City of Mt. Pleasant Summer Property Tax Bill Information

Summer property tax bills, which are due July 31, 2020 were recently mailed to City of Mt. Pleasant residents.

In response to financial hardships the COVID-19 pandemic may have caused to City taxpayers, the City Commission recently approved waiving late charges which accrue on unpaid taxes. This waiver is for individual tax payers who do not escrow their tax payments with financial institutions.

In these instances, interest will be applied in accordance with State law and shall be at the rate of 1% on any unpaid balance on September 15, 2020 and the rate shall increase by 1% each month thereafter until paid. Please allow ample time for postal delivery by September 14, 2020 and each month thereafter that the interest rate increases. Post marks are not accepted. The City will accept partial payments until March 1, 2021 at which time the balance is delinquent and becomes payable to the County Treasurer.

Additionally, some taxpayers may qualify for deferment of Summer Taxes to February 2021. Taxpayers who meet the eligibility requirements listed below can file for deferment of Summer 2020 taxes to February 14, 2021. This deferment only applies to a principal residence property.

Taxpayers must have a household income of less than $40,000 and be one of the following:

62 years of age or older, including unmarried surviving spouse of a person who was 62 years or older at the time of death.
Paraplegic, Hemiplegic, or Quadriplegic
Eligible Serviceperson, Eligible Veteran, Eligible Widow or Widower
Blind Person
Totally and Permanently Disabled

Due to COVID-19, contact less payment is recommended. Please consider paying either by mail (320 W. Broadway Street), in the drop box at City Hall, or pay online at www.mt-pleasant.org. If you would like a receipt, enclose your entire bill and a stamped self-addressed envelope. You may also check your payment status online on our website.

If you haven’t received your bill by July 6^th please call 989-779-5384.

Brown Street Reconstruction Project Update: Brown and Broadway Street Detour July 7-9, 2020

The Brown Street reconstruction project (Broadway Street to North Drive) began on June 15^th and is scheduled to be completed by the end of August. Asphalt pavement, curbs and gutters are being removed and replaced. Partial sidewalk replacements and sidewalk ramps are also being upgraded. Driveways are being reconstructed from the street to sidewalk and water main valve replacements and sanitary sewer upgrades are taking place.

Street Closure and Access

Brown Street is closed to thru traffic between North Drive and Broadway Street for the duration of the project. Residents have direct access off of Brown Street except when work is being done on their driveways. The Contractor will notify residents prior to the work beginning on their driveway. During this time, residents will be asked to park on the nearest side street.

Employees of Pullen Elementary School are asked to access the school from East Michigan Street, unless otherwise directed by the Contractor.

Access to McLaren Central Hospital from South Brown Street (between High Street and North Drive) will not be affected.

A detour is in place to direct traffic around the project using High Street, Mission Street (US-127BR) and Broadway Street as shown on the Detour Map. Work at the Broadway Street intersection will require an additional section of detour to Pickard Street and North Brown Street. This additonal detour will be in effect from July 7 – 9.

Garbage Collection: Residents still need to bring their garbage cans and recycling to the nearest side street while their block is under construction. The Contractor can offer assistance, if needed.

Mail delivery is not affected.

Water Service: Interruptions to water service is anticipated. The contractor will notifiy residents in advance via a door tag.

If you have questions, concerns, or you need a special accommodation due to a physical disability, please contact:

Connie Houk, Project Engineer Prein & Newhof (231) 468-3456

Stacie Tewari, City Engineer City of Mt. Pleasant (989) 779-5404

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – June 22, 2020

Summary of Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, June 22, 2020, at 7:12 p.m.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held June 8, 2020.

2) Contract with ATI Group of Flushing, MI for HVAC preventative maintenance and hourly response rates as presented.

3) Contract with Cusack Masonry Restoration, LLC of Hubberdston, MI for the Public Safety Building EIFS repair and the appropriate budget amendment.

4) Contract for the bid prices submitted by Nutrigro Environmental Solutions of Charlotte, MI for biosolids management as presented.

5) Authorized the Mayor to sign the 2020 CARES Act agreement with MDOT-AERO regarding sub grant #MOP-11720 CARES for the Mt. Pleasant Municipal Airport.

6) Warrants and Payrolls.

Held a public hearing and approved a new Class C License for John G Kulhavi Events Center, Central Michigan University and resolution in support of authorizing same.

Authorized the Mayor to sign the appropriate MSHDA documents for the acceptance of the $30,000 Neighborhood Enhancement Program Grant.

Authorized the Mayor to sign the site access agreement with Alltel Corporation as drafted by the City Attorney for property located at 3244 West Broomfield Road, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.

Conducted a work session to continue discussion on 2019 Housing Study.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:37 p.m.

City of Mt. Pleasant Fourth of July Holiday Hours and Firework Ordinance Reminder

City of Mt. Pleasant Holiday Hours

City offices will be closed on July 3, 2020. There will be no delay in refuse and recycling pick up.

Firework Regulation and Safety Reminders

As Independence Day approaches, now is a good time to review firework safety tips and regulations.

City of Mt. Pleasant Fireworks Ordinance

This ordinance states a person may only discharge or use consumer fireworks on private property on June 29 – July 4; from 11 a.m. – 11:45 p.m. On all other days of the year, fireworks may not be discharged within the City limits. Violations shall be punishable with fines of $500 up to $1,000.

Additionally, a minor shall not possess, ignite, discharge or use consumer fireworks. Fireworks shall not be used while a person is under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, or during times when a burning ban has been established by the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, MI. For a list of burning restrictions by county, visit http://www.dnr.state.mi.us/burnpermits/.

For those planning on discharging fireworks this July Fourth holiday, please follow the City regulations as stated above and practice these safety tips:

1. Read and follow all warning and instructions.

2. Never allow children to play with fireworks of any kind.

3. Wear protective clothing, including eye wear.

4. Only light devices on smooth, flat surfaces away from residential areas, dry leaves and flammable materials.

5. Always keep a hose or bucket of water nearby in case of malfunction.

6. Never try to re-light fireworks that have not fully functioned.

The best way to protect your family is to avoid the use of fireworks at home entirely.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – June 22, 2020

Here are the topics to watch at the next virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, June 22, 2020 at 7 p.m.

Public hearing on a new Class C License for John G Kulhavi Events Center, Central Michigan University and consider resolution in support of authorizing the same.

Consider acceptance of $30,000 from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) for a neighborhood enhancement grant and authorize the Mayor to execute the necessary documents.

Consider agreement with Michigan Department of Transportation Aeronautics (MDOT-AERO) to receive CARES funding for the Mt. Pleasant Municipal Airport.

Consider site access agreement with Alltel Corporation.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/board/city.commission/agendas/2020/6.22.20.pdf

How to follow public meetings during social distancing:

In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, the City of Mt. Pleasant is following federal, state and county health officials’ recommendations while still providing valuable City services.

Even though the City Commission meeting will take place as scheduled, it will be an electronically conducted meeting as allowed by the Governor’s Executive Order and the City Commission Chambers will be closed to the public.

Citizens can watch the City Commission meeting live on Spectrum Charter Channel 188, web streamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/MtPleasantMi/ or via Zoom.

Zoom Meeting instructions via computer, phone, or dial-in number are as follows:

Zoom Meeting information

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86980815198?pwd=cEFxRE9LNm5xajJwQlFjUkRSa3lDQT09

Meeting ID: 869 8081 5198

Password: 069007

Phone dial-in: (312) 626-6799

Audio and video will be muted for members of the public and then unmuted by the host during public comment periods.

For participants accessing via computer or smartphone please use the “Raise Your Hand” icon to indicate you would like to speak. First, click on the “Participants” icon at the bottom of your screen. Next, click on the “Raise Your Hand” icon near the bottom right corner of the screen.
- To raise your hand for telephone dial-in participants, press *9.
- Members of the public may be muted or removed if using abusive language or if they become disruptive to the meeting.

Any citizen desiring to make a public comment on an agenda item must email their comments to comment@mt-pleasant.org either before or during the meeting. Individuals must include their name and address.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – June 8, 2020

Summary of Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, June 8, 2020, at 7:00 p.m.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held May 26, 2020.

2) Resolution confirming the waiving of housing license late fees as presented. (CC Exh. 8)

3) Budget amendment for chiller repair at City Hall.

4) Warrants and Payrolls.

Approved resolution approving the 2021-2026 Capital Improvement Plan with modifications as presented.

Confirmed the sale of 3.579 acres in Industrial Park South to Konwinski Construction (or any related entities) as recommended by the EDC.

Confirmed the reinstatement of Parking Lot #10 as a 10-hour lot and authorized prorated refunds for eight permit holders as recommended.

Held a work session discussion on the 2019 goal reports and next steps.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:19 p.m.

Mt. Pleasant Fire Department Responds to Downed Power Lines and Structure Fires

1202 and 1147 Eastwood Drive

Mt. Pleasant, MI – On June 10, 2020 at 1:34 p.m. the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department (MPFD) responded to a call of a downed power line behind 1211 Eastwood Drive.

Upon arrival to the scene firefighters found downed power lines between Eastwood and Elizabeth Streets and smoke coming from a home at 1202 Elizabeth Street. A fire was quickly extinguished and there was no damage to the home’s interior. The occupant of the home was not injured.

Approximately one hour later a small exterior fire at 1147 Eastwood Drive occurred due to melting communication lines. No injuries to fire personnel or residents occurred. MPFD was assisted by Consumers Energy.

1103 Pennsylvania Street

Mt. Pleasant, MI – On June 10, 2020 at 3:41 p.m. the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department (MPFD) responded to a structure fire at 1103 Pennsylvania Street.

Firefighters arrived on scene and observed heavy smoke and flames 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. Fire crews quickly brought the fire under control. The rear of the structure sustained heavy smoke and fire damage.

The Mount Pleasant Fire Department is currently conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the fire. No injuries were reported.

MPFD was assisted by the Mt. Pleasant Police Department, Mobile Medical Response, DTE and Consumers Energy.

City of Mt. Pleasant Park and Outdoor Facilities Update

As has been done during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Mt. Pleasant continues to follow recommendations of federal state and county health officials as we navigate through the reopening process. Below is the current reopen schedule for City parks and outdoor facilities.

This timeline is subject to change based on updated information from health officials. Failure to follow social distancing protocols and posted occupancy levels may lead to facility closures.

June 11, 2020: Island Park Skate Park and Hannah’s Bark Park will reopen. Both parks will have capacity limits and visitors must adhere to social distancing guidelines.

June 22, 2020: Island Park Spray Park and the following park restrooms and ballfields to open.

Island Park Spray Park: Capacity limits will be posted and visitors must adhere to social distancing guidelines.

Park Restrooms: Island Park South, Pickens, Yost

Ballfields: Pickens, Yost

July 1, 2020: Opening of additional park restrooms and limited park shelter reservations.

Park Restrooms: Island Park North, Nelson, Chipp-A-Waters

Park Shelters Available for Reservations: Island Park, Chipp-A-Waters, Yost, Nelson Park Gazebo open with limited occupancy and seating capacity. Visitors must adhere to social distancing and occupancy guidelines.

Facilities Currently Closed:

Lower Pickens Field closed due to Spring flooding.

Island Park Softball fields closed due to Spring flooding.

Restrooms at Horizon, Mill Pond, Mission Creek and Sunnyside Parks.

Shelters at Horizon, Mill Pond, Mission Creek Park and Sunnyside Parks.

Information Updates

Information regarding facilities reopening will be updated and shared via the City’s website (www.mt-pleasant.org), Blog (mpcityblog.com), Facebook and Twitter accounts, MACTV Charter Spectrum Channel 188, and the Community Information Phone Line (989) 779-5320.

Brown Street Reconstruction Project to Begin June 15

6/29/2020 UPDATE: Brown and Broadway Street detour scheduled for July 7- 9, 2020.

The Brown Street reconstruction project (Broadway Street to North Drive) is scheduled to begin on June 15^th and be completed by the end of August. During this time asphalt pavement, curbs and gutters will be removed and replaced. There will be partial sidewalk replacements completed and sidewalk ramps will be upgraded. Driveways will be reconstructed from the street to sidewalk and water main valve replacements and sanitary sewer upgrades will take place.

Street Closure and Access

Brown Street will be closed to thru traffic between North Drive and Broadway Street for the duration of the project. Residents will have direct access off of Brown Street except when work is being done on their driveways. The Contractor will notify residents prior to the work beginning on their driveway. During this time, residents will be asked to park on the nearest side street.

Employees of Pullen Elementary School are asked to access the school from East Michigan Street, unless otherwise directed by the Contractor.

Access to McLaren Central Hospital from South Brown Street (between High Street and North Drive) will not be affected.

A detour will be in place to direct traffic around the project using High Street, Mission Street (US-127BR) and Broadway Street as shown on the Detour Map. Work at the Broadway Street intersection will require an additional section of detour to Pickard Street and North Brown Street. This additonal detour will be in effect for a maximum of 3 days.

Garbage Collection: Residents will need to bring their garbage cans and recycling to the nearest side street while their block is under construction. The Contractor can offer assistance, if needed.

Mail delivery will not be affected.

Water Service: Interruptions to water service is anticipated. The contractor will notifiy residents in advance via a door tag.

If you have questions, concerns, or you need a special accommodation due to a physical disability, please contact:

Connie Houk, Project Engineer Prein & Newhof (231) 468-3456

Stacie Tewari, City Engineer City of Mt. Pleasant (989) 779-5404