FISHPASS PHASE 2 UPDATE

SHEET PILE REMOVAL BEGINS

Construction of the FishPass project continues to make significant progress as Phase 2, the project's in-water ("wet") construction, nears completion. The 400-foot-long fish-sorting channel is substantially complete, including the headworks, channel walls, and all 13 water control gates. Backfilling has begun, and crews have transitioned into one of the final major activities of the wet construction phase, the removal of the temporary sheet pile cofferdam.

Beginning August 14, the contractor will utilize divers to cut off and remove (without use of a vibratory hammer) the sheet pile upstream of the fish-sorting channels. During the ensuing weeks, the contractor will utilize a vibratory hammer to remove the remaining temporary sheet pile down the centerline of the river and downstream end of the fish-sorting channel. The vibratory hammer is anticipated to be active through September. This marks a critical milestone toward completing Phase 2 and will allow construction of the final section of the fish-sorting channel walls and installation of the new pedestrian bridge.

To minimize impacts to the surrounding neighborhood:

• High-noise construction activities will occur only on weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
• More than 20 vibration and settlement monitors remain in place throughout the project site and are continuously monitored to ensure strict safety thresholds are maintained.

To date, all monitoring has remained well below construction limits, demonstrating that surrounding infrastructure continues to be protected throughout construction.

The temporary sheet pile is anticipated to be fully removed by the end of September, marking the completion of this significant phase of construction.

Landscaping & Upland Construction Update

As the project transitions from the in-water ("wet") construction phase to the upland ("dry") project elements, work will begin on the FishPass Research and Education Building and extensive landscaping throughout the site.

As a reminder, the FishPass project includes a comprehensive ecological restoration plan to enhance the area's natural landscape while improving long-term environmental health.

The landscaping plan includes:

• Removal of approximately 61 trees greater than six inches in diameter at breast height. Most tree removals have already occurred as part of earlier phases of construction.
• Planting of 73 native trees throughout the site.
• Installation of 371 native shrubs and nearly 2,100 live stakes along the shoreline to stabilize banks and restore native habitat.
• An additional $20,000 contribution to the City of Traverse City, providing approximately 80 additional trees to be planted at other public locations throughout the community.

As landscaping activities begin, pruning of existing trees is expected to occur in the near future to support the long-term health of the urban forest. In addition, planned tree removal near Central United Methodist Church is anticipated to begin this fall to accommodate the ADA accessibility improvements.

Background

FishPass represents the culmination of approximately two decades of restoration efforts on the Boardman/Ottaway River, aiming to reconnect the river with Lake Michigan. It addresses the deteriorating Union Street Dam, replacing it with a new, complete barrier to all fish while incorporating innovative technology to selectively pass desirable species and block harmful invaders like sea lamprey.

CHILD CARE MICROCENTERS

RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT CONSIDERED

At its Monday, August 17, 2026 meeting, the City Commission will consider adopting a resolution supporting the expansion of child care microcenters and advocating for state action to increase access to affordable, accessible childcare.

The resolution would support Michigan Senate Bill 733, proposed legislation intended to make microcenter licensing available across Michigan. The model has already been piloted in Leelanau County, where three microcenters are operating in community facilities, including a school, church, and municipal facility, under in-home child care licensing requirements. The proposed legislation would create a pathway for the model to expand statewide. City support would add to regional advocacy efforts encouraging the Michigan Legislature to consider the legislation.

Strategic Action Plan Alignment

Expanding access to child care directly supports priorities identified through the City's Strategic Action Plan and the City Commission's OKR Work Plan. During the extensive public engagement process that shaped the Strategic Action Plan, expanding child care opportunities emerged as the community's top-prioritized action item, reinforcing the important role child care plays in creating a complete community and supporting a thriving year-round economy.

CLINCH MARINA

EFFICIENCY ASSESSMENT

At their Monday, August 17, 2026 meeting, the City Commission will consider approving an agreement with Edgewater Resources for the Duncan L. Clinch Marina Efficiency Assessment Project. The proposed $60,000 agreement would be funded through a $28,000 Michigan Department of Natural Resources Waterways Program grant and a $32,000 local match from the Marina Fund.

Duncan L. Clinch Marina is one of the City's most significant recreational assets, serving residents, seasonal slip holders, transient boaters, and visitors. The marina consistently operates at or near capacity, with a waiting list for seasonal slips, while also supporting downtown businesses and waterfront tourism.

The assessment will take a comprehensive look at the marina's infrastructure, utilities, circulation, shoreline conditions, and operational systems to identify opportunities to improve efficiency, functionality, long-term sustainability, and the customer experience. The work will also include conceptual alternatives, cost estimates, public engagement, implementation strategies, and recommendations for future capital improvements.

Once complete, the assessment will provide the City with a prioritized roadmap for future marina investments, help identify potential grant funding opportunities, and support a phased approach to future capital improvements.

Edgewater Resources was selected following a competitive process that included three firms specializing in marina engineering and waterfront planning. Edgewater also currently serves as a subconsultant on the City's larger shoreline resilience planning project, creating an opportunity to coordinate long-term marina improvements with broader waterfront resilience efforts.

PROJECT UPDATES

COMPLETE, ACTIVE, AND UPCOMING

Cape Seal Preparation: Active

City crews will be working in various locations throughout the coming weeks to prepare roadways and asphalt surfaces for the 2026 Cape Seal pavement preservation program.

Farmers Market Project: Active

Parking Lot B is closed for the duration of the project, which includes construction of a modern, accessible covered pavilion, reconstruction of the parking lot, upgraded drainage and stormwater infrastructure, enhanced landscaping, and parking improvements to better serve the market and surrounding riverfront. The project is anticipated to be completed in spring 2027.

Eleventh Street Culvert/Kids Creek Restoration Project: Active

Construction continues onsite for the Kids Creek Restoration Project. The new culvert has been placed and is a significant investment in the health of Kids Creek. Replacing the undersized crossing will improve water flow, restore aquatic habitat, enhance fish passage, and reduce flooding impacts, all while supporting ongoing efforts to remove Kids Creek from Michigan's Impaired Waters List.

To accommodate construction, the 700 and 900 blocks of Eleventh Street between Elmwood Avenue and Division Street are closed. Motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians are encouraged to follow posted detours. The project is anticipated to be substantially completed by October 1, 2026. This work continues a long-standing regional partnership focused on restoring the health and function of the Kids Creek watershed.

Monroe Street Reconstruction: Active

Construction continues on the Monroe Street Reconstruction Project, which will completely rebuild Monroe Street from W. Front Street to Bay Street while upgrading water, sanitary sewer, stormwater infrastructure, sidewalks, and pedestrian amenities. The initial phase between Bay Street and Wayne Street is substantially complete, with work continuing north toward Front Street throughout the construction season. The project remains on schedule for substantial completion by October 30, 2026, weather permitting.



Projects Completed

Pavement Marking Project

Oak Street Mill and Fill (Seventh Street and W. Thirteenth Street)

Seventh Street Mill and Fill (S. Elmwood Ave. and S. Division Street)

Elmwood Mill and Fill (W. Front Street and W. Eleventh Streets)

Washington Street Resurface (Rose Street to Prospect Street)

Cass Street Crosswalk (E. State Street and E. Front Street)



Looking Ahead

Crack Sealing (anticipated to begin late August)

Cape Sealing (anticipated to begin early September)

COLLEGE BOUND?

MAKE A VOTING PLAN BEFORE YOU GO

As college students prepare to head back to campus, now is a great time to make sure voting is part of the back-to-school checklist.

Students who are eligible to vote are encouraged to check their voter registration and make a plan for the November 2026 election before leaving for school. If voting absentee, students can request an absentee ballot and have it mailed to their college address or another address where they will be staying.

Taking care of these details before the semester gets busy can help ensure students have the information and materials they need to participate in the upcoming election.

Visit the Michigan Voter Information Center to check your registration, learn about absentee voting, and find additional election information. Contact your local Clerk for more information.

WATER SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT

WEEK OF AUGUST 17

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 May 2026 and is anticipated to be completed by fall 2026.

Week of August 17 Locations

The week of August 17, 2026, work will be conducted on the 1100 and 1200 blocks of Titus, the 400 block of S. Civic Center, the 1200 block of Hannah, and the 500 and 600 blocks of Hastings. This work will cause lane closures, lane shifts, and sidewalk closures.

PUBLIC BEACH

MONITORING & TESTING

The Environmental Health Division of the Grand Traverse County Health Department works closely with the City of Traverse City, Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay, and the Traverse City State Park to ensure the health and safety of several public beaches in Grand Traverse County.

The Watershed Center administers grants from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality to sample surface water from swim areas of the beaches. The water samples are analyzed for E. coli, a relatively harmless organism that may indicate the possible presence of harmful pathogenic microorganisms.

The Beach Monitoring Dashboard is updated weekly on Thursdays. If any beaches report a "Level 2" or higher, those specific beaches will then be resampled. Resample results will be available and published 24 hours later.

On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, water sampling classified all beaches as Level 1, and they are considered safe for full-body contact.

DISTINGUISHED BUDGET PRESENTATION AWARD

26-27 BUDGET

The City has been recognized for excellence in financial planning and transparency, earning the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its annual budget. The award recognizes governments that meet the highest national standards for budget presentation and demonstrate excellence in serving as a policy document, financial plan, operations guide, and communication tool.

To receive the award, the City's budget document was evaluated against nationally recognized criteria and rated proficient in all required categories. The recognition reflects the City's commitment to responsible financial stewardship, transparency, and providing residents with clear and accessible information about how public resources are invested.

Long-Term Financial Planning and Strategic Action Plan

The City’s advancement of long-term financial planning, with the integration of the Strategic Action Plan, implementation of multi-year budgeting, and enhanced financial forecasting contributed to this recognition. Together, these efforts more clearly connect the City’s strategic priorities with financial decision-making while providing a forward-looking view of investments, operating needs, and long-term fiscal sustainability. Kudos to the Treasurer's Office/Finance Department and the entire employee team on their work!