CITY LAUNCHES INTERACTIVE Q&A PLATFORM

ASK THE CITY

This week, the City introduced a new and innovative way for residents to connect directly with City staff, improve transparency, and increase accessibility to local government. The new program is called “Ask the City,” and it allows residents to ask questions of the City. In response, residents will receive either an instant AI-generated answer from the City website or a short personalized video response.

Once a resident’s question is answered, they will be promptly notified via email, ensuring quick and clear communication. This platform gives every community member a direct line to City employees, creating an open forum for dialogue and making it easier than ever to engage with the City.

“This new platform is an exciting step forward in how we engage with our community. It provides a direct, transparent way for residents to ask questions and receive accurate information, while also fostering a personal connection between citizens and the city employees who serve them. We believe this tool will help humanize local government, making it more accessible, responsive, and affirming that being heard is a priority of the City," said City Manager Elizabeth Vogel.

Communications Manager Colleen Paveglio, stated, “Our goal is to build stronger relationships between the City and our residents, and this interactive platform is a powerful tool for doing just that. By giving residents an easy way to connect with City staff, we hope to not only answer questions but showcase the real people behind City services. It’s about building trust and creating meaningful conversations within the community.”

“Ask the City” will be implemented as a three-month pilot project, after which its effectiveness will be evaluated to determine its continuation based on community interest. 

STRATEGIC PLANNING

THINK TANK

The City is embarking on a community driven Strategic Action Plan, looking out to 2030, designed to build on the City’s current achievements and chart a sustainable course for the future. The Strategic Action Planning process will be inclusive, transparent, and forward-looking, with extensive research and community engagement that focuses on the community of Traverse City.

Think Tank Workshops

Kick off for the plan will begin with future-oriented exploration of trends and scenarios. Two Think Tanks will be hosted at the Governmental Center's Training Room. Community members, City staff, and City partners are encouraged to attend.

Part 1 - October 8, 9:00 am – 12:30 pm

Macro Trends and Drivers

Part 2 - October 9, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Scenarios and Preferred Future

In addition to these Think Tank workshops, this project will include surveys and community visioning sessions to reach as many residents as possible. Keep an eye on the project portal and join the project mailing list to stay up to date on the opportunities to get involved.

WATER SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT - WEEK OF OCTOBER 7TH

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 April 2024 and is anticipated to be completed in October 2024.

The week of October 7th, the project will continue on the 800, 900, and 1000 blocks of E. Eighth Street. The work will cause sidewalk and intermittent street closures or lane shifts.

Fire Prevention Week 2024, observed from October 6th to 12th, focuses on raising awareness about fire safety and prevention measures. This year’s FPW campaign, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!™” strives to educate everyone about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home. It encourages families to learn how to prevent fires and what to do in case of an emergency.

IS YOUR KNOX BOX

UP TO DATE?

The Traverse City Fire Department holds the master keys to access Knox Boxes within the City of Traverse City. This allows firefighters to quickly enter a commercial building without having to force entry or delay entry waiting for a key holder. In the event of emergency, TCFD will gain access with forcible entry tools if required. Every fire call is treated as a worst case scenario until proven otherwise.

All buildings in the City need to be updated at the business owners' earliest convenience. Thereafter, any time there is a change of entry keys or primary contact information for the building. Make an appointment today!

SMOKE ALARMS FOR THOSE IN NEED

Are you a senior in the City who is in need of new smoke alarms?

The Traverse City Fire Department (TCFD) is offering complimentary battery-powered smoke alarms while supplies last. If your home is already pre-wired and equipped with the right alarms, the TCFD team can assist with installation. Additionally, TCFD can evaluate and ensure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning correctly.

To schedule an appointment, reach out to Jake Steichen at (231) 631-7423. Your safety matters to us!

FALL LEAF PICK UP BEGINS OCTOBER 28TH

The Fall Loose Leaf Pick Up will begin Monday, October 28th in City neighborhoods beginning on the west side and moving eastward, over a period of 5 to 7 weekdays. Crews will then will return to the west side to repeat the process. Leaves must be kept off the street until October 19th. 

• Please keep leaves off of the street until Thursday, October 24th
• Do not use plastic bags - only loose leaves and biodegradable bags
• No brush or sticks - loose leaves only
• Always avoid covering catch basins when raking

OAKWOOD

CEMETERY

FALL MAINTENANCE

Starting this month, the dedicated team at Oakwood Cemetery will embark on their annual autumn maintenance. The City kindly requests that all items currently adorning cemetery plots be removed without delay. Any items left unattended will be removed and disposed of accordingly.

Beginning December 1st, winter wreaths are warmly welcomed on the plots. Additional items may not be placed until May 7th.

Questions may be directed to the cemetery at (231) 922-4907.

TCLP CUSTOMER

SERVICE CENTER

GRAND OPENING

Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP) is excited to announce the grand opening celebration of its second Customer Service Center on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm. The event will feature formal remarks, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and photos.

Lunch will be provided from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm (hot dogs, chips, and more). Attendees can also learn about TCLP's My Clean Choice program and TCLPfiber services. To add to the celebration, there will be a special prize drawing for TCLP customers.

Join TCLP in the festivities and celebrate this exciting milestone!

BRYANT PARK MURAL RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY

The Traverse City Arts Commission and Parks and Recreation Commission will celebrate a newly completed mural by a local artist with national renown, Katherine Corden, with a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at 4 pm at Bryant Park.

This summer, Ms. Corden completed her mural on three sides of the Bryant Park bathhouse. She notes, “When I pitched my idea for this mural, I envisioned a painting that would allow you to look through the building, making it disappear, experiencing the beach life taking place in the distance. Now, if you stand in the right spot, the peninsula and horizon lines in the distance actually line up.”

This is the first installation in “Art in the Park”, a new initiative between the Arts Commission and the Parks and Recreation Commission. Art in the Park works to provide access to public art experiences in Traverse City’s parks.

ELECTION UPDATES

NOVEMBER 2024 ELECTION

Election season is underway!

Absentee Voting

As of Thursday, September 26, 2024, Absentee Ballots are available at your City Clerk's Office, excluding Precinct 4. For those who are enrolled in the Permanent Ballot List, or who have completed an Absentee Ballot Application, the initial mailing of ballots will take place on Friday, September 27, 2024. Precinct 4 ballots will be mailed as soon as possible. Absentee ballots will continue to be mailed as applications are received.

A voter may run their absentee ballot through a tabulator during Early In-Person Voting or at their precinct on election day (and of course, you may still return the ballot to the City Clerk's Office by 8 pm on election day to have it tabulated by the Absent Voter Counting Board).

Electronic Notification System Now Live!

Proposal 2022-2 amended the Michigan Constitution to include a voter’s right to receive updates on the status of their absent voter (AV) ballot applications and ballots, including by electronic notification. 

Voters can now subscribe to receive electronic notifications at Michigan.gov/Vote directly, when registering to vote, or when submitting an online AV application.

Once subscribed, voters will be notified of all the following: 

• When their AV ballot or application has been received by their local clerk,  
• When their AV ballot has been sent by their local clerk, 
• If their AV ballot or application has been rejected for any deficiency, 
• Instructions for how to cure any deficiency to have their AV ballot or application accepted.  

Early In-Person Voting - DATE CORRECTION

Early In-Person Voting will begin on Saturday, October 26, 2024, and will run through Sunday, November 3, 2024, from 9 am to 5 pm. The Early Voting Site for voters in the City of Traverse City is at the Governmental Center, Lower Level, 400 Boardman Avenue.

Third Party Voting Advocates

During election season, third party organizations that advocate for voter participation may send you text messages, emails, and absentee ballot applications (even if you are already registered, have completed a form, etc.)

Have a question on the status of your voter registration, absentee ballot, or more?

Call your local Clerk. We are happy to help! Or visit, michigan.gov/vote to check the status of your registration, absentee ballot, and more.

IN THE COMMUNITY

DEFENDING DEMOCRACY TOWN HALL

The City, in collaboration with the Michigan Secretary of State's Office, hosted a Defending Democracy Town Hall Meeting on September 27th. Thank you Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Deputy Secretary of State Aghogho Edevbie, City Clerk Benjamin Marentette, and Grand Traverse County Clerk Bonnie Scheele for serving on the panel, and to Traverse City Mayor Amy Shamroe for facilitating the event. In addition, we would like to thank the Traverse Area District Library for hosting the event and warm gratitude to those in attendance.