2026-09-08 - City Council

Summary

Built from official minutes.

Council met with 10 members present (Watson absent); Mayor Taylor presiding.
Kline's Lot purchase and sale agreement passed with three amendments addressing public alley access, short-term rental restrictions, and all-electric commercial tenants.
First readings approved for rezoning 2080 South State Street and Tenants Bill of Rights / Right to Organize ordinance.
2958 Shady Lane annexation public hearing held.

Resolution 26-1479 approved as amended (R-26-359), unanimous with 10 members present, satisfying 8-vote requirement.
Three amendments accepted: maintained public alley access with provision for reasonable alternative access, limited short-term rentals to 10 percent of residential units, and commitment to all-electric commercial spaces.
Public comment: Alan Haber opposed sale, preferring affordable housing; Mark Madonna supported market-rate housing; Marianne James (The Ark) urged alley widening and sidewalk access; Jeff Crockett concerned about downtown business impact; Ralph McKee opposed breaking prior affordable housing commitment; Ashley Schafer (Main Street Area Association) urged delay for member input; Ilene Tyler concerned about historic properties.

Ordinance 26-1524 approved on first reading (ORD-26-24), due back 9/22/2026.
Public support in comment: Aidan Sova, Christian Barrett, Elliott Phillips, Sheila Rasouli (Ann Arbor Tenants Union).

Resolution 26-1358 approved (R-26-358) for construction contract with Inner City Contracting, $481,765.72.
Public comment: Edward Vielmetti opposed demolition, citing historic value and suggesting funds go to Border to Border trail repairs.