Road closures for Ann Arbor Marathon

Certain streets will be temporarily closed 3 a.m.?2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1, for the Ann Arbor Marathon running event. Streets will reopen as soon as safely possible after participants have cleared the areas. Motorists should plan to avoid the event route area. Visit the marathon page for official details; and the city roads and lane closures page for general information.?

Expanded services for fall leaves

The City of Ann Arbor is expanding services to help residents manage their seasonal leaves for 2023. Between Oct. 2 and Dec. 15, the city will increase the number of bags that can be left at the curb for collection; allow unlimited leaf drop off at the Ann Arbor compost facility, from residents or their landscaper; and make available free wood chips at four locations around the city. Find the details at a2gov.org.?

Water Resource Recovery Open House Oct. 7

Visit the Ann Arbor Water Resource Recovery Facility Saturday, Oct. 7, 9 a.m.?noon for an open house event (49 Dixboro Road)! The free fun for all includes tours of the plant; Ann Arbor Hands-on Museum activities; explanations from staff about the plant and how it works; light refreshments; and a Huron River Watershed Council exhibit. Tour timeslots must be reserved in advance and will run every 20 minutes, with the last tour starting at 11:40 a.m. To reserve a spot, please visit www.a2gov.org/wastewater.

Water services introduces new leader

Molly Maciejewski has accepted the position of water treatment services unit manager and will transition from her role as public works manager. Maciejewski will lead her staff to navigate the significant challenges anticipated for the water system over the coming years, particularly those concerning capital investment needs, affordability for water customers, and the city?s ongoing water quality commitment. Her experience in the city and in her prior role at the state-level MDEQ (now EGLE) position her as the ideal leader for the water system. Please join the city in congratulating Maciejewski in this role.

Get a bird?s-eye view of your water usage

AquaHawk is a free service that allows City of Ann Arbor water customers to efficiently manage their water usage and possibly lower their bills. Not already signed up? Customers interested in AquaHawk can create a new account and to opt in to receive notifications ? including alerts of potential water leak detections and when water consumption levels are nearing the limits of their choosing. Go online to get started!

Public Official of the Year Award

Ann Arbor Sustainability and Innovations Director Missy Stults has been named 2023 Public Official of the Year by the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council (EIBC) at their 11th annual Michigan Energy Innovators Gala Sept. 27! Stults works with all city operations, residents, businesses, the University of Michigan, nonprofits and others to make Ann Arbor one of the most sustainable and equitable cities in America. EIBC awards honor Michigan's leading energy innovators, as nominated by their colleagues in the advanced energy sector and voted on by the Michigan EIBC membership. Please join the city in congratulating Stults and saying thank you for her service to our community! Learn more about A²ZERO sustainability efforts in A2.?

Sustainability corner

Catch up on the latest from the Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations (OSI). For more information, including registration links, visit OSI online.?

New report, online meeting to explore pathways to achieve 100% renewable electricity.?Join the City of Ann Arbor for an online community meeting Tuesday, Oct. 3, at 6 p.m. to learn about a recently released report on different pathways the community could pursue to achieve the goal of 100% renewable electricity by 2030. The report will be presented by 5 Lakes Energy Inc., the consulting team hired to complete the report. This public meeting presents an opportunity for the consultant to share their findings with city staff and the community and for attendees to ask questions. Please RSVP in advance.? View the consultant?s report.?

Ann Arbor Solar Stories takes place the first Thursday of each month, 7?8 p.m. This one-hour, online event is hosted by the GLREA where the community can hear from Ann Arborites who have gone solar and have a chance to ask them all your questions! Register in advance?for "Thursday Night Energy Events" to receive meeting links. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information to join the meeting.

Bryant Community tree planting. Saturday, Oct. 7, 9 a.m.-noon Meet at Bryant Community Center (3 W. Eden Ct.)The OSI 10,000 Trees Initiative, in collaboration with Community Action Network, will be holding a tree planting event in the Bryant neighborhood Oct. 7! We will be planting 19 trees for eight neighborhood residents. These trees will help shade homes, provide habitat for wildlife, mitigate flooding, and add beauty to yards. If you are interested in volunteering at this tree-planting event, please find details and register in advance.?

Annual fall fire hydrant maintenance to resume

The City of Ann Arbor annual fire hydrant inspections and system maintenance will resume Monday, Oct. 2. This annual process is necessary to prepare for approaching cold temperatures and is conducted to eliminate the potential for frozen hydrants.

Once winter weather does arrive, residents can also play a role when it comes to fire hydrants. If able, residents should keep fire hydrants adjacent to their property or in their neighborhoods free from snow and ice. Leaving a 3-foot clearing around hydrants can provide easy access to firefighters in the event of fire.

If you have questions regarding the hydrant maintenance process, please call City of Ann Arbor Customer Service at 734.794.6320 or visit the hydrant flushing webpage.?

Comprehensive plan to shape the future of Ann Arbor ? You can help!

The planning process is now underway that will guide the City of Ann Arbor physical development, policymaking and programming over the next more-than 25 years. The new Ann Arbor Comprehensive Plan will provide a framework for achieving the city's desired goals, ensuring its diversity, supporting investment and promoting desired change. A key component of the new plan process is public participation. Learn more about how to apply to join the project steering committee; to sign up for updates about the planning progress and input opportunities; and more.?

City finance department recognized

The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) has presented the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the City of Ann Arbor for the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022. GFOA is also recognizing the city budget with the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award! Congratulations go to the city finance staff for earning this honor!

Indigenous Peoples Day

City of Ann Arbor municipal offices, including the customer service center at Larcom City Hall and the 15th Judicial District Court at the Ann Arbor Justice Center, will be closed Monday, Oct. 9, 2023, for Indigenous Peoples Day. Safety services and utility operations will maintain 24-hour schedules. Curbside trash, recycling and compost service will also continue without interruption.

Tree cluster with Oak Wilt discovered

A cluster of Red Oak trees in Bird Hills Nature Area have become infected with Oak Wilt fungus. Oak Wilt is not new to Michigan nor Washtenaw County, however this is the first time it's been discovered in a nature area within the city of Ann Arbor. City forestry staff is working in collaboration with Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation (NAP) to develop and implement both above- and below-ground steps to ensure the infections are addressed and don't spread to other trees. Residents should not walk through areas of Bird Hills that are flagged or move any material, flags or coverings in them.

Oak Wilt is a systemic, lethal disease of Oak caused by the fungus, Bretziella fagacearum. While the disease can be destructive, it is not considered as universally devastating as Dutch Elm Disease or Emerald Ash Borer. Because the disease spreads most efficiently through grouped root systems of Oak trees, Ann Arbor street trees are less likely to be impacted.
Learn more about Oak Wilt, city efforts to address the issue and how to identify the fungus.?

AAPD, community members save a young life

The Ann Arbor Police Department is sharing an incident that occurred July 27, 2023, when a member of our community nearly lost his life. The young man was swimming at Bandemer Park, went under water and never resurfaced. Good Samaritans worked together to pull him out of the water and onto the dock, and a nursing student also at the park that day immediately started CPR. First responders quickly arrived on scene and took over compressions before the young man was transported to the hospital in critical condition. The amazing staff at Michigan Medicine treated him for weeks; and today, AAPD is so happy to report the young man has made a full recovery. See the full story of the dramatic rescue.?

Fire Prevention Week

The National Fire Protection Association? (NFPA?) is celebrating Fire Prevention WeekTM (FPW) Oct. 8?14. This year?s theme is ?Cooking Safety Starts with YOU.? Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the city of Ann Arbor and across the United States, with unattended cooking the leading cause of cooking fires and deaths.

NFPA? and the Ann Arbor Fire Department, www.a2gov.org/fire, are sharing some simple but important actions everyone can take to prevent and stay safe from fires, particularly while cooking, grilling and using kitchen appliances.

• Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove.
• Always keep a lid nearby when cooking.
• If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner.
• Watch what you heat. Set a time to remind you that you are cooking.
• Have a ?kid-free zone? of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink are prepared or carried.

Learn more about Fire Prevention Week.

Design the city flag

The City of Ann Arbor is tapping the inspiration and skill of Ann Arbor residents to design a flag for the city, meant to encourage joy and civic pride in the community. Designs must be submitted by 5 p.m., Friday, Nov. 3. The competition is open to city residents of all ages. Top finalists will be compensated. Visit the contest page for details!?

Halloween tips + times

For participating residents, trick-or-treating will take place in Ann Arbor neighborhoods 5?8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 31. As a safety reminder, adults should supervise their trick-or-treaters, and children should stay in neighborhoods that are well lit and familiar to help keep this holiday fright free and full of fun. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also provide tips ? 13, to be exact ? for a healthy Halloween, including treat smarts, street smarts and costume cautions. Learn more.

CTN highlights

CTN has been recognized with several honors in the annual Philo Festival of Media Arts Awards. Over 150 entries were submitted this year from Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and Michigan. The Alliance for Community Media ? Central States Region (ACM?CS) honors the memory of Philo T. Farnsworth by recognizing the efforts of modern-day pioneers who work to further develop the use of this technology and promote the use of media in our communities. The ?PHILO? is awarded as recognition of excellence in media creation, specifically in Public, Educational and Government Access TV (PEG TV). Learn more about this honor.?

Also, check out CTN?s wide range of programs available to watch online now!

CTN Sports 2023 ? Huron @ Skyline Football, Sept. 8.?

CTN Sports 2023 ? Dexter @ Pioneer Football, Sept. 14.?

FYI ? Mayor Christopher Taylor discusses the A2ZERO Green Fair; Rappelling with Friends in Deed; and take a peek at Mary Beth Doyle Park.?

FYI ? NAP Ornithologist, Juliet Berger, discusses Safe Passage Great Lakes Days; Women Answer the Call (Rosie the Riveter) exhibit at Yankee Air Museum; and take a peek at Barton Nature Area. l

FYI ? Local musician, Curtis Glatter, discusses his 35-year career and excitement for the future ahead; CultureVerse exhibit Being Black in Ann Arbor; and take a peek at Argo Park.?

FYI ? Lisa Gentz, program administrator for Washtenaw County Community Mental Health, discusses how our millage dollars are hard at work; the A2ZERO Green Fair; and take a peek at Mack Indoor Pool.?

Park Peek ? Barton Nature Area.?

Senior Moments ? Brittany Patton, City of Ann Arbor recreation supervisor and Ann Arbor Senior Center director, discusses events and activities at the center.?

Soapbox ? Get Downtown World Car Free Day.?

Soapbox ? Ann Arbor Grail Singers.?

Ward Talk ? Jen Eyer, Ann Arbor City Councilmember Ward 4.?

Prepping for winter

Plan ahead for the cold months with these tips for winterizing:

• Drain rain barrels, remove their spigots and clear debris. If the rain barrel will be left outside for the winter, disconnect it from gutters and turn it upside down.
• Weed rain gardens to prevent pesky weeds from coming back in the spring, but keep pruning to a minimum. Check your mulch depth to ensure at least 3 inches of material.
• Give your gutters a good cleaning so that ice is less likely to build up and melting snow/ice can drain.

Looking ahead to ice and snow

It?s not too early to think about preventing slippery driveways, walkways and sidewalks in the months (and, dare we say, weeks) ahead. There are several de-icing options to consider, each with its own benefits, limitations and drawbacks.

• Salt can be the least expensive and most abundant material for ridding surfaces of ice, but its effectiveness drops as surfaces fall below 18 degrees Fahrenheit, and overuse can pollute water supplies. After careful deliberation years ago, the Ann Arbor City Council directed city crews to use a 95/5 percent sand/salt mixture on residential streets to decrease the use of salt alone.
• There are all kinds of non-toxic materials available for purchase which, if you have pets, can be a good choice. Some solutions, like products containing calcium chloride (CaCl2), can melt snow at lower temperatures, are less harmful to plants and animals, but corrode metal and concrete. In addition, CaCl2 binds to water and can?t be separated, which has the potential to cause environmental impacts, such as harm to water quality.
• Products that contain potassium acetate can block ice from forming at very low temperatures, are noncorrosive and biodegrabable, however, these products lower oxygen levels in water and can harm fish and plants in our waterways.
• Some find various brines to help prevent ice from sticking to surfaces, while others use a bit of sugar in their salt to lower the temperature at which it?s effective.

When in doubt, the best course of action is to use as little de-icer as possible and, if feasible, use physical means to remove ice or snow. Learn more about https://www.a2gov.org/departments/police/units/Pages/Snow-and-Ice-Removal-on-Sidewalks.aspx in A2.?