ELECTION PROTECTION TOWNHALL

SEPTEMBER 27TH

The City of Traverse City, in collaboration with the Michigan Secretary of State's Office, will host a Defending Democracy Town Hall Meeting on September 27, 2024, at the Traverse Area District Library, Main Branch, 610 Woodmere Avenue. Doors open at 4:00 pm, and the program will begin at 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm. The public is invited to attend the election protection town hall to learn how election officials are safeguarding elections to protect every vote and uphold the integrity of the democratic process.

This community town hall is designed to educate the public on the critical importance of safeguarding the integrity of electoral processes. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the measures being implemented to ensure free, fair, and secure elections. Key topics will include the role of secure voting technologies, voter ID laws, and the importance of transparency in vote counting.

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Traverse City Clerk Benjamin Marentette, and Grand Traverse County Clerk, Bonnie Scheele, will provide an in-depth overview of the upcoming election. The program will be moderated by Traverse City Mayor, Amy Shamroe. The Secretary of State can provide authoritative insights on legal frameworks that ensure fair and secure elections. Additionally, legal concerns from the public can be addressed, clarifying laws related to voter fraud and election interference, and outlining the actions being taken to uphold election integrity.

The public is welcome to attend, the event will have a panel discussion and an open platform for community members to ask questions. 

YEAR ROUND SHELTER DISCUSSION

SAFE HARBOR YEAR ROUND EMERGENCY SHELTER SUPPORTED

On September 16, 2024, the City Commission supported the operation of a year-round emergency shelter at Safe Harbor. The Commission received an update from the Homelessness Collective and Safe Harbor on recent efforts to establish a strategy for operating a year-round shelter. Additionally, Police Chief Matt Richmond presented a comprehensive safety plan designed to protect both the neighborhood and unhoused individuals.

Since early spring 2024, the Homelessness Collective has convened key community stakeholders, neighborhood representatives, the Traverse City Police Department, the City’s social worker, and others to address the local housing crisis—particularly focusing on the Pines, where up to 120 unsheltered individuals reside. A key aspect of this initiative is creating a new framework that actively involves individuals experiencing homelessness in discussions, ensuring their voices are part of developing effective solutions.

In addition to strategizing operations at Safe Harbor, the Homelessness Collective outlined efforts by the Community Cares Coalition, a neighborhood organization, to secure a permanent location for year-round emergency shelter. The City Commission’s support for Safe Harbor’s year-round operations acknowledges that both the Planning Commission and City Commission must approve changes to the Special Land Use Permit (SLUP) and operating agreement.

Furthermore, the City Commission committed $40,000 from ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds annually for the next two years to support day shelter services within the City, reinforcing its dedication to addressing the urgent needs of the unhoused community.

WATER SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT - WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 23RD

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 September 23rd, the project will continue on 400, 500, and 600 blocks of Seventh Street, the 300 block of S. Maple Street, and the 600 block of Sixth Street. The work will cause sidewalk and intermittent street closures.

TRAVERSE CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL

OPEN HOUSE

The Traverse City Fire Department is hosting an Open House, offering a fun and informative event for the whole family. Visitors can tour the fire station, meet local firefighters, and enjoy live demonstrations, including fire safety tips and equipment displays. It's a great opportunity to learn about fire prevention and the essential role the department plays in keeping the community safe.

Event Highlights

• Gear Try-On
• Hose Spray, Coloring, and more
• Fire Extinguisher training
• TC Light & Power Demonstrations
• TC Police Department vehicles and K-9 unit
• Light refreshments

Event Details

Saturday, September 21st

Noon to 3 pm

Fire Station 1

500 W. Front Street

WATER MAIN

LINING PROJECT

On September 16, 2024, construction for the US 31 Water Main Lining Project began, and is anticipated to be substantially complete by November 8, 2024, weather permitting. The project includes rehabilitating approximately 3,400 feet of existing 12-inch cast iron water main with cured-in-place-pipe (CIPP) with a Class IV structural-rated liner along Division Street from 14th Street to the City limits south of Fitzhugh Drive. This segment of 48-year-old cast iron water main has experienced degradation from corrosive soils which is damaging the pipe exterior. 

The work will be within the Fourteenth Street and Division Street (US-31) right-of- ways adjacent to the roadway. Intermittent lane shifting will take place throughout the project. This work will generate dust and noise, and may cause disruptions to pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular traffic. Appropriate signage will be in place and barricades will be in place. Access to businesses will be maintained at all times. If possible, please use alternate routes avoiding this area to reduce congestion, delay, and promote worker safety.

Funding

The project cost of $1,750,000 includes a 10% contingency and will be funded by the Water Fund.

LOT G

PROJECT EXTENDS

Improvements to Parking Lot G began on September 9, 2024. The work was originally anticipated to be completed by September 20, 2024, and now is expected to be completed by September 27, 2024.

Activities in City Parking Lot G on State Street include the removal of two existing access driveways off State Street and part of the median divider in the parking lot for internal vehicular circulation. In addition, it includes replacement of drive approaches with new curb and gutter, infill behind the curb with brick, and replacement of the adjacent sidewalk along the parking lot.

During construction, access to Lot G will be only through the alley between State Street and Front Street. Parking areas adjacent to the existing approaches into Lot G will be closed for construction, along with the adjacent sidewalk along the parking lot area. The sidewalk on the south side of State Street will remain open for pedestrians. Appropriate signage will be in place throughout the duration of the project.

If possible, please use alternate routes to avoid the construction areas, reduce congestion, delay, and promote worker safety. These restrictions are for the safety of the construction workers and to expedite the construction to minimize the time needed to complete the work.

Are you interested in serving the City of Traverse City? Serving on a board or commission can be a rewarding experience that allows you to make a difference in our community. Boards and Commissions are responsible for making key decisions and providing direction to the City and City Commission.

Interested in Becoming Involved?

The City is seeking volunteers for the following Boards and Commissions. Please feel free to contact the City Clerk's Office with any questions at (231) 922-4480 or by email at tcclerk@traversecitymi.gov to learn more about the appointment process through the City Commission Policy on Appointments and Committees. The following Boards and Commissions are seeking applicants.

• Brown Bridge Advisory Committee
• Board of Zoning Appeals
• Coast Guard City Committee
• Grand Traverse Commons Joint Planning
• Hickory Hills Advisory Committee
• Historic Districts Commission
• Human Rights Commission  
• Local Officers Compensation Commission

Attend Meetings and/or Subscribe to Meeting Packets

Attending meetings or following the work of your fellow community members who sit on various Boards and Commissions is the best way to stay in the know on the policies and initiatives that are being developed to shape our future. 

Subscribe to Meeting Agendas

Watch Streamed Meetings

City Commission, Planning Commission, the Downtown Development Authority, and TC Light & Power meetings are all live streamed. Visit the link below to watch live or view the recordings at a later time.

Watch Streamed Meetings

IN THE COMMUNITY

COMPOST & FOOD WASTE REDUCTION PROJECT RIBBON CUTTING

The community celebrated with the City to officially launch the Compost and Food Waste Reduction project, with a ribbon cutting ceremony on September 19th!

The project, supported by a $255,396 USDA grant, includes a new 20-yard in-vessel composting unit to help expand organic material pickups for residents and businesses. In partnership with SEEDS and Carter's Compost, the initiative supports the City’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reaching its carbon-neutral target.