COVID-19 updates

City of Ann Arbor Larcom City Hall will remain closed due to the pandemic, and nonessential operations will continue to take place remotely, through the end of April 2021. The purpose of the extended closure is to allow more time for vaccine distribution into the community and among city employee groups.

In the meantime, city staff is continuing to serve the public, conducting city business during normal business hours via phone, email and online. See the "services" webpage, https://www.a2gov.org/services/Pages/Home.aspx, for details and also the "contact" webpage, https://www.a2gov.org/contact/pages/contactus.aspx, for how to reach city departments.

Additional city information and a variety of resources are available on the city's website at https://www.a2gov.org/Pages/COVID-19-Information.aspx. For pandemic information from the Centers for Disease Control, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/. For the latest COVID-19 information from the Washtenaw County Health Department, please visit https://www.washtenaw.org/3095/COVID-19. In addition, the county health department features COVID-19 vaccine information at https://www.washtenaw.org/3269/COVID-19-Vaccination.

The State of Michigan offers a free COVID Alert tracking app for mobile devices, which can help to notify users and slow the spread of COVID-19 in Michigan. Find it where you access apps on your mobile device by searching "MI COVID alert." Or visit https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-99891_102592---,00.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=alert to learn more.

The city extends appreciation to the Ann Arbor community for their patience; cooperation with mask wearing and distancing both indoors and outside; increased handwashing; support of local businesses; and for getting/planning to get vaccinated all in a united effort to bring the pandemic to an end.

The return of curbside compost collection

The weekly curbside collection of compostable material in the city of Ann Arbor resumes Monday, April 5, 2021, on regular collection days. Compost collection routes run through Friday, Dec. 10, 2021. Residents can take advantage of this service by using optional compost carts and paper yard bags to dispose of materials appropriate for those containers and by bundling larger branches/brush and placing at the curb.

Paper yard bags may be used for yard trimmings such as leaves, weeds and other vegetation. Heavy bags can be difficult to service at times and also pose a greater injury and health risk to staff. If you must use paper yard bags, please don?t overload them. If you can?t lift it comfortably, neither can city staff.

Bundled brush or tree limbs, four feet or less, tied with natural twine in bundles up to 18 inches in diameter, can be left at the curb for pickup. Individual tree limbs must be less than 6 inches in diameter.

Residents who are able to are encouraged to take advantage of compost carts. See the list below for items that are PROHIBITED from compost carts and yard waste bags.

• Plastic bags or containers.
• Trash and recyclables.
• Dirt, rocks, stones and gravel.
• Sawdust.
• Branches 6 inches in diameter or over 4 feet in length.
• Painted or treated wood.
• Animal waste or cat litter.
• Tree stumps.
• Diapers.

Participating residents must place their compostables at the curb before 7 a.m. on their weekly waste collection day ? allowing at least 3 feet between each cart with clearance from any obstacles overhead. Carts should be placed on lawn extensions, whenever possible, and never left in bike lanes. For complete details on what is and is not compostable, please visit www.a2gov.org/compost (https://www.a2gov.org/departments/trash-recycling/Pages/Compost.aspx).

Yard material drop-off, sales and free compost

The Ann Arbor compost facility is located at 4170 Platt Road. The facility is operated by WeCare Denali, http://www.wecareorganics.com/wecare-products/products-by-region/mid-west-region/, and is open weekdays 8 a.m.?4 p.m., and Saturdays between April and June 8 a.m.?noon. Ann Arbor residents may deliver 1 cubic yard per household, per day of acceptable yard trimmings and food waste, at no charge, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.?4 p.m. A driver's license with a valid city address is required for this free service.

To drop off, purchase or obtain free compost, visitors must use the new automated scale system, which includes weighing in and out. Before you go, please see the instructions online for using the new automated scale system: https://www.a2gov.org/departments/trash-recycling/Pages/Compost.aspx#Yard%20drop%20off

Acceptable drop-off materials include:

• Grass, leaves, other vegetation ? must be clean and free of brush/wood.
• Mixed yard trimmings/brush/pallets (no plywood or OSB).
• Wood chips ? must be clean.
• Food waste.
• Branches up to 6 inches in diameter.

Materials for sale include:

• Compost
• Natural wood mulch
• Pallet mulch
• Woodchips

Payments may be made by check or credit card only. Please visit WeCare Denali at http://www.wecareorganics.com/wecare-products/products-by-region/mid-west-region/, or call 734.794.6380, for current fees and pricing. No cash accepted.

Free compost

Free compost, up to 1 cubic yard, is available, for a limited time, to Ann Arbor residents. This material is located within the compost facility and can be picked up on Saturdays only, 7 a.m.? 11 a.m., between April 17 and July 3, 2021, or while supplies last. In order to obtain free compost, a valid city of Ann Arbor driver's license is required. The limit is 1 cubic yard of compost per household. At the scale, enter material type: outbound compost resident free or outbound mulch resident free. Please note that this is a self-loading program, therefore each resident must bring their own shovel and containers they may need.

Our city at work: Ann Arbor Wastewater Treatment Plant

The Ann Arbor Wastewater Treatment Plant and staff have won the 2021 Premier Utility Management Performance (PUMP) Award. This honor, given to only a handful of water utilities in the state of Michigan each year, recognizes Ann Arbor's ability to hire, train and retain talented professionals, create and maintain outstanding infrastructure and budgeting plans as well as for earning high marks from the public measured by public surveys and engagement.

People continue to be the essential component to this award as well as Ann Arbor's long history of achievement when it comes to water resource recovery and sustainability. Ann Arbor's wastewater utility staff has a combined 273 years of experience, with the average employee having served for over eight years. Staff is required to undergo rigorous annual operations and safety training. Because of this and the support staff receives from the city, the wastewater utility has managed to retain 99% of its staff over the last 10+ years, losing people only to retirement.

Streetlight outage reporting

Did you know you can help the community be and feel safer by reporting streetlight outages? Simply visit www.a2gov.org/a2fixit (https://www.a2gov.org/services/pages/report-a-problem.aspx), or download the A2 Fix It app on your smartphone, to report streetlights that are no longer working. And remember, A2 Fix It isn?t just for streetlights. You can use the tool to report potholes and missed cart pickups as well.

17-year cicadas

Ann Arbor, along with large parts of the Midwest and eastern United States, will experience a 17-year cicada emergence in May and June 2021. The cicadas, which do not bite and are harmless to humans, will present challenges to smaller saplings while benefiting larger and established trees. In response, the City of Ann Arbor is suspending its spring tree planting efforts and has established a website, www.a2gov.org/cicada (https://www.a2gov.org/departments/forestry/Pages/17-Year-Cicada-Emergence-.aspx), to help the community understand and prepare for the event.

Parks and recreation roundup

?

Huron Hills and Leslie Park golf courses are now open

Leslie Park Golf Course (LPGC) clubhouse and all 18 holes are open. Carts are also available. Due to an ongoing construction project, golfers can play 11 holes at Huron Hills Golf Course (HHGC).

Everyone is required to a wear a mask indoors and around the clubhouse and to remain 6 feet apart from others not in the same household. For course details, visit www.a2golf.org (https://www.a2gov.org/departments/Parks-Recreation/play/Pages/Golf.aspx).

For HHGC, please call 734.794.6246 to book a tee time. For LPGC, please call 734.794.6245 to book a tee time.

Outdoor park rental reservations

Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation is now accepting park rental requests for event dates starting Friday, April 9, 2021.

After evaluating the current Michigan Department of Health and Human Services restrictions, the city will consider requests for events with a maximum capacity of 100 attendees for open-air shelters and open park space. Unfortunately, rental requests for the indoor shelters at Burns Park and Allmendinger Park will not be accepted until further notice.

If you are interested in submitting a park rental request, please email [email protected] or call 734.794.6230, ext. 0. Email is the preferred request method. Requests will be accepted in the order in which they are received.

To learn about park rental opportunities, visit https://www.a2gov.org/departments/Parks-Recreation/park-rental/Pages/default.aspx.

Gallup Park Loop Trail construction to begin

A segment of the Gallup Park Loop Trail, between the boat launch and the canoe livery, is in need of repair as part of ongoing maintenance. Work is scheduled to start in early April and is expected to be complete in early June, weather permitting. Signs and barricades will safely direct users away from the construction zone. The city asks that trail users follow the posted detour as they ride, walk, bicycle and commute along this path. While the temporary closure is an inconvenience to users, the replacement of the pathway is intended to provide longer-term durability. The city thanks trail users in advance for their patience. Details, including a map, can be found at http://www.a2gov.org/parkplanning (https://www.a2gov.org/departments/Parks-Recreation/administrative/Pages/Park-Planning.aspx).

Openings for Buhr Park Pool Day Camp available for scholarship recipients

Some spots remain open for children to attend the Burh Pool Park Day Camp this summer if they meet the qualifications for the Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Scholarship Program. The fund provides city residents access to Ann Arbor park facilities and programs regardless of economic situation. The scholarship program provides income-eligible families exposure to positive experiences, active lifestyles and mentors, as well as opportunities to gain and refine life skills and to develop positive personal and social assets.

To apply for a scholarship, contact 734.794.6230. A copy of the scholarship application can also be found at https://www.a2gov.org/departments/Parks-Recreation/administrative/Pages/Scholarships.aspx. Applications can be mailed to:
City of Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation Services | 2781 Packard Road | Ann Arbor, MI 48108. Due to COVID-19, documents may also be scanned and emailed to [email protected].

Energy efficiency kits delivered to homebound residents

The City of Ann Arbor is partnering with Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels at Michigan Medicine and DTE Energy to distribute home energy efficiency kits to approximately 260 homebound households served by Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels. The partnership, which stems from the city?s A2ZERO Carbon Neutrality work, focuses on helping homebound residents lower energy costs, maintain indoor health and comfort and reduce energy and water waste. Included in each kit are LED lights and nightlights, a water-efficient showerhead and faucet aerator, weather stripping, water heater pipe wrapping and a door draft stopper. Each kit also contains information about additional services or techniques available to save money by reducing energy and water waste. Learn more at https://www.a2gov.org/news/pages/article.aspx?i=779.

A commitment to quality water

The 2020 annual City of Ann Arbor Water Quality Report is now available and explains where your drinking water comes from, what is in it and how the city keeps it safe. Find the report at https://www.a2gov.org/departments/water-treatment/Documents/water_quality_report_2020.pdf?(PDF).

In addition, the April issue of Quality Water Matters includes an update on the status of the Gelman plume litigation and information that was shared by EGLE and the EPA during a community meeting. Read QWM at https://www.a2gov.org/departments/water-treatment/Documents/quality_water_matters_newsletter_april_2021.pdf (PDF).

Spring fire hydrant flushing to begin

The city conducts seasonal fire hydrant inspection and system maintenance each year. The 2021 hydrant flushing program is scheduled to resume Monday, April 12, and to continue through the coming months. If any changes to the starting date become necessary, updates will be shared on the city website at https://www.a2gov.org/departments/public-works/Pages/Hydrant-Flushing.aspx.

As the program nears, a map will be available online to show the current hydrant-flushing areas as well as where flushing will take place next. Find the map at https://gisappsecure.ewashtenaw.org/Html5Viewer_2_11/index.html?viewer=A2HydrantPM.HydrantFlushing.

Why is it helpful to know when hydrant flushing is happening in your neighborhood? On occasion during the hydrant-flushing process, the water in area homes may have an orange or rusty appearance. The discolored water does not pose a health or safety risk, but the water can cause stains to laundry. If water appears discolored, please run the cold water for several minutes to clear your lines. Do not run the hot water, as rusty water may get into the hot water tank, requiring the tank to then be drained, per the manufacturer?s instructions. You should also flush your toilets once or twice. The water should run clear within a few minutes. The iron sediment in the water main being disturbed by the hydrant flushing causes the discoloration. Temporary laundry coloration caused by this sediment can be removed by using a product called ?Rover.?

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the hydrant-flushing process, visit https://www.a2gov.org/departments/public-works/Pages/Hydrant-Flushing.aspx or contact the City of Ann Arbor Customer Service Center at 734.794.6320.

Get connected!

Find out about emergencies and incidents as they happen. The City of Ann Arbor?s emergency notification system will inform you immediately about issues that may affect your safety. Powered by Everbridge, and partnering with Washtenaw County, this system contacts community subscribers in seconds via phone, email or text. Please sign up for emergency notifications from the City of Ann Arbor at www.washtenaw.org/alerts (https://member.everbridge.net/454514914099298/login). It only takes minutes to enroll!

Tornado safety

Michigan just observed Severe Weather Awareness Week in Michigan at the end of March, apt timing to remind all of the importance of being prepared. According to the Michigan Committee for Severe Weather Awareness, tornadoes can occur any time of year, but they are especially common in our state during the late spring and early summer months. One of nature?s most violent storms, tornadoes can devastate homes and property in just seconds.

Don?t wait to learn about tornadoes and how to stay safe in the event of severe weather.

Do you know the tornado-hazard terms?

• A tornado watch means tornadoes are possible, be prepared to quickly take shelter if conditions are upgraded to a warning or if you see signs of a tornado approaching. During a watch, remain alert, watch the sky for approaching storms, and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for updates.
• A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted or detected in the area by weather radar. When a warning is issued, take shelter immediately.

Find out more about tornadoes on the tornadoes page of the Department of Homeland Security official website, https://www.ready.gov/tornadoes; and review this information sheet to learn how to be prepared for a tornado https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/tornado-information-sheet.pdf(PDF).

Also good to know ? the City of Ann Arbor conducts routine warning siren testing March?October at 1 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. Learn more at http://www.a2gov.org/departments/emergency-management/Pages/Alert-Systems.aspx#siren.

2021 planned road, utility and resurfacing projects

The list of City of Ann Arbor road and sidewalk projects for construction in 2021 is now available. Projects include resurfacing/restoration of nearly 9 miles of roads, 6.2 miles of preventative maintenance and 5,700 feet of new sidewalk construction. Projects and schedules are subject to change. All projects are listed online, as well as a larger version of the pictured map, at https://www.a2gov.org/departments/engineering/Pages/Construction-Projects.aspx.

Work zone safety reminder

The City of Ann Arbor 2021 road, utility and resurfacing projects plan is in place, and an increase in orange construction barrels on local roadways and throughout the state will follow. To urge motorists nationwide to use extra caution and follow construction zone laws, the 2021 National Work Zone Awareness Week kicks off April 26. This year's theme is "Drive Safe. Work Safe. Save Lives."

Statistics from the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse show there were 762 fatal crashes in work zones resulting in 842 deaths in 2019. In addition, 135 roadway workers were killed in work zones. The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration provides the following tips for all motorists to take to heart.

• Obey road crews and signs.
• Slow down.
• Move over when passing work crews and official vehicles parked on the shoulder (it?s the law in Michigan, http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?2017-SB-0477).
• Avoid distractions.
• Watch for sudden stoppages.
• Watch for large vehicles.
• Plan ahead. Build in extra time to reach your destination. Find a route that will avoid work zones altogether. Visit the city?s ?road and lane closures? webpage at https://www.a2gov.org/departments/engineering/traffic/Pages/Road-and-Lane-Closure.aspx for updates about planned road work and traffic control plans. While there, you can even subscribe to receive email or mobile alerts.

Learn more about National Work Zone Awareness Week at http://www.nwzaw.org/.

Ann Arbor Police Department Chaplains Program seeks applicants

The Ann Arbor Police Department Chaplains Program is preparing to launch and is now accepting applications. This program will help the city provide a more comprehensive response to those in need, through support to both civilians and officers alike and during times of crisis and non-crisis incidents. Learn more at https://www.a2gov.org/news/pages/article.aspx?i=774.

Earth Day online event

The 51st annual Ann Arbor Area Earth Day Festival will be an online event this year, taking place Sunday, April 25, at 1 p.m. Coordinated by the Earth Day Planning Committee, a coalition of numerous local environmental and civic nonprofits and agencies, the 2021 theme will be "Restoring our Earth." A full schedule of activities will be posted in early April at https://www.a2gov.org/departments/sustainability/Newsletter-Events/Pages/default.aspx. All are invited to attend and can RSVP at https://a2gov.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ImPYrv32Rhi_XMhGcWq6Lw.

CTN highlights

Ann Arbor Town Hall: Natural Gas Upgrades, Get the facts about Ann Arbor's natural gas upgrades. Learn about DTE's Gas Renewal Program and what to expect in your neighborhood. You'll also get additional information sources and answers to frequently asked questions during this program. Watch at https://youtu.be/Nfs0Evmz34E.

Green Room ? Crystal Campbell of the Washtenaw County Racial Equity Office discusses the concept of environmental justice as it relates to potential challenges and opportunities in our local area. Learn more at https://youtu.be/x_Z252Yen-I.

FYI ? Jayme Kelmigian and Zoe Resendez with FutureStars 2021, explain how we can watch and even participate in this singing competition; watch as local kids get creative in the realm of robotics; and learn more about dog licensing and leash laws in A2. Tune in to https://youtu.be/hFRX_RE31yA.

South Industrial Highway 2021 Construction Project ? https://youtu.be/7nCLJeL6gpc.

Adventures in Parenthood: AADL Virtual Programs ? https://youtu.be/zZKMC2gCSWQ.

Show Your Love A2: Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum ? https://youtu.be/jiazzf9YiIA.

FYI ? Shikha Singh, coordinator and biologist with Jackson Lenawee Washtenaw Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area explains why to be on the lookout for the new invasive plant species, mile-a-minute, taking over natural areas in Michigan. Learn more at https://youtu.be/dV8Dr-EKWqs.

FYI ? Sara Eggleston with Structured Health Resources shares ways to improve our physical health through ergonomics; learn how to join Ann Arbor?s many boards and commissions; and get from tree to table with this maple syrup tradition. Tune in to https://youtu.be/CvchRyAszZA.

City Round Up in 60 Seconds ? Robert Mulcihy with the Ann Arbor City Clerk's Office shows how easy it is to start the process of joining one of the city's many boards and commissions. Find out more at https://youtu.be/DoSn9tWyGcY.

Ann Arbor Inclusive ? Mark Hymes and Izzie Bullock share information about the Ann Arbor Center for the Independent Living and how the organization serves the community for individuals with disabilities. Tune in to https://youtu.be/XJbPtwa7_bc.

Ward Talk: Featuring Ann Arbor Councilmember Ali Ramlawi from Ward 5 ? https://youtu.be/HCqDxMT2vyg.

Good news!

The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC, http://www.eac.gov/) has named the City of Ann Arbor a 2020 Clearinghouse Award winner in the category, Most Creative and Original "I Voted" Stickers. The city clerk?s office held a contest in spring 2020 seeking local designs to build excitement for the 2020 Presidential Election and to provide a unique and visible way Ann Arbor voters could show their civic pride. Stickers featuring the winning designs were distributed at Ann Arbor polling places, mailed to absentee voters and were available online. Learn more at https://www.a2gov.org/news/pages/article.aspx?i=769.

Ann Arbor is making the grade on the Niche list of 2021 Cities with the Best Public Schools in America, coming in at No. 2. Learn more at https://www.niche.com/k12/search/best-public-schools/t/ann-arbor-washtenaw-mi/. Niche is also recognizing A2 at No. 6 on its list of 2021 Best Cities to Live in America. Find out why at https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/search/best-cities/.

The City of Ann Arbor has received a Silver designation from the national SolSmart program for making it faster, easier and more affordable for homes and businesses to go solar. This designation recognizes the city taking bold steps to encourage solar energy growth and remove obstacles to solar development. Read more at https://www.a2gov.org/news/pages/article.aspx?i=768.

A2ZERO has been selected as an American Climate Leadership Awards 2021 finalist. ACLA21, hosted by ecoAmerica, recognizes, rewards and shares best practices on climate change advocacy and action in America, offering money, support and national recognition to climate leaders and organizations building political resolve for climate action at local, regional and national levels, particularly those who center diversity, inclusion and justice in their work. A2ZERO was selected as one of the ACLA21 10 semifinalists and, as such, will receive $10,000 to support the implementation of A2ZERO-related activities. The city is still in the competition for the grand prize of $50,000.

Upcoming events with the Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations

Date: April 25, 2021 | Time: 1 p.m. | Title: 51st Annual Ann Arbor Earth Day

Description: The Ann Arbor Area Earth Day Festival is coordinated by the Earth Day Planning Committee, a coalition of numerous local environmental and civic nonprofits and agencies. This annual celebration has been held at several locations over the years. However, due to COVID-19 this year's event will be virtual. A full schedule of planned activities will be posted to the city?s sustainability events website in early April. Attendance is free, but registration is required.

Contact: Galen Hardy [email protected] | More info: www.a2gov.org/sustainability/events

Date: April 28 | Time: 6-8 p.m. | Title: A2ZERO Forum Series ? 4 of 5: Electrification, Energy and Efficiency

Description: Strategy 3 of the A2ZERO plan focuses on the efficiency of City of Ann Arbor buildings. But what does efficiency entail? How can efficiency gains be achieved among different sectors? Join this panel discussion to learn about policies and tactics to help realize energy efficiency projects.

Attendance is free, but registration is required.

Contact: Zach Waas Smith [email protected]

More info: www.a2gov.org/sustainability/events

Date: April 30, May 1 and May 2 (all part of one event) | Time: Various; find all times at www.a2gov.org/sustainability/events | Title: Arbor Day FreeTree Giveaway

Description: Celebrate Arbor Day by planting a tree! Conifer seedlings will be available for free, but must be reserved in advance via an online order form.

Contact: Sean Reynolds [email protected] | More event information: www.a2gov.org/10KTrees

Date: April 8, May 13 (each second Thursday of the month) | Time 8-9 a.m. | Title: Climate, Coffee, Conversation

Description: Join in every second Thursday of the month for an open community chat about anything and everything A2ZERO and sustainability in Ann Arbor, in Michigan and abroad. Attendance if free, but registration required.

Contact: Zach Waas Smith [email protected] | More info: https://www.a2gov.org/departments/sustainability/Pages/default.aspx