SANITARY SEWER EVALUATION STUDY -

SMOKE TESTING

DOWNTOWN TC

The field work portion of the Sanitary Sewer Evaluation Study (SSES) continues. This proactive study is designed to identify areas of inflow and infiltration (I&I) within the City’s sanitary sewer system, particularly on the west side of the City.

Crews from OHM Advisors will conduct smoke testing, along with other methods like dye testing and inspections. The smoke used is non-toxic, odorless, and safe—but may be visible coming from vent pipes or the ground. If smoke appears indoors, it could signal a dry or faulty drain. It is recommended to run about a gallon of water in all sinks, showers, bathtubs, etc., and pour a gallon of water into floor drains to prevent smoke from entering your business or living spaces.    

Please contact the City if someone in your household has respiratory issues and may need special consideration. Contact the Water/Wastewater Maintenance Division at (231) 922-4923 x 2 if you have any questions or concerns regarding the work.

CITY OFFICE HOURS ADJUSTMENT

GOVERNMENTAL CENTER

Beginning October 6, 2025, to better accommodate the varying schedules of City staff, the customer service hours at City Offices in the Governmental Center, 400 Boardman Avenue, will be adjusted to provide consistency across all City Departments.

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.

“These adjusted office hours ensure that we continue to provide reliable and accessible customer service for our residents, while also recognizing the times when in-person customer activity is at its lowest. At the same time, the nature of City work sometimes requires staff to begin earlier or extend later than traditional hours, and these changes provide the structure needed to balance efficient operations with community service,” stated Interim City Manager, Benjamin Marentette.

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.

ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROJECT UPDATES

ELEVENTH STREET SUBSTANTALLY COMPLETED

The City’s 2025 Road Reconstruction Projects are fully underway, with the last of the five streets to begin reconstruction next week. This work will cause disruptions to pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular traffic. Appropriate signage will be in place for the detour, and access to all homes and businesses will be maintained at all times. 

Following are updates on current projects.

Eleventh Street Reconstruction Substantially Completed

Eleventh Street reconstruction was substantially completed on September 26, 2025. Contractors will continue to work on pavement markings, permanent signage, bioswale plantings, irrigation repair, and the installation of the Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacons (RRFB’s) at the intersection of Cass Street and Eleventh Street.

Crack Sealing Project Completed

Crack Sealing was completed on Wednesday, October 1, 2026.

Veterans Drive Sidewalk Work Completed

The removal and replacement of approximately 200 feet of sidewalk on the west side of Veterans Drive was completed on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.

West Front Street Safety Enhancement Project Completed

The West Front Safety Enhancement project was completed on Thursday, October 2, 2025.

Griffin Street Reconstruction Active

Griffin Street reconstruction, between Pine and S. Union Streets, is anticipated to be substantially completed by October 31, 2025.

Ninth Street Reconstruction Active

Ninth Street reconstruction, between Union and Cass Streets, is anticipated to be substantially completed by October 31, 2025.

Twelfth Street Reconstruction Active

Twelfth Street reconstruction between Union and Cass Streets is anticipated to be completed Friday, November 14, 2025, weather permitting. 

FALL LOOSE LEAF PICK UP

BEGINS OCTOBER 20TH

The Fall Loose Leaf Pick-Up will begin Monday, October 20th in City neighborhoods, starting on the west side and moving eastward over 5 to 7 weekdays. Crews will then return to the west side to repeat the process.

The City has a progression map that divides the City into six zones for efficient service. Leaf collection will begin on the west side in Zone 1 and progress eastward through all zones. Residents can view the map to identify their zone and prepare for leaf pickup accordingly. Due to weather conditions and the unpredictability of leaf fall, exact dates for each zone's pickup will not be provided. The City encourages residents to be ready by having their leaves gathered before collection starts in their zone.

Progress updates will be announced via social media and will also be available on the interactive map on the City's Leaf Pickup webpage. While crews may clean streets outside the scheduled zone to finish up the day, if they are not officially picking up in that zone, they will return at the appropriate time. This zoned approach will help ensure timely and effective leaf removal across the City.

Fun Fact: The City’s Loose Leaf Pick-Up program prevents leaves from ending up in landfills and catch basins. The leaves are composted, turned into rich screened topsoil, and used by the Parks Division for flower beds!

A GREENER WAY OF LIFE

FALL CLEAN UP

Switching to electric lawn equipment is a great way to reduce your environmental impact. Unlike gas-powered tools or single-stroke engines, electric equipment reduces emissions, helping to lower air pollution and your carbon footprint. It's also much quieter, reducing noise pollution in your neighborhood! With no risk of fuel spills or leaks, and requiring less maintenance, electric tools are a cleaner and more efficient choice for lawn care. Making the switch supports a greener and quieter way of life!

TCLP My Clean Choice Program

Traverse City Light & Power has a residential rebate program to help customers save energy and money. As fall cleanup is underway, rebates are offered on a wide variety of energy-saving products including electric lawn equipment.

The program is designed specifically for our area to help you save money, save energy, and help save our environment through your own conservation.

Learn More

Use Leaves For The Good!

Leaving fall leaves on your lawn supports a greener, more eco-friendly lifestyle. Instead of raking, mulching leaves into your grass has several environmental benefits:

• Natural fertilizer: Decomposing leaves provide nutrients, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and promoting healthier grass.
• Weed prevention: Mulched leaves cover bare spots, helping to prevent weeds like dandelions and crabgrass.
• Less waste: By skipping the raking and disposal, you reduce waste and save time.
• Garden boost: Excess leaves can be used as mulch around garden beds, trees, and shrubs, improving soil health and reducing weeds.

This approach benefits both the environment and your lawn.

Learn More

HELP AVAILABLE FOR PAST DUE WATER/SEWER BILLS & REPAIRS

NORTHERN MICHIGAN COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY

The Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA) is offering new funding through the Low-Income Water Assistance (LWUA) program to help households with water-related challenges.

The program is available in Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Grand Traverse, Wexford, Missaukee, and Roscommon counties.

Eligibility

• Households at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, or those meeting categorical eligibility factors.
• Must be a municipal water customer.

What Funds Cover

• Assistance with water and sewer bills.
• In-home plumbing repairs that contribute to high water usage.

For more information or to start a pre-screen, call (231) 947-3780 or email HEESIntake@NMCAA.net.

WATER SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT

WEEK OF OCTOBER 6TH

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 October 6th Locations

The week of October 6th, the project will be conducted on the 200 block of E. Ninth Street, 800 block of Cass Street, and the 100 block of E. Twelfth Street. The work will result in lane shifts and sidewalk closures.

OAKWOOD CEMETERY FALL MAINTENANCE

Beginning October 1, 2025, Oakwood Cemetery will commence its annual autumn cleanup. Families are kindly asked to remove any personal items from plots prior to this date. On October 13, 2025 cemetery staff will begin removing flags, flowers, and decorations. Please note:

• Items not placed in an approved container or attached to a shepherd’s hook will be removed.
• Nicer plastic pots, floral arrangements, glass containers, and items that may hold sentimental value will be retained for one week. Families may call or email during that time to arrange pickup of these saved items.
• If assistance is needed to remove items before October 13th, please contact the Sexton in advance to make arrangements.
• Families wishing to have a flag remain year-round for a veteran may submit a request by email.

As in past years, winter wreaths may be placed beginning December 1st. No additional decorations are permitted until May 7th. For questions or to make arrangements, please contact Oakwood Cemetery at (231) 922-4907.

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK

OCTOBER 5 - 11, 2025

This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, October 5-11, “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” works to educate everyone about using these batteries safely. The campaign stresses how important it is to BUY, CHARGE, and RECYCLE safely when it comes to lithium-ion batteries.

Charge into Fire Safety: 3 Steps

• Buy only listed products. When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery look for a safety certification mark such as UL, ETL, or CSA. This means it meets important safety standards.
• Charge devices safely. Always use the cords that came with the product to charge. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer. Buy new chargers from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved. Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged. 
• Recycle batteries responsibly. Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could start a fire. Recycle your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you. 

IN THE COMMUNITY

UPNORTH PRIDE

Thank you to Mayor Amy Shamroe and Interim City Manager Benjamin Marentette for participating in the Up North Pride activities and celebrations this past week. We appreciate your commitment to making Traverse City a safe space for all.

Photos courtesty of Adam Calloway