First of all, thank you for your involvement in Mt. Pleasant Parks and Recreation programming. We are thrilled to have our community’s youth outdoors and staying active as we enter into the Fall season. As always, the health and safety of our community – especially those involved in our programs – remains our top priority. Our department is taking steps to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, but this is a community effort, and one which requires the support and assistance from all of us to be effective.
As most of you are aware, the Central Michigan District Health Department recently issued a public health emergency order in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This order reinforces the importance of all participants adhering to our program safety guidelines. To host our programs, the guidelines below must be followed:
Equipment and supplies for outdoor athletic practices are shared to the minimum extent possible and are subject to frequent and thorough disinfection and cleaning as outlined in Executive Order 2020-160.
The gathering is designed to ensure that persons not part of the same household maintain six feet of distance from one another at all times.
The gathering must continue to comply with mask wearing provisions of Executive Order 2020-153.
Soccer and flag football practices take place in public spaces, and are highly visible to the general public. All it takes is one person to voice a concern or complaint putting both programs in jeopardy. Therefore, we must ALL remain vigilant and keep interactions to a minimum, wear a face covering, and maintain proper social distancing. If we all do our part, we can continue to keep our kids active and engaged this Fall. In addition, we can be an example to our community that these programs can operate in a safe and responsible manner.
Thank you once again to our participating families and volunteer coaches for doing your part in keeping our community safe and providing our youth with a rewarding outdoor experience this Fall. Please stay safe and healthy and we will see you on the field.
The Mt. Pleasant Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying a male suspect who was at EZ Mart, 1911 South Mission Street at approximately 03:00 a.m. on August 22, 2020. Video footage shows the suspect walked around the exterior of the store and shattered the front door. The suspect then entered the building and came out a short time later with a bag full of items.
The suspect is described as a white male in his 20’s or early 30’s with dark hair, glasses and a slim build. The suspect was wearing a light red shirt, cargo shorts and black tennis shoes with a face mask underneath his chin.
There are no safety concerns for the City of Mt. Pleasant.
If you have any information in regards to the identification of this subject, please contact the Mt. Pleasant Police Department’s anonymous tip line at 989-779-9111.
Summary of Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, August 24, 2020, at 7:00 p.m.
Representative of Michigan Department of Transportation Aeronautics gave a presentation on Mt. Pleasant Airport.
Downtown Development Director Sponseller 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 10, 2020.
2) Referred proposed ordinance to amend Table 154.405.A of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinance to update standards in the CD-3L, CD-3 and CD-4 zoning districts regarding residential housing standards to the Planning Commission for review and recommendation.
3) Authorized a one-year contract extension with Republic Services until December 31, 2024 for solid waste pick up.
4) Resolution setting fee for trash carts.
5) Warrants and Payrolls.
Approved the resolution temporarily permitting outdoor business activities as presented. (CC Exh. 10-2020)
Approved the appointment of Chris Saladine as acting City Clerk and Mary Ann Kornexl as Deputy City Clerk for the City of Mt. Pleasant.
Approved the appointment of Vice Mayor Amy Perschbacher as the voting delegate, representing the City of Mt. Pleasant at the Michigan Municipal League annual member’s meeting and appoint Mayor Will Joseph as the alternate.
Approved and conducted a closed session pursuant to subsection 8(c) of the Open Meetings Act for strategy and negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement.
Conducted a work session discussion on Airport Partners Agreement.
UPDATE: On May 14, 2021, Central Michigan District Health Department (CMDHD) rescinded its local Emergency Order that limited public gatherings in Isabella County in the City of Mt. Pleasant and Union Township. This local order limited outdoor gatherings and events to 25 or fewer people and applied to residential and non-residential venues.
Please reference the State of Michigan’s page here for current information about capacity limits, guidance, and frequently asked questions.
10/7/2020 UPDATE: The Central Michigan District Health Department has updated and reissued the local public health order to coincide with applicable Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Emergency Orders issued on 10/5/2020. You can view the updated order here:
8/24/2020: Central Michigan District Health Department is issuing a public health emergency order to limit the size of social gatherings or events within Union Township and the City of Mt. Pleasant. No more than 25 people may gather at outdoor events. The local order enhances existing state orders and further restricts social gatherings in areas at increased risk for COVID-19 outbreaks since the student population returned to the local community. The order takes effect on August 24, 2020 at 8:00 p.m. and will remain in effect until amended or rescinded.(Updated 10/7/2020)
“We have seen a large increase in cases since students returned to the Mt. Pleasant area. Our investigations have shown that the majority of these cases had attended large social gatherings. Restrictions on the size of outdoor gatherings, along with other preventive measures will help us reduce the spread of this virus” said Steve Hall, R.S., M.S, health officer for the Central Michigan District Health Department.
The local order reduces the size of allowable outdoor social gatherings from 100 down to 25. Indoor gatherings remain limited to 10 or fewer people not of the same household, as per Michigan Executive Order 2020-160. At any gathering or event, inside or out, individuals not living in the same household should keep a minimum of 6 feet distance from one another.
Face coverings continue to be required in public indoor settings and any crowded outdoor settings under Executive Order 2020-153.
Isabella County has reported a total of 297 confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date. County data shows that in the third week of August there was a 350% increase in the number of COVID-19 cases compared to the previous week. During that week, 92% of reported cases were among those 18 to 24-years-old. This is compared to the first 2 weeks of August in which 39% of cases were among this age group. With thousands of students returning to Central Michigan University in Isabella County, many from states with high rates of COVID-19, living in congregate settings, and traditionally disposed toward socializing in large groups, further restrictions need to be put in place to prevent outbreaks related to large social gatherings and organized events. Large social gatherings have demonstrated an increased public health risk with potential for further outbreak, including super-spreading events.
“We wholeheartedly support the Central Michigan District Health Officer’s order further limiting outdoor gatherings to protect our community from the spread of COVID 19,” says Nancy Ridley, Mt. Pleasant City Manager. “These are not normal times and it takes all of us working together to mitigate the spread of this virus. This includes the consistent wearing of face masks and changes in how we interact and gather. Putting these safety measures in place increase the chances of our schools and businesses staying open, as well as protecting all of our residents, our community’s visitors, and our valued frontline workers.”
“Union Township supports the Central Michigan District Health Department’s Health Officer’s social gathering limitation 100% and thank him for his leadership,” says Union Township Manager Mark Stuhldreher. “Whether permanent residents, students, or visitors to our community we all are the key to slowing the spread of COVID-19. If we all follow the guidance of our public health officials, we can keep ourselves, first responders, and our neighbors as safe as possible. It’s up to each of us to do our part.”
State law provides local health officers with the authority to issue orders to protect the public health under Section 2453 of the Public Health Code (MCL 333.2453). Those who disregard the order could be subject to a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than six months and/or a fine of up to $200.
To reduce the spread of illness in our community, the Health Department recommends wearing a face covering, maintaining a minimum of 6 feet distance from others not in your household and washing your hands frequently. Testing is recommended for anyone reporting to work in person, with known exposure or with any mild or unusual symptoms. Symptoms may take up to 14 days after exposure to appear, and individuals are considered contagious two days before symptoms appear.
The number of local cases, guidance for employers, prevention information, testing options and more are available at https://www.cmdhd.org/novel-coronavirus. Health Department staff are also available to answer questions. CMDHD has established a Coronavirus Message Center line at 989-773-5921 extension 1444. Leave your name, phone number, county of residence, and a brief message. Staff will return calls as soon as possible.
This article has been brought to you by Central Michigan District Health Department, which serves the counties of Arenac, Clare, Gladwin, Isabella, Osceola and Roscommon. Visit our website at http://www.cmdhd.org, LIKE Central Michigan District Health Department on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @CMiDHD.
The City of Mt. Pleasant Adult-Use Marihuana Establishment Selection Committee has selected three applicants to receive conditional authorization to operate a Retailer establishment in the City:
Entity
Location
Lume Cannabis Co.
901 E. Broomfield
Lume Cannabis Co.
1207 N. Mission
House of Fire Provisioning
1005 Corporate
The Mt. Pleasant City Commission adopted ordinances related to the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act (MRTMA) on September 9, 2019. These ordinances “opt in” to the state law allowing adult-use marihuana establishments to operate within the City subject to certain limitations.
In February 2020, the City received ten applications for three available Retailer licenses. Since more applications were received for Retailers than licenses available, the City held a competitive selection process intended to select applicants who are best suited to operate in compliance with the MRTMA in the City. Applicants submitted supplementary applications which were reviewed and scored by a selection committee comprised of City Clerk Jeremy Howard, City Planner Jacob Kain, and Director of Public Safety Paul Lauria.
At this time, the City is no longer accepting additional applications for Provisioning Centers or Retailers. But, applications for Growers, Processors, Secure Transporters, Safety Compliance Facilities, and Microbusinesses are still being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until numerical limits, where applicable, are reached.
Here are the topics to watch at the next virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, August 24, 2020 at 7 p.m.
Consider referral to the Planning Commission an ordinance to amend Table 154.405.A of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinance to update standards in the CD-3L, CD-3 and CD-4 zoning districts regarding residential housing standards.
Consider resolution setting fee for trash carts.
Consider resolution extending temporary permitting of outdoor business activities.
Consider appointment for acting City Clerk and Deputy City Clerk.
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.
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.
Summary of Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, August 10, 2020, at 7:00 p.m.
Item 12: “Consider extension of contract with Republic Services for solid waste pick up; and Item 13: “Consider resolution setting fee for trash carts.” were removed from the agenda.
Received petitions and communications.
Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:
1) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held July 27, 2020.
2) Sole-source purchase of replacement self-contained breathing apparatus equipment from Dinges Fire Company of Amboy, IL.
3) Set a special meeting for Thursday, September 17, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. with the Mt. Pleasant Public School Board and the Charter Township of Union Board of Trustees to discuss the Recreation Authority Study Committee’s final report.
4) Warrants and Payrolls.
Approved providing input to CMU that the current draft of the amended Restrictive Covenants is supported and in addition, the City Commission would recommend further consideration of two items.
Approved the City Commission Agenda Setting Policy as presented. (CC Exh. 9-2020)
Moved to send out for competitive bids on environmental consulting services for former landfill site.
Conducted a work session on 2019 Goal Report Discussion on Downtown Study.
Good news abounds in the City of Mt. Pleasant’s 2019 Annual Report. Community partnerships, economic expansion, desirable neighborhoods and reliable infrastructure. That and more are highlighted in this annual publication. To view visit:
Here are the topics to watch at the next virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, August 10, 2020 at 7 p.m.
Receive Center for Applied Research and Technology (CART) restrictive covenants for Smartzone and provide input.
Consider extension of contract with Republic Services for solid waste pick up.
Consider resolution for setting fee for trash carts.
Consider policy on City Commission agenda setting.
Consider sole source contract with AKT Peerless for environmental consulting services and additional testing at the former landfill site.
To view the entire meeting packet visit:
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.
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.
The City of Mt. Pleasant will hold a series of virtual events regarding the proposed 2050 Master Plan.
Beginning Monday, August 17th through Monday, August 31st, an interactive web platform will be available at www.mtpleasant2050.com enabling the public to review and provide feedback on elements of the proposed plan.
On Thursday, August 20th, the City and project consultant McKenna Associates, will host a virtual open house at 7 p.m. This event will offer the public an opportunity to learn more about the plan, provide feedback, and ask questions.
Hundreds of community members participated in formal and informal activities during a four-day event in April 2019, hosted by the City and McKenna Associates. Participants shared their vision for Mt. Pleasant in the year 2050. In addition, hundreds of additional stakeholders participated in online surveys to further refine and validate the vision. This feedback became the basis for the proposed Master Plan.
The plan is organized around specific goals and objectives including Sustainable Land Use, Connected Mobility Systems, Focused Redevelopment, Exceptional Parks and Public Spaces, and Innovative Services and Aspirations.
A series of public hearings before the Parks and Recreation Commission, Planning Commission, and City Commission will take place in the near future with formal adoption of the plan to occur before the end of 2020.
City of Mt.Pleasant 
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