TCFD AED EQUIPMENT ACQUISITION

PREPARATION FOR EMS TRANSPORT TRANSITION JULY 2026

The Travere City Fire Department (TCFD) has expanded its life-saving capabilities with the addition of several new Lifepak 1000 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), strengthening the City’s emergency medical response network.

The AEDs have been installed in vehicles used by the Fire Chief, Training Officer, Fire Marshal, and Fire Inspector. These are staff who are often out in the community, but not always on front-line fire apparatus. The move ensures that more department personnel have immediate access to the devices during cardiac emergencies, when every second counts.

“This investment builds on our momentum to strengthen emergency medical services in Traverse City,” said Fire Chief Jim Tuller. “By strategically equipping more of our personnel with AEDs, we’re increasing our ability to respond rapidly and effectively in critical situations. It’s another step forward in our mission to protect the lives of our residents and visitors.”

This initiative reflects TCFD’s broader initiative to enhance EMS capabilities ahead of the department’s official transition to full transport operations in July 2026. TCFD continues to invest in equipment, training, and quality improvement processes to ensure the safest and most effective care for the community.

FIRE PREVENTION

KNOX BOXES & SMOKE AND DISABILITY ALARMS

Is Your Knox Box Up To Date?

TCFD 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 an 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!

Learn More and Make an Appointment

Smoke Alarms for Those in Need

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

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.

TCFD is also able to assist residents replacing hardwired smoke alarms as long as the resident purchases a model that includes wire adapters.

Disability Alarms

TCFD now has disability alarms to distribute for the hearing impaired. This device is a clock radio with a bed shaker attachment. When a smoke alarm activates, it vibrates the bed and displays a warning message to alert the occupant.

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

Learn More and Make an Appointment

EARLY IN-PERSON VOTING

BEGINS OCTOBER 25

Early In-Person Voting Begins October 25th

Early In-Person Voting will begin on Saturday, October 25, 2025, and will run through Sunday, November 2, 2025, 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.

Absentee Voting

For those who are enrolled in the Permanent Ballot List, or who have completed an Absentee Ballot Application, ballots have been mailed.

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

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 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

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.

Candidate Forums

League of Women Voters

Learn More

Traverse Connect

Learn More

Aspire North

Learn More

HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS IN THE CITY

HALLOWEEN OPEN HOUSE, GOURDOWEEN, & PUMPKIN SMASHING

Get ready for a thrilling Halloween season in Traverse City! The City is excited to announce a lineup of festive events, offering fun for all ages.

Gourdoween: October 23rd-31st

Entering its second year, Gourdoween is a showdown as City and Grand Traverse County departments face off in a creative challenge to craft the ultimate gourd diorama. These eerie or quirky displays will be on view at the Governmental Center, where the public will get the chance to cast their vote for their favorite between October 23rd and October 31st. Which department will win the coveted Gourdoween title? Only your vote can decide!

Halloween Open House at the Governmental Center: October 30th

Get into the Halloween spirit at the City and Grand Traverse County's family-friendly Halloween Open House! Join the fun on Thursday, October 30, 2025 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the Governmental Center, 400 Boardman Avenue. This community-favorite event offers trick-or-treating, festive activities, and a chance to meet local government staff in a fun, welcoming environment.

Kids can explore fire trucks, police vehicles, and Department of Public Services equipment while meeting local heroes who help keep our community safe. Come in costume and bring the whole family for Halloween fun!

Pumpkin Smashing Extravaganza: November 8th

The City is excited to team up with Carter’s Compost and SEEDS again this year for the Pumpkin Smashing Extravaganza, a community event focused on sustainability and fun, happening on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the City’s in-vessel composting unit, located at 143 Beitner (next to the DPS Building on Woodmere Avenue). This free event will welcome the public to smash their pumpkins at various activity stations. In addition, pumpkin drop-off will be allowed from November 1st, and will continue until 1:00 pm on November 8th. Pumpkins should be free of any decorations and paint.

The 20-yard in-vessel composting unit is a key part of the City’s Compost and Food Waste Reduction project. This fully enclosed system, ideal for urban settings, can process approximately 100 tons of food waste annually.

In 2025, the City exceeded its goal and was able to divert 3 tons of pumpkins from landfills. With 1.3 billion pounds of pumpkins produced annually in the U.S., many end up in landfills, contributing to methane emissions—landfills account for 20% of the U.S.’s methane output. Composting pumpkins helps reduce greenhouse gases, diverts waste, and returns nutrients to the soil, improving environmental health. This event is part of the City’s ongoing efforts to reduce emissions and educate the public on how they can make incremental steps toward food waste reduction.

Seeking Volunteers

The City is seeking volunteers for the Pumpkin Smashing Extravaganza. This is a fun hands-on event where the community will smash pumpkins to help divert waste (and methane emissions) from landfills and create compost! It's a win-win!

Volunteers will be responsible for working various stations; pumpkin smashing, pumpkin bowling, etc. Dress for the weather with appropriate attire...it is smashed pumpkins after all!

Volunteer Shifts

9:30 am to 1:30 pm

9:30 am to 11:30 am

11:30 am to 1:30 pm

Sign Up to Volunteer

Halloween: October 31st

Halloween will take place on Thursday, October 31, 2025, within the City limits from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Participating residents are asked to promptly turn lights on and off at the specified times to indicate their participation to the public.

Please stay extra mindful of increased pedestrian traffic. Keep your headlights on, slow down, and be on the lookout for excited little ghosts and goblins who may dash out unexpectedly. Let’s keep Halloween fun and safe for everyone!

PUBLIC PLAZA PREPARATION UNDERWAY

429 E. FRONT STREET

Preparation began this week for a public plaza along the Boardman/Ottaway River on E. Front Street. Earlier this year, the City was approached by Joel Peterson of J. Peterson Homes with a proposal for a public/private partnership to enhance the City-owned site along the Boardman-Ottaway River at 429 E. Front Street. This property currently includes a sanitary sewer lift station and a covered bicycle parking area, both of which will remain in place.

As Peterson moves forward with redeveloping the property across the street, he offered to fully fund improvements to the City-owned parcel. These enhancements would focus on creating a space for public use. Improvements will be ADA compliant and include a brick paver area, landscaping, picnic tables, native plantings, and additional seating areas. Upon completion, the City would still retain ownership and continue to maintain the public space.

Arborist Survey and Landscaping/Tree Plan

Three certified arborists evaluated the site to identify trees that were dead, decaying, posed safety risks, or were invasive species inhibiting the growth of native trees. A comprehensive tree survey was conducted regarding tree removal on the site for standard maintenance and preparation criteria including the following:

• Any tree exhibiting more than 70% dead wood will be considered for removal, with the exception of Willow trees
• Removal of nonnative species is prohibited within 10 feet of the ordinary high water mark
• Trees exceeding 10 inches in diameter will be pruned as necessary, and trees less than 10 inches in diameter may be considered for removal if dead wood is present
• Invasive tree removal in the setback area requires two replacement trees in the same area

Of the 23 trees on the property, 15 will be removed, most of them Black Locusts under 10 inches in diameter. Eight larger, healthier trees, including Black Willows and Elms, will remain.

As part of the site’s improvement plan this spring, 33 new trees, each approximately 4 to 7 feet tall, will be planted, along with a variety of perennial species to enhance the landscape and support long-term ecological health. New plantings were selected from the City's approved species list.

The proposal was approved by City Commission at their July 7, 2025 meeting. It was also reviewed by both the Planning Commission and the Parks and Recreation Commission. As required by state law, the Planning Commission confirmed it aligns with the Master Plan, noting the site’s designation for mixed commercial, residential, and public uses. Although the riverfront parcel is not designated as parkland, both Commissions supported the project, seeing it as a valuable improvement to an underused public space.

WWTP SOLAR PROJECT UPDATE

TRAIL DETOUR FOR HULL PARK BOATHOUSE ROOF REPLACEMENT

Work continues on a solar and battery storage installation at Traverse City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). The project, which began in fall 2025, is anticipated to be completed by December 17, 2025, weather permitting.

Boardman Lake Loop Trail Detour Update

Due to weather conditions this past week, roof replacement work in preparation for solar panel installation on the Hull Park Boathouse was postponed. Activities are now anticipated to begin on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. Once the new roof is in place, installation of the solar panels will follow.

A portion of the Boardman Lake Loop Trail will be closed at the Hull Park pedestrian bridge, leading to the restroom area, from October 29 through November 14, 2025, weather permitting. Detour signage will be posted, and trail users are encouraged to avoid this segment to help reduce congestion and maintain safety.

ROAD CONSTRUCTION

PROJECT UPDATES

The City’s 2025 Road Reconstruction Projects are fully underway, with some recently completed. Work activities 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. Pavement markings, permanent signage, bioswale plantings, and irrigation repair have been completed. The remaining element of the project is the installation of the Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) at the intersection of Cass Street and Eleventh Street.

Griffin Street Reconstruction Active: Completion Date Extended

Griffin Street reconstruction, between Pine and S. Union Streets. Contractors will begin watermain work at Union Street for the Griffin Street reconstruction project on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. The intersection will close and is anticipated to be completed in the Union Street location by November 14, 2025, weather permitting.

During work, the roadway and sidewalks at the Union and Griffin Streets intersection will be closed. All traffic will be detoured south on Cass Street. Access to driveways and nearby side streets will be maintained as much as possible; however, some temporary restrictions may be necessary during specific construction activities. Proper barricades and signage will be in place to ensure safety and provide clear directions.

The project completion date is now anticipated for November 14, 2025, weather permitting. 

Ninth Street Reconstruction Active: Completion Date Extended

Ninth Street reconstruction, between Union and Cass Streets. The contractor began subgrade and gravel work the week of October 20, 2025. Concrete, curb, driveways, and sidewalks are anticipated to begin the week of October 27, 2025. The project completion date is now anticipated for November 14, 2025, weather permitting.  

Twelfth Street Reconstruction Active

Twelfth Street reconstruction between Union and Cass Streets. All concrete work is completed. The week of October 20, 2025 topsoiling began. Paving activities are anticipated to begin the week of October 27, 2025. The project is anticipated to be completed November 14, 2025, weather permitting. 

MDOT PROJECT UPDATE

DETOUR FOR ROUNDABOUT PAVING

Due to inclement weather, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) contractor will be conducting paving activities again on the new roundabout at the M-72/M-22 intersection.

During this work, M-72 will be closed at the M-72/M-22 intersection in Traverse City/Elmwood Township to just west of the intersection near the entrance to Tom’s Food Market. M-72 will be closed to through-traffic from Gray Road/Bugai Road to Bay Street but all businesses located along M-72 will remain open and accessible during the project. Due to the closure, M-72 traffic is currently expected to be detoured as follows:

• Eastbound M-72 traffic to Traverse City will be detoured on Gray Road, Cedar Run Road, West Front Street and US-31/M-37 (Division Street) to M-72. A temporary traffic signal will be installed at the Cedar Run Road/Harris Road intersection.
• Westbound M-72 traffic from Traverse City will be detoured on US-31/M-37 (Division Street), West Front Street, Cedar Run Road and Gray Road to M-72. A temporary traffic signal will be installed at the Cedar Run Road/Harris Road intersection.
• M-72 and M-22 will remain open between US-31/M-37 (Division Street) and Cherry Bend Road, controlled by traffic regulators, but traffic will not be able to proceed west on M-72 at the roundabout.

M-72 and M-22 will stay open between US-31/M-37 and Cherry Bend Road under the direction of traffic regulators, but westbound M-72 traffic will not be able to pass through the roundabout during paving.

JOIN THE TEAM

SEASONAL POSITIONS AT HICKORY HILLS SKI AREA

Winter is just around the corner, and Hickory Hills Ski Area is gearing up for another exciting season! The City is currently hiring for a variety of seasonal positions at the popular recreation site, offering residents a chance to work and play, in a true winter wonderland.

Positions are available in rental and ticket sales, concessions, tow shack operations, snowmaking, and slope supervision. Wages range from $16 to $22 per hour, depending on the position and experience.

Employees enjoy a great perk too, a free employee ski pass for the season.

DDA SEEKING FARMERS MARKET ADVISORY BOARD APPLICANTS

APPLY BY NOVEMBER 7TH

The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is seeking volunteers to serve on the Farmers Market Advisory Board. The Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market is operated by the DDA and is managed by SEEDS. The purpose of the Farmers Market Advisory Board is to advise the DDA Board to uphold the mission and promote the betterment of the market. 

The Board consists of nine members (3 current vendors; 3 regular customers; 1 at-large; 1 City Commissioner; 1 DDA Board member) appointed to three year terms. The Board has three regular meetings per year on the third Monday of January, March, and October.

Seats Available

• At least 3 current vendors (must be an approved 2025 SHFM vendor intending to sell in 2026)
• At least 3 customers (must frequent SHFM as a customer)
• 1 At large (must be a Traverse City resident)

The deadline to apply is November 7, 2025. Questions may be directed to Lauren Bohac, (231) 922-2050 or lauren@downtowntc.com.

CITY OFFICE HOURS ADJUSTMENT

GOVERNMENTAL CENTER

Beginning October 6, 2025, to provide consistent office hours for all City departments housed in the Governmental Center, the customer service hours at City Offices in the Governmental Center, 400 Boardman Avenue, were 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.

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.

IN THE COMMUNITY

YOUTH OUTREACH

Thank you to members of the City Clerk's Team, Rebecca Adler and Taylor Braund, and regional Clerks from Traverse City on their outreach to register young voters to vote! This past week visits were made to local high schools. Thirty three students were registered or pre-registered to vote!

WELCOME TO THE TEAM