Traverse City, MI

City Commission Regular Meeting

Planning Commission Regular Meeting

Election Commission - Election Commission

The Traverse City Election Commission meets Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at noon in the 2nd Floor Managers Conference Room at 400 Boardman Avenue. The agenda covers approving minutes from the July 1, 2026 meeting, appointing Election Inspectors and an Election Receiving Board for the November 3, 2026 General Election, and designating the City Clerk and Clerk's staff for election-related tasks. The posted agenda text is largely procedural and repeats standard ADA and public-comment boilerplate; the full text of item (3) is cut off in the supplied document.

• Approval of minutes from the July 1, 2026 Election Commission meeting
• Appointment of Election Inspectors for the November 3, 2026 General Election and Early Voting
• Appointment of Rebecca Adler, Kristen Messner, Alexis Farr and Katie Miller to the Election Receiving Board
• Authorization for City Clerk Sarah Lutz to make emergency appointments of Election Inspectors
• Designation of the City Clerk and Clerk's staff for election tasks such as preparing, printing and delivering ballots

ACT 345 Retirement System

ACT 345 Retiree Health Board

ACT 345 Retirement System

ACT 345 Retirement System

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Traverse City Parks and Recreation Commission meets Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 6:30 pm in the Commission Chambers at 400 Boardman Avenue. The agenda includes a consent calendar vote on minutes from the August 6, 2026 regular meeting, new business on the election of officers and Clinch Concessions and Livery, an old business projects update, commissioner and director reports, and public comment. The posted agenda text is largely procedural and repeated boilerplate; it does not include supporting detail on the Clinch Concessions and Livery item or the projects update.

• Consent calendar: consideration of minutes from the August 6, 2026 regular Parks and Recreation Commission meeting
• New business: election of officers
• New business: Clinch Concessions and Livery
• Old business: projects update
• Commissioner's reports and Director's report

Coast Guard City Committee - CANCELLED

The Coast Guard City Committee meeting scheduled for 12:00 PM on Thursday, October 1, 2026 has been cancelled. The notice was posted and published on September 28, 2026. The document contains only the cancellation notice and contact information for the City Clerk; no agenda items, decisions, or discussion topics are listed.

• Meeting cancelled: Coast Guard City Committee, 12:00 PM, Thursday, October 1, 2026
• Location listed: 2nd Floor Conference Room, Governmental Center, 400 Boardman Avenue, Traverse City, Michigan 49684
• Cancellation notice posted and published September 28, 2026
• Contact: Sarah Lutz, MiPMC, CMC, City Clerk, (231) 922-4480, [email protected]

Grand Traverse Commons Joint City of Traverse City/Garfield Township Planning Commission Special Meeting

The Grand Traverse Commons Joint City of Traverse City/Garfield Township Planning Commission holds a special meeting on September 29, 2026 to receive a presentation and discuss an infrastructure evaluation of the Commons, covering water distribution and fire flows, storm and sanitary sewer systems, and pavement conditions of roads, sidewalks, and parking areas. A summary of the developed Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), including recommended projects and updates, is also presented. The agenda also includes approval of July 15, 2026 draft minutes and public comment. No decisions on the infrastructure items are listed on the agenda; the item is listed as presentation and discussion.

• Presentation and discussion of Grand Traverse Commons infrastructure evaluation: water distribution and fire flows, storm system, sanitary sewer system, pavement conditions of roads, sidewalks, and parking areas
• Summary presentation of the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), including recommended projects and updates since the CIP was developed
• Approval of the July 15, 2026 draft meeting minutes
• Public comment period
• Meeting held 5:15 pm at 2nd Floor Chambers, Governmental Center, 400 Boardman Avenue, Traverse City, MI 49684

ACT 345 Retirement System

The Traverse City ACT 345 Retirement System Board meets Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at noon in the 2nd Floor Conference Room at 400 Boardman Avenue. The board is set to approve minutes, approve October 2026 retiree benefits of $303,910.88, hear a presentation from Mariner Consulting, and consider paying Mariner Consulting Invoice #83295 for Q3 2026 at $10,125.00. Announcements note that trustee appointment recommendations for Adam Garvey and Peter Schous have been approved by the City Manager.

• Approval of October 2026 retiree benefits: $303,910.88
• Approval of Mariner Consulting Invoice #83295, Q3 2026: $10,125.00
• Presentation by Mariner Consulting
• Approval of minutes from the August 25, 2026 regular meeting
• Trustee appointment recommendations for Adam Garvey and Peter Schous approved by the City Manager

City Commission Meeting Cancellation

The City Commission study meeting scheduled for 7:00 pm Monday, September 28, 2026 in the Commission Chambers at the Governmental Center, 400 Boardman Avenue, has been cancelled. The notice was posted and published on September 24, 2026. The document contains no agenda items or business to be decided; it is a cancellation notice only.

Historic Districts Commission

The Traverse City Historic Districts Commission will hold a regular meeting to review four requests for property alterations within local historic districts, including a shed roof replacement, a rear addition, a garage demolition and rebuild with a dwelling above, and a new detached garage. The agenda also includes approval of the August 27, 2026 meeting minutes, other business, and public comment. All items are for discussion and potential approval.

• Request 26-HDC-13: Replace shed roof over detached garage at 658 Webster Street (Boardman Neighborhood Historic District)
• Request 26-HDC-14: 1-story rear addition at 605 Fifth Street (Central Neighborhood Historic District)
• Request 26-HDC-15: Demolish detached garage and construct new garage with dwelling above at 448 Washington Street (Boardman Neighborhood Historic District)
• Request 26-HDC-16: New detached garage at 503 West Eighth Street (Central Neighborhood Historic District)
• Approval of August 27, 2026 draft meeting minutes

Hickory Hills Advisory Committee

The Hickory Hills Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss updates on Hickory Hills management, a mountain bike RFP and recommended next steps, the 75th anniversary celebration, and disc golf planning and design. The agenda also includes reports from staff, the Parks and Recreation Commission, Hickory Hills Ski Patrol, Preserve Hickory, the Recreational Authority, and user groups, plus public comment.

• Mountain Bike RFP Update and Recommended Next Steps (T. Pulliam)
• 75th Anniversary Celebration Update (T. Lewandowski)
• Disc Golf Planning and Design (G. Argyle)
• Update on Hickory Hills Management
• Consideration of approving minutes of August 27, 2026 meeting

City Commission Ad Hoc Committee - Brown Bridge Advisory Committee

The Brown Bridge Advisory Committee, an ad hoc committee of the Traverse City Commission, is meeting to consider recommendations for appointments to fill open terms expiring October 2, 2026. The agenda includes interviews with two applicants, Dennis Mann and Seth Stein, followed by discussion and possible recommendations. Public comment and adjournment are also scheduled.

• Interviews with applicants Dennis Mann (12:05pm) and Seth Stein (12:25pm) for Brown Bridge Advisory Committee
• Consideration of recommendations for appointment to open terms expiring October 2, 2026
• Public comment period
• Adjournment

City Commission Ad Hoc Committee - General Fund Fund Balance Policy

The City Commission Ad Hoc Committee on General Fund Fund Balance Policy is meeting to discuss its defined scope, the information and resources needed for its work, and its meeting cadence. The agenda is largely procedural, with no specific policy proposals or dollar amounts listed.

• Discussion of the Committee's defined scope
• Initial discussion on information and resources needed
• Discussion on meeting cadence and establishing dates/times
• Public comment period

City Commission Regular Meeting

The City Commission will meet to discuss and vote on several items, including traffic control orders and various purchase orders. The agenda includes presentations regarding the International Day of Peace and Northwestern Michigan College Day.

• Traffic control order for overnight parking on South Civic Center Drive
• Traffic control order for a bus stop on South Civic Center Drive
• Traffic control order for a bus stop on Woodmere Avenue
• Purchase order for siding replacement at Hull Park bathroom and boathouse
• Purchase order for TART Trail restoration for the East Bay Township Force Main Project

Downtown Development Authority Organizational Meeting

The Traverse City Downtown Development Authority is holding its annual organizational meeting to elect board officers and appoint committee members. The board will also review TIF-97 project priorities and receive an update on the Lower Boardman/Ottaway River improvements, along with routine consent calendar items like approving minutes and financial reports.

• Election of officers and committee appointments
• Approval of August 2026 financial reports for DDA General, Old Town TIF, and TIF-97 budgets
• Approval of August 2026 Traverse City Arts Commission financial report
• TIF-97 project priorities discussion
• Lower Boardman/Ottaway River improvements project update

Brown Bridge Advisory Committee - September 17, 2026

The Brown Bridge Advisory Committee is meeting to review action items, discuss the management plan update steps and timeline, and receive an update on trail planning for the Greilick parcel. The agenda also includes general updates on various park projects and public comment periods. This is a regular working meeting with no votes on major policy or funding decisions listed.

• Management Plan update steps and timeline discussion
• Greilick parcel trail planning update
• General updates on Spring Lake parcel, Grasshopper Footbridge, Beaver Research Report, Black Locust Boardwalk Replacement, Oct. 29th Tree Planting Workbee, and post-flood streambank restoration
• Review of action items, including open items on grant conditions and hunting permits
• Public comment periods

Complete Streets Advisory Committee

The Complete Streets Advisory Committee will review input for the Boardman/Cass/Washington Watermain Project and explore potential tactical urbanism projects. The meeting also includes a review of the 'Be Mobile With Us' survey and consideration of funding for the TART Trail restoration.

• Boardman/Cass/Washington Watermain Project input session
• Tactical Urbanism opportunities discussion
• Review of Be Mobile With Us Survey
• Funding request for TART Trail Restoration and Widening Project
• Discussion on funding framework

Arts Commission

The Traverse City Arts Commission is meeting to review and potentially approve a draft request for qualifications (RFQ) for the inaugural 2027 Mural Festival, which would select at least five artists to create murals in the North Boardman Lake District. The agenda also includes updates on repairing the Mazinaadin exhibit, Gateway Sculptures, a TART proposal for the Cornwell Sailing Center, and a project prioritization exercise. The meeting will also consider approving the August meeting minutes and financial report.

• Review draft RFQ for 2027 Mural Festival (select min. 5 artists, North Boardman Lake District)
• Update on Mazinaadin exhibit repair coordination with GTB Tribal Council and Parks Dept.
• Update on Gateway Sculptures site visit with Ellen Rutt; concrete base options under review
• City Commission approved Jerry's Map proposal at Cornwell Sailing Center; funding agreements with TART to be drafted
• Approve August 2026 meeting minutes and financial report (Fund 107 budget $118,000)

**CANCELLATION NOTICE** Planning Commission Study Session

This meeting agenda is a cancellation notice for the Traverse City Planning Commission study session scheduled for September 15, 2026. No items are listed for discussion or decision. The notice includes standard contact and ADA accommodation information.

• Meeting cancelled: September 15, 2026, 6:00 PM
• Location: 2nd Floor Commission Chambers, Governmental Center, 400 Boardman Avenue

Human Rights Commission

The Traverse City Human Rights Commission will hold its regular meeting on September 14, 2026. The agenda includes old business on the commission's brochure (with printing quotes from J Pool Services and Duality Consulting Services) and strategic planning (based on an input survey). New business includes orientation for commissioners, planning future events, and a discussion on FLOCK cameras and proposed data centers.

• Review of HRC brochure printing quotes from J Pool Services and Duality Consulting Services
• Discussion of HRC strategic planning based on 8.6.2026 input survey
• Human Rights Commission orientation for new commissioners
• Planning future HRC events
• Discussion of FLOCK cameras and proposed data centers, led by Commissioner Rattner

City Commission Study Session

This is a study session agenda with no formal votes scheduled. The Commission will receive updates and hold discussions on four topics: a Future Workforce Strategy to address upcoming retirements, service levels for sidewalk snow removal, West End Development proposals, and a quarterly strategic action plan update. Public comment is also listed.

• Future Workforce Strategy update: one-third of city workforce eligible for retirement in 2-3 years; RFP to be issued
• Continued discussion on sidewalk snow removal service levels
• Discussion on West End Development proposals
• Quarterly Strategic Action Plan and OKR update

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals will consider requests for two-story additions to triplexes at 826 East State Street and 840 Bates Street. The board will also review a dimensional variance regarding yard setbacks for three parcels on South Cedar Street.

• Request 26-BZA-04: Two-story addition and two-foot dimensional variance at 826 East State Street
• Request 26-BZA-05: Two-story addition and two-foot dimensional variance at 840 Bates Street
• Request 26-BZA-06: Dimensional variance for yard setbacks at 206, 208, and 210 South Cedar Street

City Commission Regular Meeting

The Traverse City City Commission will hold a regular meeting on September 8, 2026, at 7:00 pm in the Commission Chambers. The agenda includes a proclamation for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, approval of minutes, and several liquor license items on the consent calendar. The commission will vote on a new retail on-premise liquor license for India Garden, LLC, and housekeeping updates to licenses for The Good Bowl, LLC, and Rare Bird Brewpub.

• New Retail On-Premise liquor license with Class C privileges and Sunday AM/PM Sales Permit for India Garden, LLC at 303 E State Street, Suite A
• Addition of Sunday PM Sales, Outdoor Service Area, and Catering permits plus new member Tony Vu to The Good Bowl, LLC license at 328 E Front Street
• Addition of Sunday AM/PM Sales, Outdoor Service Area, and Additional Bar permits plus new member Nathaniel Crane to Rare Bird Brewpub license at 229 Lake Avenue
• Proclamation of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month for September 2026 presented to Tim Barrons
• Approval of minutes from August 17, 2026 City Commission meeting

Coast Guard City Committee - CANCELLED

The Traverse City Coast Guard City Committee meeting scheduled for September 3, 2026, at the Governmental Center has been cancelled. No agenda items were listed as the meeting did not proceed.

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Parks and Recreation Commission will hold its regular meeting on September 3, 2026, at 6:30 pm in Commission Chambers, 400 Boardman Avenue. The agenda lists only procedural and boilerplate items such as approving prior meeting minutes, consent calendar, officer elections, and routine reports. No ordinances, contracts, or public hearings are scheduled.

Recreational Authority

The Recreational Authority Board will discuss maintaining hourly event rentals and staffing at Historic Barns Park. The meeting also includes discussions regarding bow hunting at Hickory Forest and conceptual decor for the Elevator Silo.

• Discussion of hourly event rentals and staffing at Historic Barns Park
• Discussion of bow hunting for deer at Hickory Forest
• Discussion of conceptual décor for the Elevator Silo at Historic Barns Park
• Quarterly report from The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park
• Discussion of recognition for John Nelson

City Commission Ad Hoc Committee - Downtown Development Authority

The City Commission Ad Hoc Committee will interview three candidates for potential appointment to the Downtown Development Authority. The committee will also consider recommendations for open terms expiring September 15, 2030.

• Interview with Jeff Joubran at 12:05 PM
• Interview with Jonathan Kurz at 12:45 PM
• Interview with Jesus Cardona Villa at 1:05 PM
• Consideration of recommendations for DDA appointments for terms expiring September 15, 2030

Planning Commission Regular Meeting

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding proposed amendments to several zoning ordinance chapters. The proposal seeks to allow all types of child care facilities by right in all zoning districts without requiring a land use permit. It also aims to remove the requirement that child care centers be associated with a school or place of worship.

• Public hearing: Child Care Zoning Ordinance Amendments
• Proposed amendment to allow child care facilities by right in all zoning districts
• Proposed removal of requirement for child care centers to be associated with schools or places of worship
• Proposed terminology update from 'child care organization' to 'child care center'

City Commission Meeting Cancellation

The City Commission has cancelled its scheduled Study Meeting for Monday, August 31, 2026. The notice, posted on August 27, 2026, indicates that no agenda items will be discussed or decided at this session. Residents should check the city website for any rescheduled dates or future meeting information.

• Cancellation of the City Commission Study Meeting scheduled for 7:00 pm on August 31, 2026.

Hickory Hills Advisory Committee

The committee will review updates on the mountain bike RFP, the January 2027 75th Anniversary celebration, and snowmaking infrastructure. Key discussions include the implementation of the 2025 Snowmaking Report, which involves new equipment donations and pipe upgrades. The agenda also includes reports from the Ski Patrol, Recreational Authority, and user groups.

• Preserve Hickory authorized purchase of three tower snow guns valued at $110,000
• SMI to provide a fourth demo snow gun at no cost for the current season
• Plan to expand booster pump capacity to 1000-1500 GPM and replace 3-inch pipe with 8-inch
• 75th Anniversary Celebration proposed for January 3, 2027, with $15 tickets for evening event
• Mountain bike trail construction RFP update from Flowtrack

Historic Districts Commission

The Traverse City Historic Districts Commission will hold a regular meeting to review five requests for changes to properties in local historic districts. The agenda includes items postponed from the July 30 meeting, such as a deck addition at 525 Fifth Street and a rear addition at 521 Fifth Street, as well as new requests for additions and renovations. The commission will also approve the minutes from the previous meeting.

• Deck and slider door addition to garage/ADU at 525 Fifth Street (Central Neighborhood Historic District)
• Partial demolition and 2-story rear addition at 521 Fifth Street (Central Neighborhood Historic District)
• Rear addition at 622 Seventh Street (Central Neighborhood Historic District)
• 3-story rear addition at 118 Cass Street (Downtown Historic District)
• Exterior renovation and two upper dwelling units at 210 East Front Street (Downtown Historic District)

City Commission Ad Hoc Committee - Parks & Recreation Commission

The Ad Hoc Committee is interviewing four applicants for appointment to the Parks & Recreation Commission, with terms expiring September 1, 2026. The committee will consider recommendations for these appointments. The agenda also includes public comment and adjournment.

• Interviews with Christine Deyo, Justin Reed, Jonathan Kurz, and Jesus Cardona Villa
• Consideration of recommendations for appointment to Parks & Recreation Commission for terms expiring September 1, 2026
• Public comment period

ACT 345 Retirement System

The Traverse City ACT 345 Retirement System Board will meet to approve the minutes of the July 28, 2026 meeting, approve retiree benefits for September 2026, and receive a presentation from Mariner Consulting. The agenda also includes other business, announcements, public comment, and adjournment. No dollar amounts are listed for the September benefits in the agenda.

• Approval of minutes from July 28, 2026 regular meeting
• Approval of retiree benefits for September 2026
• Presentation by Mariner Consulting

ACT 345 Retiree Health Board

The Traverse City ACT 345 Retiree Health Board will hold a regular meeting on August 25, 2026, at the Governmental Center. The agenda includes the approval of minutes from the May 26, 2026 meeting and a presentation by Mariner Consulting. No specific dollar amounts or new investment motions are listed in the current agenda text, though the attached May minutes show a previous $923,491 contribution was certified.

• Approval of minutes from the May 26, 2026 Regular Meeting
• Presentation by Mariner Consulting
• Public Comment session