Hello neighbors!
Welcome to my Ann Arbor City Council newsletter, where you can connect with primary sources to understand the work of your local government. My goal is to provide clear explanations of all the issues your elected representatives will be discussing at their next meeting and alert you to local policy and decisions that have been assigned to unelected Mayoral appointees.
This week, Ann Arbor City Council considers a very long agenda . It will host three public hearings for ordinance amendments: process for making changes to nonconforming structures (B-1), local fire code standards (B-2), and governing structure for a Sustainable Energy Utility (B-3). A proposal for the City to invest $146 million in parking decks at State/Eisenhower comes back (DC-1, postponed at the last meeting).
At first reading, Council will consider new rules for their meetings and how elected members will use City budget to travel, including internationally (DC-2). Also to be considered at first reading: a negotiated agreement with DTE Gas (DC-4). For more on that see my Additional Thoughts below.
COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLAN
There is a lot of community conversation around the work now happening among Mayoral appointees on the City Planning Commission. City staff explained it at a recent Council work session. You can learn more about that work session and additional background here:
Last month, close to a hundred residents showed up at the City Planning commission to raise concerns about updates to the Comprehensive Land Use plan. Last week, more residents showed up — documentarian Ken Burns (famously from Ann Arbor, alum of Pioneer High school) has even weighed in. You can read about it here:
https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2025/04/filmmaker-ken-burns-urges-moderation-as-his-hometown-ann-arbor-aims-to-densify.html
A resolution on this week’s agenda (DC-5) appears to be a response to recent community concerns about the work of the City Planning Commission. If you have concerns, you can connect with other residents by emailing:
a2n2contact@gmail.com
You can sign a petition to suspend the comprehensive plan process here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1_cFsttVgkboqYF5AFeHH9v-MsDcZcc_sIRpavAaHQR4
A2Council Update Video
After every City Council meeting I send out an “A2Council Update” newsletter, which includes a summary video. Here is my A2Council Update video from the Council meeting of March 17, 2025:
In Case You Missed It…
On my YouTube channel, you can find recordings of public meetings that are open to attend live (online or in-person) but are not made available by the City to view later. Please reach out if you have suggestions about public meetings that should be recorded. Subscribe to my YouTube channel if you would like to be alerted to new content as it gets added.
https://www.youtube.com/@a2elnel
Ponds at Georgetown Resident Participation Meeting: March 19, 2025
This is my recording of a resident participation meeting for a proposed rezoning at 2511 Packard in Ann Arbor (“Ponds at Georgetown”). The meeting was held on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 6pm at the leasing office of Ponds. The meeting was led by representatives from the architectural firm DesignTeam Plus of Birmingham, MI.
A lot split would have isolated the southern end of the development property (currently used as a dog park) and rezoned it R4E. The whole of the parcel is currently zoned R4A. At the meeting, it was explained that
- Developers originally planned to split off just the southern portion of undeveloped land for rezoning. For just that southern portion, they would have requested a rezoning of R4B, to permit slightly more density than is currently allowed in R4A.
- In meeting with City staff, developers were urged to set aside the lot split and request a rezoning of the whole parcel, all of the Ponds of Georgetown.
- City staff recommended, also, that developers request a rezoning of R4E to allow much greater density across the whole parcel. Note: the current proposal is consistent with R4B zoning.
https://a2council.com/ponds-at-georgetown-resident-participation-meeting-march-19-2025
Argus Farm Stop (1007 Woodlawn) Resident Participation Meeting: March 24, 2025
This is my recording of a resident participation meeting for a proposed rezoning at 1007 Woodlawn in Ann Arbor. The meeting was held on Monday, March 24, 2025 at 6pm at Argus Farm Stop on Packard. The meeting was led by the owners of Argus Farm Stop, Bill Brinkerhoff and Kathy Sample, who are requesting the rezoning.
No development or building project is planned. The parcel on Woodlawn is now used primarily for storage. As currently zoned, only parking is a legally permitted use. The proposed commercial zoning will permit storage and other uses that support operations at the Argus Farm store. The parcel is directly behind the Argus store on Packard and adjacent to the Zen Buddhist Temple to the north.
https://a2council.com/argus-farm-stop-1007-woodlawn-resident-participation-meeting-march-24-2025/
Ann Arbor City Council Meeting Agenda
Below is my summary of issues on the City Council Agenda this week, with links to more information about each of them. If you have comments about any of these issues, you can email all of Council at CityCouncil@a2gov.org
Ann Arbor City Council Meeting
Monday, April 7 2025 7:00PM
Ann Arbor City Hall (2nd Floor)
301 E Huron St, Ann Arbor 48104
The full agenda (including a link to the latest published PDF agenda, and instructions for dialing into the meeting) is on the A2Gov Legistar website:
https://a2gov.legistar.com/MeetingDetail.aspx?ID=1251578&GUID=828BF0CA-17C2-41AD-8798-9FB49F0B5927
City Council meetings are broadcast live by CTN on Comcast (channel 16) and AT&T (channel 99) and online at a2gov.org/watchCTN
Meetings are also streamed live on the CTN YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/user/ctnannarbor
How to reserve public comment
People that wish to comment at a City Council meeting must sign up with the City Clerk’s office in advance. Speakers are allotted 3 minutes, with the first 15 speakers allowed to speak in a 45 minute session near the beginning of the meeting. Remaining speakers will speak at the end of the Council meeting. Public comment can be made either in person or remotely via phone/Zoom audio.
To sign up for public comment, please go to or call the City Clerk’s Office at 734-794-6140 on the day of the meeting between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. At 4:00 PM, all speakers that have signed up are randomly ordered in “priority groups”. After 4:00 PM, speakers are added to the end of the applicable priority group in the order received. No new speakers will be added to the list after 5:00 PM. For more information, visit the City’s website:
https://www.a2gov.org/city-council/council-meetings-overview/
Questions to the Agenda
In preparation for a Council meeting, Council members can ask questions of staff about scheduled agenda items. Questions must be submitted by noon on the Wednesday before a Council Meeting, and answers are returned the next day (Thursday) by 5pm.
AC-3 (25-0737) Agenda Response Memo and eComments – April 7, 2025
This agenda item has a PDF attachment with all questions raised by Council Members, and the answers provided by staff.
Communications from the Mayor
MC-1 (25-0728) Resolution to Appoint Molly Rowan to the Downtown Development Authority as a Non-registered Elector (7 Votes Required)
This appointment from the Mayor is being presented at this meeting, and will therefore be voted on at the next Council meeting. Seven votes are required because “the appointee is not a registered elector of the City of Ann Arbor.”
Molly Rowan – Downtown Development Authority
Consent Agenda
Below is the list of items included on the Consent Agenda. If no one on Council specifically requests that an item be pulled for discussion, the whole of this list will be approved in a single vote.
CA-1 (25-0700) Resolution to Approve the Closing of Streets for the 2025 Glacier Highlands Neighborhood Association Annual Memorial Day Parade, Monday, May 26, 2025
CA-2 (25-0635) Resolution to Approve Street Closings for the Dexter-Ann Arbor Run on Sunday, June 1, 2025
CA-3 (25-0686) Resolution to Approve Closure of East Liberty between South Division and South Fifth for Sonic Lunch Performance on Thursdays from June 5, 2025 to August 28, 2025 from 6:00 A.M. until 3:00 P.M.
CA-4 (25-0547) Resolution to Approve a Street Closure for the 2025 Ann Arbor Summer Festival’s “Top of the Park” – June 7, 2025 through July 2, 2025
CA-5 (25-0688) Resolution to Approve the Purchase of a Conservation Easement on the St. John’s Property in Northfield Township, Approve a Participation Agreement with Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission and Northfield Township, and Appropriate $465,693.00 (8 Votes Required)
CA-6 (25-0689) Resolution to Approve the Purchase of a Conservation Easement on the Ehnis Property in Northfield Township, Approve a Participation Agreement with Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission and Northfield Township, and Appropriate $457,617.00 (8 Votes Required)
CA-7 (25-0690) Resolution to Approve Participation in the Purchase of a Conservation Easement on the C. Moehrle Property in Ann Arbor Township, Approve a Participation Agreement with Ann Arbor Township, and Appropriate $122,500.00 (8 Votes Required)
CA-8 (25-0691) Resolution to Approve Participation in the Purchase of a Conservation Easement on the Hicks Property in Scio Township, Approve a Participation Agreement with Scio Township and Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission, and Appropriate $62,000.00 (8 Votes Required)
CA-9 (25-0317) Resolution to Approve Best Source Professional Services Agreement with Jacobs Consultants, Inc. for Professional Engineering Services to Develop and Implement a Hybrid Optimizer at the Water Resource Recovery Facility ($130,000.00)
CA-10 (25-0295) Resolution to Approve a Contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation for the Nixon Road Reconstruction Project and Appropriate $9,425,310.00 in Contributing Funds (8 Votes Required)
CA-11 (25-0407) Resolution to Approve a Professional Services Agreement with Transportation Engineering Design, DPC for Multi-Lane Road Reconfiguration Evaluation ($280,000.00; RFP# 25-03)
CA-12 (25-0515) Resolution to Approve a Construction Contract with E.T. MacKenzie Company for the State Street Improvements Project (RFP 25-12; $5,333,900.00) and to Appropriate $6,732,891 in Contributing Funds (8 Votes Required)
CA-13 (25-0535) Resolution to Approve a Professional Services Agreement with Hubbell, Roth & Clark, Inc. for Street Surface Condition Rating and Modeling Services ($151,280.00)
CA-14 (25-0529) Resolution to Approve a Construction Contract with Fonson Company, Inc. for the Westgate Watermain Replacement Project (RFP 25-10; $2,168,176.91)
CA-15 (25-0505) Resolution to Approve a Professional Service Agreement with the Regents of the University of Michigan for the Near-Miss Video Analytics System Project ($481,944.00) (RFP 24-58)
CA-16 (25-0170) Resolution to Approve Amendment 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Miller Boldt Inc. for On-Call HVAC Services for FY2025 (Amendment $50,000.00; Total Contract $650,000.00)
CA-17 (25-0437) Resolution to Approve a Sole Source Purchase Order with Revels Turf and Tractor LLC for the Purchase of a Greens Roller Manufactured by Agrimetal ($26,626.58) and Appropriate Funding ($28,696.00) (8 Votes Required)
CA-18 (25-0489) Resolution to Appropriate Additional Funding for Pierce Custom Enforcer Class Pumper Fire Apparatus from Halt Fire, Inc. ($15,953.00) (8 Votes Required)
CA-19 (25-0576) Resolution to Accept Grant Funds from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy ($57,326.36)
CA-20 (25-0626) Resolution to Approve the Public Defender Services Contract with Washtenaw County ($208,123.35)
CA-21 (25-0598) Resolution to Accept a Sidewalk Easement at 201 Glen Ave from Catherine Ann Development Company LLC (8 Votes Required)
CA-22 (25-0599) Resolution to Approve a Maintenance Agreement at 201 Glen Ave with Catherine Ann Development Company LLC
CA-23 (25-0685) Resolution to Exercise a Right of First Refusal to Purchase 166 Ashley Mews and Appropriate Funding ($150,000.00) (8 Votes Required)
CA-24 (25-0715) Resolution to Approve an Agreement for Sale of Air Rights over a Portion of 616 S. Forest Ave. to CS Acquisition Vehicle, LLC for No Less than $1,200,000.00 (8 Votes Required)
Public Hearings
Anyone wanting to comment on these issues may speak for 3 minutes, without having specifically reserved time. Issues subject to public hearing will also be up for a vote by Council later in the meeting.
PH-1/B-1 (25-0201) An Ordinance to Amend Sections 5.32.2 of Chapter 55 (Unified Development Code) of Title V of the Code of the City of Ann Arbor (Nonconforming Structure) CPC Recommendation: Approval (8 Yes, 0 No) (ORD-25-05)
An amendment to the Uniform Development Code (UDC) will relax the process for making alterations to “nonconforming structures.” A nonconforming structure does not meet zoning district standards because it was built prior to the existence of those standards; alterations are subject to review. When plans to alter a nonconforming structure include an increase in habitable floor area, number of dwelling units or expansion of exterior dimensions, it must be approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA). The UDC amendment will eliminate the need for ZBA review/approval for changes to residential properties in cases where alterations do not extend closer to lot lines, does not create new nonconformities, and complies with all other height, setback, dimensional, and building code requirements.
PH-2/B-2 (25-0385) An Ordinance to Amend Sections 9:101, 9:103, 9:105, 9:109 of Chapter 111 (Fire Prevention) of Title IX of the City Code of Ordinances (ORD-25-06)
Ordinance amendments will update standards for Fire Prevention from 2015 International Fire Code (IFC) to the 2021 edition of IFC. References to the 2015 IFC will be changed to 2021 IFC. Changes highlighted by staff include stricter provisions for fire safety in high-rise buildings, new technology integrated into communication systems, new measures to balance fire safety with security concerns (door-locking), and guidelines for green building materials to mitigate fire hazards.
PH-3/B-3 (25-0420) An Ordinance to Add Chapter 35 (Sustainable Energy Utility) to Title II (Utilities and Services) of the Code of the City of Ann Arbor (ORD-25-07)
An ordinance will be added to City code, in order to establish a Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU). The SEU will an opt-in, fee-based supplemental energy utility to provide renewably-sourced energy and other energy-related services in the City. The ordinance establishes a governing structure, rules and regulations for the SEU. Key points:
- An Enterprise Fund will be established in order to finance any improvements. This fund will account for operations so that costs will be recovered from customer charges. City Council will set rates and charges.
- Facilities and infrastructure built and purchased will be owned by the City of Ann Arbor
- The City administrator will appoint a director tasked with planning and coordinating with City departments (Public Works and Office of Sustainability & Innovations), submitting annual reports, and meeting state and federal regulatory requirements
Ordinances – Second Reading
In order to amend the city code, Council must vote to approve the change, via ordinance, at two Council meetings. The following proposed ordinances were approved at a previous Council meeting, and are also subject to a public hearing as listed above.
B-1 (25-0201) is the same as PH-1 above.
B-2 (25-0385) is the same as PH-2 above.
B-3 (25-0420) is the same as PH-3 above.
Ordinances – First Reading
In order to amend the city code, Council must vote to approve the change, via ordinance, at two Council meetings. The following proposed ordinances are being introduced for “first reading”. If approved, the ordinance will be voted on at a subsequent Council meeting (“second reading”), where it will also be subject to a public hearing.
C-1 (25-0675) An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 34 (Gas Franchise) and Replace it with a New Heating Franchise And Adopt Accompanying Agreement Regarding Climate Action
An ordinance referring to the local gas franchise with DTE will be amended, defining a shorter commitment.
As explained in the Legistar text:
“Rather than lasting 30 years like a typical gas franchise, this franchise only lasts until 2035, signaling to DTE Gas, developers, and residents that the City is exploring alternatives for heating that better align with A2ZERO goals (geothermal, electric heat pumps, etc.). This does not mean the City could not choose to enter another franchise with DTE Gas (or another utility) at the end of this franchise term, but another franchise is not guaranteed.”
As part of the terms of the agreement, DTE will fund $500,000 in grants to landlords making energy efficiency improvements. DTE will also invest in physical offices of the Local UA 190 Plumbers and Pipefitters union and make direct payments to two other labor unions: $50,000 per calendar year for three years to Local UA 190 and another $50,000 per calendar year for three years to Local UWUA 223. For more on this, see my “Additional Thoughts” section below.
Motions and Resolutions
The following agenda items are motions and resolutions, which are approved or rejected in a single meeting. Agenda items marked “DC” are proposed by Council members, items marked “DB” are proposed by City boards and commissions, items marked “DS” are proposed by City staff.
DC-1 (25-0583) Resolution to Authorize the City Administrator to Negotiate City Participation in the Arbor South Project, Including Potentially Owning, Operating, and Bonding for Parking Decks
By resolution, the City Administrator would be directed to enter the “next stage” of negotiation with a developer – Oxford Companies – in order for the City to fund the construction of parking decks at a private development called Arbor South. Attached to this resolution is a memo explaining how City participation is necessary in order to generate adequate “return on equity” (ROE) and adequate “internal rate of return” (IRR) for the developer (Oxford).
In other words: the City investment is necessary to subsidize profitability for the investors and owners of Arbor South. With City support, the internal rate of return for Oxford is predicted to be 16.06%.
As explained in a report attached to this weeks resolution:
[T]he Developer’s request of the City’s participation via the financing of the structured parking elements of the proposed Southside Redevelopment by the City is necessary to meet the typical investment hurdle for a multi-phases mixed-use project.
City-subsidized parking decks would require the issuance of an estimated $146 million in bonds. The City would purchase land from the private developer, cover the cost of construction, and assume ownership of the decks. City ownership will reduce future tax liability for the private developer. The City would be responsible for an estimated annual cost of $1.9 million to operate the decks, potentially covered by whatever income might be generated from user fees. The report explains:
A City-financed structured parking facility as initially proposed provides the project the lowest cost of capital and reduces the net operating costs of the structured parking by eliminating property taxes on the structured parking. However, in the City-financed option, the City is taking on the project risk such that if the parking garage [net operating income] and [tax incremental financing] revenue is not sufficient to cover the debt service, the City’s general fund represents the source of payment for the shortfall.
https://a2gov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=13924288&GUID=6F15DD75-F479-4A99-813B-833F82281E8B
The report (linked above) calculates relative advantage to the City in terms of potential net operating revenue for the garages and future tax revenue from the Arbor South development covering the cost to service the debt (bonds).
If approved, the resolution will lead to the negotiation of agreements, preparation of bond issuances, and special assessment districts for the Arbor South development that Council would approve.
You can learn more about South Arbor and watch a public engagement meeting for the development that was held in January 2024:
https://a2council.com/777-e-eisenhower-oxford-resident-participation-meeting-january-9-2024/
In November 2024, City Council heard presentations regarding public subsidy of these parking decks to meet the needs of the planned Arbor South development. You can watch a summary of that meeting here:
DC-2 (25-0668) Resolution to Approve Amendments to the Council Rules
Changes to Council Rules cover several topics. The procedure of “tabling” is defined: an item subject to tabling will be considered abandoned at the end of the next regular Council meeting. An agenda item may be “postponed indefinitely” and reintroduced within six months. Expanded rules explain that Council’s new annual travel budget – $5,000 per member, per year – can be used for international as well as domestic travel. Neither the Mayor nor anyone else will “approve” reimbursements. Council will monitor and regulate itself: “City staff’s role in processing reimbursements shall be ministerial and Council shall be responsible for monitoring and regulating Council member reimbursement requests.”
DC-3 (25-0738) Resolution Reaffirming Ann Arbor City Council’s Commitment to Vision Zero, Reduction in Vehicle Miles Traveled, and Ensuring Citywide Alignment on Transportation Goals
By resolution, Council will reaffirm its commitment to reducing injuries and deaths on City roads and also reducing vehicle miles travelled. The City administrator is directed to coordinate with City departments and community partners and align City projects and City budgets in support of these goals.
(REMOVED) DC-4 (25-0752) Resolution to Return $2.0 Million to the General Fund Fund Balance
A resolution would direct that $2 million previously allocated to a Phase 2 municipalization study be returned to the General Fund balance. This resolution was only on the agenda for one day. It was added on April 3rd, and deleted on April 4th.
DC-5 (25-0761) Resolution Regarding the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Low-Rise Residential Density
By resolution, Council communicates its preferences regarding the Comprehensive Land Use Plan currently being written by Mayoral appointees on the City Planning Commission. Council requests that the Planning Commission establish a height limit of 35 feet (three stories) in residential neighborhoods and that the Planning Commission consider various “tools that are known to fit denser development harmoniously into neighborhood contexts.”
Additional Thoughts…
I also published this on my website:
https://a2elnel.com/post/money-back-forth-elected-leaders-labor-unions/
Money Back & Forth: Elected Leaders & Labor Unions
This week, City Council will consider first reading of an ordinance amendment to renew and add terms to Ann Arbor’s utility service agreement with DTE Gas. Two years ago, elected leaders boasted that in negotiating a new agreement, the City would promote carbon neutrality and reduced pollution. The agreement on this week’s agenda includes very few commitments toward those goals. As negotiated by the City: DTE has agreed to fund $500,000 in grants to landlords and $300,000 in direct payments to labor unions.
C-1 (25-0675) An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 34 (Gas Franchise) and Replace it with a New Heating Franchise And Adopt Accompanying Agreement Regarding Climate Action
BACKGROUND
The City’s current agreement with DTE Gas was established in 1997 with a term of 30 years (through 2027). A new agreement will last ten years. As explained in the staff memo:
Rather than lasting 30 years like a typical gas franchise, this franchise only lasts until 2035, signaling to DTE Gas, developers, and residents that the City is exploring alternatives for heating that better align with A2ZERO goals (geothermal, electric heat pumps, etc.). This does not mean the City could not choose to enter another franchise with DTE Gas (or another utility) at the end of this franchise term, but another franchise is not guaranteed.
Renegotiation of this contract was prompted by a resolution two years ago. In 2023, MLive reported:
[C]ity officials are hoping it brings DTE to the negotiation table on moving away from gas.
…
“Residents in Ann Arbor are demanding reliable, affordable, healthy and safe energy and our A2Zero plan calls for carbon-neutrality by 2030,” said Council Member Jen Eyer, D-4th Ward, one of the council leads on the issue.
…
“The fact that the franchise is up gives us an opportunity to have those discussions with DTE,” she said, adding she doesn’t want to presume the outcome.
…
“This is a great time to begin talking with DTE about how we can reduce dangerous pollution and provide more energy choices for our residents,” she said, suggesting Ann Arbor’s transition away from gas could serve as a model for the country.
“OPPORTUNITY” AND OUTCOME
This week, we see the outcome of a renegotiated gas franchise: an initial “work plan” with very few details. DTE commits to generally “collaborate” and “reasonably support” and “reasonably assist” and “reasonably work together” and “reasonably pursue” various projects with the City. In reference to one initiative, the agreement includes explanation: “DTE will determine in its sole discretion, the level of financial support.” Apart from a schedule for meetings and regular reports, the only hard commitments extracted from DTE are $500,000 to benefit property owners (landlords, specifically) and $300,000 in direct payments to labor unions.
DTE commits $500,000 in support of property improvements at rental properties (i.e. money for landlords):
“The Parties will jointly design an energy efficiency pilot program specifically focused on renters and landlords located in the City. As part of such program, DTE will make available $500,000 in energy efficiency incentives to program participants.”
The work plan refers to City plans to directly invest in the Local UA 190 Plumbers and Pipefitters office, with unspecified support from DTE:
“DTE agrees to reasonably support, the City’s third-party fundraising activities (e.g., government funding and/or private funding), for the potential installation of a geothermal training center at the Local UA 190 Plumbers and Pipefitters office that can be used for technical career training.”
Additionally, DTE agrees to make payments adding up to $300,000 to labor unions, in support of training and workforce development:
“DTE agrees to provide $50,000 per calendar year for three years to Local UA 190 to support the implementation of the Training Plan and another $50,000 per calendar year for three years to Local UWUA 223 to support additional thermal energy network and/or geothermal system workforce development.”
You can read the whole work plan here:
https://a2gov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=14000152&GUID=37DEAA61-89F5-4670-8985-E8C33C51A643
RETURN ON INVESTMENT: LABOR UNIONS
In recent years, political action committees (PACs) affiliated with labor unions have shoveled enormous amounts of money into our local elections to influence outcomes. Campaign finance reports show labor union PAC donations of over $35,000 to Mayor Christopher Taylor and current members of City Council, plus $75,000 in opposition to local campaign finance and electoral reforms on the 2024 ballot.
Donations listed in official campaign finance reports are only the tip of the iceberg. Recently, Ann Arbor has seen more and more political campaigns funded by “dark money,” which is harder (but not impossible) to trace. E.g. In 2024, labor union PACs funded multiple mailers in opposition to campaign finance reform and electoral reform.
https://www.mlive.com/politics/2024/10/fake-trump-ads-are-latest-twist-in-debate-over-ann-arbor-ballot-proposals.html
Labor union funding for those “dark money” mailers was in addition to the $75,000 reported as direct donations opposing campaign finance and electoral reform on the 2024 ballot.
This big money game began in 2018 with the Plumbers and Pipefitters union; coincidentally, one of the three unions that will benefit from this week’s “work plan” with DTE.
In 2018, the Plumbers and Pipefitters union funded “dark money” political mailers in the City of Ann Arbor, attacking candidates for local office. MLive reported that all but one of the targeted candidates were “opponents of the City Council majority led by Mayor Christopher Taylor.” The mailers were sent from an entity called Great Lakes Renaissance Fund, whose executive director was TJ Bucholz of Vanguard Public Affairs. MLive reported on it at the time.
https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2018/08/dark_money_attacks_on_ann_arbo.html
FRIENDS & FAVORS
In her 2020 campaign for City Council, Jen Eyer consistently advertised herself as a “small business owner” due to her partnership with TJ Bucholz at Vanguard Public Affairs (the same Bucholz who, in 2018, directed dark money mailers funded by Plumbers and Pipefitters). Four months after Eyer’s election to Council, multiple women accused Bucholz of sexual harassment; Eyer was accused of ignoring their complaints and “enabling” Bucholz.
https://www.lansingcitypulse.com/stories/ann-arbor-councilwoman-outed-as-enabler-at-vanguard-public-affairs,16387
Shortly after the publication of that article (above), Eyer denied any ownership interest in Vanguard Public Affairs, explaining to MLive that her campaign advertising had been dishonest:
https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2021/03/ann-arbor-council-member-campaigned-as-small-business-owner-now-admits-that-wasnt-true.html
Vanguard Public Affairs no longer exists. Eyer currently owns a consulting business and describes herself this way:
“Jen specializes in promoting labor unions and social advocacy organizations. Jen also serves on the Ann Arbor City Council, where she championed and passed the city’s groundbreaking Best Value Contracting policy.”
https://www.eyerconsulting.com/
The “Best Value Contracting” policy fundamentally changed how public dollars are spent. For years, the City has imposed extra requirements for all contractors: companies doing work for the City must pay a higher wage (“prevailing wage”) and document the benefits that they provide their workers. A committee of City staff assess hundreds of pages in bid documents and score competing bids among companies willing to meet those extra requirements. Prior to 2021, staff made recommendations for contracts based on who met those requirements as the “lowest responsible bidder.”
As applied by the current Council, a new “best value contracting” policy now awards City contracts to much higher, more expensive bids. More concerning: those awards can now happen arbitrarily, outside of any staff review. Three times, Eyer has led last-minute maneuvers at the Council table to switch contractors: rejecting staff recommendations in order to give City work to specific companies she preferred. Since it was approved in 2021, the “Best Value Contracting” policy has cost the city millions of dollars. You can learn more about that in this video:
WHY THIS MATTERS
In 2023, when City Council passed a resolution to pursue a new agreement with DTE Gas, elected leaders suggested that it was an opportunity to promote conversion to electricity and clean energy. This week, a new work plan includes very little that would push us toward those stated goals. Instead, the City negotiated for DTE to make $300,000 in payments to labor unions to fund “geothermal workforce development.”
Is there a need for more qualified people, trained to work in geothermal? Perhaps.
The Michigan state department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) offers financial assistance for education and training in clean energy. Any 501(c)(3) organization, 501(c)(6) organization, or small business located in Michigan is eligible to apply and compete for these state funds.
https://www.michigan.gov/egle/about/organization/materials-management/energy/rfps-loans/energy-workforce
In contrast to the EGLE program – funding made available to any nonprofit or local business for education and training – the City of Ann Arbor has persuaded DTE to make direct payments to specific recipients who happen to support their political campaigns.
Why did the City want DTE to provide $300,000 in payments to labor unions rather than make investments that would more directly benefit the City residents who use DTE Gas? In an agreement that includes so few specific terms, how and why would the City prioritize these payments?
This week, no member of City Council asked any questions about these payments or anything else in the negotiated work plan with DTE. Instead, Council members asked four questions about road reconfigurations.
Thank you for taking the time to be informed about our local government!
Elizabeth Nelson