Archived News Release: December 19, 2018 - There will be no trash or recycling collection services in the city of Ann Arbor on Tuesday, Dec. 25 due to the Christmas Day holiday as well as Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019, for the New Year's Day holiday. Solid waste collections will be delayed one day both weeks, with Friday pickups taking place on Saturday. Please note, trash and recycling collections will occur as normal on Mondays, Dec. 24 and Dec. 31.
Larcom City Hall offices will close at noon, and the 15th District Court will close at 11:30 a.m., Monday Dec. 24 for the Christmas holiday. Offices will reopen on Wednesday, Dec. 26. Likewise, for the New Year's holiday, Larcom City Hall will close at noon and the 15th District Court will close at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 31, and resume normal operations on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019. Safety services and utility operations will maintain 24-hour schedules throughout.
With the return of winter weather and snow to Ann Arbor, residents, businesses and property owners should be aware of their responsibility to clear their sidewalks. It is also wise to take proper precautions to reduce the possibility of frozen water pipes and other cold-weather problems.
Clearing sidewalks, crosswalk ramps and bus stops
Residents and/or property owners are responsible for removing snow/ice from adjacent sidewalks, crosswalk ramps and bus stops. Residents/property owners will receive only one warning, per season, before incurring fines.
Please exercise caution and care when shoveling, especially during extreme cold. Remember, moving snow/ice from private property onto a public street, sidewalk or bridge not only poses a significant safety hazard, it's against the law. To report a problem sidewalk, please use the A2 Fix It app, visit a2gov.org/a2fixit or call 734.794.6942.
Residential property:
Within 24-hours, any accumulation of snow greater than 1 inch must be cleared from adjacent sidewalks, concrete bus stops and crosswalk ramps. Any ice accumulations must be treated within 18- hours of forming with sand, salt or other substance, to prevent it from becoming slippery. The city is not responsible for clearing mailboxes of snow and/or ice.
Non-residential property:
Any snow/ice that has accumulated by 6 a.m. must be removed from adjacent sidewalks, bus stop walks and crosswalk ramps before noon on the same day.
To protect water service
For pipes located within cabinets, open the cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate through. If you have young children, move any chemicals or cleaners that may have otherwise been out of reach behind the cabinet doors.
Insulate any spigots or pipes on the outside of your home.
Let your faucet drip to keep water moving through the pipes.
Set your thermostat to the same temperature day and night. A slightly higher energy bill is worth avoiding the expense of a broken pipe and possible flooding.
If you will be away from home, set your thermostat no lower than 55 degrees.
Make sure you can locate your water shut off/water isolation valve inside the home before a water break occurs.
It is imperative that residents not attempt to unfreeze an indoor water pipe with an open flame or flammable liquid. This work is best left to professionals.
If you experience a frozen water pipe, or water has stopped flowing into your home, and you are unable to determine the location or nature of the problem, please contact the City of Ann Arbor for help in determining whether the problem is on the city side of water service. If you experience a broken or leaking water pipe, and can't find your isolation valve, or it doesn't work, please contact the city so that we can shut off your water using the curb valve, for a fee. If a water emergency occurs, please call the city at 734.794.6320 Monday–Friday 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. At all other times, please call 734.994.2840. If you live in a rental property/multi-family/apartment building, please contact your property manager first.
Recycling and trash carts in winter
Carts should go on extension or driveway whenever possible, never in a bike lane.
Carts must be free of debris, including snow/ice, which may hinder service.
Don't place carts on top of snow banks. Clear a “shelf" so the cart can rest flat.
If possible, put carts out after street has been plowed.
Special pickup customers (for physically challenged residents) must provide driveways or walkways clear of snow/ice. To learn more about this service, contact customer service at 734.794.6320.
Other tips to keep in mind
Keep sump pump air gaps outside of the home free of snow and ice.
If possible, remove snow and ice from the fire hydrant near your home so that they are clear, visible and accessible, which will allow emergency responders to act more quickly in case of a fire.
While out shoveling your sidewalk, keep an eye on your storm drains. Helping to clear them of snow, ice and debris will help prevent flooding as temperatures rise.
During heavy snow, please remove vehicles from street parking. This allows plows to clear more snow, which will make driving and parking easier and safer after a storm.
During a severe winter storm, a snow emergency may be declared. This declaration will be shared via the media, CTN, email, the city's social media channels (Facebook and Twitter) as well as at www.a2gov.org. To receive email alerts, subscribe to “news" topic updates at https://service.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIANNA/subscriber/new?topic_id=MIANNA_5.
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