Month: May 2018

Mt. Pleasant leaders launch community branding initiative; Public input sought through Town Hall event and online survey

Community leaders are issuing an open call for thoughts and opinions with the launch of a Mt. Pleasant community branding initiative. The cornerstone public event will be a Town Hall on June 21 at 7 p.m. at City Hall (320 W. Broadway in Mt. Pleasant). Participants will roll-up their sleeves and expect robust discussion in the form of inclusive, interactive activities. In addition to the Town Hall, a public opinion survey has been created to capture a breadth of perspective. The survey can be found at www.madebydarwin.com/mt-pleasant.

The purpose of the initiative is to create a strategic, unifying promise the entire community can deliver. This promise will serve as the foundation for a magnetic reputation that creates an expectation around Mt. Pleasant to boost tourism, economic development and community spirit. While a new logo and messaging are expected to be produced, the main project goals are to:

  1. Identify who the Mt. Pleasant community is to the world
  2. Identify what makes the Mt. Pleasant community different
  3. Identify what the Mt. Pleasant community offers
  4. Identify who the Mt. Pleasant community is speaking to and what it should say

The process for this initiative is being facilitated through partnership with Darwin, a center for social impact. Their process uses many cutting-edge research methods and will engage a variety of stakeholder groups such as residents, professionals, students, visitors, business owners and more.

The City of Mt. Pleasant and the Mt. Pleasant Area Convention & Visitors’ Bureau are leading the initiative, with support from Central Michigan University, Charter Township of Union, McLaren Central Michigan, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Middle Michigan Development Corporation and Mid Michigan Community College.

The full duration of the engagement is six months, with plans for the new logo and messaging to be completed in the fall and the full public brand launch held before the end of the year. More information about this initiative, including a link to the public survey and registration for the Town Hall, can be found at www.madebydarwin.com/mt-pleasant. The survey will be available until June 29. Additional questions may be directed to Molli Ferency, City of Mt. Pleasant public relations coordinator, at (989) 779-5322 or mferency@mt-pleasant.org.

Police investigate stabbing incident

On May 30, at approximately 4:16 a.m., officers were dispatched to Mill Pond Park located off Adams Street for a report of a stabbing.

Several people were in Mill Pond Park. An argument between two females started, which quickly turned into a fight. Because of this altercation, Baylee Evans, a 19-year-old Mt. Pleasant man, became engaged in a separate fight with a 17-year-old Rosebush man. The Rosebush man stood up and stated he was stabbed and was bleeding from his abdomen. Evans left the scene with one of the females.

Through the investigation, officers identified Evans as the suspect in the case and located him at a residence in Union Township. Evans was taken into custody without incident.
The victim was taken to a local hospital for treatment of multiple wounds. The victim was later transferred to another hospital for his injuries. The victim is currently in stable condition, still receiving treatment.

Evans was lodged at the Isabella County Jail. Evans remains in jail and was arraigned on charges of Assault with Great Bodily Harm Less than Murder; Carrying Concealed Weapon; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon; and Simple Assault. Bond was set at $30,000/ten percent.

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department was assisted by the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department, Isabella County Sheriff’s Department, Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Police and Mobile Medical Response.

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The knife used in the incident.

5 things to watch at the next City Commission meeting

Here are 5 things to watch at the May 29, 2018 City Commission meeting:

  1. Special Olympics Michigan Week: Mayor Allison Quast-Lents will proclaim May 31 – June 2, 2018 as Special Olympics Michigan Week to recognize the positive impact Special Olympics has on the lives of its athletes and family members, providing opportunities for inclusion, health screening and lifelong fitness. Special Olympics Michigan’s headquarters and the State Summer Games have been a part of the Mt. Pleasant community since 1972 and is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
  2. Neighborhood Mini Grant:A $500 mini grant will be presented to the South West Association of Neighbors to fund a neighborhood newsletter, as well as support three block parties and a neighborhood garden walk.
  3. 2017 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report:The 2017 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report has been finalized and will be presented to the City Commission by the audit firm. The report is available for viewing on the City’s website here.
  4. Capital Improvement Plan:A public hearing will be held and the City Commission will consider approving the 2019-2023 Capital Improvement Plan. The plan can be viewed on the City’s website here.
  5. Medical Marihuana Facilities Ordinances:Two public hearings will be held on ordinances related to the Michigan Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act (MMMFLA). These ordinances would “opt in” to the state law allowing medical marihuana facilities to operate within the City subject to certain limitations. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on the draft ordinances in early May and provided the City Commission with comments and recommendations following that public hearing. The draft ordinances have been revised to reflect the recommendations made by the Planning Commission. The City Commission will hold a work session on Monday, June 4 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss the outcomes of the public hearing process and next steps. To learn more about these ordinances, go to www.mt-pleasant.org/mmmfla.

To see the full City Commission agenda and packet for May 29, 2018, click here.

Mt. Pleasant City Commission meetings are held at City Hall on the second and fourth Monday of the month at 7 p.m., and at 6:30 p.m. from May 28-September 3.

Saturday Farmers’ Market moves to Michigan Street for 2018 season

The Mt. Pleasant Farmers’ Market is known for its fresh fruits and vegetables, and this summer, the Saturday Market will also be known for its fresh, new space!

With the support of Real Food Grows, the 2018 Saturday Farmers’ Market is moving to Michigan Street near the Main Street intersection downtown Mt. Pleasant. Open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays beginning June 30, customers will find a tasty selection of locally-grown foods, colorful plants, homemade baked goods and more.

“Mt. Pleasant Parks and Recreation is excited to bring the Mt. Pleasant Farmers’ Market to a new downtown spot on Saturdays this summer that is both highly visible and easy for shoppers to access,” said Mt. Pleasant Farmers’ Market Manager Carol Moody. “We look forward to building on the market’s excellence from the last several years and boosting traffic for local businesses, while making Downtown Mt. Pleasant a vibrant community destination.”

Michigan Street will be closed to traffic one block east of Main Street on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Parking is available in the south west parking lot of Michigan and Main streets.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients can use their Michigan Bridge Card at the Mt. Pleasant Farmers’ Market. The market also accepts debit and credit cards, Double Up Food Bucks, WIC Project FRESH and Senior Project FRESH/Market FRESH coupons.

The Thursday Farmers’ Market will begin on June 7 and will remain at Island Park. Thursday Market hours are 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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Summary of the May 14 City Commission meeting

See the video of the May 14 City Commission meeting here.

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, May 14, 2018, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room.

1. Consumers Energy Forrester gave a presentation on their upcoming line clearing program in the city.

2. Mayor Lents read and presented a proclamation recognizing “National Public Works Week–May 21-27, 2018” to City of Mt. Pleasant Public Works Director John Zang.

3. Received petitions and communications.

4. Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

  • Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held April 23, 2018
  • Bid of Central Asphalt of Mt. Pleasant, MI for 2018 Street Overlay Project
  • Received recommendation from the Planning Commission regarding zoning ordinance amendment to Section 154.410 and new ordinance Chapter 112
  • Introduced a proposed ordinance to amend Section 154.410.B.4.s.iv of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances to correct a scrivener’s error within the special use standards for rooming dwellings and set a public hearing for Monday, June 11, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. on same
  • Introduced a proposed ordinance to amend Article VII and Table 154.405.A of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances to define “façade area” and to update standards for façade glazing in the CD-3L and CD-3 character districts and set a
    public hearing for Monday, June 11, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. on same
  • Warrants and Payrolls

5. Approved resolution in support of Traffic Control Order #6-2018.

6. Considered whether a public hearing to adjust the 2018 millage rate should be held. No action was taken by the Commission.

7. Endorsed the Public Participation and Engagement Strategy Plan as presented.

8. Approved the agreement and rates and fees as recommended for rental of the “GumBuster” machine and authorized the Downtown Development Director to sign the agreement on behalf of the City.

9. Made appointment to the Parks & Recreation Commission.

10. Held a work session discussion on the 2019-2023 Capital Improvement Plan.

11. Adjourned at 8:16 p.m.

Memorial Day Parade to honor country’s fallen military service members

On Monday, May 28, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3033 is hosting a Memorial Day Parade beginning at 10 a.m. in remembrance of those who sacrificed their lives while serving in the U.S. military.

Initially known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971.

The parade travels through Downtown Mt. Pleasant and begins at 709 E. Broadway St. by Rite Aid. The route travels west on Broadway to Main Street and from there a bus will visit Riverside Cemetery, Calvary Cemetery and the Memorial Gardens to honor veterans.

There will be no road closures for this event, but temporary traffic delays may occur. 

Back to the Bricks® car show stops downtown Mt. Pleasant June 8

The Back to the Bricks® car show will be making its first stop of the season in downtown Mt. Pleasant on Friday, June 8, as part of its “Mighty Mac and Back” promo tour. From 5 to 8:30 p.m., classic car owners and admirers can enjoy more than 270 automobiles on display along the streets of downtown.

Back to the Bricks® produces family-friendly automotive events that reflect Flint’s automotive heritage. The six-day tour is designed to promote all of the Back to the Bricks® events while showcasing each participating city’s unique features and foster economic development.

The following streets will be closed from 2 to 8:30 p.m. on June 8:

  • Broadway between Lansing and Washington
  • Main between Illinois and Mosher
  • University between Mosher and Michigan
  • Court between Broadway and Mosher
  • Franklin between Mosher and Michigan

The tour will leave from Davison with overnight stops in Mt. Pleasant, Gaylord, Petoskey, St. Ignace, and East Tawas, culminating with an “End of the Road” Luncheon at the Birch Run Speedway & Event Center.

For more information about Back to the Bricks®, go to www.backtothebricks.org.

5 things to watch at the next City Commission meeting

Here are five things to watch at the May 14, 2018 City Commission meeting:

  1. Consumers Energy Line Clearing Project: A presentation will be given by a Consumers Energy representative about the annual line-clearing project. Trees near and around electric lines in specified areas will be trimmed or removed to continue to provide safe, reliable electric service to customers. Residents whose properties will be impacted have been notified of the work.
  2. National Public Works Week: Mayor Allison Quast-Lents will proclaim May 21-27, 2018 as Public Works Week. Sponsored by the American Public Works Association, this nationally recognized week honors the public works professionals responsible for the planning, operation and maintenance of the water treatment and distribution, solid waste systems, public properties, city streets and other facilities.
  3. West Campus Drive Parking: The City Commission will consider approving the Traffic Control Order to restrict parking on West Campus Drive between Preston and Vernon streets. If approved, Pango metered parking (pay-by-phone technology) will be installed.
  4. 2018 Millage Rate: The City Commission will consider whether a public hearing to adjust the 2018 millage rate should be held. City staff recommend leaving the millage rate at the previously approved 16.25 total mills as there are no substantial changes in the assumptions that were made when the Operating Budget was approved. If the Commission desires to change the millage rate, a public hearing will need be to set for the regular meeting on May 9.
  5. Medical Marihuana Facilities: The Planning Commission held a public hearing earlier this month on the ordinances proposed to “opt-in” and regulate medical marihuana facilities. The City Commission will receive the recommendation from the Planning Commission resulting from the public hearing. The City Commission will hold a public hearing on the updated ordinances on Tuesday, May 29 at 6:30 p.m. The recommended changes include the following:
    • Reducing the distancing requirement from a K-12 school such that properties north of Broadway within the Central Business District would be allowed. (this is similar to the change in the distancing requirement regarding the 500 feet from CMU along the east side of Mission Street).
    • Eliminating the limits on the number of facilities allowed for processors, secure transporter and safety compliance facilities.

To see the full City Commission agenda and packet for May 14, 2018, click here.

Mt. Pleasant City Commission meetings are held at City Hall on the second and fourth Monday of the month at 7 p.m., and at 6:30 p.m. from May 28-September 3.

K-Kids Mulch Potter Playground

Warm weather means mulch season! The K-Kids of Sacred Heart Academy spent Saturday morning spreading mulch at Potter Playground. In collaboration with the City Parks Department, thirteen elementary students of the club, advisers, family members, and a few Kiwanians turned the mountain of mulch into a flat playground surface. Thank you, K-Kids for serving your neighborhood and school!

Public invited to care for neighborhood playgrounds during “Mulch Madness” on May 19

City of Mt. Pleasant Parks & Recreation invites community members, service clubs and volunteer groups to “Mulch Madness” at their nearest City playground on Saturday, May 19. Throughout the day, volunteers will assist the City Parks Department in spreading mulch, also known as engineered wood fiber chips, at the following playground locations around the City:

  • Chipp-A-Waters – 1403 W. High St.
  • Horizon – 1535 Sweeney St.
  • Island Park Timber Town and Slide land – 331 N. Main St.
  • Mill Pond – 607 S. Adams St.
  • Pickens – 309 W. Pickard St.
  • Sunnyside – 1511 Elm St.
  • Yost Park – 206 S. Henry St.

Each year, nearly 500 cubic yards of mulch is distributed among the City’s playgrounds. This year, due to last summer’s epic flood, 640 cubic yards will be spread. The material is specially made to create a surface that is soft enough to cushion falls, but still stable enough to be accessible to wheelchairs.

“This event is a great opportunity to spend time with neighbors and work together to take care of our community playgrounds,” said Director of Parks and Public Spaces Chris Bundy.

Work will occur in two shifts, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 12 – 3 p.m. and volunteers are asked to bring hard rakes, flat shovels, and wheelbarrows to help spread the mulch evenly at each playground location.  Groups of five or more volunteers are advised to contact Parks & Recreation at (989) 779-5331 or parks-rec@mt-pleasant.org in advance to sign up. Groups of less than five volunteers are welcome and do not need to call in advance.