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Council member says oak-wilt pruning guidance will return July 20; commissioner flags possible DTE rate increase
Summary
Jen Cornell told the Sustainability Commission the council's first hearing on oak-wilt pruning guidance occurred and a second reading is set for July 20; a commissioner reported a DTE investment filing that could raise residential bills about 9.96% if approved.
At the July 14 meeting of the Ann Arbor Sustainability Commission, Council member Jen Cornell reported that City Council held a first hearing on an ordinance to provide guidance to residents on pruning and other practices to reduce oak-wilt risk. Cornell said an expert from the city presented at the council hearing and that the ordinance "will come to council for a 2nd reading on the 20th." She said the measure aims to give residents practical guidance on when and how to prune to protect the tree canopy.
Later in the meeting during last-minute items, Commissioner Carlene said her most recent DTE bill included a notice that on 04/28/2026 DTE Electric filed an investment request with the Michigan Public Service Commission. "If fully approved, the average residential bill could increase by 9.96% per month," she said, and asked whether that filing was on the city's radar.
Council member Cornell and other commissioners said the city regularly intervenes in utility rate cases; Cornell said the city has intervened in 11 cases in the last five years on issues including cost, reliability and cleaner energy. Commissioners asked staff to follow up with contacts who regularly meet DTE.
No formal vote or action on oak-wilt rules or the DTE filing was taken by the Sustainability Commission; the oak-wilt ordinance's next formal step is the City Council second reading on July 20.
