Shop the holiday gift market Friday, Dec. 1

Join Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation, in collaboration with the Kerrytown District Association, for a night of shopping at the holiday gift market and Kindlefest Friday, Dec. 1, 5?9 p.m. at Liberty Plaza (310 S. Division St.). The market will feature 20 vendors selling artisan goods, holiday decor and more. Afterward, 5?10 p.m., visit Kindlefest at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market (315 Detroit St.), where you will find an additional 50 vendors selling holiday wares, food and drinks. Eco-friendly pedicab rides between the two locations will be available, provided by Boober. Go online for a complete list of vendors!?

AAPD police chief recruitment

The City of Ann Arbor is sharing updates in the search for its next police chief. A public reception for community members to meet the four candidates interested in becoming the city?s next police chief took place Nov. 30, and the candidate public interviews were held during a City Council Special Work Session Dec. 1, at 8 a.m. Watch the interviews on CTN on demand.?

The police chief position is currently vacant, with duties being fulfilled on an interim basis by Deputy Chief of Police Patrick Maguire. Learn more.?

Close of seasonal compost collection nears

Curbside pickup of compostable materials will end for the season on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023. Ann Arbor compost collection provides an opportunity for pickup of fall leaves and other yard material that have been placed on lawn extensions in compost carts, paper yard bags, or branches tied into bundles, as described at www.a2gov.org/compost. Leaves are not permitted in the street and will not be collected if placed there.

Compost changes coming soon

As of Jan. 1, 2024, the city?s compost site operator, WeCare Denali (WeCare) will no longer accept Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) certified material or compostable plastics of any kind, including plastic liners. The only products accepted at the city?s site will be those with the Compost Manufacturing Alliance ? Windrow (CMA-W) certification and are made of fiber (i.e., paper, wood) materials. Bamboo and palm products will also not be accepted. The city hosted webinars for business owners in July about this change, and videos of these sessions are available on the city website for all to view.?

The City of Ann Arbor realizes this change may cause frustration for some, especially when stock has been ordered in advance. However, the science and real-world experience with compostable plastics has revealed that they cause confusion, contamination and litter, leading to a poor-quality compost as well as a degraded environment.

The city is committed to making this changeover as smooth as possible; and a list of accepted CMA-W certified, fiber only products that will be accepted by our composting partner, WeCare, moving forward is viewable online.? This list will be updated quarterly.

More information on the switch to CMA-W and the city's compost program can be found at www.a2gov.org/compost.

Christmas tree free drop-off sites

The City of Ann Arbor will once again provide drop-off disposal locations for undecorated Christmas trees beginning in mid December. Watch the city website and social media (Facebook, X, and search ?City of Ann Arbor? on NextDoor) in the coming days for more information on locations and drop-off hours.??

In the meantime, please remember all tree stands, nails, lights, ornaments, tinsel and plastic items must be removed from the trees and discarded before dropping off. The collected Christmas trees are chipped into mulch onsite or composted. Anything left on the tree can ruin the processing equipment, spoil the landscaping mulch and worse, harm the operators. Since wreaths and evergreen roping (garland) are generally made with wire or plastic backing, these items should not be dropped off and should instead be placed inside trash carts.

For more information as it becomes available, visit www.a2gov.org/compost.

Give blood + give hope

Looking for a way to give back to your community? Everyone knows the importance of a stable and ample blood supply; and now you can help ensure this vital resource can be available to anyone in need. A blood drive is taking place at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave., Tuesday, Dec. 19, 10 a.m.?2:30 p.m., hosted by Versiti Blood Centers. Register online today at https://url.a2gov.org/a2blooddrive. Appointments preferred; walk-ins are welcome, as availability permits. For questions about the location (Ann Arbor Senior Center), call 734.794.6250.

Airport environmental assessment for proposed runway safety extension project now available

The Ann Arbor Municipal Airport Final Environmental Assessment for the proposed runway safety extension project is now available to the public. The assessment addresses potential impacts to noise levels, air quality, water quality, wetlands, floodplains, plant and wildlife, light emissions, historical and cultural resources, traffic, social and socioeconomic factors. After multiple public hearings and opportunities for public input, the environmental assessment process has been completed, and the results determined there would be no significant impacts if the proposed project moves forward. Find the assessment and learn more on the airport site.?

Find Your A2 Snow Match

The city is working to help residents prepare for winter weather, and the responsibilities that come with the ice and snow. Residents can sign up now for this season's A2 Snow Match program ? either as a volunteer or a recipient ?which pairs residents with nearby neighbors to assist with sidewalk snow removal.

Recipients of the volunteer assistance must be city residents 55+ years of age or older OR who self-identify as having a disability; and who do not have access to resources ? neither finances to hire a service nor nearby family members or friends to help out with snow removal tasks. Volunteers are matched with homes within a 10-minute walk from their location.

Registration is open now for residents to volunteer ?or? for residents who would like to receive snow-clearing services. Learn more and register today!?

Learn more about snow and ice management tips and residents' responsibilities to keep sidewalks, etc., clear.

Help keep walkways free from snow and ice

The first (somewhat) significant snowfall has already occurred in Ann Arbor, prompting some important reminders about snow- and ice-management requirements in the city. Please take note!

In short, property owners are responsible for removing and/or treating snow and ice on sidewalks, crosswalk ramps and bus stops adjacent to their property.

According to city code:?

Residential property ? Within 24 hours, any accumulation of snow greater than 1 inch must be cleared from adjacent sidewalks, concrete bus stop walks and crosswalk ramps. Within 18 hours of forming, any ice accumulations must be treated with sand, salt or other substance, to prevent it from becoming slippery. The city is not responsible for clearing mailboxes of snow and/or ice.

Nonresidential property ? All snow/ice which, prior to 6 a.m., has accumulated on a sidewalk adjacent to property shall be removed by noon the same day. Snow and ice from walks and ramps that are at bus stops or that lead to a marked or unmarked crosswalk must also be removed. The owner or occupant shall keep the sidewalk effectively treated with sand, salt or other suitable substance in such manner as to prevent ice from being dangerous until such time as it can be removed.

Additional reminders:

Please exercise caution and care when shoveling, especially during extreme cold. Be alert to any signs of strain or discomfort, and stop immediately. Call on a friend, family member or neighbor to assist. (Or check out the A2 Snow Match program to see if help is available if no other resources are.)?

Remember, moving snow/ice from private property onto a public street, sidewalk or bridge not only poses a significant safety hazard, it's against the law.

Together, we can provide a safe and walkable community for everyone, all year round. It?s not only a requirement, it?s also the neighborly thing to do! For more information, visit www.a2gov.org/sidewalksnow. To report a neglected sidewalk, please use the A2 Fix It app, at www.a2gov.org/a2fixit, or call 734.794.6942.?

Get ready for winter

Sign up now for emergency alerts from the City of Ann Arbor, via Everbridge, to be notified in the event of a weather-related or any other emergency.?

Washtenaw County residents should be aware of the winter-weather condition categories as set by Washtenaw County, and the accompanying actions necessary.

Red: Extremely hazardous driving conditions exist on major highways and roads with heavy snow and/or ice, severe drifting and/or extremely limited visibility. Motorists are urged not to drive.

Yellow: Very hazardous driving conditions exist with heavy snow, ice, drifting or limited visibility. Motorists are urged if they must drive, use extreme care, and allow for significant drive time.

Warning: Hazardous weather has arrived and poses a threat to life or property. Take protective action.

Advisory: Hazardous weather is imminent or likely.

Watch: The risk of hazardous weather has increased but occurrence, location or timing is uncertain.

Residents should have an emergency plan in place to know, in advance, where they can find temporary shelter in the event of power outages during extreme temperatures. In certain instances, Washtenaw County partners with community agencies to open emergency, short-term shelters. As part of your preparations, be sure to refer to the county website, for daytime and overnight warming center information.?

Visit www.ready.gov/plan to learn how to build an emergency plan for your household.

Show your city spirit with PARKS + BICENTENNIAL gear

Do you have an affinity for the Ann Arbor Farmers Market, the city's many parks, programs or teams? Find everything from goats to Octopods, "buy local" to Buhr Park ... and everything in between ? at the Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation online shop. Browse the fun (and functional) products today; and take your gift-giving to the next level this holiday season, too!

A2 is turning 200 years old! That's something you don't hear every day. Celebrate this historic (2024) milestone with some Ann Arbor Bicentennial (A200) merch. Shop online, 24/7, for clothing, hats, tumblers, bags and more. Plus, stay up to date with bicentennial events and more via the A200 website, Facebook?and Instagram pages.

CTN highlights

Check out what?s happening at CTN!

Santa Satellite Network 2023

Kids! Zoom in and talk to Santa live from the North Pole on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 5:30?8 p.m. Kids will have six minutes to tell Santa their holiday wishes (one slot per family). You must sign up to schedule your spot.?

Then, on Dec. 15, 6?8:30 p.m. on CTN Channel 17, tune in with friends and family to watch the entire program!

Viewing options:

• Comcast Cable (in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti areas only) ? CTN Channel 17.
• CTN Live Stream.?
• YouTube ? YouTube/ctnannarbor
• Read local coverage about this annual CTN tradition.?

Also tune in to watch ?

Adventures In Parenthood ?Heather Wing, board vice president with the Michigan Foster Care Closet, shares how this organization changed her life and provides much-needed clothes and supplies to foster families in the area.?

Ann Arbor Inclusive ? Disability Network Washtenaw Monroe Livingston, formerly known as the Center for Independent Living, supports people with or without disabilities. The show reveals who they are and what they do in our community.?

FYI ? Kerry Kafafian, founder of Many Hands Lifesharing Community, shares how this non-profit will positively change the lives of those living with disabilities and their families; the Neutral Zone?s 25th birthday; and leaf collection guidelines in A2.?

FYI ? Rob Meyer-Kukan, owner of 7 Notes Natural Health. is healing bodies and minds through alternative medicine; the planetarium at the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History; and peek at Bird Hills Nature Area.?

FYI ? Rob Meyer-Kukan, owner of 7 Notes Natural Health, is healing bodies and minds through alternative medicine; the planetarium at the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History; and take a peek at Bird Hills Nature Area.?

Senior Moments ? New director of Tuner Senior Resource Center, Shannon Etcheverry, talks about her role and how the center serves seniors in the community.?

Ward Talk ? Lisa Disch, Ann Arbor City Councilmember from the first ward.?

Holiday schedules

City offices will be closed Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 25 and 26, for the Christmas holiday, and Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 1 and 2 for the New Year?s holiday. Trash/compost/recycling collections will not occur on the holiday Mondays, and instead will be delayed by one day during the holiday weeks, taking place Tuesday?Saturday. The city wishes a happy, safe and peaceful holiday season to all.

Winter taxes due

Winter property taxes are due by Dec. 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 December 2023 taxes is Monday, Dec. 18, 2023. Go online to review the qualifications and application information.?

Taxes may be paid by mail, by phone (734.794.6530), 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 winter tax payments in December 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 to observe the Christmas holiday Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 25 and 26.

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

City scores favorably on Municipal Equality Index

The City of Ann Arbor is dedicated to ensuring LGBTQ+ people, and all people, are welcomed and important members of the community. This core value has helped the city earn a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign?s 2023 Municipal Equality Index (MEI)! The MEI is a nationwide evaluation of 506 cities to determine how inclusive cities? laws, policies and services are of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) people. Learn more about this achievement.

Holiday Neighborhood Swap Day

Coming just in time for the holidays, Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations (OSI) is holding a neighborhood swap day Saturday, Dec. 9, 10 a.m.?3 p.m. at the Church of the Good Shephard (2145 Independence Boulevard). At this event, you can give your unwanted items a new home instead of sending them to the landfill ? or find that item you?ve been looking for, without having to buy it. Learn more about this event and OSI.?

Good news from A2ZERO

• Ann Arbor is being recognized by CDP as one of 119 A-List Cities across the globe that is taking bold leadership on environmental action and transparency. Learn more about this honor.?
• The city unveiled the first utility pole-mounted curbside electric vehicle (EV) chargers in the state of Michigan during a ribbon-cutting event Nov. 16 in the Old Fourth Ward outside 407 N. Ingalls St. While most EV charging currently takes place at a driver's residence, many who live in Ann Arbor don't have discretion over installing an EV charger where they park their vehicle. With help from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and the work of others involved in the project, the city is advancing the accessibility of EV charging with these public chargers, particularly useful for residents at multi-unit dwellings. Find out more about the public EV chargers on the city website; and watch coverage from the event via WDIV Channel 4.??
• The City of Ann Arbor will be renovating the Bryant Community Center into a net-zero facility and living learning laboratory of climate action thanks to a $182,360 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) from the U.S. Department of Energy Office of State and Community Energy Programs. These grant funds will help support the installation of energy efficiency technologies such as insulation and window replacements; the installation of all-electric appliances including an induction stove; the installation of a geothermal system at the center; and the expansion of the center?s energy storage system. In addition, funding will support educational materials, designs and curriculum so that the public can interact with the various technologies and solutions implemented at Bryant Community Center and learn more about actions they can take to usher in a decarbonized future. Find out more about this exciting initiative.?