Title
Resolution to Adopt the Ann Arbor Water Strategic Plan
Memorandum
This memorandum and resolution requests adoption of the Ann Arbor Water Strategic Plan.
The City of Ann Arbor is currently undertaking a Capital Improvement Project at the Ann Arbor Water Treatment Plant (WTP) to address aging infrastructure and contaminants of concern. The Water Treatment Plan (WTP) Facility Plan project, approved by City Council in February 2022, has been underway for over a year to plan the replacement of the oldest portions of the WTP constructed in 1938 and 1949, and address raw water contaminants of concern including PFAS and 1,4-dioxane. As part of the WTP Facility Plan, City Council authorized the preparation of the Ann Arbor Water Strategic Plan which has recently been completed.
On December 11, 2023, a work session was conducted with City Council members to introduce the new Ann Arbor Water Strategic Plan. The work session included an overview presentation of the robust community engagement efforts that served as the foundation of the Strategic Plan. Community Engagement efforts included attending events, public meetings, project website, articles and videos, focus groups and city-wide surveys, in total interacting with an estimation of 24,000 people. An overview of the Strategic Plan was also presented. Shared with Council members were the guiding principles and aspirational goals for Ann Arbor Water. The work session concluded with a request for Council members to review, provide support, and adopt the Ann Arbor Water Strategic Plan in an upcoming City Council meeting in 2024.
Comprehensive inclusive community engagements and input from major stakeholders formed the basis for the development of the guiding principles. Examples of major stakeholders involved in this effort included the City’s Executive Leadership Team, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Township, Scio Township, Ann Arbor Public Schools, the Equitable Engagement Steering Committee, community organizations for historically underrepresented groups, the Huron River Watershed Council, and WTP core staff. The resulting guiding principles included Trust, Community, Accountability, Sustainability, and Knowledge. The guiding principles were then used to formulate the aspirational goals that included, but are not limited to, areas of focus such as source water protection, equity and affordability, reliability and resiliency, climate change, and public engagement.
To that end, this memo and resolution seeks adoption of the Ann Arbor Water Strategic Plan by City Council. In adopting the Strategic Plan, Ann Arbor Water will use the Strategic Plan, its guiding principles, and aspirational goals as guiderails as it advances the WTP rehabilitation project. The Strategic Plan will be instrumental in the delivery of this important and transformational project. The Strategic Plan is a living document and has the inherent ability to be adjusted to meet changing needs, ensuring its viability for many years to come.
Staff
Prepared by: Glen Wiczorek, Senior Utilities Engineer
Reviewed by: Brian Steglitz, Public Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The Ann Arbor Water Treatment Plant is in need of rehabilitation to address aging infrastructure and contaminants of concern in the raw water;
Whereas, In February 2022, City Council approved the Water Treatment Plant Facility Plan, a study phase which included the development of a new Ann Arbor Water Strategic Plan;
Whereas, A robust, comprehensive and inclusive community engagement effort was performed which served as the foundation of the Strategic Plan;
Whereas, The Strategic Plan was completed in late 2023 and introduced to Council members in a work session on December 11, 2023;
Whereas, The guiding principles developed in the Strategic Plan include Trust, Community, Accountability, Sustainability, and Knowledge. Aspiration Goals within the Strategic Plan include, but are not limited to, areas of focus such as source water protection, equity and affordability, reliability and resiliency, climate change, and public engagement; and
Whereas, The Strategic Plan will provide guidance to Ann Abor Water as they advance the Water Treatment Plant rehabilitation project and for many years beyond;
RESOLVED, That City Council adopt the Ann Arbor Water Strategic Plan.