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, the Ann Arbor City Council meeting includes four public hearings: amended zoning for the redevelopment of State/Stimson into “SouthTown” (B-1), the establishment of a Business Improvement Zone (“BIZ”) at State & Eisenhower (DS-1), the annexation of 2862 Stone School Road (DB-1), and the annexation of 3801 Stone School Road (DB-2). On the rest of the agenda, Council will consider a resolution directing training and prevention related to hate crimes (DC-1), and a rezoning on Nixon Road to allow expansion of the Owl Creek apartment community (C-1).
This week’s Consent Agenda includes – for the third time – an omitted item: a grant from the Michigan State Police to fund community programs. Approval and appropriation of this grant has now briefly appeared on three Council agendas but has been removed before it could be considered in a meeting.
One other item on the Consent Agenda has prompted concerns from the community: a $980,000 grant from SEMCOG and a $1,250,000 contract with DTE to accelerate the conversion of street lights to much more efficient LED (CA-5). The details of the contract with DTE has prompted questions because in 2021, City Council approved extensive amendments to the City’s outdoor lighting ordinance.
https://a2gov.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=5069411&GUID=3A107615-3220-468B-8ADC-9673EE60BA5C
The 2021 amendments addressed color spectrum management, glare, illuminance, and specific standards for “light trespass” on neighboring properties. Local activists and City commissioners who worked on those 2021 amendments now raise concerns that the lighting proposed by DTE will be overly bright in neighborhoods, will require shielding (not mentioned in the terms of the grant), and will negatively impact ecosystems.
Read reporting from MLive on the 2021 amendments:
https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2021/09/new-ann-arbor-law-aims-to-protect-night-skies-from-light-pollution.html
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
Council Administration Committee: July 9, 2024
This is a recording I made of a Zoom audio meeting held on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 by the Ann Arbor Council Administration Committee. Video was not made available.
https://a2council.com/council-administration-committee-july-9-2024/
City Attorney Kaur presented updates from City Administrator Dohoney about:
- An art donation from UM for City Hall
- Plans to issue an RFP for a consultant for the reparations study requested by Council
- Planning for an Unarmed Response Program
- The City is searching for a new Transportation Manager
City Attorney Kaur presented updates from the City Attorney’s office:
- Council Training and Travel: Deciding the process to spend $5000/year per Council Member for travel expenses. This was approved as part of the FY25 budget at the May 20, 2024 Council Meeting.
- Council Communications Preferences: Deciding the process to spend $100,000/year on mailers for the Mayor and Council Members. This was approved as a FY25 budget amendment at the May 20, 2024 Council Meeting. At the Admin meeting of June 11, 2024 (https://a2council.com/council-administration-committee-june-11-2024/) plans were discussed to send every resident of Ann Arbor three mailers/postcards – one from the Mayor, and one from each of the Ward Council Members.
- At this meeting, City Attorney Kaur presented the opinion that for efficiency there should be one mailer. She will be working with City staff to develop a template with space for the Mayor and two Council Members.
- In apparent opposition to the idea of a single mailer, Mayor Taylor presented a hypothetical situation: “I appreciate the desire to, you know, to reduce the number of mailings, but I certainly, you know, Jones and Smith are at each other’s throats, and now Jones and Smith are, you know, on ‘Team Mailer’. Like, ‘here you are together’, and maybe the Mayor, you know, is cranky with both of them. And now they’re all together on this mailer.” (timestamp 30min 50sec)
- For more about the travel and mailer expenses approved by Council, see: A2ELNEL: Ann Arbor Budget: Council Cashing In
313-327 Braun Court Citizen Participation Meeting: July 11, 2024
This is my recording of a citizen participation meeting held on July 11, 2024 to review a proposed seven story condominium on the former site of Braun Court in Ann Arbor. The meeting was led by representatives from Midwestern Consulting, along with the developer WRE Braun LLC, and architecture firm Lorcan O’Herlihy Architects (LOHA). According to MLive, the seven properties of the former Braun Court were purchased by Wickford Properties.
https://a2council.com/313-327-braun-court-citizen-participation-meeting-july-11-2024/
From the meeting notice:
The potential project includes redevelopment of the site as a residential condominium building. The proposed seven-story building is roughly 89,000 square feet in gross floor area and would include approximately 35-40 residential units. Parking will be provided beneath the proposed building and will include approximately 53 vehicle spaces and 22 bicycle spaces. The proposed building would also include outdoor spaces such as courtyards, terraces, rooftop decks, and balconies. The associated stormwater management infrastructure and utility improvements are also proposed. Vehicle access to the site is proposed from the existing alley between N Fourth Avenue and N Main Street. The proposed development would require demolition and removal of the current structures.
1209 S University Ave Citizen Participation Meeting: July 11, 2024
This is my recording of a citizen participation meeting held on July 11, 2024 to review a proposed 19 story apartment building “Chapter” at 1209 S University Ave in Ann Arbor. The meeting was led by local architect J Bradley Moore and the developer CRG. Other partners mentioned include Hughes Properties, Lamar Johnson Collaborative, and Shapack Partners.
https://a2council.com/1209-s-university-ave-citizen-participation-meeting-july-11-2024/
From the meeting notice:
The property owner is proposing to construct a high-rise apartment building containing approximately 150 dwellings in a mixture of 1,2,4,5 & 6 bedroom units. The proposed site includes properties currently addressed as 1201 through 1213 S. University (odd numbers only)
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 July 15, 2024 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=1141278&GUID=AF5CC25D-96B1-49F9-8764-7F24381D0FFA
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 Clerk’s webpage about electronic meetings, section “City Council Public Commentary Time”
https://www.a2gov.org/departments/city-clerk/Pages/Virtual-Meetings-.aspx
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-2 (24-1358) Agenda Response Memo and eComments – July 15, 2024
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 (24-1369) Appointments and Nominations for July 15, 2024
This appointment from the Mayor is being presented at this meeting, and will therefore be voted on at the next Council meeting.
- Patricia Laskowsky – Zoning Board of Appeals
MC-2 (24-1374) Appointments to the Renters Commission (1- Step Appointment, 8 Votes Required)
These appointments from the Mayor are being presented at this meeting, and will be voted on in this meeting in a “one-step process”. Eight votes are required.
- Hanna Larchinese – Renters Commission
- Barbara Wood – Renters Commission
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 (24-1318) Resolution to Close Main Street from William to Huron and Liberty Street from Main to State on Saturday, August 3, 2024 from 7:00 AM until 11:00 PM for Ann Arbor Pride 2024
CA-2 (24-1317) Resolution to Approve Street Closure of Washington Street between Fletcher and Thayer Streets for the University of Michigan Go Blue Mix on Friday, August 30, 2024 from 3:00 PM until 1:00 AM on Saturday, August 31, 2024
CA-3 (24-1329) Resolution to Approve Professional Services Agreement for On-Call Third Party Building, Rental, and Planning Services with Carlisle/Wortman Associates, Inc.
CA-4 (24-1163) Resolution to Authorize a Sole Source Purchase Order to Michigan Lighting Systems East in the amount of $185,060.00 for Spring City Street Light Poles and Associated Fixtures and Luminaires and to Appropriate $120,000.00 from the Central Stores Unobligated Fund Balance (8 Votes Required)
CA-5 (24-1200) Resolution to Accept Carbon Reduction Program Grant Funds from Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, Execute a Contract with DTE Energy to Convert DTE Streetlights to LED Technology ($1,250,000.00) and Appropriate Funding (8 Votes Required)
CA-6 (24-1164) Resolution to Approve Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with OHM Advisors for General Civil Engineering and Surveying Services (Additional $900,000.00 for a Contract Total of $1,650,000.00)
CA-7 (24-1207) Resolution to Approve a Professional Services Agreements with Sam Schwartz Consulting, LLC for Safe Streets for All Grant Coordination ($1,073,636.22) and to Appropriate $855,000.00 from the Climate Action Millage Fund (8 Votes Required)
CA-8 (24-1222) Resolution to Approve a Purchase Order to BSB Communications, Inc. and Appropriate the Necessary Funds to Purchase a One Year Support Agreement for the City’s Mitel Phone System ($79,487.29) (Sourcewell Contract# 0022719-MBS)
CA-9 (24-1252) Resolution to Approve a Purchase Order for the Rental of Refuse Trucks from Premier Truck Sales & Rental Inc. (Sourcewell – NTE $286,900.00)
CA-10 (24-1295) Resolution to Approve an Agreement with the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office for Weapons Screening Services in the Ann Arbor Justice Center (NTE $254,000.00)
CA-11 (24-1297) Resolution to Approve a Lease with Washtenaw County for Vehicle and Equipment Storage in the Vehicle Storage Building at 2000 S. Industrial (Total Rent for 3 Years – $54,090.75) (8 Votes Required)
CA-12 (24-1014) Resolution to Approve a Community-Based Crisis Response Pilot Grant Contract with the Michigan State Police and to Accept a Grant in the Amount of $483,000.00 (8 Votes Required)
This item was deleted from the Agenda on 7/9/2024
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 (24-0988) An Ordinance to Amend the Zoning Map, Being a Part of Section 5.10.2 of Chapter 55 of Title V of the Code of the City of Ann Arbor, of 1.7 Acres from C1A/R With [2023] Conditions (Campus Business Residential) to C1A/R With [2024] Conditions (Campus Business Residential), Southtown Rezoning (CPC Recommendation: Approval – 9 Yeas and 0 Nays) (ORD-24-13)
A developer has requested an amendment to zoning approved less than a year ago. In September 2023, a 1.7 acre block at State/Stimson was rezoned from R4C (Multiple Family Residential) to C1A/R (Campus Business Residential) in order to permit the construction of a development (“SouthTown by 4M”) that includes 216 dwelling units with a 54 space parking garage.
The terms of the rezoning approved in 2023 added conditions, including a limitation on natural gas hookups:
“the property shall have no natural gas connections except for emergency back-up power”
The developer now requests an amendment to change this condition to:
“the property will demonstrate continuous microgrid at 60-75% less carbon intensity (CI) than electricity incumbent DTE”
The City Planning Commission approved the original rezoning to C1A/R for the Southtown development on June 21, 2023:
https://a2council.com/ann-arbor-city-planning-commission-june-21-2023/
Council approved the rezoning to C1A/R on Aug 7, 2023:
https://a2council.com/ann-arbor-city-council-august-7-2023/
The City Planning Commission approved this week’s proposed zoning amendment on May 7, 2024:
https://a2council.com/ann-arbor-city-planning-commission-may-7-2024/
According to the Planning staff report, the developer plans to “generate its own electricity from fuel cells using renewable natural gas fuels or hydrogen fuels”
https://a2gov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=13008346&GUID=13DB7758-DCCE-40B8-BCFD-6085ED7FFBD3
A letter from the Southtown designer explains that the developers plan to utilize renewable natural gas (RNG) from “agricultural emissions or via biodigestion, if commercially available.” The developer plans to eventually shift to “green hydrogen” or “blue hydrogen” neither of which is yet commercially available. If unavailable, the developer plans to purchase RNG from DTE.
https://a2gov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=13008347&GUID=EBAA2897-3FFC-40A4-9755-684DD75831CB
At a recent Council meeting, the current chair of the City’s Environmental Commission raised concerns that RNG from factory farms generates the same harmful pollutants as the fossil fuel industry. For more on how RNG has been promoted by the fossil fuel industry, see:
https://www.rewiringamerica.org/circuit-breakers/renewable-gas
The Conservation Law Foundation describes “renewable natural gas” as greenwashing:
https://www.clf.org/blog/the-truth-about-renewable-natural-gas/
For more information about the developer of Southtown and the rezoning approved nine months ago, see:
PH-2/DB-1 (24-1220) Resolution to Approve the 2862 Stone School Road Annexation, 2.65 Acres, 2862 Stone School Road (CPC Recommendation: Approval – 8 Yeas and 0 Nays)
A township island of 2.65 acres at 2862 Stone School Road will be annexed into the City. It is currently in the City’s water sewer service area. After annexation, Council will consider the recommended zoning of PL (Public Land District), which is consistent with adjacent zoning, land uses, and the comprehensive plan.
This annexation was approved by the Planning Commission in May 2024:
https://a2council.com/ann-arbor-city-planning-commission-may-21-2024/
This parcel was purchased by Ann Arbor Public Schools, and will be used for expansion of the Pathways to Success campus:
https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2021/08/land-purchase-will-help-ann-arbor-schools-expand-pathways-campus.html
PH-3/DB-2 (24-1225) Resolution to Approve the 3801 Stone School Road Annexation, 3 Acres, 3801 Stone School Road (CPC Recommendation: Approval – 8 Yeas and 0 Nays)
A township island of 3 acres at 3801 Stone School will be annexed into the City. It is currently in the City’s water and sewer service area. After annexation, Council will consider the recommended zoning of PL (Public Land District), which is consistent with adjacent zoning, land uses, and the comprehensive plan.
This annexation was approved by the Planning Commission in May 2024:
https://a2council.com/ann-arbor-city-planning-commission-may-21-2024/
This parcel is owned by Ann Arbor Public Schools, and is adjacent to Bryant Elementary.
PH-4/DS-1 (24-1330) Resolution to Approve the State Street Business Improvement Zone
Property owners at the intersection of Eisenhower and State Street have petitioned the City to establish a State Street Business Improvement Zone (“BIZ”) for ten years. The proposed zone includes most of the Transit Corridor zoning district in that area, plus Briarwood Mall.
The State of Michigan allows the creation of these districts where property owners seek to collaboratively fund projects and services through assessments. Only commercial properties will pay into the “BIZ.” The petitioners propose future improvement of medians with planters, landscaping with flower beds,“gateway” signage, and marketing of the district as a unique location for research, innovation, retail, and office space. They estimate an annual budget of $143,593.
If approved by Council, all property owners in the zoned area will vote on the establishment of the State Street BIZ; it must be approved by 60% of property owners.
Since 2010, property owners on Main Street downtown have maintained a “BIZ” district. Read about the Main Street BIZ here:
https://www.annarbormainstreetbiz.com/
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 (24-0988) is the same as PH-1 above
New Business – Boards and Commissions
DB-1 (24-1220) is the same as PH-2 above
DB-2 (24-1225) is the same as PH-3 above
DS-1 (24-1330) is the same as PH-4 above
DS-2 (24-0990) Resolution to Approve the First Amendment to Southtown Development Agreement (1601 S State St)
The development agreement for the 1.7 acre block at State/Stimson will be amended at the request of the developer, 4M LLC (see PH-1/B-1). The proposed amendment will remove a prohibition on natural gas connections and set targeted goals for reduced carbon intensity through the use of fuel cells.
The developer plans to make use of a product called “renewable natural gas” if it is commercially available. By January 1, 2035, the developer agrees to transition to green or blue hydrogen if commercially available. The developer then plans to employ carbon capture technology, which is not yet commercially available. If the proposed plan for reduced carbon intensity fails, the developer will buy carbon offsets.
The development agreement requires annual reporting to the City: fuel type and carbon capture, energy use by fuel type and source, carbon intensity calculations, detailed proof of purchase for RNG or green hydrogen, and evidence of carbon offset purchases.
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 (24-1031) An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 55 (Zoning), Rezoning of 27.65 Acres from R4A (Multiple-Family District) to R4D (Multiple-Family District) with the condition that the maximum height is 75 feet, Owl Creek Phase 2 Rezoning, 3380 Nixon Road (CPC Recommendation: Approval – 9 Yeas and 0 Nays)
An area of 27.65 acres at 3380 Nixon Road will be rezoned from R4A (Multiple Family District) to R4D (Multiple-Family District) to allow the construction of a five story residential building with 131 apartments. This will expand an existing residential community called Owl Creek, which currently has three three-story apartment buildings and 264 apartments. The rezoning includes conditions: a maximum height of 75 feet and a contribution of $81,875 to parks.
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 (24-1351) Resolution to Enhance Ann Arbor Police Department Training on Hate Crime Prevention, Investigation and Response
By resolution, Council directs the City Administrator to ensure that the Police Department is trained in preventing and responding to hate crimes and provide updates Council. Council also directs the City Attorney’s office to offer legal updates to the Police Department on the investigation, prevention, and response to hate crimes. Council will re-affirm its commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Thank you for taking the time to be informed about our local government!
Elizabeth Nelson