Wednesday, April 4, 2012

April 2012 - A2 CITY NEWS



A2 City News banner
The Newsletter for the City of Ann Arbor, Mich. • April 2012  • Volume 6 • Number 4

Fiscal year 2021 budget process underway

Citizens can keep up to date on the fiscal year 2013 budget planning process by visiting the online Ann Arbor Citizen Guide to Finance and Budget. A City Council Work Session was held on Feb. 13 and March 12. Presentation handouts are available online. In accordance with City Charter, the City Administrator's Recommended FY 2013 Budget is submitted to City Council on or before April 15, 2012. City Council, with at least seven affirmative votes, must adopt the budget no later than its second meeting in May.

Interim safety services administrator/police chief named

Effective March 31, 2012, current Deputy Chief John Seto assumes the role of interim chief of police and safety services area administrator. Seto has served in the Ann Arbor Police Department for more than 20 years, and has extensive patrol, detective and management experience.
Ann Arbor City Administrator Steve Powers will be providing a recommendation to City Council at a later date regarding a permanent replacement for Safety Services Area Administrator and Chief of Police Barnett Jones. On Feb. 28, Jones announced his retirement from the City of Ann Arbor effective March 30, 2012.
“Barnett has tirelessly served the public in law enforcement for 38 years,” said Powers. “While his retirement will be a loss to Ann Arbor, we wish him well in the future and are thankful for the valuable contributions he has made to the Ann Arbor community.”
Fire Services proposal presentation slide

Fire services news

After approximately two years in labor negotiations between the International Association of Firefighters Local 693 and the City of Ann Arbor, a new labor contract for fire employees, which ends June 30, 2014, has successfully been negotiated and ratified by union membership. City Council passed a resolution March 19, 2012, accepting the terms of this contract.
The contract includes benefit concessions that are similar to the contract terms ratified by seven other union groups in city, such as: adoption of the city healthcare plan, elimination of the 457 plan match, new hire pension changes including 10-year vesting, and adoption of defined contribution retirement healthcare program. More information about the new contract isavailable online.
At the City Council budget work session on March 12, a fire department restructuring proposal was presented, which would position the department to operate from three fire stations: stations 1, 2 (reopened) and 5. This plan would enable four firefighters to be on duty at each of the three stations. Council is considering this proposal as a part of the fiscal year 2013 budget planning process. The proposal slides are posted online, and the  Council work session presentation is available to view via Community Television Network Video On Demand
Also showing on CTN, Channel 19, is"Conversations" with Ann Arbor Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard. Catch replays of this episode of "Conversations," airing until April 13, Mondays through Fridays at 10:30 a.m., 6:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.; and Saturdays and Sundays at 6:30 p.m.; or available soon to watch online via Video On Demand.     

U-M spring football game parking

Residents and visitors interested in information about the University of Michigan Mott Spring Football Scrimmage event scheduled for April 14, 2012, at noon can visitwww.mgoblue.com. Parking, vendor operations and traffic control will be similar to a football Saturday game day in Ann Arbor, with special event no-parking restrictions in effect that day. In addition, signage will be displayed in the U-M Stadium area to promote the events parking hotline number for residents and visitors who may have questions: 734.794.6444.
Construction activity on an Ann Arbor roadway

2012 Street Resurfacing Program

Beginning this spring/summer, the city will resurface a number of streets, both major and local. Resurfacing typically consists of removing/replacing sections of damaged or settled curb, repairing/replacing drainage inlets and utility structures (manholes), replacing corner ramps (to meet current Americans with Disability Act standards) and repaving the roadway. Residents who live on one of the streets slated for resurfacing will receive notice of the construction prior to the work beginning. Please go online to see the list of streets (www.a2gov.org/roadconstruction). 
Construction on smaller/local streets will typically span between 20 to 40 days, while construction on longer/major streets may last between 40 and 60 days. Local access will be maintained during construction, however, there may be occasions when individual residents will be contacted about closing driveways for a few days to allow new concrete installation. Access will be maintained to allow for garbage pickup and mail delivery.
If residents along the streets planned for resurfacing have sprinklers, invisible fence systems or other buried features installed near the street at their homes, please contact the city project team so they are aware ahead of time.
Funding for this resurfacing project is provided by the Street and Bridge Resurfacing and Reconstruction, and Sidewalk Repair Millage. If you have any questions, please contact Senior Project Manager Elizabeth Rolla, P.E., at 734.794.6410, extension 43636.

Earth Day Festival

The Ann Arbor area 42nd annual Earth Day Festival takes place Sunday, April 22, noon–4 p.m. at Leslie Science & Nature Center, 1831 Traver Road. This free, family-friendly event features displays from local environmental, non-profit, and governmental organizations; live animal exhibits; hands-on activities; live entertainment; and green building features. This event is focused on community education and youth activities. All ages are welcome.
Do you want to join the celebration in another, meaningful way? Register as a volunteer! Volunteers are needed to serve in a variety of roles. Go online for more details or to register as a volunteer,www.a2earthday.org.
Parks and recreation spring/summer 2012 program guide cover

Get ready for fun in the Ann Arbor parks!

Ann Arbor parks and recreation is gearing up for great spring and summer seasons. Are you ready? Registration is already underway with a full menu of recreation programs, including the ever-so-popular summer day camps
Go online to register or to view the entire program guide. Guides are also available at Larcom City Hall or any of the recreation facilities.

Sustainable Ann Arbor series

In January, the City of Ann Arbor kicked off a “Sustainable Ann Arbor” discussion series with the Ann Arbor District Library. This series brings the public together with University of Michigan faculty, representatives from community organizations and city commissioners and staff to discuss local sustainability concepts and efforts — past, present and future.
The next — and final — forum of this series is Thursday, April 12, 7 p.m. at the Ann Arbor District Library downtown branch (343 S. Fifth Ave.). This final forum will focus on the topic of community, including housing, public safety, public art, recreation, outreach, civic engagement and stewardship of community resources.
More information on the sustainability framework and the Sustainable Ann Arbor Forums is available on the city’s sustainability website and on the State of Our Environment Report Web page.   

Help prevent stormwater system pollution

Stormwater is runoff from rain or snowmelt that flows off streets, rooftops and lawns into storm drains, which lead directly into streams, lakes and rivers. Stormwater receives no treatment before being discharged to surface waters. If polluted, stormwater can negatively impact the local water resources used for drinking water, recreation and wildlife habitat.
The City of Ann Arbor’s “A Resident’s Guide to Clean Water” features 10 easy tips to use at home and on the job. From using phosphorus-free lawn fertilizer to painting tips (washing latex paint brushes in the sink, not outside), these actions add up to significant reductions in pollutants entering the stormwater system and help protect the water quality in the Huron River, the source of 85 percent of Ann Arbor’s drinking water. Find these tips online, and an index to related stormwater issues is available at www.a2gov.org/storm.   

Compost sales and curbside collection

The weekly curbside collection of residential compostables has resumed early, as of March 26. Debris may be disposed of in paper yard waste bags, bundled brush or an optional compost cart. Residents seeking the convenience of using a compost cart can purchase one — 96-, 64-, or 32-gallon size — for $50 each at the city’s Customer Service Center in Larcom City Hall. Phone 99-GREEN or check www.a2gov.org/cartsfor more information.
In addition, Ann Arbor residents have a free yard waste drop-off option of up to one cubic yard (six paper yard waste bags) of  acceptable compostable materials at the Drop-off Station, 2950 E. Ellsworth, 734.971.7400, with proof of residency. Details are posted atwww.recycleannarbor.org
Bulk municipal compost, mulch and topsoil are available for sale year-round from the Ann Arbor Compost Center at 4150 Platt Road, 734.794.6380, open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon during April, May and June. Go online for more information atwww.a2gov.org/compost.
Leslie Science & Nature Center Critter House

Visit the critters!

The Leslie Science & Nature Center is expanding public hours to the fun and educational Critter House. From rabbits to rats, iguanas to turtles, the Critter House is now open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come ask questions, and take part in hands-on activities that will be different every weekend. There is a $1 suggested donation. Also, every Saturday, the raptors will be fed for the public to watch from 4 to 6 p.m. Visit LSNC’s website for additional information.
In this issue: Fiscal Year 2013 budget process * Interim safety services administrator/police chief named * Fire services news * U-M spring football game parking * 2012 Street Resurfacing Program * Earth Day Festival * Ann Arbor parks registration * Sustainable Ann Arbor series * Help prevent stormwater system pollution * Compost sales and curbside collection * Visit the critters! * Parks millage renewal meetings* Spring hydrant flushing resumes *Planning and development mobile website * Seasonal siren testing * Gallup Canoe Livery opens * SNAG Golf Program for kids * Recognitions * Dates to remember
Millage funds built the shade structures at Fuller Park Pool

Meetings planned to discuss parks millage renewal

The City of Ann Arbor Park Advisory Commission (PAC) and Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation staff invite members of the community to attend a public meeting to discuss the upcoming expiration and renewal of the 2007–2012 Parks Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage. Meetings will take place:
  • Monday, April 9, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Avenue.
  • Wednesday, April 11, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Cobblestone Farm Center, 2781 Packard Road.
  • Monday, April 23, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Leslie Science & Nature Center Nature House, 1831 Traver Road.
  • Thursday, April 26, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Ann Arbor Public Library Traverwood Branch, 3333 Traverwood Drive.
The meeting agenda will include a brief background on the parks millage and how it is used by the park system; an explanation of how the park system is funded; and information regarding the proposed millage renewal process.
The Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage is a six-year millage for 1.10 mills that was approved by residents of the City of Ann Arbor on Nov. 7, 2006. The millage expires in 2012. Each year, the millage generates approximately $5 million in revenue.
Between 60 and 80 percent of the annual millage funds support city park maintenance activities, such as forestry and horticulture; natural area preservation; park operations; park equipment repairs; park security; and recreation facility maintenance. Between 20 and 40 percent of the annual millage funds is designated for city park capital improvements in the following areas: active parks; forestry and horticulture; historic preservation; neighborhood parks and urban plazas; pathways, trails, boardwalks, greenways and the Huron River watershed; recreation facilities; and park equipment acquisitions. 
If you are not able to attend a public meeting, you can share your comments or questions via email. A website dedicated to the parks millage will go live to the public during the week of April 2, 2012, atwww.a2gov.org/parksmillage.
Fire hydrant flushing

Spring hydrant flushing resumes

The City of Ann Arbor water utilities division conducts annual fire hydrant inspection and system maintenance. The seasonal hydrant work begins April 2, weather permitting. Hydrant-flushing schedules will be posted on the city’s “news” Web page; and more information is available on the city’s hydrant-flushing website
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. 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.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the hydrant-flushing process, please visit the website, or contact the City of Ann Arbor field services unit at 734.794.6350.
Planning and development services mobile website

Planning and development services debuts mobile website

A new mobile website is now available for the city’s construction and building customers. This new site enables people to use their Smartphones or tablets to access building records and general planning and development information, as well as to schedule and obtain inspection results and plan review status. This service is a complement to the eTRAKiT system, which currently allows users to access this same information from a website and through its interactive voice response system for phones.
Save this URL as a favorite on your phone:  http://etrakit.a2gov.org/mobile. This feature will allow customers greater access to construction and building information to a user base that does a great deal of their work in the field and on location.

Seasonal siren testing

The City of Ann Arbor’s 22 outdoor warning system sirens are tested every second Tuesday of the month at 1 p.m., with one minute of steady wailing. Testing of the sirens is performed March through November. Please remember that the sirens are an outdoor warning system only and are not intended to be heard indoors. 
The city’s outdoor warning system sirens are activated for the following situations: tornado warning, hazardous materials spill or terrorist attack. In the event that the sirens are activated, they will sound for three minutes, and citizens should seek cover immediately.
During a local disaster emergency, residents can tune into Community Television Network channels 16, 17, 18 or 19 for local emergency information and updates. In the event of a power outage, residents should tune their battery-operated radios to WAAM 1600 AM, WEMU 89.1 FM, or KOOL 107.1 FM.
Gallup Canoe Livery

Start paddling!

The Gallup Canoe Livery and the coffee shop will open early this season, on Sunday, April 1 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Boat rentals will be available for paddling the 2.5 miles of Gallup Pond. The cafe is open, featuring coffee, Zingerman's pastries and Wi-Fi. Gallup is located at 3000 Fuller Road, 734.794.6240.
SNAG Program at Huron Hills Golf Course

Sign up for the SNAG Golf Program, just for kids

A unique golf program for children as young as 5 is now available at Ann Arbor’s Huron Hills Golf Course, 3465 E. Huron River Drive. The SNAG (Starting New at Golf) Program debuted in Ann Arbor in 2011, thanks to a grant from the National Recreation and Park Association. SNAG is an easy-to-learn golf system geared to the development of new players, ages 5 to 10 years old. Similar to T-ball for baseball, the SNAG system integrates modified equipment and instruction that makes learning the game of golf fun, active and rewarding.
AGES 8 TO 10 | $89 | 6 weeks, 12 classes, twice a week, Wednesdays and Fridays
May 2–June 8: 4 to 5 p.m. –or– 5:15 to 6:15 p.m.
June 20–Aug. 3: 4 to 5 p.m. –or– 5:15 to 6:15 p.m.
AGES 5 TO 7 | $49 | 6 weeks, 6 classes, Saturdays 
May 5–June 9: 11 a.m. to noon
June 23–Aug. 4: 10 to 11 a.m. (no classes July 1-7)
Call today to sign up: 734.794.6246. For information about Huron Hills and Leslie Park golf courses or to make an online tee time, visit www.a2golf.org.

Recognition

The Michigan Municipal League recently honored Ann Arbor City Attorney Stephen Postema with the Outstanding Service Award during the League's annual Capital Conference. This honor recognizes those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in supporting the League's legislative efforts in Lansing on behalf of Michigan communities.        
April 2012 Tree Town Log

Dates to remember

Among the many public meetings and events taking place in April, a few of the highlights follow. Please go online to the city’s meetings and events calendar for details and a complete list,www.a2gov.org/calendar. Also note, routine Council and boards and commissions meeting schedules may also be found online.  
  • The Gallup Canoe Livery will open (earlier than originally scheduled) on Sunday, April 1 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
  • City government offices will close for the day at noon on Good Friday, April 6. Trash/recycling/ compost collection will not be interrupted. 
  • Saturday hours resume for the season at the Compost Center, 8 a.m.-noon, April-June. 
  • Several Parks Maintenance & Capital Improvements Millage public meetings are scheduled in April: 9th, 11th, 23rd and 26th.

No comments:

Post a Comment