Independence Day schedule

City of Ann Arbor municipal offices will be closed Tuesday, July 4, 2023, due to Independence Day. There will be no trash/recycling/compost curbside collection on the holiday Tuesday. Pickups will resume Wednesday, July 5, with a one-day delay. Go online for more information.?

Time for fireworks?

If you?re planning to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, please remember to do so safely and responsibly; follow the laws; be courteous by letting neighbors know in advance; and be sensitive to the distress fireworks can cause to some community members who may be challenged with post-traumatic stress or other disorders.

• This Independence Day, fireworks may ONLY be discharged in the city Thursday, June 29, to Tuesday, July 4, until 11:45 p.m. on each of those days, per the Michigan Fireworks Safety Act 256 of 2011 (PDF).?
• Use without permission is ALWAYS PROHIBITED at city parks, schools and all public and private property that isn?t your own.
• Keep a water source ready to spray embers from fireworks. Drench the entire area where you?ve been using fireworks when done.
• Toss used fireworks into a bucket of water for at least 24 hours before disposing.
• Don?t try to reignite fireworks that won?t go off.
• Don?t launch fireworks into forests or fields. Dry grass or leaves could ignite.
• Keep fireworks away from your face and eyes.
• Visit the American Veterinary Medical Association website for tips on how to keep pets safe for the holiday and all summer long.?
• More information is available on the National Fire Protection Association website.?

The City of Ann Arbor wishes you a safe and happy Independence Day!

Back by popular demand: Food truck rallies!

Grab a family member or friend and enjoy dinner from some of your favorite local food truck and cart vendors this summer in the open-air Ann Arbor Farmers Market at 315 Detroit St. Live music has been scheduled during each event the third Wednesday of every month, 5-8 p.m. from July-October. Go online to learn more about the market, including parking information.?

Water treatment plant planning initiative continues

The City of Ann Arbor Water Treatment Plant (WTP) Facility Plan initiative is in full swing. The strategic plan draft is nearing completion; investigations on treatment alternatives are well underway; and the pilot plant is on pace to begin operation late this summer. Keep informed about the WTP planning project by subscribing to the Ann Arbor Water monthly newsletter, and visit the project website.?

Compost changes coming soon

Changes are coming to what is acceptable in Ann Arbor's compost stream. In 2024, the city will begin to accept only selected Compost Manufacturing Alliance - Windrow, CMA-W for short, manufactured products in the compost collected. This change does not impact material from your yard or the food scraps you already compost. Details about this shift will be rolled out in coming days, weeks and months at www.a2gov.org/compost.

Summer taxes due

Summer property taxes are due by July 31 in order to avoid interest or penalty. For eligible, low-income homeowners, Michigan law provides for a reduction in property taxes, commonly known as a poverty exemption. The deadline to file a poverty application with the board of review for July 2023 taxes is Monday July 17, 2023. Go online to review the qualifications and application information.?

Taxes may be paid by mail or online. As a reminder, in 2022, the city upgraded its online payment platform for property taxes. The new platform has a similar look and feel to the online utility payment system and is intended to be more user friendly than the previous system. In addition, you have the option (not required) to register your email and/or mobile number to enable notifications and reminders. Payments are also accepted at the City of Ann Arbor Customer Service Center (located on the first floor of Larcom City Hall at 301 E. Huron St.) and at several Bank of Ann Arbor branches. Bank of Ann Arbor will accept full summer tax payments in July only.

Regular business hours at the customer service center are 8 a.m.?5 p.m. weekdays. Please note, the customer service center at Larcom City Hall is closed Tuesday, July 4, for Independence Day and will reopen Wednesday, July 5.

Visit the city?s treasury webpage for more information, including how property taxes are calculated.?

City partners for Arts + Creative Industries grant program

Creative Washtenaw, on behalf of the Ann Arbor Public Art Commission, last month announced the Arts + Creative Industries grant program, launched to assist in the recovery of Ann Arbor artists, creative workers, creative businesses and culture bearers impacted by the pandemic. The program is made possible through an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation.?

36th annual Ann Arbor Historic Preservation Awards

The Ann Arbor Historic District Commission (HDC) announced its 36th annual Ann Arbor Historic District Commission Award honorees at the June 20 City Council meeting. There are 17 awards this year: 13 for preservation, two special merit awards, one for rehabilitation, and a Centennial Award. Watch the City Council meeting video featuring the awards presentation via CTN on demand.?

The HDC is thanking honorees for their contributions to the history of the city of Ann Arbor through their preservation efforts! Go online to learn more.?

Art Fair road closures and emergency alerts

The annual Ann Arbor Art Fair will bring large crowds to the city Thursday?Saturday, July 20?22. Check the road and lane closures webpage as the event nears, www.a2gov.org/roads, to find out which streets will be closed.

Another (very) important way to be ready for this monumental annual event? Visitors to the city, shoppers and fair vendors alike can sign up for Art Fair urgent alerts via the city/county emergency alert system, Everbridge. It's easy to do and instant from your mobile phone. The communications will only be sent to your phone during the fair dates. To sign up, text A2ARTFAIR (in all caps, no spaces) to 888777.

Are you ready?

Ready.gov, https://www.ready.gov/, reminds us that now is the ideal time to ensure your emergency plan and supplies are up to date. The spring/summer seasons, especially, pose threats for severe thunderstorms, extreme heat and other hazardous weather conditions, which can strike with little or no warning.

Before an emergency, start your planning process with these thought prompts:

• What is my shelter plan?
• What is my evacuation route?
• What is my family/household communication plan?
• How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings? (Answer: Sign up for year-round emergency alerts for Ann Arbor through the Everbridge system, if you haven?t already!)?

Ready.gov provides valuable resources to help you answer these questions and assemble a comprehensive plan.?

Your planning should include steps to ensure your pets? wellbeing, too. If you need to evacuate your home for any reason, remember your furry, scaly or feathered friends. The Ready Campaign, https://www.ready.gov/animals, offers guidance and tips for:

• Making a pet emergency plan.
• Preparing shelter for your pet.
• Protecting your pet during a disaster and caring for them afterward.
• Tips for large animals.

Learn more about how to ensure your entire family is prepared for emergency situations.?

CTN highlights

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

Ann Arbor Public Schools ? Skyline High Commencement School.?

Around Ann Arbor ? A2 Summer festival.?

Around Ann Arbor ? Interview with 2023 Art Fair Directors.?

Around Ann Arbor ? University of Michigan Office Supply Reuse Days.?

Around Ann Arbor ? Ann Arbor African American Festival.?

Around Ann Arbor ? 2023 Saline Celtic Festival.?

City Round Up ? Fireworks Safety with City of Ann Arbor Fire Chief Mike Kennedy.?

Senior Moments ? TheRide Mobility Services Coordinator Tracy Byrd discusses services for seniors and people with disabilities that TheRide offers such as GoldRide and A-Ride.?