ASPHALT ZIPPER

EQUIPMENT PURCHASE CONSIDERED

At their December 15, 2025 meeting, the City Commission will consider approving the purchase of an Asphalt Zipper milling machine, a piece of equipment intended to expand the City’s ability to improve and rehabilitate surface roadways using in-house crews.

The Asphalt Zipper was previously used, both as a demo and as a rental, during the rehabilitation of Fourteenth Street, where the Streets Division completed more than 6,000 linear feet of milling at roughly half the cost of contractor estimates.

If purchased, the machine would support upcoming mill-and-pave efforts, including potential 2026 work on Seventh and Washington Streets. In addition to accelerating maintenance schedules and reducing reliance on contractors, the equipment also reduces lane closures, shortens project durations, and enables more consistent roadway upkeep. Staff project the equipment will nearly pay for itself through avoided contractor costs. The cost of the equipment, if approved, would be funded through the Streets Fund.

How it Works!

GINGERBREAD SHOWDOWN

PUBLIC VOTING BEGINS

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 are going head-to-head, crafting gingerbread structures in the name of holiday cheer and bragging rights…and the public chooses the winner!

The gingerbread buildings are on display for the public to view and vote on at the Governmental Center, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am–5:00 pm, through December 22, 2025. 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, the Governmental Center is proud to host a Giving Tree through December 23, 2025, 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.

SEASONAL SNOW REMOVAL

PRIORITIZATION & HOW YOU CAN HELP

The City's Streets Division is responsible for plowing public streets and alleys. Safety routes are prioritized—these are the main roads and critical areas that need to stay open for emergency access. The MDOT trunklines and emergency routes receive first priority for clearing snow in the morning and are continually plowed throughout the day if snow continues to accumulate. City crews then move on to major and local streets, and finally alleys.

Keep Your Sidewalk Accessible for Everyone

During winter, the City reminds residents and business owners that they are responsible by ordinance for the removal of any snow and ice that accumulates on the sidewalks immediately adjacent to their property. The City also encourages residents to help neighbors and relatives who have difficulty removing snow from their sidewalks.

City Sidewalk Snow Plowing

The City provides a supplemental snow plowing program for sidewalks. Sidewalks are prioritized near routes to schools and to provide access to City buildings. The City starts with sidewalks along main roadways and safety routes, then moves into residential areas when time and staffing allow.

Downtown Sidewalk Snow Removal

If snow accumulates over 3 inches overnight, the City's contractor clears the sidewalks of snow early in the morning in the Downtown commercial area. This process is conducted only in the early morning hours when sidewalks are clear of pedestrians. Sidewalks are not cleared by the contractor throughout the day. If snow continues to accumulate throughout the day after being cleared in the morning, property owners are responsible for shoveling their storefront sidewalks as needed.

Snow Removal Reminder for Residents, Businesses, and Contractors

When clearing snow with a shovel, plow, or snowblower, please avoid pushing or placing snow into the street or alley. This creates unnecessary snow piles, increases the workload for City crews, and can result in large accumulations being pushed into other areas, potentially causing safety hazards. Instead, snow should be placed on the tree lawn, your personal property, or, for those in the Downtown area, around street trees.

Let’s work together to keep our community walkable, welcoming, and safe for everyone this winter!

SALT USE REDUCTION INITIATIVES

UPDATE SINCE MARCH 2025

The City’s commitment to reducing winter salt use, while maintaining high standards of public safety, continues to advance through targeted investments in equipment, operator training, and brine system improvements.

In March 2025, the Department of Public Services (DPS) outlined strategies to address chloride pollution concerns and rising material costs. Previous initiatives, including Beet Heet pre-wetting, sander controller optimization, and reduced salt/sand mix rates, have already achieved a 42% reduction in salt use. Current application rates of 0–200 lbs per lane-mile place the City of Traverse City among the lowest users compared with 11 northern Michigan municipalities.

DPS also identified several forward-looking investments, including hybrid liquid/solid application systems, expanded wing plow use, and upgraded brine-making and storage infrastructure. Immediate recommendations included securing salt for the '25-'26 season and purchasing a V-box spreader capable of advanced liquid application.

New Equipment & Technology

Progress continues on planned equipment upgrades:

• Hybrid liquid/solid system: A new hybrid-capable truck has been ordered. Supply-chain delays have shifted delivery to late January or early February, but it is expected to be operational this winter and to improve efficiency while reducing granular salt use.
• Wing plows: Wing plows identified in the March 2025 are now in service. Operators are becoming proficient with the equipment, which increases lane coverage per pass and reduces emissions. Additional units are on order for next season.

Operator Training & Application Adjustments

Training remains essential to achieving salt reduction goals:

• Operational awareness: Supervisors and operators continue to receive refresher training focused on best practices and equipment optimization.
• Application rate management: Staff are being reinforced to limit salt application when conditions allow, balancing responsible material use with the City’s primary commitment to public safety.

Brine Production & Storage Improvements

DPS is taking steps to strengthen long-term liquid management capabilities:

• Brine facility: Grant opportunities are being monitored to support development of a modern brine-making and storage facility, consistent with the Capital Improvement Plan.
• Liquid product evaluation: Staff recently met with Michigan Salt representatives to review new corn-based liquid deicers and are consulting other municipalities to assess performance and compatibility.
• Brine maker upgrades: While major upgrades have not yet occurred, enhancing the existing brine-making system remains under consideration as future product needs evolve.

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!).

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

Groomers continue to pack the skate lanes early mornings in the Meadows. On the Hills side, snow-making equipment is now staged, so please use caution.

Thank you volunteer groomers!

Seasonal Positions

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

Learn More

ASSESSING DEPARTMENT

ANNUAL PROPERTY REVIEWS

The Assessing Department is responsible for maintaining current and accurate record card data. In order to accomplish this, it is recommended by the State Tax Commission that 20% of the parcels in each property class be reviewed annually. This review includes measuring the home and all improvements on the property, confirming details with the property owner (if present) and taking updated pictures of the improvements. Work is all done from the exterior. Staff will never ask to view the interior of the home.

In addition to these property reviews, the Assessing Department also visits properties that have recently sold (within the past 12-18 months) or for which a building permit was pulled. The purpose of these reviews is to make sure the record represents what was sold in terms of the property's condition and amenities - this makes sure the valuation analysis for the upcoming year is as accurate as possible and that every property is fairly assessed, and to value any improvements made to the property.

The Assessing Department's inspections of City properties are ongoing. Residents should expect to see a team of two in residential areas wearing bright yellow vests with the City logo. Todd and Dan from the Office will be conducting the field work and will always knock on the door to introduce themselves and let you know they are there. If no one is home, a survey form will notify the homeowner that the City team was there. Please complete and return the survey to the Assessing Office right away. While answering the survey is voluntary, you can help them ensure your property record is correct and up-to-date by returning it.

CITY OFFICE HOURS

HOLIDAY HOURS & ADJUSTMENTS

As the holiday season approaches, the City Offices will closures to accommodate employee training and observed holidays.

On December 19, 2025, City offices located in the Governmental Center will close at 1:00 pm for employee training.

Additionally, City Offices will be closed on December 25, 26, 31, and January 1.

Residents are encouraged to plan ahead for any in-person services during this period, pay for services on-line, or utilize the red drop box.

Office Hours Adjustment

City office hours at the Governmental Center have been adjusted to the following:

• 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.