Fiscal Year 2012 Budget Process Underway: Stay Up to Date with New Website Resource
In our continuing efforts to improve City of Ann Arbor budget communications and education, a new budget resource website was recently created for citizens at http://www.a2gov.org/government/financeadminservices/budgetguide/Pages/default.aspx/ The goal of this web resource is to increase transparency in the City of Ann Arbor fiscal year 2012 budget process and to help citizens better understand the complex efforts underway to maintain a balanced budget while also balancing service needs and expectations. Your feedback is welcomed by e-mailing the Finance Department with suggested content additions or questions about the 2012 budget process.
Planning a home improvement project?
Did you know there are new residential stormwater retention requirements that go into effect March 1, 2011? New stormwater code changes require stormwater management on single and two-family residential properties when properties increase impervious area by 200 or more square feet. Examples of impervious surfaces include, but are not limited to, rooftops, walkways, patios, courtyards, driveways, parking lots, storage areas, concrete or asphalt paving, gravel roads, or any cleared, graded, graveled, paved or compacted surfaces, or other surfaces which similarly impede the natural infiltration of surface water into the soil. Visit http://www.a2gov.org/GOVERNMENT/COMMUNITYSERVICES/PLANNINGANDDEVELOPMENT/BUILDING/Pages/StormwaterCodeRequirements.aspxthe for more information about the code changes or to download an impervious area worksheet that will help you determine if your project will require stormwater management as part of the grading permit application process.
Justice Center opens to the public
On January 19th, the 15th District Court, including the judicial offices, the courtrooms, and the public service counter, opened for business at the new Justice Center. Security screening for all Justice Center visitors takes place at the permanent public entrance lobby located off Huron Street. When completed in May 2011, the entire site, including the new 15th District Court and police building (referred to as the Justice Center) and the Larcom City Hall building, will be referred to as the Ann Arbor Municipal Center. Both buildings will have the 301 E. Huron St. address.
Justice Center occupants:
· Information Technology, first floor
· Police Front Desk and Records, second floor
· Probation Department, fourth floor
· 15th District Court, fifth floor
Larcom City Hall temporary service unit relocations
In order to complete final renovations to the Larcom City Hall building, several service units have been temporarily relocated.
· City Clerk’s Office — has relocated to the first floor City Center building, 220 E. Huron St. until March 1, 2011.
· Community Services Area — Community services administration, parks and recreation administration, parks planner and Greenbelt staff have relocated to the seventh floor at the City Center building, 220 E. Huron St.
· Planning Services Unit — has relocated to the fifth floor at Larcom City Hall.
Grand opening celebration
Staff and citizens may be wondering how the City of Ann Arbor will celebrate the completion of the Ann Arbor Municipal Center. While grand opening celebration details have not been worked out, rest assured that a grand opening celebration will take place after the Municipal Center is completed. Look for more details and specific dates to be announced on the city’s website in late spring.
City meetings temporary relocations
Due to construction activities taking place in Larcom City Hall, some city meetings regularly held onsite will be temporarily relocated during February. For one, all February City Council meetings will take place at the County Administration Building, County Board of Commission public meeting room, 220 N. Main St. All City Council Work Sessions will be held at CTN, 2805 S. Industrial, Suite 200. For locations of other city meetings, please consult the Tree Town Log city meetings and events calendar, or the online calendar, at http://www.a2gov.org/.
Water emergencies online resource
A new online resource has been launched to provide information to residents who may be experiencing a water-related emergency, such as sanitary sewer backups, water main breaks or basement flooding. Visit the water emergency reporting Web page for information on what to do, who to call and potential ways to avoid water emergencies. The 24-hour Water Utilities Customer Service Center can be reached at 734.794.6333. http://www.a2gov.org/government/publicservices/fieldoperations/Pages/FieldServices.aspx
The City Of Ann Arbor field services unit is responsible for the maintenance of the city’s water distribution system and wastewater and stormwater collection systems as well as keeping fire hydrants in your neighborhood in proper working order.
Annual alarm permit registration now online
As of Oct. 17, 2010, the new City of Ann Arbor Alarm Ordinance went into effect. In January, annual alarm permit renewal letters were mailed to inform alarm permit holders of online renewal options as well as ordinance updates including:
· The continued requirement that every residence or business operating an alarm in Ann Arbor must register their alarm system and obtain a permit. The annual permit cost is $37. The alarm registration is an integral part of the ordinance because it requires alarm owners to provide alarm staff who serve Police and Fire with the names, addresses and phone numbers of persons who can respond to the premises of an activated alarm if the need arises.
· Any alarm system police or fire respond to that does not have a permit will be automatically registered and the owner of the system will be assessed a $37 fee in addition to the false alarm penalty fee of $82.
Click here to apply for an alarm permit online or download the application form. http://www.a2gov.org/government/safetyservices/Police/Pages/AlarmEnforcement
Snow plowing status and reminders
Want to know — from the warm comfort of your home — if specific neighborhood streets have been plowed? When there is a significant snow event in Ann Arbor, with 4 or more inches of accumulated snow, the city activates a Web page that posts the status of plow activity to clear the streets. http://www.a2gov.org/government/publicservices/fieldoperations/Pages/StreetSnowPlowingStatus.aspx For up-to-date snow information, please visit the general city snow page (www.a2gov.org/snow), the snow-plowing status Web page and watch Community Television Network (CTN) Channel 16. Sign up for an automatic e-mail announcement whenever the snow plow Web page is activated. Click on the red envelope in the corner of www.a2gov.org/snow.
In addition, the city is dependent upon its citizens for providing sidewalk snow removal. The city reminds property owners or occupants that:
1. All snow and ice which has accumulated on the adjacent public sidewalk prior to 6am must be removed by noon. Immediately after the accumulation of ice on such a sidewalk it must be treated with sand, salt or other substance to prevent it from being slippery.
2. Within 24 hours after the end of each accumulation of snow greater than 1 inch, the owner of every residentially zoned property must remove the accumulation from the adjacent public sidewalk and ramps leading to a crosswalk. Ice must be treated as mentioned above and removed within 24 hours after formation.
3. Please exercise caution and care when shoveling, especially during extreme cold.
Getting noticed
The city’s use of “green” and cost-efficient hydraulic hybrid trucks for recycling collection was featured in a recent Time Magazine article. Go online to read all about it. http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2017226,00.html.
Urban Forest Management Plan Survey Results Available
Thank you to all who participated in the survey for the Urban Forest Management Plan. The input received will be used to shape the scope and direction of the Plan. The full survey results and a summary of the results can be viewed on the Urban Forest Management Plan webpage by clicking here and scrolling down to "Urban Forest Management Plan Survey Results.”
Questions? Please contact Kerry Gray, Urban Forestry and Natural Resources Planning Coordinator with the City of Ann Arbor at 734.794.6430 x 43703 or kgray@a2gov.org
TheRide welcomes comments at Rider Forums
Another opportunity for local bus riders to learn about, and comment on, their transit service is being introduced by the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (TheRide).
TheRide is instituting an ongoing series of meetings called “Rider Forums” to receive ongoing feedback from customers about their fixed-route bus service. Staff presentations will also be included on proposed service changes, upcoming detours/delays and other topics for discussion.
The Rider Forums are being scheduled quarterly to coincide with TheRide’s Board of Directors meetings at the downtown branch of the Ann Arbor District Library, 343 S. Fifth Avenue. A Rider Forum is planned for Thursday, January 20 at 5:30 p.m. before the 6:30 Board of Directors meeting.
According to TheRide officials, the frequency and location of meetings may change over time depending on the need to communicate service or other initiatives, or the recommendations of interested individuals.
Rider Forum dates and times will be posted at www.TheRide.org, announced through MyRide, Facebook and Twitter postings and other media. Information may be requested at 734.996.0400.
The latest information on AATA routes, schedules and detours is available at 734.996.0400 and on the AATA Routes and Schedules page.
Moving you Forward
AATA is holding a series of public meetings to seek comment on the “Scenario Development” portion of their “Moving You Forward” countywide transit planning process. The meeting to be held in the City will be held on Tuesday, February1st from 6 to 8 pm at the Downtown District Library, 343 S. Fifth Ave. The list of all the meeting times and locations is posted on the project’s website at http://www.movingyouforward.org/
Have a blast at Buhr Are you looking for a unique skating opportunity in Ann Arbor? Consider the outdoor ice arena at Buhr Park (2751 Packard Road). There’s a roof over the open-air rink where we offer public skating, drop-in hockey, broom ball and rental opportunities. The facility has a heated lobby, vending machines, restrooms and four locker rooms. Skate rental and sharpening is available (we meet ADA requirements). We welcome individuals and families and offer a group discounts for 20 or more skaters. To learn more visit https://service.govdelivery.com/service/edit/partners/www.a2gov.org/buhr for information or call 734.794.6234.
Public Skating (now through April 1, 2011)
Sunday: 3:15 to 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 7:45 to 8:45 p.m. (half price and broom ball)
Wednesday: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. (half price and broom ball) and 7:15 to 8:45 p.m.
Thursday: 7:15 to 8:45 p.m.
Friday: 7:15 to 8:45 p.m.
Saturday: 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. & 7:15 to 8:45 p.m.
Funky Frosty Fridays
Join us on the first Friday of each month during our general skate from 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. Skate under our mirror balls to themed music & dress up to win prizes for best costume!
Public Skating (now through April 1, 2011)
Sunday: 3:15 to 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 7:45 to 8:45 p.m. (half price and broom ball)
Wednesday: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. (half price and broom ball) and 7:15 to 8:45 p.m.
Thursday: 7:15 to 8:45 p.m.
Friday: 7:15 to 8:45 p.m.
Saturday: 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. & 7:15 to 8:45 p.m.
Funky Frosty Fridays
Join us on the first Friday of each month during our general skate from 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. Skate under our mirror balls to themed music & dress up to win prizes for best costume!
Feb. 4: Rock n’ Roll Skate. Rock out to AC DC and wear your rocker gear.
March 4: Hoe Down Skate. Cowboys and cowgirls skate to your favorite country music and sport your 10 gallon hats.
School Break Skating
Additional public skating sessions will be held the following days from noon to 2 p.m. Jan. 17; Feb. 16 and Feb. 21 to Feb. 25; and March 7
Buhr Blitz Day
Saturday, Jan. 29 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Join us for an afternoon of special games, contests, and prizes. General admission rates apply.
Drop-in Hockey Sticks & Pucks
Adult residents: $6; adult public, $7. Youth/Senior residents: $5; youth/senior public, $6.
Monday: 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. (women only)
Tuesday: 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. (sticks and pucks) and 9 to 10 p.m. (men only)”
Wednesday: 4:45 to 5:45 p.m. (all ages)
Saturday: 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. (all ages) and 9 to 10 p.m. (women only)
Hockey Pass Cards
Adult (10 admissions) $60/$50 resident discount. Youth (10 admissions) $50/$40 resident discount. *With purchase of pass the 11th visit is free. The pass card for Buhr Indoor Ice Arena is only good at Buhr Park. The passes are good for Sticks & Pucks and Drop-In Hockey. Passes are not good for general skate.
Hourly Facility Rental
This is great for hockey teams. Primetime rental, $220/$165 resident discount. Non-primetime rental, $150/resident discount $120. *Saturdays, Sundays and after 3 p.m. Monday to Friday are considered prime time days.
One Time Rentals
Great for birthday parties/group functions/university outings and more. Primetime rental, $220/$180 resident discount. Non-primetime rental, $180/$145 resident discount.
Citizen Pruner Workshop is Saturday, Feb. 12, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Leslie Science & Nature Center Nature House, 1831 Traver Road. Join us for this exciting new city program! Learn from experts how to prune young trees for shape and overall health. Be involved in long-term upkeep of city trees. Fun, and minimal time commitment. Details and to RSVP by Feb. 7: 734.794.6627 / Adopt-a-park@a2gov.org. Space is limited!
MRF Open House: Worm Bin Workshop is Saturday, Feb. 12, 10 a.m. – noon at the Materials Recovery Facility, 4150 Platt Road, www.a2gov.org/mrf. Join us for a workshop on vermicomposting and building your own worm box. A complete “worm bin kit” is only $25. All are welcome to attend the (free) presentation, but those making a worm box must pre-register by calling 734.794.6000, ext. 43118, by Feb 10. Space is limited for each of two separate sessions starting at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Optional recycling plant tours are free.
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Telling You Tree Town's Ins and Outs and All -Abouts
