I’m sure I’m forgetting some of the issues that you have brought to my attention, but some of the matters I’ve addressed this year include securing a back-end, compacting loader for the Bryant Neighborhood community cleanup; obtaining an ‘after-the-deadline’ block party permit for folks on Colony; re-placing “No Parking” signs to better guide residents on Ferdon; supporting a Housing Commission overhaul to improve Hikone; negotiating front yard gardens; coordinating with AAPD re: neighborhood dogs, over-zealous parties, and other neighborhood/public safety issues; working with Staff and human services organizations to prevent constituent electric shutoffs; overseeing over-occupancy and nuisance enforcements; facilitating traffic calming inquiries; initiating Main Street sidewalk seating clearance; conducting fraternity “outreach” to clean Burns Park the night after a Mudbowl semi-final; increasing Darlington-area traffic enforcement; and expediting street light repair on Turnberry before Halloween.
Senior Center and Mack Pool
Due to the loss of millions of dollars in City revenue resulting from State revenue sharing cuts, the University’s Pfizer property purchase and local property devaluations, the both the Senior Center and Mack Pool were scheduled for closure. I serve on task forces with residents, staff and councilmembers that are working to shrink the two facilities’ operating loss to enable the City to keep them open. I am confident that we can succeed.
A2D2 Downtown Zoning
Over the past few years, the City has undertaken a massive effort to rationalize downtown development. The zoning element of that effort is now finished. I drafted a successful amendment to increase financial penalties on developers who fail to obtain LEED credits used to justify increased building size. I also co-sponsored amendments to increase rear setbacks for “D2” downtown districts that abut residential zoning districts in the South University area, and to increase front setbacks on Washtenaw Ave. to better match the nature of the South University area.
Snow Removal in Pittsfield Village
Due to the nature of its narrow streets, the absence of driveways and no lawn extensions, the City is unable to provide prompt, satisfactory snow removal service in Pittsfield Village. To respond to this unique situation, I have worked with City Staff and the Pittsfield Village condominium association staff to enable the Village to privately contract for snow removal with City supervision of the bid and contracting process. Based upon my conversations in the neighborhood, residents of the Village enjoyed improved service at no added cost to the City.
Google RFI
Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan teamed up to apply for the Google Fiber to the Home Communities program. If selected, it would mean 100x current Internet speeds, Internet Open Access and an incredible opportunity for entrepreneurial innovation. I helped lead the City’s response team and coordinated Council support for this effort.
City Schools Cooperation
I worked on initiatives resulting in a new, long term, cost-shifting lease between AAPS and the City to govern the AAPS’s exclusive use of the Eberbach Cultural Arts Center and a one-year agreement to govern and compensate the City for ballfield maintenance associated with Rec & Ed and third-party uses. These efforts to formalize the working relationship between AAPS and the City are positively influencing efforts to keep Mack Pool open.
Business Improvement Zone
I worked closely with representatives of the Main Street business community and colleagues on a resolution to advance the work they have done to create a Main Street Business Improvement Zone, or “BIZ.” In a BIZ, property and business owners tax themselves to support the provision of special services. We are likely to see new planters, cleaner sidewalks, gold-standard snow removal and whatever other amenities the BIZ Board believes will help keep Main Street vital and attractive.
Graffiti
I co-sponsored and worked on legislation that requires property owners to clean graffiti on their properties. This new ordinance came at the request of downtown business associations to promote a safe and clean downtown. There are provisions to assist property owners with an inability to pay.
South University Post Office
I drafted and co-sponsored a resolution urging U.S. Representative Dingell to advocate strenuously for the station’s continued operation. The USPS has decided to keep the postal station in operation.
Taxicab Ordinance Changes
The taxi service industry in Ann Arbor is of vital importance to those without the ability or resources to own or drive a car. In order to help ensure that there is 24 hour, on-call service in the community, I, along with the other members of the Taxicab Commission, brought forward an ordinance that will require companies that field more than ten (10) cabs in the City to meet minimum service levels.
Committees
Much of the City’s work is done via committees. I have served on the Parks Advisory Commission, the Budget Committee, the Audit Committee, the Council Rules Committee, the Taxicab Commission, and the Malletts Creek Coordinating Committee.