Title
Resolution of Support for Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority Management and Operational Deterrent Suicide Attempt Measures for City Parking Facilities
Staff
Prepared by: Howard S. Lazarus, City Administrator
Sponsored by: Councilmembers Eaton, Kailasapathy, Lumm, and Ackerman
Body
Whereas Ann Arbor is one of many cities around the nation that has experienced individuals committing suicide by jumping from parking structures
Whereas, According to a recent survey of members by the International Parking Institute (IPI) most of the suicides by jumping occurred from the roof or top levels of the structures at a time when the facilities were open to the public;
Whereas, The Parking Agreement entered into between the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and the City of Ann Arbor, specifically authorizes the DDA to make alterations, additions and enhancements of the City parking facilities deemed reasonable and necessary by the DDA for operation of the City parking facilities
Whereas, The Parking Agreement requires the DDA to operate and manage the City parking facilities to assure public safety;
Whereas, The DDA has undertaken efforts to evaluate and implement potential intervention measures, such as signage, in City parking facilities to address possible suicide attempts; and
Whereas, Physical barriers have been considered but not yet implemented;
RESOLVED, That City Council supports the DDA’s ongoing efforts to implement best practice standards to provide physical security in parking facilities and implement appropriate physical and other operational measures as deterrents to jumping from the roof or top levels of the City parking structures;
RESOLVED, That City Council urges the DDA to place the highest priority on providing physical barriers on parking structures, starting with the levels highest above the ground, including temporary barriers if permanent structures are delayed for any reason; and
RESOLVED, That if the current year’s DDA budget does not permit immediate action, the City Council requests that the City Administrator to discuss with the DDA alternate sources of funding.