By Aimee Bingham Osinski
anbingham@gmail.com
Approval of meeting minutes. Jamie had a few corrections for the minutes. The minutes were approved.
Prearranged participation:
- Ella Dunajsky Regarding Broad Street Truck Route. She lives across from the historic train station. Owned the home since 2004. Her kids went to Dexter. Ella has been involved in nonprofits and was president of Loch Alpine Association. She has a long history of being active and involved in the community. Neighbors on Broad have several concerns. Excessive speeds that seem to be a prevalent part of Broad Street. It’s called the drag strip. She has video of 2 gravel haulers rolling through a stop sign on Broad. Truckers do not put on the brakes, the downshift instead. There is only one not easily seen, speed limit sign on Broad. There are small children, residents and families living on Broad. This is a major safety concern. The Border to Border Trail has issues for bike riders in the areas. She would like a formal traffic study to be done. She is one of many and acts as a spokesperson for the neighborhood.
Approval of agenda. The agenda was approved.
Communications; Meeting list is in the packet. Jamie noted that city council times should be updated once action is taken and the work session on the 23rd should be added.
Reports:
Dan Schlaff provided a two week written report. The Mayor wanted to know the status of a large tree down on Mill Creek. Dan explained that there are two trees down. Justin spoke to the Huron River Watershed Council. They will clear out portions in the creek. Gino will remove the one by the outfall. This has never been an issue in the past 30 years. But in the future it will continue to happen. Dan feels there needs to be a bigger gate and access back there. The particle removal of the invasive species on the path has really improved the visibility. Dan explained that Justin was the one that got it resolved.
Michelle Aniol; Michelle has no verbal updates. But gave the Council the chance to ask questions about her report in the packet. Paul noted that there was no site address on a portion. 7394 Dexter Ann Arbor Rd next to Morningstar. Zach wondered if Millenium Place has a rooftop patio. They do not.
Justin Breyer; Dand and I set up a date for Jamie to do a facilities tour. The Pathways initiative announced a soft opening of their website. Working on additional grant funding under the American Rescue Act. Michelle and Justin will be working on those grants.
Mayor’s Report; Will be meeting with Mike Penn. The meeting will hopefully be scheduled for the week of the 18th. Some interest in next steps for 3045 Broad. The DDA agreed to buy the property in 2008. Closed in 2012. Due diligence, discovered contaminated soil, negotiated the purchase price down . The initial goal was to sell. There was zero interest in the property. DDA bought the property across the street. There were a couple attempts to create a vision for the property. There are other people asking questions about the property. Paul noted that we also own the empty gravel parking lot. The Mayor wrapped up by saying he thought the workshop was a good start and productive.
- Consent Agenda was approved.
Old Business- Consideration and Discussion of:
- Consideration of Conflict of Interest Ordinance. The requested action is to select an ordinance with or without edits. Jamie suggested advancing the ordinance on page 63 of the packet. Zach seconded. Zach noted that this feels bigger than some people are comfortable with. Zach likes that it addresses potential grey areas. He also likes the ethics board. Jamie wanted to know if any of the discussion at the Dexter Forum would be relevant to discuss. The selection of the version will go in front of the city attorney prior to bringing it before a public hearing. Donna would like something that would define the ability to do community service without a conflict. Donna noted that this version is not her favorite, but she will wait to hear from the public. The motion carried.
New Business- Consideration and Discussion of:
- Consideration of Resolution for New On-Premise Club Liquor License for Encore Theatre. Paul Cousins made the motion. Jamie wanted to clarify that it is a motion to recommend. Michelle asked if any conditions would be added. There is not a specific time element during the discussion of rezoning. Donna wanted to know if there should be anything included in this. Just be sure no alcoholic beverages are outside. Donna wondered if there is any advantage to postpone until after Michelle meets with people. For a club license the liquor control has very strict rules. It won’t hurt to define the hours. The hours can be defined at several points so it is not urgent. Paul and Donna would like to just deal with it now. Condition one that concessions are open an hour before, after and during intermission. Wa has dealt with this through the performance network. The after will not be used unless it is an opening night reception. The hour was outlined by the Encore. Zach suggested making it an hour and a half for an opening night. An additional condition of no alcohol outside of the building. The motion passed.
- Consideration of Urban Wireless Solutions Contract. There are two potential actions. Permit or not permit Mr. Weber to continue to be involved with consulting. Michelle thinks the two apps from Verizon are just the tip of the iceberg. Zach suggested that maybe allow for up to a year and he made the motion. Jamie seconded to continue discussion. Zach is comfortable with some continued research while staff develops competence . The issue is Mr. Weber works with Telecad. Jamie was noting the conflict ordinance and trying to follow it as if it has passed to err on the side of caution. The mayor does not feel that it is a conflict. The mayor noted that disclosure and transparency is important. Mr. Weber has done both. His interaction with Telecad is in other states, not Michigan. Sanam noted that one year with technology is not enough. Sanam would like to extend the one year to two years or revisit the relationship if something changes. Jamie is not comfortable with a friendly amendment. The original motion was amended to remove the timeline. The motion passed. Mr. Weber will continue to consult for the city.
- Consideration of 3515 Broad Street Third Amendment to the Purchase Agreement.
Zach made the motion and Cousins seconded. The closing date is set for Wed at 2pm. Phase 2 ASTI provided an update. High TCE and arsenic, 90 and 60 ft away from the building. Arsenic is below testing limits.ASTI was recommending air quality testing. The sellers reduced purchase price to cover more testing and put money in escrow for remediation. The motion passed.
- Potential City Council Discussion Topics Timeline; Justin explained that a timeline was discussed for a fire station timeline. There are a number of other topics that should be discussed in a timely manner. Justin put together a rough draft of how the topic can be addressed without extra work sessions. Jamie loved this and does not have suggestions. She would like it included in Justin’s packet so the Council can continue to have a timeline of topics to address. Jamie would like to make certain that public comment is included in this fiscal year.
- Discussion of Guidance document for In-Person Meetings. Justin discussed a few options in person. Through December 31 hybrid meetings can be held and members can continue to participate remotely. Justin would like to know what the Council’s expectations for CoronaVirus mitigation measures are? Masks, temps at the door? The mask requirement for everyone unless you provide a copy of your vaccine card. Donna agrees that everyone should be in a mask. Everyone feels that changes are still coming. U of M and the City of Ann Arbor are back to being fully masked.
- Consideration of Traffic Control Order Policy. Jmaie requested some clarification on some of the wording and consistency. The motion carried.
Council Comments; Jamie Griffin thanked Ms. Dunajsky for her input. Wa wishes Sanam well with the birth of her child. Sanam was happy she lasted throughout the meeting but will likely miss the August 23rd meeting. Donna agrees with Jamie and feels there needs to be a look at a dramatic change. She does not want to be on the committee again. There is a lot to think about on the topic. Enforcement out there is needed in the short term because this won’t change overnight. It’s a big issue to untangle.
The meeting adjourned.
