June 2011
A2 City News Resident Newsletter Article List
Electronic distribution: Friday, June 3, 2011
2012 budget approved
After countless hours discussing and meeting, on Tuesday, May 31, City Council adopted the City of Ann Arbor’s fiscal year 2012 budget, which runs from July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012.
After countless hours discussing and meeting, on Tuesday, May 31, City Council adopted the City of Ann Arbor’s fiscal year 2012 budget, which runs from July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012.
As the organization has become leaner and more efficient, balancing recurring expenses with revenue has become increasingly challenging and nearly impossible to achieve without further staff reductions. The adopted budget was very similar to the City Administrator’s recommended budget, but did include a few adjustments, including a one-time use of general fund reserve in the amount of $90,804 for Parks athletic field mowing and maintenance; a one-time use of general fund reserve in the amount of $85,600 to support human services programs; and a one-time use of general fund for the City Clerk’s office to support city elections. In addition, a new DDA parking agreement was finalized, which establishes an ongoing payment to the city from the Parking System of 17 percent of revenues and gives the DDA the authority to implement parking fees. While most of this revenue was anticipated within the City Administrator’s recommended budget, it could not be counted on until this agreement was approved by Council May 31.
The approved budget also includes the following city personnel reductions:
· While Police patrol officers are maintained, four occupied police positions and three civilian staff positions will be eliminated on July 1.
· In Fire services, three occupied firefighter positions will be eliminated on July 1, but a plan is being developed to keep all existing fire stations open.
If you did not attend the meeting or watch it live online or on CTN Comcast Channel 16, you can view the meeting via CTN’s video on demand at www.a2govtv.pegcentral.com.
Budget information and resources are available via the online Citizen Budget Resource Guide.
Do you want to avoid the market’s Saturday hustle and bustle, but find it difficult to swing by on a Wednesday morning? A new option has just been launched that makes the market’s varied and local offerings even more accessible.
Now through the end of September, the Ann Arbor Farmers Market will also be open Wednesday evenings, 4:30 until 8:30 p.m. Stop by for groceries or a delicious supper from one of the many food cart vendors, or stroll by after dinner to pick up dessert and enjoy live music! Plus, all of the shops in Kerrytown will be staying open until 8 p.m.
Larcom City Hall construction updates
The entire work plan for the Ann Arbor Municipal Center site, which includes the Justice Center facility and Larcom City Hall building, was initiated by the need to find a new location for the 15th District Court, as the lease with Washtenaw County was expiring and was non renewable. In addition, Municipal Center work plans were based on the need to terminate all of the city’s downtown leases and move city staff into the municipal center site. As another step toward accomplishing this goal, the below city service unit relocations are taking place. Lobby signage in Larcom City Hall has been updated as well as contact information on the city’s website.
Community services administration staff has moved from the seventh floor of the City Center building to the first floor of the City Center building. This summer, the CSA administration and the Customer Service Center staff will move to the first floor of Larcom City Hall once renovations are completed.
Public services administration staff has moved from the seventh floor of the City Center building to their permanent location at Larcom City Hall, sixth floor, where they are now open for business.
City of Ann Arbor human resources staff has moved from the seventh floor of the City Center building to the sixth floor of Larcom City Hall.
Lobby signage in Larcom City Hall has been updated as well as contact information on the city’s website.
Green Fair is Friday, June 10
Main Street will be closed to vehicles, but open for pedestrians, during the 11th annual Mayor’s Green Fair 6 to 9 p.m. on Ann Arbor’s Main Street. The event includes free entertainment and over 100 exhibits with environmental information, hands-on youth activities, Clean Energy Expo, green commuting options, Bike Fest, WasteKnot business partners, walking tours and more. Go to the Green Fair website for more information.
Free Paddling Passports available for area freshmen
To register for the program and for further details, visit www.paddlepass.com. A teacher or administrator must also verify the registration and return it to the PPA. The trade association will send qualifying students a passport good for up to 10 free paddling trips, either at the same location or at 10 different participating outfitters. Freshmen may choose canoes or kayaks. Usage restrictions apply and may vary by location; including, at the Ann Arbor Canoe Liveries, the Paddle Pass cannot be used over the July Fourth holiday, and an adult must accompany the ninth graders.
City of Ann Arbor Argo and Gallup canoe liveries offer stillwater paddling, river trips and river-based programming to the greater Ann Arbor area. For details, call 734.794.6240 or visit the canoe liveries website.
Ann Arbor’s finest are honored
Now in its fifth year, the annual City of Ann Arbor Police Services Awards Ceremony recognizes and honors the individuals who serve and protect our city. The 2011 event took place in May and was sponsored by Cueter Chrysler Jeep Dodge, with coordination assistance through the A2Y Area Chamber of Commerce. Former University of Michigan Football Head Coach Lloyd Car was the guest speaker.
You can watch the awards ceremony at your convenience at CitiTV 19’s online Video-On-Demand service @ www.a2ctitv.pegcentral.com
Several construction projects are going on in Ann Arbor this season. Included is the South Fifth Avenue water main project, which will replace the existing water main with a new 12-inch main between Liberty Street and through the intersection of Washington Street. In addition to the new water main installation, water main testing and road restoration will also take place. This project is expected to last through the end of June 2011.
Keep up to date with other road projects and event-related closures and detours by visiting — and subscribing to updates from — the city’s road and lane closures Web page.
Water and sewer emergency reporting process
With the onslaught of recent storms, some citizens may have experienced a sanitary sewer backup and need more information about reporting such an issue to the City of Ann Arbor. Sanitary sewer backup and water main breaks are handled by the City of Ann Arbor’s field services unit. If you witness or experience any of these issues, please go online to the water emergencies Web page for assistance information and reporting process instructions.
More plastics accepted for recycling
In order to be recycled, garden trays and plastic flower pots need to free of dirt and debris and be sturdy, not crushed, in order to be mechanically separated from papers during the automated sorting process at the Materials Recovery Facility. Dirt and debris left on recyclables cause contamination in the sorting process and also in the material to be remanufactured. (See also the MRF video posted on Community Television Network’s Video on Demand).
An expanded range of plastic bottles, tubs, deli-trays and cup-shapes may now also be put into recycling carts.
For 24-hour information on Ann Arbor’s recycling and other solid waste services, call 99-GREEN (734.994.7336) or consult the city’s recycling website. For information on plastic recycling options beyond what is offered through the city’s recycling program, a list of drop-off or mail-back programs for specific materials is compiled by Washtenaw County and posted online.
City of Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation together with Ann Arbor Rec & Ed invite you to the West Park Grand Opening on Father’s Day Sunday, June 19 from noon to 4 p.m. This special event will have something for everyone. Activities will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, guided tours, sculpture unveiling, sports activities sponsored by Ann Arbor Rec & Ed, which will include kick ball, hula hoops and basketball. The Ann Arbor fire and police departments will also make a visit. Purchase delicious treats from local food carts, watch the volunteer recognition ceremony and enjoy music from the Ann Arbor Civic Band. There will also be tree plantings and a raffle drawing.
West Park is located close to downtown between Miller and Huron streets, and Chapin and Seventh streets. Come out to join the fun and to see all the new features added to this city gem.
Grant to help introduce kids to golf
G-Ball is golf’s version of T-ball. It can be used at any age, but is targeted toward young children as young as 5 years old. The program is conducted by parent-coaches in recreation centers, on sports fields and in other public open spaces. G-Ball is an activity-based program that focuses on progressive and developmental play in a non-competitive format.
The SNAG G-Ball Grant program was made possible by Player Development Products LLC. Huron Hills Golf Course, the only facility to earn the grant in the Midwest region, will offer a SNAG program during the month of July. This will be a great opportunity for young children to learn about the game of golf. Modified equipment allows for faster learning, better technique, more fun and greater activity while learning skills.
For more information, visit the city’s golf website, and subscribe to receive e-updates.
Free compost and mulch Saturdays extended
The City of Ann Arbor and its contracted composting operator, WeCare Organics, have extended the program for free compost and mulch for Ann Arbor residents through Saturday, June 25, 2011. Up to one cubic yard (or six bushels) of free, self-loaded compost or mulch for Ann Arbor residents is available between 8 a.m. and noon on Saturdays at the municipal Compost Center, 4150 Platt Road, while supplies last. Residents must bring their own shovel and containers and proceed to the scale house at 4150 Platt Road. Proof of Ann Arbor residency — a recent water bill and driver’s license — must be presented. The scale house operator will then direct the resident to the location of the free compost. The limit is 6 bushels (or 1 cubic yard) per household. Ann Arbor’s compost services are also outlined online.
Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation’s new Give 365 Program debuted in April and has received positive feedback from the community. The volunteer program offers a wide array of opportunities for individuals, families, service clubs and student groups. Volunteer Outreach Coordinator Gayle LaVictoire notes that volunteers may sign up for one-day events, short -term experiences or longer-term programs.
Go online to learn more about the program and to sign up for individual or group volunteer opportunities, or contact LaVictoire at 734.794.6230, extension 42510.
Report shows significant return on investment from local nonprofits
The office of community development, a joint department of Washtenaw County and the City of Ann Arbor, recently released the 2011 report on the local economic impact of 37 area nonprofit organizations that receive over $2.7 million in local tax dollars. This report, titled Nonprofit Funding in Washtenaw County: An Analysis of the Economic Return on Investment for Taxpayers, outlines six areas in which this local investment in nonprofit organizations results not only in a strong safety net for vulnerable residents, but also in significant economic returns for residents, businesses and local government. http://mossfesvr:8888/news/Documents/2011_News_Releases/Economic_Impact_OCD_2011-06.pdf
In 2011, the organizations funded by Washtenaw County and/or the City of Ann Arbor will generate more than $34 million of external revenue, which amounts to increased leveraging power and local return on investment. In fact, this year for every $1 invested by local government, nonprofits will leverage more than $12 compared to $10 in 2009. This leveraging power creates local private sector jobs, by directly employing nearly 900 people, and by indirectly creating hundreds of additional jobs when nonprofits and their employees purchase goods and services.
To learn more, visit the office of community development online.
Take the hot-weather survey
Hot weather can cause serious illness or death, especially for older adults, infants, children and those with chronic medical conditions. Washtenaw County Public Health wants to hear how ready you feel to take on very hot summer days or other potential health emergencies. Input helps the county understand how prepared they are to deal with extreme heat — and what community services are most beneficial. The survey is anonymous and only takes about 8 minutes. Go online to take the Hot Weather and Health Survey.
Please share this survey with local family members and neighbors. For more information on the impacts of extreme heat on health, and for tips on staying safe in hot weather, visit the WCPH website.
What’s happening in June?
The Evening Farmers Market kicked off this month on Wednesdays, 4:30 – 8:30 p.m. through September.
Friday, June 10, 6 – 9 p.m. is the 11th annual Mayor’s Green Fair on Main Street.
On Sunday, June 19, West Park will host a grand opening event from noon until 4 p.m.
