WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT

ULTRA VIOLET DISINFECTION IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT UPDATE

At their May 19, 2025 meeting, the City Commission approved a major investment to upgrade the Traverse City Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant, a critical piece of infrastructure that serves the City and surrounding communities.

The project will replace aging and deteriorating components to improve system reliability, enhance environmental protection, and ensure regulatory compliance. It follows a 2021 engineering study that identified critical areas in need of improvement, including:

• Preliminary Screening (1994): Lacks redundancy and sufficient hydraulic capacity.
• Grit Separation (1950s, 1970s): Performs inadequately, failing to balance flow during peak influent rates.
• Primary Clarifiers (1930s, 1950s): Significant corrosion and frequent costly repairs required.
• Primary Effluent Screw Pumps (1970s): Operating beyond their expected useful life.
• UV Disinfection System (1998): Reaching end of life and under an Administrative Consent Order (ACO) from EGLE. The new system must be elevated to prevent damage during high water events.

To move forward with the improvements, the City Commission approved:

• A $35.5 million Guaranteed Maximum Price construction contract with Commercial Contracting Corporation
• A $386,110.97 contract with Jacobs for SCADA (system control and data acquisition) integration
• A $225,000 pre-loan expenditure for long-lead items needed to keep the project on schedule

The project will be financed through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and will be reimbursed by the Sewer Fund after loan closing. Construction is expected to begin in late 2025 and continue through 2028.

In 2022, five-year project plans for drinking water and clean water (wastewater) were developed, prioritizing project investments. This initiative marks a significant step towards ensuring the long-term sustainability and efficiency of Traverse City’s water infrastructure.

SANITARY SEWER EVALUATION STUDY

FIELD WORK BEGINS WEEK OF MAY 26TH

The City is launching the field work portion of the Sanitary Sewer Evaluation Study (SSES) beginning the week of May 26, 2025. This proactive study is designed to identify areas of inflow and infiltration (I&I) within the City’s sanitary sewer system, particularly on the west side of the City. The field work is anticipated to be completed by the end of June 2025.

SSES is a comprehensive effort that includes smoke testing, dye testing, CCTV inspections, and field assessments. These methods help detect leaks, breaks, or improper connections that allow stormwater or groundwater to enter the sanitary sewer system, overburdening the pipes and treatment facilities.

Why it Matters

Inflow and infiltration not only raise treatment costs but can also lead to sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) that impact public health and the environment—especially during large rain events or high groundwater conditions.

What to Expect

Starting the week of May 26th, the contractor, OHM Advisors, will begin field testing in selected neighborhoods. A mailer is being prepared to notify residents affected. Each week, a public service announcement will be issued by the City identifying the locations scheduled for testing. Locations will also be identified in the City's website and in the Bay Brief. Please notify the City if there is any individual in your home or business who has respiratory problems and is immobile.

During smoke testing, a non-toxic, non-staining, and fire-safe smoke is blown through the sewer system to detect faults. Residents may see white or gray smoke coming from vent pipes or the ground—this is normal. However, if you notice smoke inside your home, it could mean a dry or defective drain trap. Pouring one gallon of water into seldom-used drains before smoke testing helps prevent this.

Field Work Locations: Week of May 26th

The week of May 26th, the project will be conducted in the Central, Old Towne, and Midtown Neighborhoods.

In 2022, five-year project plans for drinking water and clean water (wastewater) were developed, prioritizing project investments. This initiative is part of the plan to ensure the long-term sustainability and efficiency of Traverse City’s water infrastructure.

IMAGINE ROTARY SQUARE - DESIGN CONCEPTS

TAKE THE SURVEY

The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) recently hosted its second “Imagine Rotary Square” open house, where community members got a first look at preliminary design concepts and shared their feedback on the future of Rotary Square.

To continue gathering feedback, the DDA has launched the second Imagine Rotary Square online survey. If you were unable to attend the open house, this is a great opportunity to participate. The survey features the same design boards presented at the event, allowing you to review the concepts and share your thoughts virtually.

WATER SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT - MAY 26TH

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 2025 and is anticipated to be completed in fall 2025.

The week of May 26th, the project will be conducted on 800 block of Randolph, 100, 200, and 300 blocks of N. Cedar, and the 100 blocks of N. and S. Division. The work will cause sidewalk, intermittent street closures, and lane shifts on Division Street.

HONORING MEMORIAL DAY AT OAKWOOD CEMETERY

On Friday, May 23, 2025, Oakwood Cemetery will begin flag placement in honor of Memorial Day at 10 a.m. Each year, with the help of community members, nearly 2,500 flags are placed throughout Oakwood Cemetery for Memorial Day.

The public is welcome to join the Cemetery Sexton and community groups in placing flags. Those interested may meet at the original mausoleum at the northwest corner of the cemetery, off 8th and Steele Street.

Additionally, the gates off Parsons and Terrace will remain open all weekend, and the mausoleum doors will be open for extended periods of time.

The City’s Oakwood Cemetery opened in 1861 and was designed as a "garden-style cemetery." The park-like setting, covering 65 acres, holds a great deal of history. Oakwood Cemetery was originally four cemeteries on the same property: the Catholic Cemetery, the City Cemetery, the Jewish Cemetery, and the Northern Michigan Asylum Cemetery, which is mostly unmarked.

SPLASH PAD OPENING MAY 24TH

Parks and Recreation is gearing up to open the Clinch Park Splash Pad for the season on Saturday, May 24, 2025! Located along the bayfront, the splash pad is a favorite summer destination for families and kids of all ages—especially before the bay warms up!



The waterscape will be open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., operating through Labor Day, weather permitting. Please note that the splash pad may close during periods of rain, forecasted inclement weather, or cooler temperatures.

2026 MONROE STREET PROJECT

The City invites Slabtown residents to an Open House to discuss the upcoming 2026 Monroe Street Reconstruction Project. This event offers an opportunity to learn about and provide input on the proposed improvements.

The Open House is slated for Wednesday, May 28, 2025 from 4 - 6 pm, in the Training Room at the Governmental Center.

The Monroe Street Reconstruction Project aims to enhance infrastructure, including roadway surfaces, sidewalks, and utilities, to improve safety and accessibility for all users.

2025 GUARDIAN AWARD 

CONGRATULATIONS COMMANDER KYLE T. RUSSELL

The City proudly congratulates Commander Kyle T. Russell, Executive Officer at Air Station Traverse City, as the recipient of the 2025 Coast Guard Committee Guardian Award.

Commander Russell exemplifies the spirit of service, leadership, and community engagement that defines this prestigious recognition. In his relatively short time in Traverse City, he has made a significant impact both within and beyond the Air Station.

His dedication to the community is evident through his extensive volunteer work. Commander Russell actively serves on the boards of Traverse City Youth Lacrosse, Leelanau Christian Neighbors, and Big Brothers Big Sisters, where he channels his passion for supporting local youth and families. In addition, he volunteers his time with youth sports, providing mentorship and leadership that positively shapes the lives of young people. Beyond his community service, Commander Russell is also recognized for his leadership at the Air Station, where his commitment and character have earned the appreciation and respect of his crew.

The Coast Guard Committee Guardian Award honors individuals, families, or Coast Guard families stationed at Air Station Traverse City who demonstrate outstanding contributions to the community. It celebrates those who go above and beyond in service, reflecting the core values of the United States Coast Guard and strengthening the ties between the military and the residents of Traverse City.

Traverse City has proudly held the designation of Coast Guard City since 2010, and leaders like Commander Russell continue to exemplify why that honor was bestowed.

Congratulations, Commander Russell, and thank you for your service and dedication to our community!

SMART COMMUTE WEEK &

SAFETY ALLIANCE EVENT

MAKE THE BEST OUT OF SMART COMMUTE WEEK

Smart Commute Week

Smart Commute Week promotes alternative transportation by working with local partners to support healthy, active, and sustainable commuting year-round.

Join the 31st Annual Smart Commute Week, June 2–6! This fun, free celebration encourages cycling, walking, busing, and carpooling, with daily free breakfasts for smart commuters and the popular Commuter Cup Challenge — a friendly, all-ages competition where teams earn points and win prizes for every smart commute trip.

Grand Traverse Safe Streets Alliance Event

What is the Grand Traverse Non-Motorized Transportation Future?

In coordination with Smart Commute Week, the Grand Traverse Safe Streets Alliance invites the public to attend a discussion on potential for non-motorized transportation for commuting and shopping on June 3, 2025, from 6 - 8 pm at the Traverse Area District Library, 610 Woodmere Avenue.

At the session, the Alliance will have several short videos of current national success stories in cities that have expanded their non-motorized transit options, and will discuss the benefits, approaches used, and how challenges were addressed. Between videos, a panel discussion will occur and with open audience participation to spur ideas and discussion on how these best practice approaches could apply to Traverse City and the surrounding communities.

Bike Rally Corral - Bonus Event

Prior to the Alliance discussion, the public is invited to attend a Bike Rally Corral from 4:30 to 6 pm at on the front lawn of the Library. Bring your latest commuting bike purchase (e.g. cargo bike, pedal bike, E-bike, etc.) and show it off! Tell others why you purchased it, what are the options you purchased and considered and why it works for you. Local bike shops will be availabe for demos and questions, and Traverse City Light & Power will have information on their E-Bike rebate program.

ASSESSING DEPARTMENT

ANNUAL PROPERTY REVIEWS

The Assessing Department is responsible for maintaining current and accurate record card data. In order to accomplish this, it is recommended by the State Tax Commission that 20% of the parcels in each property class be reviewed annually. This review includes measuring the home and all improvements on the property, confirming details with the property owner (if present) and taking updated pictures of the improvements. Work is all done from the exterior - we will never ask to view the interior of the home.

The Assessing Department's annual inspections of City properties have begun and will continue throughout the year. Residents should expect to see a team of two in residential areas. Todd and Dan from the Office will be conducting the field work and will always knock on the door to introduce themselves and let you know they are there. If no one is home, a survey form will notify the homeowner that the City team was there. Please complete and return the survey to Assessing Office right away. While answering the survey is voluntary, you can help them ensure your property record is correct and up-to-date by returning it.

IN THE COMMUNITY

THANK YOU CITY CLERK BENJAMIN MARENTETTE & MAYOR SHAMROE

A big thank you to City Clerk Benjamin Marentette and Mayor Amy Shamroe for taking the time to engage with local high school students and share their insights on the functions of City government. Recently, they visited both Traverse City West and Central High School’s AP Government and Civics classes.

These visits provided a valuable opportunity for students to connect classroom learning with real-world governance, offering a meaningful look into how local government operates.

We also extend our appreciation to both high schools for welcoming this partnership and helping build stronger community connections through civic education.

Photo credit: Traverse City Central High School