News Article

Archived News Release: June 4, 2020 - ​Ann Arbor Larcom City Hall will reopen to the public on Monday, June 8, however, customers are encouraged to make payments and conduct city service requests online as much as possible. In-person essential city services will resume with new safety protocols in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect city staff and the public. These protocols include:

• Customers are encouraged to make payments and conduct all city service requests online. If customers need to come to City Hall to make a payment, the city strongly encourages the use of credit card payments to minimize physical contact. 

• Face coverings in public areas are required at all times. If a visitor does not have a face covering, then one will be provided at the guest services desk in the lobby.

• Visitors will be screened for symptoms and COVID exposure at the guest services desk.

• Physical distancing of 6 feet or more will be required. Floor markings and stanchions have been installed to direct traffic flow.

• Sneeze guards have been installed at customer service counters, and signage has been placed throughout the building to note safety protocols that should be followed.  

• Cleaning and sanitization procedures have also been updated to provide more thorough and frequent cleaning of common areas and equipment. 
  

Assessor's Of​​​fice:

• The assessor's office, located on the fifth floor, will reopen with staff available to answer calls and serve the public at the counter 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday, except holidays. 

• Should the need arise for a monetary transaction, customers will be directed to the customer service center on the first floor to complete the transaction. 
  

City Clerk's O​ffice:

• The city clerk's office is open to the public 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday, except holidays, with a one-hour closure for lunch noon–1 p.m., which is necessary to accommodate physical distancing within the office.

• Absentee ballot requests and voter registrations are being processed and can be submitted via fax 734.994.8296, mail 301 E. Huron St., email [email protected] or via the drop box in the City Hall vestibule off Ann Street. Visit A2gov.org/elections for more information.

• Virtual board and commission meetings will continue to be held until June 30, per the state executive order.
  

Customer Service Cen​​ter:

• The customer service center will resume regular in-person services Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., except holidays. Customers should continue to make payments and conduct other service requests online as much as possible. If customers need to come to City Hall to make a payment, the city strongly encourages the use of credit card payments to minimize physical contact. However, please note the city cannot accept credit cards for in-person property taxes payments.  
  

Parks and Recreation Servi​​​ces:

While some offerings remain closed, other park amenities and recreation facilities have reopened with physical distancing and other restrictions in place. A partial list follows noting the status of certain city park facilities, programs and amenities; see www.a2gov.org/covid19parks for complete details.

• The Ann Arbor Farmers Market has resumed on-site sales, with restrictions in place. The number of vendor stalls, for instance, will be limited to manage physical distancing requirements. Signage informs customers how to shop under these new guidelines. Visit www.a2gov.org/market for complete details.

• Huron Hills and Leslie Park golf courses are open. Tee times must be reserved and paid for online. Visit www.a2golf.org for complete details.

• Disc golf and dog parks are open, with physical distancing required among dog owners and disc golfers and other restrictions in place.

• Argo and Gallup canoe liveries are open for boat rentals at a reduced capacity. Registration online or over the phone is required.

• Staff is evaluating other facilities and amenities given Governor Whitmer's latest emergency order and updates will be posted next week at www.a2gov.org/covid19parks. At this time, outdoor pools remain closed and day camps are still cancelled for the 2020 season.

Planning and Inspection Serv​​ices:

• In the interest of maintaining the recommended physical distance, permit applications and plans for review will continue with digital submission via email (up to 150MB) using the [email protected] email address.

• Issued permits and approved plans will be posted online for public access via eTRAKiT.

• Inspections for building and trades resumed in the field Monday, May 11, in line with the lifted restrictions by the state, and requests should be submitted online through eTRAKiT at https://etrakit.a2gov.org/etrakit3/. Inspectors contact the public directly to discuss their inspection needs and verify timing. 

• As a regular protocol for both building and rental inspections, the city will screen all inspectors daily for COVID-19 symptoms, inspectors will be equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment, and each inspection will be performed with consideration of 6-foot distancing. 
  

Public Park​​ing:

Public parking facilities in downtown Ann Arbor will return to normal operations on Monday, June 8. Facility modifications have been made to protect the safety of customers and parking staff, including:

• Signage and physical distancing cues.

• Staff will be wearing personal protective equipment.

• Plexiglass shields have been installed at payment booths.
  

Please visit the city's COVID-19 webpage for more information, www.A2gov.org/COVID19. ​

nformation is still evolving, so please visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus or CDC.gov/Coronavirus websites for the most up to date information.  

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