Mt. Pleasant Christmas Celebration Firework Display Update

Due to private fundraising efforts falling short of the $10,000 goal, there will not be a firework display at the 2019 Mt. Pleasant Christmas Celebration.

https://www.themorningsun.com/news/local/fireworks-might-be-part-of-downtown-christmas-festival/article_f01966ce-ef36-11e9-8e81-7bf7f08ce3e0.html

The Christmas Celebration, in its 26^th year, will feature two full days (December 6-7, 2019) of holiday activities beginning with a sing-along and tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. on Friday at Town Center (Broadway and Main Streets.)

Saturday highlights include the Jingle All-The-Way 5K and 5 Mile Run starting at Max & Emily’s; registration begins at 7 a.m. A pancake breakfast with Santa is scheduled from 9 a.m. – 12 noon at the Sacred Heart Parish Hall, admission is $7 per person and children under four are $5. The festivities will conclude with the lighted parade which will wind through the streets of downtown starting at 6 p.m.

For a complete list of activities visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/551071875677259/

Leaf Collection Update 11/26/19; Third Collection Scheduled

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.

Topics to Watch at the City Commission Meeting – November 25, 2019

Here are the topics to watch at the next Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, November 25, 2019.

-Public hearing on recommended naming request for Island Park Field #1 and consider approval of resolution in support of the same.

-Consider resolutions supporting amended rates, fees and charges.

Cemetery
DPW Inspections/Work for Others
Solid Waste
Wastewater Service
Water Service
Sewer Demand
Water Demand

-Consider authorizing the City as a grant recipient from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) for environmental remediation at 410 W. Broadway and authorize the City Manager to sign any required documents for the same.

-Consider approval of agreement with Nottawa Township for processing wastewater.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/board/city.commission/agendas/2019/11.25.19.pdf

Mt. Pleasant’s 26th Annual Christmas Celebration Scheduled

Downtown Mt. Pleasant will be filled with holiday spirit at the annual Christmas Celebration slated for December 6 – 7, 2019. A community tradition for 26 years, this event offers a variety of activities for the whole family beginning with a sing-along and tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. on Friday at Town Center (Broadway and Main Streets.)

This year’s parade will host a contest for “Most Lights,” “Most Creative/Best Craftsmanship,” “Most Holiday Spirit,” and “Best in Show.” To participate in the parade, a completed application must be submitted to the Recreation Department at City Hall by December 4.

For a complete list of activities visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/551071875677259/

MPPD’s Detective Sergeant Sabuda Receives 2019 Dan Denslow Advocate of the Year Award

Detective Sergeant Dave Sabuda of the Mt. Pleasant Police Department (MPPD) was recently awarded the 2019 Dan Denslow Advocate of the Year Award by the Isabella County Child Advocacy Center for his commitment to the agency and child advocacy. The award, named after the late Isabella County Sheriff’s Detective Sergeant Dan Denslow who was a strong supporter for child advocacy, is presented to individuals, businesses or entities who deal with sexual assault issues.

A 26-year veteran of the MPPD, Sabuda has served as a Patrol Officer, Youth Service Unit Officer, Detective and Detective Sergeant. Known for his stellar work as a defensive tactics and firearms instructor for the MPPD, Sabuda shares his talents by training multiple police agencies and police cadets at the Delta College Police Academy. Sabuda possesses vast knowledge in use of force practices and tactics, and is called upon by multiple agencies for his expert advice. His leadership qualities are evident through his role as co-leader of the Isabella County Emergency Services Team. Throughout his career Sabuda has taken a special interest in fighting crimes committed against children. This motivated him to become a child forensic interviewer and fostered his commitment to the Isabella County Child Advocacy Center.

Founded in 1980, the Isabella County Child Advocacy Center works in conjunction with law enforcement and aids in the investigation of childhood sexual and physical abuse. Accredited by the National Children’s Alliance, the Center provides a child friendly facility where children can come to tell their story to a trained professional.

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

11/26/19 UPDATE:

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. Leaves left out in the street will be the responsibility of the homeowner and subject to code enforcement.

Remaining leaves may be bagged and disposed, for a fee, at the Material Recovery Facility located at 4208 E. River Road, Mt. Pleasant.

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.

Mt. Pleasant Fire Department responds to fire at Fairfield Inn

On November 15, 2019 at 7:29 p.m. the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department (MPFD) was dispatched to a structure fire at the Fairfield Inn located at 2525 S. University Park Drive. Firefighters arrived on scene and observed heavy smoke coming from the heating unit in Room 218, which was unoccupied at the time.

The building’s fire alarm prompted the evacuation of the entire building and the sprinkler system extinguished the fire in Room 218 before firefighters arrived. The building’s lobby suffered water damage and Room 218 suffered extensive fire and smoke damage. The cause of the fire remains under investigation at this time.

There were no reported injuries to hotel guests, staff or firefighters. The MPFD escorted hotel guests to gather their belongings and all guests are being relocated to other properties for the evening.

The Mt Pleasant Fire Department was assisted by the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Fire Department, the Shepherd Tri-Township Fire Department and Mobile Medical Response.

Summary of minutes of City Commission Meeting – November 11, 2019

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, November 11, 2019, at 7:01 p.m., in the City Commission Room.

Mayor Joseph read and presented a Proclamation to CMLife staff members recognizing the 100th Anniversary of Central Michigan Life (CMLife).

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held October 28, 2019.

2) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held October 28, 2019.

3) Receive recommended naming request for Island Park Field #1 (Kaye Bouck) and set a public hearing for November 25, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. on same.

4) Approval of Demand Response Program with Consumers Energy.

5) Warrants and Payrolls.

Held a public hearing on proposed 2020 Annual Operating Budget. No action required by the Commission at this time.

Held a public hearing and passed Ordinance 1053, an Ordinance to add a new subsection 154.410.B.4.b and amendment to table 154.410.A. of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinance to regulate recreational marihuana establishments as special uses.

Held a public hearing and passed Ordinance 1054, an Ordinance to amend Chapter 133: FIREWORKS of the Mt. Pleasant Code of Ordinances to comply with state law.

Approved the proposal from AKT Peerless to provide environmental consulting services and additional testing at the former landfill site, located at 1303 N. Franklin Street, and amended the 2019 budget.

Authorized the Mayor to sign a letter of support for the Neighborhood Enhancement Program grant application.

Authorized a sole source contract with GameTime through OMNIA Partners Program for the purchase of two playground structures and amended 2019 budget.

Approved taking no action at this time and allow the Planning Commission to make recommendations as needed on the Zoning Ordinance.

Approved resolution supporting fee recommendations for recreational marihuana establishment applications as presented.

Authorized the Mayor to sign the Union Township petition for improvements to McGuirk Street, Rosemarie Lane, Mamie Street and James Court in the McGuirk Estates Subdivision.

Approved re-appointments as recommended by the Appointments Committee.

Approved appointments as recommended by the Appointments Committee.

Conducted a work session discussion on the 2020 Operating Budget.

Adjourned the meeting at 10:03 p.m.

Topics to watch at the City Commission Meeting – November 11, 2019

Here are the topics to watch at the next Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, November 11, 2019 at City Hall, 320 W. Broadway Street.

-Proclamation recognizing 100^th Anniversary of Central Michigan Life (CMLife).

-Public hearing on the proposed 2020 Annual Operating Budget.

-Public hearing on an ordinance to add a new subsection 154.410.B.4.b and amendment to table 154.410.A of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinance to regulate recreational marihuana establishments as special uses and consider approval of the same.

-Public hearing on an ordinance to amend Chapter 133: Fireworks to comply with state law and consider approval of the same.

-Bids and Quotations: Environmental Consulting Services as postponed from meeting of October 28, 2019.

-Consider grant acceptance from GameTime, sole source purchase of playground equipment and budget amendment for the same.

-Consider resolution supporting fee recommendations for recreational marihuana establishment applications.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/board/city.commission/agendas/2019/11.11.19.pdf

Be a Good Neighbor – Keep Sidewalks Clear of Snow and Ice

For All Residents: In May 2019, the City Commission decided to expand city residential sidewalk snowplowing from approximately 13 miles to approximately 25 miles within three years, and adding at least five miles each year thereafter with the goal of clearing all, or a majority of the 46 miles of city residential district sidewalks. An evaluation of the effectiveness will be conducted after the first three years.

To provide more time for evaluation of the expanded process, City staff will begin sidewalk snowplowing along 25 miles of residential sidewalks this season. No salt will be used. The expanded areas are based on an evaluation of school locations, parks, other assumed high walking areas where pedestrian lighting exists, and contiguous areas to the extent practical. Sidewalk snowplowing by City staff will generally not start until the City streets, alleys and parking lots have been cleared.

For a map on which sidewalks will be plowed visit: www.mt-pleasant.org/maps. For those sidewalks not currently being plowed by City staff, please keep the safety of your family and neighbors in mind and remove the snow from your sidewalk and mailbox approach as soon as practical after inclement weather.

For Commercial and Industrial Property Owners: City ordinance requires commercial and industrial property owners to clear sidewalks within 18 hours after sleet, freezing rain or snow stops falling, with the exception of Sundays and holidays (Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day). In this case, snow must be cleared by noon the day following the Sunday or holiday. If the snow or ice is too hard to remove, the owner must spread enough sand or other abrasive material to make travel safe and as soon as weather permits, must clear a path of at least 48 inches in width.

Code enforcement officers can write a municipal civil infraction ticket to commercial and industrial property owners who do not fulfill this requirement of the ordinance. For further information, contact Assistant Fire Chief Doug Lobsinger at (989) 779-5123 or dlobsinger@mt-pleasant.org.