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Traverse City approves one-year deal with North Country Alpine Services to operate Hickory Hills
Summary
The city approved a one‑year professional services agreement to have North Country Alpine Services run operations at Hickory Hills, a move city staff said could save roughly $83,000 and reallocate $190,700 toward maintenance. The council will evaluate performance before any longer-term contract.
The City Commission voted to waive competitive bidding and authorized a one‑year professional services agreement with North Country Alpine Services to operate the city‑owned Hickory Hills recreation area.
City Manager Benjamin Marantette said the arrangement is intended to improve seasonal operations and the user experience while aligning with strategic goals for year‑round economic activity and environmental stewardship. He said staff pursued a parallel track to fill a full‑time Hickory Hills manager position but recommended the pilot contract as a stronger near‑term option. The manager said the firm was retained under his spending authority for a one‑month arrangement to prep for the season and that the proposed agreement would run through the next April.
Parks Director Michelle Hunt said revenue from 2025–26 was about $360,000 and that the proposal assumes an initial operating budget of about $512,000; under the contract North Country Alpine would be paid within that budget and would retain 80% of revenue over $512,000 (the city would keep 20% of the excess). The manager said the city would save roughly $83,000 in legacy personnel costs and could reallocate about $190,700 to parks maintenance and deferred needs.
Supporters, including the Hickory Hills advisory committee and volunteers who provide patrol and programming, said a professionally managed season could reduce delays and equipment failures experienced last winter. Opponents and some commissioners raised concerns about outsourcing a city park operation and emphasized that the city will retain ownership, set rates, and oversee contract performance.
Commissioner Laura moved to waive competitive bidding and authorize execution of a professional services agreement with North Country Alpine Services, subject to the city attorney's approval of form; the motion was seconded and passed by the commission. Staff said they will monitor performance and can return to modify or terminate the arrangement if it does not meet expectations.
