WEST END PROJECT CONSULTANT AGREEMENT

CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL JULY 17TH

At the recommendation of the DDA Board of Directors, on July 17th the City Commission will consider approving a consultant agreement with Fishbeck and Cornerstone Architects, Inc. for a not to exceed cost of $1,591,141 for the schematic design phase of the West End Mixed-Use Development. The project is to be located near the corner of State and Pine Streets, and will include a parking structure, with additional components such as retail and housing. The contract for design services will be funded by TIF-97.

The proposed agreement will be split into two separate phases. The first phase will consist of the schematic design development to provide clarity on the full cost of the entire project. In addition, identification of public/private partnerships for the retail and residential components of the project, and assistance with leveraging brownfield legislation, will be included.

Once the schematic design is complete, and the full cost of the proposed development are identified, engineering/architectural work will pause until the project costs are reviewed by the City Commission. The cost for the schematic design phase is $383,570.

A notice of intent to issue bonds would require consideration of approval by the City Commission to enter into the second phase which would include construction design. The cost for the construction design phase is $1,207,571.

COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS WITH INTERIM CITY MANAGER

The City invites residents to join the Interim City Manager, Nate Geinzer, for Community Conversations, a series of informal dialogues. Community Conversations will serve as a platform for City residents of all ages and backgrounds to engage in dialogue and ask questions. Locations will rotate to accommodate residents throughout the City. In addition to conversation, comment cards will be available for residents who may prefer to leave a comment or question in writing.

Community Conversations will be hosted on the following dates and locations:



• July 18: Earthen Ales, 1371 Gray Drive, #200, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
• July 19: Mundos, 305 W. Front Street, 8:30 – 10:30 am
• July 25: TC Whiskey Co., 201 E. Fourteenth Street, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
• July 26: Mundos, 1238 S Garfield Avenue, 8:30 – 10:30 am

$1.8 MILLION ALLOCATED FOR NEW TCFD LADDER TRUCK

The Traverse City Fire Department was notified last week that $1.8 million was allocated in the State of Michigan's '23-'24 budget to fund a new ladder truck!

City Ladder 1, a 2004 Kami aerial platform truck, is in need of replacement due to its age. The new truck will have a 100-foot ladder.

Vehicles for Fire fighting and rescue are custom orders and can take up to three years to build. Once the funds are distributed and the order placed, TCFD will have a better idea on delivery.

TCFD originally applied for a FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant. However, State Representative Betsy Coffia was able to advocate for the need of the new equipment and requested it in the State's upcoming budget.

PRIMARY TREATMENT & UV

IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT AT WWTP

Improvements at the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) for the Primary Treatment and UV Disinfection System are being planned to upgrade aging and inefficient equipment, reduce energy costs, and protect downstream treatment, including membrane bioreactors.

The Primary Treatment portion will address equipment related to the primary screening process, grit removal, primary settling, and primary effluent pumping. UV Disinfection equipment improvements will include raising hydraulic grade levels that will be designed for no damage at 100-year flood levels and full disinfection at 25-year flood levels.

At their July 10, 2023 meeting, the City Commission approved awarding a contract for the preliminary design stage for the Progressive Design-Build of the Primary Treatment and UV Disinfection Improvements in the amount of $2,200,000, which is between 9.4% and 7.6% respectively of the estimated construction cost range of $23.5 to $29M.  due to high inflation, higher equipment/labor cost, and a shortage of qualified contractors to perform these types of large-scale projects, the estimated cost has increased significantly since the original estimate of $18 million, $14.5M for the Primary Treatment and $3.5 million for the UV System.



In January 2021, Hubbell, Roth & Clark, Inc. (HRC) presented the Headworks and Primary Treatment Options Study that outlined recommended improvements at the City's WWTP. Later in 2021, the City Commission approved the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Project Plan that identified several wastewater-related projects that are needed to ensure the sanitary collection system and WWTP operate properly. Reducing Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) and Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs) were also targeted in the project plan.  In 2021, the original total estimated cost of potential improvements was $28,734,260 over a 5-year period, which has now increased due to factors noted above.

A loan request has been made through EGLE's CWSRF program for 2024 funds. If not successfully awarded CWSRF funds by EGLE, the City must pursue municipal bonds as the UV portion of the project is required to be completed by the State of Michigan by 2026 due to an administrative consent order.

As the City continues to focus on improving its water systems, five-year project plans for drinking water and clean water (wastewater) were developed in 2021, and prioritized project investments of approximately $48 million at that time.

NOMINATION PACKETS AVAILABLE

MAYOR AND THREE CITY COMMISSION SEATS

Nominating packets for those who wish to run for the Office of Mayor or Office of City Commissioner are available from the City Clerk’s Office, first floor, Governmental Center, 400 Boardman Avenue, Traverse City, Michigan. 

Offices Available



• Mayor, two-year term ending November 10, 2025
• 3 City Commissioners, four-year term ending November 8, 2027

Filing Deadline

Candidates must file nominating petitions and other required documentation with the City Clerk by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, July 25, 2023.

City Commission Functions

The City Commission is the legislative body of the City of Traverse City, essentially functioning as the City's "board of directors."

The following is the mission statement for the City Commission:

The mission of the Traverse City City Commission is to guide the preservation and development of the City’s infrastructure, services, and planning based on extensive participation by its citizens coupled with the expertise of the City’s staff. The Commission will both lead and serve Traverse City in developing a vision for sustainability and the future that is rooted in the hopes and input of its citizens and organizations, as well as cooperation from surrounding units of government.

Very broadly speaking, the functions of the City Commission for the City of Traverse City are to:

• Set public policy for the City through ordinances and other official actions
• Allocate public funds under the city's control and responsibility, including adoption of the City Budget
• Exercise policy oversight of the City's resources
• Appoint the City Manager and City Attorney; and in order to maintain a system of checks and balances, to provide for appropriate separation of duties and autonomy in conducting and performing official and corporate functions, the City Commission approves the City Manager's indefinite appointment, and the removal of the City Clerk and the City Treasurer
• Appoint individuals to various board and commissions.
• Exercise other authority and powers granted to it by the Michigan Constitution, Michigan Law, Michigan Promulgated Rules, the City Charter, and other authorities 

Candidates elected at the November 7, 2023, election, will be sworn in and take office at 7 p.m. on Monday, November 13, 2023.

IN THE COMMUNITY

RUBBER DUCKIES AND PARADES!

Construction on the Union Street Bridge made for a unique launch of the Traverse City Optimists Club's annual rubber ducky race. Each year the fundraiser raises monies for youth charities. Thanks to the Union Street Bridge construction crew and City staff for accommodating the request to make the launch.

Fun Fact: Brandon Glowacki from the City's Engineering Department was Optimist of the Year in the 5th Grade here in TC!

TC Commissioners participating in the Cherry Royale Parade on July 8th!