Absentee voting option now available to all registered voters – and other election/ballot information

Due to the November 2018 passage of a statewide ballot proposal, all registered voters in Michigan are now eligible to vote via absentee ballot without a specific reason. A written request to have an absent voter ballot mailed to you must be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office, 320 W. Broadway Street by 5 p.m. on Friday, November 1, 2019.

Absentee Voter Application Forms are available at the City Clerk’s office or can be found online at http://www.michigan.gov/sos.

By mail: Absentee voter ballots may be mailed to you at your home address or any temporary address outside of your city of residence and must be returned via mail or in person to the Clerk’s office by 8 p.m. on election day.

In-person absentee voting: This option is available at the City Clerk’s office from now until Monday, November 4^th at 4 p.m. For your convenience, the City Clerk’s office will also be open for in-person absentee voting on Saturday, November 2^nd from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

All registered voters can now also request to be added to the permanent absentee voter list maintained by the City. Once an individual is on the permanent absentee voter list, they will receive an application to vote absentee for every election. After the completed application to vote absentee is received by the Clerk’s office, a ballot will be mailed directly to the voter, eliminating a trip to the voting precinct on election day.

If you have questions regarding absentee voting or being added to the permanent absentee voter list, call (989) 779-5361.

If you are voting at the polls on Election Day, and need to confirm where you are registered to vote, visit http://www.michigan.gov/vote. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. If you need a ride to and from the polls, I-Ride (Isabella County Transportation Commission – ICTC) is offering free rides, call (989) 772-9441.

What is on the November Ballot

There are two items on the November 5, 2019 ballot, they are as follows:

Candidates for City Commission

There are five candidates running for two full-term City Commission seats (Jan. 1 2020-Dec. 31, 2022) in the upcoming election. Commissioners Kulick and Ling are not seeking re-election. The City Commission candidates are:

Mary Alsager
Barry Delau, II
Brandon McQueen
Kathy Rise
George F. Ronan

Recreational Marihuana (adult-use) Establishments Ordinance)

Voters are also voting on the citizen initiated ordinance regarding recreational marihuana establishments. For more information on this, and the City Commission Approved Recreational Marihuana Establishments Ordinance and Proposed Zoning Ordinance, visit http://bit.ly/marihuanaordinances .

Summary of Minutes of City Commission Meeting – September 23, 2019

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, September 23, 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 September 9, 2019.

2) Bid of R & T Murphy Trucking, Inc. of Mt. Pleasant, MI for the 2019-2020 leaf hauling and 2019-2021 snow hauling bids.

3) Set a special meeting for September 30, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. for a joint meeting with Charter Township of Union.

4) Receive proposed amendment to the zoning map to rezone McGuirk Subdivision, Lots 1-10 from CD-3, Sub-Urban to CD-4, General Urban with a Residential/Dwelling Use Only Special Requirement and set a public hearing on same for Monday, October 14, 2019 at 7:00 p.m.

5) Received proposed amendment to Chapter 154: ZONING ORDINANCE, Section 154.411.C, Trash Receptacle Requirement of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Mt. Pleasant to regulate recycling receptacle requirements and set a public hearing on same for Monday, October 14, 2019 at 7:00 p.m.

6) Received proposed amendment to Chapter 154: ZONING ORDINANCE, Section 154.412, Parking, Loading, Driveway, Service, Storage, Drive Through, Trash Receptacle/Dumpster, Equipment, & Other Items Locations & Standards of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Mt. Pleasant to permit stacked parking where parking areas are accessed only by a rear alley or rear lane and also a limited amount of stacked parking (up to 5 spaces) associated with a House that is used for a non-residential or mixed-use purpose and set a public hearing on same for Monday, October 14, 2019 at 7:00 p.m.

7) Received proposed amendment to Chapter 154: ZONING ORDINANCE, Table 154.405.A, District Standards of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Mt. Pleasant to modify standards for fences and walls, roofs, and driveways in the CD-3L (Sub-Urban Large Lot) and CD-3 (Sub-Urban) districts and set a public hearing on same for Monday, October 14, 2019 at 7:00 p.m.

8) Warrants and Payrolls.

Approved Resolution designating a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (NEZ) for West Broadway Neighborhood Enterprise Zone No. 1 as presented. (CC Exh 9-2019)

Approved a Resolution Setting a Public Hearing for October 14, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. on Application for a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone New Certificate at 410 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. (CC Exh 10-2019)

Approved a Resolution Setting a Public Hearing for October 14, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. on Application for a Commercial Facility Exemption Certificate at 410 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. (Cc Exh 11-2019)

Commissioners each identified their top 5 priorities for fall 2019 Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe 2% funding requests from City Departments.

Approved budget amendment of $4,000 for the CARRS research study as presented.

Approved and conducted a closed session pursuant to subsection 8(d) of the Open Meetings Act to consider the purchase or lease of real property.

Held a work session on the 2020 Operating Budget and 2019 goals and progress.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:36 p.m.

2019 Fall Leaf Collection and Sidewalk Snow Plowing Information – UPDATED 11/26/19

11/26/19 UPDATE:

A third leaf collection will take place throughout the City beginning Tuesday, December 3, 2019. All leaves must be placed out on the street by Monday, December 2, 2019 to be picked up during this final collection. Please do not place any additional leaves out on the street after December 2.

Any remaining leaves left after the December 3 pickup may be bagged and disposed, for a fee, at the Material Recovery Facility located at 4208 E. River Road, Mt. Pleasant. Leaves left out in the street after the December 3 collection will be the responsibility of the property owner and may be subject to code enforcement.

This year’s leaf collection schedule was impacted by October and November snowfalls leaving a considerable amount of snow and ice. Due to this snow accumulation and frigid temperatures, the wet leaves froze making it challenging for both residents to rake, and street crews to pick up the piles of leaves.

We appreciate your understanding and flexibility as we maneuver through this weather challenged Fall that has forced periodic adjustments to our leaf collection schedule. As previously announced, a Spring leaf collection will be scheduled at a later date.

Thank you again for your understanding during this collection process and please share this information with your neighbors.

If you have questions you may contact the Division of Public Works at (989) 779-5401.

11/18/19 UPDATE:

Leaf Collection and Sidewalk Snowplowing Update

When Fall and Winter collide we, as a community, are faced with the challenge of collecting leaves while also clearing the streets and sidewalks of snow. Below is an update on the leaf collection schedule, as well as sidewalk snow plowing.

Leaf Collection

Leaf collection will take place throughout the City during the week of November 18.

Due to the winter weather conditions, the leaf collection originally scheduled for November 25-27 has been cancelled. A Spring collection will be announced at a later date.

Please do not place any additional leaves out on the street.

Sidewalk Snow Plowing Update

We realize improvements to our sidewalk snowplowing process are necessary. As many of you are aware, sod was damaged by City staff during the recent clearing of some residential sidewalks, this was primarily due to new equipment being used. Adjustments to the new plow blades are being completed to rectify this problem. In the Spring, City staff will repair the damage caused by the sidewalk plow by putting down new black dirt and grass seed.

We understand the frustration and appreciate your patience as we make adjustments to our equipment and the snow clearing process. If you have questions you may contact the Division of Public Works at (989) 779-5401.

11/12/19 UPDATE: Due to current weather conditions, leaf collection for the week of 11/11/19 will now take place during the week of 11/18/19.

On High and Pickard Streets, where high traffic volume prohibits leaves in the gutter, residents should rake the leaves onto the rights-of-way, between the curb and sidewalk. Yard waste bags should not be used; this collection is for leaves only. Leaf piles must not contain garden or shrubbery clippings, dead grass, branches, trim board or other material.

The City’s 2019 leaf collection schedule is as follows:

Week of November 18: Staff will collect leaves in a City-wide sweep.

Any leaves left in the street after the crews have made their final pass will not be collected and are the responsibility of the homeowner.

Questions may be directed to the Division of Public Works, 989-779-5401.

Topics to watch at the City Commission Meeting – September 23, 2019

Here are the topics to watch at the next Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, September 23, 2019 at City Hall, 320 W. Broadway Street.

-Presentation on 2020 Census by Chloe Updegraff, Coordinator Great Lakes Bay Regional Hub.

-Receive applications for Neighborhood Enterprise Zone and Commercial Facility Exemption certificates and set a public hearing for October 14, 2019 on the same.

-Receive various recommendations from the Planning Commission and set public hearing for them on October 14, 2019.

-Consider setting priorities for the 2019 Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe 2% funding requests from City departments.

-Consider budget amendment for contract with Center for Research and Rural Studies (CARRS) for information regarding election process for Mayors.

-Presentation by Finance Director Mary Ann Kornexl on the 2020 Operating Budget.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/board/city.commission/agendas/2019/9.23.19.pdf

Summary of minutes of City Commission meeting – September 9, 2019

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, September 9, 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 August 26, 2019.

2) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held August 26, 2019.

3) Purchase of an additional RBC from American Resource Recovery Services of Sparta, MI and appropriate budget amendment.

4) Bid of MMI of Mt. Pleasant, MI for curbside recycling collection for 2020 through 2022 and allow for two additional one-year extensions.

5) Purchase of trailer from Pro-Tainer of Alexandria, MN and trailer from Scientific Brake of Mt. Pleasant, MI and appropriate budget amendment.

6) Purchase of two 2020 International HV507 SFA plow truck cab and chassis from Tri County International Trucks of Jackson, MI.

7) Contract with Fleis & Vandenbrink of Grand Rapids, MI to perform engineering services for the Multi-Jurisdictional Storm Water Master Plan project.

8) Continuation of purchase-buyback program with Krapohl Ford of Mt. Pleasant, MI for sixteen (16) 2020 pickup trucks.

9) Resolution approving contract with MDOT for trunkline maintenance.

10) Received proposed 2020 Annual Operating Budget and set a public hearing for Monday, November 11, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. on same.

11) Resolution to amend 2019 Operating Budget.

12) Received fall 2019 Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribal 2% funding requests from City Departments.

13) Warrants and Payrolls.

Held a public hearing and passed Ordinance 1046, an Ordinance to repeal Title XI, Chapter 115 RECREATIONAL MARIHUANA ESTABLISHMENTS and add a new 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.

Held a public hearing and passed Ordinance 1047, an Ordinance to amend the Zoning Map of Chapter 154: Zoning Ordinances of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Mt. Pleasant to rezone a parcel of land at Canal and Riverview from CD-3L to CZ.

Held a public hearing and passed Ordinance 1048, an Ordinance to amend Chapter 154, Subsection 154.114 – Non-Conforming Lots, Uses, Structures & Improvements of the Zoning Ordinances of the City of Mt. Pleasant to regulate the reconstruction of certain non-conforming parking areas.

Approved the purchase of two Ford F-450 cab and chassis from Krapohl Ford of Mt. Pleasant, MI (replacing July action) and the appropriate budget amendment.

Adopted the standard MERS resolutions to allow offering 401 and 457 deferred compensation plans effective January 1, 2020 as presented and authorized the Finance Director to execute any necessary documents with MERS. (CC Exh 8-2019)

Received revised assessment roll and approved amended Resolution #5 for Special Assessment #1-18.

Conducted a work session discussion on 2019 Goals.

Adjourned the meeting at 10:00 p.m.

City to offer no fee brush chipping

The City is offering up to 150 households within the City limits 30 minutes of no fee brush chipping during the week of October 7. Brush chipping will be completed at curbside only, no alleys. Reservations will be accepted beginning September 23 until October 4 at 12:00 p.m.

Reservations can be made in person at City Hall, by email at publicworks@mt-pleasant.org, online at www.mt-pleasant.org/departments/division_of_public_works/ street/services_and_programs.asp, or by calling the Division of Public Works, 989-779-5401.

Brush Chipping Guidelines:

Brush must originate from the property.
Brush should be placed at curbside only, no later than 7:00 a.m. on Monday, October 7. Brush that is placed at curbside after this date and time will not be collected/chipped.
Brush should be neatly piled with the cut or broken ends facing the street. Brush piles must not obstruct any sidewalk, right-of-way, or view of traffic. Non-compliant piles will not be chipped.
Brush will be chipped during the week of October 7, and not necessarily on Monday.
Brush only please – grass clippings, leaves, roots, weeds, vines, flowers, wire, trim board, fencing, building materials, dead animals, etc. are not permitted.

Topics to watch at the City Commission meeting – September 9, 2019

Here are the topics to watch at the next Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, September 9, 2019 at City Hall, 320 W. Broadway Street.

-Public hearing on ordinance to repeal Chapter 115 Entitled “Recreational Marihuana Establishments”, Title XI of the Mt. Pleasant City Code and adopt new Chapter 115 entitled Recreational Marijuana Establishments to allow certain establishments to be operated in accordance with state law and consider approval of the same.

-Public hearing on recommended rezoning request from CD-3L to CZ for a parcel at Canal and Riverview and consider approval of the same.

-Public hearing on recommended text change to Section 154.114 to regulate the reconstruction of certain non-conforming parking areas and consider approval of the same.

-Receive proposed 2020 Annual Operating Budget and set a public hearing for November 11, 2019 on the same.

-Consider approval of resolution to amend 2019 Operating Budget.

-Receive revised assessment roll and consider amended resolution #5 for Special Assessment #1-18. (Alley reconstruction between Fancher and Kinney Streets.)

To view the entire meeting packet visit: http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/board/city.commission/agendas/2019/9.9.19.pdf.