Ann Arbor City Seal
*City of Ann Arbor Update: “Roll Out” Event for Ann Arbor Shared E-bike Program is April 3* "03/31/2023"

Learn More [ [link removed] ] All are invited 1 p.m. Monday, April 3, for the launch of the City of Ann Arbor’s first shared e-bike program [ [link removed] ]. Join Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor, city officials and representatives from e-bike company, Spin, at the Allen Creek Berm Tunnel bend at the Huron River for brief remarks and free test rides (participants should bring their own helmets).

Your interest in updates from the City of Ann Arbor is appreciated.

Thank you,
City of Ann Arbor Communications
[email protected] 
www.a2gov.org/news [ [link removed] ]  
Facebook [ [link removed] ]  /  Twitter [ [link removed] ]  /  LinkedIn [ [link removed] ] 

*City of Ann Arbor Update: Celebrate Spring with NAP at April & May Events in the Ann Arbor Parks* "03/31/2023"

Learn More [ [link removed] ] There are so many reasons - and ways - to celebrate nature in April and May [ [link removed] ]! Join Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation to get involved for Earth Day, World Migratory Bird Day, Huron River Day, World Bee Day, Endangered Species Day, International Day for Biodiversity and more. Also, bird and turtle survey efforts kick off; and join NAP for a guided nature walk.

Your interest in updates from the City of Ann Arbor is appreciated.

Thank you,
City of Ann Arbor Communications
[email protected] 
www.a2gov.org/news [ [link removed] ]  
Facebook [ [link removed] ]  /  Twitter [ [link removed] ]  /  LinkedIn [ [link removed] ] 

*A2 City News April 2023 Community Newsletter* "03/31/2023"



A2 City News banner [ [link removed] ]
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*The Newsletter for the City of Ann Arbor, Michigan
APRIL 2023 • Volume 17 • Number 4*

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Spin e-bike [ [link removed] ]
Monday, April 3, roll-out event for Ann Arbor e-bike program

All are invited 1 p.m. Monday, April 3, for the launch of the City of Ann Arbor’s first shared e-bike program. Join Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor, city officials and representatives from e-bike company, Spin, at the Allen Creek Berm Tunnel bend at the Huron River for brief remarks and free test rides! Test ride participants should bring their own helmets. Learn more at [link removed].

"E-bike image credit: Spin.app website."
"Event area map [ [link removed] ] (png image) "


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Compost Truck [ [link removed] ]
Weekly seasonal compost collection resumes

The weekly, seasonal curbside collection of compostable material has resumed early in Ann Arbor, on March 27. Carts, paper yard bags and properly bundled branches may be placed at the curb for pickup. Participating residents must place their compostables at the curb before 7 a.m. on their weekly waste collection day — allowing at least 3 feet between each cart with clearance from any obstacles overhead. Carts should not be placed in lanes of travel, applying to both roads and bike lanes, instead using yard extensions or buffer zones as directed.  

In addition, residents (private contractors and landscapers *excluded*) can bring material to the city compost facility, 4170 Platt Road, free of charge through the close of business, Monday April 17, 2023. The standard 1 cubic yard per day for-free limit will be waived during this time. For this drop off, the facility will be open Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–4 p.m. and Saturday 7–11 a.m. After April 17, the free 1 cubic-yard limit will be reinstated.

The seasonal schedule resumed one week earlier than originally scheduled, on the heels of the winter storm debris special collections by the city and its contractor, Davey Tree Expert Company.

For a complete list of allowed compostable material, please visit www.a2gov.org/compost.


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Parks & recreation summer registration opens April 5

Set a reminder! Monday, April 5, at 8 a.m., registration open for spring/summer classes and programs hosted in the Ann Arbor parks. This includes summer day camps and swim and golf lessons; canoe livery classes; special event programming; volunteer outreach opportunities with GIVE 365; and classes at the Ann Arbor Senior Center.

You can prepare in advance by creating an account or logging in to your existing account ([link removed]) to enter or check account members, birth dates and all contact information. Email Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation Customer Service at [email protected] or call 734.794.6230 ext. 0 for assistance updating your account.

The digital parks and recreation activity guide will be live on the city website Friday, March 31, and will also feature information about farmers market events, cultural arts activities, swim teams and more! The PDF guide will appear at [link removed] under the “view activity guide” tab. Make your program selections and get ready to enjoy all the parks have to offer this summer!

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The best job in town? Work in the parks!

Do you enjoy the great outdoors? Spend more time in the parks this summer ... and earn a paycheck, build your resume and meet new friends while you're at it! Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation is hiring for more than 30 positions and for a variety of experience levels. Jobs include swim coaches, cashiers, day camp counselors/directors, canoe livery attendants, lifeguards, greenskeepers/turf specialists and supervisory positions. Come to work in the parks this summer! View all the jobs and apply online — today! — at [link removed].

Already dreading the summer doldrums and the whiny proclamations of “I’m bored”? There are countless activities, programs, volunteer projects, farmers market events, and SO much more ahead in A2 this spring and summer! Keep up with Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation — and don’t miss a single opportunity for fun — by subscribing to the weekly e-newsletter at [link removed]. Learn more about the parks at www.a2gov.org/parks.

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A2Zero [ [link removed] ]
Ann Arbor Council approves step toward transition to renewable energy

The City of Ann Arbor A2ZERO goal centers on becoming carbon neutral by 2030 — and that means implementing clean, renewable energy choices to heat homes and businesses. The city took one step closer to this goal when Ann Arbor City Council approved a resolution on March 20 to empower the administrator to work with DTE, and other interested utilities, to begin initiating a responsible, careful transition to renewable energy for heat in Ann Arbor. (Read the resolution at [link removed].)

Fossil fuel gas, alone, produces more than 25% of Ann Arbor's polluting emissions, making efforts to clean this stream critical to meeting community-wide carbon neutrality goals. The city's fossil fuel gas franchise with DTE Gas is set to expire in 2027.

Learn more about this initiative at [link removed].


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Earth Day 2023 flyer [ [link removed] ]
Celebrate Earth Day April 23

The 2023 Earth Day celebration takes place Sunday, April 23, noon–4 p.m. at Leslie Science & Nature Center (LSNC, 1831 Traver Road)! Join this family-friendly event for hands-on activities; live entertainment; green building and commuting technologies; energy topics; water awareness; sustainable agriculture; and much more!

The Ann Arbor Earth Day Festival is a free event thanks to local donors and sponsors, like Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, Huron River Watershed Council, Legacy Land Conservancy, LSNC, in addition to the City of Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation and Office of Sustainability and Innovations.

Details and the activities schedule can be found at www.a2earthday.org.


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April 26, 2023, Sustainability Forum [ [link removed] ]
Attend a sustainability forum

The Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations A2ZERO Sustainability Series continues! Monthly online forums each focus on a specific topic and how you can get involved. Save the dates, and join OSI and special guests by registering (for any or all forums) and find full details at [link removed].

Upcoming forums:

* Wednesday, April 26, 6 p.m.: Renewed Renewables: The Bright Future of Renewable Energy in Ann Arbor.
* Wednesday, May 31, 6 p.m.: Where do WE go from here?

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Hydrant flushing [ [link removed] ]
Spring fire hydrant flushing to begin

The city conducts seasonal fire hydrant inspection and system maintenance each year. The 2023 hydrant flushing program is scheduled to resume Monday, April 3, and to continue through the coming months. If any changes to the starting date become necessary, updates will be shared on the city website at [link removed].

As the program nears, a map will be available online to show the current hydrant-flushing areas as well as where flushing will take place next. Find the map at [link removed].

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. Do not run the hot water, as rusty water may get into the hot water tank, requiring the tank to then be drained, per the manufacturer’s instructions. 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. Temporary laundry coloration caused by this sediment can be removed by using a product called “Rover.”

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the hydrant-flushing process, visit [link removed] or contact the City of Ann Arbor Customer Service Center at 734.794.6320.


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Shelter from a Tornado Infographic [ [link removed] ]
Severe-weather safety

Michigan just observed Severe Weather Awareness Week in Michigan at the end of March, apt put a special focus on preparedness. According to the Michigan Committee for Severe Weather Awareness, tornadoes can occur any time of year, but they are especially common in our state during the late spring and early summer months. One of nature’s most violent storms, tornadoes can devastate homes and property in just seconds.

Know the tornado-hazard terms

Don’t wait to learn about tornadoes and how to stay safe in the event of severe weather.

A tornado watch means tornadoes are possible, be prepared to quickly take shelter if conditions are upgraded to a warning or if you see signs of a tornado approaching. During a watch, remain alert, watch the sky for approaching storms, and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for updates.

A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted or detected in the area by weather radar. When a warning is issued, take shelter immediately.

Be prepared

Find out more about tornadoes — including how to be prepared and react quickly — on the tornadoes page of the Department of Homeland Security official website, [link removed]. Also, review this information sheet to learn how to be prepared for a tornado [link removed] (PDF).

Timing is also right, as we enter the seasons of potentially dangerous weather patterns, to make sure you’re on the list to receive emergency alerts. If you haven’t already recently, sign up for Washtenaw County and/or City of Ann Arbor emergency messages, powered by Everbridge, which can be received via text, phone and/or email. All residents, businesses, those with loved ones in A2 and those who work in the city must take action in order to receive important, local emergency notifications. For answers to frequently asked questions about the emergency notification system, visit [link removed]. And to register for the type(s) of emergency alerts you would like to receive and the method you would like to receive them — or to find out if you’re already on the list — at www.washtenaw.org/alerts.

The City of Ann Arbor conducts routine testing of the outdoor warning sirens March–October at 1 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. Learn more at [link removed].


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City online budget guide logo [ [link removed] ]
Two-year budget planning process

The city’s two-year budget planning process is underway for years 2024/2025. Recorded budget presentations are now available for the pubic to watch via the CTN YouTube channel at [link removed]. Presentations include:


* March 6, 2023: City Administrator Area, Finance, Police, Fire, Courts, Community Services.
* March 13, 2023: Ann Arbor Housing Commission.
* March 20, 2023: Public Services, City Attorney’s Office, DDA.

Budget timeline

April: In accordance with City Charter, the city administrator's recommended fiscal year 2024 budget is submitted to City Council on April 17, 2023. City Council members can only adopt one fiscal year at a time even though the city plans for multi-year budgets.

May: City Council, with at least seven affirmative votes, must adopt the budget no later than its second meeting in May (May 15).

Fiscal year 2024 begins July 1, 2023, and ends June 30, 2024. City Council members can only adopt one fiscal year at a time, even though the city plans for multi-year budgets. All presentations and materials are available on the budget website at [link removed].


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2023 Water Treatment Plant Open House [ [link removed] ]
Ann Arbor Water news

2022 water quality report

The Ann Arbor 2022 Annual Water Quality Report is now available at [link removed] (PDF). This report explains where Ann Arbor drinking water comes from; what is in it; and how the city keeps it safe.

Ann Arbor water continues to produce better quality water than state and federal regulations require; and the city is proud to deliver customers award-winning drinking water.

Stay informed about Ann Arbor water by signing up for the monthly newsletter and other updates. Visit

Ann Arbor Water meets proposed EPA regulations on PFAS in drinking water

On March 14, 2023, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released proposed drinking water regulations for PFAS. The proposed rule would hold utilities to an even higher standard of water quality than Michigan's existing PFAS regulations, as it contains lower maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for PFOS and PFOA and includes a hazard index to track four compounds as a mixture (PFNA, PFHxS, PFBS, and GenX also known as HFPO-DA). It will be several years before utilities will have to meet these proposed rules. The good news is Ann Arbor already meets EPA's proposed PFAS regulations and produces water that is protective of public health. All of the PFAS compounds included in the proposed rule are consistently undetectable in Ann Arbor's finished drinking water or below the EPA's proposed practical quantitation limits.

Ann Arbor Water is well positioned to meet these regulations today because of work and investments we made in 2018-2019 to replace the media in water treatment plant filters with optimal granular activated carbon (GAC) for PFAS removal. The city also continues to regenerate its media every three years to meet its own internal water quality goals that hold a higher standard than regulations require.

Ann Arbor Water staff takes public health very seriously. The new proposed rule confirms the actions the city has previously taken for PFAS removal are protective of public health. For more information, see EPA's fact sheet on the proposed PFAS regulations, at [link removed] (PDF). The city PFAS website will continue to be updated as more information becomes available, at www.a2gov.org/PFAS.

Save the date! Water treatment plant open house is May 6

The Drinking Water Treatment Plant (919 Sunset Road) will hold its annual open house Saturday, May 6. This is a family-friendly event with lots of activities for kids, held outdoors, rain or shine. Tours will be capped at 15 participants, so please register for tours in advance at [link removed].


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Ann Arbor roads video 2023 [ [link removed] ]
Fix the roads!

It's a common question around the city, “How do you pick which roads get fixed?” The City of Ann Arbor uses a data-driven process to choose which roads to repair and how to repair them. Watch this brief video to learn how the process works: [link removed].

For more information, visit [link removed].


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National Work Zone Awareness Week [ [link removed] ]
Do your part for work zone safety

Spring has arrived, and an increase in orange construction barrels on local roadways and throughout the state will follow. To urge motorists nationwide to use extra caution and follow construction zone laws, the 2023 National Work Zone Awareness Week is April 17–21. This year's theme is "You play a role in work zone safety. Work with us."

Statistics from the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse show in 2020, there
were 774 fatal crashes in work zones resulting in 857 deaths. In addition, 117 roadway workers were killed in work zones. Most of these fatalities were motorists, passengers and pedestrians, further demonstrating the far-reaching importance of work zone safety. Everyone plays a role, together, in getting themselves, their passengers, passersby and roadway workers home safely.

The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration provides the following tips for all motorists to take to heart.


* Obey road crews and signs.
* Slow down and observe speed limits.
* Move over when passing work crews and official vehicles parked on the shoulder (it’s the law in Michigan, [link removed]).
* Avoid distractions.
* Watch for sudden stoppages.
* Watch for large vehicles.
* Plan ahead. Build in extra time to reach your destination. Find a route that will avoid work zones altogether. Visit the city’s “road and lane closures” webpage at www.a2gov.org/roads [link removed] for updates about planned road work and traffic control plans. While there, you can even subscribe to receive email or mobile alerts.

Learn more about National Work Zone Awareness Week at [link removed] [ [link removed] ]/.


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CTN Spring [ [link removed] ]
CTN highlights

Check out CTN’s wide range of programs available to watch online now!

*Ann Arbor Bicentennial Bump:* [link removed].

*Ann Arbor Inclusive* — AbleVu helps people of all abilities by getting a detailed preview of a local business’s accessibility features with their access virtual walk-through tours, and accessibility checklists: [link removed].

*Ann Arbor Water* — The World Beneath Your Feet: [link removed].

*Around Ann Arbor* — The Ann Arbor Arts Center: [link removed].

*Around Ann Arbor* — The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra Young Artist Competition Winner: [link removed].

*Around Ann Arbor* — The “Can you Dig It” Campaign: [link removed].

*Around Ann Arbor* — Garett’s Space: [link removed].

*CTN Sports* — Top Plays of the Winter 2022 Season: [link removed].

*CTN Sports* — Adrian @ Pioneer Boys Basketball Feb. 28, 2023: [link removed].

*Senior Moment*s — Laura McAndrew from Washtenaw Community College: [link removed].

*Ward Talk* — Jenn Cornell, Councilmember 5th Ward: [link removed].


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"A2 City News is emailed monthly to newsletter subscribers [ [link removed] ] from the City of Ann Arbor [ [link removed] ]."
"Comments or questions <[email protected]> about this publication are welcomed."








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