FIRE CHIEF ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT IN 2026

TULLER WILL HAVE SERVED THE CITY FOR 36 YEARS

With deep gratitude, the City of Traverse City announces the upcoming retirement of Fire Chief Jim Tuller in 2026.

Tuller joined the Traverse City Fire Department (TCFD) as a firefighter in April 1990, rising to Fire Lieutenant in 2002, then becoming Fire Inspector in 2003, and finally assuming the role of Fire Chief in June 2008.

“It has been my honor and privilege to serve for our community and serve with all of the TCFD personnel, City staff, and area first response agency partners in the many capacities I have been able to in my career,” stated Fire Chief Tuller.

Under Chief Tuller’s leadership, public safety has remained the department’s highest priority. He placed strong emphasis on maintaining an extensively-trained and highly-skilled staff, ensuring that the City’s firefighters are not only certified in fire suppression but also as Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics. By raising training standards and expanding the department’s emergency medical capabilities, Chief Tuller helped build a team prepared to respond to any situation with professionalism, expertise, and care.

Traverse City Mayor Amy Shamroe said, “I have had the privilege of knowing Chief Tuller my entire life and the honor of working alongside him for the past ten years while serving on the City Commission and as Mayor. His dedication to transforming the Fire Department into a modern, 21st-century operation — from ISO improvements to establishing primary EMS transport — has been remarkable. Chief Tuller’s leadership extends well beyond the City, leaving a lasting impact across the region. We are deeply grateful for his decades of service to the City and wish him the very best in his well-earned retirement next spring.”

Most recently, Chief Tuller was instrumental in leading the initiative to transition the Traverse City Fire Department to providing its own Advanced Life Support (ALS) transport services, ensuring faster and more reliable emergency response for residents. Following a comprehensive feasibility study and strong voter support for a dedicated 1 mill tax levy in November 2023, the department began preparing to bring ambulance transport fully in-house. Under Chief Tuller’s guidance, the City has been phasing in new staff, equipment, and ambulances, with full implementation planned for July 2026, a milestone that will mark a major advancement in local public safety and emergency medical service delivery.

“It has been an honor to serve alongside Chief Tuller for the past 21 years. His vast knowledge of the fire service and incident command system is invaluable to the Traverse City Police Department, City Leadership and community. I wish him nothing but the best as he moves forward with the next chapter in his life,” stated Traverse City Police Chief.

Chief Tuller’s commitment to the community has been steadfast throughout his career. Under his leadership, the department has maintained an active focus on fire prevention and public education, engaging residents of all ages through school visits, safety demonstrations, and community outreach events. Beyond his role in the Fire Department, Chief Tuller also served on the City Planning Commission as the Administrative Official, an appointment by the City Manager, from 2015 to 2024.

Interim City Manager Benjamin Marentette said, "Chief Tuller's announcement that he is going to retire as Fire Chief in April is a bittersweet moment for all of us. Chief Tuller is a true, kind gentleman and has served honorably with the City of Traverse City for what will be 36 years this April. Chief Tuller has supported and championed professional development for the Traverse City Fire Department, which has some of the best trained fire service professionals in the state, which has saved many precious lives and also has saved property. I am grateful for Chief Tuller's heart for service and for him providing us with substantial advance notice as we work on finding the next Fire Chief for Traverse City. Chief, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. We wish you a long, healthy retirement. You've earned it."

Chief Tuller will celebrate 36 years of dedicated service to the City on April 15, 2026, 46 collective years in fire service, and will officially retire on April 24, 2026. The City will begin the process of selecting the next Fire Chief in the coming months.

FALL TREE PLANTING

PROGRAM INCLUDES WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT BUFFER

The City has launched its annual fall tree planting program, which will continue through next week. This year’s effort will see 150 new trees, each approximately 2 inches in caliper and 12 to 15 feet tall, planted at locations throughout the City. The Parks and Recreation Department is leading the initiative, continuing its work to grow and diversify the City’s urban canopy.

Plantings include a variety of species; American Elm, Tulip Tree, Basswood, Little Leaf Linden, Sugar Maple (just one, as the City moves toward greater species diversity), American Hornbeam, Serviceberry, Hackberry, London Plane, Katsura, and Ivory Silk Tree Lilac. Of these, 19 trees will be planted downtown, two tribute trees, one in Hull Park and another in the City Cemetery.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Tree Planting Program: Improving the Landscape and Air Quality

As part of the City’s broader fall tree planting effort, a multi-season project is underway at the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) in partnership with Jacobs. The initiative will enhance the site’s appearance, reduce odor impacts, and improve ecological function through carefully selected tree and shrub plantings along the property’s perimeter.

Designed to “green the fence line,” the project will add visual screening for the nearby Boardman Lake Loop Trail and neighborhoods while helping to filter particulates, slow prevailing winds, and sequester carbon for cleaner air. Work will take place in four phases over multiple fall seasons, beginning this year in the southwest corner of the property, near the east side of the Hull Park bridge.

The first phase includes 23 total plantings:

• 7 Sandcherry
• 10 Red-twig Dogwood
• 1 Black Hills Spruce
• 1 Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry
• 4 additional shrubs for diversity and year-round color

Collaboration and Support

This effort reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to integrating natural solutions into public infrastructure. The Parks Division is funding and assisting with tree procurement and planting, while WWTP staff and volunteers will contribute labor and ongoing care. Together, they’re transforming what was once a purely functional space into a more welcoming and environmentally beneficial landscape.

Over time, this vegetative buffer will not only soften the plant’s visual footprint but also improve the local microclimate, support pollinators, and enhance the walking experience along the adjacent trail. It’s a small but meaningful example of how collaboration and thoughtful planting design can make our city’s essential infrastructure greener, healthier, and more connected to the natural environment.

ELECTION 2025

ELECTION DAY IS NOVEMBER 4TH

Early In-Person Voting Begins October 25th

Early In-Person Voting 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.

Clerk's Office Saturday Office Hours

The City Clerk’s Office will be open for election purposes on Saturday, November 1, 2025, 8 am to 4 pm.

Absentee Voting

Due to the election being days away, it is recommended that Absentee Ballots are returned in-person at this time instead of mailing. A voter may run their absentee ballot through a tabulator during Early In-Person Voting or at their precinct on election day, return to the City Clerk’s Office, or utilize the drop box. Absentee Ballots must be received by 8 pm on Election Day.

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

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ELECTION PROPOSALS

THREE PROPOSALS ON CITY BALLOT

Three Proposals are on the City's November 2025 Ballot.

Proposal 1

Shall the Charter of the City of Traverse City, Section 129, which currently provides that the principal of the Brown Bridge Trust Fund may only be used upon approval of the voters, be amended to allow the City Commission for a period of five years to place $3,000,000.00 of Brown Bridge Trust Fund principal in a separate trust fund for City park capital improvements and/or improvements that increase accessibility to City parkland, and any of the three million dollars not contractually committed to a project within five years, shall be returned to the Brown Bridge Trust Fund? 

The Brown Bridge Trust Fund Ad Hoc Committee, through a public input process has developed the following park project list that focuses on access and improvements. Should voters approve the ballot proposal, the list will guide how funds are invested.

Project List

Investments (listed in random order, and not necessarily order of priority)

1. West Bay Lake Shore Stabilization: beach access, water quality, erosion
2. Brown Bridge Quiet Area: Trail and trailhead development for recent land acquisition
3. Hickory Hills Mountain Bike Trail Design & Development
4. Park Essentials: Waste receptacles, picnic tables, benches
5. Park Experiences: Playground equipment, sport amenities, interactive features, pavilions, pedestrian scale lighting
6. Trees: Increased canopy and shade in parks
7. Pickleball & Tennis Court Reconstruction at Slabtown Corners

Access (listed in random order, and not necessarily order of priority)

1. Boardman Lake Loop Trail Access
2. Bryant Park Access: Improved pedestrian and bicycle access
3. ADA Access Improvements

Learn More

Proposal 2

Shall the Charter of the City of Traverse City, Section 129, which currently provides that the principal of the Brown Bridge Trust Fund may only be used upon approval of the voters, be amended to provide that upon recommendation of the City Treasurer, the City Commission may place any amount of the principal in the Brown Bridge Trust Fund up to a cumulative total of five million dollars ($5,000,000) in a separate revolving loan fund to be used only for interfund loans to other City funds within the budget of the City of Traverse City?

Proposal 3

Shall the Charter of the City of Traverse City be amended to require an ethics ordinance which shall apply to all elected and appointed officers, employees and volunteers of the City of Traverse City?

HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS IN THE CITY

HALLOWEEN, 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!

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 Smahsshing 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!

WWTP SOLAR PROJECT UPDATE

TRAIL OPEN FOR WEEKEND

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

Roof replacement is completed on the Hull Park Boathouse facility and the trail will be open through November 4, 2025.

Solar panel installation is planned for Wednesday, November 5, 2025. During work activities, a portion of the Boardman Lake Loop Trail will be closed at the Hull Park pedestrian bridge, leading to the restroom area, 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.

Twelfth Street Reconstruction Substantially Completed

Twelfth Street reconstruction between Union and Cass Streets was substantially completed this week. Pavement markings, permanent signage, and bioswales are remainng.

Griffin Street Reconstruction Active

Griffin Street reconstruction, between Pine and S. Union Streets. Contractors continue watermain work at Union Street for the Griffin Street reconstruction project. 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 anticipated for November 14, 2025, weather permitting. 

Ninth Street Reconstruction Active

Ninth Street reconstruction, between Union and Cass Streets. Concrete, curb, driveways, and sidewalks are underway. The project completion date is now anticipated for November 14, 2025, weather permitting.  

CONGRATULATIONS

EMS ADMINISTRATOR KATHRYN DUNKLOW

A big congrats to our very own, the Traverse City Fire Department's EMS Administrator Kathryn Dunklow, on being honored as one of Northern Michigan’s Most Influential Women by the Record Eagle!

Her words capture her impact perfectly: “I’ve seen firsthand how a single decision, action, or even conversation can ripple outward and make a difference for someone in what could be their darkest moment.”

Dunklow joined the City in 2025 and has been instrumental in the transition toward the full primary EMS Transport program, expected in July 2026. We thank her for her dedication to service, mentorship, and positive change in our community!

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.

IN THE COMMUNITY

HALLOWEEN OPEN HOUSE

Thanks to the team with Grand Traverse County and the City of Traverse City for participating in the annual Governmental Center Open House! And a big thanks to the City's talented Scott Chupp for another amazing snowplow creation!