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*City of Ann Arbor Update: Join NAP for August Events in the Ann Arbor Parks* "07/01/2024"

Learn More button - blue [ [link removed] ] Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation (NAP) is planning productive, educational and fun community events in August [ [link removed] ]. We hope you'll join us!

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] ]  /  X [ [link removed] ]  /  LinkedIn [ [link removed] ] 

 

"*More about Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation (NAP)*"

"A unit of Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation, NAP is responsible for the care and maintenance of 1,400 acres of natural areas across the park system. NAP's annual operating budget is approximately $1.1 million and is entirely funded through the Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage, which expires in 2024. Ann Arbor voters will decide whether to continue to support the principal funding source for park system capital improvements, repairs and restoration programs as the 20-year Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage is set to appear on the Nov. 5 General Election ballot. Learn more about the millage at www.a2gov.org/parksmillage [ [link removed] ]. Neighborhood groups and community organizations interested in scheduling a parks informational presentation, and anyone with questions, can contact [email protected]."

*A2 City News July 2024 Community Newsletter* "07/01/2024"



A2 City News banner [ [link removed] ]

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*The Newsletter for the City of Ann Arbor, Michigan
JULY 2024 • Volume 18 • Number 7*

*A N N   A R B O R   B I C E N T E N N I A L - 1 8 2 4 - 2 0 2 4​​​*

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U of M Big House
GMA visit to A2

ABC’s Good Morning America (GMA) will broadcast live in Ann Arbor, from the intersection of Ashley and Washington streets, Wednesday, July 3. In addition to the live remote, GMA will feature highlights of some A2 businesses as part of the broadcast. The Community High School Jazz Band will also perform live. Coverage is tentatively scheduled for during or just prior to the 8 a.m. hour. Be sure to tune in and join the rest of the country watching Ann Arbor in the national spotlight!



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Flag [ [link removed] ]
Independence Day schedule

City of Ann Arbor municipal offices will be closed Thursday, July 4, due to Independence Day. There will be no trash/recycling/compost curbside collection on the holiday Thursday. Pickups will resume Friday, July 5, with regularly scheduled Friday collections taking place Saturday. Go online for more information [ [link removed] ].

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



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Fireworks Art [ [link removed] ]
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 conditions.

This Independence Day, fireworks may ONLY be discharged in the city June 29 to July 5 (because it falls on a Friday this year), until 11:45 p.m. on each of those days, per the Michigan Fireworks Safety Act 256 of 2011 [ [link removed] ] (PDF).

*Use without permission is ALWAYS PROHIBITED at city parks, schools and all public and private property that isn’t your own.*

Please take note of these safety and courtesy tips:


* 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 didn’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 ways to keep pets safe [ [link removed] ] before, during and after the holiday/celebrations. 

Find more tips and information on the National Fire Protection Association [ [link removed] ] website. 

Also important to remember, anyone setting off fireworks that cause a fire resulting in property damage will potentially face civil and criminal liability.

The city thanks you in advance for being a good neighbor.



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Bicentennial Park Ceremony Invitation
Park renaming to commemorate Ann Arbor bicentennial

The community is invited to attend the renaming ceremony of Southeast Area Park to Bicentennial Park Thursday, July 11, at 4:30 p.m. Learn about the planned park revitalization and special announcements; guests can also enjoy light refreshments. Bicentennial Park is located at 2901 E. Ellsworth Road, Ann Arbor. Find details, as they become available, on the Ann Arbor website [ [link removed] ]. 



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More Life Less Stuff [ [link removed] ]
More Life, Less Stuff

Advertisements pressure and tempt us to "buy more," every day. These advertisements strategically play on a need to fit in, feel good about ourselves, not miss out, make life easier, and enjoy life's finer things. However, all this "stuff" comes with hidden costs that, in the end, might not be worth it.

The More Life, Less Stuff Campaign [ [link removed] ] focuses on the shared responsibility to right-size our consumption and minimize harm to the world and the life it sustains. The campaign aims to raise awareness about not just our individual choices but our collective commitment to a healthy future. Learn about the benefits [ [link removed] ] of “less-is-more” living! 



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Kayaking - Canoe Liveries [ [link removed] ]
Standards for pavement sealant application

Summer is a common time for driveway, parking lot and other surface resealing projects. It’s important to remember the City of Ann Arbor banned the use of coal tar sealants, which is widely applied as a maintenance practice. The reason: These sealants contain high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs, many of which have severe adverse health impacts in humans, fish and other aquatic organisms when they enter our waterways. Under the city ordinance, all applications of pavement sealant within Ann Arbor must be registered with the city and must use a product with less than 0.1% PAHs by weight. Please go online for more information and details on the pavement sealants requirements [ [link removed] ].



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Ann Arbor Farmers Market Food Trucks [ [link removed] ]
Food trucks return

July 17 marks the return of food truck and cart vendors at the open-air Ann Arbor Farmers Market [ [link removed] ], 315 Detroit St. On the third Wednesday of every month through October, 5–8 p.m., bring along a family member or friend for dinner from some of your favorite vendors and live music! Go online to learn more [ [link removed] ] about the market and these special events, including parking information. 



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Ann Arbor Outdoor Pools! [ [link removed] ]

Swimming at Buhr, Fuller and Veterans Memorial park pools is a fun way to stay active and cool this summer. Swimming can also improve cardiovascular health, increase muscle strength, enhance flexibility, and is a great way to be social, reduce stress, boost mood and take a refreshing break from daily routines. All in all … time at the pool promotes overall well-being and a sense of community! We hope to see you poolside this summer. Sign up for a learn-to-swim class for all ages and skill levels –or– plan your pool day at www.a2gov.org/pools

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Park Millage Web Banner Image [ [link removed] ]
Park millage due for renewal

The 2025–2044 Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage renewal proposal is set to appear on the Nov. 5 General Election ballot, asking Ann Arbor voters to decide whether to continue supporting the Ann Arbor park system. If passed, the renewed millage would continue funding park system enhancements, repairs and restoration for the next 20 years. The millage renewal proposal remains for 1.10 mills and does not pose an increase; the rate would remain the same as the millage that is expiring this year.

Visit parks online [ [link removed] ] for answers to frequently asked questions, to learn about projects and activities funded through the current and past millages and much more. Additional questions — or interest in scheduling a parks and recreation informational presentation for your neighborhood or community organization later this summer or fall — can be directed to [email protected].



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CTN [ [link removed] ]
CTN highlights

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

A2 Bicentennial [ [link removed] ] — Bikeapalooza

Ann Arbor Inclusive [ [link removed] ] — Tracy Byrd 

Ann Arbor Public Schools [ [link removed] ] — Community High School Commencement 

Ann Arbor Public Schools [ [link removed] ] — Huron High School Commencement 

Ann Arbor Public Schools [ [link removed] ] — Pathways to Success High School Commencement 

Ann Arbor Public Schools [ [link removed] ] — Pioneer High School Commencement 

Ann Arbor Public Schools [ [link removed] ] — Skyline High School Commencement 

FYI [ [link removed] ]— Juneteenth 2024 

FYI [ [link removed] ]— Kevin Walsh, president/CEO of the Michigan Flight Museum and Air Adventures, talks aeronautics; Ann Arbor flag redesign; and Bikeapalooza 

Green Light [ [link removed] ]— Pollinator-aware yard care 

Park Peek [ [link removed] ]— Allmendinger Park 

Senior Moments [ [link removed] ] — Ann Arbor Musician/Multi-instrumentalist Betsy Beckerman talks about her life and musical activities for seniors 

Soapbox [ [link removed] ]— Washtenaw Association for Community Advocacy 



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leaves [ [link removed] ]
Leaf-blower ordinance in effect

A new Ann Arbor ordinance was passed in December 2023 prohibiting the use of gas-powered leaf blowers in the city. The summer ban is already in effect, from June 1 to Sept. 30. Go online to find complete details [ [link removed] ].



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Home Electrification Expo [ [link removed] ]
Home Electrification Expo

On Friday, Aug. 2, the Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations will be hosting the third annual Home Electrification Expo at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market 5-8 p.m. Hear from experts, manufacturers and contractors about all things energy efficiency and electrification. There will also be food trucks, a live band and prize drawings, including a brand-new heat pump water heater with installation and free all-electric lawn care services. RSVP to receive updates [ [link removed] ] about the event. 



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A2Zero [ [link removed] ]
A2ZERO in review

The City of Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations (OSI) has released the A2ZERO annual report highlighting major activities and accomplishments. The A2ZERO plan is charting the city’s path to carbon neutrality by 2030. See the impressive year in review! [ [link removed] ]



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Greenbelt Buy-Protect-Sell [ [link removed] ]
Ann Arbor Greenbelt celebrates Buy-Sell-Protect success

The City of Ann Arbor Greenbelt recently completed the final step of selling its first-ever conserved property under the program’s new buy-protect-sell initiative. This is a new city effort to create equitable and affordable conserved farmland-purchasing opportunities surrounding Ann Arbor. The city purchased a 54-acre farm in November 2022 in Northfield Township with the intent to split and sell it in two parts via a public request for proposals, but at a fixed, reduced price to reflect the conservation easement that would be applied. To be eligible, applicants could not already own land, or they had to be a small farmer, and had to meet an income limit.

Money received from buyers via the buy-protect-sell program is returned to the Greenbelt fund for more land conservation.

Learn more about this initiative and the Greenbelt's mission [ [link removed] ] to protect farmland and open space around the Ann Arbor community. 



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Ann Arbor Larcom City Hall
New artwork on display in Council chambers

Please join the City of Ann Arbor Office of Organizational Equity in recognizing artists from the Ann Arbor disability community who have been chosen to display artwork in City Council chambers, second floor, Larcom City Hall, July 15–31. Public members are welcome to enjoy and view the displays.



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keyboard [ [link removed] ]
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. A poverty exemption application may be submitted no later than Friday, July 12, 2024, to allow time for review prior to the Board of Review July meeting, which takes place July 16. Go online to review the qualifications and application information [ [link removed] ]. 

Taxes may be paid by mail, by phone (866.890.4982) or online [ [link removed] ]. As a reminder, in 2022, the city upgraded its online payment platform for property taxes. This 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 to observe the Independence Day holiday Thursday July 4, and will reopen Friday, July 5.

Visit the city’s property taxes webpage [ [link removed] ] for more information, including how property taxes are calculated. 



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2024 Historic District Awards [ [link removed] ]
Ann Arbor Historic Preservation Awards

The 37th annual Ann Arbor Historic Preservation Awards presentation was featured at the June 3 City Council meeting. The ceremony honored residents of 11 properties for preservation and rehabilitation excellence, and one organization was presented the Centennial Award for making a difference in the community for more than 100 years. Thank you to the award recipients whose preservation efforts are contributing to the history of Ann Arbor! Learn more about this year's honorees. [ [link removed] ] 



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I Voted sticker collage [ [link removed] ]
Elections news: Celebrating excellence, preparing voters

Congratulations to the Ann Arbor City Clerk’s Office for earning the MiExcellence Award [ [link removed] ] at the Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks annual conference in Traverse City June 21! The award recognizes the city clerk’s office for Overall Best Practice for the Voter Participation Specialist (VPS) program. The clerk’s office VPS program is a comprehensive temporary staffing program that engages temporary workers in all aspects of election administration, including election law, voter registration, absentee ballots and satellite office staffing. The success of the program is highlighted by three full-time hires in the Ann Arbor City Clerk’s Office coming from former VPS staff.

The knowledgeable, experienced and dedicated (+ award-winning!) city clerk’s office team has its sights set on gearing up for the *two remaining elections in Ann Arbor for 2024: Aug. 6 State Primary Election and Nov. 5 General Election*.

Here’s what you need to know to be ready to vote:

Check your voter registration status, register to vote if you still need to and view your Primary Election ballot at the Michigan Voter Information Center [ [link removed] ]. Note, beginning July 23, voters must register in person, and show proof of residency, at the city clerk's office [ [link removed] ] in order to vote in the Primary Election. 

Ann Arbor registered voters who applied for a Primary Election absentee ballot [ [link removed] ], including those voters on the permanent ballot list, should expect to see ballots in the mail beginning the first week of July. Fill it out, sign and return it on or before Election Day at 8 p.m. 

Primary Election early voting [ [link removed] ] sites will be open July 27–Aug. 4! 

The city clerk's office is open 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday –Friday and will be open additional hours for voter registration, absentee ballots and to answer your questions on weekends from 8 a.m.– 5 p.m. beginning Saturday, July 27, through Sunday, Aug. 4. Call, 734.794.6140, or stop by!

For your complete guide to voting information and resources, visit the city clerk’s office online anytime, www.a2gov.org/elections [ [link removed] ].



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Emergency Alert Web Icon [ [link removed] ]
Art fair pro tips

The annual Ann Arbor Art Fair will be taking over many city streets — and will bring tens of thousands of visitors to the city — Thursday–Saturday, July 18–20. Anyone familiar with summertime in Michigan knows storms can also pay an unwelcomed visit to the event.

Visitors to the city, shoppers and fair vendors alike can be prepared by signing up for Art Fair urgent alerts via the city/county emergency alert system, Everbridge [ [link removed] ]. It's easy to do and instant from your mobile phone. The communications will only be sent to your phone during the fair dates and to share urgent safety information. To sign up, text A2ARTFAIR (in all caps, no spaces) to 888777.

Another way to prepare like a pro? Check the road and lane closures webpage [ [link removed] ] as the event nears to find out which streets will be closed. 



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Siren [ [link removed] ]
Are you ready?

Ready.gov reminds us that now is the ideal time to ensure your emergency plan and supplies [ [link removed] ] 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 [ [link removed] ] for Ann Arbor through the Everbridge system, if you haven’t already!)

Ready.gov provides valuable resources [ [link removed] ] to help you answer these questions and assemble a comprehensive plan.

Your planning should include steps to ensure your pets’ wellbeing [ [link removed] ], too. If you need to evacuate your home for any reason, remember your furry, scaly or feathered friends. The Ready Campaign 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 [ [link removed] ]. 

The City of Ann Arbor also operates 22 outdoor warning sirens [ [link removed] ] citywide which are used to alert people who are outside to immediately seek shelter and seek out additional information. Sirens are used in the event of an emergency, which includes inclement weather, such as high winds, tornados, large hail, in addition to urgent situations relating to hazardous materials and dams. 



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Stop a Plot [ [link removed] ]
Know how to Stop a Plot

Michigan State Police recently launched an effort to raise awareness and to help community members identify and possibly prevent targeted acts of violence. The “Stop a Plot” campaign educates on how to recognize warning signs and take action to report suspicious behavior. The campaign includes a new webpage that details common warning signs and risk factors to look for, how to report confidentially, as well as tips and resources to help someone who might be at risk. Watch the video [ [link removed] ] and visit the Stop a Plot website [ [link removed] ] for more.



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City Aerial View [ [link removed] ]
A2 earns AAA

S&P Global Ratings has upgraded the City of Ann Arbor’s credit rating from “AA+” to “AAA,” the highest rating a municipality can be assigned. S&P cited the city’s very strong management, trend of robust operating performance, resilient economy, and strengthened financial position as reasons for the rating upgrade. The improved credit rating was assigned as the city prepares for the sale of its 2024 Capital Improvement Bonds. Ann Arbor is now one of only nine Michigan cities that holds the prestigious “AAA” rating from S&P Global Ratings and is also the most populous the AAA city in the state. Learn more [ [link removed] ].



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