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*A2 City News April 2022 Community Newsletter* "04/01/2022"

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The Newsletter for the City of Ann Arbor, Michigan • APRIL 2022  • Volume 16 • Number 4

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Compost Truck [ [link removed] ]
Weekly compost collection resumes April 4

The weekly curbside collection of compostable material resumes in Ann Arbor Monday, April 4, 2022, on regular collection days. Compost season runs through Friday, Dec. 9, 2022.

Residents can take advantage of curbside composting service by using compost carts, paper yard bags or by bundling larger branches/brush for pick up at the curb or yard extension. Residents can also drop off these same materials to the compost facility. Please review the reminders of what is compostable and how to properly prepare the waste for pickup, as well as drop-off procedures and hours of operation for the compost facility, at [link removed].



Day Camp circle play [ [link removed] ]
Parks and recreation roundup

Spring/summer classes and DAY CAMP! registration open Monday, April 4

Registration for all Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation classes and events in the parks this summer, as well as day camp enrollment, open Monday, April 4. Sign up for learn-to-swim classes, canoe and kayak events, volunteer opportunities and golf lessons.

Now is the ideal time to review your online registration (CivicRec) account, at [link removed], to be ready to register April 4. Confirm home address, birth dates of participants, contact information and residency status, in particular. If you find any issues with your account, please email [email protected] immediately for assistance. Due to COVID-19, staff is working remotely and may not be readily available once registration opens. If during the registration process, you encounter an issue with residency or rates, please complete the registration process to secure your spot, then contact customer service, [email protected]. Your email will receive a response within two business days. Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation appreciates the patience and understanding and looks forward to a fun-filled summer!

Have fun, meet new people and earn money while working outdoors

Do you know someone looking for a summer job? You're in luck: Opportunities to work in the parks are plenty … and now temporary employees will enjoy NEW wage increases for all temporary jobs, with starting rates at $15.66* per hour for TEMP 1/STEP 1 hires. Check out the variety of jobs available including golf rangers and grounds keepers, recreation supervisors, lifeguards, cashiers, day camp counselors, canoe livery attendants and more.

Working in the parks can also help a student or young adult build their resumes with leadership and public speaking skills, money handling in some instances, responsibilities in roles such as day camp counselors and swim instructors and strengthened social skills and self-confidence. There's never been a better time to join the Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation team! To view the job postings and apply online, visit [link removed].

(*Pending City Council approval to continue in fiscal year 2023.)


Work in the parks [ [link removed] ]

There's never been a better time to join the Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation team! To view the job postings and apply online, visit [link removed]

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logo [ [link removed] ]
American Rescue Plan Act funding update

City Council will consider the proposed Resolution to Direct the Allocation of American Rescue Plan Act Funding [ [link removed] ] (ARPA) at their April 4, 2022, meeting. In January and February, city staff gathered public feedback to determine how to allocate the one-time $24.1 million in ARPA funds the city is receiving from the ARPA Act, signed by President Biden March 11, 2022. This act provides financial support to local governments to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. [link removed] (PDF).

City Council will take community input into consideration to make the final decision about which projects receive ARPA funds. For more information, visit [link removed].


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Earth Day 2022 [ [link removed] ]
Earth Day event

The Ann Arbor Earth Day Festival, Sunday, April 24, 1-4:30 p.m., is coordinated by the Ann Arbor Earth Day Festival Planning Committee, a coalition of local environmental nonprofits and agencies and is held at Leslie Science & Nature Center, 1831 Traver Road. This is a free, family-friendly event.

Did you know? Visitors can help keep up the average of 90 percent waste diverted from landfills during the Earth Day event by bringing their reusable water bottle and putting their waste in the proper receptacles at the zero-waste stations. Attendees are encouraged to take public transportation, bike or walk to this annual community celebration!

Learn about the many ways you can take care of our Earth, meet wildlife, explore nature, try your hand at some crafts and activities and hear wonderful music.

For the full schedule and information, visit www.lesliesnc.org/a2earthday#


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keyboard [ [link removed] ]
New services added to online permitting system

The second phase of the city’s online permitting system, EnerGov, is now live, for building and trade permitting, right-of-way permits, plan submittal and review, land management and record retention. This additional functionality is expected to streamline the permitting process and provide users with better self-service options. Access to EnerGov is located at [link removed]. Learn more at [link removed].


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AAPD Badge [ [link removed] ]
Ward meetings in April with AAPD internal affairs

You're invited to a community meeting (via Zoom) with Ann Arbor Police Department Internal Affairs. Learn how complaints from the community are received and investigated; local crime statistics; and answers to your questions.

*Meeting for Wards 1 & 5:* Tuesday, April 5, 2022, at 6 p.m.

*Meeting for Wards 2, 3 & 4:* Thursday, April 7, 2022, at 6 p.m.

Find your ward at www.a2gov.org/findmyward [link removed] *|* Please RSVP in advance at www.a2gov.org/policemeetings [link removed].

Spread the word, and invite your neighbors!


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AAPD recruitment webinars 2022 [ [link removed] ]
AAPD online recruiting meeting is April 27

Are you or do you know someone interested in a law enforcement career? The Ann Arbor Police Department is hosting an information session for police officer and cadet positions Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at 3 p.m. The meeting will take place via Zoom and will include a Q&A session. (If you attended the recruiting meeting in March, there is no need to also attend the April 27 event.) The meeting link will be posted at www.a2gov.org/police on meeting day. 


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PASER Pavement Conditions Tool [ [link removed] ]
New road pavement condition tool

The City of Ann Arbor has launched a new pavement condition dashboard, which provides a high-level overview of the city’s pavement rating program and a visual representation of the condition of major roads and local streets maintained by the city, color coded to their Pavement Surface Evaluation Rating (PASER) rating. The City of Ann Arbor uses PASER ratings to assist in determining what streets to treat and the best “fix” for each. The dashboard can be found at www.a2gov.org/a2PavementCondition. This dashboard represents a snapshot of road conditions at a single point in time and is updated every two years with new PASER ratings.  

The PASER system is used by the City of Ann Arbor and other municipalities throughout Michigan to evaluate the condition of road segments. The PASER system rates each segment on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being the worst condition, and 10 being the best condition (new pavement).


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Public input needed for Hazard Mitigation Plan update

The City of Ann Arbor is asking for public input to help update the city’s Hazard Mitigation Plan. A virtual public meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 6, 4-5:30 p.m. This will be the first public planning meeting of the plan development process and provides an opportunity for the public to be involved. The meeting will provide an overview of the planning process and provide an opportunity to weigh in on hazards of concern (e.g., excessive heat and flooding) and potential projects that could reduce impacts.

Please register for the April 6 online Zoom meeting at [link removed].

By completing this plan, the city not only increases its resilience to hazards, but also maintains eligibility for state and federal hazard mitigation funding.

This plan is required to be updated every five years.

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Quality Water Matters logo [ [link removed] ]
Quality Water Matters: 2021 water quality report

The 2021 City of Ann Arbor Annual Water Quality Report is now available and explains where city drinking water comes from, what is in it and how the city keeps it safe. Read the report at www.a2gov.org/waterreport [ [link removed] ].

The April issue of Quality Water Matters is also available and features upcoming water events, including details about the in-person Water Treatment Plant tour on Saturday, May 7. Advance sign up is required. Visit www.qualitywatermatters.org. Read the issue at [link removed] (PDF).


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Hydrant flushing [ [link removed] ]
Spring fire hydrant flushing to begin

The city conducts seasonal fire hydrant inspection and system maintenance each year. The 2022 hydrant flushing program is scheduled to resume Monday, April 4, 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 [link removed].

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 [link removed].

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


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Tornado - FEMA Safety Instructions [ [link removed] ]
Severe-weather safety

Michigan just observed Severe Weather Awareness Week in Michigan at the end of March, apt timing to highlight 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.

Do you know the tornado-hazard terms?

Don’t wait to learn about tornadoes and how to stay safe in the event of severe weather.

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.

Be prepared

Find out more about tornadoes — including how to be prepared and react quickly — on the tornadoes page of the Department of Homeland Security official website, [link removed]. Also, review this information sheet to learn how to be prepared for a tornado: [link removed] (PDF).

Timing is also right, as we enter the seasons of potentially dangerous weather patterns, to make sure you’re on the list to receive emergency alerts. If you haven’t already recently, sign up for Washtenaw County and/or City of Ann Arbor emergency messages, powered by Everbridge, which can be received via text, phone and/or email. All residents, businesses, those with loved ones in A2 and those who work in the city must take action in order to receive important, local emergency notifications. For answers to frequently asked questions about the emergency notification system, visit [link removed]. And to register for the type(s) of emergency alerts you would like to receive and the method you would like to receive them — or to find out if you’re already on the list — at www.washtenaw.org/alerts.

The City of Ann Arbor conducts routine testing of the outdoor warning sirens March–October at 1 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. Learn more at [link removed].


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Mental health report

Resources from Washtenaw County Community Mental Health (WCCMH) are available to all county residents, 24/7, for mental health information, referrals and support. WCCMH recently published an impact report for the county’s Public Safety and Mental Health Millage. View the report online at [link removed].

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2022 Road Construction
2022 planned road, utility and resurfacing projects

The list of City of Ann Arbor road and sidewalk projects for construction in 2022 is now available. Projects include resurfacing/restoration of 3.6 miles of major roads and 7.5 miles of local streets. This year’s capital preventive maintenance program will involve 16.5 miles of major roads and 8.6 miles of local streets. All projects are listed online at www.a2gov.org/roadconstruction. Projects and schedules are subject to change. Construction may result in road and/or lane closures, so travelers are advised to sign up for email or text alerts at  [link removed].


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NWZAW Road Worker Graphic [ [link removed] ]
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 2022 National Work Zone Awareness Week is April 11–15. This year's theme is "Work Zones are a Sign to Slow Down."

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, [link removed]).
* 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 www.a2gov.org/roads [link removed] 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 [link removed].


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CTN Spring [ [link removed] ]
CTN highlights

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

Let’s Watch with the Ann Arbor Film Festival — Filmmaker Jerod Willis, a recent Wayne State University grad, discusses how his upbringing and the city of Detroit influenced his film Miracle Whip: [link removed].

Let’s Watch with the Ann Arbor Film Festival — Pat Oleszko, performance/multi-media artist and filmmaker, shares her deeply rooted history with the Ann Arbor Film Festival: [link removed].

Green Rental House — The Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations is seeking your feedback on the policy recommendations developed by a task force of tenants, property managers, low-income housing representatives, and city departments to help make our city's rentals healthier, safer, more comfortable and more energy efficient. Learn more at: [link removed].

Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation Hiring Day Camp Counselor — [link removed].

Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation Hiring Lifeguards — [link removed].

Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation Hiring Canoe Livery Attendant — [link removed].

Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation is Hiring for Summer 2022 — [link removed].

Green Room — The guest for this month’s episode of the Green Room is Ben Gundersheimer, Emmy award-winning musician, author and environmental activist, who reads (and sings!) his bilingual children' picture book “Señorita Mariposa”: [link removed].

FYI — Celebrate the life and career of Ann Arbor’s longest-running city attorney, Stephen Postema, as he enters his golden years: [link removed].

Senior Moments — Courtney Vanderlaan of the Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels talks about the organization and their services: [link removed].
(article)

Celebrating 1000 episodes of FYI: [link removed].


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GRIST 50 - 2022 [ [link removed] ]
Good news!

Detroit-based real estate company Rocket Homes has ranked Ann Arbor at No. 11 on its national 15 Most Dog-friendly Cities list. Learn why at [link removed].

Ann Arbor has been named a Best Place to Live in America by Niche.com. The city comes in at No. 6. Read all about it at [link removed].

One of Ann Arbor's own is featured on the distinguished 2022 Grist 50 list. Congratulations to Ann Arbor Sustainability and Innovations Director Missy Stults for being named a "Fixer" and an emerging leader in climate, equity and sustainability! Learn more at [link removed].


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TheRide 2022 [ [link removed] ]
TheRide 2045

TheRide has developed draft recommendations for its long-range plan, TheRide 2045, based on feedback from the public this past fall. Now the community is invited to an in-person or online meeting to provide input on the draft recommendations. See the meeting dates/details, learn about the plan and find out how to comment — through April 15, 2022 — at [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] ].

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