A2 emergency alert system test

The City of Ann Arbor will conduct of test of the A2 emergency alert system Friday, June 3. In the event of significant weather event that day, the test will be conducted on Monday, June 6. If you are already registered to receive emergency notifications from the city, please take a few moments to verify your contact information at https://member.everbridge.net/454514914099298/login. If you are not signed up to receive emergency notifications via text, phone and/or email, please sign up at https://member.everbridge.net/454514914099298/new. The city uses this system to alert the community in the event of an emergency. If you need assistance or don?t receive the emergency alert on the testing day, please email [email protected].

Hazard mitigation plan update

The city is asking for input to help update the Ann Arbor Hazard Mitigation Plan. An online public meeting will be held via Zoom Wednesday, June 22, 5?6:30 p.m. This will be the second public planning meeting of the plan-development process and provides an opportunity for the public to be involved. The meeting will cover:

• Status of the overall plan update.
• Risk assessment findings.
• Hazard-risk reduction project ideas.

Please register for the June 22 online meeting at https://engagestantec.mysocialpinpoint.com/a2_hazard_mitigation.

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.

Council passes resolution to promote mortgage-assistance programs

With housing prices on the rise nationwide, Ann Arbor City Council recently passed a resolution asking city staff to promote mortgage-assistance programs for homebuyers through organizations such as the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America (NACA), https://www.naca.com/. People with annual incomes at or below the area median ? now $117,800 for a family of four in Ann Arbor ? are potential candidates for reduced-interest NACA mortgages with no down payments, no closing costs, no mortgage insurance and no credit-score requirements. ?City Council finds that dissemination of information regarding programs that assist low- and moderate-income residents to purchase homes is a public purpose that benefits the City of Ann Arbor,? the resolution stated.

Juneteenth holiday

City of Ann Arbor municipal offices will be closed Monday, June 20, to observe Juneteenth. Collection of trash/recycling/compost, however, will continue as regularly scheduled.

Juneteenth is a holiday marking the end of slavery in the United States, following its establishment on the North American mainland in 1619. City Council approved Juneteenth as a city holiday via Resolution R-21-182.

Updates to recycling cart stickers

Recycling continues to evolve, and the City of Ann Arbor, historically a leader in the field, is responding by issuing updated cart stickers to reflect new recycling standards. This, along with the opening of the new Materials Recovery Facility in December 2021, will help keep Ann Arbor recycling operating efficiently.

The new stickers focus on recycling changes to scrap metal, plastic and shredded paper. Specifically, scrap metal and shredded paper are NO longer accepted in curbside cart recycling but may be recycled at the Drop-Off-Station (https://www.recycleannarbor.org/divisions/drop-off-station). The only plastics now accepted curbside are rinsed and dry plastic bottles, tubs and containers, specifically #1, #2 and #5 plastics.

In order to have this updated information reflected on curbside recycling carts, the city has hired LeadPoint to issue the stickers. This re-stickering will take place June 27?July 1. Residents should place carts out during this week even if service isn?t required so that the new stickers can be placed on carts. Staff will be wearing high visibility vests. For more on recycling, visit www.a2gov.org/recycle.

County clean-up days

Residents can dispose of and recycle household items in a safe and sustainable manner. Washtenaw County Clean-up Days will be held throughout the area this summer, with the next event planned for June 25 in Northfield Township. Find details, locations and the calendar at https://www.washtenaw.org//cleanup.

Annual street resurfacing

The city?s annual street resurfacing project started the week of May 23 and will continue into the fall. This program encompasses most the city?s street resurfacing activities on local neighborhood streets and includes some asphalt path resurfacing. The complete list of streets and paths included in the 2022 program is posted on the project website, at https://www.a2gov.org/departments/engineering/Pages/Construction-Projects.aspx.

In addition to the neighborhood resurfacing program, resurfacing is also planned for 2022 on the following major streets:

• Earhart Road (Geddes to Greenhills) ? Resurfacing and addition of bike lanes.
• Geddes Avenue (Observatory to Highland) ? Resurfacing, storm detention, crosswalk improvements.
• Huron Parkway/Tuebingen (Nixon to Traver) ? Resurfacing, sidewalk gap filling, addition of bike lanes.
• Scio Church Road (Maple to Seventh) ? Resurfacing, buffered bike lanes, sidewalk gap filling, addition of new crosswalks and RRFBs (?rectangular rapid flashing beacon? is technology used to improve safety at marked crossing points, with rectangular stutter-flash beacons below pedestrian warning signage, and push-button actuated).
• Platt Road (Huron Parkway to Packard) ? resurfacing, watermain replacement, crosswalk improvement.

In addition to these major street projects, a variety of utility projects will also occur on other local streets. See the 2022 Construction Projects Dashboard for a full picture of capital construction projects this year: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/82f414a3ee4543089a58bb9e123980e7.

To stay up to date on road or lane closures, which may include special events, like the Dexter?Ann Arbor Run Sunday, June 5, and other scheduled closures, please visit www.a2gov.org/roads. On this site, you can also sign up for email or text alerts so you are always up to speed on any detours and traffic control plans. The city also partners with WAZE to show current city closures in the travel app.

Quality Water Matters

The June issue of Quality Water Matters features Green Fair events and festivities that will be held on Friday, June 10. The issue also includes a link and information to the ?Gelman Plume Update: Sentinel Monitoring Well Installation? video that includes: background information on the 1,4-Dioxane Plume; where sentinel wells will be installed; and what to expect during and after installations. View the issue at https://www.a2gov.org/departments/water-treatment/Documents/quality_water_matters_newsletter_june_2022.pdf (PDF).

New parks manager

Introducing ? Josh Landefeld as the new Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation services manager! Landefeld, a native Ann Arborite, started with the city six years ago as the deputy manager for parks. He became interim manager in January 2022. Please join the city in sending congratulations!

Parks summer news

GIVE 365 bike park projects

Join GIVE 365 and bike recreation volunteers for two upcoming bike park projects.

The first will be hosted at Bandemer Bike Park, Saturday, June 4, 11 a.m.?2 p.m. Bandemer Bike Park is located in Bandemer Park (1300 Lake Shore Drive) along the Border-to-Border Trail.

Free jump clinic, 11 a.m.?1 p.m. (all ages). Register online at https://secure.rec1.com/MI/city-of-ann-arbor/catalog (look for the GIVE 365 hosted events tab).

Free volunteer maintenance clinic, 1?2 p.m. Learn how to help maintain the course and ways to get involved in bike recreation this summer! Feel free to stay after to continue working and riding.

Free water, snacks and a raffle for prizes.

The second event will be held at Tuebingen Bike Park, Saturday, June 25, 10 a.m.?1 p.m. Help out at a volunteer workday (tools provided) at Tuebingen Bike Course. Volunteers will be on site to ride and offer course riding tips.

GIVE 365 has partnered with community bike enthusiasts to care for this course and set maintenance goals. Dress for working in the woods where you might encounter poison ivy and ticks. This park does not have adjacent parking; visit Tuebingen Park online at https://www.a2gov.org/departments/Parks-Recreation/play/Pages/bike-recreation.aspx#Tuebingen for nearby options, and consider riding your bike! Activities include assembling a tool storage shed, picking up litter, trimming overgrown brush and cleaning the course.

Call 734.794.6445 or email [email protected] to sign up! For information on bike recreation in the Ann Arbor parks, visit https://www.a2gov.org/departments/Parks-Recreation/play/Pages/bike-recreation.aspx.

Outdoor pool season is underway

All three City of Ann Arbor outdoor pools (Buhr Park, Fuller Park and Veterans Memorial Park) are now open for the 2022 swim season. Pool punch passes are now on sale at each facility. The card is good for daily admission for you and your family members. One punch per visit per person and it is valid for all open swim and lap swim times. Punch passes are not valid for master's swim times.

Fees: 10 punches, $40; 25 punches, $100; 50 punches, $187.50; 100 punches, $350.

This year, deck furniture will be available for use at all three pools again. There has also been a change to the deep-end pool testing policy. Starting this year, children ages 12 and older will be allowed to use the deep end without a swim test. These tests will be required for children under 12 years old. Testing instructions are posted at each location, and you are encouraged to ask a staff member if you have questions.

For location hours, pricing and offerings, including learn-to-swim classes and swim team schedules, visit https://www.a2gov.org/departments/Parks-Recreation/play/Pages/Swimming.aspx/.

Registration open for annual golf championships

Sign up today for the men's and senior golf championships at Leslie Park Golf Course. The men's, July 15?17, is open to amateur golfers of all ages and is a 54-hole, stroke play competition that is flighted after 36 holes. $165/$155 for early entries received by Sunday, June 26 (final deadline is Monday, July 11).

The senior event is Aug. 20?21 and is a 36-hole, stroke play event, flighted after the first round. Open to golfers ages 50 and up (super seniors, ages 65 and up). $90/$85 for early entries received by Sunday, July 31 (final deadline Tuesday, Aug. 16). Visit the website to sign up, https://secure.rec1.com/MI/city-of-ann-arbor/catalog/index/6ce730aac40d76534549795800bb6233?filter=c2VhcmNoPSZjYXRlZ29yeSU1QjY5ODQlNUQ9MQ==.

Save the date: Park renaming ceremony to honor Dr. Harold J. Lockett

Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation will host a dedication ceremony in honor of the newly renamed Dr. Harold J. Lockett Park. All are invited to the event, which will take place Saturday, June 25, at 1 p.m. Guests can enjoy a host of speakers, light refreshments, lawn games and educational displays about Lockett.

In 2020, residents approached the city about the prospect of renaming Winchell Park, after concerns were raised about the park likely being named after Alexander Winchell. Winchell was a professor at the University of Michigan (U of M) in the late 1800s. A U of M committee recently reviewed his work and found that his most notable writings were ?unambiguously racist and out of step with the university's own aspirations in those times."

Conversely, Lockett was a child psychiatrist, assistant professor at the University of Michigan Medical Center and community leader. Lockett served on the Ann Arbor Public Schools Board of Education 1965?1971; in 1968, he was elected vice president of the board; and in 1969, he became the board?s first Black president.

Because Lockett?s professional life focused on providing services and opportunities for all children, city officials found it fitting for a park to be named in honor of his work, which strengthened the Ann Arbor community. In October 2021, the Park Advisory Commission unanimously recommended to rename Winchell Park the Dr. Harold J. Lockett Park. City Council made the renaming official with a unanimous vote in December 2021.

Visit https://www.a2gov.org/departments/Parks-Recreation/parks-places/Pages/DrHaroldJLockett.aspx for location information and park details. The city looks forward to celebrating with the community at the June 25 event!

Share input on the Parks and Recreation Open Space (PROS) Plan

The City of Ann Arbor is updating the Parks and Recreation Open Space (PROS) Plan to identify goals, needs, trends and priorities for the next five years and beyond. If you haven?t yet, please provide feedback on the future of Ann Arbor Parks via the online survey at https://www.opentownhall.com/portals/116/Issue_11734. The survey closes Sunday, June 5.

Updating the PROS Plan helps to facilitate community discussion and evaluation of topics of importance and current issues. The online survey is one way for the community to participate during the PROS Plan process, and additional opportunities to engage, such as public meetings, will follow.

The PROS plan also plays an important role in qualifying for state and federal grant funding. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) requires that all municipalities applying for recreation grants have a current plan on file with the MDNR and to update that plan every five years.

To view and read the plan visit, https://www.a2gov.org/departments/Parks-Recreation/administrative/Documents/PROS%20Plan%202016.pdf?(PDF). To watch a brief video, go to https://youtu.be/EY0F2GS9rNc. If you have any questions or comments about the PROS plan update, please contact Hillary Hanzel, park planner and landscape architect, at [email protected].

Good news!

Ann Arbor is ranked at No. 11 on U.S. News & World Report?s list of the 150 Best Places to Live in the U.S. Find out why at https://realestate.usnews.com/places/rankings/best-places-to-live.

Teamwork.com has named Ann Arbor No. 3 on its list of The Best U.S. Cities for Remote Workers. Learn more at https://www.teamwork.com/blog/list-of-best-cities-for-remote-work/.

The City of Ann Arbor has achieved gold status for exemplary action in multiple categories, including climate resilience and adaptation, renewable energy, energy efficiency, responsible materials management and clean mobility, as part of the 2021 Michigan Green Communities (MGC) Challenge! Learn more at https://www.a2gov.org/news/pages/article.aspx?i=884.

The Ann Arbor Solarize program is celebrating a major milestone, surpassing 3 megawatts (MW) of new solar in the local community! Approximately 430 area homes have adopted solar energy through the two-year-old program; and participation has saved residents $1.3 million in the upfront cost of solar installation. Overall, residents are collectively expected to save nearly $12 million over the 25-year warrantied lifetime of the systems. Find out more about Ann Arbor Solarize at www.a2gov.org/solar.

A2ZERO Week is Sunday, June 5?Saturday, June 11, 2022

From food to test drives to trivia, dance parties to cats and so much more, find an event (or 20+!) that suits you, and join the A2ZERO Week fun! June 1 marks the two-year anniversary of the adoption of the A2ZERO Plan, and to commemorate this event, the Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations will be holding the second annual A2ZERO Week. This celebration consists of events highlighting the work done by OSI and its sustainability collaborators, and the plan for future, great achievements ? all in unique, fun, interactive ways. To learn more and for a full schedule of events, visit www.a2gov.org/a2zeroweek. Just a couple of examples ...

Cargo bike rally

Learn more about the cargo bike craze! Join City of Ann Arbor A2ZERO and event sponsors for the fun and informative cargo bike rally Monday, June 6, 6?9 p.m. at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market (315 Detroit St.). Cargo bike owners are encouraged to also attend and share how they have reduced their carbon footprint by riding a cargo bike. If you're thinking about purchasing one, this is a great hands-on opportunity to learn more from other riders.

Urban Rider Cargo Bikes will have a variety of bike models on-site to test drive. Common Cycle will host a bike fix-it workshop and you can enjoy one free ice cream treat available compliments of Washtenaw Dairy. ?

For details about the rally and other A2ZERO Week events, visit?www.a2gov.org/a2zeroweek.

Mayor's Green Fair

Do you want to help Ann Arbor achieve carbon neutrality goals and forge a cleaner, greener future for you and our planet? Stop by downtown Main Street and the Library Lane lot Friday, June 10, 6?9 p.m., for the annual Mayor's Green Fair! Engage with local green businesses, non-profits and other A2ZERO collaborators; check out energy-saving appliances; learn from interactive solar displays and talk with solar installers; discover green commuting options like electric vehicles, e-bikes and cargo bikes; or just enjoy some live entertainment ? whatever you do, there's something for everyone at Green Fair! Learn more at https://www.a2gov.org/departments/sustainability/Newsletter-Events/Pages/Green-Fair.aspx. This event is part of the A2ZERO Week celebration, www.a2gov.org/a2zeroweek!

SEU feedback wanted

The City of Ann Arbor is seeking input regarding the potential creation of a Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU). An SEU is a community-owned energy utility that provides electricity from local solar and battery storage systems installed on homes and businesses throughout the city to provide 100% clean, reliable, locally built and affordable electricity; built by the community, for the community. The SEU would supplement the utility we currently have, meaning residents would have a choice for how to get their energy ? a choice most do not have today. Learn more about the idea and share your feedback via an online survey (open through June 30), visit www.a2gov.org/a2seu and watch these videos for more: https://youtu.be/MLYcCMga8a8 | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLi_4neoHhg.

CTN highlights

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

Adventures in Parenthood ? Rick Lofgren and Heather Bahr discuss how the Children?s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) changes lives by fundraising for families with children in dire need of organ transplants: https://youtu.be/6WgA9urBXU4.

Ann Arbor Inclusive ? Peggy Campbell of "We Can't Wait? discusses auto no-fault reform: https://youtu.be/p9lEPkgwwGs.

Ann Arbor Public Schools ? Pioneer High School Commencement Ceremony 2022: https://youtu.be/sW9oIvmwrVI.

Ann Arbor Sustainability Energy Utility (SEU) promo: https://youtu.be/XLi_4neoHhg.

City Round-up ? Composting 2022. Learn beneficial ways to compost in the city of Ann Arbor, https://youtu.be/YT-TO6R0_JI.

City Round-up ? Pavement Condition Dashboard: https://youtu.be/1_XgO1gHSjo.

Fire Station 4 Project ? This meeting provided an opportunity for the community to learn about Ann Arbor Fire Station 4 improvements, which is anticipated to be the first net-zero fire station in Michigan, and potential changes to the Scheffler Park basketball court in relation to the fire station renovation. To learn more, visit https://www.a2gov.org/departments/fire/Pages/Net-Zero-Fire-Station.aspx. Watch: https://youtu.be/fpf6DvWII_I.

FYI ? Liz Greaves-Hoxsie, director of Petie the Dog Productions, shares details on their side-splitting show, Rumors; Michigan Taiwanese American Organization celebrates 20 years; Washtenaw Community College Free College Days: https://youtu.be/Rtq_FcyXd8o.

FYI ? Mike Michelon gives the low down on the 2022 Ann Arbor Summer Festival; Ann Arbor Water Treatment Open House; and Domino Masters invade the Hands-on Museum: https://youtu.be/iX-xSpxGzws.

FYI ? Local author and historian, Patti F. Smith, gives the scoop on her new book, Michigan Beer: A Heady History; Arbor Day; and A2 Earth Day: https://youtu.be/g5dsSwqk8XY.

FYI ? Mayor Christopher Taylor gives an update on the 2022 Green Fair; Huron River Day; and the Ann Arbor Airport Pancake Breakfast: https://youtu.be/jDrghCMdQrw.

Green Room ? Featured guest Jennifer Theime, science coordinator with the Monarch Joint Venture, discusses threats to the monarch butterfly migration and what can be done: https://youtu.be/LYWTV8Xukm8. (For a fun kid-friendly show about monarchs, please see last month's Green Room interview with musician and children?s book author Ben Gundersheimer, https://youtu.be/kKzdcgByIFs.)

No Mow May ? A promotion for the 2022 effort: https://youtu.be/pTyhLzvK5sU.

PROS Plan Survey ? The City of Ann Arbor is updating the Parks & Recreation Open Space (PROS) Plan to identify goals, needs, trends and priorities for the next five years and beyond. An online survey has allowed the community to provide feedback on the future of Ann Arbor parks: https://youtu.be/EY0F2GS9rNc.

Ward Talk ? with Ann Arbor Councilmember Jeff Hayner from Ward 1: https://youtu.be/-dS8BsH4dLo.

Time for fireworks?

If you?re planning to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, please remember to do so safely and responsibly. For starters, per Michigan Fireworks Safety Act 256 of 2011 (PDF), fireworks usage is permitted only during certain timeframes and only around national holidays. For the Independence Day holiday this year, fireworks may ONLY be discharged in the city:

• Wednesday, June 29, to Monday, July 4, until 11:45 p.m. on each of those days.
• Use without permission is ALWAYS prohibited at city parks, schools and all public and private property that isn?t your own.

Using fireworks without forethought can be dangerous. Please note these reminders:

• Keep a water source ready to spray embers from fireworks. Drench the entire area where you?ve been using fireworks when done.
• Toss sparklers into a bucket of water when finished using.
• Don?t try to reignite fireworks that won?t go off.
• Don?t launch fireworks into forests or fields. Dry grass or leaves could ignite.
• Keep fireworks away from your face and eyes.

For more information, visit the National Fire Protection Association website.?

Fireworks also pose a risk to pets. Visit the American Veterinary Medical Association for tips on how to keep pets safe for the holiday and all summer long.?

If you plan to use fireworks, please follow the laws, do so safely and be courteous by letting neighbors know in advance. This includes being mindful of any military veterans or others who may be sensitive to the noise associated with fireworks.