What to know for the snow

Clear sidewalks of snow and ice + care for one another this winter

Property owners are responsible for removing and/or treating snow/ice on sidewalks, crosswalk ramps and bus stops with concrete pads adjacent to their property. The City of Ann Arbor encourages all property owners to also be on the lookout for neighbors who may need help during these difficult times. Helping those in need deal with snowy/icy sidewalks can be invaluable to both the resident and others in the community who use the sidewalks.

Please note that only one warning may be issued before fines, a last resort, can be issued. CTN shares an overview of the ordinance at https://youtu.be/JkkKPZcleH8.

Residential property

Within 24-hours, any accumulation of snow greater than 1 inch must be cleared by the owner or occupant from adjacent sidewalks, concrete bus stop walks and crosswalk ramps. Any ice accumulations must be treated within 18-hours of forming 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. Find the ordinance here: https://library.municode.com/mi/ann_arbor/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TITIVSTSI_CH49SI_4_60RESNICSIWARA.

Nonresidential property

All snow/ice which has accumulated prior to 6 a.m. on a sidewalk adjacent to property shall be removed by the owner or occupant by noon the same day. The owner or occupant shall also remove snow and ice from walks and ramps that are at bus stops or that lead to a marked or unmarked crosswalk. Provided that when ice has so formed upon any sidewalk, walk or ramp that it cannot be removed, then the owner or occupant shall keep the same effectively treated with sand, salt or other suitable substance in such manner as to prevent the ice from being dangerous, until such time as it can be removed, and then it shall be promptly removed.
To report a problem sidewalk, please use the A2 Fix It app, visit www.a2gov.org/a2fixit or call 734.794.6942.

Free sand/salt for residents

The city provides up to 5 gallons of a sand/salt mixture, per visit, at various locations around Ann Arbor. Residents must bring their own shovel and bucket as well as load material themselves from the marked piles. Material is available now; however, note that sand/salt mixture is not provided for contractors or landscapers. Locations for pick up include: 721 N. Main St. | Almendinger Park | Buhr Park | Burns Park | Gallup Park | Leslie Park | Veterans Memorial Park. For maps and more snow information, please visit www.a2gov.org/snow.

Protect water service

Winter?s cold temperatures can cause havoc on water pipes; so take precautions to prevent costly damages:

• For pipes located within cabinets, open the cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate through.
• Insulate any spigots or pipes on the outside of your home.
• Let your faucet drip to keep water moving through the pipes.
• Set your thermostat to the same temperature day and night. A slightly higher energy bill is worth avoiding the expense of a broken pipe and possible flooding.
• If you will be away from home, set your thermostat no lower than 55 degrees.
• Make sure you can locate your water shut off/water isolation valve inside the home before a water pipe break occurs.
• Never attempt to unfreeze an indoor water pipe with an open flame or flammable liquid. This work is best left to professionals.

If you experience a frozen water pipe, or water has stopped flowing into your home, and you are unable to determine the location or nature of the problem, please contact the City of Ann Arbor for help in determining if the problem is on the city side of water service. If you experience a broken or leaking water pipe, and can?t find your isolation valve, or it doesn?t work, please contact the city to shut off your water using the curb valve, for a fee. If a water emergency occurs, please call the city at 734.794.6320 Monday?Friday 7:30 a.m.?5:30 p.m. At all other times, please call 734.994.2840. If you live in a rental property/multi-family/apartment building, please contact your property manager first.

Quality Water Matters

The December issue of Quality Water Matters includes important information about Ann Arbor Water Treatment Plant continuity of operations planning efforts, a Gelman Plume litigation update and the November water quality dashboard report. Read QWM at https://www.a2gov.org/departments/water-treatment/PublishingImages/Pages/default/quality_water_matters_newsletter_2020_decFinal.pdf (PDF).

Learn more about Bandemer Park/Barton Nature Area Pedestrian Connection Project

The City of Ann Arbor and the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission are holding an online public meeting Wednesday, Dec. 2, 7?8 p.m. about the proposed pedestrian tunnel beneath the railroad by Bandemer Park (https://www.a2gov.org/departments/Parks-Recreation/administrative/Pages/Park-Planning.aspx). The project team will review project goals, share the feasibility study recommendations and refined design based on community feedback and will discuss a proposal to extend the Border-to-Border Trail through Barton Nature Area. Thoughts and additional feedback are encouraged from the community.

Questions or comments can also be shared by contacting Hillary Hanzel, park planner, at [email protected] or 734.794.6230 ext. 42548.

The Dec. 2 Zoom meeting link is: https://a2gov.zoom.us/j/91051260356?pwd=b052RkJYY0t1SkxqZHFkZTMwRm84Zz09#success

Passcode: pedestrian
Or dial 1.213.338.8477 or 888.788.0099 (Toll Free)
Webinar ID: 910 5126 0356

Red meter bags to increase carryout convenience

As of Dec. 1, the free, 15-minute curbside carryout parking spaces in downtown Ann Arbor are designated by a RED meter bag, replacing the previously used orange bag and signage. The new red bags and signage indicate ?no parking 15 minute loading/unloading.? This necessary change preserves spaces for the intended purpose of free, short-term parking, in support of the curbside carryout service many restaurants and retailers are relying on, and enables enforcement of the 15-minute parking limit. Please note, those (mis)using the spaces for long-term parking, over the 15-minute limit, may be ticketed. The city thanks downtown patrons for their patience and for working together to support Ann Arbor?s local businesses!

Curbside compost collection coming to a close

As Mother Nature may have already signaled, it?s last call for clearing leaves and other yard material as curbside compost collections will end for the season on Friday, Dec. 11, 2020. Dispose of yard waste in your compost carts and paper bags while you can.

• As fall turns into winter, please remember to keep all carts free of debris, including snow/ice, which may hinder service.
• Don?t place carts on top of snow banks. Clear a ?shelf? so the cart can rest flat.
• Finally, in case of a snow event, and if possible, put carts out after your street has been plowed.

Ann Arbor residents, commercial properties and/or their contracted landscapers and haulers may drop off leaves (only) to the Compost Center at no charge also through Dec. 11. Proof of residency is required. The Compost Center is located at 4150 Platt Road and is open weekdays 8 a.m.?4 p.m.

Please note, Michigan law prohibits leaf burning in cities with populations over 7,500, which includes Ann Arbor (http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?mcl-324-11522). Go online to learn more about leaf-management options, http://www.a2gov.org/departments/trash-recycling/Pages/Fall-Leaf-Management.aspx.

Water meter upgrades

The City of Ann Arbor water meter upgrade project is underway. Letters are being sent to homeowners to share information on how to schedule their water meter replacement. The newer equipment that will be installed uses the latest metering technology and has a longer battery life. Once installed, these upgraded meters will provide more accurate readings and will make billing more accurate as a result.

The city understands the trepidation some might feel letting contractors into your place of business or residence. The contractor for this project, UMS, is taking every precaution to keep you, your employees and family members safe by following strict COVID-19 safety procedures. These steps include:

• Physical distancing.
• Face coverings.
• Use of gloves and foot booties.
• Routine cleaning and disinfecting of equipment.
• Daily temperature checks and screening.

For details, including an informational video, visit www.a2gov.org/meterupgrade.

City celebrates virtual grand opening of Allen Creek Berm Stormwater Mitigation and Flood Control Project

The City of Ann Arbor is marking the official grand opening and completion of construction on the $9.4 million Allen Creek Berm Project with a new video featuring Mayor Christopher Taylor, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gd_BY4WaHpI&t=6s. This is the largest stormwater management and flood mitigation project in city history and addresses two important municipal goals: stormwater and flood protection mitigation as well as promotion of nonmotorized transportation. Construction on the Allen Creek Railroad Berm project got underway in March, nearly 13 years after city officials proposed the project in the city?s flood mitigation plan.

The Allen Creek Berm tunnel pedestrian pathway along Depot Street, in combination with new fencing, provides nonmotorized users safe passage under the Amtrak railroad tracks and connects the Border-to-Border Trail to downtown Ann Arbor.

The project?s massive new culverts will eliminate or greatly reduce flooding risk for dozens of properties on or near Depot Street along the Huron River. As a result, the city has submitted documentation to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requesting a change in the floodplain map in the Depot Street area. That process, expected to take at least two months, will remove several houses and businesses from the floodplain, eliminating their need to purchase flood insurance or potentially reducing their premiums because of the lowered flood risk.

The project will also help the city meet its recently adopted A2Zero initiative goal for communitywide carbon neutrality by 2030.

The Allen Creek Berm project is funded with grants from FEMA, the Michigan Department of Transportation, SEMCOG and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Learn more at https://www.a2gov.org/news/pages/article.aspx?i=750.

City moves to remote services amid MDHHS order and emphasizes safety protocols

Continuing efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19, Ann Arbor Larcom City Hall will be closed to the public through Tuesday, Dec. 8, or until the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services? (MDHHS) order expires (https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-98178_98455-545136--,00.html). Per the MDHHS order, all nonessential city operations will be conducted remotely and online. However, critical municipal services will continue normal operations and schedules, including drinking water, waste water, police, fire, emergency operations and waste and recycling collections. The public is encouraged to access city services via phone, email or online. Find more information at https://www.a2gov.org/news/pages/article.aspx?i=747.

While most Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation facilities are temporarily closed, the Ann Arbor Farmers Market (315. Detroit St.) remains open with its ongoing safety measures in place. Shoppers can preorder from select vendors and use curbside or walk-in pick up 7 a.m.?noon on market days, Saturdays and (through December) Wednesdays. View the directory for participating vendors and their products at https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1gmPMf78_G-JkNHIUBw1n04N1iitmtUlqhO6OgH3oyjk/edit#gid=0. The market accepts cash, and tokens for credit cards and SNAP/EBT/P-EBT are available at the market office window. While shopping and while picking up preorders, visitors must wear masks and follow distancing requirements. All vendors and market staff are also required to wear masks. Visit the market website for additional information, https://www.a2gov.org/departments/Parks-Recreation/parks-places/farmers-market/Pages/default.aspx.

More information about the city?s operations amid COVID-19, as well as a link for testing opportunities and an array of local resources for both residents in need and those wanting to help, can be found at https://www.a2gov.org/Pages/COVID-19-Information.aspx.

Please remember to keep yourself, your friends, family and fellow community members healthy with these simple practices:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
• Maintain a distance of 6 feet apart from those outside your household.
• Wear a face covering over nose and mouth when in enclosed places and crowded outdoor spaces.
• Stay home when you are sick.

Housing and affordability engagement opportunities

The city is exploring the potential redevelopment of publicly owned parcels in downtown Ann Arbor: 121 E. Catherine, 353 S. Main, 309 S. Ashley and 721 N. Main. These city-owned sites in and around downtown are being considered for the development of additional affordable housing.

There is still time to learn more and participate in providing feedback on the redevelopment proposals. The final live online meeting is scheduled for 6?8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10. RSVP at https://www.community-engagement-annarbor.com/. The city is also collecting input via an online survey, open through Dec. 14: https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/5805923/Housing-Affordability-Community-Survey-Fall-2020.

All are welcome to share their thoughts.

Winter taxes due

Winter taxes are due in December. Because of COVID-19, Ann Arbor City Council passed a resolution waiving interest charges for payments received in January and February. All tax payments, therefore, must be received by Feb. 28, 2021, to avoid being turned over to the Washtenaw County Treasurer.

While Larcom City Hall is closed, there are still several ways to pay your taxes. Property tax payments can be made online at https://www.a2gov.org/departments/finance-admin-services/assessing/Pages/Pay-Taxes-Online.aspx, by U.S. mail or via the drop box on Ann Street (just east of Fifth Avenue). Tax payments, including cash payments, can also be made at the following local banks: Bank of Ann Arbor, Level One Bank and TCF Bank. Please contact the bank branch you intend to visit for information on any COVID-19-related restrictions that may be in place.

Learn more about property taxes, including how they are calculated, at http://www.a2gov.org/departments/finance-admin-services/treasury/Pages/TreasuryDivision.aspx.

CTN highlights

A2Zero: I Have a Vision ? Have a vision for Ann Arbor?s future? Apply today to become an A2ZERO Ambassador! Ambassadors will attend specialized classes to gain knowledge on the city?s plan for carbon neutrality by 2030, connect with other passionate ambassadors, and become equipped with the resources to make lasting change. Apply here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=haWvSHVjcEG50enFaLuS8xBlLSo3GvZDp_vBz3Y-6sNUREwxR09ETVM5MlA2VE03TjJaTUw1TDFQOS4u; and watch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4uvSn7UI_o&t=3s to learn more.

Adventures in Parenthood: Angelman Syndrome ? The Leitz Family discusses the ups and downs of parenthood as they tackle the rare genetic disorder, Angelman Syndrome. Watch now at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YF_cDezUwH4&t=745s.

Ann Arbor Inclusive highlights Therapeutic Riding Inc., a non-profit adaptive equestrian facility making horsemanship and equestrian sports accessible for people with disabilities. Their Ann Arbor farm boasts well-trained horses, skilled professional trainers, and accessible facilities to help riders of all abilities excel! Meet two of TRI's riders pursuing their para-equestrian dreams, as they work toward competing in para-dressage. Tune in here:?https://youtu.be/0MJkEZZWv1g.

Ann Arbor Water Meter Upgrades ? This project will replace approximately 26,500 meters with newer equipment that uses the latest metering technology and longer battery life. Once installed, these upgraded meters will provide more accurate readings and will make billing more accurate. Learn more about this process, including all the COVID-19 precautions, at www.a2gov.org/meterupgrade. Watch the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPRW7IUxUGQ.

FYI catches up with Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority Communications Manager Maura Thomson to talk about supporting local businesses during the holiday season while navigating the pandemic. Also featured are stories on solar panel installations at city-owned buildings and reporting problems throughout the city with A2 Fix It. Watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1bCzF6_52M&t=31s.

Happy Tails ? Gary Evans, clinic director, discusses the changes at the Huron Valley Humane Society Clinic and the positive impact of adoptions during the pandemic. Tune in to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yofRahELBIU&t=2s.

Santa Satellite Promo ? Watch as Holly Holiday and Mistletoe get ready for the holiday season. Watch Santa Satellite Network on CTN Channel 17 or YouTube.com/CTNAnnArbor on Dec. 10, 2020. In the meantime, check out the promo at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKIPwPKgM6w.

Tune in to Soapbox, with Big Brother Big Sister of Washtenaw County/Adopt A Family, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7vbdNhceI4&t=4s.

Ward Talk November 2020, features Kathy Griswold, Ann Arbor City Councilmember from the second Ward, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cg0WqkEtfI0.

A2, be safe for the holidays

This holiday season, keep an extra awareness for your personal health, safety and security ? and the wellbeing of others ? at the top of your list. City of Ann Arbor Police and Fire departments are providing these tips and reminders to help keep the season bright:

Stacks of wrapped presents, dry Christmas tree needles and festive lights and candles all pose an elevated risk for fires. Be sure to:

• Choose a safe and healthy tree, and keep it watered so it doesn?t dry out and become more of a fire hazard. Or if decorating with an artificial tree, choose one that is labeled as fire resistant.
• Closely inspect holiday lights to ensure wiring is not frayed or damaged; and never overload electrical outlets.
• Never leave candles lit when you?re away, and don?t leave fires in fireplaces unattended.
• Keep Christmas trees and other flammables a safe distance away from fires and flames.
• Turn off tree lights and decorations when you are not going to be home and before you go to sleep.

Preparing for the holidays and celebrations can also, unfortunately, come with the risks of sickness and theft. Don?t make it easy for someone to target you, your home or your business. And safeguard yourself and others to prevent illness.

For security sake:

• Avoid wearing expensive and attention-grabbing jewelry.
• Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible. Stash cash in your front pocket.
• Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.
• Stay alert to your surroundings.
• If you must shop at night, park in a well-lighted area.
• Avoid parking next to vehicles with tinted windows, as well as vans.
• Be sure to locate your keys prior to going to your car.
• Trust your instincts; and don't hesitate to ask mall or store security for an escort to your vehicle.
• Keep expensive and easily accessible items out of plain site from windows and door walls.
• If you receive big-ticket items as gifts, such as televisions or other electronics, don?t set out the boxes and packaging at the curb right away. Instead, cut up the boxes/packaging, and also wait a few weeks to discard.

And, finally, the Centers for Disease Control recommends these measures to keep yourself and those around you healthy:

• Shop online whenever possible to avoid crowds. Also visit the websites or social media pages of your favorite local merchants to check out their online-buying options. It?s important to support small businesses, too.
• Use contactless services for purchased items, like curbside pickup.
• Shop in open-air markets staying 6 feet away from others who don?t live with you.
• If you are sick, stay home.
• And yes, please wear a mask when indoors in public places and in crowded outdoor spaces.

The City of Ann Arbor wishes you a safe, healthy and happy holiday season.

City schedule notes

Thursday, Dec. 24, and Friday, Dec. 25: City municipal offices are closed for Christmas Eve and Christmas day. Trash/recycling will be collected as usual on Thursday. Friday collections will instead take place Saturday, Dec. 26.

Thursday, Dec. 31, and Friday, Jan. 1: City municipal offices are closed for New Year?s Eve and New Year?s Day. Trash/recycling will be collected as usual on Thursday. Friday collections will instead take place Saturday, Jan. 2.