October 2011 A2 City News

The Newsletter for the City of Ann Arbor, Michigan * October 2011 * Volume 5 * Number 10 Introducing, A2's new city administrator Ann Arbor, “meet” new City Administrator Steve Powers on an upcoming edition of Community Television Network’s Conversations program. Powers, who began with the city in mid September, most recently served with Marquette County. This episode of Conversations airs on CitiTV 19 on Wednesday, Oct. 12 at 6:30 p.m. Or, through Oct. 25, catch replays Monday through Friday at 10:30 a.m., 6:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 6:30 p.m. CTN programming can also be viewed online via Video on Demand . Simply search for the episode(s) you wish to view. Programs are available online 24 to 48 hours after they premiere. Making strides toward financial transparency The City of Ann Arbor recently launched A2OpenBook , an interactive website designed to increase financial transparency. All city expenses and revenue are disclosed in a simple and easy-to-use format, giving direct access to see how the city is spending tax dollars, fees and other city revenue. Every 24 hours, the city’s financial data downloads directly from its financial database to the A2OpenBook website. City expenditure and revenue information, dated July 1, 2010, to the present, can be browsed in a variety of ways including: Vendor (search by alphabetical list or expense amounts) Expense type (choose from more than 300 categories such as utilities, materials and supplies or travel) Service Area/Service Unit Fund (choose among all budgeted funds) The Citizen Guide to Finance and Budget is another online resource to increase transparency and help educate taxpayers about the city’s budget process. Together, A2OpenBook and the budget guide are intended to help citizens better understand the ongoing efforts to maintain a balanced budget while also balancing service needs and expectations. Please contact the City of Ann Arbor finance department with feedback or suggested content additions to further enhance the usefulness of these resources. 9/11 memorial event City of Ann Arbor police and fire services commemorated the 10th anniversary of 9/11 with a special ceremony. Dozens of people attended to remember those who lost their lives on this date and to honor the men and women who continue to serve our community and country. Photos, clockwise, beginning top left: Safety Services Area Administrator Chief Barnett Jones at the podium; flag is raised; members of the Skyline High School choir Parks improvements slated to begin While it seems activity in the parks would begin to slow down this time of year, at several area parks , improvement activities are underway. Renovations to the Veterans Memorial Park locker rooms, used by pool guests and hockey teams alike, are just being completed, including new flooring, lockers, fixtures (sinks and toilets), lighting, ventilation and painting. Up next at Vets, a new pool shade structure with solar panels is being added to provide electricity for the arena. Construction begins this month. West Park is currently undergoing a total reconstruction of its tennis courts and shuffle board court. Construction should be complete this fall, weather permitting. The courts are currently closed. Other parks slated for renovations include Island Park ’s Greek Revival Shelter; Winewood Thaler Park ; Beckley Park ; and Hunt Park . Halloween safety and fun Halloween Trick-or-Treating in Ann Arbor neighborhoods, for participating residents, will take place between 5 and 8 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 31. While this holiday is meant to be full of fun, it can also bring about some (avoidable) frights. The most basic safety precautions are for parents and guardians to supervise their trick-or-treaters, and to stay in neighborhoods that are well-lit and familiar. More tips are available online to help keep your Halloween safe … But what about the fun? Never fear. Check out these holiday spooktacular events (see more events throughout October on the online calendar ). Trick or Treat Down the River (pictured above) is Sunday, Oct. 16 from noon to 4 p.m. at Gallup Canoe Livery, 3000 Fuller Ave. By canoe or kayak, you will encounter creatures along the river handing out treats and candy. Feel free to dress up, too. Fee is $22 per boat. Pre registration is not required; and all ages are welcome. Bring a bag for collecting candy. Go online for details or call 734.794.6240. Skate to spooky sounds at the Veterans Memorial Park Halloween Skate, Saturday, Oct. 29. Vets is located at 2150 Jackson Road. Best-costume prizes will be awarded. General admission rates apply at this fun-for-all-ages event. Go online for details or call 734.794.6235. Animal Haunts at the Leslie Science & Nature Center ( 1831 Traver Road) is a family-friendly event Saturday, Oct. 22. Enjoy a guided a hike through Black Pond woods where costumed characters bring plants and animals to life through skits and songs. Pumpkins, games, face painting, cider and more round out the evening. A shorter hike designed especially for families with children ages five and under is offered between 4:30 to 6 p.m.; and the 7 to 9 p.m. hike is more suitable for older kids and their families. Pre registration rates are $8 per person, $30 per family; or $10/$35 at the door. Call for details, 734.997.1553, or go online . Adults 50 and better are invited to a Halloween Party Monday, Oct. 31 at the Ann Arbor Senior Center (1320 Baldwin Ave.). Reservations are required. Please call 734.796.6250 at least one week in advance of the event date. DDA State of the Downtown Report The Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority encompasses all or part of 66 blocks, is approximately 271 acres, and is home to approximately 1,200 businesses, a great number of entertainment and educational venues, and approximately 2,800 Ann Arbor residents. Learn more about the DDA and some of its most recent impacts on downtown Ann Arbor in the DDA State of the Downtown report . Where to find ... the Customer Service Center Just a reminder … The city’s customer service and payment center is now located on the first floor of Larcom City Hall, 301 E. Huron St. Parking options include at meters along Ann Street. Customer service can also be reached at 734.794.6320, or via e-mail . IN THIS ISSUE: new city administrator * A2OpenBook * 9/11 memorial event * parks improvements * halloween * DDA report * customer service location * leaf-management * East Stadium bridges * sculpture unveiling * police golf outing * street and sidewalk millages * dates Leaf-management options Autumn is upon us, and the city is reminding residents/property owners of leaf-management options. Ann Arborites can choose to mulch their leaves on site, set paper bags and compost carts of leaves at the curb for weekly pickup; or residents can take advantage of free bulk leaf drop-off locations. Please remember that the city no longer picks up loose leaves raked to the street. More information is provided online about weekly compostables pickups, leaf mulching, home composting and free bulk leaf drop off at the Compost Center , 4150 Platt Road. Go to for details. East Stadium bridges project The East Stadium bridges reconstruction project will break ground this month, launching major construction work to replace the two aged bridges, just to the south of the University of Michigan football stadium. The project will also include staircase construction and walkways for pedestrians and new lighting. A groundbreaking ceremony for the East Stadium bridges project will be scheduled for mid October, with Congressman John Dingell and other dignitaries in attendance. More information will be shared once an event time and date are set. In the meantime, discover each of the ways to stay informed about the project — detours, progress and more: Visit the Ann Arbor Bridges website . Follow project updates on Twitter . Become a fan on Facebook .

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October 2011 A2 City News is an episode from A2 City News by Rebecca Rhodes for the City of Ann Arbor.

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This episode was published on Oct 4, 2011.

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