Happy November, everyone! City Administrative Offices will be closed for Thanksgiving break on November 23rd & 24th. The standard business hours will resume on Monday, November 27th, at 8:00 AM.

Weekly yard waste pick-up will continue throughout the entire month with the Trash and Recycling pick-up schedule. The last week of yard waste collection will be the week of November 27th, 2023, on your trash day. 

As a reminder, the City does not pick up loose leaves. This means that all leaves must be bagged for pick-up. Please do not place leaves in the street. It is against the city ordinance to do so. Leaves piled in the street are one of the leading causes of street flooding due to clogged storm drains. 

Note: During the colder months, we ask that residents use compost bags. Leaves that are frozen in containers cannot be collected.

More information is available at:

 https://cityofypsilanti.com/292/Public-Services

CONSTRUCTION NOTICE: Starting Monday, November 13th, at 5 a.m., the Adams Street lot will be closed for resurfacing, with an intermittent single-lane closure on North Adams St. The work planned is to be completed within a week, weather permitting. Permitholders and those using the lot for temporary access, please move your vehicle to the North Washington or North Huron lot(s) during the work period.

We understand the closure of this lot will disrupt services. Please alert any delivery drivers you may be expecting on the week of Monday, November 13th; advise all employees and residents of the surrounding buildings. Vehicles will be towed during this period if in violation.

The City’s snow ordinance and abatement procedures go into effect on October 16th, 2023. Please be advised of the following:

1. Snow must be removed from sidewalks and parking lots within 24 hours of first accumulation of one inch (1”) or more. 
2. Ice must, if practicable, immediately be removed from sidewalks and parking lots. When immediate removal is impracticable, sand, salt or other chemical or materials must immediately be used and then ice must be removed as soon as practicable.
3. Only one (1) warning for abatement will be left at any parcel per snow season. Further violations will result in abatement without additional notices left at the property. The property owner/agent is responsible for abatement costs.
4. A citation will be issued for every violation, even the first. Fines increase each offense.
5. A five-foot (5’) path must be maintained on sidewalks at all times to be in compliance. (Properties with public sidewalks less than 5’ in width must be cleared to the edges of the paved areas).

Ypsilanti City Code Chapter 94, Section 94-135(a) defines the “snow season” as October 1st through May 31st. Failure to comply with abatement notice will result in the City’s contractor being hired to correct the violation, with all costs for services invoiced to the property owner/agent. Further information may be obtained through the Code Enforcement Division at (734) 482-9626, or at www.cityofypsilanti.com/codeenforcement.

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SERVICES TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC

For questions and concerns regarding department services, please call (734) 483-1421 (8 AM - 3 PM) or visit www.cityofypsilanti.com/dps.

Compost passes, bulk item & trash stickers and other similar business items will be available at City Hall, located at 1 S. Huron.

Right-of-way permit applications may be submitted electronically at rowpermits@cityofypsilanti.com or at City Hall at 1 S. Huron.

We apologize for any inconvenience. 

Have you checked out the neighborhood intel system through Munetrix? Please register to make an account on our city website under resources: https://cityofypsilanti.com/223/Citizens-Guide 

The program allows residents the ability to:

• Examine time-series metrics that provide historical, current, and predictive insights
• Search and save data on specific properties by address
• View violations, certificates, permits, and licenses issued to specific properties
• View reports on specific properties and comparison to the city or neighborhood metrics
• Create custom layer maps combining selected data & much more! 

Sustainability Commission Corner

The October Sustainability Commission Meeting focused on community resilience centers and bees and featured two presentations from Commissioners on their related work and expertise. 

Commissioner Bryan Foley shared an overview of the progress and continuing work taking place at the Parkridge Resilience Hub. At the heart of the work is the goal of creating a safe, sustainable place that people can come to and feel supported. Through collaboration with the City a new softball diamond has been installed, a new basketball court was put in, and they are looking forward to electrifying the pavilion and installing lights in the pavilion, and purchasing a short wave radio in the year ahead.  Commission Foley continues to see the resilience hub as a way to bring people together through social, sport, and service activities. 

Commissioner Takunia Collins offered an informative presentation on bees and how Varraoa Mite and other mites and diseases are harming bees and can reduce the health and number of bees in our region. Commissioner Collins shared handouts included in the meeting packet.

The Sustainability Commission voted unanimously to become Ypsilanti’s official Bee City Committee, and began discussing ways to push the city further in protecting pollinators and their habitats. Learn more at  Bee City USA website.  The Commission decided to move forward with forming an exploratory sub-committee on resilience centers/hubs. The Commission plans to work with a regional non-profit, Elevate, to support the sub-committee, which will help identify and pursue funding opportunities to support such a resilience network across 48197 and 48198. The November meeting of the Sustainability Commission will focus on the formation of this new sub-committee.

Commissioner Ratzloff raised that the UAW strike is continuing and is very much about the future of good jobs for our local union members, as car companies transition their production of vehicles from combustion engines to electric motors. Local 789 is striking and welcoming canned goods, pocket warmers and fire wood.

Opportunities:

• The public can have tours of the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) and contact DPW to learn more.
• We have open seats on the commission, including 2 youth seats! Sign up today here.

• Commissioner Foley has masks and COVID tests available. Contact him at (734) 883-9539 to get access to these resources. 

Calendar • Ypsilanti, MI • CivicEngage (cityofypsilanti.com)

The Sustainability Commission meets on the second Monday of each month at City Hall 7 PM. We are actively seeking additional commissioners, especially youth members interested in serving our community. The next Sustainability Commission meeting will include an update on the resilience hub at Parkridge Community Center and resolution for the Sustainability Commission to become the Bee City Committee for Ypsilanti. 

Ypsilanti Fire Department

On October 23rd, 24th, and 25th, the Ypsilanti City Firefighters, along with Ypsilanti Township and Superior Township Firefighters, participated in an extrication, advanced stabilization, and lifting/moving class. The training was all much needed “hands on” training of advanced vehicle extrication skills. The location was Wall Street Towing at 2280 E Michigan ave in Ypsilanti Township.

 Wall Street Towing provided multiple vehicles for Firefighters to work with for the training. Attendees stabilized and lifted vehicles on their side, on their roof, and on their wheels. Firefighters practiced extrication skills to include door removal, hood removal, multiple methods of a dash lift, a roof flap, and a roof removal.

Ypsilanti firefighters respond to a multitude of motor vehicle accidents on a day-to-day basis and have had multiple complicated extrications in recent years. This training utilized new equipment and taught new skills for extrication, stabilization, and lifting.

Ypsilanti firefighters would like to thank ERSI for providing the training and instructors Greg Payeur and Orval Huff for instructing.  

Captain Jeffrey S. Shulz Jr.

Ypsilanti Police Department 

We want to acknowledge Captain Anderson for his promotion to the rank of Captain, effective on October 30th! Captain Anderson has demonstrated a commitment to this community, modern professional policing, and a people-first leadership philosophy., he has been with the YPD since October of 2013.

LIHWAP is Still Accepting Applications for Past-Due Water Bill Assistance!

Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development is offering past-due water bill assistance through the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). LIHWAP creates water accessibility widely throughout Washtenaw County by providing direct water utility payments to qualifying households with an outstanding balance. Applications are now open for qualifying households to apply for up to $1,500 in water arrearage relief and 90 days of guaranteed service.  

Qualifications include: 

• Be a residential account holder  
• Have water arrearages or disconnection notice  
• Household is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Limit or automatically qualify are a part of select programs such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Social Security Income, State Emergency Relief, Food Assistance Program or SNAP. 
• Applicant’s water provider must be providing  

To learn more information, check if your provider is participating, or to apply, visit: Washtenaw.org/LIHWAP or contact Arieona Klaus at klausa@washtenaw.org or 734-554-6721. 

The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) has announced it’s seeking the community’s feedback on proposed service changes that will go into effect in August 2024 as part of its Long-Range Plan and Millage approved in 2022. Feedback will be accepted October 23 – November 23, 2023.

There are many ways to share input with both virtual and in-person meetings. By visiting: bit.ly/TheRideService2024, writing an email: Planning@TheRide.org, or calling: (734) 794-1882

The Corner Health Center

Join The Corner Health Center as we premiere the Three-Course Celebratory, where guests come to witness a live cooking competition; enjoy a complimentary three-course meal; listen to good music; and experience the transformation that happens when young people (and their children) come to The Corner! This event is inspired by our Healthy Youth, Healthy Futures program; where youth learn how to cook through classes that focus on economically and culturally appropriate food preparation. Early bird tickets are available now! - bit.ly/3PJlznz

Your ticket includes:

- A giveaway item on the night of the event

- 3-course meal & to watch a live cooking competition!

Sponsorship opportunities are still available! Contact dmanigault@cornerhealth.org to sponsor.

The mission of The Corner Health Center is to inspire 12-to 25-year-olds (and their children) to achieve and sustain healthy lives by providing judgement-free, affordable health and wellness care and education.

Riverside Arts Center updates!

On the first and third Wednesday of every month, artists can bring two pieces of original art to present. Artists, art lovers, collectors, curators – everyone is welcome from Ypsi and beyond! Attendees are not required to present. Anyone is welcome to simply gather with our community and enjoy the incredible artwork. Presentations occur on a first-come first-served basis. Doors open at 5:00 PM, and presentations start at 5:30 PM. Sign up by 6:00 PM to present.

This year, Riverside is hosting our first Holiday Art Fair on November 18th and 19th! This fair focuses on handmade art and vintage goods with a few self-care products as well. Get a start on your holiday shopping, stock up on upcoming birthday gifts, or just treat yourself! Applications for vendors are open now and close on October 9th.

Click here to apply!

YPSI 9TH HOUR: HOLIDAY EDITION

Join for the second annual holiday edition of Ypsi 9th Hour. Whether you are a regular or brand new to 9th Hour – this will be one you won’t want to miss!

We will be hosted by the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) team at the Morris Lawrence Center at Washtenaw Community College. In addition to our usual array of cocktails and fizzy drinks, this 9th Hour will feature:

• A full dinner buffet – come hungry, and don’t forget the cookies!
• Thank you gifts for all attendees
• A drawing for giveaways from local Ypsilanti vendors

And most importantly, the opportunity to mix and mingle with fellow like-minded entrepreneurs, business professionals, and community leaders.

Attendance is limited and registration is reguired – please RSVP today to save your place!

Register here

Circles Washtenaw County is currently recruiting Allies to support Circle Leaders who are working on their goals to eliminate poverty from their lives. Allies commit to participating in Circles meetings on Tuesday nights for 18 months. No special skills are needed, just a willingness to build intentional friendships and help end poverty. To learn more visit: www.friendsindeedmi.org/circles 

Dream Boards are a tool to help individuals cast a vision for their future. If you are part of a group that would like to host a Dream Board party and learn more about the work of Circles, please reach out to Carla Wilson at carla@friendsindeedmi.org

ThankFul will be taking place on Thursday, November 16, and they will be helping distribute food from one of our campus dining halls in the morning and the George Gervin Game Above Center (also known as the G3 Center) in the afternoon.

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, November 16th

Time: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM 

Location: George Gervin Game Above Center (G3 Center) 799 N Hewitt Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197

Shuttle Service: For your convenience, we are providing a shuttle service with designated pick-up locations, as noted on the attached flyer. The QR code on the flyer will provide exact pick-up times.

More information here.