COVID-19 updates

To help ensure ample space downtown for dining and shopping, Ann Arbor City Council resolution approves the following street closures 4 p.m. Thursdays until 6 a.m. Mondays April 1?Aug. 30, weekly:

• Main Street from William to Washington.
• Liberty Street from Ashley to Fourth and Maynard to State.
• State Street from William to Washington.
• Maynard Street (east side of street) from Liberty to William (seven-day closure).
• West Washington Street from Ashley to Main (seven-day closure).

For details, visit the DDA at https://www.a2dda.org/, and check out this overview from Ann Arbor Community Television Network, https://youtu.be/KJCUjA2OECk.

Ann Arbor Larcom City Hall will also continue to be closed through summer 2021 or until further notice. All nonessential operations will continue remotely. The extended closure aligns with efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 and remain in compliance with the state order, as well as allows more time for greater access to the vaccine throughout the community and among city employee groups.

Do you need information to find a vaccine provider and schedule an appointment? Visit the Washtenaw County Health Department helpful online resource at https://www.washtenaw.org/3337/Where-to-Get-the-COVID-19-Vaccine.

Please continue to be diligent and considerate of others? health. That means covering your nose and mouth with a mask in public; maintaining 6 feet of distance from others outside of your household; washing your hands thoroughly and often; and, if you?re able, getting vaccinated. Thank you for helping to keep your community safe for all!

Cheers to QWM and National Drinking Water Week

The May issue of Quality Water Matters asks residents to help us celebrate national Drinking Water Week May 2?8 by attending a virtual tour of the Ann Arbor Water Treatment Plant. Sign up at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd6Fcu4b47NTJYmRftPG_yvz_1j-kJwMNknWegOxbXzMS_8sA/viewform for a 45-minute tour to learn about how the city treats and delivers drinking water to more than 125,000 customers. There are multiple dates and times available and two tour types, one for ages 10 to adult and one for ages under 10. Read QWM at https://www.a2gov.org/departments/water-treatment/PublishingImages/Pages/default/quality_water_matters_newsletter_may_2021.pdf (PDF).

New online system STREAM-lines permit purchases

Need to renew a dog license? Thinking of raising backyard chickens or ducks? Are you planning a block party this summer? The City of Ann Arbor has launched a new online system to streamline purchases and renewals of these permits and many others.

The first phase of the new system, EnerGov, is accessible at https://stream.a2gov.org and reduces the need for in-person transactions, particularly important now when city operations are being conducted remotely amid COVID-19.

The next phase, STREAM, is coming soon and will digitize processes for:

• Building and trade permitting.
• Plan submittal and review.
• Land management.
• Record retention.
• Rental housing licensing.

This new system in its entirety provides benefits to both the city and community. Workflow efficiency will be improved and the level of paper accumulation that has been inefficient in both cost and time for the city will be drastically reduced. The system also generates automated reminders for licenses and permits to help community members avoid late charges and delinquent renewals.

The new Energov system is replacing TRAKiT\eTRAKit. Find more information at https://www.a2gov.org/news/pages/article.aspx?i=784.

Dog license permit updates

Changes have been made to the city's dog licensing ordinance with the hopes of simplifying the process and compelling more residents to comply with the law. The ordinance now has dog licenses expiring at the end of the month in which the dog?s rabies vaccination expires, with one- and three-year options.

Licensing fees have not changed.

• One-year license - Spayed or neutered dog is $6, $12 for unaltered dogs
• Three-year license - Spayed or neutered dog is $15, $30 for unaltered dogs.
• Service dogs are licensed for free. Note in accordance with State Law, two-year licenses are no longer available.

Why license?

• Michigan law requires all dogs over the age of 6 months to be licensed.
• Licensing protects community health and safety by requiring that rabies vaccinations are administered regularly.
• A dog license can help reunite lost dogs with their owners.
• Only licensed dogs are permitted to play at the city's three off-leash dog parks, Broadway, Olson and Swift Run (www.a2gov.org/dogparks).

Visit the city website for more information on dog licenses, including the new application and rates, at www.a2gov.org/doglicense. Or to apply online, visit https://stream.a2gov.org/EnerGov_Prod/selfservice/AnnArborMIProd#/home.

This is also an opportunity to remind all to please keep dogs secured on a leash when out and about, per the leash law in Ann Arbor, and please pick up anything your pup leaves behind. The city and your neighbors thank you!

Summer help wanted!

Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation is NOW HIRING for the summer! Love the great outdoors? Enjoy working with kids? This opportunity could be a perfect fit for you! The city is looking for day camp directors and day camp counselors for the river camps this summer at Argo and Gallup canoe liveries, and day camp counselors, lifeguards and cashiers at Buhr Park Pool.

Camps run June?August or early September, Mondays?Fridays. Must be 18 years or older for camp counselor positions, and hourly rates start at $10.13/$11.22 based on camp location/experience. Must be 21+ years for the camp director position, and hourly rate starts at $14.66. CPR/AED and First Aid certification required ? see each posting for details.

Join the parks summer team for a fun, memorable and rewarding season and a great work experience making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people. Learn more and apply online at:

River Day Camp Director ? http://ow.ly/dH7v50Eyfxw.

River Day Camp Counselor ? http://ow.ly/QcBG50Eyfz5.

Buhr Park Day Camp Counselor I ? http://ow.ly/pOX750EyfL1.

Buhr Park Day Camp Counselor II ? http://ow.ly/dg8k50EyfCr.

Buhr Park Cashier ? http://ow.ly/a2yF50EC0ZZ.

Buhr Park Lifeguard ? http://ow.ly/vjUA50EC11u.

COMING SOON: Discover, learn and explore the Huron River every day in May

The Huron River is a major environmental asset of the Ann Arbor community and beyond. Everyone has a responsibility, individually and jointly, to actively participate in its care and protection. In the past, Huron River Day was observed as a single, day full of activities on the river. In an effort to bring to the forefront the impact the river has on our daily lives, Huron River Day 2021 will be celebrated every day in May with a photo contest, self-guided walks in parks along the river and a wide variety of in-person events planned, with COVID-19 precautions in place. Learn about river safety, wetlands, shorelines, dams, floodplains and how we benefit from access to the river from the water we drink to the recreational activities we enjoy as a part of Huron River Day, every day! The first week of May details will be posted online via social media and at http://www.a2gov.org/HRD. Stay tuned!

No idling, please

Did you know the City of Ann Arbor has a no idling ordinance? This ordinance limits commercial-vehicle idling throughout the city and passenger-vehicle idling in signed ?no idling? zones.

Please do your part to protect healthy air quality and the environment by:

1. Turning your engine off. Whether in the school pick-up line or using the ATM, turn off your engine if stopped for longer than 10 seconds.

2. Reducing warm-up idling. Experts agree modern engines require only a short idle period after engine start ? even in very cold temperatures. Driving slowly for the first mile or two is the best way for the car to warm up. Long idling periods can harm your engine and waste gas.

3. Spreading the word. Most people idle out of habit. Encourage your family, friends and neighbors to help protect health, the environment and save money by turning off their vehicles.

Free wood chips

Free wood chips are available for residents at five locations around the city, while supplies last. Residents are required to load and haul the material away themselves.

Locations for free wood chip pickup:

• Veterans Memorial Park.
• Southeast Area Park.
• Allmendinger Park.
• Furstenberg Park.
• 721 N. Main Street.

Location maps, as well as information about curbside composting and other compost issues, are available at www.a2gov.org/compost.

Our city at work: Finance

With the City of Ann Arbor fiscal year beginning July 1, spring is a particularly busy time, especially for the city finance department. Finance staff has been working closely for several months with staff from each area of the organization to prepare the fiscal year 2022/2023 budget. Presentations by each city area at City Council meetings began in February; and the budget, in its entirety, will appear for approval on the May 17 City Council agenda. City Council, with at least seven affirmative votes, must adopt the budget no later than its second meeting in May. Council can only adopt one fiscal year at a time even though the city plans for multi-year budgets.

The presentations can be viewed on demand via Community Television Network. Visit the budget public process webpage for a link to each meeting at https://www.a2gov.org/departments/finance-admin-services/financial-reporting/budget-guide/Pages/BudgetPublicProcess.aspx.

During this budget season, the city is also delighted to introduce its new chief financial officer, Marti Praschan. Praschan was appointed to this position at the April 5 City Council meeting. She previously served as the city?s public services area chief of staff and has more than 20 years of experience with Ann Arbor in various finance-related positions. Please join the city in welcoming her to this new role!

Good news!

Digital travel magazine, Trips to Discover, recently featured Ann Arbor in its article, Best Places to Visit in Michigan. Noting the city's outdoor recreation including canoeing on the Huron River and hiking, a vibrant downtown and cultural opportunities abound, A2 made the list alongside other Michigan hotspots like Traverse City, Frankenmuth, Detroit and Isle Royale National Park. Read on at https://www.tripstodiscover.com/places-to-visit-in-michigan/.

The City of Ann Arbor Greenbelt Program is announcing $7.4 million in funding has been awarded in support of efforts to permanently protect 2,000 acres of land and to aid farmers in implementing systems that conserve water and soil resources, improve the health of wildlife habitats and increase climate resilience. Learn more at https://www.a2gov.org/news/pages/article.aspx?i=788.

CTN highlights

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

Adventures in Crafting ? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6eSJTK410g.

FYI ? Guest Lisa Hoenig, director of the Ypsilanti District Library, discusses the groundbreaking and much anticipated renovation of the Superior Township branch, and Eastern Michigan University hosts a FIRST adaptive sports clinic: https://youtu.be/7WneySvhjls.

FYI ? City of Ann Arbor Urban Trees Initiative Coordinator Sean Reynolds and President of the Ann Arbor NAACP, William Hampton, talk about Ann Arbor?s Earth Day celebration: https://youtu.be/IxdZZZ2y8sg.

Senior Moments ? Guest Liz Greaves-Hoxisie, an actor, director and producer of Petie the Dog Production and other local theater groups is featured: https://youtu.be/0TSrlH4PF1I.

CTN promo ? Downtown Ann Arbor Pedestrian Mall Street Closures April 1-Aug. 30, 2021: https://youtu.be/KJCUjA2OECk.

51st Annual Ann Arbor Earth Day, Restore Our Earth: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFUsVc80b_M.

Ann Arbor Inclusive ? New Oakland Family Center: https://youtu.be/MGllPAXqAwQ.

Ward Talk ? Julie Grand, Ward 3: https://youtu.be/g0sU-Mv1000.

CTN PSA ? Cicada Emergence 2021: https://youtu.be/m1HyVNZij1w.

Sustainability opportunities and updates

Did you know that the City of Ann Arbor has a goal and plan to achieve a just transition to community-wide carbon neutrality by 2030? Known as A2ZERO, this plan outlines seven key strategies and 44 actions the city can and is taking to address the climate crisis while creating jobs, protecting public health, improving quality of life, and fostering neighborhood resilience. Learn more and get involved at https://www.a2gov.org/departments/sustainability/Pages/default.aspx.

Heat pump workshop: The City of Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations is hosting a workshop for residents to learn more about heating and cooling their homes with an alternative to gas-burning furnaces and less efficient AC units. Come learn about the greener and more efficient option of heat pumps (air and ground source). The online event is Wednesday May 12, 7 p.m. on Zoom. Register at https://a2gov.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYscu6hqTgtGNTmiqQvhCNNOsRA8z1flN89.

Call for applicants to become A2ZERO ambassadors: Are you interested in learning about the various ways the city and its people can advance sustainability and carbon neutrality? Are you looking for tools to help operationalize that information? If yes, consider signing up become an A2ZERO ambassador. All ambassadors are committed to attending a nine-week training course, supporting the implementation of a community project that advances sustainability, and conducting at least 20 hours of additional volunteer work in support of community sustainability and carbon neutrality. Scholarships are available. Interested individuals can apply here (deadline to apply is May 21, 2021).

A2ZERO Week: June 1, 2021, marks the one-year anniversary of the adoption of A2ZERO. In honor of this, OSI is launching A2ZERO week. Running for June 1?6, this week-long event will be a series of decentralized and distributed virtual and in-person activities to help people: a) learn about sustainability activities; b) take action; and c) have fun. The full schedule is still being finalized, and details are being posted at https://www.a2gov.org/departments/sustainability/Newsletter-Events/Pages/A2ZERO-Week.aspx.

Trees of Ann Arbor Bioblitz: Join us for some resident science to help inventory our City?s trees. Interested individuals can leverage iNaturalist between April 25th and May 3rd to help us assess the types and quality of our City?s trees. Join us for a kick off event on Saturday, April 24th at 10am and learn more at www.a2gov.org/10ktrees.

Climate, Coffee and Conversation: Join OSI every second Thursday of the month at 8 a.m. for an open community chat about anything and everything A2ZERO and sustainability in Ann Arbor, in Michigan, and abroad. Zoom registration is required.

Earth Day: The 51st annual Ann Arbor Area Earth Day Festival was a virtual event this year, taking place Sunday, April 25, at 1 p.m. The 2021 theme was "restore our earth," and is now streaming on the CTN YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYqPF1mZQwosdlBniCQw9-w.

Solarize: Are you interested in learning more about solar and/or installing solar at your home or business. Come learn more at an upcoming Ann Arbor Solarize event: https://www.a2gov.org/departments/sustainability/Sustainability-Me/Families-Individuals/Pages/Ann-Arbor-Solarize.aspx.

E-bike discount program: Ann Arbor's e-bike discount program has returned! The city office of sustainability is working with local bike shops who are offering different discounts on electric bikes and accessories. Learn more at https://www.a2gov.org/departments/sustainability/Sustainability-Me/transportation/Pages/Electric-Vehicles.aspx.

Call for nominations for A2ZERO champions: Do you know an individual or organization that goes out of their way to advance sustainability, equity and climate action? Nominate them to be an A2ZERO champion. Nominations can be submitted here, and all nominations are due by May 20, 2021.

Sustaining Ann Arbor Together Grant: If you have a project idea that can be completed in public spaces or the public right of way and that will advance local sustainability, learn more and consider applying for a supporting grant at https://www.a2gov.org/departments/sustainability/Sustainability-Me/Families-Individuals/Pages/Community-Grants.aspx.