Month: June 2018

City reminds residents of fireworks regulations and safety

With Fourth of July celebrations quickly approaching, please follow the City’s regulations involving fireworks:

  • A person may ignite, discharge or use consumer fireworks within the City on the day before, the day of, and the day after a holiday; but not from 1 a.m. to 8 a.m.
  • The ignition, discharge and use of consumer fireworks within the City are prohibited on all other days of the year.
  • Additionally, a minor shall not possess, ignite, discharge or use consumer fireworks.
  • Fireworks shall not be used while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, or during times when a burning ban has been established by the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, MI.

For a list of burning restrictions by county, visit http://www.dnr.state.mi.us/burnpermits/.

Fireworks Safety Infographic

City police provide update regarding the suspicious situation in Island Park on Tuesday, June 26

On June 27, 2018, officers of the Mount Pleasant Police Department received information from a mother in Midland, Mich. claiming her son and his friends were responsible for the situation in Island Park on Tuesday evening that led to both parks being evacuated and searched by several area police departments.

The mother indicated her 16-year-old son was part of a club that was filming a role-playing scenario in Island Park just prior to Central Dispatch receiving a report that two male subjects were seen in the park covered in blood and carrying what appeared to be a long gun. She stated she got a call from her son indicating he was coming home from Mount Pleasant and not to be shocked when he got there because he was covered in “fake blood.”

She further explained the group had at least one “prop gun” they were using in the video, and said her son was wearing camouflage clothing.

The Mount Pleasant Police Department assures the community that there is no threat to the public following this incident. The situation has been investigated and determined to be a miscommunication from a “role-playing club” to the proper authorities.

Citizens are reminded to inform public safety officials of actions that may cause the general public concern.

35-year-old man on motorized bike injured in collision with car on Mission Street

On June 26, 2018 at approximately 7:30 p.m., Isabella County Central Dispatch received a call of a motorized bicycle hitting a car in the 2300 block of S. Mission Street in the City of Mt. Pleasant.

Mt. Pleasant Police responded to the scene and observed a 35-year-old male unconscious with facial injuries.

Mt. Pleasant Police Officers determined the bicyclist was traveling south on the sidewalk, alongside S. Mission Street. The car, driven by a 25-year-old male, was waiting to turn on S. Mission from the Stadium Mall parking lot.

The 35-year-old bicyclist rode directly into the side of the 25-year-old’s car causing the bicyclist to fall and strike his head on the pavement.

Due to the accident, the motorized bicycle caught fire causing damage to the bicycle and car.

Mobile Medical Response and the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department were dispatched to the scene.

The bicyclist was flown to a Grand Rapids area hospital for treatment.

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department was assisted by Isabella County Central Dispatch, Mobile Medical Response and the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department.

Police respond to suspicious situation at Island Park, no credible threat found

On June 26, 2018 at approximately 7:51 p.m., Isabella County Central Dispatch received a call that two male subjects, who appeared to be covered in blood, were seen entering a bathroom at Island Park.

Mount Pleasant City Police responded to the area and were approached by a citizen who stated they had seen two subjects in the park and one was carrying a long rifle. The citizen advised that the subjects were dressed in camouflage clothing and were last seen by the Vietnam Memorial within the park.

Mount Pleasant City Police Officers continued to search the park for the two subjects and were then contacted by a second citizen. The citizen advised officers they had also seen the two subjects in camouflage, now in Pickens Fields, walking towards the Post Office. Mount Pleasant Police evacuated both Island Park and Pickens Fields due to the two separate sightings.

Officers from the Mount Pleasant Department, Isabella County Sheriff’s Department, Michigan State Police, Central Michigan University Police, and Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Police continued to search the area. Also assisting in the search was a Michigan State Police K-9.

After a thorough search, no suspects, victims or evidence of a crime were located.

The Mount Pleasant City Police would like to assure the public there is no credible threat to the community.

The Mount Pleasant City Police were assisted by: Isabella County Sheriff’s Deputies, Michigan State Police Troopers, Central Michigan University Police Officers, Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Officers and Isabella County Central Dispatch.

Downtown planter removal project begins June 22; Periodic parking space and street closures to occur

Beginning June 22, the City of Mt. Pleasant will remove the 42 round cement planters along the streets of downtown. Planters on Main Street will be removed first, followed by those on Broadway Street. Periodic parking space and street closures will occur throughout the project to accommodate the necessary equipment.

After the planters are removed, spaces will be filled with turf, concrete or brick pavers, depending on the location.

The project will conclude July 13.

5 things to watch at the next City Commission meeting

Here are 5 things to watch at the June 11, 2018 City Commission meeting:

  1. Medical Marihuana Facilities Ordinances: The City Commission will consider adopting the medical marihuana facilities ordinances. These ordinances would “opt in” to the state law allowing medical marihuana facilities to operate within the City subject to certain limitations. Public hearings were held at the Planning Commission meeting on May 3, 2018, and City Commission meeting on May 29, 2018. The City Commission discussed the ordinances at a work session on June 4, 2018. To see the updated versions of the draft ordinances, click here.
  2. Zoning Ordinance Amendment: A public hearing will be held on an amendment to the zoning ordinance that adds a definition of “façade area” to the Definitions section. In conjunction with this updated definition, the proposed ordinance would also modify the facade glazing standards for the CD-3L and CD-3 character districts so it is consistent with the new definition of “façade area.” The City Commission will consider approving the amendment following the public hearing.   
  3. Painting of High Street Bridge Abutments: In September 2017, a grassroots citizens group requested the City to once again partner and serve as a governmental unit needed to contract for the painting of the High Street bridge abutments and pump house owned by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). The funds for this project have been raised and the agreement to contract for the painting is in place. To complete the final step, the City Commission will consider approving the MDOT Office of Rail resolution authorizing the Mayor and Clerk to sign the required MDOT Rail Permit and maintenance agreement for the project.
  4. Joint Water Systems Study Grant Funding: The City Commission will consider approving the resolution to formally accept grant funds awarded to the City and Charter Township of Union from the Competitive Grant Assistance Program (CGAP). The funds will support the City and Township’s Joint Water Systems Study Project.
  5. Pickens Field Scoreboards: The Mt. Pleasant Little League Organization has requested the installation of two new scoreboards to replace the old scoreboards at the upper ball diamonds at Pickens Field. Isabella Bank has committed to donating the cost to purchase the scoreboards, and Mt. Pleasant Little League will donate the cost of installation. The City Commission will consider approving the installation and authorizing City staff to update the scoreboard agreement with Mt. Pleasant Little League.

To see the full City Commission agenda and packet for June 11, 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.

Thrilling Thursdays return to downtown Mt. Pleasant

Beginning June 14, the community is encouraged to make downtown its destination for the return of Thrilling Thursdays! Co-sponsored by Downtown Mt. Pleasant and Isabella Community Credit Union, each Thrilling Thursday features fun activities and offerings designed to engage all members of the family. Thrilling Thursdays begin at 6 p.m. at Town Center, with the exception of the Supersoaker Festivus, which will be held at Island Park.

The 2018 Thrilling Thursdays include:

  • June 14: Yogapalooza with Redbloom Yoga
  • June 21: Let’s Ride with the Mt. Pleasant Optimist Club
  • June 28: Fun with Vegetables with McLaren Central Michigan*
  • July 5: Scavenger Hunt
  • July 12: Bugs-R-Us with CMU Museum of Cultural and Natural History
  • July 19: Mad Science Fair with Kim Kady the Science Lady*
    July 26: It’s Nature! With CMU Play on the Way
  • August 2: Stepping Stones with Mt. Pleasant Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
  • August 9: Urban Printmaking with Art Reach and Paul Waters*
  • August 16: Supersoaker Festivus with Art Reach and CMU Play on the Way*

*Followed by the Max & Emily’s Summer Concert Series

This year’s media sponsorship is provided by MY1043. For additional details, visit the event section on the Downtown Mt. Pleasant Facebook page at www.facebook.com/downtownmp.

Coneys for a Cause is June 13

The community is invited to feast on their favorite local coney dogs while helping the youth of Isabella County at the 13th annual Coneys for a Cause on June 13 at the Pixie Restaurant. All net proceeds will benefit the Mt. Pleasant Police Youth Services Unit (YSU) and Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region.

Customers can purchase individual coney dogs for $1.19 at the restaurant, or they can pre-order to have the coney dogs delivered by an officer of the YSU or a representative of Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

At 7 p.m., the annual “Pixie Pig Out” contest will begin. Stop by to cheer on the contestants as they compete to consume the most coneys.

The pre-order form is available here, as well as at www.facebook.com/mtppublicsafety and www.mt-pleasant.org. Forms must emailed by 3 p.m. on June 12 to ysu@mt-pleasant.org. Delivery pre-orders must total $18 or more.

 

Chippewa Street is currently closed to through traffic for construction work, however, both of Pixie’s Chippewa Street driveways will be open for use during the event.

Chippewa Street reconstruction begins June 4

Reconstruction of Chippewa Street between Mission and Brown streets will begin Monday, June 4, and continue through Friday, July 13. The road will be closed to through traffic, but businesses will remain open and accessible.

Questions about the project may be directed to the City of Mt. Pleasant Division of Public Works at (989) 779-5401.