Hello neighbors!
This week, Ann Arbor City Council considers a long agenda. At first reading, Council will consider new ordinances to increase the value of purchases/sales that can occur without a vote of Council (C-3) and temporarily relax location restrictions for marijuana businesses (C-4). Two rezonings will facilitate development of a large parcel near Cranbrook Village (C-1) and allow continued (legal) storage on a small parcel at Argus Farm Stop (C-2). By resolution, Council will officially express support for the north segment of the Tree Line Trail to help the Treeline Conservancy fundraise (DC-4).
The Consent Agenda this week includes several items I found interesting. See CA-2, CA-10, CA-14 and CA-16 below. These items prompted no questions from members of City Council. If no one raises any concerns at the meeting, all nineteen items on the Consent Agenda (including these) will be approved in a single vote without any discussion.
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 September 2, 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
Council Policy Agenda Committee: August 25, 2025
This is a recording I made of a Zoom audio meeting held on August 25, 2025 by the Ann Arbor Council Policy Agenda Committee. Video was not made available.
https://a2council.com/council-policy-agenda-committee-august-25-2025/
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, September 15 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=1251589&GUID=5AC9BED4-5D67-42E9-8431-09CAED0869A1
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-1 (25-1616) Agenda Response Memo and eComments – September 15, 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 (25-1563) Appointments – Confirmations
These appointments from the Mayor were presented at the previous meeting, and will therefore be voted on at this Council meeting.
- Steven Fisher – Downtown Development Authority
- Will Brinkerhoff – Public Market Advisory Commission
- Marcus Flores – Public Market Advisory Commission
- Jenna Carter – Ann Arbor Public Art Commission
- John Jourden – Ann Arbor Public Art Commission
MC-2 (25-1614) Appointments and Nominations for September 15, 2025
This appointment from the Mayor is being presented at this meeting, and will therefore be voted on at the next Council meeting.
- Michael Cole – Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA)
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 (25-1467) Resolution to Approve First Amendment to the 1208 South University Development Agreement (1208 South University Avenue)
CA-2 (25-1532) Resolution to Approve a Professional Services Agreement with American Eagle Co, Inc. d/b/a Q+M for Media and Creative Services in Support of the City’s Updated On-Street Snow Parking Ban ($271,000.00) (RFP No. 25-22)
A $271,000 contract for “media and creative services” will provide a “comprehensive public education campaign” over three years. Of that sum, $70,000 is fees for professional services and the remaining $201,000 will pay for advertising and educational materials. The campaign will educate and raise awareness about a new policy for on-street parking bans during snow events.
Thirteen agencies bid on this contract and had the opportunity to ask questions about the job. A document of their questions and staff answers is particularly revealing.
https://www.a2gov.org/media/n4dbmqne/rfp_25-22_addendum1.pdf
From that Q&A:
The City seeks an experienced individual or agency to plan and place paid ads in traditional and digital media. The selected firm will not handle creative development but will provide input to tailor material to the channels used and analyze ad performance to optimize channel effectiveness
…
The city has an internal team to manage the website, free social media channels, develop messaging, graphics and most video needs. The city is looking for a agency/individual that will help us navigate and place ads in traditional and digital media markets and consult on how we can tailor messaging for different paid advertising platforms
The complete questions and answers about this contract clarify what the City expects to receive for $271,000.
CA-3 (25-1478) Resolution to Certify Seven Streets for the Purpose of Obtaining Funds under Act 51, P.A. 1951 as Amended
CA-4 (25-1527) Resolution to Approve a Sole Source General Services Agreement with Access Michigan LLC To Perform Repairs on Vertiv/Liebert Units at the Water Resource Recovery Facility ($46,068.00)
CA-5 (25-1528) Resolution to Authorize the Purchase of a Portable Diesel Generator from Cummins Sale and Service Inc. for Use by the Water Resource Recovery Facility (Sourcewell – $84,083.00)
CA-6 (25-1461) Resolution to Approve a Construction Contract with Bloom Roofing Systems, Inc. in the Amount of $218,894.00 to Replace Portions of the Roof at the Water Treatment Plant (RFP 25-13) and Appropriate $218,894.00 from the Water Supply System Fund Balance (8 Votes Required)
CA-7 (25-1458) Resolution to Approve a Best Source Purchase Order with Northern Boiler and Mechanical Contractors, Inc. for New Filter Press Bomb Bay Doors ($40,638.08)
CA-8 (25-1526) Resolution to Approve a Sole Source Best Source Purchase Order with Trojan Technologies Corp. for UV Train Parts ($50,000.00)
CA-9 (25-1495) Resolution to Authorize the Purchase of Golf Course Equipment from Spartan Distributors Inc. (Omnia Partners – $227,705.70)
CA-10 (25-1582) Resolution to Approve a Construction Contract with PHX Construction, Inc. d/b/a Phoenix Contractors, Inc., Establish the Project Budget, and Appropriate Funds for the Renovation of the Election Center Facility (RFP 25-30) ($2,548.446.00) (8 Votes Required)
A contract for $2,416,691.00 will fund renovations at the City’s new Election Center at 3021 Miller Road.
In 2023, this property was purchased for $2.8 million from Oxford Companies, whose CEO is a major campaign donor to the Mayor and members of City Council. Council approved the use of $828,250 in Affordable Housing Millage Funds to buy this property; these funds were extracted from the Housing Commission with explanation that the money was needed for the election center. Since at least 2021, the Housing Commission has been working to develop affordable housing on City-owned property at 350 S. Fifth (the Y lot). Shortly before the purchase of the election center, the City “sold” 350 S. Fifth to the City’s Housing Commission at full-market value, effectively transferring over $6 million in Affordable Housing Millage revenue back into the City’s General Fund.
This week’s contract for renovations is considerably higher than estimates just two years ago. In considering the purchase of this property, the City relied advice from the seller about how much it would cost to renovate. A memo (link) from September 1, 2023 explained:
Oxford Companies made their design team at Yellowstone Construction, their in-house construction company, available to meet with our staff to determine design needs
…
Their estimate rendered a cost of $1.34 million, which we believe is a reliable figure in FY23 but will likely grow over time as costs rise.
…
We will be unable to render a more precise figure until we hire a design and engineering firm that can provide detailed construction plans for the building and program construction costs.
This week’s contract for renovations on the election center – $2,416,691 – is 80% higher than what the City accepted as a “reliable figure” from the seller in 2023. With the approval of this contract, the City will have invested over $5 million in the new election center.
CA-11 (25-1580) Resolution to Approve a Grant Agreement and Accept Funds from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity in the Amount of $249,843.00 for the AmeriCorps Program, and Appropriate Funds ($647,662.00) (8 Votes Required)
CA-12 (25-1501) Resolution to Approve the City’s Participation in the Settlements of National Prescription Opiate Litigation Against Opioid Manufacturers Alovgen, Amneal, Hikman, Indivior, Mylan, Sun and Zydus, and Against Purdue Pharma and its Owners the Sackler Family
CA-13 (25-1557) Resolution to Approve the Proposed Settlement Agreement in Michigan Public Service Commission Case No. U-21909 Regarding Implementation of a Performance Based Ratemaking Mechanism for DTE Electric Company
CA-14 (25-1586) Resolution to Approve a First Amended Consent Judgment for Peters Building Co. and Robert Weber v. City of Ann Arbor, Case No. 18-822-NZ
The future development of 7.7 acres at 2857 Packard Road will include more options if Council approves an amended consent judgement.
This parcel was the subject of litigation when a historic home and a stand of woodland (including landmark trees) were threatened by a development. In November 2017, City Council rejected a site plan for the property and in August 2018, the property owner (Robert Weber) sued the City. That litigation ended in a consent judgement.
The 2020 consent judgement was issued by a judge and approved by City Council. It included a specific site plan for 51 residential homes: 25 single-family residential lots, and 26 attached residential units in four buildings. The project was required to maintain 54% open space and preserve 75 trees. The plan expired in 2022.
In March 2025 by resolution (link), City Council directed the City Administrator to renegotiate terms for the development of 2857 Packard through a revised consent judgement.
https://a2council.com/ann-arbor-city-council-march-17-2025/
This week’s revised consent judgement provides for a new “alternative” site plan that could include up to 40 residential homes with a first-floor bedroom, preserve 30 trees, and provide a sidewalk to access Packard. General goals directed by Council: reduced carbon emissions (compared to typical construction), full electrification, and “desired housing forms.” An alternative plan does not reference open space.
An alternative plan “shall be administratively evaluated and approved by the City Planning Manager.” Once the City Planning Manager (Brett Lenart) has approved an alternative plan, the previously negotiated plan “shall be void and Plaintiff shall have no further right to construct the Approved Site Plan.”
Moving forward, a site plan for the development of this parcel will be approved internally, outside of any public review by the Planning Commission or City Council.
CA-15 (25-1574) Resolution to Amend the Purchase Agreement for the Sale of City-Owned Property at 1146 South Maple to Avalon Housing, Inc. for the Development of Affordable Housing (8 Votes Required)
CA-16 (25-1578) Resolution to Authorize the City Administrator to Negotiate the Sale and Development of 415 West Washington Street and 309 South Ashley Street
By resolution, City Council will direct the City Administrator to move forward with his recommendations to sell City-owned properties of 415 W. Washington and 309 S. Ashley Street (Kline lot) to the bidders that offered the most money. The proposals were discussed at a work session in July.
Both properties were designated by a previous Council for the development of affordable housing. The property on 415 W, Washington was deemed less appropriate for housing due to its location on a floodplain/floodway and near railroad tracks. The director of the City’s housing commission identified the Kline Lot as “high priority” for the development of 400-600 units of affordable housing. (link)
In 2021, SmithGroup consultants presented the results of public engagement around four City properties that the housing commission had identified as most appropriate for the development of affordable housing. For the Kline lot, SmithGroup reported the community’s top priority: “maximize affordable housing.” (link)
In 2023, a majority of Council supported plans for a Sports Illustrated Resort on the Kline lot, but the developer withdrew when four Council Members expressed opposition (telegraphing that the transaction would not have the eight votes required for approval).
This week’s resolution directs the City Administrator to negotiate the terms of sale for both 415 W. Washington and the Kline lot for market rate development. Sale prices are not named in the resolution, but the preferred bidders have made offers: $2,000,000 from BaseBld for 415 W. Washington, and $14,175,000 minimum (price dependent on unit count) from Hines Development for the Kline Lot. Once details are confirmed, sales agreements will be submitted to Council for final approval.
CA-17 (25-1558) Resolution to Approve Amendment No. 3 to the Parking Agreement between the City of Ann Arbor and the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority
CA-18 (25-1491) Resolution to Recommend Approval of Issuance of a Downtown Development District Liquor License to 310 E. Huron, LLC
CA-19 (25-1562) Resolution to Recommend Approval of Issuance of a Downtown Development District Liquor License to 200 S. Ashley, LLC
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.
There are no public hearings on the Agenda
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.
There are no second readings on the Agenda
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 (25-1451) An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 55 (Zoning), Rezoning of 4.16 Acres from O (Office District) to R4E (Multiple-Family Dwelling District), The Crescent Rezoning, 2525 Ann Arbor-Saline Road (CPC Recommendation: Approval – 6 Yeas and 1 Nays)
A vacant parcel at 2525 Ann Arbor-Saline Road will be rezoned from O (office) to R4E (Multiple-Family Dwelling District). A development called “The Crescent” will occupy 4.16 acres and include 262 residential units in a five story building.
Developers hosted a public engagement meeting on April 4, 2024, when the project was called “Cranbrook Village”.
https://a2council.com/cranbrook-village-resident-participation-meeting-april-4-2024/
The rezoning and site plan was approved by the City Planning Commission on August 5, 2025.
https://a2council.com/ann-arbor-city-planning-commission-august-5-2025/
C-2 (25-1479) An Ordinance to Amend the Zoning Map of Chapter 55 (Unified Development Code), 0.11 Acre from P (Parking) to C1 (Local Commercial), 1007 Woodlawn Ave Rezoning (CPC Recommendation: Approval 7 Yes, 0 No.)
A parcel at 1007 Woodlawn will be rezoned from P (Parking) to C1 (Commercial) to permit current uses by its owner, Argus Farm Stop. The parcel on Woodlawn is currently used for small scale storage, which is not a permitted use in the zoning district for “Parking.” No construction or development is planned.
The owners of Argus Farm Stop hosted a public engagement meeting on March 24, 2025 to explain the purpose of the rezoning, consistent with adjacent parcels occupied by Argus.
https://a2council.com/argus-farm-stop-1007-woodlawn-resident-participation-meeting-march-24-2025/
The Planning Commission approved the rezoning of 1007 Woodlawn on August 5, 2025
https://a2council.com/ann-arbor-city-planning-commission-august-5-2025/
C-3 (25-1509) An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 14 (Purchasing, Contracting and Selling Procedure) of Title I of the Code of the City of Ann Arbor
City procurement policy will be amended to allow purchases (and disposal of City property) up to $90,000 without the approval of City Council. Currently, transactions up to $75,000 are permitted without a vote of City Council.
Prior to 2021, purchases over $25,000 required a vote of City Council. In 2021, voters approved a City Charter Amendment to raise this limit to $75,000. That Charter amendment permitted ongoing adjustments based on the rate of inflation.
The Council Administration committee discussed this week’s amendment at their meeting on July 8, 2025. Based on the Mayor’s suggestion, future adjustments to the spending limit will happen without a vote of Council. The Mayor explained that this will provide “flexibility and efficiency.” The City Administrator will update Council via memo or report, informing them that he has increased his own spending limit based on inflation.
Other changes will allow the disposal of property valued at up to $5,000 by whatever method is deemed “in the best interest of the City” and raise the threshold requiring formal solicitation of bids. Moving forward, up to $50,000 can be spent without a formal request for proposals or invitation to bid. Staff summarized another amendment this way:
“Section 1:234.5 [will] allow City Council to use its own discretion in determining best value in contracts that involve public-private partnerships for real estate development, rather than using the City Administrator’s scoring rubric. These types of contracts often have substantially different considerations than typical contracts for public improvements.”
C-4 (25-1626) An Ordinance to Add Chapter 95 (Temporary Reduction of Distance Requirements Between K-12 Schools and Marijuana Facilities and Establishments) to Title VII (Businesses and Trades) of the Code of the City of Ann Arbor
Amendments to the City marijuana ordinance will change location restrictions relative to two addresses. Currently, the ordinance prohibits the operation of a marijuana establishment within 1000 feet of a K-12 school. A location previously licensed for marijuana operations was recently assessed by the State and found to be in violation of the City ordinance, based on proximity to a preschool.
This week’s amendment will meet the needs of dispensaries that are located too close to preschools.
A dispensary on South Main recently changed ownership – the state denied the new owners a license due to the location near Doughty Montessori preschool. Another dispensary – the Jungle Room – is currently licensed and operating at similar proximity to Doughty.
An amendment refers to the address of Doughty preschool (S. Ashley Street), directing that the 1000 foot distance requirement for k-12 schools be reduced to 250 feet relative to that location.
Another street address is named, directing that the 1000 foot distance requirement be reduced to 750 feet for a dispensary currently operating on Research Park Drive. Crave Cannabis is currently operating within 1000 feet of the U School preschool.
The amendment will be effective in ten days, for one year only.
Last month, City Council directed the Planning Commission to consider multiple amendments to the marijuana ordinance: reducing K-12 school distance requirements, eliminating permits for “special exception use,” changing provisions for growing and processing, and lifting the cap on the number of retailers.
https://a2council.com/ann-arbor-city-council-august-7-2025/
Motions and Resolutions
DC-1 (25-1564) Resolution to Appoint Karlene Goetz to the Public Market Advisory Commission as a Non-registered Elector (7 Votes Required)
This appointment from the Mayor was presented at the previous meeting, and will therefore be voted on at this Council meeting. Seven votes are required because “the appointee is not a registered elector of the City of Ann Arbor”.
- Karlene Goetz – Public Market Advisory Commission
DC-2 (25-1577) Resolution to Correct the Appointment of Julie Lynch to the Employees Retirement System Board of Trustees (1- Step Appointment, 8 Votes Required)
The end date of the Mayoral appointment of Julie Lynch to the Employees Retirement System Board of Trustees will be corrected from May 31, 2025 to December 31, 2025. Eight votes are required to approve this in a “one step” process.
DC-3 (25-1598) Resolution to Approve Change Order No. 1 to the Construction Contract with Michigan Recreational Construction, Inc. for Phase 1B of the Bicentennial Park Splash Pad and Playground Improvements Project and Appropriate Funding ($425,921.00 Increase; $1,696,243.00 Total Contract) (8 Votes Required)
A change order for $425,921 will fund improvements to Bicentennial Park Splash Pad and Playground (formerly Southeast Park). With the change order, the total amount for the contract is now $1,696,243.
DC-4 (25-1613) Resolution Affirming the City of Ann Arbor’s Support for the Treeline Trail Project
By resolution, Council will formally express support for the North Segment of the Treeline Trail. As the Treeline Conservancy works to fundraise, Council supports City staff work on the issuance of an RFP for design, engineering, or other appropriate services for the North Segment, from approximately the Allen Creek Berm Opening Tunnel to 721 North Main Street.
DC-5 (25-1615) Resolution to Revise 2025 Council Calendar
Amendments to the City Council Calendar will cancel a joint session with the DDA on October 14th and reschedule the Monday, November 3, 2025 meeting to Thursday, November 6, 2025 due to elections.
Thank you for taking the time to be informed about our local government!
Elizabeth Nelson