WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT

PROJECT UPDATES

Construction continues on several major projects at the City's Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant as part of a long-term investment to modernize aging infrastructure, improve reliability, reduce operational risk, and protect public health and our local waterways. While these improvements are underway, it's important to note that the wastewater treatment plant continues to operate reliably below its available capacity allowing it to serve our community well into the future. The upgrades are focused on replacing aging infrastructure, improving efficiency, and ensuring plant redundancy to remain resilient for decades to come.

Primary Treatment Headworks and Ultraviolet (UV) Disinfection Project

Work is progressing on the Primary Treatment Headworks and Ultraviolet (UV) Disinfection project, which includes a new headworks building with upgraded screening and grit removal, replacement of aging pumps and clarifiers, and installation of an upgraded UV disinfection system. A UV system safely disinfects treated water using ultraviolet light prior to returning the effluent back to the Boardman-Ottaway River. The current UV system has reached the end of its useful life, so a new UV system is being installed to improve reliability, handle increased flow during high-water events, and maintain regulatory compliance. The City is investing $41M utilizing a low interest State Revolving Fund loan program for these upgrades with the project completion slated for fall 2028.

Solar and Battery Energy Storage System Project

Significant progress is also being made on the Rooftop Solar and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project. Installation of approximately 588 solar panels across nine locations is nearing completion, with the battery energy storage system expected to be installed in the coming weeks. The BESS will be used for peak-shaving: storing energy from the lower cost off-peak grid power, then releasing that energy during the higher cost peak demand to save overall cost. The solar array is separate from the BESS system and generates on-site power used to offset the plant's electrical demand from the grid throughout the day. Once operational, the system will generate approximately 10% of the facility's annual electricity needs, reduce carbon emissions by approximately 350,000 pounds annually, and save the City nearly $100,000 each year in energy and demand costs, resulting in an estimated $2.4 million in utility savings over the life of the system. This project was funded through a $1,685,479 Michigan Public Services Commission (MPSC) grant. 

ACME & EAST BAY TOWNSHIP SEWER IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

IMPACTS TO HULL PARK AND BOARDMAN LAKE LOOP

Construction continues on the East Bay Township/Acme Township Force Main Sewer Project, with a new phase of work impacting the Hull Park area and the Boardman Lake Loop Trail throughout August.

Contractors have closed one lane of Hannah Avenue and temporarily closed the Boardman Lake Loop Trail crossing at Hannah Avenue. A signed detour will be in place for trail users, and Hannah Avenue will be reduced to a single shared lane. The work is anticipated to be completed by Friday, August 28, weather permitting. Access to all businesses and residences will be maintained throughout construction, though motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians are encouraged to use alternate routes when possible to reduce congestion, minimize delays, and promote worker safety.

The August work is part of the larger East Bay Township/Acme Township Force Main Sewer Project, which began in June. The project includes the installation of a new 16-inch force main sewer line extending from the City's Wastewater Treatment Plant through Hull Park, along Hannah Avenue to Barlow Street, and east through the alley connecting Barlow Street and Garfield Avenue. The project ensures the City's regional wastewater partners continue investing in infrastructure improvements necessary to maintain the long-term reliability of the shared wastewater system.

Questions regarding construction activities may be directed to M&M Excavating Project Representative, Ryan Meisner, at ryan@m-mexcavating.com.

CITY ONLINE PAYMENT SYSTEM CONVERSION

NEW SYSTEM LAUNCHES

The City has transitioned to a new payment system powered by BS&A Payments, providing residents and customers with a faster, more secure, and user-friendly payment experience. This payment system will replace InvoiceCloud.

The new platform offers convenient online payment options, enhanced account management features, and modern in-person payment devices at the Governmental Center. Customers will be able to make one-time payments, enroll in automatic payments, and access their payment information through an improved online portal. The new system also supports secure credit card and digital wallet transactions for those paying in person.

Existing Online Payment Users

Customers can make one-time payments without an account. However, an account must be created to enroll in AutoPay, paperless billing, or scheduled payments. The City will not charge late payment fees for water/sewer utilities during the transition period (through the end of September 2026).

Support Resources

The new payment portal includes an Online Learning Center with step-by-step tutorials covering account creation, one-time payments, and AutoPay enrollment. City staff will also be available to assist customers with the transition.

PROJECT UPDATES

COMPLETE, ACTIVE, AND UPCOMING

Cape Seal Preparation: Active

City crews will be working in various locations throughout the coming weeks to prepare roadways and asphalt surfaces for the 2026 Cape Seal pavement preservation program.

Farmers Market Project: Active

Construction is underway on the new Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market Pavilion. Parking Lot B is closed for the duration of the project, which includes construction of a modern, accessible covered pavilion, reconstruction of the parking lot, upgraded drainage and stormwater infrastructure, enhanced landscaping, and parking improvements to better serve the market and surrounding riverfront. The project is anticipated to be completed in spring 2027.

Eleventh Street Culvert/Kids Creek Restoration Project: Active

Construction continues onsite for the Kids Creek Restoration Project. The new culvert was recently placed and is a significant investment in the health of Kids Creek. Replacing the undersized crossing will improve water flow, restore aquatic habitat, enhance fish passage, and reduce flooding impacts, all while supporting ongoing efforts to remove Kids Creek from Michigan's Impaired Waters List.

To accommodate construction, the 700 and 900 blocks of Eleventh Street between Elmwood Avenue and Division Street are closed. Motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians are encouraged to follow posted detours. The project is anticipated to be substantially completed by October 1, 2026. This work continues a long-standing regional partnership focused on restoring the health and function of the Kids Creek watershed.

Monroe Street Reconstruction: Active

Construction continues on the Monroe Street Reconstruction Project, which will completely rebuild Monroe Street from W. Front Street to Bay Street while upgrading water, sanitary sewer, stormwater infrastructure, sidewalks, and pedestrian amenities. The initial phase between Bay Street and Wayne Street is substantially complete, with work continuing north toward Front Street throughout the construction season. The project remains on schedule for substantial completion by October 30, 2026, weather permitting.



Projects Completed

Pavement Marking Project

Oak Street Mill and Fill (Seventh Street and W. Thirteenth Street)

Seventh Street Mill and Fill (S. Elmwood Ave. and S. Division Street)

Elmwood Mill and Fill (W. Front Street and W. Eleventh Streets)

Washington Street Resurface (Rose Street to Prospect Street)

Cass Street Crosswalk (E. State Street and E. Front Street)



Looking Ahead

The City's 2026 Cape Seal Program is anticipated to begin in August and will preserve several residential streets by extending pavement life and protecting existing roadway investments. As part of the project, Front Street will also receive a cape seal treatment.

BE MOBILE WITH US 

YOUR INPUT - BETTER CONNECTIONS

The City recently established a Complete Streets Committee to help identify opportunities to improve mobility, accessibility, and safety for all users of our transportation network, whether walking, biking, rolling, taking transit, or driving.

As part of this effort, the City has dedicated a 1% allocation of transportation funding toward Complete Streets initiatives. While some of these dollars may be used to leverage larger infrastructure projects, the Committee is also interested in identifying smaller, low-cost improvements that can make a meaningful difference for residents and visitors.

With peak walking and biking season underway, now is the perfect time to hear from those who use our streets, sidewalks, trails, and crossings every day. Have you noticed a missing sidewalk connection, visibility concern, bicycle parking need, crosswalk issue, accessibility barrier, or another opportunity for improvement within the City limits? Tell us about it.

Your feedback will help the Complete Streets Committee identify potential "easy wins" that can improve mobility, safety, and connectivity throughout the community.

WATER SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT

WEEK OF AUGUST 10

Michigan's 2017 Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) designates galvanized water services as lead service lines if they "are or ever were" connected to a lead gooseneck, requiring utilities to pay for replacing private water services from the curb stop to the building. Lead goosenecks, installed before the mid-1940s, are 3-foot lead pipes used between the brass connection to the water main and a galvanized pipe.

The City has since installed copper services and has no known fully lead service lines. Not all private galvanized lines need replacement; those originally connected to City-owned copper services don't require replacement. The water service line replacement project started in May 2026 and is anticipated to be completed by fall 2026.

Week of August 10 Locations

The week of August 10, 2026, work will be conducted on the 100, 200, and 300 blocks of Birchwood, the 2000 block of Shawnee, the 300 and 400 blocks of Wenonah, the 400 block of S. East Bay Blvd., the 1700 and 2000 blocks of E. Eighth Street, the 1200 block of Titus, and the 400 block of S. Civic Center. This work will cause lane closures and lane shifts. Additionally, the work will cause sidewalk closures.

PUBLIC BEACH

MONITORING & TESTING

The Environmental Health Division of the Grand Traverse County Health Department works closely with the City of Traverse City, Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay, and the Traverse City State Park to ensure the health and safety of several public beaches in Grand Traverse County.

The Watershed Center administers grants from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality to sample surface water from swim areas of the beaches. The water samples are analyzed for E. coli, a relatively harmless organism that may indicate the possible presence of harmful pathogenic microorganisms.

The Beach Monitoring Dashboard is updated weekly on Thursdays. If any beaches report a "Level 2" or higher, those specific beaches will then be resampled. Resample results will be available and published 24 hours later.

On Wednesday, August 5, 2026, water sampling classified Sunset Park as Level 3, recommending no-body contact. The water will be resampled on Thursday, August 6, 2026, with results expected on Friday, August 7, 2026. All other beaches are classified as Level 1 and are considered safe for full-body contact.

ELECTION 2026

THANK YOU ELECTION WORKERS

The City of Traverse City saw a 44% voter turnout in the August 4 Primary Election.

A big thank you to the City Clerk's Office for once again doing an outstanding job administering the election, and to all of our dedicated election workers who generously gave their time while upholding the integrity, accuracy, and professionalism that are essential to our democratic process.

The next election will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

WHY IS THAT?

WHY HASN'T THE CITY ADDRESSED 326 E. STATE STREET?

The City has received questions from community members about the condition of the property at 326 E. State Street, including the overgrown vegetation and the crane that has remained onsite for several years. Under normal circumstances, these conditions would not be permitted and would be subject to enforcement under the City's ordinances.

However, the property has been the subject of ongoing litigation between the property owner and the City. Although the City recently prevailed in court, the case is currently within the appeal period. Based on the advice of legal counsel, the City has been directed not to take enforcement action related to the property, including addressing the overgrown vegetation or other site conditions, until the appeal process has been fully exhausted. However, the sidewalk gap that has existed will be filled in by the City workforce.

The City understands the community's concerns and appreciates the community's patience. Once the legal process has concluded, the City will evaluate the appropriate next steps consistent with the court's final decision and applicable ordinances.