Summary of Minutes of the City Commission Meeting – January 27, 2020

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, January 27, 2020, 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 January 13, 2020.

2) Bid of Master Electric of Gladwin, MI for the access control system and approved the appropriate budget amendments.

3) Authorized the Mayor and Clerk to sign the Professional Services Agreement with Mead & Hunt for Phase II of the Airport Tree Abatement Project.

4) Received proposed Ordinance to amend Title XI, Chapter 112, Section 112.03 “Medical Marihuana Facilities” of the Mt. Pleasant Code of Ordinances to provide greater clarity on what materials are needed upon application and set a public hearing for Monday, February 10, 2020 at 7:00 p.m.

5) Set a public hearing on the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) Infrastructure Resiliency Grant application for the Wastewater Treatment Plant for February 10, 2020 at 7:00 p.m.

6) Warrants dated January 13 & 16, 2020.

Held a Public Hearing on the necessity of Special Assessment District #1-2020. Postponed action on Special Assessment District #1-2020 until more information can be brought to the Commission from staff on further options regarding lighting design and funding.

Authorized the Mayor and Clerk to sign the Parking and Access Easement related to the 410 W. Broadway project.

Authorized an engineering services agreement with C2AE for 2020.

Appointed City Commissioners to City standing and special committees.

Appointed City Commissioners to applicable City Boards and Commissions.

Set a special meeting for April 9, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. to hold a joint meeting between the City Commission and the Planning Commission.

Set a special meeting for February 3, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. for a City Commission team building dinner.

Postponed the matter of restrictive covenant requirements associated with the Economic Development Association (EDA) Grant for Industrial Park South Detention Pond project until the next meeting on February 10, 2020 to have the City Attorney gather further information and get clarification on the restrictive covenant.

Adjourned the meeting at 8:05 p.m.

Topics to Watch at the City Commission Meeting – January 27, 2020

Here are the topics to watch at the next Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, January 27, 2020.

Public hearing on the necessity of the public improvement of installation of pedestrian lighting on Michigan Street from Oak to Washington.
Receipt of Planning Commission’s 2019 Annual Report.
Receive an ordinance to amend Section 112.03 of Chapter 112, Entitled “Medical Marihuana Facilities”, in Title XI of the Mt. Pleasant City Code and set a public hearing for February 10, 2020 on the same.
Appointment of City Commissioners to City standing and special committees and applicable City Boards and Commissions.
Consider parking easement agreement with Michigan Community Capital.
Consider restrictive covenant requirements associated with the EDA Grant for Industrial Park South detention pond project.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/board/city.commission/agendas/2020/1.27.20.pdf

Free Tree Planting Program

The City of Mt. Pleasant plants a variety of trees in the city’s right-of-way as part of the Urban Forestry Plan. Residential and commercial property owners are eligible for one free tree per year, to be planted in the right of way in front of their property. The Street Department will determine the best location for the tree in the right-of-way. Once planted, the property owner is asked to water the tree, with additional watering encouraged during extended periods of hot, dry weather.

To receive a free tree and have it planted in the Spring, fill out a Tree Application and return it to the Department of Public Works at 320 W. Broadway Street, by March 1, 2020. Click here to view the Tree Brochure.

If individuals wish to plant their own tree in the right-of-way, a permit must be obtained from the Division of Public Works office. There is no charge for the permit, however, there is a limitation to the size and species of tree which can be planted in this area. For more information, please contact the Division of Public Works office at 989-779-5401.

Summary of Minutes of the City Commission Meeting – January 13, 2020

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, January 13, 2020, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room.

Commissioner Joseph was elected Mayor for 2020.

Commissioner Perschbacher was elected Vice Mayor for 2020.

Adopted resolution setting time and day of regular meetings.

Mayor Joseph read and presented a proclamation in support of Peacemaking Recognition Day, January 20, 2020, to Laura Gourlay of the Mt. Pleasant Public Schools Peacemaking Committee.

City Clerk Howard gave an update on the 2020 Census.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held December 9, 2019.

2) Bid of Fisher Transportation of Mt. Pleasant, MI for street sweepings disposal for 2020 and 2021.

3) Bid of Green Scene Landscaping of Mt. Pleasant, MI for 2020 and 2021 grounds mowing.

4) Bid of Ted’s Electric Service, Inc. of Midland, MI for the removal and replacement of two generators for the Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Pickard Street Lift Station and authorized the budget amendment.,

5) Resolution establishing authorized City signatories for MERS documents.

6) Resolutions #1 and #2 To Commence Proceedings for Special Assessment, Tentatively Determine the Necessity, And Set a Public Hearing for January 27, 2020, Regarding the Necessity of Special Assessment District #1-20.

7) Appointments of City Officials to applicable City boards and commissions for 2020.

Authorized the Mayor and Clerk to sign the contract amendment with McKenna Associates and authorized a budget allocation from the Unassigned Fund for the same.

Adjourned the meeting at 7:44 p.m.

Mt. Pleasant launches rental subsidy program for new downtown businesses

Beginning January 20, 2020, a rental subsidy program will be offered to new downtown Mt. Pleasant businesses. Fully Funded by Lake Trust Credit Union, and administered by the City’s downtown development office, the Make It Mt. Pleasant Program is designed to support new retail, dining, arts and entertainment businesses. The program focuses on first floor commercial spaces within the downtown TIFA district.

Up to two businesses will be accepted and funded per year. Selected applicants will receive 12 months of rental assistance, not to exceed $4200, as well as a City fees and charges waiver not to exceed $2500. The City fees and charges waiver includes costs associated with building, sign, outdoor merchandising and outdoor dining permits.

“Lake Trust Credit Union is committed to being an engine of community well-being. By funding the Make It Mt. Pleasant program we are providing pathways to entrepreneurship and fostering economic development. Supporting a thriving downtown delivers value and drives economic impact in Mt. Pleasant,” said David Snodgrass, President and CEO, Lake Trust Credit Union. “This program creates an important bridge for business owners toward long-term success.”

Michelle Sponseller, Downtown Development Director added, “The Make it Mt. Pleasant program provides entrepreneurs valuable start-up assistance, and the opportunity to establish their business in the downtown district.”

Applications will be available starting January 20, 2020. Interested parties must schedule a pre-application meeting with City staff prior to submitting an application. Contact Michelle Sponseller at (989) 779-5348 or msponseller@mt-pleasant.org to schedule an appointment. To download a copy of the Make it Mt. Pleasant guidelines and application please visit:
http://www.mt-pleasant.org/departments/division_of_community_services/downtown_development/

Overnight Parking Reminders; Winter Storm Preparations

DOWNTOWN OVERNIGHT PARKING

Parking on streets is prohibited downtown from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. throughout the year. These parking regulations will be enforced to help keep the streets clear for plowing.

For those with downtown overnight parking permits, several City parking lots have designated areas where overnight parking is allowed. Downtown parking lots designated for overnight parking include lots #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, and #6.

To assist with the prompt removal of snow from parking lots it is recommended overnight permit holders adhere to the following parking instructions:

PARKING LOT #1

Located at the NW corner of Michigan and Franklin, behind the Broadway Theatre, Stan’s and Grays Furniture and Boutique.

Please park along the section of the lot closest to Franklin Street.

PARKING LOT #2 (AKA JOCKEY ALLEY)

Located on Mosher, between Main and Court.

Please park in the spaces closest to Main Street.

PARKING LOT #3 (AKA TOWN CENTER)

Located at the NW corner of Main and Broadway.

Please park in the spaces closest to Broadway Street.

PARKING LOT #4

Located on Washington between Michigan and Broadway, behind Curtiss Hardware and the Upper Cut.

Please park in the spaces along the north side of the lot.

PARKING LOT #5

Located at the SE corner of Michigan and Washington, behind the old Ward Theatre.

Please park in the spaces closest to Michigan Street.

PARKING LOT #6

Located at the NW corner of University and Illinois, behind Listening Ear and The Bird Bar and Grill.

Please park in the spaces on the south side of the lot.

COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY OWNERS –

Sidewalk Snow Plowing

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.

ALL RESIDENTS – On Street Parking

With the forecasted winter storm, do NOT park on City streets, this will help our Street Department clear our streets quickly and efficiently.

From Dec. 1, 2019 to April 1, 2020, on-street parking is prohibited in non-downtown areas from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m. These parking regulations will be enforced to help keep the streets clear for plowing.

ALL RESIDENTS – Sidewalk Snow Plowing

City staff will snowplow 25 miles of residential sidewalk. No salt will be used. 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.

Topics to Watch at the City Commission Meeting – January 13, 2020

Here are the topics to watch at the next Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, January 13, 2020.

-Administer oath of office to Commissioners Alsager and Ronan.

-Election of Mayor and Vice Mayor.

-Census 2020 Update – Presentation

-Consider resolutions #1 and #2 to commence the proceedings for special assessment, tentatively determine the necessity, and set a public hearing for January 27, 2020, regarding the necessity of Special Assessment District #1- 20 (Pedestrian Lighting)

– Consider amendment to McKenna contract for Master Plan

To view the entire meeting packet visit: http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/board/city.commission/agendas/2020/1.13.20.pdf

City to hold fifth Citizens’ Academy – accepting applications now

1/24/2020 UPDATE: NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS; CLASS IS FULL

The fifth Citizens’ Academy is now accepting applications. Presented by the City of Mt. Pleasant, the academy is designed to engage members of the community and to expand their knowledge of the structure and functions of local government.

Participants will attend seven, three-hour weekly sessions beginning Tuesday, February 18. Each session will offer an in-depth look at the fundamentals of the City’s administration and budget; public works and utilities; parks and recreation; public safety; and community development. Additional topics covered include the basics of local government, elections and more.

The Citizens’ Academy is open to anyone living, working, owning property or attending school in the City. “The Citizens’ Academy is an opportunity for residents to capture a close up view of how a municipality operates,” said Mt. Pleasant City Planner Jacob Kain. “Past participants have indicated the program is informative, enjoyable and has broadened their insight into local government.”

Registration for the academy is free and space is limited. Sessions will occur on the following Tuesdays: February 18, February 25, March 3, March 17, March 24, April 7, and April 14. Graduates of the academy will be recognized at the April 27 City Commission meeting.

Applications are available at City Hall or online, and are accepted until January 31, 2020. Find the application and learn more at www.mt-pleasant.org/citizensacademy.

Mt. Pleasant Fire Department responds to trailer fire – 505 S. Bradley Street

Mt. Pleasant, Mich. – On January 2, 2020 at 3:03 p.m. the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department responded to a trailer fire located at Lot 31 within the Bradley Street Mobile Home Park. Firefighters arrived on scene and observed heavy smoke and flames coming from the rear of the structure and quickly contained the fire. Occupants of the residence were not at home at the time of the fire.

The trailer sustained heavy smoke and fire damage. The Mount Pleasant Fire Department is currently conducting an investigation to determine the fire’s cause. No injuries were reported.

The Mt. Pleasant Fire Department was assisted by the Mt. Pleasant Police Department, Isabella County Sheriff’s Department, Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Fire Department, Mobile Medical Response, DTE and Consumers Energy.

Most home fires occur at night when people are sleeping. Check your smoke detectors monthly and replace your batteries twice a year. Operating smoke detectors may save your life.

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