Ann Arbor City Seal
*City of Ann Arbor Update: Firefighters Local 693 and the City of Ann Arbor Successfully Negotiate New Labor Contract* "03/03/2020"

Learn More [ [link removed] ] For the first time in 25 years, the City of Ann Arbor and the International Association of Firefighters Local 693 have successfully negotiated a new collective bargaining contract for fire employees [ [link removed] ] prior to the expiration of the current contract.

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 March 2020 Newsletter* "03/03/2020"

A2 City News banner

The Newsletter for the City of Ann Arbor, Michigan ? MARCH 2020? ? Volume 14 ? Number 3

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2020 Census - Higher education funding and other important reasons to respond

2020 CENSUS BEGINS THIS MONTH! Homes throughout the country will be receiving an invitation in the mail to respond to the 2020 Census. New this year is the option to answer the 2020 Census questionnaire online, in addition to the options of a paper form or via phone. Do you want help with how to complete the 2020 Census questionnaire? Washtenaw County volunteers will be providing assistance and answering questions - in person - at sites across our community during Be Counted Week, March 22-28. Check out the list! For more information with a local twist, visit the city's new 2020 Census website tailored just for students and residents of Ann Arbor. Most of all, be sure to respond to the 2020 Census, and make sure everyone in Ann Arbor is counted. There's too much at stake not to. A2 counts!

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Coronavirus Fact Sheet
City responds to coronavirus concerns

City of Ann Arbor Emergency Management personnel are in active collaboration with the Washtenaw County Health Department, local hospitals, the University of Michigan, and the American Red Cross regarding coronavirus preparation. It?s important to note that the Washtenaw County Health Department is the lead agency as they have emergency operations plans to address infectious disease and pandemics. As of March 2, there are no confirmed cases in Washtenaw County nor in Michigan. However, they do recommend the following preventive measures for the public: practice good handwashing, stay home if sick and cover your cough. City personnel will continue to monitor the situation closely, coordinate with our local partners and share city updates as necessary. Please visit the Washtenaw County Health Department?s website for the most up to date information, including the "how to be prepared for coronavirus" fact sheet [ [link removed] ] (PDF), and guidance at www.washtenaw.org/Health [ [link removed] ].


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City Council appoints interim city administrator

On March 2, the City Council appointed the city?s Financial Services Administrator Tom Crawford to serve as interim city administrator until a permanent city administrator is appointed by City Council. Under Section 12.24 of the City Charter, the City Council may appoint an acting city administrator to assume the duties of city administrator.

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A2Zero
Sustainability Town Hall thanks

A community-wide town hall was held Feb. 22 at Pioneer High School featuring a series of talks to explore what Ann Arbor can do to become a carbon neutral community. The City of Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations thanks community members, city staff and the many partners who volunteered and participated to make the event successful.

OSI staff is reviewing the input and will share outcomes once the reports are complete. Please stay tuned to the city website [ [link removed] ], and Facebook [ [link removed] ] and Twitter [ [link removed] ] pages for updates.


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Sustainable Ann Arbor forum
Sustainability forums

You?re invited to the next City of Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations sustainability forums, which take place at the Ann Arbor District Library Downtown Branch. Learn about emerging ideas, share ideas, and find out how to help the city achieve its carbon neutrality goals. Save the date for these sustainability forums:


* Thursday, March 19, 7 p.m., will include a discussion about carbon neutrality in the?resource sector.
* Thursday, April 9, 7 p.m., will include a discussion about carbon neutrality in the?adaptation and resilience sector.

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SA2T Grant logo [ [link removed] ]
SA2T Grant awarded to e-Mobility Analytics

The City of Ann Arbor has awarded a $25,000 Grant to e-Mobility Analytics in support of their efforts to install their prototype electric vehicle solar charging station (EVSCS) in downtown Ann Arbor. The station will use solar, battery and grid-tied backup to provide sustainable energy for EV charging and to promote the imminent transition to true zero carbon in electric mobility. Visit the city website for more information about the Sustaining Ann Arbor Together (S2AT) Grant program [ [link removed] ].?


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CTN new logo [ [link removed] ]
CTN regular series changing channels

Effective Feb. 9, CTN regularly produced series programs have shifted channels. Below is a list of where CTN programs and replays can now be found:

CTN Channel 16 ? FYI, Adventures in Parenthood, The Green Room, Senior Moments, Ward Talk, Ann Arbor Inclusive, election coverage.

Channel 17 ? Access Ann Arbor, Soapbox, Experience CTN.

Channel 18 ? CTN's coverage of Ann Arbor Public Schools sports, Let's Watch with the Ann Arbor Film Festival.

Channel 19 ? City of Ann Arbor and CTN's community bulletin board. This includes electronic bulletin board messages, social media feeds, city-related video promos and PSAs, weather alerts, emergency messaging and city-related news and information. The community is welcome to submit noncommercial messages and events to [email protected].

To view the full schedule of these programs and more, see the CTN program guide. And don't forget, these programs can all be watched On Demand on the CTN YouTube Channel, www.youtube.com/ctnannarbor [ [link removed] ].?


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Spotlight on CTN

Catch the latest episode of Senior Moments on CTN [ [link removed] ]. TheRide Travel Trainer Tracy Byrd discusses services offered for seniors and people with disabilities, such as GoldRide and the A-Ride.?

CTN Social Media Banner 2 [ [link removed] ]
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Parks [ [link removed] ]
So many opportunities to play in Ann Arbor parks this spring/summer

Registration for City of Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation spring and summer programming is underway! Programs include the popular summer day camps at Fuller and Buhr parks; golf lessons; learn-to-swim classes; group and individual mermaid/merman lessons; volunteer opportunities with GIVE 365 and Natural Area Preservation; and so much more. Visit www.a2gov.org/parks [ [link removed] ] and click the ?view the activity guide? link to see the new 2020 activity guide. Paper copies can be found at parks facilities, including Mack Indoor Pool and Buhr and Veterans Memorial ice arenas.


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Parks mowing [ [link removed] ]
Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation is hiring!

There are a variety of positions to fill, including:


* Summer day camp counselors.
* Assistant recreation supervisors.
* Rental and event attendant.
* Park space coordinators.
* Golf course pro shop staff.
* Golf course equipment operators and mowers.
* Lifeguards.
* Swim instructors.
* Swim team coach.
* Canoe livery attendants.
* Crew members.
* Cashiers and grounds maintenance technicians.

Go online to see full job descriptions and to apply [ [link removed] ].


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City online budget guide logo
Budget process underway

Budget planning discussions for fiscal year 2021 began in February with two City Council work sessions. Fiscal year 2022 is the second year of a two-year plan and begins July 1, 2020, and ends June 30, 2021. City Council members can only adopt one fiscal year at a time even though the city plans for multiyear budgets.

City Council work session topics:

* Feb. 10: FY21 Budget Overview, General Fund, Financial & Administrative Services, Police, Fire, Community Services, and City Administration. View the meeting online [ [link removed] ].?
* Feb. 24: Public Services and City Attorney. View the meeting online [ [link removed] ].
* March 23: Retirement System, Housing Commission, and DDA.

Meetings will be available to view live in a variety of formats including: Comcast Cable channel 16, AT&T UVerse Channel 99 or live web stream [ [link removed] ]. The public can also view the meeting later at their convenience via CTN's YouTube channel [ [link removed] ].?

Budget timeline:

* February?March: Council work sessions.
* April: In accordance with City Charter, the City Administrator's Recommended Fiscal Year 2021 Budget is submitted to City Council in April. City Council members can only adopt one fiscal year at a time, even though the city plans for multiyear budgets.
* May: City Council, with at least seven affirmative votes, must adopt the budget no later than its second meeting in May.

Budget-related feedback or comments are encouraged via email <[email protected]>.?


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Quality Water Matters

The March issue of A2H2O: Quality Water Matters [ [link removed] ] provides an overview of several water main construction projects and important Water Treatment Plant projects that will improve the removal of PFAS from our source water.

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Vote button image [ [link removed] ]
Presidential Primary primer

The Presidential Primary Election [ [link removed] ] is coming up Tuesday, March 10. Any Michigan registered voter can participate in the primary. However, by law, voters must make their Presidential Primary ballot selection in writing by completing the application to vote on Election Day, or on the absent voter ballot application if voting absentee. There are three ballot options available: A Democratic Presidential Primary ballot, a Republican Presidential Primary ballot, or a ballot without Presidential Primary.

Here?s what else you need to know:

Are you registered to vote?

* Check your voter registration status, absentee ballot status and view sample ballots at the online Michigan voter information center [ [link removed] ].?
* Those who wish register to vote in the Presidential Primary can still do so in person at the Ann Arbor City Clerk's office with proof of residency. Voter registration may occur up until 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, March 10. The city clerk's office will also be open for in-person voter registration and absentee ballot requests Saturday, March 7, 8 a.m.?4 p.m.

Will you be voting at your polling place?

* City polling places will be open 7 a.m.?8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, March 10. Registered voters in line by 8 p.m. will be eligible to vote.
* Don?t forget to bring an acceptable photo ID. Without photo ID, voters will be required to sign an affidavit in order to vote.
* Use the city?s online, real-time line tracker [ [link removed] ] to check the number of people waiting in line at city polling places and view estimated wait times before heading to the polls. The line tracker also includes images of each polling place as well as links to maps and directions.?

Will you be voting absentee?

Absentee ballots are available to ALL voters, now with no reason required!


* The absentee ballot application [ [link removed] ] (PDF) and more information can be found on the city?s ?voting? web page [ [link removed] ].
* Applications for absentee ballots are being accepted in person at the city clerk?s office until 4 p.m. Monday, March 9.
* All absentee ballots must be returned to the city clerk?s office by 8 p.m. on Election Day. The office is located on the second floor of Larcom City Hall, 301 E. Huron St. On-street or lot parking is located off Ann Street, east of Fifth Avenue.

Whether you vote at your polling place or absentee, don?t forget to show your civic pride. Voters can pick up an ?I voted? sticker if voting in person, and absentee voters can download an ?I voted? digital badge, selecting from a variety of languages. Voters can also find selfie stations at polling places, including Larcom City Hall for those dropping off absentee ballots. Use the hashtag #A2Votes.

Also, due to the election and in anticipation of higher-than-average voter registration traffic, the city clerk?s office will only be providing voter registration and absentee ballot services on Monday, March 9, and Tuesday, March 10. There will be no dog licensing, permit processing, etc. in person on these two days. There is a drop box at the front counter on the second floor, and the office will process any paperwork dropped off during these two days beginning when the office resumes all services at 8 a.m. Wednesday, March 11.


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Outdoor siren [ [link removed] ]
Seasonal siren testing resumes

The first test of the city?s warning siren system for 2019 will take place Tuesday, March 12. The City of Ann Arbor has 22 siren locations throughout city limits. Testing of these sirens takes place on the second Tuesday of the month, March through October, at 1 p.m. The tests consist of one minute of steady wailing.

For more information, visit the siren testing page [ [link removed] ] of the city website.


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Expedited permit process [ [link removed] ]
Expedited building permit process

Planning home renovations or remodeling? The city?s construction and building department offers expedited permitting twice weekly, on Tuesdays (11 a.m.-1 p.m.) and Thursdays (2-4 p.m.), for *residential home projects. (Please note expedited permitting will not be offered Tuesday, March 10.)

*Residential remodel projects acceptable for expedited review include:


* Bathrooms | Kitchens | Basements.
* Decks for egress out of the home.
* Home remodels with limited structural changes.
* Remodels/repairs for flooding.

Residents can bring in their complete plans and sign up to meet one-on-one with a plan reviewer at Larcom City Hall. This process is only for the review of an existing, complete plan; it is not a meeting to plan a design. This process also does not include additions, accessory structures, new homes, residential projects with a considerable amount of structural changes and commercial projects.

The applicant, contractor or owner will have the ability to correct the plans onsite as needed, and a permit will be issued while they wait. However, there may be instances where information cannot be provided/corrected, and the permit will be issued at a later date after the plans have been amended.

Find out the steps to take and learn more [ [link removed] ] online.


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City seeks youth volunteers

Members of the city's boards and commissions provide a valuable link between residents and city government. Their work helps to shape important policy for the community as a whole.
Did you know the Energy and Environmental commissions now have youth members? If you are or know someone between the ages of 16 and 25 interested in serving a one-year term on either commission, please submit an online application. Learn more at www.a2gov.org/A2Serve [ [link removed] ].

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Greenbelt plants [ [link removed] ]
Good news

* City governments have a crucial role to play in tackling the climate crisis and leading the low-carbon transition. The City of Ann Arbor is proud to be recognized by the Carbon Disclosure Project cities A List for efforts toward building a climate-safe future. Learn more. [ [link removed] ]
* The Ann Arbor Greenbelt Program has surpassed the 6,000-acre milestone! Learn more [ [link removed] ] about the program's land preservation efforts and watch a virtual tour.?
* City of Ann Arbor Sustainability and Innovations Manager Missy Stults has been appointment to the State of Michigan Environmental Rules Review Committee (ERRC) by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. This committee oversees all rulemaking for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy.
* Ann Arbor Water Treatment Services Manager Brian Steglitz has been elected chair of the Water Research Foundation's Tailored Collaboration Review Committee. This committee provides for direct utility subscriber involvement in research projects that address issues important to subscribers on a regional or national level. This body also works to expand the funding base available for research.

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Skate with a Hero Event 2020 [ [link removed] ]
Skate with a Hero

All are invited to hit the ice with the city's finest and bravest. Ann Arbor Police and Fire departments Skate with a Hero [ [link removed] ] event is set for 6?8 p.m. Saturday, March 7 at Veterans Memorial Park Indoor Ice Arena. Admission will be free; skate rentals are just $3. x


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Safe Passage Great Lakes [ [link removed] ]
Provide a safe passage for birds

From the middle of March through the end of May, and again mid-August through the end of October, migrating birds fly over Ann Arbor on their way north to their breeding grounds. On clear nights, birds navigate by the stars; but at dawn or on cloudy and foggy nights, they attempt to navigate using the lights of tall buildings, putting them at risk of dying when they hit these lit windows. They either crash into lit windows going full speed, or they endlessly circle the building until they drop to the ground, exhausted and vulnerable to predators and other dangers.

Ann Arbor joins other cities in helping migrating birds have a safe passage [ [link removed] ]. Please ask the occupants of your building on floors five and above to help prevent these needless deaths by pulling the drapes or closing the shades on windows in lit rooms between 11 p.m. and dawn.?


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A2 City News is emailed monthly to newsletter subscribers [ [link removed] ] from the City of Ann Arbor [ [link removed] ].

Please share comments or questions about this publication via email <[email protected]>.




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This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: City of Ann Arbor, MI ?301 E. Huron St. ? Ann Arbor, MI 48104 ? 734.794.6000 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]