<br><br>The Newsletter for the City of Ann Arbor, Mich. • October 2012  • Volume 6 • Number 10<br><br>Fall fun for all<br>Events are taking place in Ann Arbor throughout October. Check out these fun ways to celebrate the season (find more events on the city’s online calendar).  <br>On Saturday, Oct. 13, 10 a.m.– noon, meet “nature’s recyclers” at the Materials Recovery Facility Open House (4150 Platt Road). A Leslie Science & Nature Center naturalist will provide a fun, interactive program featuring a vulture and other living recyclers. An optional MRF tour is also available. This event is free, and space is limited! Preregister by calling 734.794.6000, extension 43112. Preregistered programs start at 10 and 11:30 a.m.<br>Trick or Treat Down the River is Sunday, Oct. 21 from noon to 4 p.m. at Gallup Canoe Livery (3000 Fuller Ave., 734.794.6240). By canoe or kayak, encounter creatures along the river handing out treats and candy. Bring a bag for collecting candy. And feel free to dress up, too. Fee is $18 per boat. Pre registration is not required.  Volunteers are also needed to dress up and hand out candy during the Trick-or-Treat paddle. Interested? Visit the Volunteer 365 page on the city website, email or call 734.794.6230, extension 42510. <br>Pumpkin-carving fun is planned for Saturday, Oct. 27, 11 am.–1 p.m., at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market (315 Detroit St.). All ages are welcome to enjoy pumpkin carving, face painting and treats from vendors. This event is free. <br>Skate to spooky sounds at the Veterans Memorial Park Halloween Skate, 1–2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27 (2150 Jackson Road, 734.794.6235). Best-costume prizes will be awarded. General admission rates apply at this fun-for-all-ages event.<br>Animal Haunts at the Leslie Science & Nature Center (1831 Traver Road, 734.997.1553) is a family-friendly event Saturday, Oct. 27. Enjoy a guided a hike through Black Pond woods where costumed characters bring plants and animals to life through skits and songs. Pumpkins, games, face painting, cider and more round out the evening. A shorter hike designed especially for families with children ages 5 and under is offered 4:30 to 6 p.m.; and the 7 to 9 p.m. hike is more suitable for older kids and their families. Pre registration rates are $8 per person, $30 per family; or $10/$35 at the door.  <br>And finally … Halloween Trick-or-Treating for participating residents will take place in Ann Arbor neighborhoods between 5 and 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 31. To help keep this holiday fright free and full of fun, tips from the Ann Arbor police department are available online. Among the most basic safety guidelines — parents and guardians should supervise their trick-or-treaters, and stay in neighborhoods that are well lit and familiar.<br>City and residents talk trash<br>Ann Arbor residents are encouraged to lend their voices to the city’s updating process of the five-year Solid Waste Management Plan. The draft five-year update plan is posted for review online, and a printed copy is available at the Customer Service Center, on the first floor of Larcom City Hall, 301 E. Huron St. weekdays during regular business hours, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.  <br>An advisory committee representing Ann Arbor residents, businesses, agencies and the University of Michigan, has been working with staff, City Council and city environmental commissioners over the last year to update the Solid Waste Management Plan. Once adopted, it will provide an outline of cost-effective, customer-friendly and environmentally responsible options to consider and prioritize for implementation over the next five years.<br>There are several ways to provide your input:<br>Take the solid waste planning survey — through Friday, Oct. 5 — either online at or by using the printed version in WasteWatcher newsletter (with a prepaid return mailer), which was delivered to all city residential addresses in September. Residents who wish to include their address with their response can be eligible in three random drawings for a $50 gift certificate to a local restaurant or grocery store, iTunes or Ann Arbor Canoe Liveries.<br>Public forums are planned for Thursday, Oct. 18, 6:30–8:30 p.m. at the Ann Arbor District Library Traverwood  Branch, 3333 Traverwood Drive (at Huron Parkway); and Tuesday, Oct. 30, 6:30–8:30 p.m. at Community Television Network, 2805 S. Industrial (between Stadium and Eisenhower). The draft Solid Waste Management Plan presentation and discussion group summaries will be taped for replay on CTN.<br>Or please send your comments, by Nov. 30, 2012, to Solid Waste Coordinator Tom McMurtrie, 734.794.6430, extension 43707.<br><br>Find out about roundabouts<br>Did you know modern roundabouts can have multiple advantages over signalized intersections? Go online to find out how best to navigate Ann Arbor’s roundabouts and for other safety tips.<br><br>Street-safety reminders<br>Check out the rules-of-the-road reminders and resources on the city’s “walk bike drive” Web page, www.a2gov.org/walkbikedrive, to help ensure safe travels for all, including:<br>For those on foot, cross at marked crosswalks, and make sure to give motorists enough time to see you and stop.<br>For bicyclists, ride on the road when possible — and obey the traffic signals. Use bike lanes when available.<br>For motorists, be extra alert at crosswalks, and stop when pedestrians are present to cross. Drivers should also safely give bicyclists room on the road, ideally 3–4 feet of space.<br><br>Nov. 6 Election Day reminders<br>The State General Election is Tuesday, Nov. 6, when polls will be open 7 a.m.–8 p.m. Visit the elections Web page for the list of candidates, two City of Ann Arbor ballot proposals and polling places.    <br>Residents who need to register to vote must do so by Tuesday, Oct. 9 at the City Clerk’s office, second floor of Larcom City Hall; the Washtenaw County Clerk’s office; at any Secretary of State branch office; or by mailing in a voter registration application (postmarked by Oct. 9) to: Ann Arbor City Clerk, PO Box 8647, Ann Arbor, MI 48107. Please note, the City Clerk’s office is closed on Fridays through Oct. 19 as staff prepares for the election. However, absentee ballot applications and/or voted ballots may be dropped off in the north atrium entrance in the Clerk’s office ballot box, faxed to 734.994.8296 or emailed. Staff will respond to calls (734.794.6140) and emails on the Monday following each closure. <br><br>A closer look at the Nov. 6 City of Ann Arbor ballot proposals<br>In addition to the mayoral and Council candidates, Ann Arbor voters will be asked to consider two City of Ann Arbor proposals on the Nov. 6 Election Day ballot.<br>Proposal A is the Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage Renewal. On Aug. 9, 2012, Ann Arbor City Council voted unanimously to place on the Tuesday, Nov. 6 ballot a renewal of the city’s parks maintenance and capital improvements millage at the rate of 1.1 mills. City Council also voted unanimously to reaffirm the policies for the administration of the Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage. Between 60 percent and 80 percent of the annual millage funds support city park maintenance activities. Park maintenance activities include forestry and horticulture, natural area preservation, park operations, park equipment repairs and recreation facility maintenance. Between 20 percent and 40 percent of the annual millage funds are 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. This millage renewal proposes 1.10 mills and estimates total revenue in the first year of the millage of $5,052,000. The estimated annual cost to a household in the first year of the millage renewal, based on a mean taxable value of $108,600, is expected to be $119.46, or slightly less than $10 per month. The current cost to a household for the expiring millage based on a mean taxable value of $108,600 is $119.13. Additional information, fact sheets, FAQs, administrative policies and millage project status tables are available online.  Or, if you have questions regarding the millage, please email the parks staff. The Wednesday, Oct. 10 episode of Conversations on Ann Arbor Community Television Network will also feature Parks and Recreation Services Manager Colin Smith sharing facts about this ballot proposal. Watch this episode on Channel 19 on Comcast Cable or streamed on the Web.<br>Proposal B is the Art in Public Places Millage. On Monday, Aug. 20, 2012, City Council voted unanimously to place on the Nov. 6 ballot a proposal for a publically funded Art in Public Places Millage at the rate of  0.10 mills. The new Art in Public Places Millage would be used to fund a range of art initiatives in Ann Arbor, including permanent installations; temporary art events; performance art; and exhibitions. The proposed millage would replace the existing funding mechanism for public art. The city’s Public Art Charter would be amended to replace the current funding from capital improvement projects (1 percent from street, sewer, bridge, parking lot construction) with the new art in public places millage funding. The city would still be able to use the remaining balance of capital improvement funds set aside for public art purposes. The new millage of one-tenth (0.10) mill, if approved, is expected to raise approximately $459,273 during the first year. For a household in the City of Ann Arbor with a mean taxable value of $108,600, the one-tenth (0.10) mill would add a tax of $10.97 per year, or 91 cents per month.<br>To see how these proposals will appear on the Nov. 6 ballot, please visit the elections page on the city website. <br><br>Fall golf events<br>Don’t miss the final golf events of the season coming to nationally acclaimed Leslie Park Golf Course, 2120 Traver Road. Register today! Call the course at 734.794.6245 or go online for details.<br>Fall Scramble: Sunday, Oct. 14, 8:30 a.m., $150 per team. This three-person shoot-out scramble includes greens fee, golf cart, lunch, prizes and a potential $1,000 skins pot! Bring your "A” game, and be ready to score! Pre registration is required.<br>NEW! Michigan vs. Michigan State Golf Scramble: Saturday, Oct. 20, 8 a.m. shotgun start, $80 per team. This spirit-filled, two-person scramble will take the college rivalry to a new field (on the course). The 18-holes event includes great prizes, fun times and a little inter-school razzing.<br>Chili Open: Sunday, Oct. 28, 9:30 a.m., $80 per team. Say good bye to fall in this fun two-person scramble all while battling the cold weather. The event includes 18 holes, a continental breakfast, prizes, chili and chili dogs.  (This will be your last chance to play holes 10, 11 and 13 as you know them!)<br>In this issue: Fall events * Solid Waste Management Plan * Roundabouts * Street-safety reminders * Election Day reminders * City of Ann Arbor ballot proposals * Fall golf events * Urban and Community Forest Management Plan * A2 Open City Hall * Leaf-disposal options * 15th District Court Sobriety Court program * Allmendinger Park mural * ReImagine Washtenaw * Ypsilanti River Day * Washtenaw County Clean-up Day * Dates to remember<br><br>Speak for the trees<br><br>The City of Ann Arbor is in the process of developing the community’s first Urban and Community Forest Management Plan. A meeting to present and receive input on the draft recommendations will take place Wednesday, Oct. 3, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Cobblestone Farm (2781 Packard Road). Recommendations were developed through the plan’s prior public-outreach efforts, and additional input is now being sought to further ensure consistency with the values and needs of the community.<br>The publicly managed urban forest provides $4.6 million in benefits, including stormwater runoff reductions, improved water quality and lower energy costs. The Urban and Community Forest Management Plan will help the city maintain a sustainable urban forest and effectively manage it as a community asset. <br>Those unable to attend the public meeting can provide comments on the draft recommendations online in two ways: through the new A2 Open City Hall forum and via a survey.     <br>More information on the Urban and Community Forest Management Plan is available on the project Web page. Here, you may also sign up to receive e-notifications about the process directly to your email. Questions or input can also be directed to Kerry Gray, urban forest and natural resource planning coordinator, at 734.794.6430, extension 43703.<br><br>New topics await your input on A2 Open City Hall<br><br>Ann Arbor residents have a new way to share feedback with city staff and Council members with the debut of A2 Open City Hall. This new online forum recently featured a question about recommended South State Street Corridor improvements.<br>The city now invites the public to give input — from the convenience of their keyboards — on two additional topics: the urban and community forest management planning, as noted in the article above, and the fire department restructure proposal. Please logon and share your input.<br>Stay tuned for additional topics in the coming months.<br><br>Leaf-disposal options<br><br>Autumn has arrived, and it’s time to think about managing those leaves. Options include mulching leaves on site, and collecting leaves in paper lawn bags and compost carts to leave at the curb for weekly pickup. Or take advantage of free bulk leaf drop off at the Ann Arbor Compost Center. Please remember that the city no longer picks up loose leaves raked to the street. <br>And did you know, your past-its-prime pumpkin and decorative cornstalks can go in your compost cart or paper yard waste bag (up to 50 pounds per bag) for curbside pickup.<br>15th District Court is awarded grants for Sobriety Court program<br><br>The 15th District Court has been awarded a $70,000 Michigan Drug Court Program grant and a $25,000 Office of Highway Safety Planning grant by the State Court Administrative Office of the Michigan Supreme Court. Grant funds will be used to continue 15th District Court Judge Joseph F. Burke’s Sobriety Court program, which was established in 2004 by retired Judge Julie A. Creal.<br>The goals of the team-based, selective Sobriety Court program are to proactively enhance community safety by assisting persons who need and would benefit from intensive court supervision, with emphasis on rehabilitation. With the support and cooperation of all district court judges in Washtenaw County, the 15th District Court Sobriety Court, located in the City of Ann Arbor, accepts case referrals from all district courts in the county. Sobriety Court team members include the Ann Arbor Police Department, the University of Michigan Department of Public Safety, local substance abuse treatment non-profit organization Dawn Farm Inc., Model Cities Legal Services Inc., the Ann Arbor City Attorney’s Office and the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office.<br>The services that are used to accomplish these goals include outpatient and inpatient drug and alcohol treatment, based on participant need; mental health services provided by Washtenaw Community Health Organization Project Outreach; drug and alcohol testing by Washtenaw County Sheriff Jerry L. Clayton’s Office of Community Corrections; and ancillary services including education services, life skills, employment assistance and other support services.<br><br>Community and artist collaborate for Allmendinger Park mural<br><br>Allmendinger Park will soon be home to a very unique and collaborative art mural. Artist Mary Thiefels’ "Nourishing Healthy Seeds,” a multimedia mural installed onto the pillars of the park’s shelter, will be unveiled at a family event later this month. <br>The mural, consisting of colorful layers of painted areas along with tile and glass mosaic sections, has a particularly special meaning to the Allmendinger Park neighbors: its design features contributions from the community. More than 60 self portraits were painted this past spring by Slauson Middle School eighth graders, and will serve as the primary figures in the mosaic. The portraits will be surrounded by more than 100 donated mementos from the area residents. Each item collected was accompanied by a description of the “found object;” and those descriptions will be posted online at a later date.<br>The 8-acre Allmendinger Park is located on Pauline between Hutchins and Edgewood. Visit the mural project Web page for the unveiling-event information, once available, and for additional images and details. <br><br>ReImagine Washtenaw<br><br>Head east out of downtown Ann Arbor along Washtenaw Avenue, and you’re sure to notice some construction activity. Across from Whole Foods Market, groundbreaking has begun on Arbor Hills Crossing, a 90,000 square-foot retail and professional office development. The project includes new and wider sidewalks, a traffic signal and pedestrian crossing at Platt Road, and a new Ann Arbor Transit Authority Transit Super Stop. Continue further east, and you’ll notice the Michigan Department of Transportation has begun a major traffic operations and nonmotorized project at US-23, which includes construction of nonmotorized paths on both sides of Washtenaw Avenue, providing a way for pedestrians and bicyclists safe travel under the highway overpass. This activity is all part of the ReImagine Washtenaw initiative.<br>ReImagine Washtenaw is a multi-jurisdictional, land-use planning and public transit initiative. Its focus is to transform the corridor from mainly automobile use, to a safe, multimodal, public transit-enhanced corridor, with new, high-quality mixed-use development, enhanced transit service and amenities. These efforts will also result in a corridor with sense of “place.”<br>Professional staff planners and elected officials from the cities of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti and Pittsfield and Ypsilanti townships have been leading this effort. Additional partners, including the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority, Michigan Department of Transportation, Washtenaw County, Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the Washtenaw Area Transportation Study, are also collaborating to take the county’s most congested and auto-centric road, and turn it in to a high-functioning, multi-modal corridor.<br>For more information, visit the ReImagine Washtenaw website. <br><br>Ypsilanti River Day<br><br>Ypsilanti Parks and the Ann Arbor Canoe Liveries together are presenting the second annual Ypsilanti River Day. On Sunday, Oct. 7, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., canoes and single and double kayaks will be available to rent at Frog Island Park to take a journey down the Huron River into Ford Lake. A van will pick up at a designated location on the hour to bring you back to Frog Island Park. Boat fees are $15–$25. Last launch is at 3 p.m., and last pick up is at 4 p.m. Go online for more information. <br>Washtenaw County Clean-up Day<br><br>Get organized, and get ready to do some fall cleaning. Saturday, Oct. 27, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., is the annual Washtenaw County Clean-up Day. The event takes place at Eastern Michigan University Rynearson Stadium parking lot, 799 N. Hewitt Road in Ypsilanti. Safely dispose of unwanted household items, including recyclables, scrap metal, electronics, appliances, cleaning supplies, motor oil, oil-based paints, furniture and more. This program is free; a $10 donation per car is suggested and is required for disposal of select items. Call for details, 734.222.3827, or go online. This event is for county residents only; no businesses please. <br><br>Dates to remember<br><br>Among the MANY public meetings/events taking place in October, here are some of the highlights (please go online for details and a complete list):  <br>City Clerk’s office remains closed on Fridays through Oct. 19.<br>No closures or interruption in city services on Columbus Day, Monday, Oct. 8. City offices and the 15th District Court are open. No delays in trash/recycling/compost collection.<br>Tuesday, Oct. 9 is the last day to register to vote in the State General Election.<br>And much, much more, including Halloween and other seasonal events!<br>A2 City News Web Page *City Council *Contact Us *Meeting Agendas <br>*News/Announcements *Road/Lane Closures<br>A2 City News is emailed to newsletter subscribers by the City of Ann Arbor.<br>Please share comments via email or call 734.794.6110, ext. 41105.<br><br><br>QUESTIONS FOR THE CITY OF ANN ARBOR?<br>Contact us<br>STAY CONNECTED WITH THE CITY OF ANN ARBOR:<br>            

            

The Newsletter for the City of Ann Arbor, Mich. • October 2012  • Volume 6 • Number 10

Fall fun for all

Events are taking place in Ann Arbor throughout October. Check out these fun ways to celebrate the season (find more events on the city’s online calendar).

On Saturday, Oct. 13, 10 a.m.– noon, meet “nature’s recyclers” at the Materials Recovery Facility Open House (4150 Platt Road). A Leslie Science & Nature Center naturalist will provide a fun, interactive program featuring a vulture and other living recyclers. An optional MRF tour is also available. This event is free, and space is limited! Preregister by calling 734.794.6000, extension 43112. Preregistered programs start at 10 and 11:30 a.m.

Trick or Treat Down the River is Sunday, Oct. 21 from noon to 4 p.m. at Gallup Canoe Livery (3000 Fuller Ave., 734.794.6240). By canoe or kayak, encounter creatures along the river handing out treats and candy. Bring a bag for collecting candy. And feel free to dress up, too. Fee is $18 per boat. Pre registration is not required.  Volunteers are also needed to dress up and hand out candy during the Trick-or-Treat paddle. Interested? Visit the Volunteer 365 page on the city website, email or call 734.794.6230, extension 42510.

Pumpkin-carving fun is planned for Saturday, Oct. 27, 11 am.–1 p.m., at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market (315 Detroit St.). All ages are welcome to enjoy pumpkin carving, face painting and treats from vendors. This event is free.

Skate to spooky sounds at the Veterans Memorial Park Halloween Skate, 1–2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27 (2150 Jackson Road, 734.794.6235). Best-costume prizes will be awarded. General admission rates apply at this fun-for-all-ages event.

Animal Haunts at the Leslie Science & Nature Center (1831 Traver Road, 734.997.1553) is a family-friendly event Saturday, Oct. 27. Enjoy a guided a hike through Black Pond woods where costumed characters bring plants and animals to life through skits and songs. Pumpkins, games, face painting, cider and more round out the evening. A shorter hike designed especially for families with children ages 5 and under is offered 4:30 to 6 p.m.; and the 7 to 9 p.m. hike is more suitable for older kids and their families. Pre registration rates are $8 per person, $30 per family; or $10/$35 at the door.

And finally … Halloween Trick-or-Treating for participating residents will take place in Ann Arbor neighborhoods between 5 and 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 31. To help keep this holiday fright free and full of fun, tips from the Ann Arbor police department are available online. Among the most basic safety guidelines — parents and guardians should supervise their trick-or-treaters, and stay in neighborhoods that are well lit and familiar.

City and residents talk trash

Ann Arbor residents are encouraged to lend their voices to the city’s updating process of the five-year Solid Waste Management Plan. The draft five-year update plan is posted for review online, and a printed copy is available at the Customer Service Center, on the first floor of Larcom City Hall, 301 E. Huron St. weekdays during regular business hours, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

An advisory committee representing Ann Arbor residents, businesses, agencies and the University of Michigan, has been working with staff, City Council and city environmental commissioners over the last year to update the Solid Waste Management Plan. Once adopted, it will provide an outline of cost-effective, customer-friendly and environmentally responsible options to consider and prioritize for implementation over the next five years.

There are several ways to provide your input:

Take the solid waste planning survey — through Friday, Oct. 5 — either online at or by using the printed version in WasteWatcher newsletter (with a prepaid return mailer), which was delivered to all city residential addresses in September. Residents who wish to include their address with their response can be eligible in three random drawings for a $50 gift certificate to a local restaurant or grocery store, iTunes or Ann Arbor Canoe Liveries.

Public forums are planned for Thursday, Oct. 18, 6:30–8:30 p.m. at the Ann Arbor District Library Traverwood  Branch, 3333 Traverwood Drive (at Huron Parkway); and Tuesday, Oct. 30, 6:30–8:30 p.m. at Community Television Network, 2805 S. Industrial (between Stadium and Eisenhower). The draft Solid Waste Management Plan presentation and discussion group summaries will be taped for replay on CTN.

Or please send your comments, by Nov. 30, 2012, to Solid Waste Coordinator Tom McMurtrie, 734.794.6430, extension 43707.

Find out about roundabouts

Did you know modern roundabouts can have multiple advantages over signalized intersections? Go online to find out how best to navigate Ann Arbor’s roundabouts and for other safety tips.

Street-safety reminders

Check out the rules-of-the-road reminders and resources on the city’s “walk bike drive” Web page, www.a2gov.org/walkbikedrive, to help ensure safe travels for all, including:

For those on foot, cross at marked crosswalks, and make sure to give motorists enough time to see you and stop.

For bicyclists, ride on the road when possible — and obey the traffic signals. Use bike lanes when available.

For motorists, be extra alert at crosswalks, and stop when pedestrians are present to cross. Drivers should also safely give bicyclists room on the road, ideally 3–4 feet of space.

Nov. 6 Election Day reminders

The State General Election is Tuesday, Nov. 6, when polls will be open 7 a.m.–8 p.m. Visit the elections Web page for the list of candidates, two City of Ann Arbor ballot proposals and polling places.  

Residents who need to register to vote must do so by Tuesday, Oct. 9 at the City Clerk’s office, second floor of Larcom City Hall; the Washtenaw County Clerk’s office; at any Secretary of State branch office; or by mailing in a voter registration application (postmarked by Oct. 9) to: Ann Arbor City Clerk, PO Box 8647, Ann Arbor, MI 48107. Please note, the City Clerk’s office is closed on Fridays through Oct. 19 as staff prepares for the election. However, absentee ballot applications and/or voted ballots may be dropped off in the north atrium entrance in the Clerk’s office ballot box, faxed to 734.994.8296 or emailed. Staff will respond to calls (734.794.6140) and emails on the Monday following each closure.

A closer look at the Nov. 6 City of Ann Arbor ballot proposals

In addition to the mayoral and Council candidates, Ann Arbor voters will be asked to consider two City of Ann Arbor proposals on the Nov. 6 Election Day ballot.

Proposal A is the Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage Renewal. On Aug. 9, 2012, Ann Arbor City Council voted unanimously to place on the Tuesday, Nov. 6 ballot a renewal of the city’s parks maintenance and capital improvements millage at the rate of 1.1 mills. City Council also voted unanimously to reaffirm the policies for the administration of the Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage. Between 60 percent and 80 percent of the annual millage funds support city park maintenance activities. Park maintenance activities include forestry and horticulture, natural area preservation, park operations, park equipment repairs and recreation facility maintenance. Between 20 percent and 40 percent of the annual millage funds are 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. This millage renewal proposes 1.10 mills and estimates total revenue in the first year of the millage of $5,052,000. The estimated annual cost to a household in the first year of the millage renewal, based on a mean taxable value of $108,600, is expected to be $119.46, or slightly less than $10 per month. The current cost to a household for the expiring millage based on a mean taxable value of $108,600 is $119.13. Additional information, fact sheets, FAQs, administrative policies and millage project status tables are available online.  Or, if you have questions regarding the millage, please email the parks staff. The Wednesday, Oct. 10 episode of Conversations on Ann Arbor Community Television Network will also feature Parks and Recreation Services Manager Colin Smith sharing facts about this ballot proposal. Watch this episode on Channel 19 on Comcast Cable or streamed on the Web.

Proposal B is the Art in Public Places Millage. On Monday, Aug. 20, 2012, City Council voted unanimously to place on the Nov. 6 ballot a proposal for a publically funded Art in Public Places Millage at the rate of  0.10 mills. The new Art in Public Places Millage would be used to fund a range of art initiatives in Ann Arbor, including permanent installations; temporary art events; performance art; and exhibitions. The proposed millage would replace the existing funding mechanism for public art. The city’s Public Art Charter would be amended to replace the current funding from capital improvement projects (1 percent from street, sewer, bridge, parking lot construction) with the new art in public places millage funding. The city would still be able to use the remaining balance of capital improvement funds set aside for public art purposes. The new millage of one-tenth (0.10) mill, if approved, is expected to raise approximately $459,273 during the first year. For a household in the City of Ann Arbor with a mean taxable value of $108,600, the one-tenth (0.10) mill would add a tax of $10.97 per year, or 91 cents per month.

To see how these proposals will appear on the Nov. 6 ballot, please visit the elections page on the city website.

Fall golf events

Don’t miss the final golf events of the season coming to nationally acclaimed Leslie Park Golf Course, 2120 Traver Road. Register today! Call the course at 734.794.6245 or go online for details.

Fall Scramble: Sunday, Oct. 14, 8:30 a.m., $150 per team. This three-person shoot-out scramble includes greens fee, golf cart, lunch, prizes and a potential $1,000 skins pot! Bring your "A” game, and be ready to score! Pre registration is required.

NEW! Michigan vs. Michigan State Golf Scramble: Saturday, Oct. 20, 8 a.m. shotgun start, $80 per team. This spirit-filled, two-person scramble will take the college rivalry to a new field (on the course). The 18-holes event includes great prizes, fun times and a little inter-school razzing.

Chili Open: Sunday, Oct. 28, 9:30 a.m., $80 per team. Say good bye to fall in this fun two-person scramble all while battling the cold weather. The event includes 18 holes, a continental breakfast, prizes, chili and chili dogs.  (This will be your last chance to play holes 10, 11 and 13 as you know them!)

In this issue: Fall events * Solid Waste Management Plan * Roundabouts * Street-safety reminders * Election Day reminders * City of Ann Arbor ballot proposals * Fall golf events * Urban and Community Forest Management Plan * A2 Open City Hall * Leaf-disposal options * 15th District Court Sobriety Court program * Allmendinger Park mural * ReImagine Washtenaw * Ypsilanti River Day * Washtenaw County Clean-up Day * Dates to remember

Speak for the trees

The City of Ann Arbor is in the process of developing the community’s first Urban and Community Forest Management Plan. A meeting to present and receive input on the draft recommendations will take place Wednesday, Oct. 3, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Cobblestone Farm (2781 Packard Road). Recommendations were developed through the plan’s prior public-outreach efforts, and additional input is now being sought to further ensure consistency with the values and needs of the community.

The publicly managed urban forest provides $4.6 million in benefits, including stormwater runoff reductions, improved water quality and lower energy costs. The Urban and Community Forest Management Plan will help the city maintain a sustainable urban forest and effectively manage it as a community asset.

Those unable to attend the public meeting can provide comments on the draft recommendations online in two ways: through the new A2 Open City Hall forum and via a survey.   

More information on the Urban and Community Forest Management Plan is available on the project Web page. Here, you may also sign up to receive e-notifications about the process directly to your email. Questions or input can also be directed to Kerry Gray, urban forest and natural resource planning coordinator, at 734.794.6430, extension 43703.

New topics await your input on A2 Open City Hall

Ann Arbor residents have a new way to share feedback with city staff and Council members with the debut of A2 Open City Hall. This new online forum recently featured a question about recommended South State Street Corridor improvements.

The city now invites the public to give input — from the convenience of their keyboards — on two additional topics: the urban and community forest management planning, as noted in the article above, and the fire department restructure proposal. Please logon and share your input.

Stay tuned for additional topics in the coming months.

Leaf-disposal options

Autumn has arrived, and it’s time to think about managing those leaves. Options include mulching leaves on site, and collecting leaves in paper lawn bags and compost carts to leave at the curb for weekly pickup. Or take advantage of free bulk leaf drop off at the Ann Arbor Compost Center. Please remember that the city no longer picks up loose leaves raked to the street.

And did you know, your past-its-prime pumpkin and decorative cornstalks can go in your compost cart or paper yard waste bag (up to 50 pounds per bag) for curbside pickup.

15th District Court is awarded grants for Sobriety Court program

The 15th District Court has been awarded a $70,000 Michigan Drug Court Program grant and a $25,000 Office of Highway Safety Planning grant by the State Court Administrative Office of the Michigan Supreme Court. Grant funds will be used to continue 15th District Court Judge Joseph F. Burke’s Sobriety Court program, which was established in 2004 by retired Judge Julie A. Creal.

The goals of the team-based, selective Sobriety Court program are to proactively enhance community safety by assisting persons who need and would benefit from intensive court supervision, with emphasis on rehabilitation. With the support and cooperation of all district court judges in Washtenaw County, the 15th District Court Sobriety Court, located in the City of Ann Arbor, accepts case referrals from all district courts in the county. Sobriety Court team members include the Ann Arbor Police Department, the University of Michigan Department of Public Safety, local substance abuse treatment non-profit organization Dawn Farm Inc., Model Cities Legal Services Inc., the Ann Arbor City Attorney’s Office and the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office.

The services that are used to accomplish these goals include outpatient and inpatient drug and alcohol treatment, based on participant need; mental health services provided by Washtenaw Community Health Organization Project Outreach; drug and alcohol testing by Washtenaw County Sheriff Jerry L. Clayton’s Office of Community Corrections; and ancillary services including education services, life skills, employment assistance and other support services.

Community and artist collaborate for Allmendinger Park mural

Allmendinger Park will soon be home to a very unique and collaborative art mural. Artist Mary Thiefels’ "Nourishing Healthy Seeds,” a multimedia mural installed onto the pillars of the park’s shelter, will be unveiled at a family event later this month.

The mural, consisting of colorful layers of painted areas along with tile and glass mosaic sections, has a particularly special meaning to the Allmendinger Park neighbors: its design features contributions from the community. More than 60 self portraits were painted this past spring by Slauson Middle School eighth graders, and will serve as the primary figures in the mosaic. The portraits will be surrounded by more than 100 donated mementos from the area residents. Each item collected was accompanied by a description of the “found object;” and those descriptions will be posted online at a later date.

The 8-acre Allmendinger Park is located on Pauline between Hutchins and Edgewood. Visit the mural project Web page for the unveiling-event information, once available, and for additional images and details.

ReImagine Washtenaw

Head east out of downtown Ann Arbor along Washtenaw Avenue, and you’re sure to notice some construction activity. Across from Whole Foods Market, groundbreaking has begun on Arbor Hills Crossing, a 90,000 square-foot retail and professional office development. The project includes new and wider sidewalks, a traffic signal and pedestrian crossing at Platt Road, and a new Ann Arbor Transit Authority Transit Super Stop. Continue further east, and you’ll notice the Michigan Department of Transportation has begun a major traffic operations and nonmotorized project at US-23, which includes construction of nonmotorized paths on both sides of Washtenaw Avenue, providing a way for pedestrians and bicyclists safe travel under the highway overpass. This activity is all part of the ReImagine Washtenaw initiative.

ReImagine Washtenaw is a multi-jurisdictional, land-use planning and public transit initiative. Its focus is to transform the corridor from mainly automobile use, to a safe, multimodal, public transit-enhanced corridor, with new, high-quality mixed-use development, enhanced transit service and amenities. These efforts will also result in a corridor with sense of “place.”

Professional staff planners and elected officials from the cities of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti and Pittsfield and Ypsilanti townships have been leading this effort. Additional partners, including the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority, Michigan Department of Transportation, Washtenaw County, Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the Washtenaw Area Transportation Study, are also collaborating to take the county’s most congested and auto-centric road, and turn it in to a high-functioning, multi-modal corridor.

For more information, visit the ReImagine Washtenaw website.

Ypsilanti River Day

Ypsilanti Parks and the Ann Arbor Canoe Liveries together are presenting the second annual Ypsilanti River Day. On Sunday, Oct. 7, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., canoes and single and double kayaks will be available to rent at Frog Island Park to take a journey down the Huron River into Ford Lake. A van will pick up at a designated location on the hour to bring you back to Frog Island Park. Boat fees are $15–$25. Last launch is at 3 p.m., and last pick up is at 4 p.m. Go online for more information.

Washtenaw County Clean-up Day

Get organized, and get ready to do some fall cleaning. Saturday, Oct. 27, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., is the annual Washtenaw County Clean-up Day. The event takes place at Eastern Michigan University Rynearson Stadium parking lot, 799 N. Hewitt Road in Ypsilanti. Safely dispose of unwanted household items, including recyclables, scrap metal, electronics, appliances, cleaning supplies, motor oil, oil-based paints, furniture and more. This program is free; a $10 donation per car is suggested and is required for disposal of select items. Call for details, 734.222.3827, or go online. This event is for county residents only; no businesses please.

Dates to remember

Among the MANY public meetings/events taking place in October, here are some of the highlights (please go online for details and a complete list):

City Clerk’s office remains closed on Fridays through Oct. 19.

No closures or interruption in city services on Columbus Day, Monday, Oct. 8. City offices and the 15th District Court are open. No delays in trash/recycling/compost collection.

Tuesday, Oct. 9 is the last day to register to vote in the State General Election.

And much, much more, including Halloween and other seasonal events!

A2 City News Web Page *City Council *Contact Us *Meeting Agendas

*News/Announcements *Road/Lane Closures

A2 City News is emailed to newsletter subscribers by the City of Ann Arbor.

Please share comments via email or call 734.794.6110, ext. 41105.

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The Newsletter for the City of Ann Arbor, Mich. • October 2012  • Volume 6 • Number 10 Fall fun for all Events are taking place in Ann Arbor throughout October. Check out these fun ways to celebrate the season (find more events on the city’s online calendar).   On Saturday, Oct. 13, 10 a.m.– noon, meet “nature’s recyclers” at the Materials Recovery Facility Open House (4150 Platt Road). A Leslie Science & Nature Center naturalist will provide a fun, interactive program featuring a vulture and other living recyclers. An optional MRF tour is also available. This event is free, and space is limited! Preregister by calling 734.794.6000, extension 43112. Preregistered programs start at 10 and 11:30 a.m. Trick or Treat Down the River is Sunday, Oct. 21 from noon to 4 p.m. at Gallup Canoe Livery (3000 Fuller Ave., 734.794.6240). By canoe or kayak, encounter creatures along the river handing out treats and candy. Bring a bag for collecting candy. And feel free to dress up, too. Fee is $18 per boat. Pre registration is not required.  Volunteers are also needed to dress up and hand out candy during the Trick-or-Treat paddle. Interested? Visit the Volunteer 365 page on the city website, email or call 734.794.6230, extension 42510. Pumpkin-carving fun is planned for Saturday, Oct. 27, 11 am.–1 p.m., at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market (315 Detroit St.). All ages are welcome to enjoy pumpkin carving, face painting and treats from vendors. This event is free. Skate to spooky sounds at the Veterans Memorial Park Halloween Skate, 1–2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27 (2150 Jackson Road, 734.794.6235). Best-costume prizes will be awarded. General admission rates apply at this fun-for-all-ages event. Animal Haunts at the Leslie Science & Nature Center (1831 Traver Road, 734.997.1553) is a family-friendly event Saturday, Oct. 27. Enjoy a guided a hike through Black Pond woods where costumed characters bring plants and animals to life through skits and songs. Pumpkins, games, face painting, cider and more round out the evening. A shorter hike designed especially for families with children ages 5 and under is offered 4:30 to 6 p.m.; and the 7 to 9 p.m. hike is more suitable for older kids and their families. Pre registration rates are $8 per person, $30 per family; or $10/$35 at the door.   And finally … Halloween Trick-or-Treating for participating residents will take place in Ann Arbor neighborhoods between 5 and 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 31. To help keep this holiday fright free and full of fun, tips from the Ann Arbor police department are available online. Among the most basic safety guidelines — parents and guardians should supervise their trick-or-treaters, and stay in neighborhoods that are well lit and familiar. City and residents talk trash Ann Arbor residents are encouraged to lend their voices to the city’s updating process of the five-year Solid Waste Management Plan. The draft five-year update plan is posted for review online, and a printed copy is available at the Customer Service Center, on the first floor of Larcom City Hall, 301 E. Huron St. weekdays during regular business hours, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.   An advisory committee representing Ann Arbor residents, businesses, agencies and the University of Michigan, has been working with staff, City Council and city environmental commissioners over the last year to update the Solid Waste Management Plan. Once adopted, it will provide an outline of cost-effective, customer-friendly and environmentally responsible options to consider and prioritize for implementation over the next five years. There are several ways to provide your input: Take the solid waste planning survey — through Friday, Oct. 5 — either online at or by using the printed version in WasteWatcher newsletter (with a prepaid return mailer), which was delivered to all city residential addresses in September. Residents who wish to include their address with their response can be eligible in three random drawings for a $50 gift certificate

The Newsletter for the City of Ann Arbor, Mich. • October 2012  • Volume 6 • Number 10 Fall fun for all Events are taking place in Ann Arbor throughout October. Check out these fun ways to celebrate the season (find more events on the city’s online calendar).   On Saturday, Oct. 13, 10 a.m.– noon, meet “nature’s recyclers” at the Materials Recovery Facility Open House (4150 Platt Road). A Leslie Science & Nature Center naturalist will provide a fun, interactive program featuring a vulture and other living recyclers. An optional MRF tour is also available. This event is free, and space is limited! Preregister by calling 734.794.6000, extension 43112. Preregistered programs start at 10 and 11:30 a.m. Trick or Treat Down the River is Sunday, Oct. 21 from noon to 4 p.m. at Gallup Canoe Livery (3000 Fuller Ave., 734.794.6240). By canoe or kayak, encounter creatures along the river handing out treats and candy. Bring a bag for collecting candy. And feel free to dress up, too. Fee is $18 per boat. Pre registration is not required.  Volunteers are also needed to dress up and hand out candy during the Trick-or-Treat paddle. Interested? Visit the Volunteer 365 page on the city website, email or call 734.794.6230, extension 42510. Pumpkin-carving fun is planned for Saturday, Oct. 27, 11 am.–1 p.m., at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market (315 Detroit St.). All ages are welcome to enjoy pumpkin carving, face painting and treats from vendors. This event is free. Skate to spooky sounds at the Veterans Memorial Park Halloween Skate, 1–2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27 (2150 Jackson Road, 734.794.6235). Best-costume prizes will be awarded. General admission rates apply at this fun-for-all-ages event. Animal Haunts at the Leslie Science & Nature Center (1831 Traver Road, 734.997.1553) is a family-friendly event Saturday, Oct. 27. Enjoy a guided a hike through Black Pond woods where costumed characters bring plants and animals to life through skits and songs. Pumpkins, games, face painting, cider and more round out the evening. A shorter hike designed especially for families with children ages 5 and under is offered 4:30 to 6 p.m.; and the 7 to 9 p.m. hike is more suitable for older kids and their families. Pre registration rates are $8 per person, $30 per family; or $10/$35 at the door.   And finally … Halloween Trick-or-Treating for participating residents will take place in Ann Arbor neighborhoods between 5 and 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 31. To help keep this holiday fright free and full of fun, tips from the Ann Arbor police department are available online. Among the most basic safety guidelines — parents and guardians should supervise their trick-or-treaters, and stay in neighborhoods that are well lit and familiar. City and residents talk trash Ann Arbor residents are encouraged to lend their voices to the city’s updating process of the five-year Solid Waste Management Plan. The draft five-year update plan is posted for review online, and a printed copy is available at the Customer Service Center, on the first floor of Larcom City Hall, 301 E. Huron St. weekdays during regular business hours, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.   An advisory committee representing Ann Arbor residents, businesses, agencies and the University of Michigan, has been working with staff, City Council and city environmental commissioners over the last year to update the Solid Waste Management Plan. Once adopted, it will provide an outline of cost-effective, customer-friendly and environmentally responsible options to consider and prioritize for implementation over the next five years. There are several ways to provide your input: Take the solid waste planning survey — through Friday, Oct. 5 — either online at or by using the printed version in WasteWatcher newsletter (with a prepaid return mailer), which was delivered to all city residential addresses in September. Residents who wish to include their address with their response can be eligible in three random drawings for a $50 gift certificate to a local restaurant or grocery store, iTunes or Ann Arbor Canoe Liveries. Public forums are planned for Thursday, Oct. 18, 6:30–8:30 p.m. at the Ann Arbor District Library Traverwood  Branch, 3333 Traverwood Drive (at Huron Parkway); and Tuesday, Oct. 30, 6:30–8:30 p.m. at Community Television Network, 2805 S. Industrial (between Stadium and Eisenhower). The draft Solid Waste Management Plan presentation and discussion group summaries will be taped for replay on CTN. Or please send your comments, by Nov. 30, 2012, to Solid Waste Coordinator Tom McMurtrie, 734.794.6430, extension 43707. Find out about roundabouts Did you know modern roundabouts can have multiple advantages over signalized intersections? Go online to find out how best to navigate Ann Arbor’s roundabouts and for other safety tips. Street-safety reminders Check out the rules-of-the-road reminders and resources on the city’s “walk bike drive” Web page, www.a2gov.org/walkbikedrive, to help ensure safe travels for all, including: For those on foot, cross at marked crosswalks, and make sure to give motorists enough time to see you and stop. For bicyclists, ride on the road when possible — and obey the traffic signals. Use bike lanes when available. For motorists, be extra alert at crosswalks, and stop when pedestrians are present to cross. Drivers should also safely give bicyclists room on the road, ideally 3–4 feet of space. Nov. 6 Election Day reminders The State General Election is Tuesday, Nov. 6, when polls will be open 7 a.m.–8 p.m. Visit the elections Web page for the list of candidates, two City of Ann Arbor ballot proposals and polling places.     Residents who need to register to vote must do so by Tuesday, Oct. 9 at the City Clerk’s office, second floor of Larcom City Hall; the Washtenaw County Clerk’s office; at any Secretary of State branch office; or by mailing in a voter registration application (postmarked by Oct. 9) to: Ann Arbor City Clerk, PO Box 8647, Ann Arbor, MI 48107. Please note, the City Clerk’s office is closed on Fridays through Oct. 19 as staff prepares for the election. However, absentee ballot applications and/or voted ballots may be dropped off in the north atrium entrance in the Clerk’s office ballot box, faxed to 734.994.8296 or emailed. Staff will respond to calls (734.794.6140) and emails on the Monday following each closure. A closer look at the Nov. 6 City of Ann Arbor ballot proposals In addition to the mayoral and Council candidates, Ann Arbor voters will be asked to consider two City of Ann Arbor proposals on the Nov. 6 Election Day ballot. Proposal A is the Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage Renewal. On Aug. 9, 2012, Ann Arbor City Council voted unanimously to place on the Tuesday, Nov. 6 ballot a renewal of the city’s parks maintenance and capital improvements millage at the rate of 1.1 mills. City Council also voted unanimously to reaffirm the policies for the administration of the Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage. Between 60 percent and 80 percent of the annual millage funds support city park maintenance activities. Park maintenance activities include forestry and horticulture, natural area preservation, park operations, park equipment repairs and recreation facility maintenance. Between 20 percent and 40 percent of the annual millage funds are 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. This millage renewal proposes 1.10 mills and estimates total revenue in the first year of the millage of $5,052,000. The estimated annual cost to a household in the first year of the millage renewal, based on a mean taxable value of $108,600, is expected to be $119.46, or slightly less than $10 per month. The current cost to a household for the expiring millage based on a mean taxable value of $108,600 is $119.13. Additional information, fact sheets, FAQs, administrative policies and millage project status tables are available online.  Or, if you have questions regarding the millage, please email the parks staff. The Wednesday, Oct. 10 episode of Conversations on Ann Arbor Community Television Network will also feature Parks and Recreation Services Manager Colin Smith sharing facts about this ballot proposal. Watch this episode on Channel 19 on Comcast Cable or streamed on the Web. Proposal B is the Art in Public Places Millage. On Monday, Aug. 20, 2012, City Council voted unanimously to place on the Nov. 6 ballot a proposal for a publically funded Art in Public Places Millage at the rate of  0.10 mills. The new Art in Public Places Millage would be used to fund a range of art initiatives in Ann Arbor, including permanent installations; temporary art events; performance art; and exhibitions. The proposed millage would replace the existing funding mechanism for public art. The city’s Public Art Charter would be amended to replace the current funding from capital improvement projects (1 percent from street, sewer, bridge, parking lot construction) with the new art in public places millage funding. The city would still be able to use the remaining balance of capital improvement funds set aside for public art purposes. The new millage of one-tenth (0.10) mill, if approved, is expected to raise approximately $459,273 during the first year. For a household in the City of Ann Arbor with a mean taxable value of $108,600, the one-tenth (0.10) mill would add a tax of $10.97 per year, or 91 cents per month. To see how these proposals will appear on the Nov. 6 ballot, please visit the elections page on the city website. Fall golf events Don’t miss the final golf events of the season coming to nationally acclaimed Leslie Park Golf Course, 2120 Traver Road. Register today! Call the course at 734.794.6245 or go online for details. Fall Scramble: Sunday, Oct. 14, 8:30 a.m., $150 per team. This three-person shoot-out scramble includes greens fee, golf cart, lunch, prizes and a potential $1,000 skins pot! Bring your "A” game, and be ready to score! Pre registration is required. NEW! Michigan vs. Michigan State Golf Scramble: Saturday, Oct. 20, 8 a.m. shotgun start, $80 per team. This spirit-filled, two-person scramble will take the college rivalry to a new field (on the course). The 18-holes event includes great prizes, fun times and a little inter-school razzing. Chili Open: Sunday, Oct. 28, 9:30 a.m., $80 per team. Say good bye to fall in this fun two-person scramble all while battling the cold weather. The event includes 18 holes, a continental breakfast, prizes, chili and chili dogs.  (This will be your last chance to play holes 10, 11 and 13 as you know them!) In this issue: Fall events * Solid Waste Management Plan * Roundabouts * Street-safety reminders * Election Day reminders * City of Ann Arbor ballot proposals * Fall golf events * Urban and Community Forest Management Plan * A2 Open City Hall * Leaf-disposal options * 15th District Court Sobriety Court program * Allmendinger Park mural * ReImagine Washtenaw * Ypsilanti River Day * Washtenaw County Clean-up Day * Dates to remember Speak for the trees The City of Ann Arbor is in the process of developing the community’s first Urban and Community Forest Management Plan. A meeting to present and receive input on the draft recommendations will take place Wednesday, Oct. 3, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Cobblestone Farm (2781 Packard Road). Recommendations were developed through the plan’s prior public-outreach efforts, and additional input is now being sought to further ensure consistency with the values and needs of the community. The publicly managed urban forest provides $4.6 million in benefits, including stormwater runoff reductions, improved water quality and lower energy costs. The Urban and Community Forest Management Plan will help the city maintain a sustainable urban forest and effectively manage it as a community asset. Those unable to attend the public meeting can provide comments on the draft recommendations online in two ways: through the new A2 Open City Hall forum and via a survey.      More information on the Urban and Community Forest Management Plan is available on the project Web page. Here, you may also sign up to receive e-notifications about the process directly to your email. Questions or input can also be directed to Kerry Gray, urban forest and natural resource planning coordinator, at 734.794.6430, extension 43703. New topics await your input on A2 Open City Hall Ann Arbor residents have a new way to share feedback with city staff and Council members with the debut of A2 Open City Hall. This new online forum recently featured a question about recommended South State Street Corridor improvements. The city now invites the public to give input — from the convenience of their keyboards — on two additional topics: the urban and community forest management planning, as noted in the article above, and the fire department restructure proposal. Please logon and share your input. Stay tuned for additional topics in the coming months. Leaf-disposal options Autumn has arrived, and it’s time to think about managing those leaves. Options include mulching leaves on site, and collecting leaves in paper lawn bags and compost carts to leave at the curb for weekly pickup. Or take advantage of free bulk leaf drop off at the Ann Arbor Compost Center. Please remember that the city no longer picks up loose leaves raked to the street. And did you know, your past-its-prime pumpkin and decorative cornstalks can go in your compost cart or paper yard waste bag (up to 50 pounds per bag) for curbside pickup. 15th District Court is awarded grants for Sobriety Court program The 15th District Court has been awarded a $70,000 Michigan Drug Court Program grant and a $25,000 Office of Highway Safety Planning grant by the State Court Administrative Office of the Michigan Supreme Court. Grant funds will be used to continue 15th District Court Judge Joseph F. Burke’s Sobriety Court program, which was established in 2004 by retired Judge Julie A. Creal. The goals of the team-based, selective Sobriety Court program are to proactively enhance community safety by assisting persons who need and would benefit from intensive court supervision, with emphasis on rehabilitation. With the support and cooperation of all district court judges in Washtenaw County, the 15th District Court Sobriety Court, located in the City of Ann Arbor, accepts case referrals from all district courts in the county. Sobriety Court team members include the Ann Arbor Police Department, the University of Michigan Department of Public Safety, local substance abuse treatment non-profit organization Dawn Farm Inc., Model Cities Legal Services Inc., the Ann Arbor City Attorney’s Office and the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office. The services that are used to accomplish these goals include outpatient and inpatient drug and alcohol treatment, based on participant need; mental health services provided by Washtenaw Community Health Organization Project Outreach; drug and alcohol testing by Washtenaw County Sheriff Jerry L. Clayton’s Office of Community Corrections; and ancillary services including education services, life skills, employment assistance and other support services. Community and artist collaborate for Allmendinger Park mural Allmendinger Park will soon be home to a very unique and collaborative art mural. Artist Mary Thiefels’ "Nourishing Healthy Seeds,” a multimedia mural installed onto the pillars of the park’s shelter, will be unveiled at a family event later this month. The mural, consisting of colorful layers of painted areas along with tile and glass mosaic sections, has a particularly special meaning to the Allmendinger Park neighbors: its design features contributions from the community. More than 60 self portraits were painted this past spring by Slauson Middle School eighth graders, and will serve as the primary figures in the mosaic. The portraits will be surrounded by more than 100 donated mementos from the area residents. Each item collected was accompanied by a description of the “found object;” and those descriptions will be posted online at a later date. The 8-acre Allmendinger Park is located on Pauline between Hutchins and Edgewood. Visit the mural project Web page for the unveiling-event information, once available, and for additional images and details. ReImagine Washtenaw Head east out of downtown Ann Arbor along Washtenaw Avenue, and you’re sure to notice some construction activity. Across from Whole Foods Market, groundbreaking has begun on Arbor Hills Crossing, a 90,000 square-foot retail and professional office development. The project includes new and wider sidewalks, a traffic signal and pedestrian crossing at Platt Road, and a new Ann Arbor Transit Authority Transit Super Stop. Continue further east, and you’ll notice the Michigan Department of Transportation has begun a major traffic operations and nonmotorized project at US-23, which includes construction of nonmotorized paths on both sides of Washtenaw Avenue, providing a way for pedestrians and bicyclists safe travel under the highway overpass. This activity is all part of the ReImagine Washtenaw initiative. ReImagine Washtenaw is a multi-jurisdictional, land-use planning and public transit initiative. Its focus is to transform the corridor from mainly automobile use, to a safe, multimodal, public transit-enhanced corridor, with new, high-quality mixed-use development, enhanced transit service and amenities. These efforts will also result in a corridor with sense of “place.” Professional staff planners and elected officials from the cities of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti and Pittsfield and Ypsilanti townships have been leading this effort. Additional partners, including the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority, Michigan Department of Transportation, Washtenaw County, Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the Washtenaw Area Transportation Study, are also collaborating to take the county’s most congested and auto-centric road, and turn it in to a high-functioning, multi-modal corridor. For more information, visit the ReImagine Washtenaw website. Ypsilanti River Day Ypsilanti Parks and the Ann Arbor Canoe Liveries together are presenting the second annual Ypsilanti River Day. On Sunday, Oct. 7, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., canoes and single and double kayaks will be available to rent at Frog Island Park to take a journey down the Huron River into Ford Lake. A van will pick up at a designated location on the hour to bring you back to Frog Island Park. Boat fees are $15–$25. Last launch is at 3 p.m., and last pick up is at 4 p.m. Go online for more information. Washtenaw County Clean-up Day Get organized, and get ready to do some fall cleaning. Saturday, Oct. 27, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., is the annual Washtenaw County Clean-up Day. The event takes place at Eastern Michigan University Rynearson Stadium parking lot, 799 N. Hewitt Road in Ypsilanti. Safely dispose of unwanted household items, including recyclables, scrap metal, electronics, appliances, cleaning supplies, motor oil, oil-based paints, furniture and more. This program is free; a $10 donation per car is suggested and is required for disposal of select items. Call for details, 734.222.3827, or go online. This event is for county residents only; no businesses please. Dates to remember Among the MANY public meetings/events taking place in October, here are some of the highlights (please go online for details and a complete list):   City Clerk’s office remains closed on Fridays through Oct. 19. No closures or interruption in city services on Columbus Day, Monday, Oct. 8. City offices and the 15th District Court are open. No delays in trash/recycling/compost collection. Tuesday, Oct. 9 is the last day to register to vote in the State General Election. And much, much more, including Halloween and other seasonal events! A2 City News Web Page *City Council *Contact Us *Meeting Agendas *News/Announcements *Road/Lane Closures A2 City News is emailed to newsletter subscribers by the City of Ann Arbor. Please share comments via email or call 734.794.6110, ext. 41105. QUESTIONS FOR THE CITY OF ANN ARBOR? Contact us STAY CONNECTED WITH THE CITY OF ANN ARBOR:                           The Newsletter for the City of Ann Arbor, Mich. • October 2012  • Volume 6 • Number 10 Fall fun for all Events are taking place in Ann Arbor throughout October. Check out these fun ways to celebrate the season (find more events on the city’s online calendar). On Saturday, Oct. 13, 10 a.m.– noon, meet “nature’s recyclers” at the Materials Recovery Facility Open House (4150 Platt Road). A Leslie Science & Nature Center naturalist will provide a fun, interactive program featuring a vulture and other living recyclers. An optional MRF tour is also available. This event is free, and space is limited! Preregister by calling 734.794.6000, extension 43112. Preregistered programs start at 10 and 11:30 a.m. Trick or Treat Down the River is Sunday, Oct. 21 from noon to 4 p.m. at Gallup Canoe Livery (3000 Fuller Ave., 734.794.6240). By canoe or kayak, encounter creatures along the river handing out treats and candy. Bring a bag for collecting candy. And feel free to dress up, too. Fee is $18 per boat. Pre registration is not required.  Volunteers are also needed to dress up and hand out candy during the Trick-or-Treat paddle. Interested? Visit the Volunteer 365 page on the city website, email or call 734.794.6230, extension 42510. Pumpkin-carving fun is planned for Saturday, Oct. 27, 11 am.–1 p.m., at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market (315 Detroit St.). All ages are welcome to enjoy pumpkin carving, face painting and treats from vendors. This event is free. Skate to spooky sounds at the Veterans Memorial Park Halloween Skate, 1–2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27 (2150 Jackson Road, 734.794.6235). Best-costume prizes will be awarded. General admission rates apply at this fun-for-all-ages event. Animal Haunts at the Leslie Science & Nature Center (1831 Traver Road, 734.997.1553) is a family-friendly event Saturday, Oct. 27. Enjoy a guided a hike through Black Pond woods where costumed characters bring plants and animals to life through skits and songs. Pumpkins, games, face painting, cider and more round out the evening. A shorter hike designed especially for families with children ages 5 and under is offered 4:30 to 6 p.m.; and the 7 to 9 p.m. hike is more suitable for older kids and their families. Pre registration rates are $8 per person, $30 per family; or $10/$35 at the door. And finally … Halloween Trick-or-Treating for participating residents will take place in Ann Arbor neighborhoods between 5 and 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 31. To help keep this holiday fright free and full of fun, tips from the Ann Arbor police department are available online. Among the most basic safety guidelines — parents and guardians should supervise their trick-or-treaters, and stay in neighborhoods that are well lit and familiar. City and residents talk trash Ann Arbor residents are encouraged to lend their voices to the city’s updating process of the five-year Solid Waste Management Plan. The draft five-year update plan is posted for review online, and a printed copy is available at the Customer Service Center, on the first floor of Larcom City Hall, 301 E. Huron St. weekdays during regular business hours, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. An advisory committee representing Ann Arbor residents, businesses, agencies and the University of Michigan, has been working with staff, City Council and city environmental commissioners over the last year to update the Solid Waste Management Plan. Once adopted, it will provide an outline of cost-effective, customer-friendly and environmentally responsible options to consider and prioritize for implementation over the next five years. There are several ways to provide your input: Take the solid waste planning survey — through Friday, Oct. 5 — either online at or by using the printed version in WasteWatcher newsletter (with a prepaid return mailer), which was delivered to all city residential addresses in September. Residents who wish to include their address with their response can be eligible in three random drawings for a $50 gift certificate to a local restaurant or grocery store, iTunes or Ann Arbor Canoe Liveries. Public forums are planned for Thursday, Oct. 18, 6:30–8:30 p.m. at the Ann Arbor District Library Traverwood  Branch, 3333 Traverwood Drive (at Huron Parkway); and Tuesday, Oct. 30, 6:30–8:30 p.m. at Community Television Network, 2805 S. Industrial (between Stadium and Eisenhower). The draft Solid Waste Management Plan presentation and discussion group summaries will be taped for replay on CTN. Or please send your comments, by Nov. 30, 2012, to Solid Waste Coordinator Tom McMurtrie, 734.794.6430, extension 43707. Find out about roundabouts Did you know modern roundabouts can have multiple advantages over signalized intersections? Go online to find out how best to navigate Ann Arbor’s roundabouts and for other safety tips. Street-safety reminders Check out the rules-of-the-road reminders and resources on the city’s “walk bike drive” Web page, www.a2gov.org/walkbikedrive, to help ensure safe travels for all, including: For those on foot, cross at marked crosswalks, and make sure to give motorists enough time to see you and stop. For bicyclists, ride on the road when possible — and obey the traffic signals. Use bike lanes when available. For motorists, be extra alert at crosswalks, and stop when pedestrians are present to cross. Drivers should also safely give bicyclists room on the road, ideally 3–4 feet of space. Nov. 6 Election Day reminders The State General Election is Tuesday, Nov. 6, when polls will be open 7 a.m.–8 p.m. Visit the elections Web page for the list of candidates, two City of Ann Arbor ballot proposals and polling places.   Residents who need to register to vote must do so by Tuesday, Oct. 9 at the City Clerk’s office, second floor of Larcom City Hall; the Washtenaw County Clerk’s office; at any Secretary of State branch office; or by mailing in a voter registration application (postmarked by Oct. 9) to: Ann Arbor City Clerk, PO Box 8647, Ann Arbor, MI 48107. Please note, the City Clerk’s office is closed on Fridays through Oct. 19 as staff prepares for the election. However, absentee ballot applications and/or voted ballots may be dropped off in the north atrium entrance in the Clerk’s office ballot box, faxed to 734.994.8296 or emailed. Staff will respond to calls (734.794.6140) and emails on the Monday following each closure. A closer look at the Nov. 6 City of Ann Arbor ballot proposals In addition to the mayoral and Council candidates, Ann Arbor voters will be asked to consider two City of Ann Arbor proposals on the Nov. 6 Election Day ballot. Proposal A is the Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage Renewal. On Aug. 9, 2012, Ann Arbor City Council voted unanimously to place on the Tuesday, Nov. 6 ballot a renewal of the city’s parks maintenance and capital improvements millage at the rate of 1.1 mills. City Council also voted unanimously to reaffirm the policies for the administration of the Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage. Between 60 percent and 80 percent of the annual millage funds support city park maintenance activities. Park maintenance activities include forestry and horticulture, natural area preservation, park operations, park equipment repairs and recreation facility maintenance. Between 20 percent and 40 percent of the annual millage funds are 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. This millage renewal proposes 1.10 mills and estimates total revenue in the first year of the millage of $5,052,000. The estimated annual cost to a household in the first year of the millage renewal, based on a mean taxable value of $108,600, is expected to be $119.46, or slightly less than $10 per month. The current cost to a household for the expiring millage based on a mean taxable value of $108,600 is $119.13. Additional information, fact sheets, FAQs, administrative policies and millage project status tables are available online.  Or, if you have questions regarding the millage, please email the parks staff. The Wednesday, Oct. 10 episode of Conversations on Ann Arbor Community Television Network will also feature Parks and Recreation Services Manager Colin Smith sharing facts about this ballot proposal. Watch this episode on Channel 19 on Comcast Cable or streamed on the Web. Proposal B is the Art in Public Places Millage. On Monday, Aug. 20, 2012, City Council voted unanimously to place on the Nov. 6 ballot a proposal for a publically funded Art in Public Places Millage at the rate of  0.10 mills. The new Art in Public Places Millage would be used to fund a range of art initiatives in Ann Arbor, including permanent installations; temporary art events; performance art; and exhibitions. The proposed millage would replace the existing funding mechanism for public art. The city’s Public Art Charter would be amended to replace the current funding from capital improvement projects (1 percent from street, sewer, bridge, parking lot construction) with the new art in public places millage funding. The city would still be able to use the remaining balance of capital improvement funds set aside for public art purposes. The new millage of one-tenth (0.10) mill, if approved, is expected to raise approximately $459,273 during the first year. For a household in the City of Ann Arbor with a mean taxable value of $108,600, the one-tenth (0.10) mill would add a tax of $10.97 per year, or 91 cents per month. To see how these proposals will appear on the Nov. 6 ballot, please visit the elections page on the city website. Fall golf events Don’t miss the final golf events of the season coming to nationally acclaimed Leslie Park Golf Course, 2120 Traver Road. Register today! Call the course at 734.794.6245 or go online for details. Fall Scramble: Sunday, Oct. 14, 8:30 a.m., $150 per team. This three-person shoot-out scramble includes greens fee, golf cart, lunch, prizes and a potential $1,000 skins pot! Bring your "A” game, and be ready to score! Pre registration is required. NEW! Michigan vs. Michigan State Golf Scramble: Saturday, Oct. 20, 8 a.m. shotgun start, $80 per team. This spirit-filled, two-person scramble will take the college rivalry to a new field (on the course). The 18-holes event includes great prizes, fun times and a little inter-school razzing. Chili Open: Sunday, Oct. 28, 9:30 a.m., $80 per team. Say good bye to fall in this fun two-person scramble all while battling the cold weather. The event includes 18 holes, a continental breakfast, prizes, chili and chili dogs.  (This will be your last chance to play holes 10, 11 and 13 as you know them!) In this issue: Fall events * Solid Waste Management Plan * Roundabouts * Street-safety reminders * Election Day reminders * City of Ann Arbor ballot proposals * Fall golf events * Urban and Community Forest Management Plan * A2 Open City Hall * Leaf-disposal options * 15th District Court Sobriety Court program * Allmendinger Park mural * ReImagine Washtenaw * Ypsilanti River Day * Washtenaw County Clean-up Day * Dates to remember Speak for the trees The City of Ann Arbor is in the process of developing the community’s first Urban and Community Forest Management Plan. A meeting to present and receive input on the draft recommendations will take place Wednesday, Oct. 3, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Cobblestone Farm (2781 Packard Road). Recommendations were developed through the plan’s prior public-outreach efforts, and additional input is now being sought to further ensure consistency with the values and needs of the community. The publicly managed urban forest provides $4.6 million in benefits, including stormwater runoff reductions, improved water quality and lower energy costs. The Urban and Community Forest Management Plan will help the city maintain a sustainable urban forest and effectively manage it as a community asset. Those unable to attend the public meeting can provide comments on the draft recommendations online in two ways: through the new A2 Open City Hall forum and via a survey.    More information on the Urban and Community Forest Management Plan is available on the project Web page. Here, you may also sign up to receive e-notifications about the process directly to your email. Questions or input can also be directed to Kerry Gray, urban forest and natural resource planning coordinator, at 734.794.6430, extension 43703. New topics await your input on A2 Open City Hall Ann Arbor residents have a new way to share feedback with city staff and Council members with the debut of A2 Open City Hall. This new online forum recently featured a question about recommended South State Street Corridor improvements. The city now invites the public to give input — from the convenience of their keyboards — on two additional topics: the urban and community forest management planning, as noted in the article above, and the fire department restructure proposal. Please logon and share your input. Stay tuned for additional topics in the coming months. Leaf-disposal options Autumn has arrived, and it’s time to think about managing those leaves. Options include mulching leaves on site, and collecting leaves in paper lawn bags and compost carts to leave at the curb for weekly pickup. Or take advantage of free bulk leaf drop off at the Ann Arbor Compost Center. Please remember that the city no longer picks up loose leaves raked to the street. And did you know, your past-its-prime pumpkin and decorative cornstalks can go in your compost cart or paper yard waste bag (up to 50 pounds per bag) for curbside pickup. 15th District Court is awarded grants for Sobriety Court program The 15th District Court has been awarded a $70,000 Michigan Drug Court Program grant and a $25,000 Office of Highway Safety Planning grant by the State Court Administrative Office of the Michigan Supreme Court. Grant funds will be used to continue 15th District Court Judge Joseph F. Burke’s Sobriety Court program, which was established in 2004 by retired Judge Julie A. Creal. The goals of the team-based, selective Sobriety Court program are to proactively enhance community safety by assisting persons who need and would benefit from intensive court supervision, with emphasis on rehabilitation. With the support and cooperation of all district court judges in Washtenaw County, the 15th District Court Sobriety Court, located in the City of Ann Arbor, accepts case referrals from all district courts in the county. Sobriety Court team members include the Ann Arbor Police Department, the University of Michigan Department of Public Safety, local substance abuse treatment non-profit organization Dawn Farm Inc., Model Cities Legal Services Inc., the Ann Arbor City Attorney’s Office and the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office. The services that are used to accomplish these goals include outpatient and inpatient drug and alcohol treatment, based on participant need; mental health services provided by Washtenaw Community Health Organization Project Outreach; drug and alcohol testing by Washtenaw County Sheriff Jerry L. Clayton’s Office of Community Corrections; and ancillary services including education services, life skills, employment assistance and other support services. Community and artist collaborate for Allmendinger Park mural Allmendinger Park will soon be home to a very unique and collaborative art mural. Artist Mary Thiefels’ "Nourishing Healthy Seeds,” a multimedia mural installed onto the pillars of the park’s shelter, will be unveiled at a family event later this month. The mural, consisting of colorful layers of painted areas along with tile and glass mosaic sections, has a particularly special meaning to the Allmendinger Park neighbors: its design features contributions from the community. More than 60 self portraits were painted this past spring by Slauson Middle School eighth graders, and will serve as the primary figures in the mosaic. The portraits will be surrounded by more than 100 donated mementos from the area residents. Each item collected was accompanied by a description of the “found object;” and those descriptions will be posted online at a later date. The 8-acre Allmendinger Park is located on Pauline between Hutchins and Edgewood. Visit the mural project Web page for the unveiling-event information, once available, and for additional images and details. ReImagine Washtenaw Head east out of downtown Ann Arbor along Washtenaw Avenue, and you’re sure to notice some construction activity. Across from Whole Foods Market, groundbreaking has begun on Arbor Hills Crossing, a 90,000 square-foot retail and professional office development. The project includes new and wider sidewalks, a traffic signal and pedestrian crossing at Platt Road, and a new Ann Arbor Transit Authority Transit Super Stop. Continue further east, and you’ll notice the Michigan Department of Transportation has begun a major traffic operations and nonmotorized project at US-23, which includes construction of nonmotorized paths on both sides of Washtenaw Avenue, providing a way for pedestrians and bicyclists safe travel under the highway overpass. This activity is all part of the ReImagine Washtenaw initiative. ReImagine Washtenaw is a multi-jurisdictional, land-use planning and public transit initiative. Its focus is to transform the corridor from mainly automobile use, to a safe, multimodal, public transit-enhanced corridor, with new, high-quality mixed-use development, enhanced transit service and amenities. These efforts will also result in a corridor with sense of “place.” Professional staff planners and elected officials from the cities of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti and Pittsfield and Ypsilanti townships have been leading this effort. Additional partners, including the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority, Michigan Department of Transportation, Washtenaw County, Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the Washtenaw Area Transportation Study, are also collaborating to take the county’s most congested and auto-centric road, and turn it in to a high-functioning, multi-modal corridor. For more information, visit the ReImagine Washtenaw website. Ypsilanti River Day Ypsilanti Parks and the Ann Arbor Canoe Liveries together are presenting the second annual Ypsilanti River Day. On Sunday, Oct. 7, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., canoes and single and double kayaks will be available to rent at Frog Island Park to take a journey down the Huron River into Ford Lake. A van will pick up at a designated location on the hour to bring you back to Frog Island Park. Boat fees are $15–$25. Last launch is at 3 p.m., and last pick up is at 4 p.m. Go online for more information. Washtenaw County Clean-up Day Get organized, and get ready to do some fall cleaning. Saturday, Oct. 27, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., is the annual Washtenaw County Clean-up Day. The event takes place at Eastern Michigan University Rynearson Stadium parking lot, 799 N. Hewitt Road in Ypsilanti. Safely dispose of unwanted household items, including recyclables, scrap metal, electronics, appliances, cleaning supplies, motor oil, oil-based paints, furniture and more. This program is free; a $10 donation per car is suggested and is required for disposal of select items. Call for details, 734.222.3827, or go online. This event is for county residents only; no businesses please. Dates to remember Among the MANY public meetings/events taking place in October, here are some of the highlights (please go online for details and a complete list): City Clerk’s office remains closed on Fridays through Oct. 19. No closures or interruption in city services on Columbus Day, Monday, Oct. 8. City offices and the 15th District Court are open. No delays in trash/recycling/compost collection. Tuesday, Oct. 9 is the last day to register to vote in the State General Election. And much, much more, including Halloween and other seasonal events! A2 City News Web Page *City Council *Contact Us *Meeting Agendas *News/Announcements *Road/Lane Closures A2 City News is emailed to newsletter subscribers by the City of Ann Arbor. Please share comments via email or call 734.794.6110, ext. 41105. QUESTIONS FOR THE CITY OF ANN ARBOR? Contact us STAY CONNECTED WITH THE CITY OF ANN ARBOR:            

The Newsletter for the City of Ann Arbor, Mich. • September 2012  • Volume 6 • Number 9

A2 Open City Hall debuts

Ann Arbor residents have a new way to share feedback with city staff and Council members with the debut of A2 Open City Hall. This new online forum will feature questions about specific projects and initiatives on a regular basis, inviting the public to give input from the convenience of their keyboards. 

The first topic on A2 Open City Hall is already underway and focuses on changes residents would like to see along the South State Street Corridor. Additional topics will be launched this fall.

Fire restructure proposal meetings 

In March, Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard presented a fire department restructuring proposal to City Council, which would position the department to operate out of three fire stations. One station would be located on the north side of the city (Station 5), one on the south side of the city (Station 2) and one in downtown Ann Arbor (Station 1). 

However, before this proposal is considered further, community meetings have been scheduled in each of the city’s five wards to give citizens the opportunity to hear more about the fire restructure proposal and ask specific questions pertaining to fire suppression coverage. Please consider attending one of these forums.

More information about the fire restructure proposal is available on the city website. 

Be street savvy

The streets of Ann Arbor are again bustling with vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians as schools are back in session, and summer vacations have come to a close. Check out the rules-of-the-road reminders and resources on the city’s “walk bike drive” Web page to help ensure safe travels for all, including: 

Fall/Winter registration now open

Registration for Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation fall/winter classes is now open. Find the new, 56-page, color guide at Larcom City Hall, local library branches, Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Customer Service Center (at Cobblestone Farm, 2781 Packard Road) and all parks and recreation facilities. It's also posted on the parks website as a PDF that you can view or download. 

Classes include indoor swim lessons at Mack Pool, instructional skating, beginning hockey skills, yoga, cultural arts programs at the senior center and much more. The guide also features events at the canoe liveries and Leslie Science & Nature Center. Sign up is easy and convenient. Register in person, or use the online registration system.

Solid waste plan update

The City of Ann Arbor five-year Solid Waste Management Plan updating process is underway.  An advisory committee representing Ann Arbor residents, businesses, agencies and the University of Michigan has been working with staff, City Council, and city environmental commissioners over the last year to update the plan. Opportunities for residents to participate are now being offered as well.

Take the solid waste planning survey online or use the printed version in the WasteWatcher newsletter (with a prepaid return mailer) that is delivered to all city residential addresses in September. All residential survey participants have the option to include their address to be eligible for three random drawings for a $50 gift certificate to a local restaurant or grocery store of your choice, or a $50 certificate for an Argo Livery canoe rental or from iTunes. Just respond by Friday, Oct. 5, 2012, to be included in the survey summary and prize drawings.

After the survey is closed and tabulated, Solid Waste Management Plan updating process public forums and hearings will be held. The meetings will provide opportunities for small-group discussion about city solid waste program and policy areas, such as easier disposal options for specific materials, expanded recycling, waste-reduction strategies, composting expansion and Drop-off Station operations. 

Please visit the Solid Waste Management Plan Five-year Update Web page for project updates.

CTN hours change

Beginning Sept. 1, Community Television Network will have new facility hours for the public and education channels. The new hours are:

CTN is located at 2805 S. Industrial Highway, suite 200, in Ann Arbor. Go online for more information. 

CERT Program registration

The Ann Arbor Police Department Office of Emergency Management in conjunction with the Washtenaw County Emergency Management Division is accepting applications for the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training program. The application can be found online, or call Crime Prevention Specialist Adele El-Ayoubi, ICPS, with the Ann Arbor Police Department at 734.794.6933. A background investigation will be conducted on all applicants. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14. 

The training will be held every Tuesday from Sept. 25 to Nov. 6, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Coursework is a combination of classroom sessions and hands-on training in scene assessment, fire safety, emergency medical response, team organization, disaster medical operations and light search and rescue. Attendance at all classes is required for certificate completion.

The CERT program educates residents about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact Washtenaw County and trains participants in basic disaster response skills. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist neighbors or fellow employees following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.

A2 passes 2,000 mark with latest LED streetlights

Ann Arbor was one of the first cities in the world to convert conventional streetlights to light emitting diodes (LEDs) in an effort to contain costs, save energy and support Mayor Hieftje’s Energy Challengeto reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the community. Since it began in 2007/2008, cities from across the country and the world are now moving to LEDs. Ann Arbor’s latest batch of LEDs, funded through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program, will go up at the Broadway Bridge, nearly completing the conversion of the over 2,000 city-owned streetlights. 

The Lumecon brand “Ring of Fire” LED series replicates the decorative acorn style of the lights now seen along Broadway Bridge. Detroit Edison owns and operates another 5,000-plus streetlights in Ann Arbor, and is beginning to pilot more LEDs, especially as they look to replace mercury-vapor streetlights that will no longer be manufactured.

LED streetlights in the downtown, arterial streets and in neighborhoods use on average about half of the electricity of conventional lights and are reducing around 700,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year — or the equivalent annual electricity usage of 60 households. Two-thirds or more of the cost savings in converting city-owned lights to LEDs is in the deferred cost of not having to maintain the fixture (work hours to replace the light and components like ballasts and igniters). LEDs manufactured today are expected to last 10 times longer, if not more, than their metal halide, sodium and mercury-based predecessors. The long life of LEDs frees up city labor hours or the need to hire outside support to operate, maintain and replace fixtures. LEDs also contain zero mercury. Each LED fixture saves around $90 per year in energy and avoided maintenance, and, with over 2,000 lights, that is over $180,000 per year in potential costs. 

Previous grant support from the Downtown Development Authority for the nearly 1,000 downtown decorative globe lights, and federal grants for much of the remaining LED streetlights, have made this innovative energy solution a reality.

Ann Arbor assists USDOT in vehicle crash-avoidance pilot

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, nearly 3,000 cars, trucks and buses equipped with “connected” Wi-Fi technology will enable vehicles and infrastructure throughout Ann Arbor to “talk” to each other, in real time. This initiative kicked off last month as part of a year-long safety pilot project by the USDOT. This innovative technology is designed to help avoid crashes and improve traffic flow.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood recently joined elected officials and industry and community leaders on the University of Michigan campus to launch the second phase of the safety pilot, the largest road test to date of connected vehicle crash-avoidance technology. This study was also made possible with the assistance of City of Ann Arbor information technology and signs and signals staff who assisted USDOT and U-M’s Transportation Research Institute with this first-of-its-kind test of connected vehicle technology in the real world. 

The test cars, trucks and buses, most of which have been supplied by volunteer participants, are equipped with vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication devices that will gather extensive data about system operability and its effectiveness at reducing crashes. Read more about the project on the USDOT website. 

WATS public meeting

The Washtenaw Area Transportation Study (WATS) is hosting public meetings to discuss the 2040 Long-range Plan for Washtenaw County. On Wednesday, Sept. 12, 4–6 p.m., WATS will discuss the community values survey results and present draft goals and objectives for the plan. The meeting will take place at Larcom City Hall, 301 E. Huron St., in the Council chambers on the second floor. Visit the WATS website for more information on this initiative. 

Connecting William Street

Join the Connecting William Street conversation. The Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority is seeking input to shape the future of five city-owned sites downtown: the Library Lane lot, the Fifth and William lot, the ground floor of the Fourth and William Parking Structure, the Main and William lot, and the Ashley and William lot. 

Community survey feedback and a market analysis have been used to begin crafting strategies for transforming these five parking areas into uses that will better serve the community. Now, your help is needed to shape a more specific plan. Please join the community conversation, and provide input to help frame development strategies for these sites.

To participate via an online venue, please pre register for a webinar taking place Wednesday, Sept. 5, 7–8 p.m.  Space is limited, but more dates will be added as the meeting fills. 

To participate in person, a public meeting is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 10, noon–1:30 p.m. at the Ann Arbor District Library Downtown Branch multipurpose room, 343 S. Fifth Ave.  Please pre register for this meeting.  

At these events, the DDA will present an overview of the project and possible development scenarios. Please select the time and venue that works best for you. The same information will be provided at both the webinar and public meeting.

Better Buildings for Michigan Program

With winter just a few months away (believe it or not), now is the ideal time to make sure your home has all the proper energy-efficient enhancements. This otherwise daunting task has just gotten a little easier, thanks to the Southeast Michigan Regional Energy Office (SEMREO).  

The SEMREO Better Buildings for Michigan Program offers incentives and rebates for home energy improvements, including double the current rebates offered by DTE (up to $3,000). And the program has recently expanded, making residents of Ann Arbor and all of Washtenaw County eligible. 

Better Buildings for Michigan uses a community approach to deliver energy efficiency improvements for homes and businesses by providing access to incentives and affordable loans. The program is supported by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and developed by the Michigan Energy Office; Michigan Saves; the City of Grand Rapids; the Economic Development Corporation of the City of Detroit; and the Southeast Michigan Regional Energy Office.

The Better Buildings for Michigan Program is available for a limited time. Go online for more information.  

High-rise lighting reminder

Ann Arbor again joins other cities in helping migrating birds have a “Safe Passage” during seasonal migrations. From the middle of August through the end of October, migrating birds are flying over Ann Arbor on their way south from their northern breeding grounds. These birds are at risk of dying when they become confused at night by lighted windows of tall buildings. On clear nights, birds navigate by the stars, but on cloudy and foggy nights, they attempt to navigate using the lights of tall buildings. Birds either crash into lit windows or endlessly circle buildings until they are exhausted. 

Please ask occupants on floors five and above of your building to join the “Safe Passage” effort by pulling the drapes or closing the shades on windows in lit rooms between 11 p.m. and dawn. (These actions may help save energy, too.) For details, please see “safe passage" online.  

In this issue: A2 Open City Hall * Fire restructure proposal meetings * Street safety * Fall/winter registration * Solid waste plan update * CTN hours change *  CERT program registration * LED streetlights * USDOT vehicle crash-avoidance pilot * WATS public meetings * Connecting William Street * Better Buildings for Michigan Program * High-rise lighting reminder * Dog Swim * West Nile Virus * Greenbelt Bus Tour * Game day traffic and parking * Urban and Community Forest Management Plan * Fall golf events *Golf for a good cause  * SEMCOG Regional Transportation Plan * Dates to remember

Dog Swim

After Buhr Park Outdoor Poolcloses for the season, it’s your four-footed friend’s turn to go for a swim. Register today for the annual dog swim, taking place Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 5 and 6, from 3 to 8 p.m. Pre registration is required, and spaces go quickly. For one dog, the fee is $7.50/$6 for residents; for a second dog, the fee is an additional $3.75/$3 for residents. Call today:734.794.6234. Buhr Park Pool is located at 2751 Packard Road.  

Prevent West Nile Virus

West Nile Virus cases are on the rise both nationally and in Michigan. And as Labor Day weekend is about to begin, Michigan residents are urged to take precautions against mosquitoes while spending time outdoors. A few simple steps can help prevent mosquito bites and potentially contracting West Nile Virus (WNV).

The unusually hot and dry summer has favored the mosquitoes that transmit WNV. These same conditions have led to a reduction in the number of "nuisance" mosquitoes, which are more abundant during wet summers. WNV-carrying mosquitoes breed in small collections of stagnant water, are common around people's homes and often bite people indoors. While few mosquitoes may be noticed outdoors, those that are present and biting are likely to be the type that potentially carry WNV.

Most people bitten by a WNV-infected mosquito show no symptoms of illness. However, some become sick three to 15 days after exposure. WNV can cause serious neurological illnesses, such as meningitis and encephalitis and can have long-term health consequences. People 50 and older as well as people with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to severe WNV disease symptoms.

When you’re running out the door, remember to grab not only your sunscreen, but your insect repellent too. Go online  for more information and surveillance activity updates about WNV.

All aboard the Greenbelt Bus Tour!

Tour protected farm and open space properties, and learn about the Greenbelt Program, local agriculture and talk with local farmers during the 2012 Greenbelt Bus Tour on Saturday, Sept. 22. The tour’s air-conditioned, luxury motor coach will depart at 10 a.m. from the 3700 Plymouth Road Park and Ride, and will return at 1 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

Pre registration is going on now, and closes on Friday, Sept. 14. The cost is $10 per person. To register, contact  Ginny Trocchio,734.794.6000, ext. 42798.

Football fans: Know where to turn

The first University of Michigan home football game of the 2012 season is Saturday, Sept. 8. And with the Ann Arbor Bridges reconstruction project targeted for completion in November this year, some football fans may need to plan their routes without the use of East Stadium Boulevard. You can follow the progress of the Ann Arbor Bridges on the  project website  and on Facebook. Will other scheduled construction projects impact your route? Visit the city’s road and lane closures Web page for project listings and to subscribe to road and lane closure e-notifications. 

In addition, the university has a2012 football traffic and parking update Web page, which includes details on how to get to the game, maps and parking options once you’re here. Be sure to review the parking policies and procedures, in particular, to make sure your vehicle is safely and legally parked. Enjoy the game! 

Urban and Community Forest Management Plan

The city is in the process of developing its first Urban and Community Forest Management Plan. The plan will provide a framework for effectively managing the urban forest as a community asset, consistent with the values and needs of Ann Arbor residents. Trees provide many benefits including stormwater runoff reduction, water quality improvement, lower energy costs and increased property values. Ann Arbor’s city-managed trees provide $4.6 million in benefits annually to the city and its residents; the plan will help to maintain a sustainable urban forest that maximizes these benefits. 

A series of draft-plan recommendations for the Urban and Community Forest Management Plan have now been developed, and the city will be hosting a public meeting to gather input on Wednesday, Sept. 26, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Cobblestone Farm, 2781 Packard Road. For those unable to attend the meeting, an online survey will also be available later this fall for residents to provide input on the draft recommendations. 

Please go online for more information on the Urban and Community Forest Management Plan, where you may also subscribe to receive email updates about this project.

Fall golf events

Just because summer is coming to a close doesn’t mean you have to store away the clubs just yet. Register today for these final golf outings of the season, at nationally acclaimed Leslie Park Golf Course, 2120 Traver Road. Call the course at 734.794.6245 or go online for details.

Longest Hardest Day of Golf:Sunday, Sept. 23, 8:15 a.m., $100 per team. Are you up for the challenge? Tee off from the “tips,” and  hit to pins that are placed in the hardest possible locations – all while greens are sped up; and the weather could change the game! This two-person scramble includes greens fee, golf cart, lunch and prizes. Pre registration is required.

Fall Scramble: Sunday, Oct. 14, 8:30 a.m., $150 per team. This three-person shoot-out scramble includes greens fee, golf cart, lunch, prizes and a potential $1,000 skins pot! Bring your "A” game, and be ready to score! Pre registration is required.

NEW! Michigan vs. Michigan State Golf Scramble: Saturday, Oct. 20, 8 a.m. shotgun start, $80 per team. This spirit-filled, two-person scramble will take the college rivalry to a new field (on the course). The 18-holes event includes great prizes, fun times and a little inter-school razzing.

Chili Open: Sunday, Oct. 28, 9:30 a.m., $80 per team. Say good bye to fall in this fun two-person scramble all while battling the cold weather. The event includes 18 holes, a continental breakfast, prizes, chili and chili dogs.  (This will be your last chance to play holes 10, 11 and 13 as you know them!)

Golf for a good cause

Registration is going on now for the 21st annual Ann Arbor Police Charity Golf Outing Friday, Sept. 21 at Leslie Park Golf Course. This year’s event is held in honor of two of the department’s fallen officers, Jason Zogaib and Vada Murray, raising money for The Jason Zogaib Memorial Fund and The Vada Murray Fund for Cancer Research. 

The four-person scramble includes 18 holes of golf (and cart); a shotgun start at 9 a.m.; lunch; dinner; raffle, prizes and games; and more. Space is limited. Details and the registration form can be found on the city website “news” page, or by clicking here for the event flier (PDF).  

SEMCOG Regional Transportation Plan

Next year, local government members of the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG), including Ann Arbor, will decide on a long-range transportation plan and a list of the highest-priority projects to be funded over the next five years for southeast Michigan. The plan and projects will demonstrate how the transportation system improves the region by supporting continued economic recovery, environmental health, community revitalization and quality of life. Improving and enhancing the region’s transit system attracts and retains talent, increases per capita income and is vital to a sustained economic recovery. The public engagement process is now underway.

What part of the transportation system is most important to you? Are you willing to pay for better roads? How has the changing region impacted you most? Would you be willing to change your travel behaviors, e.g., take transit, carpool, etc.? Here are ways to get involved and provide your input:

Dates to remember

Among the many public meetings/events taking place in September, here are some of the highlights. Please go online for details and a complete list. 

A2 City News Web Page *City Council *Contact Us *Meeting Agendas 

*News/Announcements *Road/Lane Closures  

A2 City News is emailed to newsletter subscribers by the City of Ann Arbor.

Please share comments via email or call 734.794.6110, extension 41105.

The Newsletter for the City of Ann Arbor, Mich. • September 2012  • Volume 6 • Number 9 A2 Open City Hall debutsAnn Arbor residents have a new way to share feedback with city staff and Council members with the debut of A2 Open City Hall. This new online forum will feature questions about specific projects and initiatives on a regular basis, inviting the public to give input from the convenience of their keyboards. The first topic on A2 Open City Hall is already underway and focuses on changes residents would like to see along the South State Street Corridor. Additional topics will be launched this fall.Fire restructure proposal meetings In March, Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard presented a fire department restructuring proposal to City Council, which would position the department to operate out of three fire stations. One station would be located on the north side of the city (Station 5), one on the south side of the city (Station 2) and one in downtown Ann Arbor (Station 1). However, before this proposal is considered further, community meetings have been scheduled in each of the city’s five wards to give citizens the opportunity to hear more about the fire restructure proposal and ask specific questions pertaining to fire suppression coverage. Please consider attending one of these forums.Tuesday, Sept. 18, 6–8 p.m., Cobblestone Farm, 2781 Packard Road.Wednesday, Sept. 19, 6–8 p.m., Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave.   Thursday, Sept. 20, 6–8 p.m., Ann Arbor District Library Downtown Branch, 343 S. Fifth Ave., conference room A.    Tuesday, Sept. 25, 6–8 p.m. Ann Arbor District Library Traverwood Branch, 3333 Traverwood Drive, program room.Wednesday, Sept. 26, 6–8 p.m., Community Television Network, 2805 S. Industrial, Suite 200. This meeting will be taped and later replayed on CTN Channel 19 and available online to view on demand. More information about the fire restructure proposal is available on the city website.  Be street savvyThe streets of Ann Arbor are again bustling with vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians as schools are back in session, and summer vacations have come to a close. Check out the rules-of-the-road reminders and resources on the city’s “walk bike drive” Web page to help ensure safe travels for all, including: For those on foot, cross at marked crosswalks, and make sure to give motorists enough time to see you and stop.For bicyclists, ride on the road when possible — and obey the traffic signals. Use bike lanes when available.For motorists, be extra alert at crosswalks, and stop when pedestrians are present to cross. Drivers should also safely give bicyclists room on the road, ideally 3–4 feet of space. Fall/Winter registration now openRegistration for Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation fall/winter classes is now open. Find the new, 56-page, color guide at Larcom City Hall, local library branches, Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Customer Service Center (at Cobblestone Farm, 2781 Packard Road) and all parks and recreation facilities. It's also posted on the parks website as a PDF that you can view or download. Classes include indoor swim lessons at Mack Pool, instructional skating, beginning hockey skills, yoga, cultural arts programs at the senior center and much more. The guide also features events at the canoe liveries and Leslie Science & Nature Center. Sign up is easy and convenient. Register in person, or use the online registration system.Solid waste plan updateThe City of Ann Arbor five-year Solid Waste Management Plan updating process is underway.  An advisory committee representing Ann Arbor residents, businesses, agencies and the University of Michigan has been working with staff, City Council, and city environmental commissioners over the last year to update the plan. Opportunities for residents to participate are now being offered as well.Take the solid waste planning survey online or use the printed version in the WasteWatcher newsletter (with a prepaid return mailer) that is delivered to all city residential addresses in September. All residential survey participants have the option to include their address to be eligible for three random drawings for a $50 gift certificate to a local restaurant or grocery store of your choice, or a $50 certificate for an Argo Livery canoe rental or from iTunes. Just respond by Friday, Oct. 5, 2012, to be included in the survey summary and prize drawings.After the survey is closed and tabulated, Solid Waste Management Plan updating process public forums and hearings will be held. The meetings will provide opportunities for small-group discussion about city solid waste program and policy areas, such as easier disposal options for specific materials, expanded recycling, waste-reduction strategies, composting expansion and Drop-off Station operations. Thursday, Oct. 18, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Ann Arbor District Library Traverwood Branch, 3333 Traverwood Drive.Tuesday, Oct. 30, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Community Television Network studio, 2805 S. Industrial. (The draft  Solid Waste Management Plan presentation and discussion group summaries will be taped for replay.)Public hearings will be held at Environmental Commission and City Council meetings, tentatively in December. Please visit the Solid Waste Management Plan Five-year Update Web page for project updates. CTN hours changeBeginning Sept. 1, Community Television Network will have new facility hours for the public and education channels. The new hours are:Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 11 a.m.–9 p.m.Wednesday: 4–9 p.m.CTN is located at 2805 S. Industrial Highway, suite 200, in Ann Arbor. Go online for more information. CERT Program registrationThe Ann Arbor Police Department Office of Emergency Management in conjunction with the Washtenaw County Emergency Management Division is accepting applications for the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training program. The application can be found online, or call Crime Prevention Specialist Adele El-Ayoubi, ICPS, with the Ann Arbor Police Department at 734.794.6933. A background investigation will be conducted on all applicants. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14. The training will be held every Tuesday from Sept. 25 to Nov. 6, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Coursework is a combination of classroom sessions and hands-on training in scene assessment, fire safety, emergency medical response, team organization, disaster medical operations and light search and rescue. Attendance at all classes is required for certificate completion.The CERT program educates residents about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact Washtenaw County and trains participants in basic disaster response skills. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist neighbors or fellow employees following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community. A2 passes 2,000 mark with latest LED streetlightsAnn Arbor was one of the first cities in the world to convert conventional streetlights to light emitting diodes (LEDs) in an effort to contain costs, save energy and support Mayor Hieftje’s Energy Challengeto reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the community. Since it began in 2007/2008, cities from across the country and the world are now moving to LEDs. Ann Arbor’s latest batch of LEDs, funded through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program, will go up at the Broadway Bridge, nearly completing the conversion of the over 2,000 city-owned streetlights. The Lumecon brand “Ring of Fire” LED series replicates the decorative acorn style of the lights now seen along Broadway Bridge. Detroit Edison owns and operates another 5,000-plus streetlights in Ann Arbor, and is beginning to pilot more LEDs, especially as they look to replace mercury-vapor streetlights that will no longer be manufactured.LED streetlights in the downtown, arterial streets and in neighborhoods use on average about half of the electricity of conventional lights and are reducing around 700,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year — or the equivalent annual electricity usage of 60 households. Two-thirds or more of the cost savings in converting city-owned lights to LEDs is in the deferred cost of not having to maintain the fixture (work hours to replace the light and components like ballasts and igniters). LEDs manufactured today are expected to last 10 times longer, if not more, than their metal halide, sodium and mercury-based predecessors. The long life of LEDs frees up city labor hours or the need to hire outside support to operate, maintain and replace fixtures. LEDs also contain zero mercury. Each LED fixture saves around $90 per year in energy and avoided maintenance, and, with over 2,000 lights, that is over $180,000 per year in potential costs. Previous grant support from the Downtown Development Authority for the nearly 1,000 downtown decorative globe lights, and federal grants for much of the remaining LED streetlights, have made this innovative energy solution a reality.Ann Arbor assists USDOT in vehicle crash-avoidance pilotAccording to the U.S. Department of Transportation, nearly 3,000 cars, trucks and buses equipped with “connected” Wi-Fi technology will enable vehicles and infrastructure throughout Ann Arbor to “talk” to each other, in real time. This initiative kicked off last month as part of a year-long safety pilot project by the USDOT. This innovative technology is designed to help avoid crashes and improve traffic flow.U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood recently joined elected officials and industry and community leaders on the University of Michigan campus to launch the second phase of the safety pilot, the largest road test to date of connected vehicle crash-avoidance technology. This study was also made possible with the assistance of City of Ann Arbor information technology and signs and signals staff who assisted USDOT and U-M’s Transportation Research Institute with this first-of-its-kind test of connected vehicle technology in the real world. The test cars, trucks and buses, most of which have been supplied by volunteer participants, are equipped with vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication devices that will gather extensive data about system operability and its effectiveness at reducing crashes. Read more about the project on the USDOT website.  WATS public meetingThe Washtenaw Area Transportation Study (WATS) is hosting public meetings to discuss the 2040 Long-range Plan for Washtenaw County. On Wednesday, Sept. 12, 4–6 p.m., WATS will discuss the community values survey results and present draft goals and objectives for the plan. The meeting will take place at Larcom City Hall, 301 E. Huron St., in the Council chambers on the second floor. Visit the WATS website for more information on this initiative.  Connecting William StreetJoin the Connecting William Street conversation. The Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority is seeking input to shape the future of five city-owned sites downtown: the Library Lane lot, the Fifth and William lot, the ground floor of the Fourth and William Parking Structure, the Main and William lot, and the Ashley and William lot. Community survey feedback and a market analysis have been used to begin crafting strategies for transforming these five parking areas into uses that will better serve the community. Now, your help is needed to shape a more specific plan. Please join the community conversation, and provide input to help frame development strategies for these sites.To participate via an online venue, please pre register for a webinar taking place Wednesday, Sept. 5, 7–8 p.m.  Space is limited, but more dates will be added as the meeting fills. To participate in person, a public meeting is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 10, noon–1:30 p.m. at the Ann Arbor District Library Downtown Branch multipurpose room, 343 S. Fifth Ave.  Please pre register for this meeting.  At these events, the DDA will present an overview of the project and possible development scenarios. Please select the time and venue that works best for you. The same information will be provided at both the webinar and public meeting.Better Buildings for Michigan ProgramWith winter just a few months away (believe it or not), now is the ideal time to make sure your home has all the proper energy-efficient enhancements. This otherwise daunting task has just gotten a little easier, thanks to the Southeast Michigan Regional Energy Office (SEMREO).  The SEMREO Better Buildings for Michigan Program offers incentives and rebates for home energy improvements, including double the current rebates offered by DTE (up to $3,000). And the program has recently expanded, making residents of Ann Arbor and all of Washtenaw County eligible. Better Buildings for Michigan uses a community approach to deliver energy efficiency improvements for homes and businesses by providing access to incentives and affordable loans. The program is supported by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and developed by the Michigan Energy Office; Michigan Saves; the City of Grand Rapids; the Economic Development Corporation of the City of Detroit; and the Southeast Michigan Regional Energy Office.The Better Buildings for Michigan Program is available for a limited time. Go online for more information.  High-rise lighting reminderAnn Arbor again joins other cities in helping migrating birds have a “Safe Passage” during seasonal migrations. From the middle of August through the end of October, migrating birds are flying over Ann Arbor on their way south from their northern breeding grounds. These birds are at risk of dying when they become confused at night by lighted windows of tall buildings. On clear nights, birds navigate by the stars, but on cloudy and foggy nights, they attempt to navigate using the lights of tall buildings. Birds either crash into lit windows or endlessly circle buildings until they are exhausted. Please ask occupants on floors five and above of your building to join the “Safe Passage” effort by pulling the drapes or closing the shades on windows in lit rooms between 11 p.m. and dawn. (These actions may help save energy, too.) For details, please see “safe passage" online.  In this issue: A2 Open City Hall * Fire restructure proposal meetings * Street safety * Fall/winter registration * Solid waste plan update * CTN hours change *  CERT program registration * LED streetlights * USDOT vehicle crash-avoidance pilot * WATS public meetings * Connecting William Street * Better Buildings for Michigan Program * High-rise lighting reminder * Dog Swim * West Nile Virus * Greenbelt Bus Tour * Game day traffic and parking * Urban and Community Forest Management Plan * Fall golf events *Golf for a good cause  * SEMCOG Regional Transportation Plan * Dates to remember Dog SwimAfter Buhr Park Outdoor Poolcloses for the season, it’s your four-footed friend’s turn to go for a swim. Register today for the annual dog swim, taking place Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 5 and 6, from 3 to 8 p.m. Pre registration is required, and spaces go quickly. For one dog, the fee is $7.50/$6 for residents; for a second dog, the fee is an additional $3.75/$3 for residents. Call today:734.794.6234. Buhr Park Pool is located at 2751 Packard Road.  Prevent West Nile VirusWest Nile Virus cases are on the rise both nationally and in Michigan. And as Labor Day weekend is about to begin, Michigan residents are urged to take precautions against mosquitoes while spending time outdoors. A few simple steps can help prevent mosquito bites and potentially contracting West Nile Virus (WNV).Apply insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET, or other EPA approved repellent to exposed skin or clothing, especially during peak mosquito activity periods such as dusk and dawn. Maintain window and door screening to help keep mosquitoes outside. Empty water from mosquito-breeding sites such as buckets, unused kiddy pools or similar sites where mosquitoes lay eggs. Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. The unusually hot and dry summer has favored the mosquitoes that transmit WNV. These same conditions have led to a reduction in the number of "nuisance" mosquitoes, which are more abundant during wet summers. WNV-carrying mosquitoes breed in small collections of stagnant water, are common around people's homes and often bite people indoors. While few mosquitoes may be noticed outdoors, those that are present and biting are likely to be the type that potentially carry WNV.Most people bitten by a WNV-infected mosquito show no symptoms of illness. However, some become sick three to 15 days after exposure. WNV can cause serious neurological illnesses, such as meningitis and encephalitis and can have long-term health consequences. People 50 and older as well as people with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to severe WNV disease symptoms.When you’re running out the door, remember to grab not only your sunscreen, but your insect repellent too. Go online  for more information and surveillance activity updates about WNV. All aboard the Greenbelt Bus Tour!Tour protected farm and open space properties, and learn about the Greenbelt Program, local agriculture and talk with local farmers during the 2012 Greenbelt Bus Tour on Saturday, Sept. 22. The tour’s air-conditioned, luxury motor coach will depart at 10 a.m. from the 3700 Plymouth Road Park and Ride, and will return at 1 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.Pre registration is going on now, and closes on Friday, Sept. 14. The cost is $10 per person. To register, contact  Ginny Trocchio,734.794.6000, ext. 42798.Football fans: Know where to turnThe first University of Michigan home football game of the 2012 season is Saturday, Sept. 8. And with the Ann Arbor Bridges reconstruction project targeted for completion in November this year, some football fans may need to plan their routes without the use of East Stadium Boulevard. You can follow the progress of the Ann Arbor Bridges on the  project website  and on Facebook. Will other scheduled construction projects impact your route? Visit the city’s road and lane closures Web page for project listings and to subscribe to road and lane closure e-notifications. In addition, the university has a2012 football traffic and parking update Web page, which includes details on how to get to the game, maps and parking options once you’re here. Be sure to review the parking policies and procedures, in particular, to make sure your vehicle is safely and legally parked. Enjoy the game! Urban and Community Forest Management PlanThe city is in the process of developing its first Urban and Community Forest Management Plan. The plan will provide a framework for effectively managing the urban forest as a community asset, consistent with the values and needs of Ann Arbor residents. Trees provide many benefits including stormwater runoff reduction, water quality improvement, lower energy costs and increased property values. Ann Arbor’s city-managed trees provide $4.6 million in benefits annually to the city and its residents; the plan will help to maintain a sustainable urban forest that maximizes these benefits. A series of draft-plan recommendations for the Urban and Community Forest Management Plan have now been developed, and the city will be hosting a public meeting to gather input on Wednesday, Sept. 26, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Cobblestone Farm, 2781 Packard Road. For those unable to attend the meeting, an online survey will also be available later this fall for residents to provide input on the draft recommendations. Please go online for more information on the Urban and Community Forest Management Plan, where you may also subscribe to receive email updates about this project. Fall golf eventsJust because summer is coming to a close doesn’t mean you have to store away the clubs just yet. Register today for these final golf outings of the season, at nationally acclaimed Leslie Park Golf Course, 2120 Traver Road. Call the course at 734.794.6245 or go online for details.Longest Hardest Day of Golf:Sunday, Sept. 23, 8:15 a.m., $100 per team. Are you up for the challenge? Tee off from the “tips,” and  hit to pins that are placed in the hardest possible locations – all while greens are sped up; and the weather could change the game! This two-person scramble includes greens fee, golf cart, lunch and prizes. Pre registration is required.Fall Scramble: Sunday, Oct. 14, 8:30 a.m., $150 per team. This three-person shoot-out scramble includes greens fee, golf cart, lunch, prizes and a potential $1,000 skins pot! Bring your "A” game, and be ready to score! Pre registration is required.NEW! Michigan vs. Michigan State Golf Scramble: Saturday, Oct. 20, 8 a.m. shotgun start, $80 per team. This spirit-filled, two-person scramble will take the college rivalry to a new field (on the course). The 18-holes event includes great prizes, fun times and a little inter-school razzing.Chili Open: Sunday, Oct. 28, 9:30 a.m., $80 per team. Say good bye to fall in this fun two-person scramble all while battling the cold weather. The event includes 18 holes, a continental breakfast, prizes, chili and chili dogs.  (This will be your last chance to play holes 10, 11 and 13 as you know them!)Golf for a good causeRegistration is going on now for the 21st annual Ann Arbor Police Charity Golf Outing Friday, Sept. 21 at Leslie Park Golf Course. This year’s event is held in honor of two of the department’s fallen officers, Jason Zogaib and Vada Murray, raising money for The Jason Zogaib Memorial Fund and The Vada Murray Fund for Cancer Research. The four-person scramble includes 18 holes of golf (and cart); a shotgun start at 9 a.m.; lunch; dinner; raffle, prizes and games; and more. Space is limited. Details and the registration form can be found on the city website “news” page, or by clicking here for the event flier (PDF).  SEMCOG Regional Transportation PlanNext year, local government members of the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG), including Ann Arbor, will decide on a long-range transportation plan and a list of the highest-priority projects to be funded over the next five years for southeast Michigan. The plan and projects will demonstrate how the transportation system improves the region by supporting continued economic recovery, environmental health, community revitalization and quality of life. Improving and enhancing the region’s transit system attracts and retains talent, increases per capita income and is vital to a sustained economic recovery. The public engagement process is now underway.What part of the transportation system is most important to you? Are you willing to pay for better roads? How has the changing region impacted you most? Would you be willing to change your travel behaviors, e.g., take transit, carpool, etc.? Here are ways to get involved and provide your input:Watch the SEMCOG video explaining the public participation process. Follow the process on  SEMCOG’s website.  Take SEMCOG’s public opinion survey, available at the end of this month/early September, on the home page under “hot topics.”  Follow SEMCOG on Twitter. Sign up for SEMCOG’s mailing list via email to find out about upcoming opportunities.    Dates to rememberAmong the many public meetings/events taking place in September, here are some of the highlights. Please go online for details and a complete list. Labor Day weekend is the last chance of the 2012 season to swim in  Ann Arbor’s outdoor pools at Buhr, Fuller and Veterans Memorial parks. City government offices, including the Customer Service Center, will be closed on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 3. Trash/compost/recycling collection will be delayed by one day, instead taking place Tuesday through Saturday.Due to the holiday, the City Council meeting will take place 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5, rather than the usual Monday schedule.The themed open houses and tours at the Materials Recovery Facility will kick off for the season on Saturday, Sept. 22, celebrating the MRF’s 17th anniversary.  A2 City News Web Page *City Council *Contact Us *Meeting Agendas *News/Announcements *Road/Lane Closures  A2 City News is emailed to newsletter subscribers by the City of Ann Arbor.Please share comments via email or call 734.794.6110, extension 41105.

The Newsletter for the City of Ann Arbor, Mich. • September 2012  • Volume 6 • Number 9 A2 Open City Hall debutsAnn Arbor residents have a new way to share feedback with city staff and Council members with the debut of A2 Open City Hall. This new online forum will feature questions about specific projects and initiatives on a regular basis, inviting the public to give input from the convenience of their keyboards. The first topic on A2 Open City Hall is already underway and focuses on changes residents would like to see along the South State Street Corridor. Additional topics will be launched this fall.Fire restructure proposal meetings In March, Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard presented a fire department restructuring proposal to City Council, which would position the department to operate out of three fire stations. One station would be located on the north side of the city (Station 5), one on the south side of the city (Station 2) and one in downtown Ann Arbor (Station 1). However, before this proposal is considered further, community meetings have been scheduled in each of the city’s five wards to give citizens the opportunity to hear more about the fire restructure proposal and ask specific questions pertaining to fire suppression coverage. Please consider attending one of these forums.Tuesday, Sept. 18, 6–8 p.m., Cobblestone Farm, 2781 Packard Road.Wednesday, Sept. 19, 6–8 p.m., Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave.   Thursday, Sept. 20, 6–8 p.m., Ann Arbor District Library Downtown Branch, 343 S. Fifth Ave., conference room A.    Tuesday, Sept. 25, 6–8 p.m. Ann Arbor District Library Traverwood Branch, 3333 Traverwood Drive, program room.Wednesday, Sept. 26, 6–8 p.m., Community Television Network, 2805 S. Industrial, Suite 200. This meeting will be taped and later replayed on CTN Channel 19 and available online to view on demand. More information about the fire restructure proposal is available on the city website.  Be street savvyThe streets of Ann Arbor are again bustling with vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians as schools are back in session, and summer vacations have come to a close. Check out the rules-of-the-road reminders and resources on the city’s “walk bike drive” Web page to help ensure safe travels for all, including: For those on foot, cross at marked crosswalks, and make sure to give motorists enough time to see you and stop.For bicyclists, ride on the road when possible — and obey the traffic signals. Use bike lanes when available.For motorists, be extra alert at crosswalks, and stop when pedestrians are present to cross. Drivers should also safely give bicyclists room on the road, ideally 3–4 feet of space. Fall/Winter registration now openRegistration for Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation fall/winter classes is now open. Find the new, 56-page, color guide at Larcom City Hall, local library branches, Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Customer Service Center (at Cobblestone Farm, 2781 Packard Road) and all parks and recreation facilities. It's also posted on the parks website as a PDF that you can view or download. Classes include indoor swim lessons at Mack Pool, instructional skating, beginning hockey skills, yoga, cultural arts programs at the senior center and much more. The guide also features events at the canoe liveries and Leslie Science & Nature Center. Sign up is easy and convenient. Register in person, or use the online registration system.Solid waste plan updateThe City of Ann Arbor five-year Solid Waste Management Plan updating process is underway.  An advisory committee representing Ann Arbor residents, businesses, agencies and the University of Michigan has been working with staff, City Council, and city environmental commissioners over the last year to update the plan. Opportunities for residents to participate are now being offered as well.Take the solid waste

Michigan                           August 2012,

Volume 6, Number 8

This is a reprinted

version of the original, which was e-mailed to A2 City News

subscribers on Aug. 1, 2012. Further information on featured topics

and current news can be found at www.a2gov.org.

IN THIS ISSUE 

New police chief * Park millage update * A2NonMoto blog * FRA high-speed

rail grant * Police golf outing * CTN podcasts * Vote Aug. 7 * Farmers Market

turns 93 * Street resurfacing * Tree-care tips * A2 social media * “Around Ann

Arbor” * Dates to remember

appointed

Ann Arbor City Council has appointed John Seto safety

services administrator and police chief. Since April 1, 2012, Seto has served

in this role on an interim basis. He was originally hired with the city as a

patrol officer in 1990 and was appointed deputy chief of police, operations

division, in 2008. 

“The internal promotion of a candidate who meets the

position’s requirements of leadership, management experience, community

involvement, judgment, and trustworthiness is healthy for the police

department,” said Ann Arbor City Administrator Steve Powers. “I’m confident

John has the experience necessary to serve our community well in this role.”

Go online to read more.

At their June 19, 2012, meeting, the Ann Arbor Parks

Advisory Commission unanimously passed a resolution to recommend placement of a

renewal of the Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage on the

November 2012 election ballot. The resolution also recommends City Council

reaffirm the administrative millage policies to inform voters of the manner in

which it intends to oversee the administration of the millage if the proposed

renewal is approved. This item has been placed on the (Thursday) Aug. 9, 2012,

City Council agenda for review and approval. (The Council meeting is scheduled

on a Thursday, instead of the usual Monday, due to Election Day.)

The Aug. 9 City Council meeting will take place at 7 p.m.

in the second floor Council chambers in Larcom City Hall (301 E. Huron St.). As

with all other regular Council meetings, this meeting will be telecast live on

CTN Channel 16 (Comcast Cable), or watch the meeting live online. 

Parks improvements and maintenance activities status

tables are available online, by fiscal year, and list

park projects funded through your support of the 2008–2013 Park Maintenance and

Capital Improvements Millage.

The City of the Ann Arbor has launched a blog that

celebrates the culture of nonmotorized transportation within the community:

walking, cycling, etc. The “A2nonmoto”blog contains posts with a wide

variety of features, such as bike helmet-cam videos, photos from bicycling

commuters, pedestrian photos and news from the local and wider nonmotorized

worlds.

The blog serves as a platform for encouragement and

education about the culture of nonmotorized transportation. For more

information on the blog, or how to submit your own bicycling or pedestrian

photos, please email

the city’s transportation office. 

high-speed rail grant

Ann Arbor City Council recently voted to accept a

planning grant from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to support

planning of a proposed new rail passenger station in Ann Arbor. The city, in

cooperation with Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), applied to the

FRA for funding under the FRA’s High Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail

program. The city was awarded a grant of $3.5 million to complete a

comprehensive planning analysis, draft environmental documents and undertake

preliminary engineering for the Ann Arbor station.   Originally

identified as an element of the 2006 Ann Arbor Model for Mobility and included

in the 2009 City Transportation Plan Update, this grant allows the city to

continue planning for this essential component of our community’s

transportation system.

City staff is coordinating closely with MDOT and Amtrak

to assure thinking about this facility reflects the community’s needs, state’s

investment in higher-speed intercity passenger rail along the Wolverine Line as

well as the efforts to reintroduce commuter rail service from Ann Arbor to

Detroit.  With MDOT investing to acquire and improve this corridor,

increased rail service and demand for access to the rail system is expected. It

is generally recognized that the current station needs to be improved.

Long-term parking is inaccessible to many, as it requires a lengthy walk

without provision for those with mobility limitations. The facility is located

along Depot Street, a road heavily impacted by peak-hour traffic. Transit

connections, limited today, are anticipated to be needed as the rail use and

need for access to the rail service increases. Bus routing to the current

station is impacted by the high volumes of traffic at the station site. With

improved rail service, the shortcomings of the existing station will be

exacerbated.

The grant funds support preparation of a conceptual plan,

environmental review and preliminary engineering. The conceptual planning

process includes review of the current facility, identification of alternative

sites and considerations of how to best proceed.  To date, the city has

evaluated 15 sites, including the existing station site for accommodating the

proposed future station. The concept planning process will occur simultaneously

with the environmental review. Under this grant, the city will prepare a

complete environmental assessment report seeking the FRA’s approval of a

project concept. Staff anticipates the project receiving a “Finding of No

Significant Impact” (FONSI), a determination made by the FRA. Once the

environmental review is completed, and FONSI is secured, the city will move

forward and initiate preliminary engineering on the locally preferred

alternative.

Public participation is a fundamental part of this

planning process. Recognizing there have been many public meetings as part of

the Fuller Road Station project, this newly initiated work will provide

additional opportunity for the project team to more fully evaluate and document

the issues taken into consideration in this project. These materials will be

subject to public review at project-related public meetings, as well as other

city boards and commission meetings including the City Council, Planning

Commission, Park Advisory Commission, among others. At this time, the next

public meetings are anticipated to occur later this fall. For more information,

please contact

City Transportation Program Manager Eli Cooper.

outing

Get ready to golf for a good cause. Registration is going

on now for the 21st annual Ann Arbor Police Charity Golf Outing Friday, Sept.

21 at Leslie Park Golf Course. This year’s event is held in honor of two of the

department’s fallen officers, Jason Zogaib and Vada Murray, raising money for

The Jason Zogaib Memorial Fund and The Vada Murray Fund for Cancer Research.

The four-person scramble includes 18 holes of golf (and

cart); a shotgun start at 9 a.m.; lunch; dinner; raffle, prizes and games; and

more. Space is limited. Click here for details and the registration form

(PDF). 

the know, even on the go

New “On Air with CTN” podcasts provide an audio

overview of everything happening on air and at the studios of Ann Arbor

Community Television Network. 

Listen in and find out the line ups for CTN’s four channels (16, 17, 18 and 19 on

Comcast Cable), interviews with special guests, highlights of events new

programs and a rundown of upcoming workshops for city residents and

not-for-profit agencies.

Learn about upcoming meetings, facts, tips and more via

the City of Ann Arbor’s Facebook and Twitter pages. The city posts useful

information — usually on a daily basis. In fact, a local realtor recently named

the City of Ann Arbor’s Twitter page as the No. 1 area “tweep” to follow. You

can also subscribe to receive topic-specific bulletins

directly to your email. Find convenient links to each of these ways to

stay connected on the homepage of the city website.

Aug. 7

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. for the City

Primary Election on Tuesday, Aug. 7. On Saturday, Aug. 4, the Ann Arbor City

Clerk’s office will be open 8 a.m.–2 p.m. for in-person absentee ballot

requests.

Go to the city election website, www.a2gov.org/elections,

for ballot details and more information, or call 734.794.6140.

Market turns 93

Join the fun as the Ann Arbor Farmers Market turns 93 years

old! On Saturday, Aug. 4 from 7 a.m.–3 p.m., the market, located at 315 Detroit

St. in Kerrytown, will celebrate its birthday and its customers. At noon, free

ice cream and toppings donated from market vendors will be served (while

supplies last). Call for details, 734.794.6255, or go online. 

the way to better streets

The city’s 2012 street resurfacing initiative

began in the spring, and as of early August, 20 major and residential streets

have been completed. Not only are streets’ surfaces getting a makeover during

this process, resurfacing also 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.

Among the roads undergoing work this month are:

Geddes Avenue between Highland Road and Apple Way.

Intermittent closures of Geddes to through traffic are in effect during

construction, with detour routes posted. Local traffic will be maintained.

Completion is expected in mid August.  

Seventh Street between Pauline and Madison.

Northbound traffic is being detoured. Completion is expected in the beginning

of September. 

When the initiative comes to a close this fall, 34

streets will have received upgrades. The 2012 street resurfacing project is

funded by the Street Resurfacing Millage approved by voters in 2006.

Visit the 2012 street resurfacing project Web page,

and click on the red envelope to subscribe to receive regular street resurfacing

project e-updates. You may also subscribe for e-updates to know which city

streets have posted detours, on the city’s road and lane closures Web page. http://www.a2gov.org/government/city_administration/City_Clerk/Elections/Pages/Elections.aspx

This

spring and summer have been unusually dry, and — coupled with the recent

very-high temperatures — both newly planted and established trees are showing

signs of stress from lack of water. Wilting or curling leaves, leaf/needle drop

and leaf scorch (caused by lack of water and high temperatures) are signs that

your tree needs to be watered immediately.   

In

normal precipitation years, Mother Nature provides the water an established

tree needs, and supplemental watering is typically not necessary. This season,

however, calls for human intervention.

A

slow, deep watering is better than short, frequent watering, for both newly

planted and established trees. For newly planted trees and small trees with a

trunk diameter of up to 4 inches, a good watering is 10 gallons per inch of

tree diameter applied in the mulched area around the tree, once per week. For

established, medium trees (5–12 inches), a general guideline for watering

during prolonged dry periods is 10 gallons of water for every 1-inch diameter,

three times per month. Finally, for large trees, with a trunk diameter greater

than 13 inches, 15 gallons of water is needed for every inch of diameter, twice

monthly during prolonged dry periods. For established, trees do not water

within 3 feet of the trunk, as this can lead to root rot.

And

how long should watering take place? In general, use this formula as a

guideline: tree diameter inches x 5 minutes = total watering time.

Find

more information on tree watering, mulching, benefits and more on the city’s

forestry Web pages at www.a2gov.org/trees.

Community

Television Network recently debuted “Around Ann Arbor,” a 10-minute weekly

program featuring upcoming events in the city and surrounding communities.

Following a news-style format, the show promotes events for the week ahead,

making it convenient for viewers to plan their own calendars.

“Around

Ann Arbor” airs on A2TV Channel 17 on Comcast Cable on the following schedule.

Video On Demand. 

“We’ve

taken the electronic bulletin board and brought it to life, another great

reason to tune into your community channels for local information,” said

Melissa Cohn, assistant manager of the public and educational channels.

To

submit an event for consideration, free of charge, please email CTN.

Among

the many public meetings/events taking place in August, here are some of the

highlights. Please go

online for details and a complete list.

Main Street-Huron River Corridor Task Force for a site

tour.

Arbor Farmers Market celebrates its 93rd birthday

on Saturday, Aug. 4. 

Ann Arbor City Clerk’s office will be open 8 a.m.-2 p.m. to accept

absentee ballot requests for the Aug.

7 State Primary Election, which takes place Tuesday,

Aug. 7.

Commission meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 8.

State Primary Election, the City Council meeting will take place on

Thursday, Aug. 9 rather than the usual Monday schedule.

production workshops at CTN is to

attend the CTN Preview workshop, scheduled on Wednesday, Aug. 29. 

The Newsletter for the City of Ann Arbor, Michigan                           August 2012, Volume 6, Number 8 This is a reprinted version of the original, which was e-mailed to A2 City News subscribers on Aug. 1, 2012. Further information on featured topics and current news can be found at www.a2gov.org. IN THIS ISSUE  New police chief * Park millage update * A2NonMoto blog * FRA high-speed rail grant * Police golf outing * CTN podcasts * Vote Aug. 7 * Farmers Market turns 93 * Street resurfacing * Tree-care tips * A2 social media * “Around Ann Arbor” * Dates to remember New police chief appointedAnn Arbor City Council has appointed John Seto safety services administrator and police chief. Since April 1, 2012, Seto has served in this role on an interim basis. He was originally hired with the city as a patrol officer in 1990 and was appointed deputy chief of police, operations division, in 2008.  “The internal promotion of a candidate who meets the position’s requirements of leadership, management experience, community involvement, judgment, and trustworthiness is healthy for the police department,” said Ann Arbor City Administrator Steve Powers. “I’m confident John has the experience necessary to serve our community well in this role.”Go online to read more. Park millage updateAt their June 19, 2012, meeting, the Ann Arbor Parks Advisory Commission unanimously passed a resolution to recommend placement of a renewal of the Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage on the November 2012 election ballot. The resolution also recommends City Council reaffirm the administrative millage policies to inform voters of the manner in which it intends to oversee the administration of the millage if the proposed renewal is approved. This item has been placed on the (Thursday) Aug. 9, 2012, City Council agenda for review and approval. (The Council meeting is scheduled on a Thursday, instead of the usual Monday, due to Election Day.)The Aug. 9 City Council meeting will take place at 7 p.m. in the second floor Council chambers in Larcom City Hall (301 E. Huron St.). As with all other regular Council meetings, this meeting will be telecast live on CTN Channel 16 (Comcast Cable), or watch the meeting live online.  Parks improvements and maintenance activities status tables are available online, by fiscal year, and list park projects funded through your support of the 2008–2013 Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage. Find your pathThe City of the Ann Arbor has launched a blog that celebrates the culture of nonmotorized transportation within the community: walking, cycling, etc. The “A2nonmoto”blog contains posts with a wide variety of features, such as bike helmet-cam videos, photos from bicycling commuters, pedestrian photos and news from the local and wider nonmotorized worlds. The blog serves as a platform for encouragement and education about the culture of nonmotorized transportation. For more information on the blog, or how to submit your own bicycling or pedestrian photos, please email the city’s transportation office.  City receives FRA high-speed rail grantAnn Arbor City Council recently voted to accept a planning grant from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to support planning of a proposed new rail passenger station in Ann Arbor. The city, in cooperation with Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), applied to the FRA for funding under the FRA’s High Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail program. The city was awarded a grant of $3.5 million to complete a comprehensive planning analysis, draft environmental documents and undertake preliminary engineering for the Ann Arbor station.   Originally identified as an element of the 2006 Ann Arbor Model for Mobility and included in the 2009 City Transportation Plan Update, this grant allows the city

The Newsletter for the City of Ann Arbor, Michigan                           August 2012, Volume 6, Number 8 This is a reprinted version of the original, which was e-mailed to A2 City News subscribers on Aug. 1, 2012. Further information on featured topics and current news can be found at www.a2gov.org. IN THIS ISSUE  New police chief * Park millage update * A2NonMoto blog * FRA high-speed rail grant * Police golf outing * CTN podcasts * Vote Aug. 7 * Farmers Market turns 93 * Street resurfacing * Tree-care tips * A2 social media * “Around Ann Arbor” * Dates to remember New police chief appointedAnn Arbor City Council has appointed John Seto safety services administrator and police chief. Since April 1, 2012, Seto has served in this role on an interim basis. He was originally hired with the city as a patrol officer in 1990 and was appointed deputy chief of police, operations division, in 2008.  “The internal promotion of a candidate who meets the position’s requirements of leadership, management experience, community involvement, judgment, and trustworthiness is healthy for the police department,” said Ann Arbor City Administrator Steve Powers. “I’m confident John has the experience necessary to serve our community well in this role.”Go online to read more. Park millage updateAt their June 19, 2012, meeting, the Ann Arbor Parks Advisory Commission unanimously passed a resolution to recommend placement of a renewal of the Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage on the November 2012 election ballot. The resolution also recommends City Council reaffirm the administrative millage policies to inform voters of the manner in which it intends to oversee the administration of the millage if the proposed renewal is approved. This item has been placed on the (Thursday) Aug. 9, 2012, City Council agenda for review and approval. (The Council meeting is scheduled on a Thursday, instead of the usual Monday, due to Election Day.)The Aug. 9 City Council meeting will take place at 7 p.m. in the second floor Council chambers in Larcom City Hall (301 E. Huron St.). As with all other regular Council meetings, this meeting will be telecast live on CTN Channel 16 (Comcast Cable), or watch the meeting live online.  Parks improvements and maintenance activities status tables are available online, by fiscal year, and list park projects funded through your support of the 2008–2013 Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage. Find your pathThe City of the Ann Arbor has launched a blog that celebrates the culture of nonmotorized transportation within the community: walking, cycling, etc. The “A2nonmoto”blog contains posts with a wide variety of features, such as bike helmet-cam videos, photos from bicycling commuters, pedestrian photos and news from the local and wider nonmotorized worlds. The blog serves as a platform for encouragement and education about the culture of nonmotorized transportation. For more information on the blog, or how to submit your own bicycling or pedestrian photos, please email the city’s transportation office.  City receives FRA high-speed rail grantAnn Arbor City Council recently voted to accept a planning grant from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to support planning of a proposed new rail passenger station in Ann Arbor. The city, in cooperation with Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), applied to the FRA for funding under the FRA’s High Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail program. The city was awarded a grant of $3.5 million to complete a comprehensive planning analysis, draft environmental documents and undertake preliminary engineering for the Ann Arbor station.   Originally identified as an element of the 2006 Ann Arbor Model for Mobility and included in the 2009 City Transportation Plan Update, this grant allows the city to continue planning for this essential component of our community’s transportation system.City staff is coordinating closely with MDOT and Amtrak to assure thinking about this facility reflects the community’s needs, state’s investment in higher-speed intercity passenger rail along the Wolverine Line as well as the efforts to reintroduce commuter rail service from Ann Arbor to Detroit.  With MDOT investing to acquire and improve this corridor, increased rail service and demand for access to the rail system is expected. It is generally recognized that the current station needs to be improved. Long-term parking is inaccessible to many, as it requires a lengthy walk without provision for those with mobility limitations. The facility is located along Depot Street, a road heavily impacted by peak-hour traffic. Transit connections, limited today, are anticipated to be needed as the rail use and need for access to the rail service increases. Bus routing to the current station is impacted by the high volumes of traffic at the station site. With improved rail service, the shortcomings of the existing station will be exacerbated.The grant funds support preparation of a conceptual plan, environmental review and preliminary engineering. The conceptual planning process includes review of the current facility, identification of alternative sites and considerations of how to best proceed.  To date, the city has evaluated 15 sites, including the existing station site for accommodating the proposed future station. The concept planning process will occur simultaneously with the environmental review. Under this grant, the city will prepare a complete environmental assessment report seeking the FRA’s approval of a project concept. Staff anticipates the project receiving a “Finding of No Significant Impact” (FONSI), a determination made by the FRA. Once the environmental review is completed, and FONSI is secured, the city will move forward and initiate preliminary engineering on the locally preferred alternative.Public participation is a fundamental part of this planning process. Recognizing there have been many public meetings as part of the Fuller Road Station project, this newly initiated work will provide additional opportunity for the project team to more fully evaluate and document the issues taken into consideration in this project. These materials will be subject to public review at project-related public meetings, as well as other city boards and commission meetings including the City Council, Planning Commission, Park Advisory Commission, among others. At this time, the next public meetings are anticipated to occur later this fall. For more information, please contact City Transportation Program Manager Eli Cooper. Police charity golf outingGet ready to golf for a good cause. Registration is going on now for the 21st annual Ann Arbor Police Charity Golf Outing Friday, Sept. 21 at Leslie Park Golf Course. This year’s event is held in honor of two of the department’s fallen officers, Jason Zogaib and Vada Murray, raising money for The Jason Zogaib Memorial Fund and The Vada Murray Fund for Cancer Research. The four-person scramble includes 18 holes of golf (and cart); a shotgun start at 9 a.m.; lunch; dinner; raffle, prizes and games; and more. Space is limited. Click here for details and the registration form(PDF).  CTN helps you stay in the know, even on the goNew “On Air with CTN” podcasts provide an audio overview of everything happening on air and at the studios of Ann Arbor Community Television Network. Listen in and find out the line ups for CTN’s four channels (16, 17, 18 and 19 on Comcast Cable), interviews with special guests, highlights of events new programs and a rundown of upcoming workshops for city residents and not-for-profit agencies. Follow us!Learn about upcoming meetings, facts, tips and more via the City of Ann Arbor’s Facebook and Twitter pages. The city posts useful information — usually on a daily basis. In fact, a local realtor recently named the City of Ann Arbor’s Twitter page as the No. 1 area “tweep” to follow. You can also subscribe to receive topic-specific bulletinsdirectly to your email. Find convenient links to each of these ways to stay connected on the homepage of the city website. Vote Aug. 7Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. for the City Primary Election on Tuesday, Aug. 7. On Saturday, Aug. 4, the Ann Arbor City Clerk’s office will be open 8 a.m.–2 p.m. for in-person absentee ballot requests.Go to the city election website, www.a2gov.org/elections, for ballot details and more information, or call 734.794.6140.Farmers Market turns 93Join the fun as the Ann Arbor Farmers Market turns 93 years old! On Saturday, Aug. 4 from 7 a.m.–3 p.m., the market, located at 315 Detroit St. in Kerrytown, will celebrate its birthday and its customers. At noon, free ice cream and toppings donated from market vendors will be served (while supplies last). Call for details, 734.794.6255, or go online.  Paving the way to better streetsThe city’s 2012 street resurfacing initiativebegan in the spring, and as of early August, 20 major and residential streets have been completed. Not only are streets’ surfaces getting a makeover during this process, resurfacing also 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. Among the roads undergoing work this month are:Geddes Avenue between Highland Road and Apple Way. Intermittent closures of Geddes to through traffic are in effect during construction, with detour routes posted. Local traffic will be maintained. Completion is expected in mid August.   Seventh Street between Pauline and Madison. Northbound traffic is being detoured. Completion is expected in the beginning of September.  When the initiative comes to a close this fall, 34 streets will have received upgrades. The 2012 street resurfacing project is funded by the Street Resurfacing Millage approved by voters in 2006.Visit the 2012 street resurfacing project Web page, and click on the red envelope to subscribe to receive regular street resurfacing project e-updates. You may also subscribe for e-updates to know which city streets have posted detours, on the city’s road and lane closures Web page. http://www.a2gov.org/government/city_administration/City_Clerk/Elections/Pages/Elections.aspx Tree-care tipsThis spring and summer have been unusually dry, and — coupled with the recent very-high temperatures — both newly planted and established trees are showing signs of stress from lack of water. Wilting or curling leaves, leaf/needle drop and leaf scorch (caused by lack of water and high temperatures) are signs that your tree needs to be watered immediately.    In normal precipitation years, Mother Nature provides the water an established tree needs, and supplemental watering is typically not necessary. This season, however, calls for human intervention. A slow, deep watering is better than short, frequent watering, for both newly planted and established trees. For newly planted trees and small trees with a trunk diameter of up to 4 inches, a good watering is 10 gallons per inch of tree diameter applied in the mulched area around the tree, once per week. For established, medium trees (5–12 inches), a general guideline for watering during prolonged dry periods is 10 gallons of water for every 1-inch diameter, three times per month. Finally, for large trees, with a trunk diameter greater than 13 inches, 15 gallons of water is needed for every inch of diameter, twice monthly during prolonged dry periods. For established, trees do not water within 3 feet of the trunk, as this can lead to root rot.And how long should watering take place? In general, use this formula as a guideline: tree diameter inches x 5 minutes = total watering time.Find more information on tree watering, mulching, benefits and more on the city’s forestry Web pages at www.a2gov.org/trees. Go "Around Ann Arbor" with CTNCommunity Television Network recently debuted “Around Ann Arbor,” a 10-minute weekly program featuring upcoming events in the city and surrounding communities. Following a news-style format, the show promotes events for the week ahead, making it convenient for viewers to plan their own calendars.“Around Ann Arbor” airs on A2TV Channel 17 on Comcast Cable on the following schedule.Sundays, noon and 9:05 p.m.Mondays, 10 a.m.Tuesdays, 3:50 p.m.Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m.Thursdays, 7:20 p.m.Fridays, 1 p.m.Saturdays, 1:35 p.m.And anytime on CTN Video On Demand.  “We’ve taken the electronic bulletin board and brought it to life, another great reason to tune into your community channels for local information,” said Melissa Cohn, assistant manager of the public and educational channels.To submit an event for consideration, free of charge, please email CTN. Dates to rememberAmong the many public meetings/events taking place in August, here are some of the highlights. Please go online for details and a complete list. Wednesday, Aug. 1, join the North Main Street-Huron River Corridor Task Force for a site tour. The Ann Arbor Farmers Market celebrates its 93rd birthday on Saturday, Aug. 4.  Also on Saturday, Aug. 4, the Ann Arbor City Clerk’s office will be open 8 a.m.-2 p.m. to accept absentee ballot requests for the Aug. 7 State Primary Election, which takes place Tuesday, Aug. 7. A special Park Advisory Commission meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 8.Because of the Tuesday, Aug. 7 State Primary Election, the City Council meeting will take place on Thursday, Aug. 9 rather than the usual Monday schedule.The first step to taking free production workshops at CTN is to attend the CTN Preview workshop, scheduled on Wednesday, Aug. 29. 

The Newsletter for the City of Ann Arbor, Mich. • July 2012  • Volume 6 • Number 7

Public comment sought for fire restructure plan

At the City Council budget work session on March 12, a fire department restructuring proposal was presented by Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard 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. Before this proposal is considered further, the City Administrator and Council would like to give community members the opportunity to hear more about the proposal and ask specific questions. There are a variety of options available to citizens to learn about the Fire Restructure Proposal including:

Website survey

Please take a few minutes to complete an online survey about the City of Ann Arbor website. Feedback will be instrumental in helping the city to identify ways to improve user experiences. Thesurvey deadline is July 23.

Concerts in the park

The Ann Arbor Civic Band summer 2012 concert series is underway. Bring the family, bring a friend and enjoy music in the open air at the West Park band shell. Concerts are Wednesdays at 8 p.m.:

Admission is free. Visit the Ann Arbor Civic Band online for more information.

MDOT to host meeting for I-94 Business Loop improvements

The Michigan Department of Transportation will host an open house-style meeting on Tuesday, July 10 to discuss improvements to I-94 Business Loop (BL) in Ann Arbor, between I-94 and Main Street. The meeting will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. at Abbot Elementary, 2670 Sequoia Parkway.

MDOT officials will be available to answer questions about plans to convert a section of I-94 BL, between Dexter Avenue and Burwood Avenue, from four lanes to three. There will be no formal presentation given at the meeting; however, maps and project information will be on display. Construction is currently scheduled for 2014. Go online(PDF) for more information. 

2011 water quality report

Wonder what’s in your drinking water? Check the annual City of Ann Arbor Water Quality Report to find out!

Grand opening of Library Lane Parking Structure

On Thursday, July 12, a grand opening party will take place 5–8 p.m. for the Library Lane Parking Structure, 319 S. Fifth Ave. Hosted by the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority, there will be cake, music and a fabulous collection of vintage cars on display, a preview of the Rolling Sculpture Car Show.

Bring along something for the parking structure time capsule (which has a 12-inch diameter). Visit the DDA online for details.

Transportation survey

The Washtenaw Area Transportation Study is beginning development of the 2040 long-range transportation plan for Washtenaw County. To help inform this process, WATS is inviting feedback via the Community 

Values Survey. The Community Values Survey is available now through the end of July.

West Park construction

In 2010, various improvements were made to West Park, including band shell seating; new access stairs from the Huron Street entrance; new pathways from Seventh Street; relocation of the basketball court; regrading the open-field play area for better drainage; a boardwalk; and installation of stormwater-management features, such as swirl concentrators and bioswales.

During the construction in 2010, problems were encountered with the new underground stormwater treatment systems. Therefore, repairs and alterations will be made this summer and fall to the treatment units and reconnect them to the stormwater system, along the west edge of the park. During construction, the north and south access paths to West Park off of North Seventh Street will be closed. The central access path will remain open. This work is expected to be complete in early fall 2012.

If you have any questions, please contact the project’s manager, Nick Hutchinson, via email or call 734.794.6000, extension 43633. Information is also available on the project’s Web page. If you would like to receive email updates for this project, send an email to Hutchinsonwith “West Park email list” in the subject line.

Ann Arbor Bridges Facebook giveaways

The Ann Arbor Bridges Reconstruction Project (AAB) is continuing to progress. Project update meetings are being held every third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Burns Park Shelter, 1200 Baldwin Ave., with the next meeting taking place Thursday, July 17. Updates are also available on the AAB website orFacebook page.

When you like AAB on Facebook, you will be entered for a chance to win project logo buttons or a project golf wind shirt. This contest will run until the project’s next public meeting, Thursday, July 19, 2012.

Ann Arbor to host sustainability conference

The City of Ann Arbor is set to host the Michigan Green Communities (MGC) Leadership Academy later this month. Senior officials and key stakeholders from up to 20 Michigan communities, counties and regions will attend workshops about local government sustainability, economic development and planning staff to help further sustainability initiatives around Michigan. These peer-learning workshops will showcase national and local examples of effective action at the intersection of sustainability and local economies. Go online for more about the City of Ann Arbor’s sustainability efforts.

New electric vehicle-charging stations

The Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority and Clean Energy Coalitionheld an event last month at the Forest Avenue Parking Structure, 650 S. Forest, to celebrate the installation of 18 electric vehicle-charging stations. The charging stations can now be accessed by the public free of charge; electric vehicle owners need only pay the usual parking fees.

This project was substantially funded by a U.S. Department of Energy Clean Cities Recovery Act grant awarded through Ann Arbor-based Clean Energy Coalition.

In this issue: Comment on fire restructure plan * Website survey * Concerts in the park * I-94 BL improvements meeting * 2011 water quality report * Library Lane Parking Structure * Transportation survey * West Park construction * Ann Arbor Bridges Facebook giveaways * Ann Arbor to host sustainability conference  *New electric vehicle-charging stations * Huron River Day is July 15 * Summer taxes due * Art Fair * Vote Aug. 7 * Local rainfall cycles on display * SEMCOG FY 2011–2014 Transportation Improvement Program * Dates to remember

Huron River Day is July 15

Celebrate one of this community’s greatest resources, the Huron River. The 32nd annual Huron River Day is Sunday, July 15 at Gallup Park and Parker Mill Park. Activities include TRI the Huron Triathlon (beginning at 7 a.m.); $5 canoe/kayak rentals; children’s activities; live animal programs; river exhibits; live music; food; fishing; and more. Arrive by bike, and receive a coupon for a free boat rental! Sponsored by DTE Energy Foundation.Go to the Huron River Day website,www.a2gov.org/hrd, for details or call 734.662.9319.

Summer taxes due

Summer property taxes are due this month. Taxes may be paid online, by mail, at the City of Ann Arbor Customer Service Center (located on the first floor of Larcom City Hall at 301 E. Huron St.) or at several local banks. TCF Bank, Bank of Ann Arbor, Michigan Commerce Bank, Huntington Bank, Citizens Bank and Ann Arbor State Bank will accept full tax payments in July only.Online payments can also be made. Go to the city’s treasury Web page for more information, including how property taxes are calculated.

Art Fair comes to town

The annual Ann Arbor Art Fair will draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city when it returns this year Wednesday through Saturday, July 18 through 21. Drawing an equally impressive crowd during the Art Fair is the Ann Arbor Community Television Networkvideo greeting booth.

The CTN video booth will be located on North University between Thayer and Fletcher. Be sure to stop by to record a fun video greeting, which will be aired on CTN Channel 19 (Comcast Cable) and online. This year, CTN will be recording interviews with not only fair goers, but fair artists, directors and special guests. Visit CTN’s website for details.

The CTN video greeting booth is also sure to be a draw at the traditional kick off to the Art Fair, the Townie Street Party, Monday, July 16, taking place on East Washington Street, between Fletcher and Thayer streets. While the Art Fair greetings come from visitors throughout the region, country and even the world, Townie greetings are typically for Ann Arbor, by Ann Arbor. Be sure to stop in, say hello, and share why living in A2 is special to you.

With the Townie Party and the Art Fair taking place on streets around the downtown and university areas, several detours will be in place. See the street closures maps on the city website — where you can also subscribe to receive e-notifications, year round, whenever detours are scheduled.

Vote Aug. 7

The City Primary Election is Tuesday, Aug. 7, when polls will be open 7 a.m.–8 p.m. Visit the elections Web page for the list of candidates and information about polling places, times, etc. 

Residents who need to register to vote must do so by Monday, July 9 at the City Clerk’s office, second floor of Larcom City Hall; the Washtenaw County Clerk’s office; at any Secretary of State branch office; or by mailing in a voter registration application (postmarked by July 9) to: Ann Arbor City Clerk, PO Box 8647, Ann Arbor, MI 48107. The City Clerk’s office will be open Saturday, Aug. 4 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for in-person absentee ballot requests.

Please note, the office, and all city government offices, are closed Wednesday, July 4 for the Independence Day holiday. Additional details can be found on the elections website, via email or by calling 734.794.6140.

Local rainfall cycles on display

The bronze, water-feature sculpture on the City of Ann Arbor Municipal Center Plaza,301 E. Huron St.,  uses only the rainwater that is captured on site and stored in tanks under the structure. As designed by international award-winning artist Herbert Dreiseitl, the water component of the installation is a demonstration of the cycles of local rainfall.

When the storage tanks are low, the pumps stop circulating water over the surface of the sculpture until the next rainfall. However, the energy-efficient lights continue their cascading display. In order to conserve water from evaporation, the pumps generally operate during the daylight hours. Go online for information on the plaza’s rain gardens and adjacent green roof, too.

Comment on the SEMCOG FY 2011-2014 Transportation Improvement Program

Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) is seeking comment on the amendment of projects to the Fiscal Year 2011–2014 Transportation Improvement Program(TIP). The TIP is a list of projects fromDirection2035 (the region’s long-range transportation plan) selected for funding by cities, villages, county road agencies, transit providers and the Michigan Department of Transportation.

A total of 137 projects are proposed to be added to the TIP, while another nine are proposed to be deleted. Several of the projects are in Ann Arbor or Washtenaw County. Additional details can be found on the amendment Web page.

Dates to remember

Among the many public meetings/events taking place in July, here are some of the highlights. Please go online for details and a complete list,www.a2gov.org/calendar. 

Huron River Day is Sunday, July 15

A2 City News Web Page *City Council *Contact Us *Meeting Agendas 

*News & Announcements *Road/Lane Closures

A2 City News is emailed to newsletter subscribers by the City of Ann Arbor.

Please share comments via email or call 734.794.6110, extension 41105.

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