Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – October 26, 2020

Summary of Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, October 26, 2020, at 7:00 p.m.

Fire Chief Beltinck gave a presentation on the Fire Department.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held October 12, 2020.

2) Minutes of the electronically conducted Closed session held October 12, 2020.

3) Authorized extension of the agreement with Coyne Oil for the purchase of fuel until December 31, 2025 as presented.

4) Authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to sign an agreement with Alltel Corporation for co-location on the cell tower at 805 S. Bradley.

5) Resolution authorizing the Mayor and Clerk to sign the amended Street Lighting Contract with Consumers Energy for the removal of a street light near 700 Edgewood Drive.

6) Set a public hearing for November 23, 2020 on the expected Planning Commission recommendation to amend Section 154.405.A to update standards in the CD-3L, CD-3 and CD-4 zoning districts regarding residential housing standards.

7) Warrants and Payrolls.

Approved the resolution adopting the Articles of Incorporation for the Mid-Michigan Aquatic Recreational Authority as presented.

Approved extending the authority of utility billing staff to set up payment plans until March 31, 2021 and support the reinstatement of water shut-offs beginning December, 2020.

Approved the electronic participation procedures for virtual meetings as presented. (CC Exh 13-2020)

Held a work session discussion on the 2050 Master Plan.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:40 p.m.

UM-Dearborn’s iLabs’ recognizes City of Mt. Pleasant for supporting business in their community

The City of Mt. Pleasant has been recognized for its successes and efforts in contributing to Michigan’s entrepreneurial growth and economic development in the annual eCities study conducted by researchers at iLabs, University of Michigan-Dearborn’s Center for Innovation Research. Mt. Pleasant was honored as a four-star community along with 94 other communities across the state. This is the fifth time the City has been recognized by UM-Dearborn.

According to City Manager Nancy Ridley, “We are pleased the City of Mt. Pleasant is receiving this recognition for the fifth time. Economic development is only successful when both public and private sector leaders work together and realize the importance of consistent and quality growth to our community. This designation is an indicator of that dedication and commitment.”

The 2020 eCities study analyzed publicly available data from 277 communities from 54 counties in Michigan. Researchers focused on the five-year changes in property values, community assets, and tax rates, which can demonstrate the growth, investments and cost of doing business within the community. For example, over the five-year period of 2015-2019, these communities increased their capital assets by an average of 2.4 percent per year by investments such as library equipment, building, water, and sewage improvements, and street renovations, while property tax rates increased by less than 1 percent on average per year.

Although accounting for less than 20 percent of the State’s cities and townships, the 277 communities analyzed are home to 70 percent of Michigan’s population and 87 percent of the state’s commercial property. “Each year, the eCities project aims to highlight the successes and continued commitment of cities and townships to grow business and support entrepreneurship within their communities,” said Kari Kowalski, iLabs project manager.

Police Pursuit Leads to Arrest

On October 26, 2020 at approximately 3:14 p.m. an Officer from the Mt. Pleasant Police Department was on general patrol and initiated a traffic stop for improper plates and a suspended driver’s license. A chase ensued which traveled eastbound on High Street from Mission Street and continued north on Isabella Road until the suspect vehicle struck another vehicle at the intersection of Baseline Road.

The vehicle which was struck had two passengers, an 80-year-old male, and the driver, a female in her 50’s. The driver was alert and conscious and complained of injuries. She was transported to Midland Hospital by ambulance for further evaluation.

The car which initiated the police pursuit had three passengers. The driver, a 20-year-old male from Mt. Pleasant was arrested for fleeing and eluding causing an accident, resisting and obstructing justice, possession of a stolen vehicle, and possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine. The other two passengers, a 37-year-old male from Mt. Pleasant, and a 22-year-old female from Shepherd were arrested for possession of methamphetamine. All three suspects are lodged in the Isabella County Jail and will be arraigned October 27, 2020. No suspects were injured during the accident.

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department was assisted by the Isabella County Sheriff’s Department and Mobile Medical Response.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – October 26, 2020

Here are the topics to watch at the next virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, October 26, 2020 at 7 p.m.

Consider resolution to adopt Mid-Michigan Aquatic Recreational Authority Isabella County, MI Articles of Incorporation.

Consider extending the authority for utility billing payment plans and reinstating utility billing shut offs.

Set a public hearing for November 23, 2020 on the expected Planning Commission recommendation to amend section 154.405.A to update standards in the CD-3L, CD-3 and CD-4 zoning districts regarding residential housing standards.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

Click to access 10.26.20.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 Michigan Senate Bill 1108, allowing public bodies to meet remotely. 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/82995875120?pwd=VHpDN3IzdXQ4T0VhVDcvTHA4WHRXZz09

Passcode: 892393

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.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – October 12, 2020

Summary of Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held on Monday, October 12, 2020, at 7:00 p.m.

Mayor Joseph read and presented a Proclamation recognizing Indigenous People’s Day, October 12, 2020 to Maia Lynn Spotted-Tail and Erik Rodriguez on behalf of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Council.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held September 28, 2020 with corrections to vote count on amended motion regarding overnight parking.

2) Contract with C2AE for professional engineering services for a septage receiving station at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.

3) Received recommended proposed rezoning ordinance for 623 S. Fancher from CZ (Civic Zone) to CD-3 (Sub-Urban) and set a public hearing on same for Monday, November 9, 2020 at 7:00 p.m.

4) Received proposed 2050 Master Plan as recommended by the Planning Commission and Parks & Recreation Commission and set a public hearing for November 9, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. on same.

5) Warrants and Payrolls.

Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1057, an ordinance to provide for service charge in lieu of taxes for 1414 W. Broomfield.

Authorized the Mayor to sign the Municipal Services Agreement with the Mt. Pleasant Housing Commission for 1414 W. Broomfield at 3% of annual shelter rents.

Passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1058, an Ordinance to amend Article VII: TRAFFIC CODE, Chapter 71 PARKING REGULATIONS, Sections 71.27 and 71.45 of the City Code of the City of Mt. Pleasant regarding parking and snow emergencies.

Received recommended text change to amend table 154.405.A to update district density in the CD-4 General Urban Character District and set a public hearing for November 9, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. on same.

Approved the Application for Off-Premises Tasting Room License from Blue Water Winery, LLC at 205 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant.

Postponed action on resolution approving charter amendment ballot language to change the term of office for commission members until a work session can be held on same.

Postponed action on resolution approving charter amendment ballot language to increase the term of office for the Mayor and Vice Mayor until a work session can be held on same.

Authorized the Mayor to sign a one-year extension to the labor agreement with the Mt. Pleasant Paid on Call Firefighter Association (POCF).

Approved the resolution supporting the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Emergency Order as presented. (CC Exh. 12-2020)

Approved and conducted a closed session pursuant to subsection 8(c) of the Open Meetings Act for strategy and negotiation sessions connected with the negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement.

Mt. Pleasant City Commission Adopts Resolution in Support of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Emergency Order Regarding Face Masks

On October 12, 2020 the Mt. Pleasant City Commission adopted a resolution in support of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Emergency Order regarding the wearing of face masks due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). This new virus strain is an easily transferable respiratory disease that can result in serious illness or death and it is caused by a new strain of virus that has not previously been identified in humans and can easily spread from person to person. There has recently been an increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases in Isabella County.

RESOLUTION SUPPORTING MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES EMERGENCY ORDER REGARDING FACE COVERINGS

WHEREAS, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease that can result in serious illness or death and it is caused by a new strain of virus that has not previously been identified in humans and can easily spread from person to person; and

WHEREAS, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Robert Gordon has issued an emergency order to slow the spread of the virus including, but not limited to, requiring face coverings in public places and in certain instances outdoors; and

WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued guidance to the public and employers to slow the spread of the virus including, but not limited to, encouraging individuals to wear face coverings and practice social distancing; and

WHEREAS, there have been 677 confirmed cases within Isabella County as of October 5, 2020; and WHEREAS, the City Commission recognizes the importance and effectiveness of face coverings in helping to slow the spread of the virus; and

WHEREAS, the City Commission desires to assist in returning to economic stability, which can more likely be obtained if businesses can stay open and gradually return to full capacity, and understands that this may be dependent on slowing the spread of the virus; and

WHEREAS, the City Commission desires to do what it can to keep residents, visitors, business owners and front-line workers safe; and

WHEREAS, the City Commission previously passed a resolution supporting the face coverings order by Governor Whitmer; and

WHEREAS, the City Commission emphasizes the personal responsibility of each individual to wear a face covering and believes doing so reflects a sign of respect for neighbors, front line and essential workers, and all residents and visitors

WHEREAS, the City Commission desires to provide leadership and support to implement the wearing of face coverings; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Commission of the City of Mount Pleasant as follows:

1. The City Commission supports Director Gordon’s Emergency Order requiring wearing of face coverings in any indoor public space and when outdoors and unable to maintain a distance of six feet or more from individuals who are not members of the same household.

2. Individuals are encouraged to implement their personal responsibility by wearing face coverings as required to help keep others safe both in public places and as appropriate outdoors and to eliminate putting businesses and law enforcement in the position of enforcing the standards.

3. Businesses are encouraged to do their part in implementing the requirements so that customers feel safe that the expected protocols are in place.

4. In the rare instances where law enforcement is called upon for enforcement, the City Commission supports the approach of educating first and attempting to get voluntary compliance. Using law enforcement discretion, in instances where personal responsibility and voluntary compliance cannot be achieved and the law enforcement staff feels that enforcement is the best option in the circumstances, enforcement that is deemed necessary will be supported.

Ransomware Attack Detected by the City of Mt. Pleasant; City Offices Opening 10/14/2020. (Updated 10/12 and 10/13/2020)

UPDATED (10/13/2020): City Hall and Department of Public Safety offices will be open on Wednesday, October 14, 2020. There continues to be no delay in trash or recycling services. Thank you for your patience as we conduct a restoration and meticulous review of our data files as a result of the October 10th. Ransomware attack on the City’s computer and phone systems. Please note, there was no access to State Election computers and all ballot and voter information is secure.

Because we must intensely review all of our data, it will take some time before all our systems, phones and files are fully functional. Be assured our staff will make every effort to process and respond to all requests as quickly as possible.

UPDATED (10/12/2020): City Hall and Department of Public Safety offices will be closed for face to face services on Tuesday, October 13, 2020. City email and phone services are currently unavailable. If there is a public safety emergency, call 911 or Central Dispatch at (989) 773-1000, as you would normally do. All other City services are still available and there is no delay in trash or recycling services.

MT. PLEASANT, Mi – (10/11/2020): On early Saturday morning (October 10, 2020) the City of Mt. Pleasant identified a remote Ransomware attack on its computer and phone systems. The City’s firewall remained secure and the City does not plan to pay a ransom. The Michigan State Police is conducting an independent investigation of the cyberattack. At this time, it is not believed any personal information has been breached. There was also no access to State Election computers and all ballot and voter information is secure.

City Services
While a thorough data review is taking place, City Hall and Department of Public Safety offices will be closed for face to face services on Monday, October 12, 2020. City email and phone services are currently unavailable. If there is a public safety emergency, call 911 or Central Dispatch at (989) 773-1000, as you would normally do. All other City services are still available and there will be no delay in trash or recycling services.

City Commission Meeting
The virtual City Commission meeting will still take place at 7 p.m. on Monday, October 12, 2020. Citizens can watch the City Commission meeting live on Spectrum Charter Channel 188, streamed on the City’s YouTube channel, or via Zoom. Visit www.mt-pleasant.org under City Updates for the full meeting agenda and links to the Zoom meeting. If individuals wish to make a public comment they must attend the meeting via Zoom.

Updates will be provided as they become available.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – October 12, 2020

Here are the topics to watch at the next virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, October 12, 2020 at 7 p.m.

Public hearing on an ordinance for Mt. Pleasant Housing Commission Payment In lieu of Taxes (PILOT) and Municipal Services Agreement and consider approval of the same.

Consider approval of an ordinance to amend section 71.27 and 71.45 of City Code regarding parking and snow emergencies as postponed from September 28, 2020.

Receive proposed 2050 Master Plan as recommended by the Planning Commission and Parks and Recreation Commission and set a public hearing for November 9, 2020 on the same.

Consider resolution approving charter amendment ballot language to change the term of office for commission members.

Consider resolution approving charter amendment ballot language to increase the term of office for the mayor and vice mayor.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

Click to access 10.12.20.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/85049577042?pwd=bThLZjk0dHdCSitGZU1SYXM5eWJ1UT09

Passcode: 644394

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.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – September 28, 2020

Summary of Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, September 28, 2020, at 7:00 p.m.

Scott Mertes gave a presentation on proposed Mid-Michigan College annexation.

Finance Director gave a presentation on the 2020 election status.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held September 14, 2020.

2) Minutes of the electronically conducted Closed session held September 14, 2020.

3) Minutes of the electronically conducted Special Joint meeting held September 17, 2020.

4) Warrants and Payrolls.

Held a public hearing on proposed amendment to Article VII: TRAFFIC CODE, Chapter 71 PARKING REGULATIONS, Sections 71.27 and 71.45 of the City Code of the City of Mt. Pleasant Code regarding parking and snow emergencies. The matter was postponed until further legal review can occur.

Held a public hearing and authorized the Mayor to sign the required documentation as part of the CDBG-RLF program for Gursky Limited, LLC.

Approved a contract with the Mannik Smith Group of Lansing, MI for the groundwater testing near the former City landfill and the appropriate budget amendment.

Received proposed ordinance for the Mt. Pleasant Housing Commission Payment in lieu of Taxes (PILOT) and the Municipal Services Agreement and set a public hearing on same for Monday, October 12, 2020.

Prioritized and approved submission of City requests for Fall 2020 Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe 2% allocations.

Held Work Session discussions on the 2021 Operating Budget and Property Maintenance Ordinance.

Adjourned the meeting at 10:27 p.m.

Assault Rifle Suspect in Custody

On September 25, 2020 at approximately 10:15 p.m. officers of the Mt. Pleasant Police Department (MPPD) responded to a weapons complaint at West Campus Apartments. It was reported that a black male wearing a face mask and a camo sweatshirt pointed an assault rifle at a group of males and females within an apartment. None of the victims knew the suspect, but did recognize him from approximately one hour prior when the suspect was looking for a party and the victims denied the suspect access to their apartment.

Officers searched the area and were unable to locate the male suspect that evening. Upon further investigation a suspect was identified and confirmed by victims.

On September 30, 2020 MPPD located the suspect at a residence on Main Street. The male suspect from Saginaw was interviewed and search warrants were issued on his vehicle and the residence where he was currently staying.

The suspect was arrested on five counts of felonious assault, possession of a firearm, carrying a firearm with unlawful intent and home invasion. He was lodged at the Isabella County Jail and will be arraigned on October 1, 2020.

This was an isolated and targeted incident and there was no risk to the public. Anyone with additional information regarding this incident are asked to contact the Mt. Pleasant Police Department’s Anonymous Tip Line at 989-779-9111 or Central Dispatch (989) 773-1000.

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department was assisted by the Michigan State Police, MINT, Michigan State Intelligence Analysts, Central Michigan University Police Department, and the Michigan Department of Corrections.