Arbor area through the state’s renowned Pure Michigan campaign. The partnership includes the Ypsilanti Area CVB, Ann Arbor SPARK and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.Michigan.org, the official Pure Michigan campaign site, was the most visited state tourism website in the U.S. from 2007 to 2011. This “sense of place” partnership is the first of its kind in the state and aims to highlight Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County as a destination for both tourism and economic development. Tourism supported 6,386 jobs countywide in 2011, up from 5,600 jobs in 2010. So get ready to see more “Ann Arbor is Pure Michigan” messages around our community and (far) beyond. Recycling electronics Did you know electronics, such as televisions, computers/monitors, etc., are prohibited from Ann Arbor’s trash and recycling carts and dumpster collection program? That’s because toxic chemicals can be released during the refuse-collection (crushing and compacting) process. Instead, please take note of other, safe ways to dispose of these items. Michigan has an e-waste take back law which requires manufacturers to offer free and convenient take back programs to ensure that all televisions, computers, and printers are fully recycled. (Before you recycle your computer, just be sure to erase the unit’s hard drive to eliminate personal data. Best Buy’s website, under “recycling,” offers a brief video showing how to erase data from a hard drive.) Visit the city website to learn about electronics disposal programs available in the Ann Arbor area. There are also several mail-back options for computers and televisions offered by the different manufacturers posted atwww.michigan.gov/deqewaste. And periodic computer and television collection-day events are held in the area. Go to the city’s website to find more information on recycling in Ann Arbor. Recyclebank program update In May, Ann Arbor City Council voted to end the Recyclebank recycling rewards program, effective Aug. 31, 2012. After this date, you will no longer be eligible to receive points for recycling at home. Recyclebank recently distributed this information in a letter to its Ann Arbor members. The good news is you can continue to spend your Recyclebank points as well as explore many other ways to earn points for living a more sustainable lifestyle at www.Recyclebank.com. Please note, Recyclebank Points expire after 12 months of no account activity (i.e., earning outside of recycling rewards and/or redeeming points for rewards). Further, local reward partners in Ann Arbor have been notified of this Council decision and are encouraged to stay part of the Recyclebank program beyond August. For more information,visit Recyclebank online. Dates to remember Among the many public meetings/events taking place in June, here are some of the highlights. Please go online for details and a complete list. The 12th annual Mayor’s Green Fair is Friday, June 8 (www.a2gov.org/greenfair). The Community Television Network Open House is Thursday, June 14 (www.a2gov.org/ctn). Father’s Day golf specials are offered at Leslie Park and Huron Hills golf courses on June 17 (www.a2golf.org). An Ann Arbor Bridges Reconstruction Project update meeting is Thursday, June 21 (www.annarborbridges.org). 

The Newsletter for the City of Ann Arbor, Mich. • May 2012  • Volume 6 • Number 5 City administrator presents proposed FY 2013 budget to City Council On April 16, City Administrator Steve Powers presented his recommended Fiscal Year 2013 budget. City Council will consider the proposal during the next few weeks and vote on May 21. Budget overview The FY 2013 budget is the second year of a two-year budget plan. While the city administrator’s proposed budget is similar to the spending plan approved by City Council last year, adjustments were made to respond to current City Council priorities and community needs. Among the highlights: Planned reductions in police and fire staffing are eliminated. A police recruit program will supplement sworn officers and assist with public safety concerns in downtown.  Park mowing will move from the current 19-day cycle to a 14-day cycle. Seasonal park monitors will be added. Street repair and resurfacing work will be at an all-time high. These investments in services and infrastructure do not compromise the city’s financial policies. During the past several years, City Council provided the policy discipline to manage through a very difficult economic environment. The city administrator’s proposed FY 2013 budget recommends the same fiscal discipline in the coming fiscal year. Recurring expenditures are funded by recurring revenues. The proposed budget maintains reserves as a cushion for future economic and state legislative changes, such as the elimination of the personal property tax. For more information The following resources are available to learn more about the FY 2013 proposed budget: View the city administrator’s PowerPoint presentation to Council (PDF).  Watch the April 16 budget presentation to City Councilonline.      Download a complete copy ofthe FY 2013 Budget Message to Council and the Draft Budget Book (PDF).  Watch City Administrator Steve Powers live on CTN’s “Conversations” program on May 7 at 4:30 p.m. Citizens are encouraged to call in live during the program with FY 2013 budget-related questions: Call the studio at 734.794.6155 or email questions in advance. Next steps City Council Regular Meeting: FY 2013 budget and fee public hearing scheduled for May 7 at Larcom City Hall, Council chambers, second floor, 301 E. Huron St., at 7 p.m. Council Work Session: FY 2013 Budget Discussion scheduled on May 14 at Larcom City Hall, Council chambers, second floor, 301 E. Huron St. at 7 p.m. City Council Regular Meeting: City Council consideration of city administrator's recommended FY 2013 budget on May 21 at Larcom City Hall, Council chambers, second floor, 301 E. Huron St. at 7 p.m. City administration thanks you for your time and interest in the operation of your city. Public comment sought for fire services restructure plan At the City Council budget work session on March 12, a fire department restructuring proposal was presented by Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard, which would position the department to operate from three fire stations: stations 1, 2 (reopened) and 5. This plan would enable four firefighters to be on duty at each of the three stations. Before this proposal is considered further, the city administrator and Council would like to give members from the community the opportunity to hear more about the proposal and ask specific questions. There are a variety of options available to citizens to learn about the Fire Restructure Proposal including: View Fire Restructure Proposal PowerPoint presentation (PDF). Watch Chief Hubbard’s March 12 work session presentation to City Council via CTN’s Video on Demand.  Watch an interview of Chief Hubbard on CTN’s “Conversations” program, which airs on Comcast Channel 19 or isavailable via Video on Demand. Send your feedback, questions and comments about the proposal with the subject line: Fire Proposal.  Request a Fire Restructure Proposal presentation be given to your neighborhood, community or business association byemailing Lisa Wondrash or calling 734.794.6152. Congratulate your grad on CTN Do you have a special someone graduating high school this year? LetAnn Arbor Community Television Network help you congratulate him or her ... on TV! CTN will showcase soon-to-be grads on the Channel 18 electronic bulletin board (Comcast Cable), which reaches more than 72,000 households in Ann Arbor and surrounding communities. Photos will start airing Monday, May 7 and will run through mid summer. If you have a graduate from one of the Ann Arbor Public Schools, you can participate! Just submit a digital photograph (senior photo, homecoming, prom) of the graduate with their full name, high school and who is congratulating them. The photograph must be digital (800x600 pixels) and may be resized or cropped at CTN’s discretion. Email the image to CTN Assistant Manager Melissa Cohn; no hard copies will be accepted. If you have questions, contact Cohn at 734.794.6150, extension 41504. For more information about CTN, go online. A2 Downtown Blooms and Adopt-a-Park events Two annual events take place Saturday, May 19 to engage the Ann Arbor community in beautifying the city. Hundreds of volunteers will meet downtown at 9 a.m. in Liberty Plaza (Division and Liberty streets) to kick offA2 Downtown Blooms Day. Volunteers will help plant and mulch flower planters throughout the downtown, and each volunteer will receive a free t-shirt and pizza lunch. To preregister, call 734.794.6000, extension 43112. Go online for more details.   Also beginning at 9 a.m. until noon, neighbors can get to know their parks, and one another, during the Adopt-a-Park Kick Off. Training, tools and support will be provided by the city. Parks participating in the kick-off event include: Belize, Bromley, Burr Oak, Glacier Highlands, Huron Highlands, Maryfield-Wildwood, Redwood, Rose White, Sculpture Plaza, Veteran’s Memorial, Waterworks, and Winewood Thaler. Any updates to this list can be found online. All ages can participate. Free e-waste recycling event Safely dispose of your unwanted electronics at the upcoming FREE e-waste recycling events this month, sponsored by the University of Michigan and Ann Arbor Public Schools. The public e-waste event is Saturday, May 5, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at Pioneer High School, 601 W. Stadium Boulevard (enter via Main Street driveway). The institutional e-waste event (for small businesses and non-profits with large quantities of equipment) is Thursday, May 3, and Friday, May 4, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at Washtenaw Intermediate School District Office, 1819 S. Wagner Road. Registration is recommended. Acceptable items for drop off include (go online for a complete list and exclusions):  Computer systems. Telephones/cell phones. Televisions. Speakers. Printers. Wires/cables. Modems. And much more. All e-waste will be destroyed and 100 percent recycled in the United States in an environmentally sound manner by a fully permitted recycling facility. Security precautions ensure all data is destroyed. Just drive through, drop off, and drive away knowing you did right by the environment. In this issue: Proposed FY 2013 budget * Grads on CTN * A2 Downtown Blooms & Adopt-A-Park events * Free e-waste recycling * Farmers markets return Wednesdays * Election Day May 8 * Parks millage facts online * City outdoor pools open Memorial Day weekend * Argo Cascades grand opening * Lane closures/detours * 2012 Mayor’s Green Fair * Recognitions * Dates to remember Farmers markets return on Wednesdays In addition to Saturdays, the Ann Arbor Farmers Market is again open on Wednesdays for the season. The market resumes its seasonal extended hours from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 2, and the evening market returns on Wednesdays through September, from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Join us for new and returning vendors, food carts, lively music and much more. For updates, visit the Ann Arbor Farmers Market online or become a parks and recreation fan on Facebook.   Election Day is Tuesday, May 8 The Ann Arbor Public Schools Technology Millage Election will take place Tuesday, May 8. Polls will be open 7 a.m.–8 p.m. at all city polling places. For more information on this election, go online to www.a2gov.org/elections or call 734.794.6140. Parks Millage facts online The City of Ann Arbor has launched a new website section devoted to the upcoming expiration and renewal of the Parks Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage. This site provides background information about the 2007–2012 millage; millage-funded activity logs; as well as a variety of resources, such as fact sheets and related City Council meeting footage links. Renewal of the Parks Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage is anticipated to appear on the November 2012 election ballot. City outdoor pools open Memorial Day weekend Memorial Day weekend signifies the start of summer and coincides with the opening of the Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Services three outdoor pools:Fuller, Buhr and Veterans Memorial park pools. Summer season passes, on sale now, are valid from May 26 to Sept. 3, 2012. Season passes can be used at Buhr, Fuller and Veterans Memorial pools for all public swim times and tot splashes. Passes may be purchased at all of the pools, the Parks and Recreation Customer Service Center (Cobblestone Farm, 2781 Packard Road), or they can be renewed online at www.a2gov.org/parks. Preseason Rate Resident Discount (purchase a pass before May 29) — Youth/Senior: $95 / Adult: $125 / Family*: $240 Preseason Rate Non Resident (purchase a pass before May 29) — Youth/Senior: $120 / Adult: $160 / Family*: $300 Regular Rate Resident Discount (purchase a pass May 29 and after) — Youth/Senior: $110 / Adult: $140 / Family*: $265 Regular Rate Non Resident (purchase a pass May 29 and after ) — Youth/Senior: $135 / Adult: $175 / Family*: $325 *Family rate is for two adults and up to three children residing in the same household. Argo Cascades grand opening Join the grand opening celebration of Argo Cascades at Argo Canoe Livery (1055 Longshore Drive) Saturday, June 2 from noon to 3 p.m. Enjoy boats, fun drops and pools, a rock band on the rocks, food cards, a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the beautiful Huron River. Enjoy paddling boats from Argo to Gallup without a portage. Paddle the Cascades, and check out our new watercrafts including tubes, stand-up paddles, rafts and sit-on-top kayaks. There will be fun for all ages. To learn more, visit Argo (and Gallup) Canoe Livery online. Stay ahead of the curve Spring and summer in Ann Arbor will again bring many special events downtown and around the city. In addition, road construction “season” is just ramping up. And with these activities often comes temporary road and lane closures. There’s no need to be caught off guard. Keep up to date with road projects and event-related closures and detours by visiting — and subscribing to updates from — the city’s road and lane closures Web page. Save the date: 2012 Mayor's Green Fair Main Street will be closed to vehicles, but open for pedestrians, during the 12th annual Mayor’s Green Fair Friday, June 8, 6 to 9 p.m. on Ann Arbor’s Main Street. The event includes free entertainment and over 120 exhibits with environmental information, hands-on youth activities, Clean Energy Expo, green commuting options, Bike Fest, WasteKnot business partners, walking tours and more. Go to the Green Fair website for more information.  Recognitions Ann Arbor has recently been recognized in the following ways. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Arbor Day Foundation have announced that Ann Arbor is one of 121 Michigan communities to receive the “Tree City USA” designation for the promotion of community forestry during 2011.  Ann Arbor’s South Main Street has been named one of “America’s Greatest Main Streets” by Travel + Leisure Magazine. The City of Ann Arbor has been selected as a 2012 Green Cities Award finalist by Waste & Recycling News. Ann Arbor’s residential recycling program was especially noted for its recycling plant tours and for the WasteWatcher comic series.  Dates to remember There are several public meetings/events taking place in May, including the following highlights (please see the related articles in this newsletter or visitthe city’s online calendar for details and a complete list).  Wednesday hours return to the Ann Arbor Farmers Market, beginning May 2. The Wednesday evening markets return as well, from 4:30-8:30 p.m.  The Ann Arbor Public Schools Technology Millage Election is Tuesday, May 8.   A2 Downtown Blooms and Adopt-A-Park Kick Off annual volunteer events occur on Saturday, May 19. City government offices are closed in observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 28. Trash, compost and recycling collection will be delayed by one day, Tuesday through Saturday. A2 City News Web Page *City Council *Contact Us *Meeting Agendas  *News/Announcements *Road/Lane Closures Please share comments via email or call 734.794.6110, extension 41105. QUESTIONS FOR THE CITY OF ANN ARBOR? Contact us STAY CONNECTED WITH THE CITY OF ANN ARBOR:

The Newsletter for the City of Ann Arbor, Mich. • April 2012  • Volume 6 • Number 4 Fiscal year 2021 budget process underwayCitizens can keep up to date on the fiscal year 2013 budget planning process by visiting the online Ann Arbor Citizen Guide to Finance and Budget. A City Council Work Session was held on Feb. 13 and March 12. Presentation handouts are available online. In accordance with City Charter, the City Administrator's Recommended FY 2013 Budget is submitted to City Council on or before April 15, 2012. City Council, with at least seven affirmative votes, must adopt the budget no later than its second meeting in May.Interim safety services administrator/police chief namedEffective March 31, 2012, current Deputy Chief John Seto assumes the role of interim chief of police and safety services area administrator. Seto has served in the Ann Arbor Police Department for more than 20 years, and has extensive patrol, detective and management experience.Ann Arbor City Administrator Steve Powers will be providing a recommendation to City Council at a later date regarding a permanent replacement for Safety Services Area Administrator and Chief of Police Barnett Jones. On Feb. 28, Jones announced his retirement from the City of Ann Arbor effective March 30, 2012.“Barnett has tirelessly served the public in law enforcement for 38 years,” said Powers. “While his retirement will be a loss to Ann Arbor, we wish him well in the future and are thankful for the valuable contributions he has made to the Ann Arbor community.” Fire services newsAfter approximately two years in labor negotiations between the International Association of Firefighters Local 693 and the City of Ann Arbor, a new labor contract for fire employees, which ends June 30, 2014, has successfully been negotiated and ratified by union membership. City Council passed a resolution March 19, 2012, accepting the terms of this contract.The contract includes benefit concessions that are similar to the contract terms ratified by seven other union groups in city, such as: adoption of the city healthcare plan, elimination of the 457 plan match, new hire pension changes including 10-year vesting, and adoption of defined contribution retirement healthcare program. More information about the new contract isavailable online.At the City Council budget work session on March 12, a fire department restructuring proposal was presented, which would position the department to operate from three fire stations: stations 1, 2 (reopened) and 5. This plan would enable four firefighters to be on duty at each of the three stations. Council is considering this proposal as a part of the fiscal year 2013 budget planning process. The proposal slides are posted online, and the  Council work session presentation is available to view via Community Television Network Video On Demand. Also showing on CTN, Channel 19, is"Conversations" with Ann Arbor Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard. Catch replays of this episode of "Conversations," airing until April 13, Mondays through Fridays at 10:30 a.m., 6:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.; and Saturdays and Sundays at 6:30 p.m.; or available soon to watch online via Video On Demand.     U-M spring football game parkingResidents and visitors interested in information about the University of Michigan Mott Spring Football Scrimmage event scheduled for April 14, 2012, at noon can visitwww.mgoblue.com. Parking, vendor operations and traffic control will be similar to a football Saturday game day in Ann Arbor, with special event no-parking restrictions in effect that day. In addition, signage will be displayed in the U-M Stadium area to promote the events parking hotline number for residents and visitors who may have questions: 734.794.6444. 2012 Street Resurfacing ProgramBeginning this spring/summer, the city will resurface a number of streets, both major and local. Resurfacing typically consists of removing/replacing sections of damaged or settled curb, repairing/replacing drainage inlets and utility structures (manholes), replacing corner ramps (to meet current Americans with Disability Act standards) and repaving the roadway. Residents who live on one of the streets slated for resurfacing will receive notice of the construction prior to the work beginning. Please go online to see the list of streets (www.a2gov.org/roadconstruction). Construction on smaller/local streets will typically span between 20 to 40 days, while construction on longer/major streets may last between 40 and 60 days. Local access will be maintained during construction, however, there may be occasions when individual residents will be contacted about closing driveways for a few days to allow new concrete installation. Access will be maintained to allow for garbage pickup and mail delivery.If residents along the streets planned for resurfacing have sprinklers, invisible fence systems or other buried features installed near the street at their homes, please contact the city project team so they are aware ahead of time.Funding for this resurfacing project is provided by the Street and Bridge Resurfacing and Reconstruction, and Sidewalk Repair Millage. If you have any questions, please contact Senior Project Manager Elizabeth Rolla, P.E., at 734.794.6410, extension 43636.Earth Day FestivalThe Ann Arbor area 42nd annual Earth Day Festival takes place Sunday, April 22, noon–4 p.m. at Leslie Science & Nature Center, 1831 Traver Road. This free, family-friendly event features displays from local environmental, non-profit, and governmental organizations; live animal exhibits; hands-on activities; live entertainment; and green building features. This event is focused on community education and youth activities. All ages are welcome.Do you want to join the celebration in another, meaningful way? Register as a volunteer! Volunteers are needed to serve in a variety of roles. Go online for more details or to register as a volunteer,www.a2earthday.org. Get ready for fun in the Ann Arbor parks!Ann Arbor parks and recreation is gearing up for great spring and summer seasons. Are you ready? Registration is already underway with a full menu of recreation programs, including the ever-so-popular summer day camps. Go online to register or to view the entire program guide. Guides are also available at Larcom City Hall or any of the recreation facilities.Sustainable Ann Arbor seriesIn January, the City of Ann Arbor kicked off a “Sustainable Ann Arbor” discussion series with the Ann Arbor District Library. This series brings the public together with University of Michigan faculty, representatives from community organizations and city commissioners and staff to discuss local sustainability concepts and efforts — past, present and future.The next — and final — forum of this series is Thursday, April 12, 7 p.m. at the Ann Arbor District Library downtown branch (343 S. Fifth Ave.). This final forum will focus on the topic of community, including housing, public safety, public art, recreation, outreach, civic engagement and stewardship of community resources.More information on the sustainability framework and the Sustainable Ann Arbor Forums is available on the city’s sustainability website and on the State of Our Environment Report Web page.   Help prevent stormwater system pollutionStormwater is runoff from rain or snowmelt that flows off streets, rooftops and lawns into storm drains, which lead directly into streams, lakes and rivers. Stormwater receives no treatment before being discharged to surface waters. If polluted, stormwater can negatively impact the local water resources used for drinking water, recreation and wildlife habitat.The City of Ann Arbor’s “A Resident’s Guide to Clean Water” features 10 easy tips to use at home and on the job. From using phosphorus-free lawn fertilizer to painting tips (washing latex paint brushes in the sink, not outside), these actions add up to significant reductions in pollutants entering the stormwater system and help protect the water quality in the Huron River, the source of 85 percent of Ann Arbor’s drinking water. Find these tips online, and an index to related stormwater issues is available at www.a2gov.org/storm.   Compost sales and curbside collectionThe weekly curbside collection of residential compostables has resumed early, as of March 26. Debris may be disposed of in paper yard waste bags, bundled brush or an optional compost cart. Residents seeking the convenience of using a compost cart can purchase one — 96-, 64-, or 32-gallon size — for $50 each at the city’s Customer Service Center in Larcom City Hall. Phone 99-GREEN or check www.a2gov.org/cartsfor more information.In addition, Ann Arbor residents have a free yard waste drop-off option of up to one cubic yard (six paper yard waste bags) of  acceptable compostable materials at the Drop-off Station, 2950 E. Ellsworth, 734.971.7400, with proof of residency. Details are posted atwww.recycleannarbor.org. Bulk municipal compost, mulch and topsoil are available for sale year-round from the Ann Arbor Compost Center at 4150 Platt Road, 734.794.6380, open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon during April, May and June. Go online for more information atwww.a2gov.org/compost. Visit the critters!The Leslie Science & Nature Center is expanding public hours to the fun and educational Critter House. From rabbits to rats, iguanas to turtles, the Critter House is now open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come ask questions, and take part in hands-on activities that will be different every weekend. There is a $1 suggested donation. Also, every Saturday, the raptors will be fed for the public to watch from 4 to 6 p.m. Visit LSNC’s website for additional information.In this issue: Fiscal Year 2013 budget process * Interim safety services administrator/police chief named * Fire services news * U-M spring football game parking * 2012 Street Resurfacing Program * Earth Day Festival * Ann Arbor parks registration * Sustainable Ann Arbor series * Help prevent stormwater system pollution * Compost sales and curbside collection * Visit the critters! * Parks millage renewal meetings* Spring hydrant flushing resumes *Planning and development mobile website * Seasonal siren testing * Gallup Canoe Livery opens * SNAG Golf Program for kids * Recognitions * Dates to remember Meetings planned to discuss parks millage renewalThe City of Ann Arbor Park Advisory Commission (PAC) and Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation staff invite members of the community to attend a public meeting to discuss the upcoming expiration and renewal of the 2007–2012 Parks Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage. Meetings will take place:Monday, April 9, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Avenue. Wednesday, April 11, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Cobblestone Farm Center, 2781 Packard Road. Monday, April 23, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Leslie Science & Nature Center Nature House, 1831 Traver Road. Thursday, April 26, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Ann Arbor Public Library Traverwood Branch, 3333 Traverwood Drive. The meeting agenda will include a brief background on the parks millage and how it is used by the park system; an explanation of how the park system is funded; and information regarding the proposed millage renewal process.The Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage is a six-year millage for 1.10 mills that was approved by residents of the City of Ann Arbor on Nov. 7, 2006. The millage expires in 2012. Each year, the millage generates approximately $5 million in revenue.Between 60 and 80 percent of the annual millage funds support city park maintenance activities, such as forestry and horticulture; natural area preservation; park operations; park equipment repairs; park security; and recreation facility maintenance. Between 20 and 40 percent of the annual millage funds is designated for city park capital improvements in the following areas: active parks; forestry and horticulture; historic preservation; neighborhood parks and urban plazas; pathways, trails, boardwalks, greenways and the Huron River watershed; recreation facilities; and park equipment acquisitions. If you are not able to attend a public meeting, you can share your comments or questions via email. A website dedicated to the parks millage will go live to the public during the week of April 2, 2012, atwww.a2gov.org/parksmillage. Spring hydrant flushing resumesThe City of Ann Arbor water utilities division conducts annual fire hydrant inspection and system maintenance. The seasonal hydrant work begins April 2, weather permitting. Hydrant-flushing schedules will be posted on the city’s “news” Web page; and more information is available on the city’s hydrant-flushing website. Why is it helpful to know when hydrant flushing is happening in your neighborhood? On occasion during the hydrant-flushing process, the water in area homes may have an orange or rusty appearance. The discolored water does not pose a health or safety risk, but the water can cause stains to laundry. If water appears discolored, please run the cold water for several minutes to clear your lines. You should also flush your toilets once or twice. The water should run clear within a few minutes. The iron sediment in the water main being disturbed by the hydrant flushing causes the discoloration.If you have any questions or concerns regarding the hydrant-flushing process, please visit the website, or contact the City of Ann Arbor field services unit at 734.794.6350. Planning and development services debuts mobile websiteA new mobile website is now available for the city’s construction and building customers. This new site enables people to use their Smartphones or tablets to access building records and general planning and development information, as well as to schedule and obtain inspection results and plan review status. This service is a complement to the eTRAKiT system, which currently allows users to access this same information from a website and through its interactive voice response system for phones.Save this URL as a favorite on your phone:  http://etrakit.a2gov.org/mobile. This feature will allow customers greater access to construction and building information to a user base that does a great deal of their work in the field and on location.Seasonal siren testingThe City of Ann Arbor’s 22 outdoor warning system sirens are tested every second Tuesday of the month at 1 p.m., with one minute of steady wailing. Testing of the sirens is performed March through November. Please remember that the sirens are an outdoor warning system only and are not intended to be heard indoors. The city’s outdoor warning system sirens are activated for the following situations: tornado warning, hazardous materials spill or terrorist attack. In the event that the sirens are activated, they will sound for three minutes, and citizens should seek cover immediately.During a local disaster emergency, residents can tune into Community Television Network channels 16, 17, 18 or 19 for local emergency information and updates. In the event of a power outage, residents should tune their battery-operated radios to WAAM 1600 AM, WEMU 89.1 FM, or KOOL 107.1 FM. Start paddling!The Gallup Canoe Livery and the coffee shop will open early this season, on Sunday, April 1 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Boat rentals will be available for paddling the 2.5 miles of Gallup Pond. The cafe is open, featuring coffee, Zingerman's pastries and Wi-Fi. Gallup is located at 3000 Fuller Road, 734.794.6240. Sign up for the SNAG Golf Program, just for kidsA unique golf program for children as young as 5 is now available at Ann Arbor’s Huron Hills Golf Course, 3465 E. Huron River Drive. The SNAG (Starting New at Golf) Program debuted in Ann Arbor in 2011, thanks to a grant from the National Recreation and Park Association. SNAG is an easy-to-learn golf system geared to the development of new players, ages 5 to 10 years old. Similar to T-ball for baseball, the SNAG system integrates modified equipment and instruction that makes learning the game of golf fun, active and rewarding.AGES 8 TO 10 | $89 | 6 weeks, 12 classes, twice a week, Wednesdays and FridaysMay 2–June 8: 4 to 5 p.m. –or– 5:15 to 6:15 p.m.June 20–Aug. 3: 4 to 5 p.m. –or– 5:15 to 6:15 p.m.AGES 5 TO 7 | $49 | 6 weeks, 6 classes, Saturdays May 5–June 9: 11 a.m. to noonJune 23–Aug. 4: 10 to 11 a.m. (no classes July 1-7)Call today to sign up: 734.794.6246. For information about Huron Hills and Leslie Park golf courses or to make an online tee time, visit www.a2golf.org.RecognitionThe Michigan Municipal League recently honored Ann Arbor City Attorney Stephen Postema with the Outstanding Service Award during the League's annual Capital Conference. This honor recognizes those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in supporting the League's legislative efforts in Lansing on behalf of Michigan communities.         Dates to rememberAmong the many public meetings and events taking place in April, a few of the highlights follow. Please go online to the city’s meetings and events calendar for details and a complete list,www.a2gov.org/calendar. Also note, routine Council and boards and commissions meeting schedules may also be found online.  The Gallup Canoe Livery will open (earlier than originally scheduled) on Sunday, April 1 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  City government offices will close for the day at noon on Good Friday, April 6. Trash/recycling/ compost collection will not be interrupted.  Saturday hours resume for the season at the Compost Center, 8 a.m.-noon, April-June.  Several Parks Maintenance & Capital Improvements Millage public meetings are scheduled in April: 9th, 11th, 23rd and 26th. A2 City News Web Page *City Council *Contact Us *Meeting Agendas *News/Announcements *Road/Lane ClosuresA2 City News is emailed to newsletter subscribers by the City of Ann Arbor  Please share comments via email or call 734.794.6110, extension 41105.

 The Newsletter for the City of Ann Arbor, Mich. • February 2012  • Volume 6 • Number 2 FY 2013 budget work sessions scheduledCouncil work sessions — on Feb. 13, Feb. 27, March 12, and March 26 — will focus on the City of Ann Arbor fiscal year 2013 budget. The FY 2013 begins on July 1, 2012, and ends June 30, 2013. This is the second year of the two-year budget presented to Council in May 2011 by the city administrator. City Council members can only adopt one fiscal year at a time, even though the city plans for multiyear budgets.The next steps in the budget process are still being developed, but staff anticipates the following timeline:February–March: Council work sessions are scheduled to evaluate service area budget requests.  April: In accordance with City Charter, the City Administrator's Recommended FY 2013 Budget is submitted to City Council on or before April 15, 2012. May: City Council, with at least seven affirmative votes, must adopt the budget no later than its second meeting in May. For more information on the city’s general budget process and commitment to transparency, visit the online Ann Arbor Citizen Guide to Finance and Budget.Council meetings and work sessions are available to watch live and via replays on CTN Channel 16 (Comcast Cable) and are also available to view online, on demand. Live green, save green with A2EnergyAn online resource is available to help Ann Arbor homeowners, commercial property owners and even renters to reap the benefits of “greener” living and energy savings. The site,www.a2energy.org, features practical tips and eye-opening statistics, such as … you can save up to 10 percent on annual energy bills by adding weather stripping around your windows and doors.Commercial property owners have another reason to take note. Ann Arbor City Council unanimously supported the final step to the full implementation of Ann Arbor’s Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program at a Council meeting last month. The resolution approved sets the fees for the PACE application process; covering title search, application review and annual administration.PACE is a special financing mechanism available to commercial property owners within the City of Ann Arbor to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects at their properties. Through voluntary special assessments, property owners have access to financing at lower fixed rates with longer repayment terms than traditional loans. Commercial property owners — defined as any property that is not a single family home, duplex or certain townhouses — may apply for energy projects such as heating and air conditioning equipment, lighting, system controls, insulation and weather sealing, cool roofs, windows and doors, geothermal systems, energy star appliances and solar photovoltaic systems. Projects may range in size from $10,000 to $350,000.Ann Arbor’s PACE program is joint program of the City of Ann Arbor and Clean Energy Coalition.Recycling survey resultsMore than 1,000 Ann Arbor residents responded to the city’s residential recycling survey last fall, providing feedback on the new single-stream recycling expansion and the Recyclebank recycling incentives program. The full results of the survey can be seen online. Here are some results, in brief:From the Recyclebank single-family routes, usually 90 percent of the residents put out their recycling cart at the curb at least once a month. 67 percent of single family respondents recycle more with single-stream recycling. 72 percent of single family respondents have signed up for RecycleBank. For 24-hour information on the city’s solid waste services, please call 734.994.7336  (99-GREEN) or visit the city’s website.  Worm bin workshopLearn about indoor composting using red worms with worm expert Sarah Archer on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012, at the City of Ann Arbor’s Materials Recovery Facility, 4150 Platt Road. The price is $25 for a kit containing a bin, worm and a, workbook; preorder and pay at the door. There is no charge just to attend the workshop and to receive the informative handouts. Two, 1-hour sessions will take place, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. An optional recycling plant tour is also available following the workshop. Must pre register by calling 734.794.6000, extension 43118. Details are alsoavailable online. Vote Feb. 28!The Presidential Primary Election will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 28. All city polling places will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. Visit the city elections websitefor details, including the precinct polling place list. Information is also available on the State of Michigan’s online voter information center atwww.michigan.gov/vote. Here are some tips and highlights to help voters be prepared at the polls.Don’t forget to bring your photo ID to vote. Voters without an acceptable photo ID will be required to sign an affidavit in order to vote.Under Michigan law, the Feb. 28 election will be a closed primary, which means registered voters going to the polls must choose, in writing, whether they want to vote a Republican or Democratic ballot.Peak voting hours are from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Voters who want to avoid long lines are encouraged to vote during midday hours.Washtenaw County election results are televised on Community Television Network’s CitiTV Channel 19 beginning at 10 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2012 — after the polls close — and will continue throughout the night.The City Clerk’s office is still accepting applications for absentee ballots. The office is open to the public for absentee ballot requests an additional day, on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. In-person requests for absentee ballots will be accepted at the City Clerk’s office, second floor of City Hall, until Monday, Feb. 27 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Metered parking is available on Ann Street, between Fifth Avenue and Division. Downtown's newest addressA corner at First and Washington streets in downtown Ann Arbor will soon be home to young professionals, students and others, rather than just cars. On Jan. 26, a groundbreaking event took place for a new development on this site, which currently is a surface parking lot.The new City Apartments development is anticipated to provide a variety of benefits to A2, including an increase in the residential density downtown, additional affordable housing options, a “green” building, employment for local construction workers and the sale of the city-owned property. This site was owned by the City of Ann Arbor, so its sale provides funding to pay for the city’s new Justice Center building. In addition, there will be approximately 172 new public parking spaces available for this area of downtown in the new development’s above/below ground parking structure.Pictured above, at the Jan. 26 groundbreaking event, are (left to right): Jack Boarman of BKV Group; Tom Crawford of City of Ann Arbor; John Splitt of DDA; David Staff of U.S. Bank; Jonathan Holtzman of Village Green; Mayor John Hieftje; Will Gordan of O’Neal.In this issue: Budget work sessions * A2 Energy * Recycling survey results * Worm bin workshop * Election Day is Feb. 28 * City Apartments * Register for summer day camp * Online snow plow tracking * Connect with A2 * Online police reporting * Sustainable Ann Arbor Feb. 9 * Dates to remember Summer day camp registration is underway!Swimming, canoeing, golfing, science, crafts and more await kids this summer at five unique Ann Arbor day camps. City of Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation day camps are licensed by the State of Michigan, and staffs are certified in American Red Cross CPR and First Aid. Registration begins Wednesday, Feb. 1. Pre registration is required.Extended care for pre- and post-camp hours is also available. To learn more, visit www.a2gov.org/camps or call Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Customer Service: 734.794.6230.Fuller Park Pool and Buhr Park Pool day camps are perfect for children who enjoy swimming … plus the camps offer fun sports, games, arts and crafts, etc.Gallup and Argo river day camps take campers along the Huron River for canoeing, paddle boating, kayaking and fishing. Campers, from tots to teens, will unlock nature’s mysteries through hands-on discovery and outdoor fun at Leslie Science & Nature Center Camp. Use the LS&NC new online system to register, or registration forms can be mailed/dropped off at 1831 Traver Road, Ann Arbor, 48105, or faxed 734.997.1072. For details, call 734.997.1553 or go online.Track snow plow activity onlineThe city’s new online Automatic Vehicle Location system, officially “launched” last month, lets residents view city snow plow locations and activities information. This 24/7 public self-serve option helps address the most frequently asked questions, including, “Where are the street plows right now, and what are they doing?”City snow plows actively maintain major streets, which are indicated on the new website snow map with dark colors. Plows generally clear residential-street snow when the accumulation is over 4 inches deep. The plows then typically follow the solid waste collection schedule, starting with the route after the current collection day in order to avoid knocking over carts already at the curb. An easy-to-remember link to a range of city winter street maintenance procedures is also posted online atwww.a2gov.org/snow. Stay connected with A2Even when you are at work or travelling, you’re never far from the City of Ann Arbor. Be sure to “like” the city onFacebook, follow Ann Arbor on Twitterand even watch city meeting coverage on Community Television Network Video on Demand. Home is only as far as your Internet connection!  Online police reporting system now availableIn January, the Ann Arbor Police Department launched a new citizen reporting system that enables online reporting of minor crimes. This system means that citizens no longer have to drive downtown to file certain reports in person. These reports typically do not require a police interview or follow-up investigation, but they are often needed for insurance claims or other matters. The online reporting system, available 24 hours a day, is one more way the Ann Arbor Police Department is working to improve services. The following types of reports can be made online:Harassing phone calls — You are receiving numerous “hang-up” phone calls by an unknown caller. Theft — Your property was taken by an unknown suspect. There are no witnesses to the incident. Vandalism — Your property was damaged by an unknown suspect. There are no witnesses to the incident. Identify theft — An unknown suspect uses your personal information to obtain credit or make purchases on your credit card out of city or state. Lost or damaged property. Private property traffic crashes — A vehicle is left parked, unattended and you return to find that the vehicle has been struck. Sustainable Ann Arbor seriesThe City of Ann Arbor is collaborating with the Ann Arbor District Library to host a “Sustainable Ann Arbor” discussion series. This series, which launched last month, brings the public together with University of Michigan faculty, representatives from community organizations and city commissioners and staff to discuss local sustainability concepts and efforts — past, present and future. Each of the three remaining forums will be held at 7 p.m. at the Ann Arbor District Library downtown branch (343 S. Fifth Ave.) on the second Thursday of the month through April 2012.The series is organized around four theme areas and will include short presentations followed by a question and answer session. The next forum is Thursday, Feb. 9, focusing on the topic Land Use and Access, including transportation designs, infrastructure, land uses, built environments, and public spaces.More information on the sustainability framework and the Sustainable Ann Arbor Forums is available on the city’ssustainability website and on the State of Our Environment Report Web page. Dates to rememberAmong the many public meetings and events taking place in February, some of the highlights follow. Please go online tothe city’s meetings and events calendarfor details and a complete list. Feb. 8 Non-motorized Transportation Plan Update meetings;  and Willard Street permeable pavement project meeting. Feb. 13 West Park storm water project update meeting. Feb. 15 Bluffs Nature Area project meeting. Feb. 16 Ann Arbor Bridges Reconstruction Project update meeting. City government offices will be closed, but there will be no delay in trash and recycling collection, on Presidents Day Monday, Feb. 20. The regular City Council meeting will take place Tuesday, Feb. 21 due to the Presidents Day holiday. A2 City News Web Page * City Council * Contact Us * Meeting Agendas * News/Announcements * Road/Lane Closures 

The Newsletter for the City of Ann Arbor, Mich. • January 2012• Volume 6 • Number 1 In memoryIn memory and honor of the passing of Eastern Michigan University Police Chief Greg O’Dell (retired Ann Arbor deputy chief), his family has requested in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the EMU Athletic Department or the Ann Arbor Police Department via the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation. Ann Arbor snow plow tracking available onlineNew this season, citizens will be able to view the progress of snow plows via an online city map. The City of Ann Arbor automatic vehicle location (AVL) system’s  public-facing website lets users zoom in on the online city snow route map to see the real-time locations and status of snow plow activity (where the plows are right now and what they are doing). An easy-to-remember link to a range of city winter street maintenance procedures is posted online atwww.a2gov.org/snow.  Or click here forthe direct link to the AVL snow plow Web page.The city vehicles are depicted on the map via icons indicating the type of actions underway  — when and where a vehicle is actively spreading a salt-sand mix and/or when and where the plow blade is down and pushing snow. Users may hover a cursor over a vehicle icon and get a pop-up box describing the type of truck at work — such as a large vehicle (used to de-ice or plow streets) or a smaller pickup truck (typically used for clearing cul-du-sacs and tight spaces). The snow plow AVL Web page includes a step-by-step guide to using the online system as well as providing additional winter street maintenance information.City snow plows actively maintain major streets, which are indicated on the Web snow map with dark colors. Plows generally clear residential-street snow when the accumulation is over 4 inches deep. The plows then typically followthe solid waste collection schedule, starting with the route after the current collection day in order to avoid knocking over carts already at the curb. Online AVL snow plow location and activity information helps the city provide a 24/7 self-serve option to the public, addressing the most frequently asked questions, including, “Where are the street plows right now, and what are they doing?”Comments sought for Hazard Mitigation Plan 2012 updateThe City of Ann Arbor Office of Emergency Management is seeking public comment until Feb. 1, 2012, regarding the city’s Hazard Mitigation Plan update for 2012. A copy of the plan is available on the city’s website, or by clicking here (23 MB PDF). A hard copy of the plan also is available to view between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday in the City Clerk’s office, second floor, Larcom City Hall, 301 E. Huron St.Citizen comments or questions should be directed to Sergeant Ed Dreslinski via email. Comments may also be mailed to: Ann Arbor Office of Emergency Management, attention Sergeant Ed Dreslinski, 301 E. Huron, Ann Arbor, MI 48104.Public comment will end Feb. 1, 2012, followed by Council consideration and adoption of the plan and any relevant modifications by the end of February.New hours for certain AAPD unitsNew hours are now in effect, as of Jan. 3, 2012, for the Ann Arbor Police Services Unit records section, detective bureau administration office, property unit and police payroll office. These units will be closed to the public on Fridays. The offices will be open to the public Mondays–Thursdays from 9 a.m.–noon and 1–4 p.m., with the exception of city government holidays. Christmas tree disposal reminderUndecorated Christmas trees may be dropped off — free and 24/7 — in the parking lot adjacent to the Drop-off Station at 2950 E. Ellsworth through Tuesday, Jan. 31.Please note that curbside collection of Christmas trees was discontinued as of last season. Therefore, residents should plan to dispose of their trees either outside of the Drop-off Station during the posted collection timeframe; or residents may cut and tie their trees into bundles and reserve for the beginning of compost-collection season, the first Monday in April. Go online for details.Safety tips from AAPDNo one wants to think about being a victim of crime, however, the time to think about a robbery is before it happens. Some crime prevention measures may include keeping expensive and easily accessible household items out of plain site. If you received big-ticket items during the holidays, such as a new flat-screen television or computer, rather than just setting the boxes and packaging at the curb right away, cut up the boxes or packaging entirely, and also wait a few weeks to discard.In an effort to increase personal safety and awareness, Ann Arbor Police crime prevention specialists want to also remind citizens of actions they should take to protect themselves during the event of a crime.   Stay calm. Do what you're Told. Give it up. Don't fight. Wait to sound an Audible alarm. After a Crime Don't follow. Observe. Cooperate with police. More information on these tips is available on the city’s website.Ann Arbor Bridges project update; meeting is Jan.19The Ann Arbor Bridges reconstruction project is well underway, finishing the year with the demolition of the bridge over South State Street. Work will resume this month.Also taking place this month, on Thursday, Jan. 19, is an Ann Arbor Bridges Reconstruction Project Update Meeting. The meeting is 7–8:30 p.m. at the Ann Arbor Senior Center shelter, 1320 Baldwin Ave.And for ongoing details, be sure to visit Ann Arbor Bridges website.http://www.annarborbridges.org Sculpture lighting installedThe lights are permanently installed now on the sculpture in the Ann Arbor Municipal Center plaza. The water feature will be activated in the spring.Protect water meters and pipes from freezingRemember to bundle up your water meter and pipes to keep them from freezing during extreme cold spells. The following precautions can help prevent frozen meters, burst pipes, water damage, and avoid plumbing and meter replacement costs: Insulate water pipes in crawl spaces; apply heat tape to the entire pipe in an unheated area (according to manufacturer recommendations); add insulation between the outside wall and meter; set up a space heater near the meter; or simply leave the utility closet door open to circulate indoor heat. Residents may choose to allow a tiny trickle of water to run through one faucet to keep the water lines moving during a cold snap. If leaving town, you may call the Customer Service Center at 734.794.6333 to have the water turned off.In this issue: In memory of Chief Greg O’Dell * Online snow plow tracking * Hazard mitigation plan 2012 update * AAPD units new hours * Christmas tree disposal * Safety tips * Ann Arbor Bridges project * Sculpture lighting installed * Protect water meters and pipes from freezing * Crosswalk ordinance; new crossing beacons * Grants for skate park and canoe livery * Sustainable Ann Arbor Series * January dates to remember Council revises pedestrian crosswalk ordinance; new crossing beacons planned for Plymouth RoadLast month, Ann Arbor City Council approved revisions to the city’s crosswalk ordinance,  replacing the concept of requiring a vehicle to stop for a pedestrian “approaching or within” a marked crosswalk with requiring a vehicle to stop for a pedestrian standing “at the curb” as well as “within the crosswalk. The revised ordinance allows drivers to proceed after stopping once the pedestrian has safely cleared the roadway in the direction the vehicle is traveling; but an existing code remains in effect requiring that a vehicle is not permitted to pass another vehicle stopped at a crosswalk. These codes, together, maximize safety for pedestrians and provide clear sightlines while reducing unnecessary delays for vehicles.At the same City Council session, city staff was authorized to install four new rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFB) along Plymouth Road at Georgetown Boulevard, Traver Village, Beal and Bishop streets and another RRFB at the intersection of South Seventh and Washington streets. These RRFBs are pedestrian-activated devices that initiate flashing yellow lights at overhead and curbside crosswalk signs, which alert drivers to be alert and stop for pedestrians when present at the curb or in the roadway crosswalk direction the vehicle is traveling. The RRFBs are anticipated to be installed over the winter and to become functional in spring 2012.Go online to the city’swww.a2gov.org/WalkBikeDrive website for more information. Grants received for skatepark and canoe livery improvementsOn Dec. 7, the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) Board of Trustees recommended to Michigan Legislature to award two grants to the City of Ann Arbor. One is a $300,000 grant to develop an in-ground concrete skate park at Veterans Memorial Park, and the other is a $300,000 grant to develop Gallup Park Livery to include barrier-free access, energy improvements, barrier-free docks for boating and fishing, a patio area, along with updates to the livery building and trail improvements. Both grants were awarded the maximum available funding for a project. The recommendations go to the Michigan Legislature for their review and to go through the appropriations process. The Legislature will then forward a bill to the Governor for his approval. City staff will begin working with members of the Friends of the Ann Arbor Skatepark to develop an RFP for the design and construction. In addition to the $300,000 MNRTF grant, the Friends of the Ann Arbor Skatepark have raised over $100,000 to date, and the Washtenaw County Parks Commission has pledged $400,000 in matching funds to bring over $800,000 in funds currently available for the construction of the skatepark.City staff is also working on finalizing design plans for the Gallup Canoe Liveryimprovements and looking forward to moving the project ahead in the near future. "These grants will assist in the development of a new recreational amenity and significant improvements to a heavily used and much loved facility," said Colin Smith, manager of City of Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Services. "The amenities improve Ann Arbor's park system and recreational offerings. The work of the MNRTF staff and board, along with the Friends of the Ann Arbor Skate Park, Washtenaw County Parks Commission, and city staff is greatly appreciated."More details will be available in the coming months.Sustainable Ann Arbor series kicks off this monthThe City of Ann Arbor is collaborating with the Ann Arbor District Library to host a “Sustainable Ann Arbor” discussion series. This series will bring the public together with University of Michigan faculty, representatives from community organizations and city commissioners and staff to discuss local sustainability concepts and efforts — past, present and future. Each of the four planned forums will be held at 7 p.m. at the Ann Arbor District Library downtown branch (343 S. Fifth Ave.) on the second Thursday of the month January through April 2012.The series is organized around four theme areas and will include short presentations followed by a question and answer session.Jan. 12 — Resource Management, including regional planning, natural areas, waste reduction, recycling, compost, urban forestry, water and air quality.Feb. 9 — Land Use and Access, including transportation designs, infrastructure, land uses, built environments, and public spaces.March 8 — Climate and Energy, including an overview of Ann Arbor’s climate action plan, climate impacts, renewable and alternative energy, energy efficiency and conservation.April 12 — Community, including housing, public safety, recreation, outreach, civic engagement, and stewardship of community resources.These forums are part of the City of Ann Arbor’s sustainability framework project; and discussions will help guide the city’s sustainability planning efforts. Ann Arbor’s current sustainability framework efforts are funded by the Home Depot Foundation.More information on the sustainability framework and the Sustainable Ann Arbor Forums is available on the city’s sustainability website and on the State of Our Environment Report Web page.  January dates to rememberHappy New Year! The following list highlights just some of the city meetings and events taking place in January.West Park storm water project update meeting is Monday, Jan. 9. South University Park public meeting is Tuesday, Jan. 10. City government offices will be closed on Monday, Jan. 16 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. There will not be a delay in trash or recycling collection. The City Council Work Session will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 17, due to the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. An update meeting for the Ann Arbor Bridges reconstruction project is Thursday, Jan. 19. Visit www.a2gov.org/calendar for many more important January dates. A2 City News Web Page *City Council *Contact Us *Meeting Agendas *News/Announcements *Road/Lane ClosuresA2 City News is emailed to newsletter subscribers by the City of Ann Arbor.Please share comments via email or call 734.794.6110, extension 41105. QUESTIONS FOR THE CITY OF ANN ARBOR? Contact us STAY CONNECTED WITH THE CITY OF ANN ARBOR:

The Newsletter for the City of Ann Arbor, Mich. • December 2011 • Volume 5 • Number 12 Ann Arbor Bridges project underway(pictured above, Michigan Department of Transportation Director Kirk Steudle addresses the crowd at the Ann Arbor Bridges groundbreaking event)The groundbreaking ceremony for the Ann Arbor Bridges Project took place on Monday, Nov. 21, 2011, by the bridge overpass on South State Street. Celebrating the federal TIGER II grant support for the Ann Arbor Bridges Reconstruction Project, Ann Arbor Mayor John Hieftje was joined by Michigan Congressman John Dingel, Michigan Department of Transportation Director Kirk Steudle, and Federal Highway Administration, Regional Administrator Russell Jorgensen.Follow construction project updates and traffic impacts atwww.annarborbridges.org. Building services and parking referees return to Larcom City HallVisitors to the Ann Arbor Municipal Center will see many signs that construction has neared completion.The pedestrian bridge in the Ann Arbor Municipal Center plaza opened to the public on Nov. 2. The bridge spans through the plaza’s rain garden on the building’s south side. The Herbert Dreiseitl-designed water feature sculpture, which integrates storm water reuse from the site, is situated adjacent to the rain garden and bridge. At this time, the water feature has not been turned on, but when in operation, it will allow water to travel down a path heading back into the rain garden. The water path is shallow and has movable parts that visitors can use to adjust the flow of the water.The north parking lot (entrance on Ann Street) opened Nov. 1 to serve short-term visitors to Larcom City Hall and/or the Ann Arbor Justice Center and features half-hour parking meters. In addition, the north entrance to the Larcom City Hall atrium is open, providing access directly from the new north parking lot and the street parking on Ann Street. The new entrance is a convenient entryway to City Hall, and can serve as an easily accessible walkthrough to the neighboring Justice Center, on the south (Huron Street) side of the municipal center site.With the expansion of onsite parking, the city’s building services and the parking referees divisions have returned to Larcom City Hall. The parking referee offices have relocated back to the fifth floor of City Hall. Building services is now located on the first floor of City Hall.Winter taxes dueWinter property taxes are due this month. Taxes may be paid online, by mail, at the City of Ann Arbor Customer Service Center (now located on the first floor of Larcom City Hall at 301 E. Huron St.) or at several local banks. TCF Bank, Bank of Ann Arbor, Michigan Commerce Bank, Fidelity Bank, Citizens Bank and Ann Arbor State Bank will accept tax payments in December only. Online payments can also be made.  Due to the holiday, payments will be accepted through Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012, without penalty.Go online to the treasury page of the city website for more information, including how property taxes are calculated. Kids: Talk to Santa live on CTN!He’s making a list, he’s checking it twice … and just in time, kids (naughty or nice) can share their holiday wishes and questions directly with Santa himself.Community Television Network A2TV, Public Access Channel 17 (on Comcast Cable), will telecast the Santa Satellite Network LIVE from Santa’s home in the North Pole Thursday, Dec. 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. An annual tradition, boys and girls are invited to watch and call in to the CTN studio hotline at 734.794.6155 to talk with Santa, Mrs. Claus and their helpful elf, Audrey. (Kids, ask your parents before making the call.) Encore presentations of "Santa Live" will be telecast Christmas Day, Sunday, Dec. 25 on Channel 17 (Comcast Cable) at 7 a.m., 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. For more information about CTN, visit the website or call CTN at 734.794.6150. For additional CTN news, follow onTwitter or become a fan on Facebook.Close of curbside compost/yard waste collectionThe seasonal curbside pickups of yard waste and compostable materials will end for the season on Friday, Dec. 16, 2011. Ann Arbor’s compost collection is extended into December to provide additional time to collect fall leaves and other yard debris. Residents should put these materials in paper lawn bags or compost carts or tie brush into bundles and place on their lawn extensions near the curb, as described atwww.a2gov.org/compost.  The city’s curbside compost collection service will resume Monday, April 2, 2012.For 24-hour information on the city’s solid waste services, please call  99.GREEN (734.994.7336) or consult the city’s website atwww.a2gov.org/recycle. Details on the city’s fall leaf-management programs are posted at www.a2gov.org/leaves. Christmas tree disposalWhile many residents are just beginning to deck their halls for the holidays, others, like those heading out of town for the season, may already be wondering what to do with their Christmas trees before they leave. Undecorated Christmas trees may be dropped off — free and 24/7 — in the parking lot adjacent to the Drop-off Station at 2950 E. Ellsworth Thursday, Dec. 15 through Tuesday, Jan. 31.Please note that curbside collection of Christmas trees was discontinued as of last season. Therefore, residents should plan to dispose of their trees either outside of the Drop-off Station during the posted collection timeframe; or residents may cut and tie their trees into bundles and reserve for the beginning of compost-collection season, the first Monday in April. Go online for additional details. Give the gift of recreationWhat’s fun, healthy and would make a great gift? Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation gift certificates! A table will be set up at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market (315 Detroit Street) to sell this unique gift on the following days:Saturday, Dec. 3; Wednesday, Dec. 7; Saturday, Dec. 10; Wednesday, Dec. 14; Saturday, Dec. 17; and Wednesday, Dec. 21.Gift certificates can be easily redeemed for a variety of activities including golf,swimming, ice skating, hockey,canoeing/kayaking and more.While you’re at the Farmers Market, be sure to pick up the latest parks and recreation brochures and the 2011 – 2012 fall/winter Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Activities Guide.Can’t make it to the market? Call the parks and recreation customer service office, and order gift certificate in any amount. The number to call, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., is 734.794.6230. The gift certificate will be mailed to you.Have a happy — and healthy — holiday season, from Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation!Single stream recycling, one year laterOver the last year, Ann Arbor’s recycling rates have increased by 24 percent, and trash tonnages have been reduced by 10 percent. In July 2010, the City of Ann Arbor’s recycling system underwent a transformation to a single-stream operation, and other enhancements were made.Now, the city is looking back over the first year of the upgraded recycling program. Go online to learn more details about recycling — then and now — in Ann Arbor.In this issue: Ann Arbor Bridges project * Building services and parking referees to Larcom City Hall *  Santa Live on CTN Dec. 8 * Compost collection ends Dec. 16 * Christmas tree disposal * Parks and recreation gifts certificates on sale now * Single-stream recycling recap * Winter parks and rec fun * Snow removal in A2 * Holiday safety tips * HUD Sustainable Community Grant * West Park tennis courts * Kudos * December calendar Winter parks and rec funFrom swimming to skating — indoors and out — there are activities for all to enjoy this month in the Ann Arbor parks.Click here (PDF) for an overview of the parks December schedule, including school-break open skating times. Snow-removal resources and remindersWant to know — from the warmth and comfort of your home — if specific neighborhood streets have been de-iced or plowed? When there is a significant snow event in Ann Arbor, with 4 or more inches of accumulated snow, the city activates a Web page that posts the status of plow activity to clear the streets.For up-to-date snow information, please visit the general city snow page,www.a2gov.org/snow. Sign up for an automatic email announcement whenever the snow plow Web page is activated. Click on the red envelope in the corner of the “snow” Web page at www.a2gov.org/snow.In addition, the city is dependent upon its citizens for providing sidewalk snow removal. The city reminds property owners or occupants that:Immediately after the accumulation of ice, sidewalks must be treated with sand, salt or other substance to prevent it from being slippery and the ice removed within 24 hours after accumulation. Within 24 hours after the end of each accumulation of snow greater than 1 inch, the owner or occupant of every residentially zoned property must remove the accumulation from the adjacent public sidewalk and ramps leading to a crosswalk. The accumulation may be from any source including precipitation and drifting. Holiday safety tipsAmong the stacks of wrapped presents, festive candles and dry Christmas tree needles, an elevated risk for fires exists during the holidays. Ann Arbor fire services is providing safety tips to keep in mind to help keep the season merry. Washtenaw County earns Sustainable Community Grant(pictured above, holding check, is HUD Midwest Regional Administrator Antonio Riley, left, and City of Ann Arbor Councilman Tony Derezinski, right; leaders from throughout the county look on)Today, 64 percent of the residents in Washtenaw County live in the urban core which runs from Ann Arbor to Ypsilanti, connected by Washtenaw Avenue. This corridor is the busiest road in the county, yet few housing options presently exist directly on the corridor, with mostly low-density neighborhoods in their place.The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development recently announced a $3,000,000 grant will be awarded to Washtenaw County for the Washtenaw County Sustainable Community project. The goal of this project is to remove barriers and create a coordinated approach to affordable and energy-efficient housing, as well as to connect these affordable housing options to job centers and healthy food via an enhanced multimodal transportation corridor. The City of Ann Arbor and several other agencies and municipalities will work together on this initiative.Read more about the grant on the HUD website.  Learn about the Washtenaw County Sustainable Community Project by clicking here (opens new document). West Park tennis courts updateThe paving of the West Park tennis courts is being delayed until spring 2012 due to rainy weather this fall. The construction will resume as soon as weather permits next spring.In the meantime, the tennis courts atVeterans Memorial Park were recently rebuilt and are available for use.Questions? Please contact Park Planner Amy Kuras at 734.794.6000, extension 42590. KudosAnn Arbor has recently been recognized in the following ways:For the fourth year in a row, the City of Ann Arbor has been recognized by e.Republic’s Center for Digital Government and Digital Communities magazine for its use of technology to create a seamless environment between local government and citizens. The annual survey focused on results achieved by cities, via the use of technology, in operating efficiencies and realizing strategic objectives despite current fiscal constraints. The City of Ann Arbor is listed at No. 5 in the 2011 Digital Cities Survey rankings (in the 75,000 to 124,999 population category). Learn about the initiatives that helped Ann Arbor earn Digital-city status on the city’s website.  USAA and Military.com have named Ann Arbor in their 2011 list of Best Places for Military Retirement: Second Careers. Among the factors earning Ann Arbor this recognition are its: employment opportunities and sectors that align with military skills sets, and the overall jobs climate based on unemployment rate and number of small businesses; proximity to a military base and a VA hospital or clinic, base amenities and state taxation on military pensions; and general quality of life and pocketbook issues, such as affordability, housing costs, crime rate, sales taxes and climate. Ann Arbor is being touted as the No. 1 “smartest big city” according to a list issued bybizjournals.com. Ann Arbor; Cambridge, Mass.; and Berkeley, Calif., hold the top three places in the analysis of educational attainment in 269 communities with more than 100,000 residents. Seventy-two percent of all adults (25 or older) hold bachelor's degrees in Ann Arbor. December dates to rememberCity of Ann Arbor government offices will be closed at the following times during the holidays. Have a safe and peaceful season.Fridays, Dec. 23 and Dec. 30: City government offices close at noon. No delay in trash/recycling collection. Mondays, Dec. 26, 2011, and Jan. 2, 2012: Christmas New Year’s Day observed — City government offices are closed. There is no trash or recycling collection on these holiday Mondays. Pickups resume one day later, Tuesday through Saturday. Visit www.a2gov.org/calendar for other important December dates. A2 City News Web Page *City Council *Contact Us *Meeting Agendas *News/Announcements *Road/Lane ClosuresA2 City News is emailed to newsletter subscribers by the City of Ann Arbor.Please share comments via email or call 734.794.6110, extension 41105. QUESTIONS FOR THE CITY OF ANN ARBOR? Contact us STAY CONNECTED WITH THE CITY OF ANN ARBOR:

The Newsletter for the City of Ann Arbor, Mich. • November 2011 • Volume 5 • Number 11 Election Day remindersTuesday, Nov. 8 is the City General Election to elect City of Ann Arbor Council candidates in all five wards. Three City of Ann Arbor Charter amendment proposals will also appear on this ballot, including the renewal of the Streets Repair and Resurfacing Millage, the Sidewalk Repair Millage and an amendment to restructure the Ann Arbor City Employees Retirement Board of Trustees. City of Ann Arbor polling locations will be in operation from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.Polling place locations, candidates and millage information is available on the city’s election website at www.a2gov.org/elections; and for Election Day tips, click here. You can also find out your exact polling location by visiting the Michigan Votes online voter information center atwww.michigan.gov/vote.For residents voting via absentee ballot, the City Clerk’s office, on the second floor of Larcom City Hall, will be open on Saturday, Nov. 5, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., for voters to pick up or turn in their absentee ballots.To learn more about the candidates running for City Council, be sure to tune in to the League of Women Voters Candidate Forums. All debates are being  rebroadcast on Community Television Network CitiTV Channel 19 until the Nov. 8 election. Check the CTN website for replay dates and times, or watch online at CitiTV Video on Demand. http://a2cititv.pegcentral.comAnn Arbor Municipal Center updatesAdditional signs of progress around the Ann Arbor Municipal Center site are scheduled to take place in early November.The north parking lot (entrance on Ann Street) is expected to open during the first week in November. The lot will feature parking meters and will serve short-term visitors to Larcom City Hall and/or the Ann Arbor Justice Center.During the same timeframe, the north entrance to the Larcom City Hall atrium is scheduled to open, providing access directly from the new north parking lot and the street parking on Ann Street. The new entrance will be a convenient entryway to City Hall, and may serve as a convenient walkthrough to the neighboring Justice Center, on the south (Huron Street) side of the municipal center site.With the expansion of onsite parking, the city’s building services and the parking referees office will then return to Larcom City Hall during the second week of November. The parking referee office will relocate back to City Hall, on the fifth floor, on Tuesday, Nov. 15. Referee sessions will be cancelled on that day to accommodate the moving of staff. Building services will open at 8 a.m. on the first floor of Larcom City Hall on Tuesday, Nov. 15. Building service’s last day of business at the South Industrial office will be Monday, Nov. 14. Ann Arbor Bridges projectThe Ann Arbor Bridges project will be gearing up in November. A public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 9, 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Pioneer High School, cafeteria annex, 601 W. Stadium Boulevard. At this meeting, information will be shared about the East Stadium bridges reconstruction project, including construction schedule, funding, project impacts, planned detour routes, what to expect during construction, etc.Please also note the following project milestones kicking off in November 2011.East Stadium Boulevard will be closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic on Monday, Nov. 28, 2011. South Street will be closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic Monday, Nov. 28 to Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2011 East Stadium Boulevard reopens to traffic November 2012 Project completion and final restoration: May 30, 2013 Use these resources to stay connected about construction impacts and detours, progress and more.Use these resources to stay connected about construction impacts and detours, progress and more.Visit the Ann Arbor Bridges website  Follow project updates on Twitter Become a fan on Facebook Graffiti Ordinance enforcement increasesBeginning on Nov. 1, 2011, the City of Ann Arbor Community Standards Unit will dedicate staff to graffiti enforcement. The dedicated enforcement is in response to the recent increase in graffiti incidences. In 2009, City Council passed an ordinance to strengthen the language in the city’s Graffiti Ordinance (Chapter 106 Nuisances, Section 9.6) for removing graffiti on private property. (To read the ordinance, visit the City Code data online, and search “graffiti.”) The appearance of graffiti detracts from Ann Arbor’s aesthetic appeal, can decrease property values and has a negative impact on the sense of safety and security for residents and visitors. As stated in the ordinance, “graffiti” constitutes: a public nuisance and means any mark or marks on any surface or structure made without the prior permission of the property owner and made in any manner, including but not limited to, writing, inscribing, drawing, tagging, sketching, spray-painting, painting, etching, scratching, carving, engraving, scraping, or attaching.Per the Graffiti Ordinance, property owners are required to remove graffiti within seven calendar days after notice from the city. If the owner does not remove the graffiti, then the city may remove the graffiti and bill the property owner for the work. Removal of the graffiti may be by means of actual physical removal or covering the graffiti over with paint or similar substance applied to the structure. The Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority has allocated funds to subsidize the cost of graffiti-removal products for downtown businesses and building owners in 2011.If any graffiti remains on the property beyond the time indicated in a notice, then the City may remove the graffiti or have it removed in any reasonable manner. The costs to the City for removal and administration shall be charged to the owner and, if not paid, assessed against the property in accordance with section 1:292 of Chapter 13 of this Code.A violation of this sub section is NOT a civil infraction or misdemeanor for the property owner.In addition, the ordinance also addresses the consequence faced by the person responsible for doing the graffiti, stating that: No person shall apply graffiti to any surface or structure. A violation of this subsection shall be a misdemeanor punishable by one or more of the following:Community service that is as relevant and appropriate to the violation as possible; Restitution; A fine of not more than $500.00 plus costs. For more on the dedicated enforcement, please click here.  Managing leaves in A2As a reminder, the city does not collect leaves raked into the streets. Instead, residents should dispose of leaves using the weekly compost (bag or cart) pickups, April through the end of November. Other options include mulching the leaves directly into the turf; or try at-home composting. In addition, residents may drop off leaves, free of charge, at the Compost Center, 4150 Platt Road, open Monday through Friday (non holidays) 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., through Dec. 31. Details are available on the website, www.a2gov.org/leaves.CTN Philo Festival Award winnersAnn Arbor Community Television Network and its community producers have won several awards at this year’s Philo T. Farnsworth Festival of Media Arts Awards. The Philo Awards is hosted annually by the Central States Alliance for Community Media.CTN took home 15 first place Philos and 12 finalist (second place) Philos, along with two Excellence Awards. In addition, CTN also received an additional 13 nominations for Excellence Awards. The Philo Festival of Media Arts, a presentation of the Central States Region of the Alliance for Community Media, was held  Saturday, Oct.8 on the campus of Northern Kentucky University.The City of Ann Arbor congratulates CTN and especially the list of winners and finalists, whichcan be viewed by clicking here.In this issue: Election Day * Ann Arbor Municipal Center updates * Ann Arbor Bridges * Graffiti ordinance enforcement * Managing leaves in A2 * CTN Philo Festival award winners * New mobile website for construction /building professionals * City hosts Indonesian professionals * PACE promotes energy efficiency * Buhr Park Outdoor Ice Arena is open * Deck the halls with Volunteer 365 * Dates to rememberNew mobile website for construction/building professionalsThe City of Ann Arbor Planning and Development Services Unit, together with its information technology staff, are pleased to announce the debut of a mobile website for  construction and building customers. A mobile website refers to the use of Internet-connected applications, or browser-based access to the Internet from a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet computer, connected to a wireless network.This new site enables people to use their smartphones to access building records and general planning and development information as well as to schedule and obtain inspection results and plan review status. This service is a complement to the eTRAKiT system that currently allows users to access this same information from a website and through its interactive voice response system for phones.The mobile site, which will eventually be this URL http://etrakit.a2gov.org/mobile, will go live mid November. This feature will allow customers greater access to construction and building information to a user base that does a great deal of their work in the field and on location. City hosts Indonesian professionals(pictured above: visiting Indonesian professionals tour the wastewater treatment plant) The City of Ann Arbor was selected by the International City/County Management Association as a 2011 host community for the International Professional Fellows Program on creating more sustainable communities. This exchange program is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and residents of other countries.Ann Arbor hosted two professional fellows from Indonesia Sept. 29 through Oct. 14. The program fellows, with city staff and other community entities, focused on climate change, energy and sustainability in the context of local government management. Other areas of interest included transportation, municipal water management and land-use planning.This ICMA program was paid for through the support of the Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.PACE promotes energy efficiencyAnn Arbor City Council has unanimously supported the establishment of a Property Assessed Clean Energy Program (PACE). The approved PACE program will provide special assessments for energy projects installed on commercial properties. Electronic files of the resolution to establish, the referenced report and an application package are available online at www.a2energy.org or can be requested via e-mail.The establishment of a PACE program allows the city to raise capital to use for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects on commercial properties located within Ann Arbor city limits. The availability of PACE funding supports economic stimulation creates jobs and reduces operating costs for business owners. The properties pay for the energy projects through the use of a voluntary special assessment. This approach provides more attractive financing to property owners by offering fixed interest rates and a longer repayment period than offered through traditional financing.Commercial properties — defined as any property that is not a single family home, duplex or certain townhouses — may apply for energy projects such as heating and air conditioning equipment, lighting, system controls, insulation and weather sealing, cool roofs, windows and doors, geothermal systems, energy star appliances and solar photovoltaic systems. Projects may range in size from $10,000 to $350,000.PACE is a joint program with the City of Ann Arbor and Clean Energy Coalition. Commercial property owners inquiring about the PACE program and application process/qualifications should contact Energy Program Coordinator Wendy Barrott at 734.794.6430, extension 43714. Buhr Park outdoor ice arena is openDust off your skates … Buhr Park Outdoor Ice Arena is open for the season! The rink has a cooled subfloor that maintains the ice even when it’s over 50 degrees outside. Activities include pubic ice skating and drop-in hockey. The facility has a heated lobby, restrooms and locker rooms. Skate sharpening and rentals are available. Season passes are available for individuals and for families.The first Funky Frosty Friday at Buhr Park is Friday, Nov. 4 during general skate (7:15 to 8:45 p.m.). The theme is Peace & Love Skate: Dress like you’re spending the weekend at Woodstock, and skate to the sounds of the late ‘60s.To learn more about Buhr Park Outdoor Ice Arena or to inquire about renting the ice for skating or hockey events/parties, call 734.794.6234 or go online. Deck the halls with Volunteer 365The weekend after Thanksgiving, join the Volunteer 365 program to help decorate two city facilities — work off some of that turkey and pumpkin pie and make your heart stronger, too. Volunteer efforts will transform the Ann Arbor Farmers Market and the Senior Center with a winter wonderland theme.First, on Saturday, Nov. 26, 3:30 – 6:30 p.m., a corps of Give 365 volunteers will decorate the Farmers Market (315 Detroit St.) The seasonal treatment will spruce up the market for shoppers and vendors, alike.Then, on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2 – 6 p.m., the Ann Arbor Senior Center will get the winter-wonderland treatment from 365 volunteers, adding extra cheer for local seniors to enjoy.Go online for more details about Volunteer 365and to learn about other opportunities. Orregister to help by e-mailing, or calling 734.794.6230, extension 42510. Dates to rememberAmong the many public meetings/events taking place in November, including those featured in articles this month, here are some of the highlights. Go online for a more-complete list.The City Clerk’s office will be open Saturday, Nov. 5, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., for absentee ballots. The General City Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8 (www.a2gov.org/elections). The Ann Arbor Bridges replacement project public meeting is 7 – 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 9. Due to the election, the City Council meeting will take place on Thursday, Nov. 10. Friday, Nov. 11, city government offices will be closed in observance of Veterans Day. However, there will be no interruption in trash/recycling/compost collection. And Thursday and Friday, Nov. 24 and 25, city government offices will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday. There will be no collection of trash/ recycling/compost on Thursday the 24th, and a one-day delay will instead occur, Friday and Saturday. * A2 City News Web Page * City Council * Contact Us * Meeting Agendas * News/Announcements * Road/Lane Closures *A2 City News is e-mailed to newsletter subscribers by the City of Ann Arbor.Please share comments via e-mail or call 734.794.6110, extension 41105. QUESTIONS FOR THE CITY OF ANN ARBOR? Contact us STAY CONNECTED WITH THE CITY OF ANN ARBOR:

The Newsletter for the City of Ann Arbor, Michigan           *      October 2011           *      Volume 5      *      Number 10 Introducing, A2's new city administratorAnn Arbor, “meet” new City Administrator Steve Powers on an upcoming edition of Community Television Network’s Conversations program. Powers, who began with the city in mid September, most recently served with Marquette County.This episode of Conversations airs on CitiTV 19 on Wednesday, Oct. 12 at 6:30 p.m. Or, through Oct. 25, catch replays Monday through Friday at 10:30 a.m., 6:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 6:30 p.m.CTN programming can also be viewed online viaVideo on Demand. Simply search for the episode(s) you wish to view. Programs are available online 24 to 48 hours after they premiere. Making strides toward financial transparencyThe City of Ann Arbor recently launchedA2OpenBook, an interactive website designed to increase financial transparency. All city expenses and revenue are disclosed in a simple and easy-to-use format, giving direct access to see how the city is spending tax dollars, fees and other city revenue.Every 24 hours, the city’s financial data downloads directly from its financial database to the A2OpenBook website.City expenditure and revenue information, dated July 1, 2010, to the present, can be browsed in a variety of ways including:Vendor (search by alphabetical list or expense amounts) Expense type (choose from more than 300 categories such as utilities, materials and supplies or travel) Service Area/Service Unit Fund (choose among all budgeted funds) The Citizen Guide to Finance and Budget is another online resource to increase transparency and help educate taxpayers about the city’s budget process. Together, A2OpenBook and the budget guide are intended to help citizens better understand the ongoing efforts to maintain a balanced budget while also balancing service needs and expectations. Please contact the City of Ann Arbor finance department with feedback or suggested content additions to further enhance the usefulness of these resources. 9/11 memorial eventCity of Ann Arbor police and fire services commemorated the 10th anniversary of 9/11 with a special ceremony. Dozens of people attended to remember those who lost their lives on this date and to honor the men and women who continue to serve our community and country. Photos, clockwise, beginning top left: Safety Services Area Administrator Chief Barnett Jones at the podium; flag is raised; members of the Skyline High School choirParks improvements slated to beginWhile it seems activity in the parks would begin to slow down this time of year, at several area parks, improvement activities are underway. Renovations to the Veterans Memorial Park locker rooms, used by pool guests and hockey teams alike, are just being completed, including new flooring, lockers, fixtures (sinks and toilets), lighting, ventilation and painting. Up next at Vets, a new pool shade structure with solar panels is being added to provide electricity for the arena. Construction begins this month.West Park is currently undergoing a total reconstruction of its tennis courts and shuffle board court. Construction should be complete this fall, weather permitting. The courts are currently closed.Other parks slated for renovations include Island Park’s Greek Revival Shelter; Winewood Thaler Park; Beckley Park; and Hunt Park. Halloween safety and funHalloween Trick-or-Treating in Ann Arbor neighborhoods, for participating residents, will take place between 5 and 8 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 31. While this holiday is meant to be full of fun, it can also bring about some (avoidable) frights. The most basic safety precautions are for parents and guardians to supervise their trick-or-treaters, and to stay in neighborhoods that are well-lit and familiar. More tips are available online to help keep your Halloween safe …But what about the fun? Never fear. Check out these holiday spooktacular events (see more events throughout October on the online calendar).Trick or Treat Down the River (pictured above) is Sunday, Oct. 16 from noon to 4 p.m. at Gallup Canoe Livery, 3000 Fuller Ave. By canoe or kayak, you will encounter creatures along the river handing out treats and candy. Feel free to dress up, too. Fee is $22 per boat. Pre registration is not required; and all ages are welcome. Bring a bag for collecting candy. Go online for details or call 734.794.6240. Skate to spooky sounds at the Veterans Memorial Park Halloween Skate, Saturday, Oct. 29. Vets is located at 2150 Jackson Road. Best-costume prizes will be awarded. General admission rates apply at this fun-for-all-ages event. Go online for details or call 734.794.6235. Animal Haunts at the Leslie Science & Nature Center ( 1831 Traver Road) is a family-friendly event Saturday, Oct. 22. Enjoy a guided a hike through Black Pond woods where costumed characters bring plants and animals to life through skits and songs. Pumpkins, games, face painting, cider and more round out the evening. A shorter hike designed especially for families with children ages five and under is offered between 4:30 to 6 p.m.; and the 7 to 9 p.m. hike is more suitable for older kids and their families. Pre registration rates are $8 per person, $30 per family; or $10/$35 at the door. Call for details, 734.997.1553, or go online. Adults 50 and better are invited to a Halloween Party Monday, Oct. 31 at the Ann Arbor Senior Center (1320 Baldwin Ave.). Reservations are required. Please call 734.796.6250 at least one week in advance of the event date. DDA State of the Downtown ReportThe Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority encompasses all or part of 66 blocks, is approximately 271 acres, and is home to approximately 1,200 businesses, a great number of entertainment and educational venues, and approximately 2,800 Ann Arbor residents. Learn more about the DDA and some of its most recent impacts on downtown Ann Arbor in the DDA State of the Downtown report. Where to find ... the Customer Service CenterJust a reminder … The city’s customer service and payment center is now located on the first floor of Larcom City Hall, 301 E. Huron St. Parking options include at meters along Ann Street. Customer service can also be reached at 734.794.6320, orvia e-mail.IN THIS ISSUE: new city administrator * A2OpenBook * 9/11 memorial event * parks improvements * halloween * DDA report * customer service location * leaf-management * East Stadium bridges * sculpture unveiling * police golf outing * street and sidewalk millages * dates Leaf-management optionsAutumn is upon us, and the city is reminding residents/property owners of leaf-management options. Ann Arborites can choose to mulch their leaves on site, set paper bags and compost carts of leaves at the curb for weekly pickup; or residents can take advantage of free bulk leaf drop-off locations. Please remember that the city no longer picks up loose leaves raked to the street.More information is provided online about weekly compostables pickups, leaf mulching, home composting and free bulk leaf drop off at the Compost Center, 4150 Platt Road. Go towww.a2gov.org/leaves for details. East Stadium bridges projectThe East Stadium bridges reconstruction project will break ground this month, launching major construction work to replace the two aged bridges, just to the south of the University of Michigan football stadium. The project will also include staircase construction and walkways for pedestrians and new lighting.A groundbreaking ceremony for the East Stadium bridges project will be scheduled for mid October, with Congressman John Dingell and other dignitaries in attendance. More information will be shared once an event time and date are set.In the meantime, discover each of the ways to stay informed about the project — detours, progress and more:Visit the Ann Arbor Bridges website.  Follow project updates on Twitter.  Become a fan on Facebook.  Subscribe to receive updates right to your e-mail inbox. Municipal center sculpture unveilingThe Ann Arbor Public Art Commission invites the public to the ceremony and dedication of the major public art installation at the Ann Arbor Municipal Center, 301 E. Huron, on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2011, at 7 p.m. The event will welcome the artist of the installation, Herbert Dreiseitl, for the dedication and the lighting of the newly completed work.The sculpture was commissioned as part of the city’s new municipal center, which includes the Justice Center and Larcom City Hall building. It will serve as a centerpiece of the LEED Gold facility, featuring storm water collection and retention systems. Storm water collected from the facility will cascade over the sculpture; adjacent to the sculpture is a path that incorporates moving water into a rain garden at the front of the building.Go online for more information on the municipal center and the special LEED-certification features. Oct. 7 Police Charity Golf OutingThe 20th annual Ann Arbor Police Department Charity Golf Outing (PDF) is Friday, Oct. 7. This event raises money for The Jason Zogaib Memorial Fund and The Vada Murray Fund for Cancer Research. The four‐person scramble event takes place at Leslie Park Golf Course, 2120 Traver Road, with a 9 a.m. shotgun start. The fee of $85 per person includes: 18 holes of golf (including cart); lunch at the turn; catered dinner; raffle; prizes; and games. Non golfers are welcome to attend at $20 per person.More information, including the registration form, is available online (PDF), or contact Officer Chris Foerg, 517.673.8274 or Officer Katie Nucci, 734.330.5175. Street and sidewalk millage proposals on November ballotTwo millages concerning street, bridge and sidewalk resurfacing and reconstruction will be on the Nov. 8 City General Election ballot: Proposal 1 Ann Arbor City Charter Amendment Tax for Street and Bridge Resurfacing and Reconstruction; and Proposal 2 Ann Arbor City Charter Amendment Tax for Street and Bridge Resurfacing and Reconstruction and For Sidewalk Repairs (note: adoption of proposal 2 is conditioned upon adoption at this election of Proposal 1). Three meetings will take place in October for the public to review and discuss the two ballot proposals:Tuesday, Oct. 11, 7 - 8:30 p.m. Cobblestone Farm, 2781 Packard Road Wednesday, Oct. 12, 7 - 8:30 p.m. Clague Media Center, 2616 Nixon Road Tuesday, Oct. 18, 7 - 8:30 p.m. Forsythe Media Center, 1655 Newport Road In addition, Homayoon Pirooz of the city’s project management services unit (engineering department) will appear on Community Television Network’s Conversations series to discuss these ballot items. This episode airs on CitiTV Channel 19 Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 1 and 2 at 6:30 p.m., and the following Monday through Friday at 10:30 a.m., 6:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m..If you have questions or feedback and cannot attend the public meetings, please e-mail City of Ann Arbor project management services or call 734.794.6410, extension 0.The City of Ann Arbor maintains approximately 200 miles of residential streets, 100 miles of major streets and 13 bridges. Because of the frequent changes in local temperatures, area roads experience severe freeze-and-thaw cycles that greatly impact their life span. Many city roads need new asphalt surfacing after 15 to 20 years, and require complete reconstruction after 30 years.The city’s current street reconstruction millageexpires this year. The annual levy amount paid by household is based on the taxable value of the property, which is approximately half of the market value of a home. The 2011 levy amount for a property with an average market value of $214,000 is $213.40 because the 2-mill rate has been rolled back over five years to 1.9944 mills. If a new street millage is approved at the Nov. 8 election, this same household will pay $214.00 in 2012 because the millage rate would be increased to the full 2 mills. By operation of law, the 2-mill rate may be rolled back in subsequent years during the five years the millage would be in effect.If you are not yet registered to vote, the deadline to register is Tuesday, Oct. 11 in order to be able to vote in the November election. More dates to rememberAmong the many public meetings/events taking place in October, including those featured in articles this month, here are some of the highlights. Go online for a more-complete list. Buhr Park outdoor skating arena opens for the season on Saturday, Oct. 29.  Several Halloween/autumn-inspired events are taking place through Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation.  And Oct. 31 trick-or-treating times for participating residents is 5 – 8 p.m. * A2 City News Web Page * City Council * Contact Us * Meeting Agendas * News/Announcements * Road/Lane Closures * A2 City News is e-mailed to newsletter subscribers by the City of Ann Arbor. Please share comments via e-mail or call 734.794.6110, extension 41105

September 2011A2 City News Resident Newsletter Article ListElectronic distribution: Thursday, September 1, 2011 *** Subscribe to receive A2 City News directly to your e-mail inbox. Go to www.a2gov.org/subscribe, simply select “Resident Newsletter: A2 City News” from the list of subscription topics, and you are all set to receive the next issue, and in an earth-friendlier way.*** IN THIS ISSUE  New city administrator update * AFSCME contract * U-M traffic-services agreement * Sept. 11 Memorial Ceremony * Green roof * Dog swim * CERT program * Parks & Rec registration * CTN's Labor Day Look Back * Fuller Road Station * MRF 16th anniversary * Vada Murray Fund event * U-M Notre Dame game volunteers * Pedestrian yard signs * Police golf outing * Trace this table * Safe Passage * Getting noticed * Important dates New city administrator updateCity Council has approved an employment agreement for Steve Powers to serve as the next city administrator for the City of Ann Arbor. Powers will assume the city administrator role on Sept. 15. Sept. 3 game traffic delays anticipated with new U-M traffic services agreementThe Saturday,  Sept. 3 game against Western Michigan University, 3:30 p.m. kickoff, will be the first event to operate under a revised traffic control plan based on the University of Michigan’s requested services. Ann Arbor City Council recently unanimously passed the resolution requiring U-M to reimburse the city for traffic management during football games and other special events. According to the new agreement, the full range of signs and signals services previously provided by the city on game days will be reduced. (Currently, U-M does reimburse the city for police and fire public safety service costs.) See the city’s “news” Web page (www.a2gov.org/news) for more information on this new agreement.  The requested services will have police manually managing, without signals in operation, the Stadium Boulevard / Main Street intersection starting two hours before game time. All other intersections along Ann Arbor-Saline Road will operate by signals, not manually, and will operate based on the normal weekend schedule. Post game, the Ann Arbor-Saline Road will be one way, heading south to I-94, as has historically been done. The State Street corridor will operate by signals, not manually, and will operate based on the normal weekend schedule both pre and post game. As a result of these changes, the City of Ann Arbor safety services division is reminding those attending this and any football game this season at the U-M Big House that excessive traffic delays should be expected. In comparison to what residents and visitors have previously experienced, the new traffic control plan is expected to create additional traffic congestion at major arteries and the freeway ramps. Residents and visitors are advised to find alternative routes on game days. And those attending the football game are advised to allow extra travel time. The Notre Dame game on Sept. 10 is an exception to this traffic plan. It will have the full, historically provided pre-and-post-game services along Ann Arbor-Saline and State streets. City to hold Sept. 11 memorial ceremonyPlease join City of Ann Arbor Police and Fire Services personnel at a special ceremony to commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9/11. The service takes place Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011, at 8:30 until 9:15 a.m. in front of Fire Station One (111 N. Fifth Ave.). Everyone is invited to attend to remember those who lost their lives and to honor those who continue to serve our community as leaders and first responders.  Held rain or shine, the memorial service program will include remarks from Ann Arbor Mayor John Hieftje, Ann Arbor Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard and Ann Arbor Safety Services Administrator Barnett Jones. During the service, Fifth Avenue between Ann Street and Huron Street will be closed to traffic. Larcom roof goes greenTrue to its commitment to environmental stewardship, the City of Ann Arbor has incorporated LEED-certification criteria throughout  the overall plan for the municipal center construction project. The Larcom City Hall green roof, currently being installed on the second-floor promenade, is included in the project’s LEED criteria, in the “water efficiency” category.  Once complete, the green roof will feature areas of pavers (for walking access), preplanted vegetative trays and seating areas for visitors. Benefits of a green roof are plenty. A roof with live vegetation absorbs rain water to prevent flooding and helps insulate the building — keeping it warmer in winter and cooler in the summer. A green roof also extends the lifetime of a roof, between 100 and 200 percent, by protecting the rooftop from ultraviolet radiation, large temperature fluctuations, drying winds and punctures. Public access to the green roof is anticipated by October 2011. Buhr Park Pool goes to the dogsSpecial arrangements after Buhr Park Outdoor Pool closes for the season to allow your best four-footed friends to enjoy a day at the pool. The annual dog swim at Buhr Park Pool (2751 Packard Road) is planned for Wednesday, Sept 7, 3 to 8 p.m.; Thursday, Sept. 8, 3 to 8 p.m.; and Saturday, Sept 10, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Preregistration is required by calling 734.794.6234. Fee (one dog): $7.50/$6 resident discount; second dog: $3.75/$3 resident discount. Call today, as this popular event fills up quickly. CERT Program accepting applicationsThe Ann Arbor Police Department’s Office of Emergency Management, in conjunction with the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Services Division, is accepting applications for the Washtenaw County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training program. The CERT Program educates residents about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact Washtenaw County and trains participants in basic disaster response skills. The course is a combination of classroom sessions and hands-on training in scene assessment, fire safety, emergency medical response, team organization, disaster medical operations, and light search and rescue. The course also provides information on topics including local threats, hazards, county and city emergency management initiatives and incident command and terrorism.  The training course is held every Tuesday Sept. 27 to Nov. 8, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Attendance at all classes is required for certificate completion. The deadline to apply to participate in CERT is 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9. Learn more about the CERT program online: www.a2gov.org/police (“getting involved” link). Fall registration now openRegistration for Ann Arbor parks and recreation fall/winter classes is now open. The new, 64-page color guide can be found around the city of Ann Arbor including Larcom City Hall, Ann Arbor District Library branches, Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Customer Service Center (2781 Packard Road at Cobblestone Farm) and all parks and recreation facilities. It's also posted on the parks website, www.a2gov.org/parks, as a PDF that can be viewed or downloaded.  In addition to registering in person, you can also use our online registration system, linked on www.a2gov.org/parks. Classes include American Red Cross swim lessons, instructional skating, beginning hockey skills, yoga, Zumba and much more. The guide also features events at the canoe liveries, Leslie Science & Nature Center and golf outings at Huron Hills and Leslie Park such as the Fall Scramble, Longest Hardest Day of Golf and the annual Chili Open.  CTN's Labor Day look backIt’s a walk back through time on CTN’s A2TV Channel 17 on Labor Day, as we look back at some of Ann Arbor’s oldies, but goodies. On Monday, Sept. 5, it’s a day of programming from the past — starting with a 9 a.m. Labor Day Workout from the late Tomas Chavez, Ann Arbor’s longtime workout king. At 10:30 a.m.,  it’s “CTN’s Greatest Hits from 1986-87,” followed by Ann Arbor comedian OJ Anderson’s “Face Aerobics.” At 12:35 p.m. on Labor Day, CTN brings viewers “Dating Tips with Delores Peek,” sage advice dished out in story form. Ann Arbor’s German roots will be explored in Dave Chappell’s “Cabbage Town” at 11 a.m. Labor Day; and at 4 p.m.,  it’s the best of “Saturday Morning Live,” sketches produced by Ann Arbor kids in the 1980s. Be sure to tune in to CTN’s A2TV Channel 17 and celebrate the labor of love from these old-time Ann Arbor producers.  It will definitely be a blast from the past! Rail project at Fuller Road Station receives federal fundingThe Federal Railroad Administration has announced it is releasing $2.8 million in investment funding for the preliminary Ann Arbor train station planning. This funding will allow the City of Ann Arbor to begin the engineering and environmental documentation required to design and construct a high-speed rail station, which is part of the Fuller Road Station, a new “intermodal transportation” facility. The federal dollars will fund the rail project’s drop-off areas, as well as the rail platform, rail work, including track, switches and signals. The high-speed rail will serve the Chicago-to-Detroit rail line. The old Ann Arbor Amtrak station is currently the busiest station in Michigan. But unlike the current station, this project will include a passing track that will allow more than one train to serve the station at a time, enhancing performance and reliability. Along with the high-speed rail, Fuller Road Station will incorporate automobile, pedestrian, transit and intercity bus connectivity access. Fuller Road Station will be located in the vicinity of the parking lot on the south side of Fuller Road, just east of East Medical Center Drive and Maiden Lane. Visit the Fuller Road Station page on the city website for more information (www.a2gov.org/government/Pages/Fuller.aspx).  Trace this tableFor decades, a large table was a fixture outside of City Council chambers on the second floor of Larcom City Hall. Recently, this sturdy table was refinished and has found a new home in the conference room in the city's Customer Service Center on the first floor. The city would like to find out the origin of this table. Its craftsmanship places it as constructed circa the 1880s, and it was probably used in an earlier city building. If you have any (more certain) insight into this table's history, please contact the city’s Customer Service Center, customerservice@a2gov.org. City, AFSCME successfully negotiate labor contractWithin eight weeks of its labor agreement expiring, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 369 and the City of Ann Arbor successfully negotiated a new labor contract for AFSCME employees. Union membership ratified the agreement Aug. 23, and City Council is considering approval of the terms of the contract at their next meeting (for details on the outcome of this meeting, visit the city’s legislative information center: a2gov.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx).    With 230 members, AFSCME is the largest among the city’s eight unions. Help MRF celebrate sweet 16Join the Material Recovery Facility’s 16th anniversary celebration Saturday, Sept. 10, 10 a.m. until noon. Festivities will include a tour, anniversary cake and a craft, creating party favors from Scrap Box materials. Come see the new single-stream facility. Drop-in visitors are welcome. Since its opening in 1995, the MRF has processed approximately 603,000 tons of recyclables. The MRF is located at 4150 Platt Road near East Ellsworth. The facility hosts free open houses, monthly from September through June, to give the public a chance to tour the  municipal recycling operations and to participate in featured activities. (Learn more about recycling in Ann Arbor and the MRF before you visit by watching Community Television Network’s feature presentation linked at www.a2gov.org/mrf.) Individuals and families may drop in during the open house hours; groups of five or more are asked to pre-register. Weekday prearranged MRF tours are also available for groups of 15 or more. For more information, including the 2011-2012 event schedule, visit the MRF online, www.a2gov.org/mrf, or call the MRF tour coordinator at 734.794.6000 extension 43112, or send an e-mail to nstone@a2gov.org.    Event to raise funds for cancer researchThe Vada Murray Fund for Cancer Research fundraising dinner is Sunday, Sept. 11, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. This non-profit organization, through the University of Michigan Health System, is in honor of, and named for, Officer Vada Murray, a 20-year veteran of the Ann Arbor Police Department and former U-M football player (1986-90), who lost his battle with cancer last spring. The fundraising dinner will take place at the former Pfizer building, 2800 Plymouth Road, building 18. Tickets, which may also be purchased at the door, are $10 per person or $30 for a family of four (each additional person is $10). Included in the ticket price is a dinner, silent auction, autograph session, DJ, kids activities and more; and 100 percent of proceeds go directly to the cancer research fund. Writer/commentator John U. Bacon will serve as the master of ceremonies. Please go to the event website for ticket information and details: www.vadamurray.com. U-M seeking volunteers for game against Notre DameThe University of Michigan athletic department and the division of student affairs are seeking 350 volunteers to serve as “community ambassadors” for the first night football game at the Big House, Saturday, Sept. 10. The ambassador program will provide community volunteers an opportunity to enhance the fan experience. Responsibilities will range from providing helpful information to get around town to arranging assistance for a fan’s special needs. Volunteers will be scheduled in pairs for a four-hour shift between the hours of noon and 1 a.m. and will also provide an extra set of eyes and ears to report health and safety concerns. In order to be considered for the position, volunteers must be at least 18 years of age, participate in a two-hour training session and have a personal cell phone for use on game day. To apply as a community ambassador, please send an e-mail to utl-ambassador@umich.edu. Help make your neighborhood more walk friendlyAnn Arbor residents are invited to display a yard sign (1 ½ feet by 2 feet), reminding drivers to stop for pedestrians. The city’s alternative transportation program is making the signs available to publicize last year’s change to the city’s pedestrian safety ordinance, requiring drivers to stop for pedestrians approaching or within crosswalks. The law states that motorists must stop and yield the right of way to any pedestrian approaching or within a crosswalk, and the fine for not stopping is $100 and two points on your license. For their own safety and by law, pedestrians should not step into a crosswalk if an approaching vehicle is too close to stop, and pedestrians attempting to navigate a street at any point other than a crosswalk must yield to vehicles in the road. Informational materials are being distributed, and more details are posted online at www.a2gov.org/WalkBikeDrive. Yard signs are available for the public to borrow and display throughout the fall. The program aims to rotate signs throughout the city, so that as many motorists as possible see them. To ensure signs are placed according to city regulations, a sheet of rules and guidelines will be distributed with the signs. If you’re interested in borrowing signs for yourself and neighbors, please contact Parrish Bergquist to schedule a loan period: pbergquist@a2gov.org. 20th annual Police Golf Outing: Register today!Please participate in the 20th annual Ann Arbor Police Department Charity Golf Outing Friday, Oct. 7. By doing so, you will help raise money for The Jason Zogaib Memorial Fund and The Vada Murray Fund for Cancer Research. Officers Jason Zogaib and Vada Murray proudly served the Ann Arbor Police Department 10 and 21 years, respectively. In March 2009, Zogaib passed away following a two‐year battle with leukemia, leaving behind his wife and two young children. Murray, a nonsmoker from a nonsmoking family, succumbed to lung cancer in April 2011, leaving his wife, son and two daughters behind. The four‐person scramble event takes place at Leslie Park Golf Course, 2120 Traver Road, with a 9 a.m. shotgun start. The fee of $85 per person includes: 18 holes of golf (including cart); lunch at the turn; catered dinner; raffle; prizes; and games. Non golfers are welcome to attend at $20 per person. More information, including the registration form, is available online at www.a2gov.org/news, or contact Officer Chris Foerg, 517.673.8274 / CFoerg@a2gov.org or Officer Katie Nucci, 734.330.5175 / KNucci@a2gov.org.     Getting noticedAnn Arbor has recently been recognized in the following ways … ·      Fifteenth District Court Chief Judge Elizabeth Hines has been elected to the National Center for State Courts Board of Directors. ·      Community Television Network has placed as a finalist in two categories in the 26th annual NATOA Government Programming Awards. The awards ceremony is in September, when it will be announced if CTN received first, second or third place. CTN is up for awards in the public safety category for “Think Bike Safety First!” produced by CTN's Tim Nagae; and in the Excellence in Public Access Programming category for "CTN: A Year in Public Access," produced by CTN public/education staff and community producers (edited by Zachary Demers and Alysha Schlundt-Bodien).·      Forbes.com has placed Ann Arbor in its top 20 list of Geekiest Cities. High-rise lighting reminderAnn Arbor again joins other cities in helping migrating birds have a “Safe Passage” during seasonal migrations. From the middle of August through the end of October, migrating birds are flying over Ann Arbor on their way south from their northern breeding grounds. These birds are at risk of dying when they become confused at night by lighted windows of tall buildings. On clear nights, birds navigate by the stars, but on cloudy and foggy nights, they attempt to navigate using the lights of tall buildings. Birds either crash into lit windows or endlessly circle buildings until they are exhausted. Please ask occupants on floors five and above of your building to join the “Safe Passage” effort by pulling the drapes or closing the shades on windows in lit rooms between 11 p.m. and dawn. (These actions may help save energy, too.) For details, please see “safe passage" online: www.washtenawaudubon.org. Important datesLarcom City Hall offices and the 15th District Court will be closed on Monday, Sept. 5 for the Labor Day holiday, and resume normal business hours on Tuesday, Sept. 6. In addition, there will be no trash, recycling or compost collection services in the City of Ann Arbor on Labor Day Monday. The normal Monday pickups will occur on Tuesday, and the rest of the collections will occur one day later throughout the week. The normal Friday routes will be serviced on Saturday, Sept. 10, this week only.For other dates to note for September, visit the online events calendar, www.a2gov.org/calendar, and the Tree Town Log city meetings and events calendar. 

August 2011A2 City News Resident Newsletter Article ListElectronic distribution: Monday, August 1, 2011 *** Be aware. Be alert. Be informed. The recent sexual assault wanted poster and information are posted online. Go to www.a2gov.org/police for details. ***To further raise awareness on this issue, Ann Arbor Community Television Network’s FYI is featuring Anchor/Producer Dana Denha talking with Ann Arbor Police Lieutenant Renee Bush for advice on how to stay safe. This edition of FYI weekly news magazine premieres Friday, July 29 at 6 p.m. and repeats at 10 p.m. on CitiTV Channel 19 on Comcast Cable.  FYI is also available on Video on Demand. City Council selects new city administrator At their July 18 meeting, Ann Arbor City Council unanimously approved a resolution to offer the city administrator position to Steve Powers.Powers has served as the county administrator with Marquette County, Michigan, home to Northern Michigan University, since 1996. Prior to Marquette County, he served as the county coordinator for Martin County, Minnesota, (1994 –1996) and as the assistant county administrator and assistant to the county administrator for Jackson County, Oregon, (1987-1994) where he managed human resources, labor relations, risk management, and  organizational development and training and served as acting county administrator during the county administrator’s absence. He was also the management and budget analyst for Johnson County, Kansas (1986-1987).  He holds a master of public administration degree from the University of Kansas and a bachelor of arts degree in public administration and political science from Augustana College.Currently, Mayor Hieftje has appointed council members Higgins, Briere, Derezinski and Taylor to assist the city’s human resources director in working with Powers to finalize a contract. AAPD launches new online crime-mapping serviceIn order to proactively share accurate and up-to-date crime data, the Ann Arbor Police Department recently went live with CrimeMapping.com, a service of the Omega Group. The city joins seven other agencies in Michigan who report their crime data through this crime-mapping service.The CrimeMapping website allows residents to map out reported, verified criminal activity near any address, select crime types, date ranges and generate reports. Users also are able to subscribe to receive crime alerts and updates via e-mail when new crimes occur.CrimeMapping.com pulls incident data every 24 hours from the Ann Arbor police records management system, however, only crimes that have completed a review and approval process are displayed.  Ann Arbor crime data from the previous six months will also be available to map on this site. Visit the CrimeMapping.com website and watch the online training video for details. Also, sign up to receive free crime alerts via e-mail. Vote Tuesday, Aug. 2Polls will be open in wards 2, 3 and 5 only from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. for the City Primary Election on Tuesday, Aug. 2. Go to the city election website for ballot details and more information, or call734.794.6140. "Preview" ... camera, action!Have you ever wanted to learn to operate a camcorder or video camera; edit footage; or learn lighting and set design? Well, Ann Arbor residents, your chance is coming. Community Television Network is revamping its television production classes and will roll out a new class format this fall. So get ready …The first step to participating in CTN’s variety of free-to-residents classes is attending the CTN Preview class. Typically offered monthly, the next Preview is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 2. Make sure you attend this session first, in order to join the re-launch of the production classes in September. Enroll today, as space is limited.To register, call 734.794.6150, extension 0; or visit the CTN studios Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday between noon and 9 p.m. or on Wednesdays from 5 to 9 p.m. only. Find details on the CTN workshops website or call CTN at 734.794.6150. Save Water, Save Energy BreakfastThe average American uses 99 gallons of water a day for activities such as washing clothes, bathing, toilet flushing and cooking. Water heating, alone, is easily the second or third largest energy expenditure.Learn easy and affordable techniques and tools that could help a typical Ann Arbor family of four save up to $300 annually on utility bills. From 8 until 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 2, the Huron River Watershed Council and the Clean Energy Coalition will host the Save Water, Save Energy Breakfast at  the NEW Center, 1100 North Main St. Coffee and bagels will be served; and guests will also receive a coupon for savings on a Water EcoKitTM.In addition, the breakfast can help everyone conserve the energy that goes to pump, treat and heat water, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and keep more water in our rivers, lakes, wetlands and underground aquifers.Seats for this event are limited. Visit the event website to pre register and for details. Save these dates!  Among the many public meetings/events taking place in August, here are some of the highlights (go to the online calendar for details and a complete list): Vote AUG. 2 / Save Water, Save Energy event is also AUG. 2 / See the new fire trucks AUG. 3 / City Council meeting is THURSDAY, AUG. 4 New fire engines unveiledThe fire department has purchased two new fire trucks and is excited to provide an opportunity for people to see the trucks. A free special event for viewing is taking place Wednesday, Aug. 3, between 3:30 and 5 p.m., on Fifth Avenue directly in front of the Ann Arbor Justice Center (between Ann and Huron streets). All are welcome to come and check out the new trucks. Fire services staff will also be available to answer questions. Online tree-inventory dataThe city’s tree inventory can now be viewed through a new website called mapAnnArbor. The inventory provides information including species, size and condition of city-managed trees along streets and in mowed areas of parks. Visit the urban forestry website, and select the “tree inventory” link. mapAnnArbor is a joint partnership between the City of Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County. Also available at www.a2gov.org/urbanforestry is the fiscal year 2012 tree planting plan. Faster Internet service is coming to Ann ArborThe City of Ann Arbor and University of Michigan have partnered with 28 research universities/communities to build ultra high-speed computer networks. The “Gig.U” initiative will provide residents and businesses with Internet services several hundred times faster than what is now commercially available and will also create zones that support high-tech startups in areas near the universities.The Gig.U project’s approach is to build upon the existing foundation and collaboration created during the Google Community Fiber initiative. According to the Gig.U website, this effort capitalizes on the notion that upgrading university communities can yield major gains for both the future of America’s leadership in research and for the American economic leadership.  The many benefits to high-speed networks include advancing research, facilitating innovations, stimulating economic growth and supporting community priorities, such as improvements in health care, education and public safety.The Gig.U consortium is issuing a request for information to private-sector telecommunications companies, in lieu of asking for government financing. The plan is for the private sector to ultimately fund the network, which is targeted to be in place within the next several years.Other Big Ten institutions involved are Michigan State University, Indiana University, Penn State University and the University of Illinois. Go to the Gig.U website for more information, including a complete list of its members and their testimonials. Customer Service Center now within City HallDo you need to pay a water bill? A parking ticket? Please note, the City of Ann Arbor Customer Service Center is now located in its new permanent location on the first floor of Larcom City Hall, at 301 E. Huron St. Community services, parks and recreation and planning and development also are located on the first floor.Customer Service Center services include:·       Payment processing for water bills, parking tickets, property taxes and solid waste;·       Routing city calls and requests and providing general city information to walk-in customers; and·       This unit also is responsible for water utility meter reading, installation, repair, billing, backflow prevention inspections and certifications.Exterior construction around the Ann Arbor Municipal Center — including stormwater management systems, a rain garden and green roof — will continue throughout the summer.More information about the Ann Arbor Municipal Center construction project is available online (link is found under the “working in” heading).  Parks renovations/innovations plannedSome park facilities will receive much-needed TLC beginning this month and into the fall. Read on for the exciting details …The West Park tennis courts are being rebuilt, with construction tentatively slated to begin in mid September. Construction will include the entire rebuilding of the three courts, with new fencing, retaining walls, a new entry walk and bocce ball court. The current tennis courts’ retaining wall is failing, and there are significant cracks throughout the surface. The courts were built approximately 30 years ago and are one of the more popular tennis court locations in Ann Arbor. As an alternative during court renovations at West Park, the tennis courts at nearby Veterans Memorial Park, 2150 Jackson Ave., were just rebuilt and reopened in July. Veterans Memorial Park pool will soon have a shade structure with solar panels to produce electricity to fuel the pool and arena, offsetting energy costs at the facility. Guests to Vets pool have long requested additional shade amenities at the pool, so this project provided the ideal opportunity to partner with the city’s energy office for solar panels and project funding. The shade structure will be located on the west side of the pool deck. Construction will begin in August, but pool use will not be interrupted. The pool locker rooms at Vets will be renovated this fall. Construction is slated to begin soon after the pool closes for the summer season and will continue into the fall. The locker rooms have not been updated for approximately 15 to 20 years, and renovations will include new lockers, flooring, sinks and counters, windows, lighting and ventilation for an enhanced customer experience. Birthday celebrationJoin the fun as the Ann Arbor Farmers Market turns 92 years old! On Saturday, Aug. 6 from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m., the market, located at 315 Detroit St. in Kerrytown, will celebrate its birthday and its customers with free ice cream and toppings donated from market vendors (while supplies last). Call for details, 734.794.6255, or visit the Ann Arbor Farmer's Market webpage. Historic District Commission awardsCitizens and businesses were recently honored for their commitment to preservation during the Historic District Commission’s 23rd annual awards ceremony. Each year, the awards are given to property owners who have rehabilitated a building or structure while respecting its significant historic and architectural features or who have preserved a property’s or structure’s historical, cultural or architectural value for 10 or more years. Awards were presented for preservation, rehabilitation and special merit, as well as preservation project of the year. Visit the website for details, including a list of those honored with a 2011 award.  Annual tournaments heat up the linksGolfers young and more experienced have been testing their skills this summer at the city’s Huron Hills and Leslie Park golf courses. Golf tournaments have been taking place throughout the summer, with two more in August.Monday through Wednesday, Aug. 8 through 10 is the Herb Fowler Junior Championship at Huron Hills Golf Course, 3465 E. Huron River Drive. Entries are open to all junior amateur golfers ages 17 and under, or those enrolled in, and not yet graduated from, high school. There are no handicap index eligibility requirements. The field will be limited to 164 players. A mini tournament will be held for golfers ages 12 and under, limited to 48 players. Participants interested in the junior tournament must register by Tuesday, Aug. 2.The Senior Amateur Tournament is Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 20 and 21 at Leslie Park Golf Course, 2120 Traver Road. Competition will be 36 holes of stroke play. Entries are open to both male and female amateur golfers who have reached their 50th birthday by Aug. 21, 2011. Members of the Super Senior’s group also must reach their 65th  birthday by Aug. 21, 2011. There are no handicap index eligibility requirements. The field will be limited to 124 players. Interested participants must register by Thursday, Aug. 18.For tournament details, including the registration forms, visit the golf course website, or call 734.794.6245.

July 2011 A2 City News Resident Newsletter Article List Electronic distribution: Thursday, June 30, 2011 / Friday, July 1, 2011 Customer Service Center moves to City Hall At the end of June, the City of Ann Arbor Customer Service Center opened for business in its new permanent location on the first floor of Larcom City Hall, located at 301 E. Huron St. The community services area administration and parks and recreation service units will soon also relocate from their space within the City Center building, continuing the city’s efforts to terminate all of its downtown leases and move city staff and services into the municipal center site. Customer Service Center services include: Payment processing for water bills, parking tickets, property taxes, and solid waste; Routing city calls and requests and providing general city information to walk-in customers; and This unit also is responsible for water utility meter reading, installation, repair, billing, backflow prevention inspections and certifications. Exterior construction around the Ann Arbor Municipal Center — including stormwater management systems, a rain garden and green roof — will continue throughout the summer. More information about the Ann Arbor Municipal Center construction project is available online. Reception/interviews to be held for city administrator candidatesLed by City Council, the City of Ann Arbor is currently conducting a search for a new city administrator. As of yet, final candidates have not been selected. On Tuesday, July 12, City Council will host a public reception in the lobby of the Justice Center from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. for citizens to meet final City Administrator candidates. The public reception program begins at 5:45 p.m. and will include light refreshments, five-minute presentations from each candidate and then time for informal conversations with candidates. The Justice Center is the new building located at 301 E. Huron St. in front of Larcom City Hall.      On Wednesday, July 13, the candidates will participate in public interviews in Larcom City Hall, Council Chambers, second floor, from 8 a.m. to noon (301 E. Huron Street). A detailed schedule will be posted on the city website when available in early July. These interviews will be televised live on Community Television Network Channel 16 (Comcast) and Web streamed live on CTN online (or use this direct link — http://bit.ly/A2Mtgs). Interview replay can be viewed on CTN Video on Demand, or at the following times on Channel 16: Fri. 7/15 at 1:30 p.m.; Sun. 7/17 at 5 p.m.; Mon. 7/18 at 10 a.m.; Wed. 7/20 at 8 p.m.; Thurs. 7/21 at noon.    The City of Ann Arbor’s Chief Financial Officer Tom Crawford has been acting interim city administrator since April. Crawford will remain in this position until a permanent city administrator is appointed by City Council. New fire chief is appointedOn Monday, June 6, 2011, Ann Arbor City Council appointed a veteran of the city’s fire services to the department’s top ranking. New Chief Chuck Hubbard has been with the city’s fire services for nearly 26 years, beginning his career as a firefighter, then driver operator, lieutenant and battalion chief, before his previous promotion to assistant fire chief.  “Both the department and our residents will benefit from Chief Hubbard’s long history with the city,” said Safety Services Area Administrator Police Chief Barnett Jones. “Chuck’s many years in Ann Arbor prove his dedication to not only the firefighting profession, but also speak volumes about his commitment to our community.” Hubbard holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Eastern Michigan University and is a graduate of the School of Fire Staff and Command. Summer taxes dueSummer property taxes are due by Aug. 1. Taxes may be paid online, by mail, at the City of Ann Arbor Customer Service Center (now located on the first floor of Larcom City Hall) or at several local banks. TCF Bank, Bank of Ann Arbor, Michigan Commerce Bank, Fidelity Bank, Citizens Bank and Ann Arbor State Bank will accept tax payments July 1 through 30. Online payments can also be made. Payments made after Aug. 1 are subject to a late fee and cannot be made at local banks. Go online for more information, including how property taxes are calculated. Vote Aug. 2!The City Primary Election is Tuesday, Aug. 2. Visit the elections Web page for the list of candidates and information about polling places, times, etc. Residents who need to register to vote must do so by Tuesday, July 5 at the City Clerk’s office, second floor of Larcom City Hall, the Washtenaw County Clerk’s office, at any Secretary of State branch office or by mailing in a voter registration application (postmarked by July 5). Please note, the City Clerk’s office, and all city government offices, are closed Monday, July 4 for the Independence Day holiday. Additional details can be found on the elections website, by e-mailing the City Clerk’s office or calling 734.794.6140.  The “new” West Park is unveiledMore than 500 people attended the West Park Grand Opening event on Sunday, June 19. Guests enjoyed guided tours, a sculpture unveiling, kick ball, hula hoops, basketball, treats from local food carts and music from the Ann Arbor Civic Band. There were also tree plantings and a visit from the Ann Arbor police and fire departments.  Young golfers: Sign up for the SNAG program!City of Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation was recently selected by the National Parks & Recreation Association to receive one of 15 grants nationwide to launch the new SNAG (Starting New At Golf) teaching system.  The SNAG system helps promote and introduce the game of golf to beginners and children and is a fun and colorful way to capture and maintain the attention of beginning golfers.“It is by far the best way that I have ever seen to teach kids not only the basics of how to play golf, but how fun the game can be,” said City of Ann Arbor Director of Golf Doug Kelly. SNAG is geared toward children ages 4 to 10 years old. The sessions are six weeks long and will start on July 8 at Huron Hills Golf Course. Be sure to take advantage of a special offer: special inaugural pricing is being offered per student with a 40 percent sibling discount.  Click here to register for SNAG; or for details on the SNAG program, go to the city’s golf website, call 734.794.6246, or check out the video on YouTube.   City/County explore dispatch center staff consolidationAfter nearly two decades and countless attempts by previous administrations, the City of Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County Sheriff’s office announced in June that discussions have begun anew to integrate the City of Ann Arbor dispatch function with the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office in an attempt to save the city approximately $400,000 annually in total dispatch operating costs. Consolidating dispatch staff would require the city to contract with the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s office for dispatch service. Execution of such a contract would require City Council and the County Board of Commissioners approval. The consolidation would be expected to streamline police emergency dispatch costs through optimized resource allocation. In addition, this operational change would eliminate the need to transfer calls from a county dispatcher to a city dispatcher, and vice versa. This would greatly lessen the possibility of a call being misrouted and would minimize or eliminate any portion of hold times caused by a call transfer. In all, the city and county believe the change would assist both units of government in refining operations while providing effective and efficient emergency service delivery. Details on these discussions will be provided as they become available.   Huron River Day celebration is July 17Come out and enjoy one of this community’s greatest resources, the Huron River. The 31st annual Huron River Day is Sunday, July 17 at Gallup Park, Parker Mill Park and Huron Clinton Metropark. Festivities planned include FREE family activities, discounted canoeing and kayaking, river exhibits, live music, animals, boat demos, guided canoe trips, fishing and more. Food will be available for purchase. Go to the Huron River Day website for details or call 734.662.9319 .  New Web-based GIS application launchedA new suite of Web-based GIS applications are now available for use in a beta format on the city’s website. Also linked from the city’s Web homepage, under the “working in” column/“city maps,” these online GIS mapping applications feature rich base mapping capabilities and real-time access to many other city and county geospatial datasets (e.g., aerial imagery is available from 1940 through 2010 as well as 2-foot contours).  As you navigate around the maps, you'll find the interfaces to be similar to popular online mapping sites like Google Maps and Bing. The ultimate goal of the online GIS project was to offer users highly scalable, best-in-class mapping and spatial analysis capabilities that are easier to use and less complex than prior Web-based offerings at the same or less cost. The project is part of ongoing information technology collaboration between the city and Washtenaw County. The new system was purchased collectively, is housed at the joint city/county data center, and is being co-managed and administered, providing each partner with cost savings and added efficiency benefits. Art Fairs come to townWednesday through Saturday, July 20 through 23, the annual Ann Arbor Art Fairs will draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city. Also an annual tradition, Ann Arbor Community Television Network will be at the art fairs — on East Washington between Thayer and Fletcher, near Burton Memorial Tower and the U-M Alumni Association. Be sure to stop by the CTN booth and record a video greeting. The greetings — always unique and memorable, will then be aired on CTN (Comcast). Visit CTN’s website for video-greeting details.  To learn more about the Ann Arbor Art Fairs, which have been in place for more than 50 years, visit the Convention and Visitors Bureau website.    Street millage input sought With Ann Arbor’s street millage expiring this year, the City of Ann Arbor is asking the public to review the current street millage program to help determine the preferred format for the millage to appear on the November 2011 election ballot. In particular, the city would like to gauge residents' sentiment regarding whether the city, rather than property owners, should be responsible for repairing the sidewalks, and —  if so — whether the Street Reconstruction Millage should be expanded to support such a program. Three public meetings took place in June; and now through July 5, a 5-minute online survey will be available on the city's street millage website and by clicking here for the direct link.   CTN: Live and online!Are you travelling this summer? That doesn’t mean you have to miss watching City Council meetings. Community Television Network Channel 16 streams Council and other city meetings live online. Whenever you see “Live on CTN 16” listed in the Tree Town Log, visit CTN’s “The Meeting Place” Web page or use this direct link — http://bit.ly/A2Mtgs — to watch the meeting live.  Recyclebank contest urges: "Green Your Vacation" Recycling protects and preserves the environment … but did you know the earth isn’t the only one who benefits? As thousands of Ann Arbor residents began discovering since its launch a year ago, Recyclebank has upped the recycling ante by offering a rewards program that includes prize selections from local businesses. There’s even the option to donate rewards points to the organization’s Green Schools initiative. If you haven't signed up for Recyclebank Rewards already, it’s not too late to join And there’s never been a better time to join … Now, Recyclebank is taking “eco-friendly” to yet another level. Their nationwide contest is being launched to inspire people to make “green” decisions while on vacation. The contest, which runs until July 31, awards the highest contest scorers and those who have referred the most friends a chance at winning one of more than 100 prizes, including grand prizes: a 10-day National Geographic/Lindblad Expeditions cruise to the Galapagos Islands or a stay at the eco-luxurious Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo. Visit Recyclebank online for complete details on their contest. Will someone from Ann Arbor be a winner?   Water resources available online Make July 4th Dependence on Sump Pumps Day. Many people use Halloween or another fall holiday as a reminder to check the batteries in their household smoke detectors. This same type of preventive maintenance is worth extending to that hard-working appliance in many homes: the humble sump pump, which pumps ground- and stormwater away from the home to keep the basement dry. This summer, take the time to make sure your sump pump is working properly. Check your manual, call your local plumbing contractor, and/or check the sump pump maintenance documents available online for more details. Find this article — as well as additional ways to conserve water and help prevent water damage — in the latest issue of WaterMatters. Also available online is the new edition of the annual City of Ann Arbor Water Quality Report. This report features the 2010 water-quality monitoring results. Ann Arbor’s water system consistently provides a reliable supply of high quality drinking water that surpasses all state and federal drinking water quality requirements. Roll up your sleeves for Volunteer WeekThe City of Ann Arbor GIVE 365 Program, which provides year-round volunteer opportunities, will kick off its inaugural Volunteer Week July 10 through 17. Events are planned for the whole family, individuals — or groups of friends, co-workers, etc. Anyone interested can sign up online to plant flowers in the parks, paint structures at the pool, clean up baseball fields, and even help out for a couple of hours at the annual Huron River Day Celebration. See the city meetings and events calendar for project specifics, and visit the Give 365 website for more information. Please help make an important difference in our community.      Getting noticed  Ann Arbor has recently been recognized in the following ways … Community Television Network has won two national Hometown Video Awards; there were 1,100 entries from community television centers around the United States and Canada. Both winning productions were the work of CTN Producer Tim Nagae — Eco Sense: “Bike & Walk in Ann Arbor” (with assistance from the Ann Arbor Transportation Manager Eli Cooper); and Senior Moments: “Pittsfield Senior Center.” Ann Arbor was selected as a National Civic League All-America City Awards finalist, the only city in Michigan and among 22 other cities nationwide. Although A2 didn’t win the ultimate distinction, a member of the “Ann Arbor delegation,” local high school student and founder of Ann Arbor Teens for Kids Nick Shannon, was selected as the All-America City Youth Leader Award winner. The delegation, which also included residents, students, U-M, Convention and Visitors Bureau and city and county staff, made a 10-minute presentation to explain its three innovative projects: online water consumption system which allows residents to track their water usage; the coordinated funding model, in which the city, county, United Way, Community Foundation and others collaborate to provide access to affordable housing, healthcare, childcare, employment and more; and Ann Arbor Farmers Market’s implementation of the state’s Project FRESH and Bridge Card (food stamps) programs. Visit the city’s All-America City Web page for project descriptions and details, and also to watch the presentation video.       Attend the City of Ann Arbor Career FairThe City of Ann Arbor has a limited number of employment positions to fill, and is therefore holding a career fair for three days at the Wheeler Service Center, 4251 Stone School Road. The career fair will be open to the public at the following times: Thursday, July 14, 4 – 8 p.m.Friday, July 15, 4 – 7 p.m.Saturday, July 16, noon – 4 p.m. The city is currently seeking to fill the following positions:Civil Engineering Specialist Development Services InspectorEnvironmental Lab Analyst Environmental Lab Supervisor Field Operations TechnicianManagement AssistantStorm water & Erosion InspectorWater Utility Technician In order to be considered for these positions, you must bring three copies of your resume with you. The City of Ann Arbor is an equal opportunity employer. Please visit the “city employment” website for more information.  Important datesAmong the many public meetings/events taking place in July, here are some of the highlights (please see the attachment/go online for details and a complete list): City government offices will be closed Monday, July 4 for Independence Day. Trash/compost/recycling collection will therefore be delayed by one day, occurring Tuesday through Saturday.Also due to the July 4 holiday, the City Council meeting will take place Tuesday, July 5.July 5 is the deadline to register to vote in the Aug. 2 Primary Election.Volunteer Week kicks off July 10.The new city administrator candidate reception is Tuesday, July 12, with public interviews taking place Wednesday, July 13.Huron River Day is Sunday, July 17, with free fun for all.CTN will be recording free video greetings at the Townie Party July 18, and at the Art Fairs July 20 – 23.

June 2011 A2 City News Resident Newsletter Article List Electronic distribution: Friday, June 3, 2011 2012 budget approved After countless hours discussing and meeting, on Tuesday, May 31, City Council adopted the City of Ann Arbor’s fiscal year 2012 budget, which runs from July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012.As the organization has become leaner and more efficient, balancing recurring expenses with revenue has become increasingly challenging and nearly impossible to achieve without further staff reductions. The adopted budget was very similar to the City Administrator’s recommended budget, but did include a few adjustments, including a one-time use of general fund reserve in the amount of $90,804 for Parks athletic field mowing and maintenance; a one-time use of general fund reserve in the amount of $85,600 to support human services programs; and a one-time use of general fund for the City Clerk’s office to support city elections. In addition, a new DDA parking agreement was finalized, which establishes an ongoing payment to the city from the Parking System of 17 percent of revenues and gives the DDA the authority to implement parking fees. While most of this revenue was anticipated within the City Administrator’s recommended budget, it could not be counted on until this agreement was approved by Council May 31. The approved budget also includes the following city personnel reductions: ·      While Police patrol officers are maintained, four occupied police positions and three civilian staff positions will be eliminated on July 1.      ·      In Fire services, three occupied firefighter positions will be eliminated on July 1, but a plan is being developed to keep all existing fire stations open.        If you did not attend the meeting or watch it live online or on CTN Comcast Channel 16, you can view the meeting via CTN’s video on demand at  www.a2govtv.pegcentral.com. Budget information and resources are available via the online Citizen Budget Resource Guide.  Evening Farmers Markets beginDo you want to avoid the market’s Saturday hustle and bustle, but find it difficult to swing by on a Wednesday morning? A new option has just been launched that makes the market’s varied and local offerings even more accessible. Now through the end of September, the Ann Arbor Farmers Market will also be open Wednesday evenings, 4:30 until 8:30 p.m. Stop by for groceries or a delicious supper from one of the many food cart vendors, or stroll by after dinner to pick up dessert and enjoy live music! Plus, all of the shops in Kerrytown will be staying open until 8 p.m. Larcom City Hall construction updates The entire work plan for the Ann Arbor Municipal Center site, which includes the Justice Center facility and Larcom City Hall building, was initiated by the need to find a new location for the 15th District Court, as the lease with Washtenaw County was expiring and was non renewable. In addition, Municipal Center work plans were based on the need to terminate all of the city’s downtown leases and move city staff into the municipal center site. As another step toward accomplishing this goal, the below city service unit relocations are taking place. Lobby signage in Larcom City Hall has been updated as well as contact information on the city’s website.    Community services administration staff has moved from the seventh floor of the City Center building to the first floor of the City Center building. This summer, the CSA administration and the Customer Service Center staff will move to the first floor of Larcom City Hall once renovations are completed.  Public services administration staff has moved from the seventh floor of the City Center building to their permanent location at Larcom City Hall, sixth floor, where they are now open for business.  City of Ann Arbor human resources staff has moved from the seventh floor of the City Center building to the sixth floor of Larcom City Hall. Lobby signage in Larcom City Hall has been updated as well as contact information on the city’s website.    Green Fair is Friday, June 10Main Street will be closed to vehicles, but open for pedestrians, during the 11th annual Mayor’s Green Fair 6 to 9 p.m. on Ann Arbor’s Main Street. The event includes free entertainment and over 100 exhibits with environmental information, hands-on youth activities, Clean Energy Expo, green commuting options, Bike Fest, WasteKnot business partners, walking tours and more. Go to the Green Fair website for more information.   Free Paddling Passports available for area freshmenNinth grade students can go paddling on the Huron River in Ann Arbor for free this season, thanks to a new program announced jointly by the Professional Paddlesports Association and the City of Ann Arbor canoe liveries. Called the Ninth Grade Paddle Pass, the program allows students to register and receive a passport that will get them up to 10 free paddling trips (also with other participating outfitters across the U.S.). Ann Arbor Canoe Liveries Supervisor Cheryl Saam, who sits on PPA’s board of directors, said the program is designed to get kids out on the water, enjoying nature. To register for the program and for further details, visit www.paddlepass.com. A teacher or administrator must also verify the registration and return it to the PPA. The trade association will send qualifying students a passport good for up to 10 free paddling trips, either at the same location or at 10 different participating outfitters. Freshmen may choose canoes or kayaks. Usage restrictions apply and may vary by location; including, at the Ann Arbor Canoe Liveries, the Paddle Pass cannot be used over the July Fourth holiday, and an adult must accompany the ninth graders. City of Ann Arbor Argo and Gallup canoe liveries offer stillwater paddling, river trips and river-based programming to the greater Ann Arbor area. For details, call 734.794.6240 or visit the canoe liveries website.  Ann Arbor’s finest are honored Now in its fifth year, the annual City of Ann Arbor Police Services Awards Ceremony recognizes and honors the individuals who serve and protect our city. The 2011 event took place in May and was sponsored by Cueter Chrysler Jeep Dodge, with coordination assistance through the A2Y Area Chamber of Commerce. Former University of Michigan Football Head Coach Lloyd Car was the guest speaker. You can watch the awards ceremony at your convenience at CitiTV 19’s online Video-On-Demand service @ www.a2ctitv.pegcentral.com Click here to read more about the outstanding service and dedication of the Ann Arbor police department. Roadwork in A2Several construction projects are going on in Ann Arbor this season. Included is the South Fifth Avenue water main project, which will replace the existing water main with a new 12-inch main between Liberty Street and through the intersection of Washington Street. In addition to the new water main installation, water main testing and road restoration will also take place. This project is expected to last through the end of June 2011. Keep up to date with other road projects and event-related closures and detours by visiting — and subscribing to updates from — the city’s road and lane closures Web page.      Water and sewer emergency reporting processWith the onslaught of recent storms, some citizens may have experienced a sanitary sewer backup and need more information about reporting such an issue to the City of Ann Arbor. Sanitary sewer backup and water main breaks are handled by the City of Ann Arbor’s field services unit. If you witness or experience any of these issues, please go online to the water emergencies Web page for assistance information and reporting process instructions.  More plastics accepted for recyclingLocal gardeners and yard-work aficionados may be glad to learn that clean plastic flower pots and many plant trays can now be recycled in curbside collection carts. Thanks to the upgrade to the City of Ann Arbor’s single-stream recycling facility, plastic gardening containers include clean plastic pots used for holding plants, shrubs and trees; clean trays that hold flats of plants (but please discard the flimsy plant “cell packs”); and clean hanging planters (with the hangers removed and discarded). In order to be recycled, garden trays and plastic flower pots need to free of dirt and debris and be sturdy, not crushed, in order to be mechanically separated from papers during the automated sorting process at the Materials Recovery Facility. Dirt and debris left on recyclables cause contamination in the sorting process and also in the material to be remanufactured. (See also the MRF video posted on Community Television Network’s Video on Demand).  An expanded range of plastic bottles, tubs, deli-trays and cup-shapes may now also be put into recycling carts. For 24-hour information on Ann Arbor’s recycling and other solid waste services, call 99-GREEN (734.994.7336) or consult the city’s recycling website.  For information on plastic recycling options beyond what is offered through the city’s recycling program, a list of drop-off or mail-back programs for specific materials is compiled by Washtenaw County and posted online.  West Park Grand Opening eventCity of Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation together with Ann Arbor Rec & Ed invite you to the West Park Grand Opening on Father’s Day Sunday, June 19 from noon to 4 p.m. This special event will have something for everyone. Activities will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, guided tours, sculpture unveiling, sports activities sponsored by Ann Arbor Rec & Ed, which will include kick ball, hula hoops and basketball. The Ann Arbor fire and police departments will also make a visit. Purchase delicious treats from local food carts, watch the volunteer recognition ceremony and enjoy music from the Ann Arbor Civic Band. There will also be tree plantings and a raffle drawing. West Park is located close to downtown between Miller and Huron streets, and Chapin and Seventh streets. Come out to join the fun and to see all the new features added to this city gem.  Grant to help introduce kids to golfAnn Arbor Parks and Recreation, together with Huron Hills Golf Course, was recently awarded a $12,000 grant by the National Recreation and Park Association to pilot the new SNAG (Starting New at Golf) G-Ball program. Ann Arbor was one of 15 agencies in the U.S. chosen to pilot the SNAG G-Ball program in 2011. G-Ball is golf’s version of T-ball. It can be used at any age, but is targeted toward young children as young as 5 years old. The program is conducted by parent-coaches in recreation centers, on sports fields and in other public open spaces. G-Ball is an activity-based program that focuses on progressive and developmental play in a non-competitive format. The SNAG G-Ball Grant program was made possible by Player Development Products LLC. Huron Hills Golf Course, the only facility to earn the grant in the Midwest region, will offer a SNAG program during the month of July. This will be a great opportunity for young children to learn about the game of golf. Modified equipment allows for faster learning, better technique, more fun and greater activity while learning skills. For more information, visit the city’s golf website, and subscribe to receive e-updates. Free compost and mulch Saturdays extendedThe City of Ann Arbor and its contracted composting operator, WeCare Organics, have extended the program for free compost and mulch for Ann Arbor residents through Saturday, June 25, 2011. Up to one cubic yard (or six bushels) of free, self-loaded compost or mulch for Ann Arbor residents is available between 8 a.m. and noon on Saturdays at the municipal Compost Center, 4150 Platt Road, while supplies last. Residents must bring their own shovel and containers and proceed to the scale house at 4150 Platt Road. Proof of Ann Arbor residency — a recent water bill and driver’s license — must be presented. The scale house operator will then direct the resident to the location of the free compost. The limit is 6 bushels (or 1 cubic yard) per household. Ann Arbor’s compost services are also outlined online.  New GIVE 365 Program going strong Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation’s new Give 365 Program debuted in April and has received positive feedback from the community. The volunteer program offers a wide array of opportunities for individuals, families, service clubs and student groups. Volunteer Outreach Coordinator Gayle LaVictoire notes that volunteers may sign up for one-day events, short -term experiences or longer-term programs. Go online to learn more about the program and to sign up for individual or group volunteer opportunities, or contact LaVictoire at 734.794.6230, extension 42510.   Report shows significant return on investment from local nonprofitsThe office of community development, a joint department of Washtenaw County and the City of Ann Arbor, recently released the 2011 report on the local economic impact of 37 area nonprofit organizations that receive over $2.7 million in local tax dollars. This report, titled Nonprofit Funding in Washtenaw County: An Analysis of the Economic Return on Investment for Taxpayers, outlines six areas in which this local investment in nonprofit organizations results not only in a strong safety net for vulnerable residents, but also in significant economic returns for residents, businesses and local government. http://mossfesvr:8888/news/Documents/2011_News_Releases/Economic_Impact_OCD_2011-06.pdf In 2011, the organizations funded by Washtenaw County and/or the City of Ann Arbor will generate more than $34 million of external revenue, which amounts to increased leveraging power and local return on investment. In fact, this year for every $1 invested by local government, nonprofits will leverage more than $12 compared to $10 in 2009. This leveraging power creates local private sector jobs, by directly employing nearly 900 people, and by indirectly creating hundreds of additional jobs when nonprofits and their employees purchase goods and services. To learn more, visit the office of community development online. Take the hot-weather surveyHot weather can cause serious illness or death, especially for older adults, infants, children and those with chronic medical conditions. Washtenaw County Public Health wants to hear how ready you feel to take on very hot summer days or other potential health emergencies. Input helps the county understand how prepared they are to deal with extreme heat — and what community services are most beneficial. The survey is anonymous and only takes about 8 minutes. Go online to take the Hot Weather and Health Survey.   Please share this survey with local family members and  neighbors. For more information on the impacts of extreme heat on health, and for tips on staying safe in hot weather, visit the WCPH website.  What’s happening in June? Many public meetings are events are taking place in June. See the individual event articles in this newsletter, or go online for details and a complete list. Please note that listings may be updated throughout the month.     The Evening Farmers Market kicked off this month on Wednesdays, 4:30 – 8:30 p.m. through September. Friday, June 10, 6 – 9 p.m. is the 11th annual Mayor’s Green Fair on Main Street. On Sunday, June 19, West Park will host a grand opening event from noon until 4 p.m. 

May 2011 A2 City News Resident Newsletter Articles Electronic distribution: Friday, April 29, 2011  2012 budget update  As the City of Ann Arbor fiscal year 2012 budget process continues, citizens are invited to attend the following meetings: Monday, May 2, 2011, 7 p.m. City Council Regular Meeting — Fiscal year 2012 budget public hearing at Larcom City Hall, second floor Council chambers, 301 E. Huron St. Monday, May 9, 2011, 7 p.m. City Council Work Session — City Council discussion of City Administrator's recommended fiscal year 2012 budget; Larcom City Hall, second floor Council chambers, 301 E. Huron St.Monday, May 16, 2011, 7 p.m. City Council Regular Meeting — City Council consideration of City Administrator's recommended fiscal year 2012 budget; Larcom City Hall, second floor Council chambers, 301 E. Huron St. In addition, the 2012 and 2013 budget presentation from City Administrator Roger Fraser at the April 13 Town Hall meeting as well as the budget presentation given to City Council at their regular meeting April 19 are available for viewing online. Per City Charter, City Council will adopt the annual budget in May. The fiscal year 2012 budget will be in effect July 1, 2011, through June 30, 2012. Please see the online budget guide for additional information on the city budget and the planning process.  New City Administrator Stakeholder meetings on May 3On Thursday, April 28, the City of Ann Arbor’s Chief Financial Officer Tom Crawford became interim city administrator. Crawford will remain in this position until a permanent city administrator is appointed by City Council in early September. On March 21, Mayor John Hieftje appointed a search committee charged with recommending a selection process for the new city administrator. The City Administrator Search Committee recommended to City Council on April 19 that the search process include business and citizen stakeholder meetings moderated by the recruitment firm Affion Public Inc. As a result, two stakeholder meetings will take place Tuesday, May 3, at the County Administration Building, 200 N. Main, in the lower level conference room:  6 p.m. Business Stakeholder Meeting 7 p.m. Citizen Stakeholder Meeting        These stakeholder meetings will give business owners and citizens the opportunity to provide feedback regarding the new city administrator’s role and responsibilities as identified in the City Charter. The city administrator job description can be viewed on the city website or by clicking here for the PDF.   In addition, citizens can e-mail questions about the stakeholder meetings. In June, onsite public interviews with selected candidates will be scheduled. Once available, specific dates will be announced on the city’s website.  May 3 special electionThe Washtenaw Intermediate School District Election takes place Tuesday, May 3. All City of Ann Arbor polling places will be open 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. Visit the elections Web page for further ballot and polling place information or to check the status of your voter registration in the city, or contact the city clerk’s office at 734.794.6140. mailto:cityclerk@a2gov.org    Farmers Market extended hours beginIn addition to Saturdays, the Ann Arbor Farmers Market is again open on Wednesdays, through December. The market resumes its seasonal extended hours as well, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. Still wishing for more market time? Come June, you’re in luck. The Ann Arbor Farmers Market will pilot a very special evening market, 4:30 until 8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays through September. More details will be available toward the end of May. For updates, visit the Ann Arbor Farmers Market online, or become a parks and recreation fan on Facebook.     LIVE public meeting Web streamingNow all Community Television Network Channel 16 live televised public meetings are also available to watch live online from CTN’s website, on “The Meeting Place” page.  Live Web streaming is one more way, in addition to these listed below, to stay in touch with Ann Arbor City Council and board and commission actions and deliberations. Video on Demand: Replay public meetings at your convenience online. Cable: Watch CTN Channel 16 public meeting programming via Comcast Cable channel 16.  Justice Center eventThe Ann Arbor Justice Center was officially unveiled to the public at an open house event Saturday, April 16. Guests went on a guided tour of the new facility, which houses the city’s information technology services unit, 15th District Court as well as the Ann Arbor Police Department. The entrance to the Justice Center, located adjacent to Larcom City Hall, is on the building’s south side, at Huron Street and Fifth Avenue. Larcom City Hall’s main entrance has also been relocated here, on the south, Huron Street, side. See the map PDF for directions.  Spring hydrant flushing continuesThe City of Ann Arbor water utilities division continues its annual fire hydrant inspection and system maintenance. Hydrant-flushing schedules are posted on the city’s “news” Web page; and more information is available on the city’s field services website.     Why is it helpful to know when hydrant flushing is happening in your neighborhood? On occasion during the hydrant-flushing process, the water in area homes may have an orange or rusty appearance. The discolored water does not pose a health or safety risk, but the water can cause stains to laundry. If water appears discolored, please run the cold water for several minutes to clear your lines. You should also flush your toilets once or twice. The water should run clear within a few minutes. The iron sediment in the water main being disturbed by the hydrant flushing causes the discoloration. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the hydrant-flushing process, please visit the website or contact the City of Ann Arbor field services unit at 734.794.6350.   A2 Downtown Blooms and Adopt-a-Park eventsTwo annual events take place Saturday, May 21 to engage the Ann Arbor community in beautifying the city. Hundreds of volunteers will meet at 9 a.m. downtown at Liberty Plaza (Division and Liberty streets) to kick off A2 Downtown Blooms Day. Volunteers help plant and mulch flower planters throughout the downtown, and each volunteer  receives a t-shirt and pizza lunch. To preregister, call 734.794.6000, extension 43112. Go online for more details.  Also beginning at 9 a.m., neighbors can get to know their parks, and one another, during the Adopt-a-Park Kick Off. Training, tools and support will be provided by the city. For participating park locations and details, contact the Adopt-A-Park coordinator via email or by calling 734.794.6627 or go online.  Free-compost or mulch SaturdaysEach Saturday through May 28, residents of Ann Arbor can pick up a maximum 6 bushels (or 1 cubic yard) total of free compost from the Compost Center, 4150 Platt Road. The free compost or mulch, self loaded, is available to Ann Arbor residents, compliments of WeCare Organics. Residents must verify residency (with a water bill and drivers license) at the MRF scalehouse to receive the coupon. Pick-up hours are 8 a.m. to noon, and residents must bring their own shovel and containers or trucks to haul the compost. For details, visit the compost page of the city website.   Mobile discounts in the parks Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation will begin to offer mobile coupons at various park facilities in May. The next time you rent a canoe at Argo or Gallup canoe livery or check in for your tee time at Huron Hills or Leslie Park golf courses, look for an offer at the counter prompting you to text the keyword: A2Parks to 22700 using your cell phone … and you’ll instantly receive a text message in return with a special offer/discount at that location. Simply show the cashier the coupon on your phone, and they’ll apply your discount when you cash out. This season, coupons for a discount on general admission fees will be offered at the city’s outdoor pools as well as for savings at the canoe liveries and golf courses. Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation also plans to use SMS messaging for rewards and opportunities for customers to enter contests this summer. April showers bring... basement backups?Intense precipitation creates the potential to overwhelm the city’s drainage systems. In rare instances, basement wetness from seepage or sanitary sewer backups can result. The City of Ann Arbor initiated a Footing Drain Disconnect (FDD) program over a decade ago to address one of the major causes of basement flooding in Ann Arbor. You can be part of the solution! Eligible expenses associated with disconnecting your home’s footing drains from the sanitary sewer system will be reimbursed according to city regulations. Go online for details, or call one of the city’s FDD program staff at 734.794.6410 for more information.   Canoe liveries open, city pools next on tapNow open daily, the Gallup and Argo canoe liveries feature canoes and kayaks (and paddleboats and rowboats at Gallup) for rent. The Gallup Park Coffee Shop featuring Zingerman’s baked goods and coffee is also open for the season. Go online for details, or call 734.794.6240.   And stick around this Memorial Day weekend. Buhr Park Pool, Fuller Park Pool and Veterans Memorial Park Pool are scheduled to open for the season on Saturday, May 28. Go online for pool hours, rates and upcoming special events. Visit Buhr Park Pool online. Visit Fuller Park Pool online.Visit Veterans Memorial Park Pool online.   Crosswalk cautionsRemember to STOP your vehicle for pedestrians approaching and in marked crosswalks. More tips for safe travel are posted online.  Rx collection eventCity of Ann Arbor Police Services will participate in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration National Take Back Day to help rid homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted medications and prescription drugs. On Saturday, April 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the public is invited to bring medications for disposal to the Ann Arbor Justice Center at 301 E. Huron St., second floor. The service is free and anonymous; no questions are asked. For details on this program, visit the National Take Back Day website.  Recycle your eWasteOn Saturday, May 7, 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., you can finally rid your basements and garages of those old computer monitors, broken televisions or any other unwanted electronics. The U-M Office of Campus Sustainability and Ann Arbor Public Schools are hosting a FREE e-Waste Recycling Event at the Pioneer High School parking lot, 601 W. Stadium Boulevard (at Main Street). Go online for details.  Getting noticed  Ann Arbor has recently received the following recognitions … The National Civic League has named Ann Arbor a finalist for the 2011 All-America City Award, the annual competition for civic activists and community problem solvers. Ann Arbor will compete with 25 other cities, including Philadelphia, Pa., South Bend, Ind., Buffalo, N.Y., Cincinnati, Ohio, and Fort Worth, Texas, for ultimate recognition for its community-based problem solving, grassroots civic engagement and joint efforts on the part of the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Ten winners will be announced in June. Learn more at the award program's website or go to the city’s website to learn about the three initiatives highlighted in Ann Arbor’s application.  The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center has designated the City of Ann Arbor as a GOLD level Walk Friendly Community for its walkability initiatives and programs. Ann Arbor is among only 11 communities recognized nationwide in the inaugural round of Walk Friendly Communities. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration and FedEx, Walk Friendly Communities is a national recognition program aimed at recognizing communities that have demonstrated a commitment to improving and sustaining workability and pedestrian safety through comprehensive programs, plans and policies.  Dates to rememberThere are many public meetings and events taking place in May, including the following highlights (please see the related articles in this newsletter or visit the city’s online calendar for details and a complete list): Sunday, May 1, noon – 4 p.m. Earth Day Festival — Washtenaw Community College, 4800 E. Huron River Drive. This free, family-friendly event features environmental displays; live animal exhibits; hands-on activities; live entertainment; and green building features. All ages welcome. Visit website for more details.  Monday, May 30, city government offices are closed in observance of Memorial Day. Trash, compost and recycling collection will be delayed by one day, Tuesday through Saturday.

April 2011 A2 City News Resident Newsletter Articles Electronic distribution: Thursday, March 31, 2011 Spring/Summer registration is now underway Did you know registration for programs and activities in Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation is open? The city has a convenient online registration system, or walk in to any of our recreation facilities to sign up onsite. You can find the new 80-page parks and recreation activities guide around the city including Larcom City Hall, the Ann Arbor District Libraries, our facilities and the Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Customer Service Center (located at 2781 Packard Road inside Cobblestone Farm barn). The guide (PDF format) is also available for viewing on the parks website.  The guide features information and fees for youth and adult instructional golf lessons, swim lessons at all city pools, educational classes at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, canoe/kayak trips down the Huron River and more. There’s also a section on day camps at Buhr and Fuller Park pools, Huron Hills Golf Course (Junior Golf Camp) and Argo/Gallup canoe liveries. More about these offerings can be found online. You can also find Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation on Facebook and Twitter. Information is posted daily about the variety of programs, and visitors are encouraged to share their experiences in the parks through wall posts and pictures. Annual Town Hall Meeting April 13 The Ann Arbor public is invited to attend a community town hall meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 13 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Community Television Network, 2805 S. Industrial, suite 200. City staff and elected officials will be available to answer questions after the fiscal years 2012 and 2013 budget presentation. Free onsite parking is available. Per City Charter, City Council adopts the annual budget in May. The fiscal year 2012 budget runs from July 1, 2011, to June 30, 2012. The city’s online budget guide provides additional information on the city budget and the planning process. The meeting will be taped for replay on CTN Channel 16 (Thursday, April 14 at 1 p.m.; Friday, April 15 at 5:30 p.m.) or available to replay online within 24 hours after the meeting.  Ann Arbor Municipal Center updates Entrance relocation  In early April, the temporary entrance to Larcom City Hall will move from the north side of the building off Ann Street to the south side of the building off Huron Street. When this occurs, the only public access to Larcom City Hall will be via double doors located off Huron Street behind the new Justice Center. Directional signage will be placed along Ann Street and Fifth Avenue to assist visitors in locating both building entrances. City clerk’s office  The city clerk’s office returned to Larcom City Hall on March 16, when minor renovations to the second floor were completed. In addition, City Council and some board and commission meetings that temporarily relocated to the County Board of Commissioners room will meet back in Council chambers, second floor of City Hall, beginning the week of April 4. See the Tree Town Log and/or the city’s online calendar to confirm meeting locations.  Justice Center Open House  The City of Ann Arbor will host a public open house to commemorate the new Ann Arbor police services and 15th District Court facility on Saturday, April 16 from 10 a.m. to noon in the lobby of the Justice Center, 301 E. Huron St. The event will include a brief program, light refreshments and a guided facility tour by police and 15th District Court personnel. Scheduled speakers include City Administrator Roger Fraser, Ann Arbor Mayor John Hieftje, 15th District Court Chief Judge Pro Tempore Elizabeth Hines and City of Ann Arbor Police Chief Barnett Jones. Visitors interested in downtown parking options for this event can visit the Downtown Development Authority website.  There also are handicap parking spaces located on Ann Street east of Fifth Avenue.  Services in the Justice Center include: ·      IT services unit — first floor·      Police front desk and records — second floor·      Police special services — second floor·      Pistol registration — second floor·      Police administration — third floor·      Police detectives — third floor·      Police professional standards — third floor·      Police training services — third floor·      Probation department — fourth floor·      15th District Court — fourth and fifth floors City services at Larcom City Hall include: ·      City clerk — second floor·      Mayor, city administrator and city attorney — third floor·      Systems planning and project management services — fourth floor·      Finance administration, assessor and treasury — fifth floor·      Planning and development services — fifth floor When completed in May 2011, the Customer Service Center, construction/building services and other city units will be relocated to Larcom City Hall. The entire site, including the new Justice Center and Larcom City Hall, will be referred to as the Ann Arbor Municipal Center. Both buildings will have the 301 E. Huron St. address.  Crosswalk survey City Council’s adoption of an ordinance last summer (stating motorists must stop and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians approaching or within a crosswalk) no doubt contributes to Ann Arbor’s ranking as a top five most “walkable” U.S. city.  Now that warmer weather is due to arrive at any moment, this is important to remember as so many more people will be out and about. (Additional information is posted on the city’s Walk. Bike. Drive. website.)  The Washtenaw Bicycling and Walking Coalition (WBWC), City of Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority and Thomson Reuters are working together to improve safety at crosswalks throughout the city. Using an online survey, this group is gathering data on local behaviors and knowledge about crosswalks among those who regularly drive in Ann Arbor. Survey data will be used to help guide a community-wide education campaign later in 2011.  Please take a few minutes to complete the driver survey, and please share this survey link with other local drivers. Respondents who choose to provide their name and contact information on the survey will be entered in a drawing to win a free oil change from Victory Lane.  The survey closes April 15, 2011. Your participation is appreciated! Free-compost or mulch SaturdaysSaturdays, April 16 through May 28, residents of Ann Arbor can pick up a maximum 6 bushels (or 1 cubic yard) total of free compost from the Compost Center, 4150 Platt Road. The free compost or mulch, self loaded, is available to Ann Arbor residents, compliments of WeCare Organics. Residents must verify residency (with a water bill and drivers license) at the MRF scalehouse to receive the coupon. Pick-up hours are 8 a.m. to noon, and residents must bring their own shovel and containers or trucks to haul the compost. For details, visit the compost page of the city website.  Curbside compost pick up resumesCity of Ann Arbor residential compost weekly curbside collection resumes Monday, April 4, 2011, on regular trash collection days. What’s acceptable as compost? ·      Yard trimmings such as leaves, plants, garden debris, twigs and branches up to 6 inches in diameter and 4 feet in length ·      Only accepted inside compost carts: grass clippings, fruit and vegetable scraps, and uncoated paper plates, paper cups and napkins, discarded for compost collection in the inside compost carts only. These items may not be placed in paper yard waste bags (see explanation below).How to prepare your compost for pick up:·      City-approved compost carts are available for $50 each from the city’s Customer Service and Payment Center) may be used for all types of compostables. ·      Paper yard waste bags (available from local retailers) may be used only for certain compostables, such as yard trimmings.·      Brush and tree limbs (up to 6 inches in diameter) may be tied into bundles up to 18 inches in diameter. ·      Maximum weight for each bag or bundle of compostables is 50 pounds. ·      Compostables must be placed at the curb before 7 a.m. on the weekly waste collection day.·      At least 3 feet must be left between each cart, to allow for the automated-truck operation to occur safely and efficiently. What NOT to do …·      Food scraps and grass clippings may not be discarded in paper yard waste bags, in order to avoid attracting wildlife, generating odors or creating unsafe conditions from wet, overweight or broken paper bags at the curb. ·      Items not accepted  as compost include: plastic bags, trash, stones, animal waste, dirt, sod and logs over 6 inches in diameter How to get a compost cart:·      Municipal 96-, 64- and 35-gallon compost carts are available for a one-time price of $50 each (any size). ·      Residents may purchase compost carts from the city’s Customer Service Center and Payment Center (734.994.7336 or 99-GREEN) during weekday business hours at 220 E. Huron, and pay by cash, check or credit card. An online summary of options is available for the city’s compost, recycling and trash cart collection. For 24-hour information on the city’s compost operations, more details on the expanded fruit and vegetable materials accepted for seasonal collection, and compost cart sales, call please 99.GREEN (734.994.7336) or go online.  Solid waste collection-day changes in April Collection efficiencies — convenient recycling carts and Recyclebank incentives — resulting from the launch of Ann Arbor’s expanded recycling program last summer has made it possible for the city to eliminate one solid waste collection route each day. Beginning the week of April 25, 2011, two Ann Arbor areas with curbside collection service will have a different solid waste collection day. ·      Residences bordered between Packard, South Main, East Huron, and South State shift from Tuesday to a Monday pickup day. ·      Residences bordered by Glazier Way, Huron Parkway, Plymouth Road, and US 23 shift from Wednesday to a Tuesday pickup day. Spring hydrant flushing to begin The City of Ann Arbor water utilities division conducts annual fire hydrant inspection and system maintenance by flushing water through selected area hydrants. The seasonal hydrant work is scheduled to begin April 11, weather permitting. Hydrant-flushing schedules will be posted on the city’s “news” Web page; and more information is available on the city’s field services website.     Why is it helpful to know when hydrant flushing is happening in your neighborhood? On occasion during the hydrant-flushing process, the water in area homes may have an orange or rusty appearance. The discolored water does not pose a health or safety risk, but the water can cause stains to laundry. If water appears discolored, please run the cold water for several minutes to clear your lines. You should also flush your toilets once or twice. The water should run clear within a few minutes. The iron sediment in the water main being disturbed by the hydrant flushing causes the discoloration. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the hydrant-flushing process, please visit the website or contact the City of Ann Arbor field services unit at 734.794.6350.  U-M spring football game notesOn Saturday, April 16, the University of Michigan will hold its Mott spring football game. Residents looking for information about this event should visit U-M’s website. Parking restrictions, vendor restrictions and street traffic control will be similar to any fall football game day. Good Friday Golf Scramble On Friday, April 22, Leslie Park Golf Course, 2120 Traver Road, will be hosting the first tournament of the year. The second annual Good Friday Golf Scramble, which raises money for the Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Scholarship Fund, begins at 8:30a.m. (check in at 7:30 a.m.). It is a scramble format, so there’s no need to be good — just recruit good partners! Cost is $40 per person / $160 per team and includes 18 holes with cart, continental breakfast, lunch, lots of prizes and a complimentary round at our sister course, the historic Huron Hills. Even better than golf in April, $80 of each team entry goes toward the Parks and Recreation Scholarship Fund to provide recreational activities for children of Ann Arbor regardless of their economic situation. This event fills up quickly, so don't delay!  For details, visit the A2 golf website or contact Director of Golf Doug Kelly, 734.794.6245. mailto:dkelly@a2gov.org.  Seasonal siren testing resumes The seasonal testing of the city’s outdoor warning sirens resumed last month.  Conducted by the city’s office of emergency management, testing is performed at 1 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month, March through November, with 1 minute of steady wailing. Beyond regular testing, the sirens may be activated in urgent situations including tornado warnings and hazardous materials spills. An actual siren activation will sound for 3 minutes with steady wailing, signaling to take cover immediately. The emergency management office recommends citizens keep a battery-operated radio on hand, and, in the event of an emergency, tune into WAAM 1600 AM, WEMU 89.1 FM, or WQKL 107.1 FM for access to further updates, including an all-clear notice. Visit the emergency management office website for other preparedness tips.  Please note, Washtenaw County sirens are tested on the first Saturday of the month at noon, March through September. Why not Give 365?The city recently debuted a program to build upon its growing culture of volunteerism. Taking cues from successful initiatives like Natural Area Preservation and Adopt-A-Park, the GIVE 365 Program will rally the community around volunteerism, specifically in the parks and recreation system. An array of opportunities are available for a wide range of interests and time commitments. Volunteers may sign up for one-day events, short -term experiences or longer-term programs. Opportunities include spring and summer start ups at city pools and canoe liveries, volunteer golf rangers at both Leslie and Huron Hills golf courses, assisting with Ann Arbor Farmers Market and Ann Arbor Senior Center newsletters, and, for teens ages 13 to 17, becoming counselors-in-training at one of the city’s three day camps.         Go online to learn more about the program and to sign up for individual or group volunteer opportunities, or contact Volunteer Outreach Coordinator Gayle LaVictoire at 734.794.6230 extension 42510. May 3 special electionThe Washtenaw Intermediate School District Election takes place Tuesday, May 3. All City of Ann Arbor polling places will be open 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. Visit the elections Web page for further ballot and polling place information or to check the status of your voter registration in the city, or contact the city clerk’s office at 734.794.6140. mailto:cityclerk@a2gov.org   The last day to register to vote in this election is Monday, April 4, 2011. Registrations are accepted at all Secretary of State branch offices and the Ann Arbor City Clerk’s office (second floor of City Hall). Mailed registrations with a postmark by the deadline are also accepted. Now playing: A2 City NewsNow you can read and listen to A2 City News! Community Television Network produces a podcast version of each News issue, posted online following the original newsletter’s publish date. http://a2citynews.blogspot.com/   New LED streetlightsThere is a  more energy-efficient glow over the area of Hill Street, Packard Street, South Forest Avenue and Wells Street. The City of Ann Arbor recently collaborated with DTE Energy on a neighborhood LED (light-emitting diode) street lighting project. The project was funded in part by DTE Energy’s “Your Energy Savings” program and replaced 58 conventional streetlight fixtures with new energy-efficient LED fixtures. The new fixtures will cut energy usage by nearly 50 percent and will provide a cost savings of $5,600 annually, repaying the city’s investment in four years. Plus, LED streetlights are expected to last up to 10 years without maintenance. LED lights also benefit the environment by reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 25,000 pounds — an amount equivalent to driving a car once around the Earth’s equator. Ann Arbor is among several Michigan municipalities assessing streetlight systems for energy- and cost-saving opportunities. Communities from Grand Rapids to Union Township have been exploring different street lighting options, but none has pursued LED streetlights as aggressively as Ann Arbor. With over 1,300 LED streetlights installed since 2006 and another 500 planned for summer 2011, Ann Arbor clearly demonstrates the potential of this rapidly maturing technology. Visit the city’s energy website for more information on its energy programs.  Energy Challenge exceeds expectations Thank you to everyone who participated in the February Energy Challenge. Participants were asked to reduce their carbon dioxide emissions by 5.4 percent during the month, and results show that the average household reduced their emissions by at least 6.5 percent! For more information, visit the city’s energy website.  Medication collection eventCity of Ann Arbor Police Services will participate in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration National Take Back Day to help rid homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted medications and prescription drugs. On April 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the public is invited to bring medications for disposal to the Ann Arbor Justice Center at 301 E. Huron St., second floor. The service is free and anonymous; no questions are asked. Last September, Americans turned in 242,000 pounds — 121 tons — of prescription drugs at nearly 4,100 sites operated by the DEA and more than 3,000 state and local law enforcement partners.  This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines — flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash — pose potential safety and health hazards. For details on this program, visit the National Take Back Day website.   Getting noticedAnn Arbor was recently recognized in the following ways …·      At the (fully funded) invitation of ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, City of Ann Arbor Environmental Coordinator Matthew Naud participated in the February Delhi, India, Conference on Cities and Climate Change. http://www.iclei.org/index.php?id=iclei-home The conference was organized by the Department of Environment, Government of Delhi with the assistance of ICLEI South Asia and India’s Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health and showcased speakers from 11 international cities and more than 25 Indian cities. Naud gave a presentation on Ann Arbor climate change planning efforts and how the city fosters interdisciplinary approaches to challenges. The U.S. delegation included representatives from Atlanta, Boston and Sonoma County, Calif. This meeting was funded by the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).  There was no travel or conference costs to the city, and Ann Arbor’s international presence on sustainability issues and efforts was expanded.·      The Michigan Chapter of the American Public Works Association has awarded the city’s project management services unit Project of the Year in the category of “Transportation $5 – 10 Million” for the West Stadium Boulevard project. In addition, this project has been forwarded to the APWA national office to compete at that level. ·      The annual list of ComputerWorld Premier 100 IT Leaders has named City of Ann Arbor Information Technology Services Unit Director Dan Rainey as a 2011 honoree. ·      Forbes.com has named Ann Arbor No. 6 on its list of the 25 best cities for an active retirement. ·      The Knot: Michigan bridal magazine (spring/summer 2011) lists Cobblestone Farm as one of its top 10 “historic wedding venues we love.” In addition, the magazine features, in photos and facts, a wedding that took place at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market.  Save the date(s)There are several public meetings/events taking place in April, including the following highlights (please see the related articles in this newsletter or visit the city’s online calendar for details and a complete list): ·      Curbside compost collection resumes for the season on April 4.·      Monday, April 4 is also the last day to register to vote in the May 3 WISD Special Education Millage Election.·      The annual Town Hall Meeting is Wednesday, April 13 at Community Television Network, 7 – 9 p.m.·      Saturdays, April 16 – May 28, city residents can pick up free compost or mulch from the Compost Center .·      The Ann Arbor Justice Center Open House is Saturday, April 16, 10 a.m. – noon.·      Gallup Canoe Livery opening-weekend celebration is Sunday, April 17.·      A City Council meeting will take place on a Tuesday this month – Tuesday, April 19 – rather than the usual Monday schedule.·      City government offices will close at noon on Good Friday, April 22.·      The Good Friday Golf Scramble April 22 takes place at Leslie Park Golf Course. Registration is going on now.·      National Take Back Day is Saturday, April 30 (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) when unwanted medications can be dropped off at Ann Arbor Police Services in the new Justice Center. 

Fiscal year 2012 budget process  The fiscal year 2012 budget development process continues. Please visit the city’s budget guide website (www.a2gov.org — see the link on the “finance” page) for budget-related meeting updates as well as to download budget impact analyses from each service area.  Remember, replays of the Council budget work sessions are available to watch online via CTN Video on Demand at http://a2govtv.pegcentral.com/.   Per City Charter, Council adopts the annual budget in May. The fiscal year 2012 budget runs from July 1, 2011, to June 30, 2012. New stormwater code in effect March 1 New stormwater code changes take effect Tuesday, March 1, 2011, which will now require stormwater management on single- and two-family residential properties when properties increase impervious area by 200 or more square feet. Examples of impervious surfaces include, but are not limited to, rooftops, walkways, patios, courtyards, driveways, parking lots, storage areas, concrete or asphalt paving, gravel roads, or any cleared, graded, graveled, paved or compacted surfaces, or other surfaces which similarly impede the natural infiltration of surface water into the soil. More information about the code changes and an impervious area worksheet are available online (www.a2gov.org/building — see the link on the left column) to help outline whether your project will require stormwater management as part of the grading permit application process. Ann Arbor Municipal Center updates  During the week of March 2, the city clerk’s office will relocate back to Larcom City Hall, as minor renovations to the second floor and Council Chambers have been completed. In addition, City Council and other board and commission meetings which temporarily relocated to the County Board of Commissioners room will be back at Larcom City Hall beginning the week of March 7.    In January, the 15th District Court and police services officially opened for business at the Ann Arbor Justice Center, 301 E. Huron St. The below city services are now located in the new building. The Ann Arbor Justice Center entrance is located on Huron Street. ·      IT services unit – first floor ·      Police front desk and records – second floor ·      Police special services – second floor ·      Pistol registration – second floor ·      Police administration – third floor ·      Police detectives – third floor ·      Police professional standards – third floor ·      Police training services – third floor ·      Probation department – fourth floor ·      15th District Court – fourth and fifth floors City services still located at Larcom City Hall include the following. The Larcom City Hall entrance is located on Ann Street. ·      Finance administration, assessor and treasury – fifth floor ·      Planning and development services – fifth floor ·      Systems planning and project management services – fourth floor ·      City administrator and city attorney’s office – third floor When completed in May 2011, the entire site, including Larcom City Hall and the new Justice Center, will be referred to as the Ann Arbor Municipal Center. Both buildings have the 301 E. Huron St. address. Day camp registration underway If a summer spent exploring ponds and woods, swimming and sliding in swimming pools, kayaking and fishing on the river, playing sports and games and creating arts and crafts sounds fun, then sign up for day camp with the City of Ann Arbor parks and recreation! Registration is going on now online at www.a2gov.org/camps; or pick up a brochure at any of our parks facilities and register via mail, walk-in or fax at each of the camp facilities.  The city’s day camps are licensed by the State of Michigan, and the friendly, CPR/First Aid certified staff offers a safe, positive environment for kids to gain confidence and build self-esteem while enjoying fun-filled days. ·      Argo Canoe Livery: Completed sixth through eighth grades. Kayaking, canoeing, geocaching, disc golf and fishing journeys on different sections of the coolest river around.  ·      Buhr Park Pool: 5 to 12 years old. Different themes each week with games, activities and fun exploring sports, farm life and the pool.  ·      Fuller Park Pool: Completed kindergarten through fifth grades. Awesome adventures from the parks to downtown meeting new friends, swimming fun and experiencing some of Ann Arbor's treasures.  ·      Gallup Canoe Livery: Completed first through fifth grades. Explore the river with fishing, nets and boats for a week filled with discovery, adventure and fun playing and paddling in the parks and ponds.  ·      Huron Hills Golf Course: 8 to15 years old. A great place for young golfers of all abilities to learn the game. Our camps emphasize the fundamentals of golf, sportsmanship and having a fun.  ·      Leslie Science and Nature Center: 4 years old to high school. Different adventures each week as we hike to the pond, conduct scientific experiments, visit animals and create art (www.lesliesnc.org/campssummer). Are you earning Recyclebank rewards? It’s now faster and easier than ever to join Recyclebank and get rewards! Recyclebank’s free registration at www.recyclebank.com is easy, immediate and provides the opportunity to earn rewards points to use at local and national venues. Plus, City of Ann Arbor residents in single-family and duplex homes are able to earn additional rewards points every week just for recycling. The Recyclebank rewards program serves as motivation for residents by awarding points to those who take “greener” actions, like recycling. These points can be redeemed on Recyclebank.com for rewards from local and national retailers, restaurants, grocers and more. Recyclebank currently provides service to more than 1 million people across the United States and the United Kingdom and has been recognized with a number of awards including one from the United Nations Environmental Programme. In July, 2010, Ann Arbor became the third city in Michigan to implement Recyclebank, following Rochester Hills and Westland. In addition to hundreds of national rewards, local Ann Arbor businesses offering rewards include: Ann Arbor Brewing Company, Downtown Home & Garden, Olga's Kitchen, Plum Market, Village Apothecary, Stucchi’s, Silvio's Organic Pizza, Zingerman's Deli, Cottage Inn Pizza, People's Food Co-op, City of Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation, and Recycle Ann Arbor’s Drop-off Station. Brands and retailers include: Whole Foods, Stonyfield, Nature Made, Coca-Cola, Odwalla, Bed Bath & Beyond, Fancy Feast, Seventh Generation, Method and more. Recyclebank members can also opt to donate their points to grant projects in schools through the Recyclebank Green Schools Program. Go online for more information on Recyclebank, or call 888.727.2978. For 24-hour information on the city’s solid waste services, call 99-GREEN or visit the city’s website, www.a2gov.org/recycle.      New hours for Drop-off Station  The local nonprofit Recycle Ann Arbor will reduce operations at its recycling Drop-off Station (2950 E. Ellsworth) to three days instead of five starting March 1, 2011. Extended hours will, however, be offered for customer convenience: 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday.  Details on the materials accepted and fees assessed at the Drop-off Station are posted online at www.recycleannarbor.org or by calling 734.662.6288. Earth Hour Ann Arbor will again join the international Earth Hour effort by dimming the street lights along Main Street Saturday, March 26 from 8:30 to 9:30 p .m. Earth Hour, which started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia, had its highest participation yet in 2010 with a record 128 countries and territories joining the global display of climate action. Why not participate in your business or household? Visit the Earth Hour website, www.earthhour.org, for suggestions or go to the city’s “green” website, www.a2gov.org/green.    Safe Passages Great Lakes During peak spring bird migration, March 15 to May 31, 2011, residents and property managers are reminded to close shades or turn out lights between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. on tall buildings from the fifth floor and above. This action assists birds to maintain their natural night navigation patterns and avoids the unnecessary death of over 250 migrating bird species from becoming disoriented and flying into lighted tall buildings. Go online for details on this initiative. Don’t miss a word of what’s new, important and exciting in our city. Subscribe to receive A2 City News directly to your e-mail inbox. Go to www.a2gov.org/subscribe, simply select “Resident Newsletter: A2 City News” from the list of subscription topics, and you are all set to receive the next issue, and in an earth-friendlier way. And, for another earth-friendly method of getting all the latest and greatest city news, don’t forget to subscribe to the A2 City News Podcast and follow our blog at a2citynews.blogspot.com. Thank you for listening to A2 CITY NEWS, I’m Your Host, Rebecca RhodesTelling You Tree Town’s Ins and Outs and All-Abouts