Monday, May 2, 2011

A2 City News - May 2011

May 2011

A² City News Resident Newsletter Articles

Electronic distribution: Friday, April 29, 2011

2012 budget update

As the City of Ann Arbor fiscal year 2012 budget process continues, citizens are invited to attend the following meetings:

Monday, May 2, 2011, 7 p.m. City Council Regular Meeting — Fiscal year 2012 budget public hearing at Larcom City Hall, second floor Council chambers, 301 E. Huron St.

Monday, May 9, 2011, 7 p.m. City Council Work Session — City Council discussion of City Administrator's recommended fiscal year 2012 budget; Larcom City Hall, second floor Council chambers, 301 E. Huron St.

Monday, May 16, 2011, 7 p.m. City Council Regular Meeting — City Council consideration of City Administrator's recommended fiscal year 2012 budget; Larcom City Hall, second floor Council chambers, 301 E. Huron St.

In addition, the 2012 and 2013 budget presentation from City Administrator Roger Fraser at the April 13 Town Hall meeting as well as the budget presentation given to City Council at their regular meeting April 19 are available for viewing online.

Per City Charter, City Council will adopt the annual budget in May. The fiscal year 2012 budget will be in effect July 1, 2011, through June 30, 2012. Please see the online budget guide for additional information on the city budget and the planning process.

New City Administrator Stakeholder meetings on May 3

On Thursday, April 28, the City of Ann Arbor’s Chief Financial Officer Tom Crawford became interim city administrator. Crawford will remain in this position until a permanent city administrator is appointed by City Council in early September.

On March 21, Mayor John Hieftje appointed a search committee charged with recommending a selection process for the new city administrator. The City Administrator Search Committee recommended to City Council on April 19 that the search process include business and citizen stakeholder meetings moderated by the recruitment firm Affion Public Inc.

As a result, two stakeholder meetings will take place Tuesday, May 3, at the County Administration Building, 200 N. Main, in the lower level conference room:

6 p.m. Business Stakeholder Meeting

7 p.m. Citizen Stakeholder Meeting

These stakeholder meetings will give business owners and citizens the opportunity to provide feedback regarding the new city administrator’s role and responsibilities as identified in the City Charter. The city administrator job description can be viewed on the city website or by clicking here for the PDF.

In addition, citizens can e-mail questions about the stakeholder meetings.

In June, onsite public interviews with selected candidates will be scheduled. Once available, specific dates will be announced on the city’s website.

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

Farmers Market extended hours begin

In addition to Saturdays, the Ann Arbor Farmers Market is again open on Wednesdays, through December. The market resumes its seasonal extended hours as well, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Still wishing for more market time? Come June, you’re in luck. The Ann Arbor Farmers Market will pilot a very special evening market, 4:30 until 8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays through September. More details will be available toward the end of May. For updates, visit the Ann Arbor Farmers Market online, or become a parks and recreation fan on Facebook.

LIVE public meeting Web streaming

Now all Community Television Network Channel 16 live televised public meetings are also available to watch live online from CTN’s website, on “The Meeting Place” page.

Live Web streaming is one more way, in addition to these listed below, to stay in touch with Ann Arbor City Council and board and commission actions and deliberations.

Video on Demand: Replay public meetings at your convenience online.

Cable: Watch CTN Channel 16 public meeting programming via Comcast Cable channel 16.

Justice Center event

The Ann Arbor Justice Center was officially unveiled to the public at an open house event Saturday, April 16. Guests went on a guided tour of the new facility, which houses the city’s information technology services unit, 15^th District Court as well as the Ann Arbor Police Department.

The entrance to the Justice Center, located adjacent to Larcom City Hall, is on the building’s south side, at Huron Street and Fifth Avenue. Larcom City Hall’s main entrance has also been relocated here, on the south, Huron Street, side. See the map PDF for directions.

Spring hydrant flushing continues

The City of Ann Arbor water utilities division continues its annual fire hydrant inspection and system maintenance. Hydrant-flushing schedules are 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.

A² Downtown Blooms and Adopt-a-Park events

Two annual events take place Saturday, May 21 to engage the Ann Arbor community in beautifying the city.

Hundreds of volunteers will meet at 9 a.m. downtown at Liberty Plaza (Division and Liberty streets) to kick off A² Downtown Blooms Day. Volunteers help plant and mulch flower planters throughout the downtown, and each volunteer receives a t-shirt and pizza lunch. To preregister, call 734.794.6000, extension 43112. Go online for more details.

Also beginning at 9 a.m., neighbors can get to know their parks, and one another, during the Adopt-a-Park Kick Off. Training, tools and support will be provided by the city. For participating park locations and details, contact the Adopt-A-Park coordinator via email or by calling 734.794.6627 or go online.

Free-compost or mulch Saturdays

Each Saturday 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.

Mobile discounts in the parks
Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation will begin to offer mobile coupons at various park facilities in May. The next time you rent a canoe at Argo or Gallup canoe livery or check in for your tee time at Huron Hills or Leslie Park golf courses, look for an offer at the counter prompting you to text the keyword: A2Parks to 22700 using your cell phone … and you’ll instantly receive a text message in return with a special offer/discount at that location.

Simply show the cashier the coupon on your phone, and they’ll apply your discount when you cash out.

This season, coupons for a discount on general admission fees will be offered at the city’s outdoor pools as well as for savings at the canoe liveries and golf courses. Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation also plans to use SMS messaging for rewards and opportunities for customers to enter contests this summer.

April showers bring... basement backups?

Intense precipitation creates the potential to overwhelm the city’s drainage systems. In rare instances, basement wetness from seepage or sanitary sewer backups can result. The City of Ann Arbor initiated a Footing Drain Disconnect (FDD) program over a decade ago to address one of the major causes of basement flooding in Ann Arbor. You can be part of the solution! Eligible expenses associated with disconnecting your home’s footing drains from the sanitary sewer system will be reimbursed according to city regulations. Go online for details, or call one of the city’s FDD program staff at 734.794.6410 for more information.

Canoe liveries open, city pools next on tap

Now open daily, the Gallup and Argo canoe liveries feature canoes and kayaks (and paddleboats and rowboats at Gallup) for rent. The Gallup Park Coffee Shop featuring Zingerman’s baked goods and coffee is also open for the season. Go online for details, or call 734.794.6240.

And stick around this Memorial Day weekend. Buhr Park Pool, Fuller Park Pool and Veterans Memorial Park Pool are scheduled to open for the season on Saturday, May 28. Go online for pool hours, rates and upcoming special events.

Visit Buhr Park Pool online.

Visit Fuller Park Pool online.

Visit Veterans Memorial Park Pool online.

Crosswalk cautions

Remember to STOP your vehicle for pedestrians approaching and in marked crosswalks. More tips for safe travel are posted online.

Rx 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 Saturday, 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.

For details on this program, visit the National Take Back Day website.

Recycle your eWaste

On Saturday, May 7, 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., you can finally rid your basements and garages of those old computer monitors, broken televisions or any other unwanted electronics. The U-M Office of Campus Sustainability and Ann Arbor Public Schools are hosting a FREE e-Waste Recycling Event at the Pioneer High School parking lot, 601 W. Stadium Boulevard (at Main Street). Go online for details.

Getting noticed

Ann Arbor has recently received the following recognitions …

The National Civic League has named Ann Arbor a finalist for the 2011 All-America City Award, the annual competition for civic activists and community problem solvers. Ann Arbor will compete with 25 other cities, including Philadelphia, Pa., South Bend, Ind., Buffalo, N.Y., Cincinnati, Ohio, and Fort Worth, Texas, for ultimate recognition for its community-based problem solving, grassroots civic engagement and joint efforts on the part of the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Ten winners will be announced in June. Learn more at the award program's website or go to the city’s website to learn about the three initiatives highlighted in Ann Arbor’s application.

The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center has designated the City of Ann Arbor as a GOLD level Walk Friendly Community for its walkability initiatives and programs. Ann Arbor is among only 11 communities recognized nationwide in the inaugural round of Walk Friendly Communities. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration and FedEx, Walk Friendly Communities is a national recognition program aimed at recognizing communities that have demonstrated a commitment to improving and sustaining workability and pedestrian safety through comprehensive programs, plans and policies.

Dates to remember

There are many public meetings and events taking place in May, 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):

Sunday, May 1, noon – 4 p.m. Earth Day Festival — Washtenaw Community College, 4800 E. Huron River Drive. This free, family-friendly event features environmental displays; live animal exhibits; hands-on activities; live entertainment; and green building features. All ages welcome. Visit website for more details.

Monday, May 30, city government offices are closed in observance of Memorial Day. Trash, compost and recycling collection will be delayed by one day, Tuesday through Saturday.

Monday, April 4, 2011

A2 CITY NEWS - APRIL 2011

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.

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.

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 15^th 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 15^th District Court personnel. Scheduled speakers include City Administrator Roger Fraser, Ann Arbor Mayor John Hieftje, 15^th 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

How to get a compost cart:

· 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.

Solid waste collection-day changes in April

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.

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. Residents looking for information about this event should visit U-M’s website. Parking restrictions, vendor restrictions and street traffic control will be similar to any fall football game day.

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.

Seasonal siren testing resumes

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.

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 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 playing: A² City News

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.

Monday, February 28, 2011

A2 CITY NEWS - March 2011

Fiscal year 2012 budget process

The fiscal year 2012 budget development process continues. Please visit the city’s budget guide website (www.a2gov.org — see the link on the “finance” page) for budget-related meeting updates as well as to download budget impact analyses from each service area.
Remember, replays of the Council budget work sessions are available to watch online via CTN Video on Demand at http://a2govtv.pegcentral.com/.
Per City Charter, Council adopts the annual budget in May. The fiscal year 2012 budget runs from July 1, 2011, to June 30, 2012.

New stormwater code in effect March 1

New stormwater code changes take effect Tuesday, March 1, 2011, which will now 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. More information about the code changes and an impervious area worksheet are available online (www.a2gov.org/building — see the link on the left column) to help outline whether your project will require stormwater management as part of the grading permit application process.

Ann Arbor Municipal Center updates

During the week of March 2, the city clerk’s office will relocate back to Larcom City Hall, as minor renovations to the second floor and Council Chambers have been completed. In addition, City Council and other board and commission meetings which temporarily relocated to the County Board of Commissioners room will be back at Larcom City Hall beginning the week of March 7.

In January, the 15th District Court and police services officially opened for business at the Ann Arbor Justice Center, 301 E. Huron St. The below city services are now located in the new building. The Ann Arbor Justice Center entrance is located on Huron Street.

· 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 still located at Larcom City Hall include the following. The Larcom City Hall entrance is located on Ann Street.

· Finance administration, assessor and treasury – fifth floor

· Planning and development services – fifth floor

· Systems planning and project management services – fourth floor

· City administrator and city attorney’s office – third floor

When completed in May 2011, the entire site, including Larcom City Hall and the new Justice Center, will be referred to as the Ann Arbor Municipal Center. Both buildings have the 301 E. Huron St. address.

Day camp registration underway

If a summer spent exploring ponds and woods, swimming and sliding in swimming pools, kayaking and fishing on the river, playing sports and games and creating arts and crafts sounds fun, then sign up for day camp with the City of Ann Arbor parks and recreation! Registration is going on now online at www.a2gov.org/camps; or pick up a brochure at any of our parks facilities and register via mail, walk-in or fax at each of the camp facilities.

The city’s day camps are licensed by the State of Michigan, and the friendly, CPR/First Aid certified staff offers a safe, positive environment for kids to gain confidence and build self-esteem while enjoying fun-filled days.

· Argo Canoe Livery: Completed sixth through eighth grades. Kayaking, canoeing, geocaching, disc golf and fishing journeys on different sections of the coolest river around.

· Buhr Park Pool: 5 to 12 years old. Different themes each week with games, activities and fun exploring sports, farm life and the pool.

· Fuller Park Pool: Completed kindergarten through fifth grades. Awesome adventures from the parks to downtown meeting new friends, swimming fun and experiencing some of Ann Arbor's treasures.

· Gallup Canoe Livery: Completed first through fifth grades. Explore the river with fishing, nets and boats for a week filled with discovery, adventure and fun playing and paddling in the parks and ponds.

· Huron Hills Golf Course: 8 to15 years old. A great place for young golfers of all abilities to learn the game. Our camps emphasize the fundamentals of golf, sportsmanship and having a fun.

· Leslie Science and Nature Center: 4 years old to high school. Different adventures each week as we hike to the pond, conduct scientific experiments, visit animals and create art (www.lesliesnc.org/campssummer).

Are you earning Recyclebank rewards?

It’s now faster and easier than ever to join Recyclebank and get rewards! Recyclebank’s free registration at www.recyclebank.com is easy, immediate and provides the opportunity to earn rewards points to use at local and national venues. Plus, City of Ann Arbor residents in single-family and duplex homes are able to earn additional rewards points every week just for recycling.

The Recyclebank rewards program serves as motivation for residents by awarding points to those who take “greener” actions, like recycling. These points can be redeemed on Recyclebank.com for rewards from local and national retailers, restaurants, grocers and more. Recyclebank currently provides service to more than 1 million people across the United States and the United Kingdom and has been recognized with a number of awards including one from the United Nations Environmental Programme. In July, 2010, Ann Arbor became the third city in Michigan to implement Recyclebank, following Rochester Hills and Westland.

In addition to hundreds of national rewards, local Ann Arbor businesses offering rewards include: Ann Arbor Brewing Company, Downtown Home & Garden, Olga's Kitchen, Plum Market, Village Apothecary, Stucchi’s, Silvio's Organic Pizza, Zingerman's Deli, Cottage Inn Pizza, People's Food Co-op, City of Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation, and Recycle Ann Arbor’s Drop-off Station. Brands and retailers include: Whole Foods, Stonyfield, Nature Made, Coca-Cola, Odwalla, Bed Bath & Beyond, Fancy Feast, Seventh Generation, Method and more. Recyclebank members can also opt to donate their points to grant projects in schools through the Recyclebank Green Schools Program.

Go online for more information on Recyclebank, or call 888.727.2978. For 24-hour information on the city’s solid waste services, call 99-GREEN or visit the city’s website, www.a2gov.org/recycle.

New hours for Drop-off Station

The local nonprofit Recycle Ann Arbor will reduce operations at its recycling Drop-off Station (2950 E. Ellsworth) to three days instead of five starting March 1, 2011. Extended hours will, however, be offered for customer convenience: 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday. Details on the materials accepted and fees assessed at the Drop-off Station are posted online at www.recycleannarbor.org or by calling 734.662.6288.

Earth Hour

Ann Arbor will again join the international Earth Hour effort by dimming the street lights along Main Street Saturday, March 26 from 8:30 to 9:30 p .m. Earth Hour, which started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia, had its highest participation yet in 2010 with a record 128 countries and territories joining the global display of climate action.
Why not participate in your business or household? Visit the Earth Hour website, www.earthhour.org, for suggestions or go to the city’s “green” website, www.a2gov.org/green.

Safe Passages Great Lakes

During peak spring bird migration, March 15 to May 31, 2011, residents and property managers are reminded to close shades or turn out lights between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. on tall buildings from the fifth floor and above. This action assists birds to maintain their natural night navigation patterns and avoids the unnecessary death of over 250 migrating bird species from becoming disoriented and flying into lighted tall buildings. Go online for details on this initiative.

Don’t miss a word of what’s new, important and exciting in our city. Subscribe to receive A2 City News directly to your e-mail inbox. Go to www.a2gov.org/subscribe, simply select “Resident Newsletter: A2 City News” from the list of subscription topics, and you are all set to receive the next issue, and in an earth-friendlier way.

And, for another earth-friendly method of getting all the latest and greatest city news, don’t forget to subscribe to the A2 City News Podcast and follow our blog at a2citynews.blogspot.com.

Thank you for listening to A2 CITY NEWS,

I’m Your Host, Rebecca Rhodes

Telling You Tree Town’s Ins and Outs and All-Abouts