Title
Resolution to Direct City Staff to Begin the Process of Annexing Clusters of Township Properties within the City's Ultimate Boundary Area
Memorandum
Attached is a resolution to direct City Staff to begin a strategic process to annex clusters of township properties within the City's ultimate boundary area. Annexation of these township "islands" will promote more efficient provision of public services.
A committee of city staff representing all service areas has been working to develop a strategic process of gradually annexing clusters of township islands from Ann Arbor, Pittsfield, and Scio Townships. The attached memorandum contains the committee's findings.
The committee recommended that City Council approve the following steps to undertake the annexation process:
· Initiate the annexation of properties owned by utility companies and, where warranted, of publicly owned lands within the ultimate boundary area
· Begin the strategic process of annexing clusters of township islands into the City in accordance with the staff analysis
· Where feasible, annex township island properties through mutually agreeable boundary adjustments consistent with the township boundary agreements
Attachments: 6/13/11 Memo to Council
Staff
Prepared By: Jeff Kahan, City Planner
Reviewed By: Wendy L. Rampson, Planning Manager and Sumedh Bahl, Community Services Administrator
Body
Whereas, Boundary agreements between the City and Ann Arbor, Pittsfield and Scio Townships have established the ultimate City boundaries between the City and each of the Townships;
Whereas, Approximately 550 township properties exist within the City's ultimate boundary area;
Whereas, Duplication of a number of municipal services to township "islands" exists within the City's ultimate boundary area;
Whereas, It is in the City's best interest to identify and promote the efficient provision of public services;
Whereas, It is in the City's best interest to develop a strategic process to plan for and provide public services to those locations in the City's ultimate boundary area that currently do not receive public services;
Whereas, The boundary agreement between the City and Ann Arbor Township states that the Township will not contest City-initiated annexations after December 31, 2007; and
Whereas, Agreements between the City and Pittsfield and Scio Townships do not preclude the City from initiating annexation of Pittsfield and Scio Township parcels within the City's ultimate boundary area;
RESOLVED, City Council hereby directs City staff to initiate the annexation of properties owned by utility companies and, where warranted, of publicly owned lands within the ultimate boundary area;
RESOLVED, City Council hereby directs City staff to begin the strategic process of annexing clusters of township islands into the City in accordance with the staff analysis;
RESOLVED, Where feasible, City Council will seek to annex township island properties through mutually agreeable boundary adjustments consistent with the aforementioned boundary agreements; and
RESOLVED, That by January 1, 2013, City staff shall report to City Council on the progress and on the impacts of strategic annexation of township island properties.