FISHPASS

PROJECT ADVANCING

After years of planning, the FishPass project is advancing. This is a significant development, marking a pivotal moment for the restoration and ecological health of the Boardman/Ottaway River. The Army Corps of Engineers, in partnership with local contractor Spence Brothers, has finalized the contract and expect to proceed with initial site prep work this spring.

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.

Utilizing existing resources and budgeted contingency funding, the project will begin with in-stream or “wet” work. These critical project elements, prioritizing safety, include dam replacement and fish passage channel development. Major construction is anticipated to begin in June 2024 and is expected to be complete in 2026. Concurrently, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission and project partners will finalize costs and funding for the up-land or “dry” project elements, which are sequenced to begin in 2026 if not before. These important elements include the construction of an educational facility, landscaping enhancement, and universal accessibility. 

With the project’s timeline extended, costs have increased for the wet work, from $19.3 million to $23.2 million. In addition, it is estimated that the dry work costs will be higher as well when contract re-negotiations occur. However, with $5.2 million in contingency funding already secured and plans for additional funding underway, the City and Fishery Commission are confident that all project elements will be completed by 2027.

Site preparation will begin this spring and involve staking, fence installation, material staging, excavation, and machinery mobilization. Staging will occur in the City’s parking lot J, adjacent to Lay Park and the Union Street Bridge. Access to the river between Cass and Union streets will be temporarily closed due to safety concerns throughout construction. Pedestrian detour signage will be installed as needed.  

TART IMPROVEMENT & EXTENSION

CONSIDERATION TO AWARD CONTRACT

At their April 15, 2024 meeting, the City Commission will consider awarding a contract in the amount of $1,242,898 for Phase I of the TART Improvement and Extension Project.

In 2022, the City initiated the TART Improvement and Extension Project, located between West End Beach and the intersection of Peninsula and Eastern Avenue. The section of non-motorized trail between West End Beach and Murchie Bridge serves as confluence of the regional trail network for both transportation and recreation, providing a junction for the TART, Leelanau Trail, and the Boardman Lake Loop Trail. Extending the trail to Eastern Avenue will serve as a critical connector to the City center for the east side of the City and Old Mission Peninsula.

Phase 1

Funding for Phase 1 of the project has been secured and will include the following:

• Sunset Park to Senior Center: Connecting the public properties with an improved trail
• Clinch Park to Murchie Bridge: Improved section of aging asphalt trail
• Division to Hall Street: Trail construction along the southern portion of Grandview Parkway

On March 18, 2024, the City Commission approved a bid waiver for the TART Bayfront Improvement and Extension Construction Project. In an effort to coordinate the project with the MDOT's Grandview Parkway project, the City was provided a bid from Team Elmer's. Executing these projects simultaneously with the same contractor, Team Elmer's, will offer numerous advantages. Key among these is a reduction in costs related to mobilization, traffic control, and staging. Additionally, choosing Team Elmer's offers several other benefits beyond financial savings. These include the capacity to complete the project this summer, which not only circumvents future inflation-related costs but also minimizes disruption for travelers and reduces construction-related traffic. Furthermore, using the same contractor as MDOT's Grandview Parkway project ensures a more cohesive and efficient implementation overall.

Total funding for the project will be provided from a $500,000 Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) Grant, $421,449 City of Traverse City, $200,000 DDA TIF 97 Funds, and $121,449 TART Trails.

TCLP ELECTRIFICATION SURVEY

Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP) is making a commitment to foster sustainable energy solutions and to serve as a trusted community partner.

With its new corporate mission, TCLP aims to “deliver innovative, affordable, reliable, and environmentally sustainable energy and telecom solutions,” guided by a vision of leading “with positivity and creativity, creating a brighter future for all.”

TCLP invites the community to engage in a comprehensive electrification survey. This initiative seeks to gather valuable insights to refine and enhance the utility’s services and programs, ensuring they align with the community’s evolving sustainability needs. Your insights will directly impact strategy to provide clean, innovative, and beneficial energy solutions. 

WORK ZONE AWARENESS

WEEK

Work zones are temporary. Actions behind the wheel can last forever.

With our mild winter, orange cones and work zones are in place. Now with spring in the air, road work will continue to ramp up and more crews will mobilize. It is important to remember that road and bridge construction can be dangerous work in unpredictable environments. To ensure the safety of road workers and road users - always slow down, follow all posted signs, and be alert.



In Michigan in 2023, preliminary work zone crash statistics show there were:

• 7,237 work zone crashes
• 17 fatal work zone crashes
• 20 work zone fatalities
• Two were road workers
• 1,896 work zone injuries
• 108 involved serious injuries

LEAF & BRUSH

PICK UP

BEGAN APRIL 8

Leaf & Brush Pick Up will begin in City neighborhoods on April 8th. The program will begin on the west side, moving eastward, over a period of 5 to 7 weekdays with one pass only. Leaves should be raked out in front of your house for pick up as promptly as possible.

Brush piles cannot exceed 8' x 8' and 4' high - branches no more than 4" in diameter and should be placed in the alley. If there is no alley, the brush can be placed behind the curb or pavement edge of the street.

Brush Drop Off Site Opens

Grand Traverse County's Brush Drop Off Site at 2471 N. Keystone Rd., opened for the season on Tuesday, April 9th.

Hours

Tuesday - Thursday:

10 am - 4:30 pm

Saturday:

9 am - 3:30 pm

DISCUSSION ON HOMELESSNESS

COMMUNITY PARTNERS DISCUSSION

At their April 8, 2024 meeting the City Commission heard an overview from the Traverse City Police Department Social Worker on the Quick Response Team (QRT) regarding wraparound services for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Tackling the multifaceted issue of homelessness requires more than just a place for people to sleep. It demands a comprehensive, community-driven approach that addresses the root causes of homelessness, including poverty, unemployment, lack of affordable housing, mental health issues, and substance use. Successful strategies involve a blend of short-term interventions and long-term solutions, demonstrating that there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The collaboration among various partners, including the City's Quick Response Team, showcases the power of community effort in making significant strides toward ending homelessness.

A brief overview was also provided by representatives from local organizations on how individuals are served at The Pines, including the QRT, Street Medicine/Traverse Health Clinic/Munson, Community Mental Health/Mobile Crisis, Addiction Treatment Services, and Street Outreach.

We want to express deep gratitude to those who are dedicated to helping individuals experiencing homelessness. Their commitment, compassion, and perseverance deserve recognition and support.

The City encourages the public to review the discussion from the Monday, April 8, 2024 meeting to learn more about the efforts and advancements made in this space, and how QRT is working to cohesively bring community partners together to eliminate barriers and coordinate the best care for individuals. The discussion begins at the 1:27:26 mark.

MDOT PROJECT UPDATES

PRACTICE PATIENCE

Temporary traffic control measures during the MDOT Project deviate from the usual traffic controls. Your cooperation and diligence are essential for ensuring the safety of yourself, pedestrians, bicyclists, and fellow motorists during this period of construction. We urge all drivers to exercise caution, yield to pedestrians, and remain vigilant while navigating the MDOT Project detours.

This Week's Progress Report

In the past week, crews focused on water and storm sewer underground work, followed by installation of gravel, and grading for curb installation from Front Street to Peninsula Drive.

Next Week's Work

In the coming week, crews will continue grading in preparation for curb and gutter from Front Street to Peninsula Drive, grading for sidewalk and driveways, begin installing curb and gutter and sidewalks from Front Street to Rose Street, begin subgrading and graveling from Peninsula Drive to Garfield Avenue, and installing underground conduit for Traverse City Light & Power. Work on the Murchie Bridge will continue.

Drivers should expect intermittent closures at Hope Street and Barlow Street as needed for concrete installation.

Businesses Open

Anticipate that the construction will affect businesses, particularly those situated along the construction zone. However, it's important to note that our local businesses will continue to operate, and by demonstrating patience, you can actively support them throughout this period of disruption.

IN THE COMMUNITY

ELECTION SECURITY

City Clerk, Benjamin Marentette, Deputy City Clerk, Sarah Lutz, and Communications Manager, Colleen Paveglio attended a seminar hosted by the Secretary of State (SOS) on election security this week. Ensuring robust election security is vital to safeguarding the integrity of democratic processes and upholding the trust of citizenry!