April 2011
A2 City News Resident Newsletter Articles
Electronic distribution: Thursday, March 31, 2011
Spring/Summer registration is now underway
Did you know registration for programs and activities in Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation is open? The city has a convenient online registration system, or walk in to any of our recreation facilities to sign up onsite.
You can find the new 80-page parks and recreation activities guide around the city including Larcom City Hall, the Ann Arbor District Libraries, our facilities and the Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Customer Service Center (located at 2781 Packard Road inside Cobblestone Farm barn). The guide (PDF format) is also available for viewing on the parks website.
Did you know registration for programs and activities in Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation is open? The city has a convenient online registration system, or walk in to any of our recreation facilities to sign up onsite.
You can find the new 80-page parks and recreation activities guide around the city including Larcom City Hall, the Ann Arbor District Libraries, our facilities and the Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Customer Service Center (located at 2781 Packard Road inside Cobblestone Farm barn). The guide (PDF format) is also available for viewing on the parks website.
The guide features information and fees for youth and adult instructional golf lessons, swim lessons at all city pools, educational classes at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, canoe/kayak trips down the Huron River and more.
There’s also a section on day camps at Buhr and Fuller Park pools, Huron Hills Golf Course (Junior Golf Camp) and Argo/Gallup canoe liveries. More about these offerings can be found online.
You can also find Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation on Facebook and Twitter. Information is posted daily about the variety of programs, and visitors are encouraged to share their experiences in the parks through wall posts and pictures.
You can also find Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation on Facebook and Twitter. Information is posted daily about the variety of programs, and visitors are encouraged to share their experiences in the parks through wall posts and pictures.
Annual Town Hall Meeting April 13
The Ann Arbor public is invited to attend a community town hall meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 13 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Community Television Network, 2805 S. Industrial, suite 200. City staff and elected officials will be available to answer questions after the fiscal years 2012 and 2013 budget presentation. Free onsite parking is available.
Per City Charter, City Council adopts the annual budget in May. The fiscal year 2012 budget runs from July 1, 2011, to June 30, 2012. The city’s online budget guide provides additional information on the city budget and the planning process.
The meeting will be taped for replay on CTN Channel 16 (Thursday, April 14 at 1 p.m.; Friday, April 15 at 5:30 p.m.) or available to replay online within 24 hours after the meeting.
Ann Arbor Municipal Center updates
Entrance relocation In early April, the temporary entrance to Larcom City Hall will move from the north side of the building off Ann Street to the south side of the building off Huron Street. When this occurs, the only public access to Larcom City Hall will be via double doors located off Huron Street behind the new Justice Center. Directional signage will be placed along Ann Street and Fifth Avenue to assist visitors in locating both building entrances.
City clerk’s office The city clerk’s office returned to Larcom City Hall on March 16, when minor renovations to the second floor were completed. In addition, City Council and some board and commission meetings that temporarily relocated to the County Board of Commissioners room will meet back in Council chambers, second floor of City Hall, beginning the week of April 4. See the Tree Town Log and/or the city’s online calendar to confirm meeting locations.
Justice Center Open House The City of Ann Arbor will host a public open house to commemorate the new Ann Arbor police services and 15th District Court facility on Saturday, April 16 from 10 a.m. to noon in the lobby of the Justice Center, 301 E. Huron St. The event will include a brief program, light refreshments and a guided facility tour by police and 15th District Court personnel. Scheduled speakers include City Administrator Roger Fraser, Ann Arbor Mayor John Hieftje, 15th District Court Chief Judge Pro Tempore Elizabeth Hines and City of Ann Arbor Police Chief Barnett Jones. Visitors interested in downtown parking options for this event can visit the Downtown Development Authority website.
There also are handicap parking spaces located on Ann Street east of Fifth Avenue.
Services in the Justice Center include:
· IT services unit — first floor
· Police front desk and records — second floor
· Police special services — second floor
· Pistol registration — second floor
· Police administration — third floor
· Police detectives — third floor
· Police professional standards — third floor
· Police training services — third floor
· Probation department — fourth floor
· 15th District Court — fourth and fifth floors
City services at Larcom City Hall include:
· City clerk — second floor
· Mayor, city administrator and city attorney — third floor
· Systems planning and project management services — fourth floor
· Finance administration, assessor and treasury — fifth floor
· Planning and development services — fifth floor
When completed in May 2011, the Customer Service Center, construction/building services and other city units will be relocated to Larcom City Hall. The entire site, including the new Justice Center and Larcom City Hall, will be referred to as the Ann Arbor Municipal Center. Both buildings will have the 301 E. Huron St. address.
Crosswalk survey
City Council’s adoption of an ordinance last summer (stating motorists must stop and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians approaching or within a crosswalk) no doubt contributes to Ann Arbor’s ranking as a top five most “walkable” U.S. city.
Now that warmer weather is due to arrive at any moment, this is important to remember as so many more people will be out and about. (Additional information is posted on the city’s Walk. Bike. Drive. website.)
The Washtenaw Bicycling and Walking Coalition (WBWC), City of Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority and Thomson Reuters are working together to improve safety at crosswalks throughout the city. Using an online survey, this group is gathering data on local behaviors and knowledge about crosswalks among those who regularly drive in Ann Arbor. Survey data will be used to help guide a community-wide education campaign later in 2011.
Please take a few minutes to complete the driver survey, and please share this survey link with other local drivers. Respondents who choose to provide their name and contact information on the survey will be entered in a drawing to win a free oil change from Victory Lane.
The survey closes April 15, 2011. Your participation is appreciated!
Free-compost or mulch Saturdays
Saturdays, April 16 through May 28, residents of Ann Arbor can pick up a maximum 6 bushels (or 1 cubic yard) total of free compost from the Compost Center, 4150 Platt Road. The free compost or mulch, self loaded, is available to Ann Arbor residents, compliments of WeCare Organics. Residents must verify residency (with a water bill and drivers license) at the MRF scalehouse to receive the coupon. Pick-up hours are 8 a.m. to noon, and residents must bring their own shovel and containers or trucks to haul the compost. For details, visit the compost page of the city website.
Curbside compost pick up resumes
City of Ann Arbor residential compost weekly curbside collection resumes Monday, April 4, 2011, on regular trash collection days.
What’s acceptable as compost?
· Yard trimmings such as leaves, plants, garden debris, twigs and branches up to 6 inches in diameter and 4 feet in length
· Only accepted inside compost carts: grass clippings, fruit and vegetable scraps, and uncoated paper plates, paper cups and napkins, discarded for compost collection in the inside compost carts only. These items may not be placed in paper yard waste bags (see explanation below).
How to prepare your compost for pick up:
· City-approved compost carts are available for $50 each from the city’s Customer Service and Payment Center) may be used for all types of compostables.
· Paper yard waste bags (available from local retailers) may be used only for certain compostables, such as yard trimmings.
· Brush and tree limbs (up to 6 inches in diameter) may be tied into bundles up to 18 inches in diameter.
· Maximum weight for each bag or bundle of compostables is 50 pounds.
· Compostables must be placed at the curb before 7 a.m. on the weekly waste collection day.
· At least 3 feet must be left between each cart, to allow for the automated-truck operation to occur safely and efficiently.
What NOT to do …
· Food scraps and grass clippings may not be discarded in paper yard waste bags, in order to avoid attracting wildlife, generating odors or creating unsafe conditions from wet, overweight or broken paper bags at the curb.
· Items not accepted as compost include: plastic bags, trash, stones, animal waste, dirt, sod and logs over 6 inches in diameter
· Municipal 96-, 64- and 35-gallon compost carts are available for a one-time price of $50 each (any size).
· Residents may purchase compost carts from the city’s Customer Service Center and Payment Center (734.994.7336 or 99-GREEN) during weekday business hours at 220 E. Huron, and pay by cash, check or credit card.
An online summary of options is available for the city’s compost, recycling and trash cart collection. For 24-hour information on the city’s compost operations, more details on the expanded fruit and vegetable materials accepted for seasonal collection, and compost cart sales, call please 99.GREEN (734.994.7336) or go online.
Collection efficiencies — convenient recycling carts and Recyclebank incentives — resulting from the launch of Ann Arbor’s expanded recycling program last summer has made it possible for the city to eliminate one solid waste collection route each day. Beginning the week of April 25, 2011, two Ann Arbor areas with curbside collection service will have a different solid waste collection day.
· Residences bordered between Packard, South Main, East Huron, and South State shift from Tuesday to a Monday pickup day.
· Residences bordered by Glazier Way, Huron Parkway, Plymouth Road, and US 23 shift from Wednesday to a Tuesday pickup day.
Spring hydrant flushing to begin
The City of Ann Arbor water utilities division conducts annual fire hydrant inspection and system maintenance by flushing water through selected area hydrants. The seasonal hydrant work is scheduled to begin April 11, weather permitting. Hydrant-flushing schedules will be posted on the city’s “news” Web page; and more information is available on the city’s field services 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.
U-M spring football game notes
On Saturday, April 16, the University of Michigan will hold its Mott spring football game.
Good Friday Golf Scramble
On Friday, April 22, Leslie Park Golf Course, 2120 Traver Road, will be hosting the first tournament of the year. The second annual Good Friday Golf Scramble, which raises money for the Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Scholarship Fund, begins at 8:30a.m. (check in at 7:30 a.m.). It is a scramble format, so there’s no need to be good — just recruit good partners!
Cost is $40 per person / $160 per team and includes 18 holes with cart, continental breakfast, lunch, lots of prizes and a complimentary round at our sister course, the historic Huron Hills.
Even better than golf in April, $80 of each team entry goes toward the Parks and Recreation Scholarship Fund to provide recreational activities for children of Ann Arbor regardless of their economic situation. This event fills up quickly, so don't delay! For details, visit the A2 golf website or contact Director of Golf Doug Kelly, 734.794.6245. mailto:dkelly@a2gov.org.
The seasonal testing of the city’s outdoor warning sirens resumed last month. Conducted by the city’s office of emergency management, testing is performed at 1 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month, March through November, with 1 minute of steady wailing.
Beyond regular testing, the sirens may be activated in urgent situations including tornado warnings and hazardous materials spills. An actual siren activation will sound for 3 minutes with steady wailing, signaling to take cover immediately.
The emergency management office recommends citizens keep a battery-operated radio on hand, and, in the event of an emergency, tune into WAAM 1600 AM, WEMU 89.1 FM, or WQKL 107.1 FM for access to further updates, including an all-clear notice. Visit the emergency management office website for other preparedness tips.
Please note, Washtenaw County sirens are tested on the first Saturday of the month at noon, March through September.
Why not Give 365?
The city recently debuted a program to build upon its growing culture of volunteerism. Taking cues from successful initiatives like Natural Area Preservation and Adopt-A-Park, the GIVE 365 Program will rally the community around volunteerism, specifically in the parks and recreation system.
An array of opportunities are available for a wide range of interests and time commitments. Volunteers may sign up for one-day events, short -term experiences or longer-term programs. Opportunities include spring and summer start ups at city pools and canoe liveries, volunteer golf rangers at both Leslie and Huron Hills golf courses, assisting with Ann Arbor Farmers Market and Ann Arbor Senior Center newsletters, and, for teens ages 13 to 17, becoming counselors-in-training at one of the city’s three day camps.
An array of opportunities are available for a wide range of interests and time commitments. Volunteers may sign up for one-day events, short -term experiences or longer-term programs. Opportunities include spring and summer start ups at city pools and canoe liveries, volunteer golf rangers at both Leslie and Huron Hills golf courses, assisting with Ann Arbor Farmers Market and Ann Arbor Senior Center newsletters, and, for teens ages 13 to 17, becoming counselors-in-training at one of the city’s three day camps.
Go online to learn more about the program and to sign up for individual or group volunteer opportunities, or contact Volunteer Outreach Coordinator Gayle LaVictoire at 734.794.6230 extension 42510.
May 3 special election
The Washtenaw Intermediate School District Election takes place Tuesday, May 3. All City of Ann Arbor polling places will be open 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. Visit the elections Web page for further ballot and polling place information or to check the status of your voter registration in the city, or contact the city clerk’s office at 734.794.6140. mailto:cityclerk@a2gov.org
The last day to register to vote in this election is Monday, April 4, 2011. Registrations are accepted at all Secretary of State branch offices and the Ann Arbor City Clerk’s office (second floor of City Hall). Mailed registrations with a postmark by the deadline are also accepted.
Now you can read and listen to A2 City News! Community Television Network produces a podcast version of each News issue, posted online following the original newsletter’s publish date. http://a2citynews.blogspot.com/
New LED streetlights
There is a more energy-efficient glow over the area of Hill Street, Packard Street, South Forest Avenue and Wells Street. The City of Ann Arbor recently collaborated with DTE Energy on a neighborhood LED (light-emitting diode) street lighting project. The project was funded in part by DTE Energy’s “Your Energy Savings” program and replaced 58 conventional streetlight fixtures with new energy-efficient LED fixtures. The new fixtures will cut energy usage by nearly 50 percent and will provide a cost savings of $5,600 annually, repaying the city’s investment in four years. Plus, LED streetlights are expected to last up to 10 years without maintenance. LED lights also benefit the environment by reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 25,000 pounds — an amount equivalent to driving a car once around the Earth’s equator.
Ann Arbor is among several Michigan municipalities assessing streetlight systems for energy- and cost-saving opportunities. Communities from Grand Rapids to Union Township have been exploring different street lighting options, but none has pursued LED streetlights as aggressively as Ann Arbor. With over 1,300 LED streetlights installed since 2006 and another 500 planned for summer 2011, Ann Arbor clearly demonstrates the potential of this rapidly maturing technology. Visit the city’s energy website for more information on its energy programs.
Energy Challenge exceeds expectations
Thank you to everyone who participated in the February Energy Challenge. Participants were asked to reduce their carbon dioxide emissions by 5.4 percent during the month, and results show that the average household reduced their emissions by at least 6.5 percent! For more information, visit the city’s energy website.
Medication collection event
City of Ann Arbor Police Services will participate in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration National Take Back Day to help rid homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted medications and prescription drugs. On April 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the public is invited to bring medications for disposal to the Ann Arbor Justice Center at 301 E. Huron St., second floor. The service is free and anonymous; no questions are asked.
Last September, Americans turned in 242,000 pounds — 121 tons — of prescription drugs at nearly 4,100 sites operated by the DEA and more than 3,000 state and local law enforcement partners.
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines — flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash — pose potential safety and health hazards.
For details on this program, visit the National Take Back Day website.
Getting noticed
Ann Arbor was recently recognized in the following ways …
· At the (fully funded) invitation of ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, City of Ann Arbor Environmental Coordinator Matthew Naud participated in the February Delhi, India, Conference on Cities and Climate Change. http://www.iclei.org/index.php?id=iclei-home The conference was organized by the Department of Environment, Government of Delhi with the assistance of ICLEI South Asia and India’s Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health and showcased speakers from 11 international cities and more than 25 Indian cities. Naud gave a presentation on Ann Arbor climate change planning efforts and how the city fosters interdisciplinary approaches to challenges. The U.S. delegation included representatives from Atlanta, Boston and Sonoma County, Calif. This meeting was funded by the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). There was no travel or conference costs to the city, and Ann Arbor’s international presence on sustainability issues and efforts was expanded.
· The Michigan Chapter of the American Public Works Association has awarded the city’s project management services unit Project of the Year in the category of “Transportation $5 – 10 Million” for the West Stadium Boulevard project. In addition, this project has been forwarded to the APWA national office to compete at that level.
· The annual list of ComputerWorld Premier 100 IT Leaders has named City of Ann Arbor Information Technology Services Unit Director Dan Rainey as a 2011 honoree.
· Forbes.com has named Ann Arbor No. 6 on its list of the 25 best cities for an active retirement.
· The Knot: Michigan bridal magazine (spring/summer 2011) lists Cobblestone Farm as one of its top 10 “historic wedding venues we love.” In addition, the magazine features, in photos and facts, a wedding that took place at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market.
Save the date(s)
There are several public meetings/events taking place in April, including the following highlights (please see the related articles in this newsletter or visit the city’s online calendar for details and a complete list):
· Curbside compost collection resumes for the season on April 4.
· Monday, April 4 is also the last day to register to vote in the May 3 WISD Special Education Millage Election.
· The annual Town Hall Meeting is Wednesday, April 13 at Community Television Network, 7 – 9 p.m.
· Saturdays, April 16 – May 28, city residents can pick up free compost or mulch from the Compost Center .
· The Ann Arbor Justice Center Open House is Saturday, April 16, 10 a.m. – noon.
· Gallup Canoe Livery opening-weekend celebration is Sunday, April 17.
· A City Council meeting will take place on a Tuesday this month – Tuesday, April 19 – rather than the usual Monday schedule.
· City government offices will close at noon on Good Friday, April 22.
· The Good Friday Golf Scramble April 22 takes place at Leslie Park Golf Course. Registration is going on now.
· National Take Back Day is Saturday, April 30 (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) when unwanted medications can be dropped off at Ann Arbor Police Services in the new Justice Center.
