In addition to several water-related topics, Traverse City commissioners will tackle a busy agenda tonight (Monday) that includes the proposed return of summer camp at Hickory Hills, a $1.3 million contract with Elmer’s for pavement projects on Oak, Seventh, and Elmwood this year, and a new ordinance outlining rules for contractors working in the city’s right-of-way.

Hickory Summer Camp
Staff will seek approval from commissioners tonight to execute an agreement with the Grand Traverse Conservation District (GTCD) to run a summer day camp at Hickory Hills for the 2026 season.

As previously reported by The Ticker, the city stopped hosting its own summer camp at Hickory Hills in 2022 due to staffing shortages. The partnership with GTCD could help get the program back up and running and address a city strategic goal of expanding childcare options. GTCD already runs its own Nature Day Camp at the Boardman River Nature Center; Hickory Hills would be a second camp location.

According to City Parks and Recreation Director Michelle Hunt, GTCD will “manage day-to-day operations and hold the program license through the state of Michigan,” while the city will maintain the site license for Hickory Hills. An eight-week camp season is proposed operating Monday-Thursday eight hours a day. Camper ages would be 7-11 years old, with a maximum of 40 campers per weekly session. GTCD would receive a $12,000 administrative fee to operate the camp, which would be covered by registration fees. City Manager Benjamin Marentette previously told The Ticker camp costs will likely be in the $425-$450/week range, similar to GTCD’s existing camp price of $425.

While Marentette could authorize the agreement under his own authority, it’s being presented to commissioners due to its alignment with the city’s strategic action plan and “the strong level of community interest,” according to Hunt. “As this marks the first year reintroducing this type of program at Hickory Hills, the city and GTCD will evaluate outcomes, participation levels, operational logistics, and financial performance at the conclusion of the 2026 season to inform future years.”

A related agenda item would increase the city’s cleaning contract with Universal Cleaners to clean the Hickory Hills lodge five days a week instead of one at a cost increase of $15,000, which would be covered by the Hickory Hills fund. The daily weekday cleaning would “adequately support daily operations and maintain appropriate health and safety standards” given the impact from camp operations.

Also related to parks tonight, commissioners will consider updating the city’s ordinance to make one at-large seat on the Parks and Recreation commission a dedicated seat for a city commissioner. The goal is to create stronger communications and alignment between Parks and Recreation and the city commission.

Pavement Projects
Commissioners tonight will vote to approve a not-to-exceed contract for just over $1.3 million with Elmer’s Crane and Dozer for mill and overlay pavement work on three key streets this year. The contract amount includes a 10 percent contingency.

The first project on the mill-and-fill list covers .45 miles of Oak Street between Seventh Street and Thirteenth Street. The second project includes .25 miles of Seventh Street between Elmwood Avenue and Division Street. The third project covers .55 miles of Elmwood Avenue between Eleventh Street and Front Street. After the pavement work is done, all three streets will be repainted their existing configurations. Once the city’s new Complete Streets Advisory Committee is formed this spring, “these and other streets in the city will be prioritized for potential bicycle facility improvements in the future,” says City Engineer Anne Pagano.

While the city recently purchased equipment to do its own mill-and-fill projects, in-house work by city staff is “designed to complement and supplement contracted work rather than replace it entirely,” according to a memo from Marentette. “We are currently prioritizing smaller, lower-impact projects where the limited scope makes third-party contracting impractical or inefficient, all while maintaining a consistent focus on existing departmental responsibilities.”

According to the city’s Bay Brief, construction is planned to occur this summer. “Residents and visitors can expect temporary traffic impacts, including detours and lane closures, while work is underway,” the city states. “Additional details and project timelines will be communicated prior to construction.”

Right-of-Way Ordinance
Commissioners tonight will consider approving a new right-of-way ordinance. The ordinance is necessary to protect “public infrastructure and long-term investments,” according to Pagano. “City assets located within the right-of-way – such as streets, sidewalks, water and sewer infrastructure, stormwater facilities, and traffic control devices – represent millions of dollars in public investment. Without clear, enforceable standards governing work in the right-of-way, these assets are at greater risk of damage and inconsistent restoration, which ultimately increases maintenance costs and disrupts public services.”

The ordinance sets “expectations for permitting, construction methods, traffic control, pedestrian safety, and restoration, ensuring that all work is performed safely and to consistent standards,” according to Pagano. It also outlines enforcement mechanisms and “clear and enforceable penalties,” she says. Among its provisions, the ordinance prohibits work in the public right-of-way from November 15 to April 1 (with limited exceptions) because of the difficulty of repairing and restoring infrastructure to acceptable standards during periods of cold temperatures and frozen ground.

The ordinance requires a permit for all construction, repair, or maintenance operations taking place in the right-of-way and a detour plan for both vehicles and pedestrians that’s approved by city engineering. Contractors cannot block open sidewalks with materials or equipment. City engineering can revoke or suspend any permit for failing to comply with the terms of the permit or ordinance.

NOTE: After publication of this story, the March 16 city commission meeting was cancelled due to weather. These items will be postponed to a future meeting.