PARKING CONTRACT DISCUSSION

CITY COMMISSION STUDY SESSION

The upcoming City Commission Study Session, scheduled for Monday, April 8, 2024, will feature a discussion on the existing contract between the City and the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) regarding the management of parking services. This agreement, initiated in 1991, granted the DDA the responsibility to manage the Auto Parking System, aimed at addressing parking needs in the downtown area, and included oversight of parking facilities at Northwestern Michigan College and areas surrounding the Munson Medical Center Campus.

Over the years, the scope of the contract has evolved significantly, now encompassing items such as the Hardy and Old Parking Garages, the Parking Violations Bureau, residential parking, and the Ramsdell Gate. This expansion indicates the contract's growth beyond its original downtown confines, spreading throughout the City.

Traverse City Parking Services has operated as a self-sustaining unit within the framework of the Auto Parking Fund. However, in a bid to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery, City Management is proposing a change by recommending that the City Commission consider terminating the agreement with the DDA and assume the authority of parking operations directly. The recommendation involves the City Commission considering the cessation of the agreement with the DDA, with the City taking over direct management of parking operations. This proposed transition encompasses a range of factors including operational shifts, facilities management, staff realignment, and the requisite approval processes.

To ensure a seamless and effective transition, City Management emphasizes the importance of thorough evaluation of the above mentioned factors and active engagement with stakeholders. This approach aims to develop a well-rounded transition plan that not only facilitates a smooth changeover but also upholds the quality of service provided to Traverse City's residents, employees, and visitors.

RIPARIAN BUFFER

COMMITTEE BEGINS MEETING

The Planning Department has recently established a Riparian Buffer Committee, tasked with the exploration of possibly implementing a Riparian Buffer Ordinance. In February 2024, the City issued a call for up to four at-large volunteers, aiming for representation from Kid's Creek, Boardman/Ottaway River, and Grand Traverse Bayfront areas to join the committee. The committee will work alongside City staff and Planning Commissioners in this endeavor.

Riparian lands, for our purposes, are properties with frontage on an inland lake, river, stream, or Great Lakes. Riparian buffer is the naturalized area upland of the water’s edge, ordinary high water mark (OHWM) a lake, or edge of the streambank or riverbank.

The Riparian Buffer Committee will kick off its first meeting on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at 4 pm in the Commission Chambers. At their first meeting, the committee will determine priorities, establish expected outcomes, determine resources needed, and establish a tentative meeting schedule.

Committee Objectives

• Primary: Potential ordinance standards relating to riparian buffers and shoreline protection
• Secondary: Potential public education regarding riparian buffers
• Secondary: Management goals for City-owned riparian properties
• Tertiary: Broad suggestions regarding related issues (i.e., storm water management, grading standards, tree protection ordinance, etc.)

The shorelines along waterbodies and rivers are part of an important ecosystem that is integral to fish habitats and water quality. Activities just below the edge of the water and upland of the edge of water impact these fragile systems. Well-managed riparian zones can serve as crucial assets in safeguarding against erosion along shorelines and bolstering resilience against floods. Maintaining riparian buffers is only one of many approaches to improving water quality and the larger ecosystem necessary to protect the watershed.

MASTER PLAN

REVIEW

This month, the Planning Commission began the review process of the draft Master Plan and Mobility Action Plan. Every Tuesday in April will be dedicated to the Plan review.

Planning Commission meetings begin at 6 pm. The Master Plan review sessions are scheduled to take place in the Training Room on the second floor.

The April 9th meeting will be streamed live exclusively on Facebook and the City's YouTube channel, due to the Traverse City Light & Power meeting taking place simultaneously. However, the meeting will be recorded and later available for viewing on TACM. Chapters being reviewed are Existing Land Uses, Sustainability, Health & Safety, Arts & Culture, Economic Development, Tourism, and Plan Review.

MDOT 2025

PROJECT

At their April 8, 2024 meeting, the City Commission will hear an update on the Michigan Department of Transportation's (MDOT) 2025 Grandview Parkway Project. MDOT will rebuild a 2.2-mile section of M-72 (Grandview Parkway) from Division Street in Traverse City and M-22 (Bay Shore Drive) to Cherry Bend Road in Elmwood Township in 2025.

Project elements include pavement reconstruction, drainage and stormwater quality improvements, non-motorized paths and ADA upgrades, safety and operational improvements, and transit stops. In addition, the concept currently includes a roundabout at the M-72/M-22 intersection with several different configurations possible, such as including access or closing access to Bay Street near the intersection. 

BRIEF STATE STREET CLOSURE

The City has issued a street closure permit for film production on the 100 Block of E. State Street, between Union Street & Cass Street, on Friday, April 5, 2024. The closure will begin at 6:30 pm and the street will open no later than 9:30 pm. 

Vehicular and bicycle traffic will be detoured to the south alley. Pedestrians will be detoured to the sidewalk on the south side of State Street. Access to the public Parking Lot O will be maintained. On-street parking will be prohibited between 6:30 and 9:30 pm. Vehicles will be towed to Parking Lot P.

QRT PRESENTATION ON HOMELESSNESS

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

A brief overview will also be provided by representatives from local organizations on how individuals are served at The Pines, including the QRT, Street Outreach, Street Medicine, CMH/Crisis Mobile, and Addiction Treatment Services.

LEAF & BRUSH PICK BEGINS 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, and may be raked on-street no sooner than April 6th.

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.

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

This past week work continued to heavily focus on underground infrastructure replacement, including storm sewer east of Garfield Avenue, watermain in the vicinity of the Garfield/US-31 intersection, storm sewer east of Barlow Street, sanitary sewer replacements and storm sewer west of Barlow Street. Murchie Bridge work also continued.

Eastern Avenue Speed Bumps

MDOT will install rumble strips on Eastern Avenue at the temporary stop signs at the Milliken.

Speed Feedback Signage

The City made a substantial investment in speed feedback signs to address the increased speeds on residential streets adjacent to the detoured route for the MDOT Project. These signs were strategically placed when the project began and were periodically relocated for maximum effectiveness. Unfortunately, on March 27th, we faced a setback when some of these speed feedback signs were stolen. Replacement of these units will take several months, with Phase 1 of Segment 1 set to conclude before the could new signs arrive. However, the City is working with the Traverse City Police Department to deploy their radar trailers at this time.

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.

SOS MOBILE OFFICE VISITS TRAVERSE CITY

APRIL 10

The Secretary of State (SOS) Mobile Office is visiting Traverse City to provide services to seniors and veterans to complete SOS transactions such as first time Michigan ID, renewing a drivers license, transferring a title, or applying for or renewing a disability placard.

The Mobile Office will be available April 10th from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm at the current Senior Center Network, 3400 Veterans Drive. To make an appointment, call Michelle at the Senior Network at (231) 922-4911.