YEAR-ROUND OVERNIGHT SHELTER FOR THE UNHOUSED

JOINT RESOLUTION AND MOU CONSIDERED

At their Tuesday, January 16, 2024 meeting the City Commission will consider adopting a joint resolution and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Traverse City, Grand Traverse County, Safe Harbor of Grand Traverse, and The Northwest Michigan Coalition to End Homelessness.

The ongoing preliminary discussions between the involved parties reflect a shared recognition of the pressing need to address unsheltered homelessness within the region. Through collaborative efforts, a consensus has emerged that establishing a year-round overnight shelter is a vital and strategic component in tackling this complex issue. Recognizing the multifaceted challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness, the proposed joint resolution and MOU commit the parties to continued collaboration on this topic with a three pronged approach:

• Develop a proposed plan to keep Safe Harbor open for year-round overnight shelter, effective in 2024.
• Develop cost estimates, funding strategies, and an operating plan for year-round overnight shelter operations.
• Develop proposed roles and responsibilities and necessary agreements to memorialize the same, for consideration of their respective governing bodies.

Any agreements beyond the commitment to collaborate will be subject to review and approval by the City Commission and other partner governing bodies. The consideration of the initial resolution and MOU will serve as a formal affirmation of the ongoing support from the respective governing bodies, solidifying a collective dedication to advancing a regional effort collaboratively.

CHRISTMAS TREE

DROP OFF SITE

The Christmas Tree drop off site is available for City residents. Please be sure that trees are free of all decorations, tinsel, etc. so they can be properly mulched and reused in nature. Trees may be dropped off at the boat launch parking lot in Hull Park.

Fun Fact: Trees are chipped and used for trail surfacing in City parks and the Brown Bridge Quiet area, mulching material, and erosion control.

JUNIOR NATIONAL QUALIFIER VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Our partners at the VASA Ski Club will host the Junior National Qualifier CXC race at Hickory Hills on January 27 & 28.

Please consider volunteering to ensure a smooth and successful event that supports youth athletes in their competitive endeavors. Volunteers are needed in various capacities, from course setup, teardown, and registration.

100% ACCURACY

AUDIT OF ELECTION EQUIPMENT & CONDUCT

On December 22, 2023 an extensive audit of the City of Traverse City election of November 7, 2023, was conducted as randomly selected by the Department of State.  The audit included analysis and examination of documents and procedures used by the City Clerk’s team leading up to the election and the procedures and documentation from a randomly selected voting precinct, which was City of Traverse City Precinct 9, as well as the Absent Voter Counting Board for Precinct 9.   

Importantly, the independent audit, carried out in compliance with Department of State regulations, additionally encompassed a hand count of the vote totals in a randomly-chosen contest, verifying a 100% alignment with the reported results.

IN THE COMMUNITY

INDUSTRIAL COMPOSTING FACILITY TOUR

City Staff, with representatives from SEEDS, Grand Traverse County, and Leelanau County, toured an Industrial Composting Facility in Burton, Michigan this week!

In industrial composting, three primary techniques are employed: windrow, in-vessel, and aerated static pile composting. Windrow composting involves an open-air process where composting materials are arranged in long piles known as "windrows," approximately 5 feet high. Regular turning ensures proper aeration, facilitating the rotation and breakdown of all composting materials. The City conducts this method at it's Keystone Facility.

In-vessel composting occurs within enclosed environments, offering efficient waste processing while occupying less space than the windrow method. This method accommodates various organic waste types, with mechanical turning or mixing ensuring adequate aeration to promote bacterial activity. Notably, the City is set to launch a pilot program for in-vessel food and waste composting in 2024 with the assistance of a USDA grant.

Aerated static pile composting is a rapid process, typically yielding compost within three to six months. Ideal for relatively homogeneous mixes of organic waste, this technique suits larger quantity generators, including government agencies and commercial food operations, dealing with compostable municipal solid waste such as food scraps, paper products, and bioplastics. The team was able to tour and learn more about aerated static pile composting!