NETWORK INCIDENT WITH CITY AND COUNTY

WHAT TO EXPECT WITH CITY & COUNTY SERVICES

This week, Grand Traverse County and the City of Traverse City experienced a ransomware incident. Ransomware is a type of malicious software designed to block access to a computer system until a sum of money is paid. After an immediate investigation, the County began working with the Michigan State Police, FBI, and liability providers to address the issue. An investigation of the issue is currently underway and appropriate measures are being taken to protect the system.

On Wednesday, June 12, 2024, the County recognized network irregularities at 6:06 am. The IT Department and County leadership made the decision to take the County and the City offices network offline as a precautionary effort.

Grand Traverse County manages the IT network for both the County and the City of Traverse City. While essential services continue to operate, those dependent on network connectivity are experiencing alterations and as a precautionary effort, both the County and City networks will be offline until further notice.

Here's what to expect for public services during this transitional period: there will be gaps in service and ongoing changes. An updated list of impacts will continue to be communicated.

Public Safety

• Emergency services, including 911, law enforcement, and fire operations, are fully operational and unaffected.
• A temporary non-emergency number has been established: (231) 480-0024 

City & County Payments

• The City and County's 3rd party payment processor for online payments related to water & sewer, tax payments, and all BS&A integrated payments are currently unavailable. This has been done by the third party to be precautionary and ensure the security of their systems. 
• Previously established online payments such as autopay will continue. However, customers will not be able to log in to the portal to access their account balance, see activity, or make one time transactional payments.
• No late fees or penalties are being assessed during this time period.  
• Grand Traverse County can accept in-person payments for passports and dog licenses. 
• Payments to Traverse City Light & Power are unaffected.
• Payments for Parking services and/or violations are unaffected. 

Email, Phone, & Voicemail

• City and County employees are able to access email. 
• Currently, the City and County phone systems are experiencing gaps in service.
• Voicemail is not accessible for several offices.
• Calls to the City and County offices should be made during regular business hours.
• The City's Department of Public Services may be temporarily contacted at (231) 357-5290.
• Phone numbers and email addresses may be found on both the City and County websites.

Website Access

• Both the City and County's websites are hosted on separate servers and are intact for visiting and navigation.
• Interactive maps will not be available during this time.

City Public Meeting Streaming Services

• The ability to live stream the City's public meetings will not be available at this time. City Commission, Planning Commission, and DDA meetings will be recorded and available for viewing at a later time. Links to recordings will be posted on the City's Facebook Page once available. In addition, recordings can be found on http://tacm.tv as well as in your TV Guide schedule on cable Channel 191.

HOUSING POLICY WORKSHOP

COMMUNITY DIALOGUE ON HOUSING SOLUTIONS

The City will host a public workshop on housing policy at the City Opera House. The event will take place on June 18, 2024, at 6 pm, featuring presentations and discussions aimed at addressing the critical issues surrounding housing in our community.

Featured speakers from Flywheel Community Development Services and the Michigan Association of Planning will present data-driven options to support effective housing strategies that cater to both local and regional needs. The program will delve into the complexities of housing policy, highlighting the necessity for thoughtful and customized approaches rather than generic, one-size-fits-all solutions.

In addition, the meeting will serve as a joint meeting with the City Commission, Planning Commission, and the DDA. Attendees will gain insights into how the City of Traverse City fits within the broader northern regional housing and employment system. The session will also explore the unique challenges faced by different communities, emphasizing the importance of tailored strategies to address specific local issues.

AMENDED DDA BUDGET PROPOSED

After initially not receiving the required 5 affirmative votes to pass, the 2024-2025 DDA budget has been amended and will go before the City Commission for consideration to adopt at the June 17, 2024 meeting.

Three amendments were approved by the DDA Board at their June 13, 2024 meeting. The amended items relate to marketing & communications line item, mid-block crosswalks on State Street, and stormwater management infrastructure.

CDBG ENTITLEMENT

COMMUNITY

The City is now a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) entitlement community. To secure annual funding, the City needs input for the Five-Year Consolidated Plan.

The Plan will identify housing and community development priorities and helps assess at-risk populations and low-to-moderate income households. Funds can be used for Housing (e.g. Rehabilitation, etc.), Public Infrastructure/Facilities Improvements, and Public Services.

IN THE COMMUNITY

RICHARD LEWIS HONORED WITH ROSS BIEDERMAN

VOLUNTEER AWARD

On June 5th, the City of Traverse City and Charter Township of Garfield Township Recreational Authority honored former Mayor, Commissioner, and City Manager Richard Lewis as the 2024 recipient of the annual Ross Biederman Volunteer Service Award. Lewis was honored for his distinguished career as a community leader.

In 2003, during his time as City Manager, Lewis was instrumental in the creation of the Rec Authority, which led to the public purchase and preservation of today’s Historic Barn Park, Hickory Meadows, and part of the Open Space on West Grand Traverse Bay. He later served in a volunteer capacity as a member of the Rec Authority board of directors.