WATER SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT PROJECT EXPANDS

$2 MILLION GRANT FUELS NEXT PHASE

At their June 16, 2025 meeting, the City Commission approved the next phase of the Galvanized Water Services Replacement Project. This expansion is made possible by a $2 million Earmark Grant from the State of Michigan, which will fund the replacement of approximately 200 additional galvanized service lines by fall 2026.

Under Michigan’s Lead and Copper Rule (LCR), all private galvanized water lines that were previously connected to lead goosenecks must be replaced. While Traverse City has no fully lead service lines, about 700 galvanized lines fall under this requirement.

Since the launch of the program:

• 333 lines have already been replaced
• 116 lines were replaced in 2023
• 217 lines were replaced in 2024
• 130 additional lines are expected in 2025, funded by the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loan

With the new grant funding, the total number of replaced lines will reach approximately 660, or about 84% of the total identified. About 120 galvanized lines will remain after 2026, with an estimated cost of $1.2 million to complete the work. Additional funding will be sought through the Water Fund or future grants.

JUNE 21ST STORM EVENT

2.3 INCHES OF RAINFALL IN 18 MINUTES

On the morning of Saturday, June 21, 2025, the City experienced a rare and extreme weather event: 2.3 inches of rainfall fell in just under 30 minutes, between 7:25 am and 7:53 am, according to Weather Underground. This level of rainfall corresponds to a nearly 500-year storm recurrence interval, based on data from NOAA’s Hydrometeorological Design Studies Center. For comparison, municipal stormwater systems are typically designed to handle 5- to 10-year storms.

This intense downpour, accompanied by large hail, tested the City’s infrastructure. However, thanks to millions of dollars in system investments in recent years, the City was ready. These improvements proved crucial in managing the sudden deluge, preventing widespread flooding and reducing potential damage.

At the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant, influent flow surged by approximately 20%—an increase of about 1.1 million gallons over the daily average of 4.6 million gallons. With a capacity of 8.5 million gallons per day, the plant handled the added volume without issue. Lower lake and groundwater levels also played a key role in providing extra capacity within the sewer collection system. Although some storm sewer pipes were temporarily overwhelmed, the sanitary sewer system managed the increased inflow and infiltration (I&I) effectively, with no overflows or capacity concerns.

Rapid Response and Cleanup

The City’s Parks and Recreation Division mobilized quickly, beginning cleanup efforts the same day. Crews have worked early in the week (in the intense heat!) to remove debris and maintain the safety and accessibility of public spaces.

This event highlights the growing importance of investing in resilient infrastructure and climate adaptation strategies. As extreme weather events become more common, the City’s proactive approach continues to safeguard the community and its resources.

NOMINATION PACKETS AVAILABLE FOR OFFICE OF MAYOR & CITY COMMISSION

NOVEMBER 2025 ELECTION

Nominating packets for those who wish to run for the Office of Mayor or Office of City Commissioner are available from the City Clerk’s Office, first floor, Governmental Center, 400 Boardman Avenue, Traverse City, Michigan. 

Offices Available



• Mayor, two-year term ending November 8, 2027
• 3 City Commissioners, four-year term ending November 12, 2029

Filing Deadline

Candidates must file nominating petitions and other required documentation with the City Clerk by July 22, 2025, at 4 p.m.

City Commission Functions

The City Commission is the legislative body of the City of Traverse City, essentially functioning as the city's "board of directors."

The following is the mission statement for the City Commission:

The mission of the Traverse City City Commission is to guide the preservation and development of the City’s infrastructure, services, and planning based on extensive participation by its citizens coupled with the expertise of the city’s staff. The Commission will both lead and serve Traverse City in developing a vision for sustainability and the future that is rooted in the hopes and input of its citizens and organizations, as well as cooperation from surrounding units of government.

Very broadly speaking, the functions of the City Commission for the City of Traverse City are to:

• Set public policy for the city through ordinances and other official actions
• Allocate public funds under the city's control and responsibility, including adoption of the City Budget
• Exercise policy oversight of the city's resources
• Appoint the City Manager and City Attorney; and in order to maintain a system of checks and balances, to provide for appropriate separation of duties and autonomy in conducting and performing official and corporate functions, the City Commission approves the City Manager's indefinite appointment and removal of the City Clerk and the City Treasurer
• Appoint individuals to various board and commissions.
• Exercise other authority and powers granted to it by the Michigan Constitution, Michigan Law, Michigan Promulgated Rules, the City Charter and other authorities 

Candidates elected at the November 4, 2025, election, will be sworn in by City Clerk Benjamin Marentette and take office at 7 pm on November 10, 2025.

WATER SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT

WEEK OF JUNE 30TH

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 2025 and is anticipated to be completed in fall 2025.

Week of June 30th Locations

The week of June 30th, the project will be conducted on the 400 and 500 blocks of N. Spruce, the 800 block of Wayne, 800 block of Bay, and the 600 block of N. Elmwood. The work will cause sidewalk and intermittent street closures.

HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION SEEKING

STUDENT LIAISON

The City's Human Rights Commission is now accepting applications for its Student Liaison position. This non-voting, ex-officio role is open to local high school students who are passionate about human rights, civic engagement, and community advocacy. The application deadline is Monday, July 7, 2025.

The selected student will serve a two-year term and actively contribute to Commission discussions, supporting its mission to promote dignity, inclusivity, and mutual respect throughout our community.

Interested students are encouraged to apply by completing the Student Liaison Application Form (link below) and answering a few brief questions about their interests and goals.

Submit your application via:

• Online Form
• Email: citypers@traversecitymi.gov
• Mail: Human Rights Commission, 400 Boardman Avenue, Traverse City, MI 49684
• Fax: (231) 922-4470

WALK, BIKE, BUS

NATIONAL CHERRY FESTIVAL BEGINS

The National Cherry Festival officially kicks off on Saturday, June 28th. During the festival, we encourage those wanting to enjoy the festival to walk, bike or bus! These alternative modes of transportation not only contribute to a more enjoyable and less stressful festival experience, but also supports more eco-friendly options.

BATA Bayline

Hop on BATA's Bayline route for free and easy transportation during National Cherry Festival. BATA's Bayline offers continuous transportation throughout the festival. Shuttles depart every 15 minutes from any stop location along the route. Special park and ride lots are available at Meijer on US-31, at the Cherry Lot at Northwestern Michigan College, and at Woodland Creek Furniture on the east side of town.

Traffic Impacts

Motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists should be aware that there will be increased traffic during the National Cherry Festival, especially during the air shows and fireworks. In addition, there are several street closures planned for special events such as parades, art fairs, and car shows. For the safety of all, navigate the City with patience.

Parking Tips

If you choose to drive to Downtown Traverse City, parking is easy and readily available for all events and shopping. Hourly and all-day parking is available in signed parking lots and the Hardy and Old Town Parking Structures. Parking for bicycles is available throughout Downtown.

Airshow and Fireworks Parking: Access to the Old Town Parking Structure is recommended at the Eighth Street entrance. Access to the Hardy Parking Structure is recommended at the Front Street entrance.

Parade Parking: Due to street closures, the Old Town Parking Structure will be accessed at Eighth Street. The Hardy Parking Structure will be accessible at the State Street entrance only.

IN THE COMMUNITY

FISHPASS TOUR

Thank you to the Great Lakes Fishery Commission and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for hosting a tour of FishPass for City staff members.

WELCOME TO THE TEAM