Summary

Ann Arbor City Council (Mar 3, 2025): council approves utility construction contract and ballot measures for library sale and charter repeal; municipalization study and DTE acquisition motions defeated

Ann ArborMar 3, 20253 min read

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The Ann Arbor City Council met March 3, 2025 at Larcom City Hall with ten members present (one absent). Council approved multiple consent items including a revised construction contract for 2025 miscellaneous utility projects and several professional services amendments; adopted a rezoning ordinance for Dexter‑Seybold Park and advanced a nonconforming‑structure ordinance on first reading. Council defeated proposals to fund a NewGen electric grid asset valuation/municipalization study and to authorize preliminary work toward acquiring DTE Electric assets. Council ordered elections on charter amendments to (1) authorize sale of 319 S. Fifth Avenue to the Ann Arbor District Library and (2) repeal Section 1.4 of the City Charter. Staff reports and 2024 annual reports from the Fire and Police departments were received and filed. Public commentary focused on municipalization, the proposed library sale, and neighborhood roadway safety.

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Seybold Drive Rezoning Unified Development

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Approved (as amended) a construction contract with Bailey Excavating, Inc. for the 2025 Miscellaneous Utility Projects ($4,384,077.17) and appropriated $3,473,600 in contributing funds (Enactment: R-25-055; roll call 9 yeas, 1 nay, 1 absent).
Defeated a resolution to approve a Professional Services Agreement with NewGen Strategies and Solutions, LLC for an Electric Grid Asset Valuation and Municipalization Study ($1,728,000) (DC-1; roll call 5 yeas, 5 nays; motion defeated).
Defeated a resolution authorizing city staff to perform preliminary work to put acquisition of DTE Electric Company’s assets to a public vote and prepare for litigation (DC-2; motion defeated on voice vote).
Approved a resolution to order an election and determine the ballot question for a charter amendment to authorize the sale of 319 South Fifth Avenue to the Ann Arbor District Library (Enactment: R-25-066; approved on reconsideration by roll call 10-0, 1 absent).
Approved a resolution to order an election and determine the ballot question for a charter amendment to repeal Section 1.4 of the City Charter (Enactment: R-25-064; roll call 9-0, 2 absent).
Adopted on second reading an ordinance rezoning 0.6 acres (2570, 2576, 2582 Dexter Rd) from R1C to PL for Dexter‑Seybold Park (ORD-25-02).
Approved on first reading an ordinance amending nonconforming structure provisions of the Unified Development Code (ORD-25-05); return by 4/7/2025.
Received and filed multiple communications and reports including the Ann Arbor Fire Department and Ann Arbor Police Department 2024 annual reports, the ICPOC update, and a City Administrator memorandum regarding Library Lane negotiations; confirmed appointment of Alice Owings to the Board of Review (term to Jan 31, 2028).
Entered closed session under the Michigan Open Meetings Act to discuss an attorney/client privileged communication dated March 2, 2025; reconvened and adjourned the meeting at 9:57 PM.

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City Council

Mar 3, 2025, 12:00 AMLarcom City Hall, 301 E Huron St, Second floor, City Council Chambersscheduled

This meeting will be broadcast live on CTN Cable Channel 16, ATT Channel 99, and online at a2gov.org/watchCTN To sign up for public comment, call the City Clerk's Office between 8am - 5pm at 734-794-6140 on the day of the meeting.

Agenda

Public commentary can be made in person or by calling Zoom at: 877-853-5247 or 888-788-0099 Enter Meeting ID 942 1273 2148
CALL TO ORDER
MOMENT OF SILENCE
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL OF COUNCIL
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR
Ann Arbor Fire Department (AAFD) 2024 Annual Report
Ann Arbor Police Department (AAPD) 2024 Annual Report
Agenda Response Memo and eComments - March 3, 2025
City Administrator's Report - March 3, 2025
Memorandum from City Administrator: City of Ann Arbor/Ann Arbor District Library Negotiation Summary - Library Lane
INTRODUCTIONS
Independent Community Police Oversight Commission (ICPOC) Update
PUBLIC COMMENTARY (3 MINUTES PER SPEAKER, 45 MINUTES TOTAL) * (SPEAKERS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO GRANT THEIR RESERVED TIME TO AN ALTERNATE SPEAKER) * ACCOMMODATIONS CAN BE MADE FOR PERSONS NEEDING ASSISTANCE WHILE ADDRESSING COUNCIL TO PARTICIPATE ONLINE, CALL ZOOM AT: 877 853 5247 or 888 788 0099 ENTER MEETING ID 942 1273 2148 PHONE CALLERS CAN PRESS *9 TO RAISE HANDS AND *6 TO UNMUTE THEIR PHONES WHEN CALLED UPON TO SPEAK.
Milton Baker - Resolution re: an Electric Grid Asset Valuation and Municipalization Study (DC-1); Resolution re: the Acquisition of DTE Electric Company’s Assets (DC-2) (in person)
Ella Edelstein - Resolution re: an Electric Grid Asset Valuation and Municipalization Study (DC-1); Resolution re: the Acquisition of DTE Electric Company’s Assets (DC-2) (phone)
Jean Leverich - Resolution to Order Election to Authorize the Sale of 319 S. Fifth Ave to AADL (DC-3); Resolution to Order Election to Repeal Section 1.4 of the City Charter (DC-4) (in person)
Thomas Wieder - Resolution to Order Election to Authorize the Sale of 319 S. Fifth Ave to AADL (DC-3); Resolution to Order Election to Repeal Section 1.4 of the City Charter (DC-4) (in person)
Erich Zechar - Resolution re: 2025 Misc. Utility Projects (CA-5); Resolution to Order Election to Authorize the Sale of 319 S. Fifth Ave to AADL (DC-3) (phone)
Mike Nowak - Resolution re: an Electric Grid Asset Valuation and Municipalization Study (DC-1); Resolution re: the Acquisition of DTE Electric Company’s Assets (DC-2) (in person)
Daniel Slosberg - Resolution re: an Electric Grid Asset Valuation and Municipalization Study (DC-1); Resolution re: the Acquisition of DTE Electric Company’s Assets (DC-2) (in person)
Alex Lowe - Ordinance Regarding Chapter 55: Nonconforming Structures (C-1); Resolution to Order Election to Authorize the Sale of 319 S. Fifth Ave to AADL (DC-3); Resolution to Order Election to Repeal Section 1.4 of the City Charter (DC-4) (Zoom)
Isha Khan - Resolution re: an Electric Grid Asset Valuation and Municipalization Study (DC-1); Resolution re: the Acquisition of DTE Electric Company’s Assets (DC-2) (phone)
Gina Katz - Narrowing of Wallingford Rd (CA-5) (in person)
Mayuri Guntupalli - Resolution re: 2025 Misc. Utility Projects (CA-5) (in person)
Ryan Brase - Resolution to Order Election to Authorize the Sale of 319 S. Fifth Ave to AADL (DC-3); Resolution to Order Election to Repeal Section 1.4 of the City Charter (DC-4) (in person)
Victoria Langland - Resolution re: 2025 Misc. Utility Projects (CA-5) (in person)
Daniel Rubenstein - Resolution to Order Election to Authorize the Sale of 319 S. Fifth Ave to AADL (DC-3); Resolution to Order Election to Repeal Section 1.4 of the City Charter (DC-4) (in person)
Ross Smith - Resolution to Order Election to Authorize the Sale of 319 S. Fifth Ave to AADL (DC-3); Resolution to Order Election to Repeal Section 1.4 of the City Charter (DC-4) (Zoom)
Brian Chambers - Resolution to Order Election to Authorize the Sale of 319 S. Fifth Ave to AADL (DC-3); Resolution to Order Election to Repeal Section 1.4 of the City Charter (DC-4) (in person)
Meredith Kahn - Resolution to Order Election to Authorize the Sale of 319 S. Fifth Ave to AADL (DC-3); Resolution to Order Election to Repeal Section 1.4 of the City Charter (DC-4) (Zoom)
Luis Vazquez - Resolution re: an Electric Grid Asset Valuation and Municipalization Study (DC-1); Resolution re: the Acquisition of DTE Electric Company’s Assets (DC-2); Resolution to Order Election to Authorize the Sale of 319 S. Fifth Ave to AADL (DC-3); Resolution to Order Election to Repeal Section 1.4 of the City Charter (DC-4) (in person)
Rachel Pooley - Resolution re: an Electric Grid Asset Valuation and Municipalization Study (DC-1); Resolution re: the Acquisition of DTE Electric Company’s Assets (DC-2) (in person)
Zac Prince - Resolution re: 2025 Misc. Utility Projects (CA-5) (in person)
Alan Haber - Resolution to Order Election to Authorize the Sale of 319 S. Fifth Ave to AADL (DC-3); Resolution to Order Election to Repeal Section 1.4 of the City Charter (DC-4) (in person)
Deborah Salerno - Resolution re: an Electric Grid Asset Valuation and Municipalization Study (DC-1) (phone)
Mary Jane Worden - Resolution re: 2025 Misc. Utility Projects (CA-5) (in person)
Rita Mitchell - Resolution to Order Election to Authorize the Sale of 319 S. Fifth Ave to AADL (DC-3); Resolution to Order Election to Repeal Section 1.4 of the City Charter (DC-4) (in person)
Tom Stulberg - Resolution Regarding the City Comprehensive Plan (CA-2); Resolution to Order Election to Authorize the Sale of 319 S. Fifth Ave to AADL (DC-3); Resolution to Order Election to Repeal Section 1.4 of the City Charter (DC-4) (phone)
Adam Goodman - Resolution re: an Electric Grid Asset Valuation and Municipalization Study (DC-1); Resolution re: the Acquisition of DTE Electric Company’s Assets (DC-2); Resolution to Order Election to Authorize the Sale of 319 S. Fifth Ave to AADL (DC-3); Resolution to Order Election to Repeal Section 1.4 of the City Charter (DC-4) (phone)
Eric Ivancich - Resolution re: 2025 Misc. Utility Projects (CA-5); Resolution to Order Election to Authorize the Sale of 319 S. Fifth Ave to AADL (DC-3); Resolution to Order Election to Repeal Section 1.4 of the City Charter (DC-4) (Zoom)
Adam Jaskiewicz - Resolution re: 2025 Misc. Utility Projects (CA-5); Resolution to Order Election to Authorize the Sale of 319 S. Fifth Ave to AADL (DC-3); Resolution to Order Election to Repeal Section 1.4 of the City Charter (DC-4) (Zoom)
Jeremy Haley - Church St. Building Project (in person)
COMMUNICATIONS FROM COUNCIL
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR
Appointments - Confirmations
CONSENT AGENDA
Resolution to Approve the Closing of Monroe and Tappan Streets for the Annual Monroe Street Fair, Saturday, April 5, 2025
Resolution to Approve Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Interface Studio LLC for City Comprehensive Plan Services and to Appropriate Funds ($101,580.00) (8 Votes Required)
Resolution to Approve a Contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation for the Pauline Water Main and Resurfacing Project and to Appropriate $2,300,000.00 from the Major Street Fund and $570,000.00 from the Stormwater Fund (8 Votes Required)
Resolution to Approve Amendment No. 1 to the General Services Agreement with Taplin Group, LLC to Perform Sewer Televising and Cleaning ($650,000.00 Amendment, $2,050,000.00 Contract Total, RFP #23-14)
Resolution to Approve a Construction Contract with Bailey Excavating, Inc. for the 2025 Miscellaneous Utility Projects (RFP 25-01; $4,384,077.17) and to Appropriate $3,473,600.00 in Contributing Funds (8 Votes Required)
Resolution to Decertify Four Streets Not Being Used as Active Roadways
Resolution to Accept a Bequested Gift of $116,739.62 from the Estate of James Robert Packard and Appropriate $116,739.62 (8 Votes Required)
Resolution to Approve Amendment No. 1 to Amend the Professional Services Agreement with Stantec Consulting Michigan Inc., for Water Treatment Professional Engineering Services ($350,000.00 increase, total contract $850,000.00)
Resolution to Approve a Three-Year Enterprise License Agreement with Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (ESRI) for Software, Support, and Maintenance of the City’s Geographic Information System (GIS) Platform ($262,800.00)
Resolution to Approve a Grant Agreement between the City of Ann Arbor as Grantor and Avalon Housing as Grantee for $100,000.00 to Improve Energy Efficiency at Stimson Apartments ($100,000.00)
PUBLIC HEARINGS (3 MINUTES PER SPEAKER) FOR ZOOM MEETINGS, PHONE CALLERS CAN PRESS *9 TO RAISE HANDS AND *6 TO UNMUTE THEIR PHONES WHEN CALLED UPON TO SPEAK.
An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 55 (Zoning), Rezoning of 0.6 Acres from R1C (Single-Family Dwelling District) to PL (Public Land District), Park at Dexter Road and Seybold Drive Rezoning, 2570, 2576, and 2582 Dexter Road (CPC Recommendation: Approval - 8 Yeas and 0 Nays) (ORD-25-02)
APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MINUTES
Work Session of February 10 and Regular Meeting Minutes of February 18, 2025
ORDINANCES - SECOND READING
An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 55 (Zoning), Rezoning of 0.6 Acres from R1C (Single-Family Dwelling District) to PL (Public Land District), Park at Dexter Road and Seybold Drive Rezoning, 2570, 2576, and 2582 Dexter Road (CPC Recommendation: Approval - 8 Yeas and 0 Nays) (ORD-25-02)
ORDINANCES - FIRST READING
New Business - Staff:
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)
MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS
Unfinished Business - Council:
Resolution to Approve a Professional Services Agreement with NewGen Strategies and Solutions, LLC, to Complete an Electric Grid Asset Valuation and Municipalization Study ($1,728,000.00)
Resolution to Authorize City Staff to Perform the Preliminary Work Necessary to Put the Question of the Acquisition of DTE Electric Company’s Assets to a Vote of the People and Prepare for Litigation Should the Voters Authorize Such Acquisition
New Business - Council:
Resolution to Order Election and to Determine Ballot Question for Charter Amendment to Authorize the Sale of 319 South Fifth Avenue to the Ann Arbor District Library (7 Votes Required)
Resolution to Order Election and to Determine Ballot Question for Charter Amendment to Repeal Section 1.4 of the City Charter (7 Votes Required)
New Business - Boards and Commissions:
New Business - Staff:
CLOSED SESSION UNDER THE MICHIGAN OPEN MEETINGS ACT, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LABOR NEGOTIATIONS STRATEGY, PURCHASE OR LEASE OF REAL PROPERTY, PENDING LITIGATION AND ATTORNEY/CLIENT PRIVILEGED COMMUNICATIONS SET FORTH OR INCORPORATED IN MCL 15.268 (1) (C), (D) (E), AND (H).
CLERK'S REPORT OF COMMUNICATIONS
The following communications were referred as indicated:
Transportation Commission 2024 Annual Report
Transportation Commission Chair and Vice Chair Appointments - Memo
Communication from Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Regarding Revised Permit No. WRP031219 v1.1 - Ann Arbor Public Services - Sustainability
Communications from the State of Michigan Regarding Completed Annexation from Scio Township for Hickory Way III Property - 1146 S. Maple Rd.
Communications from the State of Michigan Regarding Completed Annexations from Pittsfield Charter Township for Ann Arbor Public Schools Properties - 2862 and 3801 Stone School Rd.
2023-2024 Renters Commission Annual Report
Resolution Requesting the Ann Arbor City Council and the City Administrator to Explore a Municipally Managed Rental Platform as an Alternative to Private Listing Services
The following minutes were received for filing:
November 14, 2024 HDC Meeting Minutes
December 3, 2024 City Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
December 4, 2024 ZBA Meeting Minutes
Transportation Commission Meeting Minutes - DEC 2024
Commission on Disability Issues Minutes - January 15, 2025
DDA Meeting Minutes - January 2025
January 14, 2025 Energy Commission Meeting Minutes
Council Liquor License Review Committee Meeting Minutes of January 10, 2025
Elizabeth Dean Fund Committee Meeting Minutes for January 14th, 2025 - Final
Council Administration Committee Minutes - January 14, 2025
The City of Ann Arbor Employees’ Retirement System Board Meeting Minutes of January 16, 2025
The City of Ann Arbor Retiree Health Care Benefit Plan & Trust Board Meeting Minutes of January 16, 2025
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY
Communication from the Ann Arbor City Attorney Regarding the City’s Participation in Michigan Public Service Commission Proceedings Since 2022
PUBLIC COMMENT - CONTINUED (3 MINUTES EACH - IF NECESSARY) *THIS SECTION IS FOR SPEAKERS WHO SIGNED UP FOR PUBLIC COMMENTARY BUT WERE UNABLE TO SPEAK AT THE BEGINNING OF THE MEETING DUE TO THE 45-MINUTE TIME LIMIT. FOR ZOOM MEETINGS, PHONE CALLERS CAN PRESS *9 TO RAISE HANDS AND *6 TO UNMUTE THEIR PHONES WHEN CALLED UPON TO SPEAK.
ADJOURNMENT
COMMUNITY TELEVISION NETWORK (CTN) COMCAST CHANNEL 16, AT&T CHANNEL 99:
LIVE: MONDAY, MARCH 3, 2025 @ 7:00 P.M. REPLAY: FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2025 @ 8:00 P.M.
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A hard copy of this Council packet can be made available upon request during regular business hours.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS REMOVED
Passed on consent agenda
Resolution to Order Election and to Determine Ballot Question for Charter Amendment to Authorize the Sale of 319 South Fifth Avenue to the Ann Arbor District Library (7 Votes Required)
Resolution to Order Election and to Determine Ballot Question for Charter Amendment to Authorize the Sale of 319 South Fifth Avenue to the Ann Arbor District Library (7 Votes Required)
Resolution to Order Election and to Determine Ballot Question for Charter Amendment to Authorize the Sale of 319 South Fifth Avenue to the Ann Arbor District Library (7 Votes Required)
Resolution to Order Election and to Determine Ballot Question for Charter Amendment to Authorize the Sale of 319 South Fifth Avenue to the Ann Arbor District Library (7 Votes Required)
Resolution to Approve a Construction Contract with Bailey Excavating, Inc. for the 2025 Miscellaneous Utility Projects (RFP 25-01; $4,384,077.17) and to Appropriate $3,473,600.00 in Contributing Funds (8 Votes Required)
RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
Passed on consent agenda
Resolution to Approve a Construction Contract with Bailey Excavating, Inc. for the 2025 Miscellaneous Utility Projects (RFP 25-01; $4,384,077.17) and to Appropriate $3,473,600.00 in Contributing Funds (8 Votes Required)

Ann Arbor City Council (Mar 3, 2025): council approves utility construction contract and ballot measures for library sale and charter repeal; municipalization study and DTE acquisition motions defeated

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