Summary of minutes of City Commission meeting – August 26, 2019

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, August 26, 2019, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room.

Street Superintendent Matt Weaver gave a departmental presentation.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held August 12, 2019.

2) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held August 12, 2019.

3) Resolution recognizing the Isabella Community Soup Kitchen as a non-profit organization for the purpose of obtaining a charitable gaming license.

4) Amended Resolution authorizing electronic submission of Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant application and commit required matching grant funds.

5) Warrants and Payrolls.

Held a public hearing and passed Ordinance 1045, an Ordinance to amend Chapter 30, Subsection 30.04 – Agenda of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Mt. Pleasant regarding the addition and or deletion of agenda items.

Approved the Resolution supporting fee recommendation for Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (NEZ) and Commercial Redevelopment District (CRD) applications.

Received proposed ordinance to amend Title XI: General Business; Chapter 115: Recreational Marihuana Establishments of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Mt. Pleasant to allow certain establishments to be operated in accordance with state law and set a public hearing for September 9, 2019 at 7:00 p.m.

Approved Resolution for referral to the Planning Commission to introduce an ordinance to add a new subsection 154.410.B.4.b and to amend table 154.410.A of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances to regulate marihuana establishments as special uses.

Approved and conducted a closed session pursuant to subsection 8(c) of the Open Meetings Act for strategy and negotiation session connected with the negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement.

Made appointments to various board and commission vacancies.

Held a work session discussion on competitive criteria for recreational marijuana applications.

Adjourned at 9:12 p.m.

Mt. Pleasant Police Department Statistics from Start of the Fall semester at Central Michigan University

This past weekend, thousands of student residents arrived in the area for the start of the Fall semester at Central Michigan University. The Mt. Pleasant Police Department, with the assistance of nine other law enforcement agencies, responded to 246 calls for service and generated 40 citations from 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 22 to 7 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 25. Please see the weekend’s statistics below:

Arrested or Received Citation:

21 Traffic Citations

13 Open Intoxicants

10 Disorderly Conduct

8 OWI

4 Nuisance Party

3 Driving While License Suspended

3 Minor in Possession of Alcohol

3 Warrant Arrest

1 CCW Violation

1 Domestic

1 Flee and Elude

1 Leave the Scene of Accident

1 Possess Weapon Under Influence

1 Resist and Obstruction

1 Retail Fraud

Calls for Service:
• There were 72 calls for service from 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 22 to 7 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 23.
• There were 92 calls for service from 7 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 23 to 7 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24
• There were 82 calls for service from 7 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24. to 7 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 25.

In 2014, the City of Mt. Pleasant developed a multi-year plan to address the history of violations and increasing tension among residents in the neighborhood north of Central Michigan University’s campus where owner-occupied properties and student rentals are intermingled. To decrease disruptive behavior and improve relationships between the full and part-year residents, City officials have worked to forge partnerships with local landlords, CMU and its students, as well as enforce ordinances on a more consistent basis.

Paul Lauria, Mt. Pleasant Police Chief shared, “For the third year in a row, the City has seen progress in students adhering to the community standards established four years ago. This continued improvement in behavior, and dedication to being a good neighbor, is encouraging and evidence of why people ‘meet here’ in Mt. Pleasant. The City will also continue to do its part by consistently upholding the community standards throughout the year,” Lauria added. “So, let’s stay Fired Up and continue this positive partnership throughout the entire academic year.”

The Mt. Pleasant Police and Fire Departments were assisted by the Central Michigan University Police Department, Isabella County Central Dispatch, Michigan State Police, Mobile Medical Response, Alma Police Department, Gratiot County Sheriff’s Department, St. Louis Police Department, Midland Police Department, and Midland County Sheriff’s Department.

Nau Named Youth Services Unit Officer

jnau portrait dark background edit The Mt. Pleasant Police Department (MPPD) is pleased to announce Officer Justin Nau has been named Youth Services Unit Officer, effective October 2019. This position was previously held by Officer Brandon Bliss who was promoted to Sergeant.

Officer Nau has 12 years of law enforcement experience, eight of those years with the MPPD. During his tenure, Officer Nau has been a member of the Emergency Services Team, served as a defense tactics, range and Taser instructor in addition to heading up the department’s Toys for Tots efforts.

The Youth Services Unit (YSU), in existence since 1996, is a valuable program which involves police positively interacting with youth at an early age. The YSU Officer spends a considerable amount of time in the schools and provides guidance and support to students when needed, ultimately forming lifelong bonds. The Youth Police Academy, Coneys for a Cause, and Shop with a Cop are just a few of the programs hosted by YSU.

Topics to watch at the City Commission meeting – August 26, 2019

Here are the topics to watch at the next Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday August 26, 2019 at City Hall, 320 W. Broadway Street.

-Public hearing on amendment to Chapter 30 Subsection 30.04-Agenda of the Mt. Pleasant City Code regarding the addition and or deletion of agenda items and consider approval of the same.

-Consider resolution supporting fee recommendation for Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (NEZ) and Commercial Redevelopment District (CRD) applications.

-Introduce an ordinance to amend Chapter 115 Entitled “Recreational Marihuana Establishments,” Title XI of the Mt. Pleasant City Code to allow certain establishments to be operated in accordance with state law and set a public hearing for September 9, 2019.

-Consider resolution for referral to the Planning Commission to introduce an ordinance to add a new subsection 154.410.B.4.b and to amend table 154.410,A of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances to regulate marihuana establishments as special uses.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/board/city.commission/agendas/2019/8.26.19.pdf.

UPDATE (9/5/19) – Mt. Pleasant Fire Department responds to gas line explosion – 3700 E. Deerfield Rd.

UPDATE: 9/5/19:

On August 22, 2019 at 1:55 p.m. the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department responded to a an explosion at the Lexington Ridge Apartment complex, 3700 E. Deerfield Road. When fire department personnel arrived at the scene light smoke was visible from the rear of building – V.

A fire in the crawl space was quickly extinguished. The building sustained light fire and smoke damage with structural damage to the structure’s end units.

The occupant of the apartment was not home at the time of the explosion. No injuries were reported from individuals in any of the adjoining apartments.

It has been confirmed that the explosion was due to a damaged gas line located on the exterior of the building.

August 22, 2019 Release:

A fire in the crawl space was quickly extinguished. The building sustained light fire and smoke damage with structural damage to the structure’s end units.

The occupant of the apartment was not home at the time of the explosion. No injuries were reported from individuals in any of the adjoining apartments.

The explosion was due to a damaged gas line and is being investigated further by Consumers Energy and the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department.

Mt. Pleasant Fire Department responds to structure fire – 2668 Ivy Lane

On August 21, 2019 at 3:11 a.m. the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 2668 Ivy Lane in the Crossings Mobile Home Park. Firefighters arrived on scene and observed heavy smoke and fire coming from the rear of the structure. The occupant of the residence was home at the time of the fire and made it out of the structure safely.

The modular home and its contents received heavy fire, smoke and water damage. The Mount Pleasant Fire Department is currently conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the fire. No injuries were reported.

The Mt. Pleasant Fire Dept. was assisted by the Isabella County Sheriff’s Department, Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Fire Department, Shepherd Tri Township Fire Department, Deerfield Fire Department and Mobile Medical Response.

EGLE’s Water Service Line Material Identification Inventory

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) recently revised the lead and copper rule for community drinking water, requiring municipalities to gather and update water service line material information for all structures connected to the distribution system.

Participation from residents is essential for completing this inventory and the City of Mt. Pleasant Water Department is asking for your help.

Please email your name, address, and whether you have a lead, galvanized steel, copper, or plastic service line to jhockemeyer@mt-pleasant.org by November 4, 2019. If you have questions regarding this inventory, please call (989) 779-5427.

How to identify service line material:

Locate the water meter. (Found inside the building.) Follow the water pipes in the basement or crawl space. Look near your water heater, furnace, or washer/dryer. The meter may also be under a kitchen or bathroom sink, inside the cabinet.

Locate the service line. This is the pipe which comes up from the floor or out of the wall before the water meter. Water meters generally have an arrow printed on the body. The service line will be on the upstream side of the arrow. (See photo.)

Identify the material. Lead, Galvanized Steel, Copper, or Plastic

Material details for identification:

Lead

Grey in color.
Non-magnetic
Soft metal, easy to mark.
Connections resemble a bulb shape.

Galvanized Steel

Silver/grey in color.
Magnetic
May observe red/rusty areas.

Copper

Similar color and shine of a Penny.
May have green and blue coloration.
Non-magnetic

Plastic

Blue or black in color.
Lettering or stripes may be imprinted.

Visit http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/dept/water/8.19.19.egle.flyer.REVISED.pdf for a helpful identification guide.

UPDATE (9/4/2019): Mt. Pleasant Police and Fire Departments respond to a fatal structure fire – 505 S. Bradley St.

September 4, 2019 UPDATE:

On August 16, 2019 at 6:06 p.m. the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department along with the Mt. Pleasant Police Department were dispatched to a structure fire at 505 S. Bradley Street.

Mt. Pleasant Police Department Detectives worked with the Michigan State Police Fire Investigation Unit and the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department to determine this was an accidental fire which claimed the life of 2-year-old, Arthur Hughes.

The Mt. Pleasant Fire Department was assisted by the Mt. Pleasant Police Department, the Isabella County Sheriff Department, Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Fire Department, Michigan State Police, Central Michigan University Police, Isabella County Central Dispatch and Mobile Medical Response.

August 20, 2019 UPDATE:

On August 16, 2019 the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department along with the Mt. Pleasant Police Department responded to a structure fire which claimed the life of a 2-year-old boy. The medical examiner’s office classified this an accidental death with the autopsy revealing smoke and soot inhalation being the cause of death. A DNA sample to confirm the child’s identity has been provided to the medical examiner’s office. Police are expecting results from the DNA test within a week.

The Michigan State Fire Investigation Unit has found no suspicious circumstances regarding the fire and the investigation is ongoing at this time. The Mt. Pleasant Police Department will provide further updates regarding the confirmation of the child’s identity and investigation as they become available.

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

August 19, 2019 Media Release:

On August 16, 2019 at 6:06 p.m. the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department along with the Mt. Pleasant Police Department were dispatched to a structure fire at 505 S. Bradley Street. Police officers arrived on scene and observed flames coming from a trailer. Officers were notified by neighbors that subjects may be inside. Mt. Pleasant Police Department Officers and Isabella County Sheriff Office Deputies attempted entry and were unable to enter the structure due to heavy smoke and flames.

The Mt. Pleasant Fire Department made entry to search for a victim and extinguish the fire. During the search, the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department located a 2-year-old male who was deceased. An adult male was able to escape with minor injuries.

Mt. Pleasant Police Department Detectives are working with the Michigan State Police Fire Investigation Unit and Mt. Pleasant Fire Department to determine the cause of the fire. Interviews, examination of evidence, autopsy results and witness statements are being conducted and compiled.

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department will provide further updates when available.

August 16, 2019 Media Release:

Mt. Pleasant Police and Fire Departments respond to a fatal structure fire – 505 S. Bradley St.

On August 16, 2019 at 6:06 p.m. the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department along with Mt. Pleasant City Police were dispatched to a structure fire at 505 S. Bradley Street. Officers arrived on scene and observed flames coming from the trailer. Officers were notified by neighbors subjects may be inside. Mt. Pleasant City Police and Isabella County Sheriff Office Deputies attempted entry and were unable to enter the structure due to heavy smoke. Mt. Pleasant Fire Department made entry to search for a victim and extinguish the fire. During the search the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department located a 2 year oldmale who was deceased. An adult male was able to escape with minor burns. The crisis team has been called in for the family members.

Mt. Pleasant Police along with the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department are still on scene. The investigation is on going at this time with the assistance of the Michigan State Police Fire Investigation Unit.

No fire or police officers were injured during this call.

Updates will be provided when available.

Summary of Minutes of City Commission Meeting – August 12, 2019

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, August 12, 2019, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held July 22, 2019.

2) Resolutions to adopt and implement a local pavement warranty program.

3) Receive proposed map amendment to rezone the property located at the northwest corner of Canal and Riverview from CD-3L, Sub-Urban Large Lot to CZ, Civic Zone and set a public hearing for September 9, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. on the same.

4) Receive recommended text change to section 154.114 to regulate the reconstruction of certain non-conforming parking areas and set a public hearing for September 9, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. on the same.

5) Receive proposed amendment to Chapter 30 subsection 30.04 – Agenda of the Mt. Pleasant City Code regarding the addition and or deletion of agenda items and set a public hearing for August 26, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. on the same.

6) Authorize the Mayor and Clerk to sign the Agreement with Renaissance Public School Academy for PEAK services for the 2019-2020 academic year.

7) Approve the appointment of Mayor Will Joseph as the voting delegate, representing the City of Mt. Pleasant at the Michigan Municipal League annual member’s meeting and appoint Vice Mayor Lori Gillis as the alternate.

8) Warrants and Payrolls.

Held a public hearing on intent to designate a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone. No action taken at this time.

Held a public hearing and approved the resolution designating a Commercial Redevelopment District (CRD) West Broadway Commercial Redevelopment District No. 1 as presented. (CC Exh. 3-2019)

Heard appeal to the removal of dangerous trees on private property under City Ordinance 99.11 Tree maintenance, obstructions prohibited and reversed the request for the tree removal and asked that the property owners provide a written report to the DPW Director annually regarding the health of the tree.

Approved a resolution in support of exploring the creation of a recreational authority as a means to advance community dialogue regarding an aquatic center.

Approved and conducted a closed session pursuant to subsection 8(h) of the Open Meetings Act to consider material exempt from discussion or disclosure by state or federal statute.

Accepted the initiative petition received under the MRTMA and approved the ballot language as presented for the November 5, 2019 election.

Held a work session discussion on recreational marijuana.

Adjourned the meeting at 10:17 p.m.

Topics to watch at the City Commission meeting – August 12, 2019

Here are the topics to watch at the next Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, August 12, 2019 at City Hall, 320 W. Broadway Street.

Consider resolution in support of exploring the creation of a recreational authority -as a means to advance community dialogue regarding an aquatic center.
Receive recommended rezoning request from CD-3L to CZ for a parcel at Canal and Riverview and set a public hearing for September 9, 2019 on the same.
Receive recommended text change to Section 154.114 to regulate the reconstruction of certain non-conforming parking areas and set a public hearing for September 9, 2019 on the same.
Introduce amendment to Chapter 30 Subsection 30.04-Agenda of the Mt. Pleasant City Code regarding the addition and or deletion of agenda items and set a public hearing for August 26, 2019 on the same.
Accept petition received for adult-use marijuana establishment and consider ballot language.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

Click to access 8.12.19.pdf