Home invasion and burglary arrest made

On April 27, 2019 at approximately 10:41 a.m., officers from the Mt. Pleasant Police Department (MPPD) were dispatched to a residence in the 900 block of Appian Way for a home invasion in progress.

MPPD officers made contact with a 32-year-old victim and a 25-year-old witness. The 25-year-old witness observed several people running out of his neighbor’s apartment and getting into a red minivan. The witness stated the subjects appeared to be “in a hurry,” and he felt the situation was very strange. The witness was able to provide officers with the license plate to the red minivan.

The victim, was home but asleep at the time of the burglary, and was awaken by noises inside the apartment. When the victim exited his apartment, he was informed by the witness on what had occurred.

The victim stated he returned to his apartment and discovered the subject(s) had taken his television, Xbox gaming system, other games and controllers. Property was valued at approximately $1,400.

Officers from the MPPD proceeded to canvass the area for the red minivan which was later located at the Millennium Pawn Shop, just outside the city limits.

Three females from Flint; ages 31, 22, and 14 were taken into custody. A 46-year-old male from Flint was also arrested.

Statements from the suspects indicated one of the females met a subject on Facebook who claimed to have won $2,000 dollars at the casino. The plan was to drive to Mt. Pleasant and rob the subject.

The address given to the suspects was incorrect. However, once inside the residence the suspects decided to take several items and flee.

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department was assisted by the Isabella County Sheriff’s Department.

City to offer no fee brush chipping

5/6/2019 UPDATE: ALL SPOTS HAVE BEEN FILLED. NO LONGER TAKING RESERVATIONS

The City of Mt. Pleasant is offering up to 150 households within the City limits 30 minutes of no fee brush chipping during the week of May 13. Brush chipping will be completed at curbside only, no alleys. The service is first come, first served, and residents must make a reservation by contacting the Division of Public Works beginning May 1 until May 9 at 4:30 p.m.

To make a reservation or to learn more, contact the Division of Public Works at (989) 779-5401 email publicworks@mt-pleasant.org, or visit the office at 320 W. Broadway Street.

If you need assistance disposing of yard waste, the Materials Recovery Facility located at 4208 E. River Road, is an option. Cost to drop off yard waste at the MRF is $1 per bag or $12.50 per cubic yard.

Summary of Minutes of the City Commission Meeting Held April 22, 2019

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, April 22, 2019, at 7:01 p.m., in the City Commission Chambers.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held April 8, 2019.

2) Bid of Green Scene Landscaping of Mt. Pleasant, MI for 2019 grounds mowing.

3) Bid of Insituform Technologies USA, LLC of Chesterfield, MO, for the 2019 Sewer Relining Project.

4) Bid of Fisher Transportation of Mt. Pleasant, MI for the 2019 Street Sweeping Disposal Project.

5) Bid of Rowe Professional Services Company of Mt. Pleasant, MI for the Island Park Fitness Trail and Bridge Project.

6) MDOT resolution for MDOT Contract 19-5115 authorizing the approval of a contract for reimbursement of funds for the 2019 West Broadway Street over the Chippewa River Scour Protection Project and approved an amendment to the 2019 Parks budget for the Nelson Park riprap work.

7) Receive proposed Ordinance to amend Subsection 154.414.B.4.k. of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances to correct a scrivener’s error within the general sign provisions and set a public hearing for May 13, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. on same.

8) Warrants and Payrolls.

Authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the contract amendment with Consumers Energy for the 35 fixtures recently upgraded. In addition, approve authority for the City Manager to sign future contract amendments for high pressure sodium lights to LED replacements.

Approved a six-month trial program for delivery vehicle permits in the Central Business District.

Approved changes to the Purchasing Policy as recommended including when quotes and bids are required and the dollar threshold for approval.

The Commission recessed at 8:23 p.m. and went into a work session at 8:32 p.m.

Held a work session discussion on the 2020 – 2025 Capital Improvement Plan.

Adjourn the meeting at 9:33 p.m.

Mt. Pleasant suspends three-hour parking enforcement due to federal court tire-chalking ruling

Due to yesterday’s (4/22/2019) 6^th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling, stating it is unconstitutional for municipalities to chalk citizens’ tires to enforce parking, the City of Mt. Pleasant has suspended the specific practice of chalking tires. Monitoring and enforcement of all other parking regulations will continue.

The City is currently researching and evaluating other options for future parking enforcement.

In the meantime, the City will not be monitoring the three-hour parking areas for timed violations. Business owners and downtown employees are asked to refrain from parking in spaces intended for three-hour parking in order to allow customers easy access to all businesses in the downtown district.

Updated information will be provided when it becomes available.

Fourth annual Citizens’ Academy wraps up

Participants of the fourth annual Citizens’ Academy of Mt. Pleasant were celebrated for their completion of the program at the April 22 City Commission meeting.

Designed to engage members of the community to expand their knowledge of the structure and functions of local government, community members attended seven sessions throughout February, March and April which explored the City’s day-to-day operations.

For more information about the Citizens’ Academy, visit www.mtpleasant.org/citizensacademy. To receive email notifications regarding future academies, contact City Planner, Jacob Kain at (989) 779-5346 or jkain@mt-pleasant.org.

Congratulations to the 2019 Citizens’ Academy participants:

Joshua Adams

Melanie Duke

Maureen Eke

Jerell Erves

Joe Fleming

Erick Fredendall

Gregory Hanley

Yannis Haveles

Erica Hopcraft

Azharul Islam

Blaine Long

Jim McBryde

Matt Mertz

Brian Mitchell

Amy Motz

Christy Onstott

Darcy Orlik

Amy Perschbacher

Allan Riggs

Martha Riggs

George Ronan

Melinda Stacer

Topics to watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for April 22, 2019

Here are the topics to watch at the next Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting.

Presentation on the 2020-2025 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
Consider resolution authorizing an amendment to the Standard Lighting Contract between the City and Consumers Energy for new LED street lighting.
Consider approval of Delivery Vehicle Permit Pilot Program for downtown.
Presentation recognizing Mt. Pleasant Citizens’ Academy participants.
Proclamation recognizing “Greeks Clean the Streets”.

To view the entire meeting agenda packet visit:

http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/board/city.commission/agendas/2019/4.22.19.pdf

Pickard Street Restriping Forum – Input Requested

CITY RECEIVED GRANT FOR PICKARD STREET RESURFACING

The City of Mt. Pleasant received an MDOT Transportation Economic Development Fund (TEDF) Category F grant to mill and resurface Pickard Street between Mission and Bradley Streets. The existing curb and gutter will remain in place. This project is slated for the Summer of 2020 and, depending on the weather, will take approximately four weeks to complete.

PICKARD RESTRIPING AND ROAD DIET POSSIBILITY

As we prepare for the mill and resurfacing project, decisions need to be made regarding restriping. The Greater Mt. Pleasant Area Non-Motorized Plan, adopted as part of the City’s Master Plan in 2014, calls for the addition of bike lanes to West Pickard Street between South Lincoln Road and North Main Street through a 4 to 3 lane conversion (page 86). This lane reduction is often referred to as a, ‘road diet.’ A classic road diet typically involves converting an existing four-lane, undivided roadway segment to a three-lane segment consisting of two through lanes and a center, two-way left-turn lane as shown below. You will also see two bike lanes depicted in the image on the right.

COST

Road diets can be relatively low cost if planned in conjunction with reconstruction, or simple mill and overlay projects (as in this case) since applying road diets consists primarily of restriping.

BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN AND RAILROAD CROSSING CONSIDERATIONS *

Embarking on a road diet presents an opportunity to dedicate more space to other roadway users and create a more balanced transportation system. The bicycle lanes might make that route an option for many who would have not previously traveled the street. The high commercial truck traffic, and a 35 mph speed limit on Pickard Street should also be a consideration. For pedestrians, road diets might help reduce vehicle speeds and speed discrepancies midblock, making crossings easier and safer. The bicycle lanes create a buffer between the vehicles and the sidewalk, increasing the perception of pedestrian safety.

An important consideration in the feasibility of converting a four-lane, undivided roadway to three lanes is the existence of the railroad crossing. Vehicles queued at an at-grade rail crossing will need to be served by one through lane after the road diet conversion. This could result in queues that are approximately twice as long
when a train is crossing, as well as when busses and hazardous material trucks make their required stop at railroad crossings. If this type of queuing is not acceptable along the three-lane cross section, it could affect feasibility.

*U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration

PUBLIC FORUM SCHEDULED – YOUR INPUT IS NEEDED BY MAY 22

We would like to hear your input regarding this possible Pickard Street road diet.
The City of Mt. Pleasant is hosting a Public Forum on Wednesday, May 8 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at City Hall, 320 W. Broadway Street. At this forum, representatives from the Department of Public Works will be on hand to answer your questions and collect your thoughts on this specific project.

We look forward to seeing you on May 8 and hearing your feedback. Additional information on road diet projects can be found at: http://www.michigan.gov/mdot/ or https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/road_diets/.

If you are unable to attend the forum you may submit your comments to Stacie Tewari, City Engineer at stewari@mt-pleasant.org or by mail at 320 W. Broadway Street, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858.

There will also be comment cards available at the Public Forum and at City Hall beginning May 8. All feedback must be received by 4:30 p.m. on May 22, 2019.

Summary of minutes of the City Commission meeting held April 8, 2019

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, April 8, 2019, at 7:30 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held March 25, 2019.

2) Minutes of the special meeting of the City Commission held March 30, 2019.

3) Bid of Central Asphalt Co., of Mt. Pleasant, MI for 2019 Street Overlay Project.

4) Bid of Lakeshore Construction of Mt. Pleasant, MI for the 2019 Sidewalk Replacement Project.

5) Bid of Asphalt Restoration, Inc. of Kalamazoo, MI for the 2019 Crack Sealing Project.

6) Receive 2020-2025 proposed Capital Improvement Plan and set a public hearing for Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. on same.

7) Receive requested information on sidewalk snow removal.

8) Warrants and Payrolls.

Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1042, an

Ordinance to amend Chapter 113 of the City code regarding telecommunications companies within the public right-of-way.

Approved Outdoor Dining License for Brass Café.

Confirmed purchase of 500 tons of road salt under the 2018-2019 State of Michigan MiDeal Extended Purchasing Program; and authorized an advanced commitment to purchase 500 tons of road salt for early delivery and up to 800 tons as seasonal backup for the 2019-2020 season from State of Michigan MiDeal Extended Purchasing Program.

Authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the contract with Coucke Property Services, LLC at the current rates with a consumer price index (CPI) increase factor effective 2020.

Approved continued appointment of Chris Coucke, through Coucke Property Services, LLC, as the Mt. Pleasant City Assessor.

Adjourned the meeting at 8:01 p.m.

Fun Egg Hunt and Scramble events planned for April 13-14

Kids of all ages will have the chance to celebrate Spring at the Egg Scramble and Egg Hunt events scheduled for April 13 and 14.

The Great Egg Scramble

Hosted by the City of Mt. Pleasant Parks and Recreation Department, WCFX and the Soaring Eagle Waterpark & Hotel, The Great Egg Scramble is slated for 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, 2019 at Morey Courts.

Participants, ages 2-10 years old, will have the opportunity to scramble for eggs filled with toys, candy and other prizes. Crafts, games and a visit with Peter Cottontail will highlight the festivities.

Admission is FREE and canned good donations are being collected to support the Isabella Community Soup Kitchen. Refreshments will be available for purchase.

Scramble times are scheduled by age group: Ages 2-3 at 1 p.m., ages 4-5 at 2 p.m., ages 6-7 at 2:35 p.m., and ages 8-10 at 3:05 p.m.

Other event sponsors include: Morey Courts, Art Reach of Mid-Michigan, Duhadway Dance Dimensions, Celebration! Cinema, Sam’s Club, Black Tie Tuxedo and Costume Shop and Isabella Bank.

Teen Flashlight Egg Hunt

This event, sponsored by the Mt. Pleasant Parks and Recreation Department, is designed for teens, and takes place at Island Park on Sunday, April 14 at 8:30 p.m. Participants are invited to bring their flashlights and be ready to scramble and hunt for eggs filled with prizes and gift cards for food, music and movie passes. A grand prize will be awarded. This event is free.

For more information, call (989) 779-5330 or visit www.mt-pleasant.org/recreation.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting Scheduled for April 8, 2019

Here are the topics to watch at the next Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting.

NOTE: This meeting starts at 7:30 p.m., after the Master Plan Kick-Off Event which takes place from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

-Public hearing on an ordinance to amend Chapter 113 of the City Code regarding small cell companies within the public right-of-way and consider approval of the same.

-Consider application for outdoor dining license from Brass Café.

-Consider State of Michigan MiDeal Extended Purchasing Program for road salt.

-Receive 2020-2025 proposed Capital Improvement Plan and set a public hearing for May 28, 2019 on the same.

-Receive requested information on sidewalk snow removal.

To view the entire meeting agenda packet visit: http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/board/agenda/city/2019/E-Packet%20for%20April%208,%202019.pdf