GRAND TRAVERSE COMMONS WATER DISTRICT

AGREEMENT APPROVEDED

At their December 1, 2025 meeting, the City Commission approved an agreement with Garfield Township governing the ownership, operation, and billing of the newly constructed Grand Traverse Commons Water Pressure District.

Water system improvements have recently been completed at the Grand Traverse Commons campus, which includes buildings used by the City of Traverse City and Garfield Township Joint Recreational Authority. The project improved water pressure and fire flow at the Grand Traverse Commons campus, TBA-ISD, Greenspire School, and the Cathedral Barns.

The nearly $1 million project was funded through the City’s Water Fund, but will be fully reimbursed by the Grand Traverse County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority by the end of 2026. As part of the agreement, Garfield Township agreed to purchase the water infrastructure within the pressure district for approximately $408,000 and to reimburse the City up to $48,000 for financing costs associated with constructing the improvements.

Following a transition period, Garfield Township will assume ownership, maintenance, and operation of the district. During the transition, the City will continue billing for water and sewer services, after which the Township will begin, with sewer revenues remitted back to the City. Future customers connecting within the district will be Township water customers and subject to Township rates and ordinances.

MARENTETTE APPOINTED AS PERMANENT CITY MANAGER

DECEMBER 1ST

At its December 1, 2025 meeting, the City Commission unanimously appointed Benjamin Marentette as the City’s new permanent City Manager.

Marentette has dedicated his career to serving the City of Traverse City. Since July 2025, he has led the City as Interim City Manager, providing steady leadership, clear vision, and a deep understanding of municipal operations. Prior to that role, he served as City Clerk since 2011.

Marentette’s commitment to public service spans many roles and reflects a strong foundation in leadership and public administration. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Spring Arbor University, a Master of Business Administration from Lawrence Technological University, and a Public Leadership Credential from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.

We are excited about the future of our City and confident it is in excellent hands under Marentette’s leadership. Please join us in congratulating him on this well-deserved appointment!

GINGERBREAD SHOWDOWN

Get ready for some sweet seasonal fun as the Gingerbread Showdown launches this year with creativity, laughter, and a little friendly rivalry. Departments from Grand Traverse County and the City of Traverse City will go head-to-head, crafting imaginative gingerbread structures in the name of holiday cheer, and bragging rights.

Once the creations are complete, the real judging begins. The gingerbread buildings will be displayed for the public to view and vote at the Governmental Center from December 11th to December 19th. Community votes will decide which department claims victory. From architectural ambition to candy-coated details, each entry promises to showcase teamwork and creativity.

Be sure to stop by, cast your vote, and help crown this year’s Gingerbread Showdown champion. May the best build win!

GIVING BACK THIS SEASON

This season, the Governmental Center is proud to host a Giving Tree through December 23rd, to support members of our community in need. Community members are invited to donate new or gently used mittens, scarves, and hats to help keep neighbors warm throughout the winter months.

The City and Grand Traverse County will have a Father Fred Foundation food donation box at the Governmental Center. Suggested items include: 5 oz. canned chicken or tuna, oatmeal, peanut butter, rice, dried beans (1 lb. bag), spaghetti or pasta, pasta sauce, soups, canned fruits in juice/pie filling, canned vegetables, boxed potatoes/boxed stuffing.

If you are or someone you know is in need of access to food, dial 2-1-1 from any phone to speak with a trained specialist who can connect you to local food banks, pantries, and other programs.

LEAF PICKUP

UPDATE

The Streets Division has recently needed to prioritize snow removal and overall roadway safety following winter weather conditions. As a result, leaf pickup efforts experienced temporary delays.

However, as promised, crews continue to address remaining leaves, and to help move the work along, additional support from a contractor has been brought in. Leaf collection is ongoing, and progress continues throughout the City neighborhoods.

Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we balance seasonal weather demands with neighborhood cleanup.

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT MAINTENANCE

Residents may notice temporary odors near the Wastewater Treatment Plant due to scheduled maintenance on one of the primary settling tanks. This work is anticipated to continue through the week of December 8, 2025 and requires the removal of tank covers during active maintenance hours.

To help minimize impacts to the surrounding area, tank covers will be sealed at the end of each workday as an added odor mitigation measure.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as this necessary maintenance is completed.

MONTHLY COMMUNITY OFFICE HOURS

PLANNING COMMISSION

The Planning Commission has launched a new program and will host community office hours at rotating locations once a month on Wednesdays at either Noon or 6:00 pm.

Come chat with Planning representatives on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at Noon at Common Good Bakery, 1115 E. Eighth Street. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and learn more about what’s happening in City Planning.

HICKORY HILLS SEASON UPDATES

OPENING DATE TO BE DETERMINED

Hours and Special Dates

Due to equipment failure in the snowmaking process, the targeting opening date of December 19, 2025 is not anticipated to be met. Weather and future snowmaking capabilities will determine the opening date. Stay tuned for updates!

During the season, early openings will continue on scheduled TCAPS days off at 11:00 am. New this season, Hickory will now open early at 1:00 pm on scheduled TCAPS half/early release days. Early openings will not take place on snow days.

Learn More

Hickory Lodge Early Days & Open House

The City will open the Lodge at Hickory on Monday, December 8, 2025 for season pass purchases and pickup, and merchandise sales.

On Wednesday, December 17, 2025, Hickory Hills will host an open house on site for the community to meet the team, learn more about the season, check out the offerings of concessions, and see equipment such as a PistenBully up close! Season pass purchases, pass pickup, and merchandise sales will also be available.

Hickory Lodge Early Days will run Monday through Friday from 3:00 - 6:00 pm, until the opening day of the ski area.

Season Passes

Season passes for Hickory Hills are now on sale. Alpine season passholders may also use Nordic trails at no additional charge.

The City's software offers options to make your adventurous days at Hickory easier than ever. Waivers may be completed ahead of time, and money can be added to passholder accounts for use on anything at Hickory (think snacks and merch!).

Pass pick up will be available beginning December 8, 2025.

Hickory Purchase Portal

When the season opens, day passes will continue to be purchased onsite at the ticket window. Reminder, a variety of rentals are available for both alpine and nordic.

Nordic Updates

Currently, daily grooming is being conducted in the Meadows, with a wide skate deck that is firming up and leveling out nicely, and tracks have been set.  

On the Hickory Hills side, the lighted loop, access road, and flight have all been rolled. The lighted loop is thin. Please use extreme caution on as crews prepare for snowmaking.  

Thank you volunteer groomers!

Seasonal Positions

JOIN THE FUN! The City is now hiring for seasonal positions at Hickory Hills. 

Learn More

TCFD UPDATES

CONGRATULATIONS TO CAPTAIN ERIC JACKSON ON RETIREMENT

This past week, Captain Eric Jackson retired after 24 years of dedicated service with the Traverse City Fire Department. The City extends its sincere gratitude to Captain Jackson for his commitment to public safety and his bravery, and wishes him all the best in a well-earned retirement.

Several staffing changes have also taken place within the department. Lieutenant Chris Peron has been promoted to the rank of Captain and has transitioned from Crew 03 to lead Crew 02. Additionally, Firefighter/Paramedic Nathan McKerchie has been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and will serve with Crew 03.

WATER & WASTEWATER PROFESSIONALS WORKFORCE WEEK

DECEMBER 8 - 14

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has issued a proclamation declaring December 8 -14, 2025, as Water and Wastewater Professionals Workforce Week, honoring the dedication of the highly trained operators, technicians, administrative professionals, and all other specialists who work to ensure Michigan communities have safe and reliable drinking water and that rivers and lakes are both fishable and swimmable.

Michigan has thousands of certified operators and other water professionals who work behind the scenes to keep the tap flowing and toilets flushing. The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected that 8.2 percent of existing water operators will need to be replaced annually between 2016 and 2026.

Michigan's water industry is essential to the health and success of our state and offers a wide variety of rewarding career opportunities in the fields of Engineering, Biology, Finance, Chemistry, Business Administration, Communications, Trade Skills, and many other high-demand occupations.

The City recognizes Water & Wastewater Professionals Workforce Week as a time to highlight the critical role these professionals play in protecting public health and the environment.

We extend our sincere thanks to our dedicated team for their continued commitment to delivering clean, safe drinking water, for the essential work they do to treat wastewater, and safeguarding our waterways. Their expertise, professionalism, and behind-the-scenes efforts help ensure a healthy community every day.

SENIOR CENTER PROJECT

BUILDERS EXCHANGE OF NW MICHIGAN

Recently, the Builders Exchange of NW Michigan hosted its Awards of Excellence Ceremony, honoring Hallmark Construction as the winner in the $4+ million category for the Senior Center Project. Their work on the Traverse City Senior Center is a testament to quality, vision, and dedication-creating a space that will serve generations of residents and strengthen community connections. This award celebrates their commitment to building projects that truly make a difference.

Congratulations to Hallmark and all of our partners who worked to make the dream of the Senior Center come true!

Photo courtesy of the Builders Exchange of NW Michigan.

CITY OFFICE HOURS ADJUSTMENT

GOVERNMENTAL CENTER

City Office Hours: Governmental Center

Monday–Thursday: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm

Friday: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Customer needs outside of these regular business hours will be available by appointment only. For after-hours services, customers may use the red drop box located at the Governmental Center, or make payments online.

Please note that Grand Traverse County Offices will continue to maintain their customer service hours at the Governmental Center, Monday–Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.