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*A2 City News September 2021 Community Newsletter* "09/01/2021"

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The Newsletter for the City of Ann Arbor, Michigan ? SEPTEMBER 2021? ? Volume 15 ? Number 9

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Compost Truck
Labor Day

There will be no trash, recycling or compost curbside collection services in Ann Arbor on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 6. Monday pickups will occur on Tuesday, and the rest of the collections will occur one day later throughout the week. The normal Friday routes will be serviced on Saturday, Sept. 11. For information on the city?s solid waste services, please visit www.a2gov.org/solidwaste [ [link removed] ].

Municipal offices, including the Ann Arbor Customer Service Center at Larcom City Hall and the 15th Judicial District Court at the Ann Arbor Justice Center, will be closed on the holiday Monday. Safety services and utility operations will maintain 24-hour schedules throughout.


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A2 Be Safe - School Bus Safety [ [link removed] ]
Be back-to-school safe

With summer vacations ending and schools back in session, the streets of Ann Arbor are bustling again with more vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians. Check out these safety tips for reminders of how you can help A2 Be Safe: [link removed] [ [link removed] ].

Pedestrians:

* Cross at marked crosswalks.
* Give motorists enough time to see you and stop.
* Residents:
* Be sure to keep vegetation on your property trimmed to allow for safe passage on sidewalks and proper visibility near crosswalks. If you see vegetation obstructing visibility, please report to the city via the A2 Fix It app or online at [link removed] [ [link removed] ].

Bicyclists:

* Ride on the road when possible ? and obey the traffic signs and signals.
* Use bike lanes when available.
* To report vehicles parked in marked bike lanes, please call the police nonemergency phone number at 734.994.2911.

Motorists:

* Give yourselves plenty of commute time and be patient.
* Slow down in or near school and residential areas.
* Watch for children in between parked cars and other objects.
* Look for clues ? such as safety patrols, crossing guards, bicycles and playgrounds ? that indicate children might be in the area.
* Watch for crossing guards and remain stopped, out of the crosswalk, until everyone is out of the roadway.
* Be extra alert at crosswalks, and stop when pedestrians ? with or without a crossing guard ? are present to cross.
* Give bicyclists at least 5 feet of space on the road. (And thank you for not parking in bike lanes!)
* See a school bus? Whether you are driving on a two-lane roadway (with or without a center turning lane) or a four-lane roadway (without a median separation), all traffic ? in both directions ? must stop when a bus stops for passengers. (Also visit Michigan State Police online to find information on school buses and other safety tips [ [link removed] ].)

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Quality Water Matters logo [ [link removed] ]
Quality Water Matters September issue

The September issue of Quality Water Matters focuses on agenda items that will be discussed at a City Council Work Session on Sept. 13. At this meeting, city staff will present several alternatives that could be considered for the future of Ann Arbor?s water system. Because the city?s water treatment plant was built in 1938 and some portions of the original plant are still in service, city staff has been working to identify a replacement roadmap to address aging components. Read the issue online at [link removed] [ [link removed] ] (PDF).


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AAFD 9/11/2021 Ceremony [ [link removed] ]
9/11 Ceremony

The Ann Arbor Fire Department [ [link removed] ] will host a ceremony Saturday, Sept. 11, at 9:45 a.m. to honor the 343 New York firefighters who lost their lives 20 years ago. The ceremony will be held in front of Fire Station 1 on North Fifth Avenue. Members of the public are welcome to attend.


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U of M Big House
Game-day road closures and parking restrictions

University of Michigan football season is upon us, which again brings about game-day Main Street closures and on-street parking restrictions in certain stadium-area neighborhoods. Per City Council resolution [ [link removed](With+Text) ], street closures begin three hours before each game until the end of the game, with the exception of southbound South Main Street which will be closed beginning one hour before until the end of each game.?

Game-day street closures:

* East Keech Street between South Main and Greene streets.
* Greene Street from East Hoover to Keech streets, limiting access to parking permit holders.
* Westbound right-turn lane on East Stadium Boulevard (onto South Main Street) just south of the Michigan Stadium.
* South Main Street between Pauline and Stadium.

On-street parking restrictions

It?s important for residents to remember on-street parking is restricted for some stadium-area streets on U-M football home-game days. On-street parking restrictions will be in effect 8 a.m. to midnight. This includes the first home game, Saturday, Sept. 4.

This includes portions of:


* Scio Church Road.
* Franklin Boulevard.
* Snyder Avenue.
* Berkley Avenue.
* Potter Avenue.
* West Keech Avenue.
* Edgewood Avenue.
* South Main Street.
* Edgewood Place.
* Brown Street.
* South Fourth Avenue.
* South Division Street.
* McKinley Avenue.
* Dewey Avenue.

For details, visit www.a2gov.org/parking [ [link removed] ]; view the on-street parking restrictions map at [link removed] [ [link removed] ] (PDF). See also the football game schedule [ [link removed] ] on the University of Michigan website.

Planning to attend a game? Keep up with scheduled road and lane closures in Ann Arbor, whether due to construction or special events, via the city road or lane closure webpage [ [link removed] ]. Visitors to the road or lane closure webpage can also sign up for alerts, via the envelope icon, and can use the WAZE map for a visual representation of closures. In addition, the WAZE app can be downloaded to a phone or other mobile device.


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Water Meter Replacement Project 2021 [ [link removed] ]
Water meter replacement program update

The City of Ann Arbor has reached a water meter replacement project milestone, completing nearly three-quarters of the installations, a total of more than 19,100 meters. Residents who had previously requested a delay in the work, due to COVID health and safety concerns, and are now feeling comfortable to have the work performed, are encouraged to make their upgrade arrangements as soon as possible. More information about the project, including how to schedule an appointment, is available at www.a2gov.org/meterupgrade [ [link removed] ].

The City of Ann Arbor has been replacing water meters in Ann Arbor as they have come to the end of their useful life. In addition, technicians with Utility Metering Solutions (UMS), Ann Arbor?s contractor performing the upgrades, have been performing inspections on water lines for compliance with the State of Michigan?s new Lead and Copper Rules. The entire process takes 30?60 minutes with water service interruptions lasting no more than 15?20 minutes.


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Hydrant flushing [ [link removed] ]
Hydrant flushing continues through the fall

The city conducts routine seasonal fire hydrant inspection and system maintenance each year. The fall hydrant flushing program is underway and will continue through the coming months. To view the areas currently hydrant flushing, as well as those scheduled to flush next, see hydrant-flushing map at [link removed] [ [link removed] ]. Please note that if you are viewing this map on mobile, the colors correspond as follows:


* Green for areas flushing has been completed.
* Red for areas currently flushing.
* Blue for areas due to flush when the red area is complete.

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 [link removed] [ [link removed] ] or contact the City of Ann Arbor Customer Service Center at 734.794.6320.


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Water Treatment Plant Stairwell [ [link removed] ]
Artists wanted for Ann Arbor Water Treatment Plan mural

The City of Ann Arbor is seeking an artist(s) to create and complete a painted mural in the stairwell of the Ann Arbor Water Treatment Plant Administration Building. The plant, originally constructed in 1938, with a rated capacity of 50 million gallons of water per day, seeks to enhance the educational experience provided by staff to the public. The stairwell is approximately 8'W x 18'L x 21'H. The award will provide $17,000 for the work, which shall be completed by November 2022 or earlier. The first application deadline is Oct. 31, 2021. Applications and details can be found at www.a2gov.org/watermural [ [link removed] ].


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Heat Pump Workshop [ [link removed] ]
Take part in a ?heated? discussion

The GreenHome Institute and the City of Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations are hosting a workshop Wednesday, Sept. 22, for residents to learn about heating their homes and water with cleaner electricity. Representatives from heat pump manufacturers will be on hand to provide detailed information and answer questions. The event will be outdoors (under tents) at the Ann Arbor Distilling Company, with limited seating for safety. Food will be available for purchase from local food trucks. Come at 5:30 p.m. for food and drinks, programming will start at 6 p.m. Participants can also choose to "zoom in" remotely to listen to the workshop.

Please register at [link removed] [ [link removed] ].

For more information, visit the OSI website [ [link removed] ]. Questions may be directed to Julie Roth at [email protected].


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Saving Energy Sticker Design Contest Winners 2021
Saving Energy Sticker Design Contest winners

The City of Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations is announcing the winners of its Saving Energy Sticker Design Contest. Congratulations to:


* Siddhi Venkatesh ? Abbott Elementary School.
* Claire Wang ? Clague Middle School.
* Linda Yang - Pioneer High School.

The city thanks all who participated in the contest, meant to celebrate the first anniversary of the city's plan to achieve a just transition to community-wide carbon neutrality, known as A2ZERO, and to raise awareness about the importance of saving energy and the steps that can be taken to reduce energy usage while improving health and comfort. Learn more at [link removed] [ [link removed] ].


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ctn yellow [ [link removed] ]
Now showing on CTN

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


* *Adventures in Parenthood, Teen Drivers ?* Ann Arbor Police Department Senior Officer Doug Martelle gives the facts and stats on teen driving: [link removed] [ [link removed] ].
* *AIP + TSRC Informational Forum ?* This forum presented by the City of Ann Arbor, Turner Senior Resource Center, Housing Bureau for Seniors and Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels is designed to help interested seniors remain in their homes for as long as possible, with the assistance of home improvements and social services. For more information, visit www.a2gov.org/AIP, and watch on CTN at [link removed] [ [link removed] ].
* *Ann Arbor Inclusive ?* Easter Seals of Michigan has been providing services for Michigan residents for more than 100 years. Explore the history of the organization and learn what they are doing today: [link removed] [ [link removed] ].
* *Ann Arbor Police and the Community, Together We Are Ann Arbor:* [link removed] [ [link removed] ].
* *City of Ann Arbor Jobs: How to Find and Apply:* [link removed] [ [link removed] ].
* *FYI ?* Tom Holmer, owner of Rocket Fizz, gives the low down on all the candies and soda pops on the shelves of this nostalgic Main Street shop; Safe Ways to Trap Shoot; and watch as the arts come to life at Musical Theatre Camp: [link removed] [ [link removed] ].
* *Green Room ?* Molly Kleinman of the University of Michigan Ford School of Public Policy serves as chair of the Ann Arbor Transportation Commission. In this Green Room episode, Kleinman discusses Ann Arbor's new transportation plan and efforts in the city to reduce reliance on cars with host Barbara Lucas, who shares some of her experiences and perspectives as a bicyclist in Ann Arbor: [link removed] [ [link removed] ].
* *Lower Town Mobility Study Office Hour, Aug. 6, 2021:* [link removed] [ [link removed] ].
* *Newport and Sunset Sidewalk Project public meeting, Aug. 11, 2021 ?* An online public meeting was held to discuss the project and answer questions and concerns: [link removed] [ [link removed] ].
* *Solar School Project, Solar @ STEAM ?* This short documentary features the "STEAM Solar School Project," a student club at Ann Arbor STEAM School led by Jeanie Wilson. The 2019 students studying environmental science and photovoltaic energy technology share the story of their fundraising effort into installing solar panels on the school's roof that ended up being installed successfully in December 2019: [link removed]\ [ [link removed] ].
* *Special Sustainability Seminar: Plant-Based Diets ?* On Aug. 18, the City of Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations hosted a seminar exploring plant-based diets. Topics included the health benefits of a plant-based diet and the environmental impacts of animal agriculture, as well as a cooking demonstration focused on a delicious and nutritious plant-based meal. Presenters included Dr. Melissa Sunderman from IHA; Marc Ramirez from Chickpea & Bean; Andrea Wotan, RDN with Wotan Nutrition; and Chef Jeff Tritten of Washtenaw Optimal Wellness: [link removed] [ [link removed] ].

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Find your fit with Parks and recreation!

If you have an interest in working with parks and recreation, the city is hiring! There are a variety of positions to fill, including Zamboni operator, recreation facility worker, lifeguards, swim instructors and golf rangers. For complete job details and to apply online, visit [link removed] [ [link removed] ].

If you have any questions, please visit parks and recreation online [ [link removed] ] or contact parks at 734.794.6230.

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Parks and recreation fun for all seasons

Summer isn?t over yet, but fall is quickly approaching. Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation is ready! Programming and events are available for all ages, including ice skating and beginner hockey lessons, learn-to-swim classes and volunteer opportunities for groups or individuals. Registration is underway. To sign up online, visit [link removed] [ [link removed] ].

Mack Indoor Pool will be opening for the 2021?22 season Monday, Sept. 20, with programming and public swim opportunities. Visit [link removed] for registration information and COVID-19 protocols and procedures. View the new activity guide on the site before registering, at [link removed] [ [link removed] ] (PDF).

Canoeing continues in the city! Argo and Gallup canoe livery [ [link removed] ] schedules have changed to fall hours. Through Friday, Sept. 3, only the Gallup livery will be open. Boaters must begin at Gallup livery to start the 3.7-mile river trip or rent a boat for stillwater paddling on 2.5-mile Gallup Pond.

The Argo livery is closed until Friday, Sept. 3, then it will be open for the three-day Labor Day weekend and close for the season Tuesday, Sept. 7.

The Gallup livery will remain open every day, weather dependent, until Sunday, Oct. 24. The 3.7-mile river trip and 2.5-mle Gallup Pond paddles are offered every day from the Gallup livery location until closing for the season. The 3.7-mile river trip starts with a van ride upriver, and boaters paddle back down the river to where their cars are parked at the Gallup livery.?For details visit the website or call 734.794.6240.

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Dog swim

Once Buhr Park Pool closes to the public for the season, it?s time for our four-legged friends to make a splash. The annual Dog Swim is Thursday, Sept. 9, and Friday, Sept. 10, 3?8 p.m.

Participants must register in advance for 30-minute swim increments. Space is limited for this popular event. To sign up, call 734.794.6234 or register online at [link removed] [ [link removed] ]. Rates: first dog, $6 residents/$7.50 for nonresidents; second dog, $3 residents/$3.75 nonresidents.

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Food truck rally at the farmers market

The Ann Arbor Farmers Market will host the next food truck rally of the fall season Wednesday, Oct. 6, 5?8 p.m. This is a great way to eat locally and enjoy an evening in historic Kerrytown. Visit the website closer to the event for details and menus from participating food trucks and carts, [link removed] [ [link removed] ].

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On-street cycling [ [link removed] ]
Good news!

* Ann Arbor is ranked on Smartasset.com's top five list for the best places in the U.S. for career opportunities. Learn why at [link removed] [ [link removed] ].
* Ann Arbor ranks among the top cities 15 nationwide as the most livable college towns in America, according to Smartasset.com. Learn more at [link removed] [ [link removed] ].
* The city has received a $4,000 DTE grant for street tree planting. This will be used to assist in the large fall-planting effort. This planting effort will be greater than usual because of the delay caused by the cicadas in the spring. Learn more about the planting plan at [link removed] [ [link removed] ].

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Ready.gov National Preparedness Month 2021 [ [link removed] ]
Would you be ready?

September is National Preparedness Month [ [link removed] ], and ready.gov is urging all to take this opportunity to focus on readiness. [link removed] The 2021 theme is ?Prepare to Protect. Preparing for disasters is protecting everyone you love.? Ready.gov provides some practical ways individuals and families can be organized in advance of unforeseen disasters with a different focus each week. Be sure to include Centers for Disease Control COVID recommendations.


* *Week 1, Sept. 1?4: Make A Plan ?* How will you communicate before, during and after a disaster?
* *Week 2, Sept. 5?11: Build A Kit ?* Keeping the unique needs of each person or pet in your household in mind, gather supplies that will last for several days after a disaster in the event you have to evacuate quickly.
* *Week 3, Sept. 12?18: Low-cost, No-cost Preparedness ?* Limit the impacts that disasters have on you and your family by knowing the risk of disasters in your area; learning how to make your home more resistant to storms and other common hazards; and making sure your insurance coverage is up to date.
* *Week 4, Sept. 19?25: Teach Youth About Preparedness ?* Get your kids involved in preparing for emergencies and make sure they know what to do in case the family is separated.

Learn more preparedness information at www.ready.gov/september [ [link removed] ].

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 [ [link removed] ], 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 [ [link removed] ] from the City of Ann Arbor. It only takes a minute to enroll!


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TheRide Bus Passenger [ [link removed] ]
TheRide resumes full service levels

TheRide welcomes the community back as full service levels resumed Aug. 29. As a reminder, per federal law, face masks are required until further notice. Safety continues to be TheRide?s priority, and many safety precautions are in place to ensure vehicles are clean and ready to welcome riders back.

All routes and services have been updated, so be sure to plan your trip and check out the most up-to-date schedules at TheRide.org or by calling 734.996.0400. Due to the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and workforce availability, service adjustments may be made. Get the latest information and sign up for TheRide?s service alerts at TheRide.org [ [link removed] ].


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A2 City News is emailed monthly to newsletter subscribers [ [link removed] ] from the City of Ann Arbor [ [link removed] ].

Please share comments or questions about this publication via email <[email protected]>.




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This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: City of Ann Arbor, MI ?301 E. Huron St. ? Ann Arbor, MI 48104 ? 734.794.6000 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]