Summary

City Council approves tree ordinance amendments, Brownfield plan, and multiple consent items

Ann ArborDec 1, 20253 min read

At a glance

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At the December 1, 2025 Ann Arbor City Council meeting Mayor Taylor convened the body, heard an ICPOC update, received extensive public comment on Vision Zero and the proposed Arbor South development, and approved a package of consent items. Key actions included adoption of amendments to Chapter 40 (Trees and Other Vegetation), approval of a Brownfield Plan for the Townie Homes project, confirmation of a Renters Commission appointment, authorization of a legal settlement, and several contracts and purchases (notable items include a Barton Dam change order and procurement of refuse trucks).

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Proposed Public-Private Development Local Development Stellar Development Proposed Arbor South Development Unified Development

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TransportationPublic SafetyEnvironmentalHousingUtilities

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Key decisions

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Adopted Ordinance ORD-25-34 to amend Chapter 40 (Trees and Other Vegetation) on second reading (adopted as amended; recorded vote: 8 yeas, 1 nay, 2 absent).
Approved Resolution R-25-429 to approve a Brownfield Plan for Townie Homes covering properties at 1780 & 1788 Scio Church Road; 225 & 235 South Wagner Road; 1535, 1563, 1565 & 1567 South Maple Road; and 1288 & 1369 Jewett Avenue.
Approved DC-1 (R-25-427) authorizing settlement of Sobhi Abed v. City of Ann Arbor et al.
Approved DC-2 (R-25-428) to provide a public summary of the proposed public‑private development agreement between the Arbor South developer and the City.
Confirmed Mayor’s appointment of Sheila Rasouli to the Renters Commission (term ending May 31, 2027).
Passed Consent Agenda items including: CA-2 (R-25-416) Change Order #2 ($522,010.44) to Michels Construction and appropriation of additional general funds $350,000 for Barton Dam right embankment remediation (total contract $9,974,754.26); CA-6 (R-25-420) purchase authorization for four automated side-load refuse trucks (Sourcewell: $2,179,549.20); CA-9 (R-25-419) professional services agreement with Exeter Associates for SEU cost-of-service study ($312,489.27); CA-11 (R-25-425) approval of the first renewed and amended Water Supply Agreement between the City and Ann Arbor Charter Township; CA-8 (R-25-422) approval of a 2026 Plan Year exemption under Public Act 152.
Approved multiple utility- and facility-related agreements and purchases on the consent agenda (Howden USA maintenance amendment for blowers at WRRF; automatic flushing units; PPE purchase order increase; renewal of interlocal fire vehicle agreement; sidewalk easement acceptance; and summary publication of Ordinance 25-33).

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City Council

Dec 1, 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 or online at a2gov.org/CouncilZoom
CALL TO ORDER
MOMENT OF SILENCE
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL OF COUNCIL
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR
Agenda Response Memo and eComments - December 1, 2025
City Administrator’s Report - December 1, 2025
INTRODUCTIONS
Independent Community Police Oversight Commission (ICPOC) Update
PUBLIC COMMENTARY (3 MINUTES PER SPEAKER, 45 MINUTES TOTAL)* *WHEN MORE THAN 30 SPEAKERS HAVE SIGNED UP TO SPEAK AT A COUNCIL MEETING, EACH SPEAKER SHALL BE GIVEN 2 MINUTES TO SPEAK AT THAT MEETING * (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.
Adam Jaskiewicz - Public Summary of Proposed Arbor South Development Agreement (DC-2) & Vision Zero (in person)
Paul Krutko - Public Summary of Proposed Arbor South Development Agreement (DC-2) (in person)
Jeff Hayner - Resolution to Determine Salaries of the Mayor and City Council Members for FY 2027 and FY 2028 (E-11) (phone)
Ryan Housekeeper - Public Summary of Proposed Arbor South Development Agreement (DC-2) (in person)
Jeremy Haley - Public Summary of Proposed Arbor South Development Agreement (DC-2) (in person)
Margaret McCall - Vision Zero priority and the spending of the $500,000 on major road safety improvements (phone)
Jirka Hladis - Vision Zero (in person)
Kirk Westphal - Emergency Safe Speed Resolution (in person)
Peter Houk - Transportation Commission Annual Safety Street Update (in person)
Adam Goodman - Vision Zero (Zoom)
Rachel Pooley - Ann Arbor Land Trust (in person)
Blaine Coleman - We are against military aid to Israel (in person)
Mark Scerbo - Safe speed street design (in person)
Mozhgan Savabieasfahani - We are against military aid to Israel (in person)
Pwon Bailey - Life in Ann Arbor (in person)
Kathy Griswold - Solutions to pedestrian safety crisis (in person)
Abubaker Ibrahim - Zoning and permits (in person)
COMMUNICATIONS FROM COUNCIL
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR
Appointments - Confirmations
CONSENT AGENDA
Resolution to Approve Street Closures for the Downtown Ann Arbor Midnight Madness Events on Friday, December 5, 2025 from 9:00 AM until Midnight
Resolution to Approve Change Order #2 ($522,010.44) to the Construction Contract with Michels Construction, Inc. (Michels) and to Appropriate Additional General Funds in the Amount of $350,000.00 for the Barton Dam Right Embankment Remediation Project (Total Contract $9,974,754.26) (8 Votes Required)
Resolution to Approve Amendment 1 to the General Services Agreement with Howden USA Company to Increase Compensation by $67,419.88 to Perform Phase Two Preventative Maintenance Services on Three Turblex/Siemens Process Air Blowers at the Water Resource Recovery Facility (Total $121,320.38)
Resolution to Approve a General Services Agreement for the Purchase of Automatic Flushing Units from Core & Main, LP ($201,777.00, ITB No. 4776)
Resolution to Increase a Best Source Purchase Order with Safety Services Inc. for As Needed Safety Supplies and Personal Protective Equipment for FY26 ($20,000.00 Increase, Total Purchase Value $45,000.00)
Resolution to Authorize the Purchase of Four Automated Side Load Drop Frame Refuse Trucks on Autocar Chassis’ from Fredrickson Supply (Sourcewell: $2,179,549.20)
Resolution to Approve the Renewal of Interlocal Agreement between City of Dearborn and City of Ann Arbor for Fire Vehicles
Resolution to Approve a 2026 Plan Year Exemption of the Publicly Funded Health Insurance Contribution Act, Public Act 152 (8 Votes Required)
Resolution to Approve a Professional Services Agreement with Exeter Associates, Inc. for Consulting Services Related to Development of a Cost of Service Study and Rates for the Sustainable Energy Utility ($312,489.27)
Resolution to Accept a Sidewalk Easement at 3035 Brockman Boulevard from Karen G. Richard and Barbara Jo Smith (8 Votes Required)
Resolution to Approve the First Renewed and Amended Water Supply Agreement Between the City and Ann Arbor Charter Township
Resolution Authorizing Summary Publication of Ordinance 25-33 - An Ordinance to Amend Section 5.16.3.F of Chapter 55 (Unified Development Code) of Title V of the Code of the City of Ann Arbor (Marijuana Facilities School Separation Distance Reduction)
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 40 (Trees and Other Vegetation) of Title III (Parks and Public Grounds) of the Code of the City of Ann Arbor (ORD-25-34)
Resolution to Approve a Brownfield Plan for Townie Homes at 1780 and 1788 Scio Chuch Road, 225 and 235 South Wagner Road, 1535, 1563, 1565 and 1567 South Maple Road, and 1288 and 1369 Jewett Avenue
APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MINUTES
Regular Meeting Minutes of November 17, 2025
ORDINANCES - SECOND READING
An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 40 (Trees and Other Vegetation) of Title III (Parks and Public Grounds) of the Code of the City of Ann Arbor (ORD-25-34)
ORDINANCES - FIRST READING
MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS
New Business - Council:
Resolution to Authorize Settlement of Sobhi Abed v. City of Ann Arbor, Daniel Horning, and Citizens United Reciprocal Exchange, Washtenaw County Circuit Court Case No. 25-001097-NI
Resolution to Provide a Public Summary of the Proposed Public-Private Development Agreement Between the Developer of Arbor South and the City of Ann Arbor
New Business - Boards and Commissions:
New Business - Staff:
Resolution to Approve a Brownfield Plan for Townie Homes at 1780 and 1788 Scio Chuch Road, 225 and 235 South Wagner Road, 1535, 1563, 1565 and 1567 South Maple Road, and 1288 and 1369 Jewett Avenue
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:
Communication from Bodman PLC Regarding Notice of Intent to Establish Condominium Project: River North 4 - Assessor, Planning & Development Services, Sustainability, City Attorney
Communication from Jay Calewarts, Director of Adult Foster Care/HFA and Camps Licensing Regarding a Newly Licensed Foster Care Facility, Yost House, located at 2706 Yost Blvd - Planning and Development Services
Communication from Comcast Regarding Removal of Channels Owned by Versant from Digital Economy Tier, Effective January 8, 2026 - CTN, City Attorney
Communication from Washtenaw County Board of Canvassers Regarding the Canvass of Votes Cast at the November 4, 2025 Special Election
Communications from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Regarding Public Notice for the Proposed Reissuance Expired Permit of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Certificate of Coverage (COC) NO. MIG760068 to the Racquet Club of Ann Arbor Facility - Public Works, Sustainability
Communications from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Regarding Public Notice for the Proposed Reissuance Expired Permit of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Certificate of Coverage (COC) No. MIG760034 to the Orchard Hills Athletic Club for the Orchard Hills Dolphin Pool Facility - Public Works, Sustainability
Communications from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Regarding Public Notice for the Proposed Reissuance Expired Permit of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Certificate of Coverage (COC) No. MIG760033 to the Orchard Hills Athletic Club for the Yorktown Pool - Public Works, Sustainability
Communications from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Regarding Public Notice for the Proposed Reissuance Expired Permit of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Certificate of Coverage (COC) No. MIG760018 to the Weber's Inn for the Weber's Inn - Public Works, Sustainability
Communications from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Regarding Public Notice for the Proposed Reissuance Expired Permit of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Certificate of Coverage (COC) No. MIG760073 to the MASSS, LLC for the BigBlue Swim School Facility - Public Works, Sustainability
Communications from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Regarding Public Notice for the Proposed Reissuance Expired Permit of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Certificate of Coverage (COC) No. MIG760021 to the Ann Arbor MI Owner 1301 LLC, c/o Arbor Lodging Management for the Marriott TownePlace Suites - Public Works, Sustainability
Resolution to Determine Salaries of the Mayor and City Council Members for FY 2027 and FY 2028
Communications from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Regarding Public Notice for the Proposed Reissuance Expired Permit of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Certificate of Coverage (COC) No. MIG760066 to the Stellar Development LLC for the Homewood Suites Pool- Ann Arbor - Public Works, Sustainability
The following minutes were received for filing:
Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes of July 10, 2025
September 16, 2025 City Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
Human Rights Commission Minutes of October 8, 2025
Transportation Commission Meeting Minutes of September 2025
November 5, 2025 City Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
Airport Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of July 16, 2025
Local Development Finance Authority Meeting Minutes of September 25, 2025
Independent Community Police Oversight Commission Meeting Minutes of September 2025
Commission on Disability Issues Minutes of October 15, 2025
September 11, 2025 Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes
The City of Ann Arbor Employees’ Retirement System Board Meeting Minutes of October 16, 2025
The City of Ann Arbor Retiree Health Care Benefit Plan & Trust Board Meeting Minutes of October 16, 2025
Ann Arbor Housing Commission Board Minutes of September 17, 2025
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY
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, DECEMBER 1, 2025 @ 7:00 P.M. REPLAY: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2025 @ 8:00 P.M.
REPLAYS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE
Community Television Network live televised public meetings are also available to watch online live and on-demand from CTN’s website, www.a2gov.org/watchctn <http://www.a2gov.org/watchctn>, on “The Meeting Place” page (http:www.a2gov.org/livemeetings). Cable: Comcast Cable channel 16 or AT&T UVerse Channel 99 Videos are also available for a nominal fee by contacting CTN at (734) 794-6150.
All persons are encouraged to participate in public meetings. Citizens requiring translation or sign language services or other reasonable accommodations may contact the City Clerk's office at 734.794.6140; via e-mail to: cityclerk@a2gov.org; or by written request addressed and mailed or delivered to: City Clerk's Office 301 E. Huron St. Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Requests made with less than two business days' notice may not be able to be accommodated.
A hard copy of this Council packet can be made available upon request during regular business hours.
Passed on consent agenda
An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 40 (Trees and Other Vegetation) of Title III (Parks and Public Grounds) of the Code of the City of Ann Arbor (ORD-25-34)
An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 40 (Trees and Other Vegetation) of Title III (Parks and Public Grounds) of the Code of the City of Ann Arbor (ORD-25-34)
Passed on consent agenda

City Council approves tree ordinance amendments, Brownfield plan, and multiple consent items

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