WELCOME NEW COMMISSION

OATH OF OFFICE TAKEN NOVEMBER 10TH

The City welcomed the 2025–2027 Commission at the Swearing-In Ceremony on November 10, 2025. Interim City Clerk Sarah Lutz administered the oath of office to Lance Boehmer, Ken Funk, and Laura Ness as City Commissioners, and to Amy Shamroe as Mayor, at the City Commission Organizational Meeting held that same day.

Following the swearing-in ceremony, the City Commission appointed Laura Ness to serve as Mayor Pro-Tem for a two-year term. Various appointments to boards, as well as the formation of several ad hoc interview committees to review candidates and make recommendations for board appointments, were also completed. The newly elected Commissioners will serve four-year terms, and the Mayor will serve a two-year term.

The City extends gratitude to those who stepped forward to run for City Commission and Mayor, and to those who have served on the Commission, including Mi Stanley, Tim Werner, and Mark Wilson. Your service, insight, and leadership have made a meaningful impact on the community.

FISHPASS

COMMISSION PROGRESS UPDATE

At their November 17, 2025 meeting, the City Commission will hear an update on the FishPass Project.

Construction Overview

• Phase 1 of construction is complete, which included the new arc-labyrinth weir. This is essentially the new dam structure, which has been operational since June 2025.
• Phase 2 of construction is underway, which includes the fish sorting channel. It is on pace to be complete later next year.
• Phase 3 of construction will begin late next year, focusing on all up-land/dry amenities like the research and education building, outdoor pavilion and native landscaping. Updated costs for Phase 3 are being developed. While we do not yet know the final project costs, the GLFC has been good stewards of its resources, and planned adequate contingencies in order to complete FishPass.

November 2025 Construction - Impact Hammer

The FishPass project is well into Phase 2 of construction, following completion of the upstream cofferdam earlier this summer. River flow is now directed over the new arc-labyrinth and low-flow weirs.

To ensure structural safety, contractors will be using an impact hammer for sheet pile installation beginning Thursday, November 13th. Sheet pile methods may shift back and forth from a vibratory hammer to an impact hammer during weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. While the impact hammer complies with City noise ordinances, it can be disruptive. Fortunately, the timing of this work during “windows-closed season” should help reduce noise impacts.

While the impact hammer can be noisy, it remains the safest and most effective method for completing this phase of work. The Environmental Assessment determined that construction noise will not result in significant environmental effects. This equipment allows for precise and controlled installation of sheet piles, which is essential to maintaining the stability of the riverbank and ensuring the safety of surrounding buildings. Work conducted with the impact hammer is anticipated to be completed in one to two weeks, weather permitting.

Background

FishPass represents the final phase of a more than 20-year restoration effort on the Boardman/Ottaway River, designed to reconnect the river with Lake Michigan while preventing the movement of invasive species. The project replaces the aging Union Street Dam with a modern barrier capable of selectively passing desirable fish while blocking harmful invaders such as sea lamprey.

FishPass is the result of a longstanding partnership among local, tribal, state, and federal agencies, as well as nonprofit organizations and the City of Traverse City. Funding comes from multiple sources, including the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, the State of Michigan, NOAA, the Great Lakes Fishery Trust, and the Great Lakes Fishery Commission (GLFC). In August 2025, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, the City of Traverse City, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and the GLFC entered into a Memorandum of Agreement outlining responsibilities for the project’s long-term operation and maintenance. 

HICKORY HILLS SEASON UPDATES

TARGET OPEN DATE: DECEMBER 19TH

The City is gearing up for the winter season at Hickory Hills and targeting an opening date of December 19, 2025. The opening date will be dependent upon favorable weather conditions for snow and snowmaking.

Hours and Special Dates

Pending weather, during winter break Hickory will be open, but closed on December 24, 25, and 31, and January 1.

Early openings will continue on scheduled TCAPS days off at 11 am. New this season, Hickory will now open early at 1 pm on scheduled TCAPS half/early release days. Early openings will not take place on snow days.

Learn More

Hickory Lodge Early Days & Open House

The City will open the Lodge at Hickory on Monday, December 8, 2025 for season pass purchases and pickup, and merchandise sales.

On Wednesday, December 10, 2025, Hickory Hills will host an open house on site for the community to meet the team, learn more about the season, check out the offerings of concessions, and see equipment such as a PistenBully up close! Season pass purchases, pass pickup, and merchandise sales will also be available.

Hickory Lodge Early Days will run Monday through Friday until the opening day of the ski area. Exact times to be published soon.

Season Passes

Season passes for Hickory Hills are now on sale. Alpine season passholders may also use Nordic trails at no additional charge.

The City's software offers options to make your adventurous days at Hickory easier than ever. Waivers may be completed ahead of time, and money can be added to passholder accounts for use on anything at Hickory (think snacks and merch!).

Pass pick up will be available beginning December 8, 2025.

Hickory Purchase Portal

When the season opens, day passes will continue to be purchased onsite at the ticket window. Reminder, a variety of rentals are available for both alpine and nordic.

Seasonal Positions

JOIN THE FUN! The City is now hiring for seasonal positions at Hickory Hills. 

Learn More

Vasa Ski Swap

Our Nordic partners, VASA Ski Club, will host their annual ski swap event on November 22, 2025 at Brick Wheels. VSC members can get in one hour early at 9:00 am and the swap is open to the general public from 10:00 am -1:00 pm. There will be new and used cross country ski gear (boots, poles, skis, bindings, bags, roller skis, etc.). Gear may be brought to sell on Friday, November 21, 2025 from 4:00 pm -7:00 pm.

Disc Golf Season Concludes

To prepare for the ski season, disc golf baskets have been removed.

ROAD CONSTRUCTION

NINTH & GRIFFIN SUBSTANTIALLY COMPLETED

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 is substantially completed. Pavement markings and permanent signage are completed. Bioswales and remediation work are remaining.

Griffin Street Reconstruction Substantially Completed

Griffin Street reconstruction, between Pine and S. Union Streets, is substantially complete and has been opened. Permanent signage is completed. Pavement markings are remaining.

Ninth Street Reconstruction Substantially Completed

Ninth Street reconstruction, between Union and Cass Streets, is substantially complete and has been opened. Permanent signage is completed. Pavement markings and bioswales are remaining.

LEAF PICK UP

CONTINUES

After the snow earlier this week, the City crews have conducted three passes and will continue to conduct leaf pick up until heavy snowfall.

Progress updates will be announced via social media and will also be available on the interactive map on the City's Leaf Pick Up 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.

PRIMARY SETTLING TANK WORK WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT

As part of the upcoming Headworks and UV systems upgrade, scheduled maintenance on two primary settling tanks at the Wastewater Treatment Plant began last week. The work will take place over approximately four weeks, with each tank receiving two weeks of maintenance.

During this process, the odor covers on the tanks will need to be temporarily removed. While the covers will be replaced at the end of each work shift to help reduce odors overnight, residents and businesses in the surrounding area may still notice an increase in odor during daytime hours.

CITY OFFICE HOURS ADJUSTMENT

GOVERNMENTAL CENTER

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.

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

A SMASHING SUCCESS: 2.6 TONS

Thank you to all who participated this past weekend at the 2nd annual Pumpkin Smashing Extravaganza. The event and weeklong pumpkin drop off diverted 2.6 tons of pumpkins from landfills, mitigating harmful gases and putting to good use for composting and farm feed!

Big thanks to our volunteers and our partners SEEDS and Carters Compost.

The City extends a big thank you to our talented team members John Fall who handmade all the smashing mallets, and Scott Chupp who painted a themed snowplow for the season.