CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN DISCREPANCY

PLANNING PROJECTS TOTAL $238 MILLION

It was recently reported that the City of Traverse City had projected investments of over $490 million in their Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) with 271 projects. However, due to a glitch in the data transfer process, it was discovered that the actual total is $238 million for the six year plan with 137 projects.

The CIP serves as planning document to guide the development of the annual budget. After the CIP plan is prepared, it is the Planning Commission’s role to adopt the CIP. This process is to occur before the annual budget process in order to serve as blueprint to City Administration and the City Commission to develop and approve the annual budget.

The City’s Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Annual General Fund Budget, in the amount of approximately $24 million, will be considered for final adoption at the Monday, June 5, 2023 City Commission meeting. In addition, fiscal year budgets will be considered for adoption for Traverse City Light & Power and the Downtown Development Authority.

Of the 137 proposed projects over six years, the City’s portion of the $238 million is approximately $133 million, the remainder is related to proposed projects associated with Traverse City Light & Power and the Downtown Development Authority.

The CIP is a “living document.” Projects and timelines may shift due to financing and the need to synchronize with other projects. The CIP is also important because it puts the City in a position to quickly take advantage of federal or state grant programs and opportunities. The Planning Department administers the CIP by working with all City Departments on project submissions and coordinating reports.

This year, the City launched a CIP interactive map to better engage with citizens about upcoming

infrastructure improvements being planned. The application provides a visual and interactive experience for end users to view CIP projects geographically as well as view information that is found in the CIP Report. Filters may be used to view projects by fiscal year, department, or by selecting a specific project. By clicking on the project extent on the map, a pop-up window will provide the detailed information. The map also contains a metrics tab that provides an additional breakdown of projects and is responsive to the filters.

HONORING FORMER POLICE & FIRE CHIEF RALPH SOFFREDINE

The City is mourning the loss of former Police and Fire Chief, Ralph Soffredine, who passed away Memorial Weekend. Soffredine served as police chief and fire chief in the City for 21 years, and retired in 2003. He then went on to serve on the City Commission from 2003 - 2011. Soffredine also served on the board for TCAPS and the Women's Resource Center.

"Ralph was an inspiration and example for all of us in public service. His time serving as Chief of the Police and Fire Departments, on the TCAPS Board, City Commission and the many community boards within our community showed his dedication to our community. More importantly, he cared about every individual he came in contact with and I was fortunate to be a recipient of that caring on many occasions. Our deepest condolences go out to Pam and family. Thank you for sharing him with us," says Traverse City Mayor Richard Lewis.

Traverse City Police Chief Jeffrey O'Brien stated, "In 2003, Representative Bart Stupak recognized Ralph on the floor of the US Congress. With all of the accomplishments Ralph had achieved, he emphasized implementing community policing at the Traverse City Police Department as his greatest accomplishment. We have attempted to live out his vision within the department for the past eight years."

"I have known Ralph Soffredine since the early 1990's when he filled the position of Public Safety Director for City Fire and City Police upon the retirement of then Fire Chief Charlie Duell. I worked for/with Chief Soffredine until Ed Fisher took over as Fire Chief in 2002. During his tenure at the fire department, he helped us acquire new fire apparatus, equipment and other items we need to protect the community. In my experience, Ralph was a good person to work for and he was always willing to take time to lend an ear to help others with challenges they may be having whether work-related or personal. Chief Soffredine set the bar for public service beyond his position and being involved in the Community through his seats on various boards, commissions and committees. I will miss him and his habit of trying to crush my right hand every time we shook hands," stated Traverse City Fire Chief Jim Tuller.

We thank Ralph Soffredine for his many years of dedicated service to law enforcement, education, and community, and extend our sincere condolences to his loved ones.

HYDRANT FLUSHING BEGINS

JUNE 5TH

Residents and Businesses should be aware that the City's Water/Wastewater Maintenance Division will be performing fire hydrant flushing. Hydrant flushing is set to begin Monday, June 5th, and will take place from 1 am to 7 am, through the month of June.

A slight coloration may be noticeable in your water in the mornings. By running cold water for a few minutes at a faucet, the coloration will clear. Any ground areas that are disturbed during the process will be restored during daylight hours.

We would like to thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation. if you have any questions or concerns regarding the work, please contact the Water/Wastewater Maintenance Division at (231) 922-4923.

SMART COMMUTE WEEK

KICKS OFF JUNE 5TH

Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation (TART) Trails invites the community to participate in the 29th annual Smart Commute Week from June 5th - 9th.

The week consists of events that promote cycling, walking, taking the bus, and carpooling including free daily breakfasts at various locations around town, incentives, and prizes. It is a great opportunity to save money on gas and parking, improve your health, help the planet, and build camaraderie with others in the community.

Sign up a team for a friendly competition known as the Smart Commute Week Challenge.

DDA STUDY SESSION TO FOCUS ON MOVING DOWNTOWN FORWARD (TIF) PLAN

PUBLIC PROJECT DISCUSSION ON JUNE 2ND

The Downtown Development Authority will host their monthly Study Session on June 2, 2023 at noon to discuss the first of several conversations on which public infrastructure projects should be included in the new TIF plan. The study session will provide an opportunity to discuss projects that have already been identified by the DDA Board as well as projects that require further assessment and discussion. These may include investments in city streets and sidewalks, snowmelt systems, transit, bike infrastructure, parks and public spaces, boardwalks, housing, bridges, housing, landscaping, stormwater infrastructure, services to support local independent businesses, composting, climate action and more.

The DDA will continue to discuss potential public infrastructure projects at their monthly study sessions over the next 10 months and will be convening a series of public meetings over the same period to collect input from the community. The public is encouraged to engage in the discussion and learn more about TIF and how it has utilized within the City.

The DDA and City has utilized TIF to develop, construct, and maintain public infrastructure projects such as the Hardy Parking Garage, the W. Front Street pedestrian bridge, boardwalks along the river, street reconstruction projects, public restrooms, the downtown police officer, and improvements to the City Opera House and Clinch Park. Most recently, TIF dollars have been used to fund a portion of the reconstruction of the Cass Street and Union Streets Bridges. TIF is the only municipal revenue-sharing tool available that utilizes funds from regional taxing jurisdictions to fund and maintain public critical downtown infrastructure.

The Tax Increment Financing (TIF) 97 Plan is scheduled to expire in 2027. The DDA is anticipating recommending the new Moving Downtown Forward Financing Plan (TIF) Plan for approval by the City Commission by April of 2024.

CREATING COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITY THROUGH HOUSING VARIETY

PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULED JUNE 6TH

At their May 2, 2023 meeting, the Planning Commission scheduled a public hearing for June 6, 2023 regarding an amendment to the Traverse City Code of Ordinance to allow additional dwelling types, and to modify dimensional standards in the R-1a, R-1b, and R-2 residential zoning districts.

The Planning Commission has reaffirmed the goal of expanding housing options as part of their 2023 annual goals. A host of small scale zoning changes are being considered to remove barriers and to provide additional attainable housing opportunities that allow numerous points of entry to being a resident in the City.

Proposed Zoning Changes

• Create Definitions for Duplexes, Triplexes, and Quadplexes
• Eliminate the Annual Cap on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
• Remove the Owner-Occupancy Requirement for ADUs
• Allow ADUs with Duplexes
• Allow Duplexes by Right in the R-1a/b zoning District
• Allow up to Four Dwelling Units Per Lot in the R-2 District
• Reduce Minimum Lot Area in R-1a/b Zoning District
• Reduce Minimum Lot Width in the R-1a/b Zoning District
• Marginally Increase Impervious Surface Limits
• Allow Two Homes on a Lot That is Twice the Minimum Area without Being Split
• Reduce the Minimum Land Area for the Cluster Housing Development Option
• Rename the R-1a/b and R-2 Zoning Districts to Reflect the Proposed Changes

The demand for housing in our region remains high, particularly in locations that are convenient and accessible to one’s daily needs. Land use regulations as they relate to permitting housing types, densities, and locations are just one of the many levers influencing the housing needs in the City, but one that City Commission and Planning Commission have direct influence over.

Story Map

A Story Map, or digital map that provides in depth context, has been developed by the Planning Department to explore expanding housing options.

IN THE COMMUNITY

CITY BBQ

We are a small town, with a big operation to keep municipal services...at your service! Each year, Team City of TC gathers to celebrate with a spring BBQ at the DPS campus!