Title
Resolution to End the Temporary Suspension of the 2008 Sidewalk Improvement Program
Memorandum
On November 5, 2007, Council temporarily suspended the 2008 Sidewalk Improvement Program and created a Task Force with Council representation from each Ward of the City to review and consider improvements to the program.
Councilmembers Briere, Rapundalo, Kunselman, Teall and Anglin met with staff regularly over a period of two months. Following are examples of the identified improvements with a full listing available on the City web site:
Communications:
Ø Expanded initial communication packet including diagrams and descriptions of repair criteria
Ø Two scheduled neighborhood meetings per area, replacing a requested approach
Ø Web updates and quicklinks to program information
Ø Increased support from Administrative staff in Field to assure phone coverage and timely responses
Contractor Quality Assurance:
Ø Inspection charges will apply in the event work starts without a permit (ordinance amendment)
Ø Reinspection charges will apply in the event work is not approved on first inspection (ordinance amendment)
Ø City to perform random testing on concrete being used in ROW sidewalk work performed for residents by private contractors. Failure of test requires removal and replacement.
Ø Strengthen contractor prequalification process, including removal from listing for a minimum of 12 months depending on the infraction
Ø Make homeowner survey information regarding satisfaction with contractors available to citizens
The Task Force also discussed affordability options and determined that appropriate provisions exist in code and were supplemented by Council's action to provide funds to the Ann Arbor Housing Trust Fund for grants to low income households.
Given these improvements, the Task Force recommends that Council end the temporary suspension of the 2008 Sidewalk Improvement Program. Staff will present to Council for consideration at the earliest date possible the Code changes necessary to implement certain of the identified program improvements.
Staff
Sponsored by: Councilmembers Rapundalo, Higgins, Kunselman
Body
Whereas, Council adopted Resolution R-07-518 suspending temporarily the 2008 Sidewalk Improvement Program to permit evaluation of the program for improvement opportunities prior to program start up in 2008;
Whereas, A Task Force comprised of 1 Council representative from each Ward of the City subsequently worked with staff to review the program;
Whereas, In that review the Task Force considered communications, affordability, technical issues and contactor quality assurance; and
Whereas, The Task Force has identified program improvements to address concerns in these areas and sought public comment on those improvements;
RESOLVED, That Council hereby ends the temporary suspension of the 2008 Sidewalk Improvement Program and instructs staff to proceed with the program with the identified improvements in place; and
RESOLVED, That Council instructs staff to return to Council no later than April 21, 2008, with an ordinance to amend the Code as required to implement the recommendations.