| A2 City News February 2021 Newsletter
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| 02/01/2021
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Larcom City Hall building closure remains in place
Consistent with orders issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the Larcom City Hall building will remain closed to the public through Sunday, Feb. 21. The city will continue to conduct nonessential services and operations remotely. More information can be found at https://www.a2gov.org/news/pages/article.aspx?i=747.
The city appreciates your patience and reminds all to continue helping A2 be safe by washing hands frequently with soap and water; keeping a distance of 6 feet from those outside of your household; and wearing a mask covering nose and mouth when in enclosed and crowded spaces. For COVID-19 information and resources, visit https://www.a2gov.org/Pages/COVID-19-Information.aspx.
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Winter taxes reminder
City Council approved a waiver of interest and penalty for winter tax payments received in January and February. If you have already remitted your winter taxes, THANK YOU! If you have not, please make sure your payment is received by the city prior to Feb. 28, 2021.
While Larcom City Hall is closed amid COVID-19, there are several ways to pay. 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, via the drop box on Ann Street (just east of Fifth Avenue) or at the Bank of Ann Arbor.
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Budget process update
Budget planning discussions for fiscal years 2022 and 2023 will begin this month with the below City Council work sessions. Fiscal year 2022 begins on July 1, 2021, and ends June 30, 2022. City Council members can only adopt one fiscal year at a time even though the city plans for multiyear budgets.
City Council work sessions:
City Council Work Session discussions will include draft budget presentations by noted service units. These meetings will be held online at 7 p.m. Meetings are streamed live at https://ctnvideo.a2gov.org/CablecastPublicSite/watch/3?channel=1 and are available to view later via CTN's YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/ctnannarbor. All presentations and materials will be posted to the budget webpage, https://www.a2gov.org/departments/finance-admin-services/financial-reporting/budget-guide/Pages/BudgetPublicProcess.aspx.
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Feb. 8: City Administrator Area, Finance, Police, Fire, Courts and Community Services.?
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Feb. 22: Pension, Ann Arbor Housing Commission.
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March 8: Public Services and City Attorney's Office.
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March 22: Downtown Development Authority and Smartzone.
City Council, with at least seven affirmative votes, must adopt the budget no later than its second meeting in May (May 17). Budget-related feedback or comments are encouraged. Please submit an email to [email protected].
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Sign up for emergency notifications
The City of Ann Arbor wants to make sure you know about emergencies and incidents right away. The city joined Washtenaw County's emergency notification system, powered by Everbridge, in August 2020 to send alerts about issues that may affect your safety. This system, www.washtenaw.org/alerts, allows the city and county to contact thousands of residents in seconds via phone, email or text in emergency situations.
The success of this service, however, relies on YOU. Having your latest contact information on record in the system is the only way to ensure you can be contacted in an emergency. Please sign up for emergency notifications from the City of Ann Arbor at www.washtenaw.org/alerts. It only takes a minute to enroll!
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City welcomes new HR director
The City of Ann Arbor is introducing Tom Guajardo as its new director of human resources and labor relations. Guajardo will be responsible for the overall management and direction of city human resources programs including organizational development, benefits, compensation, recruitment, employee development, employee health and wellness, as well as being a partner in the labor relations function.
Guajardo has more than 25 years of human resources and labor relations experience. He spent a decade leading the human resources and labor relations functions for the Detroit Zoological Society in Royal Oak, Michigan, where he developed and implemented numerous human resources programs, including the diversity, equity and inclusion master plan which was recognized by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums with the 2015 Angela Peterson Excellence in Diversity Award for the Inclusive Experience.
Guajardo also spent several years leading human resource initiatives for Ilitch Holdings Inc., the Mike and Marian Ilitch family of Companies, and led several human resources and labor relations efforts including the initial development and implementation of diversity and inclusion programs for Little Caesars Pizza, the Detroit Tigers, the Detroit Red Wings, among others.
Guajardo is a graduate of Wayne State University and is currently completing a master?s degree in human resources management, with a focus on diversity and inclusion management, from Georgetown University. He has earned an advanced specialized certificate in intercultural management from the University of Notre Dame, is recognized by Michigan State University as a certified labor relations leader, and is a certified diversity professional, recognized by the National Diversity Council.
Please join the city in welcoming Guajardo to Ann Arbor!
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Sustainability forum series launches
The City of Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations Sustainability Forums are back for 2021 and are being held via Zoom! The next forum is 6?8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24, focusing on forestry and green infrastructure. The city kicked off this year's five-part series in January exploring the topic, Food and Food Access: What we eat and how we get it.
Each forum will directly relate to A2ZERO, Ann Arbor?s plan for a just transition to carbon neutrality by 2030. Upcoming forum topics include: Waste Reduction and Circular Economy (March 24), Energy Production and Use (date TBD), and a special yet-to-be-announced topic.
Attendance is always free, but registration is required. More information on the series can be found at https://www.a2gov.org/departments/sustainability/Newsletter-Events/Pages/default.aspx. The link to register for the forums will also be located on this webpage, https://www.a2gov.org/departments/sustainability/Newsletter-Events/Pages/default.aspx, as each event nears.
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Compost facility is open
The Ann Arbor compost facility, 4170 Platt Road, is open year-round for drop off of yard trimmings and food waste. Residents can drop off 1 yard for free per day. The facility has recently installed a new scale, which automates the process of weighing in and out, making visits easier for residents and contractors. Before arriving, review the scale house directions at www.a2gov.org/compost.
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Parks and recreation updates
2021 summer camp update
City of Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation Services is planning to operate in-person river day camps and pool camps during the summer of 2021. The safety of campers and staff is the top priority, and the state-licensed camps will abide by CDC guidelines, governmental recommendations and regulations. Staff is in contact with the State of Michigan and Washtenaw County to best understand the regulations. Ann Arbor camp professionals are currently working on the planning and implementation of providing safe and engaging camp experiences. Look for more information on camp registration dates and details by the end of February at https://www.a2gov.org/departments/Parks-Recreation/play/Pages/Day-Camps.aspx.
Instructional skating session 2 and open skating registration open at Veterans Memorial Park Ice Arena
Sign up today for session 2 of Veterans Memorial Indoor Ice Arena?s instructional skating program, 2150 Jackson Ave. Register for classes at http://www.a2gov.org/parksregister, and visit the website for COVID-19 information and guidelines participants are encouraged to read before visiting at http://www.a2gov.org/vets. Session 2 runs now through Saturday, March 6. The cost is $54, resident; $72 nonresident. Private, non-hockey rental opportunities are also available for $250 per hour.
Open skating reservations may also be made for Veterans Memorial Park Indoor Ice Arena at http://www.a2gov.org/parksregister. Open skating takes place Sundays, 11a.m.?noon | 12:30?1:30 p.m. | 2?3 p.m.; and Mondays and Tuesdays, noon?1:30 p.m.
These limited operations adhere to the current Michigan Department of Health and Human Services orders. Parks staff will continue to evaluate operations as new orders are issued. Please contact Recreation Supervisor Bill Meeks at [email protected] is more information is needed.
Open skating, ice rentals SOLD OUT at Buhr Park Ice Arena
Buhr Park Outdoor Ice Arena open skating and ice rental reservations are currently sold out. Should additional spots open, Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation will post an announcement on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ann-Arbor-Parks-Recreation/101194286129, and Twitter, https://twitter.com/a2parks.
Shop local every Saturday at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market
The Ann Arbor Farmers Market is open for onsite sales every Saturday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., 315 Detroit St. Vendors have seasonal items including apples, apple cider, winter squash, carrots, radishes, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, turnips, greens, lettuce, onions, garlic, herbs, microgreens, meat, poultry, eggs, cheese, bread, honey, baked goods, coffee, olive oil, jam, pasties, Polish food, Mediterranean food, candles, jewelry, body care products and more! Preordering from select vendors continues with curbside or walk-in pick up 8 a.m.-noon. For preorders, contact the vendor directly from the market directory. Staff is accepting cash, and tokens for credit cards and SNAP/EBT/P-EBT are available at the market office window. While shopping and picking up preorders, please follow all physical distancing and safety guidelines posted and communicated by market staff. All vendors, market staff and customers are required to wear masks. Additional information is available at https://www.a2gov.org/departments/Parks-Recreation/parks-places/farmers-market/Pages/default.aspx.
Ann Arbor Senior Center valentine drive-thru event
Join the Ann Arbor Senior Center and the Brookdale communities of Ann Arbor and Brighton Wednesday Feb. 10, noon-1 p.m., for a Valentine-themed drive-thru event featuring coffee, doughnuts, valentines and goodie bags to all seniors. Festive attire is encouraged. Stay in your car, and staff will bring the items to your car window in the parking lot, 1320 Baldwin Ave. For additional information visit www.a2gov.org/senior or call 734.794.6250. This event is in partnership with Brookdale Memory Care; Brookdale Assisted Living and Memory Care; and Brookdale Independent Living.
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Presidents Day
Ann Arbor municipal offices will be closed on Presidents Day, Monday, Feb. 15. Trash/recycling collection will continue as regularly scheduled, with no planned delays.
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Good news!
The Ann Arbor Wastewater Treatment Plant has won the 2021 PUMP Award. The Michigan Premier Utility Management Performance (PUMP) Award is given to municipal water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) around the state of Michigan. These WRRFs have made strides with new or enhanced water resource recovery practices that follow Effective Utility Management (EUM) principles and are encouraged to nominate themselves as a Michigan water resource recovery facility, a recognition program of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy and Michigan Water Environment Association (https://mi-wea.org/).
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Spotlight on CTN
Check out CTN?s wide range of programs available to watch online now!
Adventures in Parenthood ? Celebrated local children?s/young adult author, Jordan J. Scavone, discusses his catalog of books that focus on the difficult discussions with our young ones, like death, gender identity and social anxiety. Watch this episode at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJyJhLDNaCA.
Ann Arbor Inclusive ? Michigan Ability Partners creates opportunities for veterans, people with barriers to employment and those experiencing homelessness. Learn more at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kk4uhJNVFgg&t=6s.
FYI ? Greater Michigan Chapter Alzheimer?s Association Program Coordinator Michele Phalen shares the importance of this valuable resource for people struggling with memory disorders; and get active with Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation. Tune in to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNJFe8_X_KM.
FYI ? Brass Tacks Ensemble President Isaac Ellis shares how the acting troupe has found a creative outlet through the web series, Our Regularly Scheduled Program; and soar to new heights with the Ann Arbor Figure Skating Club. Watch at https://youtu.be/0Bmea2-Uh6E.
FYI ? Natural Area Preservation (NAP) Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator Tina Stephens explains how to be ecological stewards for our community. Learn more at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTsvFF5Wzro&t=11s.
Garretts Space, a 10-part series, is currently playing on CTN Channel 17, click the link for details https://www.weloveannarbor.com/profile-garretts-space-honors-a-kind-soul-by-addressing-gaps-in-mental-health-treatment-for-young-adults/.
Green Room ? Washtenaw County Conservation District Executive Director Megan DeLeeuw discusses the many ways planting trees can protect our natural resources. Tune in to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mA1dhSZptCw&t=185s.
Ward Talk ? Featuring special guest Elizbeth Nelson, Ann Arbor Fourth Ward Councilmember. Watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ocowdkdg158&t=2s.
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