Ann Arbor Planning Commission chairman trapped inside city hall elevator
A special working session of the Ann Arbor Planning Commission was delayed Tuesday night as Chairman Eric Mahler found himself trapped in a city hall elevator.
After a 15 minute delay, Mahler, still trapped, contacted fellow planning officials and gave the OK to start the meeting without him.
Eric Mahler
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
Firefighters had considered forcibly prying the doors open but were waiting on an elevator repair technician to arrive.
Planning officials had a laugh about the incident and seemed to be in good spirits as they carried on the meeting without Mahler.
Wendy Rampson, the city's planning manager, periodically left the meeting to check on Mahler.
"How's Eric doing?" Planning Commissioner Kirk Westphal asked at 7:54 p.m.
"He's still stuck," Rampson said. "It's a little bit scary."
A minute later, Mahler arrived, and planning commissioners applauded and cheered.
"Let's get started," Mahler said with a smirk.
Asked how he got out, Mahler said the responders were able to get the elevator doors open slightly, "then I had to push it the rest of the way."
The commission was meeting Tuesday to talk about sustainability goals and a zoning study report for the city's R4C and R2A zoning districts.
Comments
Craig Lounsbury
Wed, May 9, 2012 : 1:35 p.m.
How many politicians can we fit in an elevator?
motorcycleminer
Wed, May 9, 2012 : 11:17 a.m.
Infrastrusture problems..we ain't got no stinkin infrastructure problems....we got art.....
DonBee
Wed, May 9, 2012 : 10:02 a.m.
Now he knows what if feels like to appear before the planning commission.
treetowncartel
Wed, May 9, 2012 : 2:58 a.m.
Got stuck in an elevator once. Luckily, we were returning to the party with beer when it happened.
Craig Lounsbury
Wed, May 9, 2012 : 1:42 p.m.
more importantly how much beer was left when you were rescued?
Brad
Wed, May 9, 2012 : 1:40 p.m.
So I'm guessing it didn't take them an hour to get you out, either.
Ron Granger
Wed, May 9, 2012 : 2:13 a.m.
Now the council will probably spend $50 million installing "essential" escalators.
Ron Granger
Wed, May 9, 2012 : 9:13 p.m.
Why not use the jail inmates to power it? Sort of a cross between the matrix and a chain gang.
Craig Lounsbury
Wed, May 9, 2012 : 1:44 p.m.
preferably solar powered escalators.
Ron Granger
Wed, May 9, 2012 : 2:10 a.m.
Why hasn't Ann Arbor passed an ordinance forcing everyone to use the stairs in government buildings?
rcastentman
Wed, May 9, 2012 : 1 a.m.
Can't remember the last time anyone got trapped on the "stairs". Just sayin....
justcurious
Wed, May 9, 2012 : 12:51 a.m.
Maybe use some money to make sure the elevators run properly? Maybe they should have called the elevator company. He might have been out sooner.
leezee
Wed, May 9, 2012 : 12:48 a.m.
Sorry, we can't afford to get you out, but when and if you do escape, we have an amazing new piece of art you may want to look at
The Black Stallion3
Wed, May 9, 2012 : 12:39 a.m.
Sounds like poor planning on the city's part......bring on the art work....Sad !!
amlive
Wed, May 9, 2012 : 12:22 a.m.
Primary topic of next week's meeting - strategies to ensure all current facility maintenance is covered before any new projects or investments are considered.
lynel
Wed, May 9, 2012 : 12:22 a.m.
More art in city hall would have alleviated any problems with the elevator.