Summary of Minutes of the Virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – June 28, 2021

Summary of Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, June 28, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.

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 June 14, 2021.

2) Minutes of the electronically conducted closed session of the City Commission held June 14, 2021.

3) MDOT Resolution authorizing approval of a contract for reimbursement of funds for approach slope clearing project for the Mt. Pleasant Airport.

4) Professional Services Agreement with Mead & Hunt for the Airport Tree Abatement Project.

5) Warrants and Payrolls.

Held a Public Hearing on proposed ordinance to amend Chapter 10: GENERAL PROVISIONS, §10.05 DEFINITIONS and Chapter 91: ANIMALS of the Mt. Pleasant City Code of Ordinances. The matter was tabled.

Approved contract extension with Isabella County for the Material Recovery Facility (MRF).

Approved budget amendment for Material Recovery Facility (MRF).

Changed use of funds for Broadway Central.

The Commission conducted a work session discussion with Walsh Municipal Services (Frank Walsh) regarding City Manager search.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:28 p.m.

Topics to Watch at the VIRTUAL Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – June 28, 2021

Here are the topics to watch at the next virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, June 28, 2021 at 7 p.m.

-Public hearing on an ordinance to amend Chapter 10.05 and Chapter 91 Animals of the Code of Ordinances and consider approval of the same.

-Consider contract extension with Isabella County for the Material Recovery Facility (MRF).

-Consider Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) resolution authorizing approval of a contract for reimbursement of funds for approach slope clearing project for the Mt. Pleasant Municipal Airport.

-Consider change in use of funds for Broadway Central.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/board/city.commission/agendas/2021/6-28-21.pdf

How to follow public meetings during social distancing:

In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, as allowed under the Open Meetings Act and consistent with the Isabella County Declaration of a State of Emergency (Resolution No. 20-12-03 effective 12-15-20), the City Commission Meeting will be held virtually. The public may view the meeting live on the City’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/MtPleasantMi/, on Spectrum Charter channel 188 or via Zoom.

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

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81080038553?pwd=eFVKTHJyU1p3K1pxczFUTXNjcHVGUT09

Passcode: 926374

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 may email their comments.

Attendance to the meeting and participation during public comment periods will be conducted as follows:

• Members of the public must provide their name and address with their comments.

• Comments/Questions may be sent ahead of the meeting in writing or emailed to comment@mt-pleasant.org.

• Individual commissioners can be contacted at the following email addresses:

Mary Alsager malsager@mt-pleasant.org

Olivia Cyman ocyman@mt-pleasant.org

Lori Gillis lgillis@mt-pleasant.org

William Joseph wjoseph@mt-pleasant.org

Amy Perschbacher aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org

George Ronan gronan@mt-pleasant.org

Pete Tolas ptolas@mt-pleasant.org

• Comments/Questions can be emailed to comment@mt-pleasant.org during the meeting and during normal public comment sections of the agenda.

• Comments sent via email will be read aloud to the Commission during the public comment periods.

Persons with disabilities needing assistance to participate may call the Human Resources office at (989) 779-5314. Persons requiring speech or hearing assistance may contact the City through the Michigan Relay Center at 711. A 48-hour advance notice is necessary for accommodation.

City of Mt. Pleasant Holiday Hours and Firework Reminders

CITY OF MT. PLEASANT HOLIDAY HOURS

City offices will be closed on Monday, July 5, 2021. Refuse and recycling pick-up will be delayed one day all week.

FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORK REMINDERS FOR THE CITY OF MT. PLEASANT

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.

Individuals should not ignite, discharge, or use consumer fireworks, homemade fireworks, articles pyrotechnics or display fireworks on public property, school property, church property, or the property of another person without permission to do so.

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/.

SAFETY TIPS

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.

Summary of Minutes of the Virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – June 14, 2021

Summary of Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, June 14, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.

Mayor Joseph read a proclamation recognizing June 19, 2021 as Juneteenth Celebration Day.

Introduced recently hired City employee Leanne Walker, Office Professional 1, PEAK.

Presentation by Lieutenant Don Sytsema on Recovery, Independence, Safety & Empowerment (RISE) partnership.

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 May 24, 2021.

2) Resolution in support of Temporary Traffic Control Order #2-2021.

3) 2022-2027 Capital Improvement Plan.

4) Received a proposed ordinance to amend Chapter 10 GENERAL PROVISIONS, §10.5 DEFINITIONS and Chapter 91 ANIMALS of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Mt. Pleasant and set a public hearing for Monday, June 28, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. on the same.

5) Authorized the Mayor and Clerk to execute a three-year assessing contract with Sunrise Assessing Services from July 1, 2021 to March 31, 2024 as presented.

6) Appointed Ruth Scott, MMAO Assessor of Record in accordance with State law and City Charter and appointed Heather Bouck Deputy Assessor.

7) Authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to sign each of the five agreements as presented and further provide authority to the City Manager to sign future annual agreements provided the terms and conditions are the same.

8) Rescinded the Residential Alley Paving, Reconstruction and Resurfacing Financing Policy of April 9, 2018 and approved the Capital Projects Special Assessment Policy as presented.

9) Warrants and Payrolls.

Awarded contract for the 2021 City Manager Search to Walsh Municipal Services of East Lansing, MI.

Approved the resolution as presented for the one-time reduction in the payment from Charter Township of Union for fire protection costs.

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

Conducted a Work Session to have preliminary discussion on American Rescue Plan funding.

Adjourned the meeting at 8:53 p.m.

9-1-1 Surcharge Renewal Election Scheduled for August 3

On August 3, 2021 a special election will be held for the renewal (not an increase) of the Isabella County Central Dispatch Surcharge 9-1-1 System funding.

In 2016, Isabella County voters approved this funding which exclusively supports 9-1-1 emergency telephone call answering and dispatch services within Isabella County. This includes, facilities, equipment, maintenance, and operating costs. According to Isabella County Central Dispatch, more than 282,000 calls have been received by dispatchers, since 2017. The renewal of this surcharge will provide the operational support needed to keep Isabella County residents, public safety officers and visitors safe. The ballot language and other voting reminders are outlined below.

Ballot Language:

Shall the County of Isabella, Michigan, be authorized to continue to assess a charge on all landline, wireless, and voice over internet protocol service users located in Isabella County at the same rate as previously approved by the voters of up to $3.00per month, effectiveJuly 1, 2021,to be used exclusively for the funding of 9-1-1 emergency telephone call answering and dispatch services within Isabella County, including facilities, equipment and maintenance, and operating costs?

YES

Precinct Consolidation:

Please note precinct locations for this August 3, 2021 election.

Precinct 2 (City Hall): Voters from Precinct 1 (Ganiard) and Precinct 2 will vote at City Hall.
Precinct 3 (Pullen): Voters from Precinct 4 (High School) and Precinct 3 will vote at Pullen.
Precinct 6 (Vowles): Voters from Precinct 5 (Kinney) and Precinct 6 and Precinct 7 (Fancher) will vote at Vowles.

Permanent Absentee Voters:

Permanent absentee voters will be mailed an application for a ballot. If you wish to vote in this election you must return the application by 5 p.m. on July 30, 2021. A ballot will then be mailed to you. Ballots can be mailed to the City Clerk’s office (320 W. Broadway Street) or placed in the ballot drop box located in the City Hall parking lot.

Absentee Voting:

For those not on the Permanent Absentee Voter list, you can submit a request for an absentee ballot to the City Clerk’s office by mail, or email (clerk@mt-pleasant.org). This must be completed by 5 p.m. on July 30, 2021.

Absentee voting at the Clerk’s Office is available on Saturday, July 31, 2021 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. or Monday, August 2, 2021 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Voter Registration:

If you are currently not registered to vote, you can register online at https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/ or mail in the registration voter application found online. This must be completed by July 19, 2021.

After July 19, 2021 voter registration will be available at the City Clerk’s office. Please bring a proof of residency and a photo ID. This can be done until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 3, 2021.

Election Day Information:

Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 3, 2021. Need a ride to and from the polls? I-Ride is offering free rides. Call (989) 772-9441 to schedule.

Visit www.mi.gov/vote to confirm where you are registered to vote.

Additional Video Campaign Honor: City of Mt. Pleasant Receives Bronze Telly

The City of Mt. Pleasant was recently conferred with a bronze Telly Award for its “Be the reason” online video campaign. This honor is in addition to the Award of Excellence presented earlier in the Communicator Awards competition.

The Telly Awards are respected worldwide and honor excellence in television and video for all screens as judged by a group of leading television and video experts from some of the most prestigious companies in entertainment, publishing, advertising and emerging technology, such as WarnerMedia, NBC News, ESPN Films and Dow Jones. In determining winners, entries are evaluated against a comprehensive industry benchmark for excellence.

For this year’s judging, more than 12,000 entries were received from all 50 states and 5 continents. Telly award winners represent submissions of the most respected advertising agencies, television stations, production companies, publishers and public relations units from around the world. Other Telly Award Winners include: Netflix, CBS/Late Late Show with James Cordon, Nickelodeon, FOX Entertainment, Disney, Comcast, the Smithsonian, Colorado State University and Santa Cruz County.

“In the face of a year like no other, the visual storytelling community has continued to defy the limitations of our new world,” shared Sabrina Dridje, Telly Awards Executive Director. “This year’s submissions doubled down on what we already know about the industry,” she added. “Creativity will never be stopped. Collaboration will always prevail. New ideas and stories will always find a way to break through to an audience.”

The City’s “Be the reason” online video campaign addressed the COVID-19 pandemic.

The purpose of the effort was not only to educate the public on proper safety measures, but to emphasize the purpose and urgency of these precautions while creating a feeling of comfort and unity. Due to the state’s Stay-at-Home Order, no new video could be shot. Instead, existing footage was repurposed with all production being completed remotely by the City’s creative team.

To view the award-winning campaign visit:

https://bethereasonwearamask.myportfolio.com/

The creative team for the “Be the reason” PSA video campaign included Tenley McLaughlin-Good/Graphic Designer, Paul Lauria/Director of Public Safety, Zach Huffman/Videographer/CEO and Founder of Hyvion, Jim Bollella/Voiceover Talent/Owner of Freeform Audio, and Darcy Orlik/Director of Public Relations.

Topics to Watch at the VIRTUAL Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – June 14, 2021

Here are the topics to watch at the next virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, June 14, 2021 at 7 p.m.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

Consider approval of the 2022-2027 Capital Improvement Plan.

Receive an ordinance to amend Chapter 10 and Chapter 91 of the Code of Ordinances and set a public hearing for June 28, 2021 on the same.

Consider contract for Executive Search Firm.

Consider contract for assessing services.

Consider policy on special assessments.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/board/city.commission/agendas/2021/6-14-21_Agenda.pdf

How to follow public meetings during social distancing:

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

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83079822924?pwd=cjJIV2JSbG9FL1o4STlPdGEyQ3pjZz09

Passcode: 219719

Phone dial-in: (301) 715-8592

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 may email their comments.

Attendance to the meeting and participation during public comment periods will be conducted as follows:

• Members of the public must provide their name and address with their comments.

• Comments/Questions may be sent ahead of the meeting in writing or emailed to comment@mt-pleasant.org.

• Individual commissioners can be contacted at the following email addresses:

Mary Alsager malsager@mt-pleasant.org

Olivia Cyman ocyman@mt-pleasant.org

Lori Gillis lgillis@mt-pleasant.org

William Joseph wjoseph@mt-pleasant.org

Amy Perschbacher aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org

George Ronan gronan@mt-pleasant.org

Pete Tolas ptolas@mt-pleasant.org

• Comments/Questions can be emailed to comment@mt-pleasant.org during the meeting and during normal public comment sections of the agenda.

• Comments sent via email will be read aloud to the Commission during the public comment periods.

WATER MAIN BREAK – Flushing of lines, water is safe to drink.

Due to a water main break earlier today (6/9/2021) at Broomfield and Mission Street, the water in that area may temporarily have a reddish/orange rusty appearance. Main breaks disturb the iron sediment in the water pipes causing discoloration.

If discoloration occurs, run your cold water from the tap closest to your water meter for several minutes to clear your lines. If there is a removable aerator at the tap this should be removed before flushing. You should also flush your toilets once or twice. The water should run clear within a few minutes but may last until the evening when hydrant flushing stops, and more people are home to move the rusty water out of the system.

Please do not run warm water, as this forces the discolored water into the water heater, mixing it with clear stored water. If you do get rusty water in your hot water heater, drain the hot water heater per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Michigan State Police Homicide Investigation – UPDATE (6/8/21)

UPDATE FROM THE MICHIGAN STATE POLICE 6/8/2021 – In the early morning hours of June 8, 2021 Isaiah Gardenhire was taken into custody without incident. Due to the ongoing nature of this investigation, no further information is available at this time. The MSP will continue to share information with our media partners as it becomes available.

UPDATED: 6/7/2021 3:15 p.m.: The Michigan State Police (MSP), who is leading this investigation, is asking Mt. Pleasant area residents to keep their homes, outbuildings and vehicles locked. If you see this individual do not approach, and call 911 immediately. Due to the ongoing nature of this investigation, the MSP has no further information available at this time. The MSP will continue to share information with the media as it becomes available.

On Sunday, June 6, 2021, at 3:15 a.m., troopers from the Michigan State Police Mt. Pleasant Post responded to a residence on S. Isabella Road in reference to the report of a stabbing involving juveniles. Upon arrival, troopers discovered a teenage female had suffered a stab wound. She subsequently succumbed to the fatal stab wound. Additional investigation revealed an adult female had been sexually assaulted.

Investigative resources and personnel from multiple agencies were deployed to search the area for the suspect identified as Isaiah Gardenhire. A warrant for open murder and Criminal Sexual Conduct First Degree with a weapon was authorized by the Isabella County Prosecutor’s Office.

The suspect in this case has been identified as Isaiah Gary Gardenhire, also known as “Zeke”. Gardenhire is a black male, 40 years of age, 6’-1”, 180lbs. He has black hair and brown eyes with a distinctive star shaped tattoo on the right side of his neck. He has a large circular tattoo on the left side of his neck. He is believed to be driving a stolen, dark colored, 2014 Ford Fusion bearing a Michigan plate of “CTBMIKE”.

The public is asked remain aware of your surroundings, keep your doors, outbuildings and vehicles locked, and do not approach this individual. If you see this person or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Gardenhire please contact 911 immediately.

Michigan State Police Media Contact:

Spl/Lt. Michelle Robinson, Michigan State Police 6th District Public Information Officer, 517-230-3818, Email: RobinsonM16@michigan.gov

City of Mt.Pleasant

UPDATED: 3:15 p.m.: The Michigan State Police (MSP), who is leading this investigation, is asking Mt. Pleasant area residents to keep their homes, outbuildings and vehicles locked. If you see this individual do not approach, and call 911 immediately. Due to the ongoing nature of this investigation, the MSP has no further information available at this time. The MSP will continue to share information with the media as it becomes available.

On Sunday, June 6, 2021, at 3:15 a.m., troopers from the Michigan State Police Mt. Pleasant Post responded to a residence on S. Isabella Road in reference to the report of a stabbing involving juveniles. Upon arrival, troopers discovered a teenage female had suffered a stab wound. She subsequently succumbed to the fatal stab wound. Additional investigation revealed an adult female had been sexually assaulted.

Investigative resources and personnel from multiple agencies were deployed to search the area for the suspect identified…

View original post 163 more words

Michigan State Police Homicide Investigation – UPDATE (Updated 6/8/21)

UPDATE FROM THE MICHIGAN STATE POLICE (MSP) 6/8/2021 – In the early morning hours of June 8, 2021 Isaiah Gardenhire was taken into custody without incident. Due to the ongoing nature of this investigation, no further information is available at this time. The MSP will continue to share information with our media partners as it becomes available.

UPDATED: 6/7/2021 3:15 p.m.: The Michigan State Police (MSP), who is leading this investigation, is asking Mt. Pleasant area residents to keep their homes, outbuildings and vehicles locked. If you see this individual do not approach, and call 911 immediately. Due to the ongoing nature of this investigation, the MSP has no further information available at this time. The MSP will continue to share information with the media as it becomes available.

Investigative resources and personnel from multiple agencies were deployed to search the area for the suspect identified as Isaiah Gardenhire. A warrant for open murder and Criminal Sexual Conduct First Degree with a weapon was authorized by the Isabella County Prosecutor’s Office.

The suspect in this case has been identified as Isaiah Gary Gardenhire, also known as “Zeke”. Gardenhire is a black male, 40 years of age, 6’-1”, 180lbs. He has black hair and brown eyes with a distinctive star shaped tattoo on the right side of his neck. He has a large circular tattoo on the left side of his neck. He is believed to be driving a stolen, dark colored, 2014 Ford Fusion bearing a Michigan plate of “CTBMIKE”.

The public is asked remain aware of your surroundings, keep your doors, outbuildings and vehicles locked, and do not approach this individual. If you see this person or have any information regarding the whereabouts of Gardenhire please contact 911 immediately.

Michigan State Police Media Contact:

Spl/Lt. Michelle Robinson, Michigan State Police 6th District Public Information Officer, 517-230-3818, Email: RobinsonM16@michigan.gov