CITY MANAGER PROFILE APPROVED

POSITION POSTED AND TIMELINE DETERMINED

At their July 17th meeting, the City Commission approved the a job posting, rubric, assessment plan, and timeline for the City Manager position.

The City Manager is the administrative officer of the City and shall hold office at the pleasure of the City Commission. Under the general supervision of the City Commission, the City Manager performs a broad range of administrative and financial functions in support of the daily operations which serve the best interests of the entire Traverse City community, and oversees the functions of all City departments.

The individual should be an innovator, strong communicator, exceptional project manager, change agent, teambuilder and strategic leader who can work effectively with the City Commission, talented staff and an engaged community, to chart the vision for this exceptional community, and to put in place the strategies and tactics to achieve the community-embraced vision. This candidate will effectively collaborate with all stakeholders, is excited about the current position and greater potential of the region, and embraces an engaged public.

Timeline

Job posting closes: August 13

Candidate information to selection team: August 18

Council to review candidates in closed session on: August 28

First round interviews: September 7

Council to determine next steps on September 11

COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS WITH INTERIM CITY MANAGER

The City invites residents to join the Interim City Manager, Nate Geinzer, for Community Conversations, a series of informal dialogues. Community Conversations will serve as a platform for City residents of all ages and backgrounds to engage in dialogue and ask questions. Locations will rotate to accommodate residents throughout the City. In addition to conversation, comment cards will be available for residents who may prefer to leave a comment or question in writing.

Community Conversations will be hosted on the following dates and locations:

• July 25: TC Whiskey Co., 201 E. Fourteenth Street, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
• July 26: Mundos, 1238 S Garfield Avenue, 8:30 – 10:30 am

PILOT TWO WAY STREET CONVERSION JULY EVALUATION

As part of the pilot Two Way Street Conversion Project, factors to help gauge the success of the project will continue to be evaluated, including pedestrian volumes, bicycle volumes, crash data, traffic speeds, and traffic volumes. 

Traffic data will be sought to record the frequency and volume of pedestrians, vehicle maneuvers, and speeds. Efforts are focused on understanding how the conversion of State Street to two-way traffic is currently operating, identifying opportunities for improvements, and best understanding how traffic is flowing into, through, and out of the downtown area and the impacts it has on the neighborhoods.

As the two-way conversion is experienced, users may provide suggestions at two-way@downtowntc.com.

KATHY SANDERS HONORED WITH

SARA HARDY HUMANITARIAN AWARD

The Sara Hardy Humanitarian Award was created as a way to publicly recognize and celebrate the greatness and kindness of people in and around Traverse City. This annual award recognizes Sara Hardy’s contributions to the community by honoring someone who exemplifies the ideals of the Human Rights Commission, which are to promote mutual understanding and respect among all people and to discourage discriminatory practices. Sara Hardy, a longtime resident, through her courageous and determined actions gave birth to the concept of a Human Rights organization in her community. Her conduct and professionalism exemplifies the philosophies and ideals of the Human Rights Commission to promote mutual understanding and respect among all people and to discourage discriminatory practices. Sara Hardy was instrumental in establishing the Human Rights Commission more than 30 years ago.

The awardees show courage, selflessness, kindness, and compassion. They are empowered by the opportunities to achieve a positive impact for the people in and around our region. Traverse City Human Rights Commission (HRC) has awarded the 2023 Sara Hardy Humanitarian Award to Kathy Sanders. Sanders is known for her work with Before, During, and After Incarceration (BDAI) as a member of its Executive Team, Secretary at St. Francis Parish Justice and Peace Committee, Coordinator for Lenten Meal Program and a regular volunteer for Safe Harbor of Grand Traverse.

One of Sanders nominator’s stated, “Kathy Sanders is a tireless advocate of our neighbors without homes." Several nominators expressed that Sanders’s compassionate heart acts effectively through her technical skills and natural leadership. One of Kathy’s greatest assets is her ability to bring together divergent groups.

FAREWELL TO ASSISTANT

CITY MANAGER, PENNY HILL

ENJOY RETIREMENT

Assistant City Manager, Penny Hill, entered retirement this week after a 35-year career in local Michigan government, which began in the Upper Peninsula and commenced with the City of Traverse City.

During her tenure in Traverse City, Ms. Hill has overseen numerous projects and initiatives. She has served as staff liaison to the Traverse Heights Neighborhood Association, staff liaison to the Human Rights Commission, and managed the staff transportation committee. Ms. Hill has managed the historic Carnegie Building, which houses local non-profits and houses the City’s Con Foster Museum Collection. For many years, within the purview of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, she helped facilitate the repatriation of funerary & sacred objects that had been in the Con Foster Museum Collection, which included repatriating the remains of two souls to the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. 

Earlier this year, Ms. Hill was awarded the “Outstanding Assistant Award” from the Michigan Municipal Executives, due to her many achievements made during her tenure here, and her many years of working in local government. Join us in wishing her the best in retirement!

IN THE COMMUNITY

TOUCH A TRUCK

Last week, the City's DPS Streets Division participated in the "touch-a-truck" event at the Traverse Area District Library. Streets provided a sander truck with front plow, with an operator to explain the parts, pieces, and functionality of the unit. Per usual, they were a hit!