Hands-on fun at the Public Works Open House

All are invited to the Ann Arbor Public Works Open House Saturday, Oct. 5, 10 a.m.–1 p.m., 4251 Stone School Road. The family-friendly event will include:

• Paint a city snowplow, and vote on your favorite name for the trucks
• Touch a truck
• Fix a water main break and clogged storm sewer
• Tour the salt dome
• Operate a solid waste truck

These events are FREE and geared toward adults and kids of all ages.

Seasonal yard waste disposal options

The City of Ann Arbor is expanding services for the season to help residents manage fallen leaves. Between Monday, Oct. 7, and Friday Dec. 13, 2024, the number of bags that can be left at the curb for collection will be increased to 20 bags (50 pounds or less each); unlimited leaf drop off will be permitted at the Ann Arbor compost facility, from residents or their landscaper; and free wood chips will be available to pick up at three locations around the city.

Residents may also choose to “reuse” yard waste. Some options include:

• Use a mulching mower to feed grass clippings and leaves back into your lawn. 
• Use mulched leaves to cover flower beds in winter.
• Create a compost pile.
• Create a dead-wood garden with fallen limbs and branches.

For more tips and information, visit www.a2gov.org/compost.

Fire Prevention Week

The National Fire Protection Association^® (NFPA^®) is celebrating Fire Prevention Week^TM (FPW) Oct. 6–12. This year’s theme is “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” to focus on the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home.

NFPA^® and the Ann Arbor Fire Department are sharing some simple but important actions to help ensure smoke alarms are most effective.

• Install — Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway) and on each level (including the basement) of the home.
• Test — Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.
• Replace — Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or when they stop responding when tested.

Learn more about Fire Prevention Week and ways to prevent and stay safe from fires. 

Annual fall fire hydrant maintenance to resume

The City of Ann Arbor annual fire hydrant inspections and system maintenance will resume Monday, Oct. 7. 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. 

Here’s your ‘Green Light’ to learn about SEU

Ann Arbor Sustainability and Innovations Director Missy Stults was recently featured on Community Television Network’s (CTN) program, Green Light, with details of Ann Arbor’s proposed sustainable energy utility (SEU). The optional, supplemental, community-owned energy utility would provide 100% renewable energy from local solar and battery storage systems and networked geothermal at opt-in, participating homes and businesses in the city. The SEU proposal appears on the Nov. 5, 2024, General Election ballot for Ann Arbor voters to consider.

Check out this episode of Green Light — and visit the Ann Arbor SEU webpage — to learn more!

Green Light episodes take an up-close look at sustainability in Ann Arbor with residents who are envisioning, creating and establishing a sustainable and equitable future for the community. Bookmark — and check back — for more episodes. 

To keep up with the very latest from OSI, follow along on Facebook and Instagram!  

2024 election resources guide

General Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5! Check out these (other) important dates to note — and some useful information — to make sure you’re ready to cast your vote, and in a way that’s convenient for you!

Voter registration

Monday, Oct. 21, is the last day to register or update your registered address via the mail or online. After Oct. 21, you must register/update in person at the city clerk’s office, until 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 5.

Extended hours for city clerk’s office

The city clerk's office at Larcom City Hall will be open special hours for election-related services —

• All Wednesdays in October, 8 a.m.–7 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 26, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Sunday, Oct. 27, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 2, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Sunday, Nov. 3, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 7 a.m.–8 p.m.

More ways to vote

At the polls on Election Day — Polling locations are open 7 a.m.–8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Absentee/mail ballot — Have an absent voter (AV) ballot mailed to you or pick one up at the city clerk’s office or satellite office. (You can also cast this AV ballot in person at an early voting site or on Election Day at your polling place.)

• Thursday, Sept. 26–Monday, Nov. 4: AV ballots are available to get by mail or in person at the city clerk’s office or satellite office. Bring a photo ID if picking up an AV ballot in person.
• Friday, Oct. 25, until 5 p.m.: Last day for a voter to spoil their ballot that has been received by the city clerk’s office.
• Friday, Nov. 1, until 5 p.m.: Last day to submit an application for an AV ballot to be mailed.
• Monday, Nov. 4, until 4 p.m.: Last day to submit an application to receive an AV ballot in person at the city clerk’s office or satellite office.
• Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5: Your AV ballot must be placed in the signed ballot envelope and returned to the city clerk’s office or to an official City of Ann Arbor ballot drop box before 8 p.m. on Election Day. There are eight ballot drop boxes located throughout the city. 

Early voting — Saturday, Oct. 26–Sunday, Nov. 3, you can cast your ballot ahead of Election Day at one of six designated early voting sites. All early voting sites, except the Larcom City Hall site, are open for early voting daily 11 a.m.–7 p.m. The Larcom City Hall site is open for early voting 8 a.m.–5 p.m. 

Learn more

For more information about the 2024 General Election and voting in Ann Arbor, visit www.a2gov.org/elections and contact the Ann Arbor City Clerk’s Office with any questions at [email protected] or 734.794.6140. You can view your sample ballot online, as well as check your voter registration status and absentee ballot status by visiting the Michigan Voter Information Center.

Road closures for Ann Arbor Marathon

Some streets in the city will be temporarily closed Sunday, Oct. 13, for the Ann Arbor Marathon. Streets will reopen as soon as early as safely possible after participants have cleared the areas. Motorists should plan to avoid the event route area. Visit the marathon page for routes and details, and the city roads and lane closures page for general information.

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. 14, 2024, 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.

Get to know your 'Green Spaces, Happy Places'

Ann Arbor Community Television Network (CTN) has launched the Ann Arbor “Green Spaces, Happy Places" vignette video series, brief highlights of the park spaces, facilities, programs and recreational opportunities that make the city of Ann Arbor unique, while showcasing the critical role the Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage plays in maintaining these community gems. Watch the latest park features, and stay tuned for more short stories about how the millage keeps parks clean, accessible and fun for everyone! 

Since 2006, the Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage has supported upkeep efforts and improvements for Ann Arbor’s 160+ parks and natural areas, ensuring they remain vibrant and accessible for all. In the upcoming November General Election, Ann Arbor voters will have the opportunity to renew this investment for another 20 years, extending park system enhancements, repairs and restoration through 2044. 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 for answers to frequently asked questions, to learn about projects and activities funded through the current and past millages and much more. Additional questions can be directed to [email protected].

Spooktacular fun is brewing!

Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation is offering multiple ways to expand your Halloween celebrations (and to get more mileage out of your costume)! Don’t be afraid to check out these special events …

Trick-or-treat on the River

Paddle through the haunting beauty of Gallup Pond as you trick-or-treat by canoe or kayak Sunday, Oct. 13, at Gallup Canoe Livery, noon-3 p.m.! Trick-or-treat on the River takes boaters on a journey, encountering pirates, witches, swamp monsters and even ducks along the way, all ready to hand out treats. Don’t forget to dress up and bring a bag for candy. The fun doesn’t stop on the water — games and activities will also be waiting for you on land as part of this Halloween adventure. The last boat departs at 3 p.m. The cost is $25 per boat, and no preregistration is needed. All ages are welcome, though children must be at least 1 year old to participate. 

Halloween on ice

Show off your costume and enter a spooktacular contest, get your fill of candy and skate to themed music all at the Halloween Spooky Skate Sunday, Oct. 27, 12:30-2:30 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Indoor Ice Arena (2150 Jackson Ave.)! Bring your own skates or rent them onsite; regular admission rates apply. It's an event perfect for ghouls, goblins and families looking for some frightfully fun activities! 

Trick-or-treat tips + times

For participating residents, trick-or-treating will take place in Ann Arbor neighborhoods 5–8 p.m. on Thursday, 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!

Residents weigh in on A2 quality of life

The results are in for the City of Ann Arbor's recent National Community Survey^TM (NCS), which recently polled 3,000 randomly selected residents on their opinions of city services, amenities and quality of life in Ann Arbor. 89% of respondents rated their overall quality of life in the city as “excellent” or “good,” 91% rated the city as an “excellent” or “good” place to live, and 89% said they would recommend Ann Arbor as a place to live. According to NCS, “Overall quality of community life represents the natural ambience, services and amenities that make for an attractive community.” How residents rate their overall quality of life, NCS explains, is an indicator of the overall health of a community. Learn more about the 2024 NCS results.

City budget presentation recognized

The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) has presented the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award to the City of Ann Arbor for the fiscal year 2025 budget. GFOA notes recipients of this award have pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for other governments throughout North America.

CTN highlights

CTN brings home Philo T. Farnsworth video competition awards

Community Television Network of Ann Arbor (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).

The Central States region will honor CTN and all the winners at the annual Philo Festival of Media Arts Video ceremony this month in Hamilton, Ohio, hosted by TV Hamilton. CTN recognitions include:

Community Events — Parades/Festivals (Finalist), CTN at the Art Fair #1 2023, Rob Cross, Tim Nagae

Interview/Talk Show (Professional Winner) — Adventures in Parenthood 2023, Dana Denha, Melissa Bondy

News (Professional Winner) — FYI #1045 – Dana Denha, Rob Cross 

Public Service Announcement, (Professional Winner) City of Ann Arbor’s Bike Lane Cart Placement, Tim Nagae

Watch CTN programming via the following: (for Ann Arbor residents) cable television on Comcast channels 16-19 and AT&T U-verse channel 99; (accessible anytime, anywhere) streaming live and on demand on the free CTN app on Roku and Apple TV (download the screenweave app to access); YouTube Channel: CTNAnnArbor and a2gov.org/watchctn

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

A2 Bicentennial — Monuments 

A2 Bicentennial — Tree planting 

Adventures in Parenthood — Mi Impact 

City Round Up — Ask Ann 

FYI— Mayor Christopher Taylor shares details and insight on the annual Green Fair; celebrate Ann Arbor’s bicentennial through music and poetry; and take a peek at Dolph Nature Area 

FYI— Nancy Margolis of Embracing Our Differences Michigan; Labyrinth Walk with 7 Notes Natural Health; and back-to-school safety tips from the Ann Arbor Police Department 

FYI— Tom James, attorney at Michigan Auto Law, explains the laws on sharing our Michigan roads with school buses; A2SF’s Monuments: A Living History; and take a peek at Fuller Park 

FYI— Chad Wiebesick with Destination Ann Arbor and Lori Lanspeary with Choose Lansing discuss the Cities of the Big Ten Passport; Ann Arbor Bicentennial tree planting; and take a peek at Hunt Park 

CTN Sports — Skyline at Pioneer Field Hockey, Sept. 9 

CTN Sports — CTN SPORTS 2024 - Skyline at Huron Field Hockey, Sept. 23 

Green Light — A2ZERO Ambassador Program 

Green Spaces, Happy Places vignette #1 

Green Spaces, Happy Places vignette #2 

Green Spaces, Happy Places vignette #3 

Park Peek — Depot Park 

Park Peek — Ann Arbor Farmers Market 

Senior Moments — Washtenaw Library for the Blind and Print Disabled 

Ward Talk — Chris Watson, Ann Arbor City Councilmember from the second ward 

Installation of lower-wattage LED streetlights

The City of Ann Arbor Streetlight Conversion Project is moving ahead after approval from City Council to install light emitting diode (LED) bulbs in DTE-owned-and-maintained streetlights within the city. The recommended LED light fixtures slated for installation are both lower wattage (less bright) and a warmer color temperature (more orange, less blue) than current standard LED offerings from DTE. This initiative aligns with the city A²ZERO goal to increase sustainability and decrease the carbon footprint. Visit the project webpage to learn more. (This article has been updated since it originally appeared in the September 2024 A2 City News.)