Month: July 2021

Summary of Minutes of the Virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – July 26, 2021

Summary of Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, July 26, 2021, at 7:02 p.m.

Introduced recently hired City employees; Braxton Gomez Police Officer; Alan Mosher Parks and Public Spaces I; and Philip Biscorner Director of Parks and Public Spaces.

Public Safety Director Lauria swore in Officer Braxton.

MMDC President James McBryde gave a quarterly update for the Middle Michigan Development Corporation.

Marc Griffis, Isabella County Emergency Management Director, gave a presentation on the Isabella County Central Dispatch proposition for renewal of 9-1-1 surcharge.

Latherio Agoff gave a presentation on Limitless Outdoors, a non-profit organization with the mission to give outdoor opportunities to people with disabilities. They are looking for assistance and donations for the cause. You can contact Limitless Outdoors via email or by phone, LMK1211@aol.com or (989)506-5673 or follow them on Facebook at LimitlessOutdoors Foundation.

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 July 12, 2021.

2) Contract amendment with JCI Jones Chemicals of Riverview, MI, for caustic soda.

3) Authorized the Mayor to sign the 2020-2024 Mt. Pleasant Housing Commission Environmental Review for submission.

4) Resolution approving submittal of the grant application to the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs for the 2022 Paint the Pavement project.

5) Resolution for final approval for TCO #3-2021.

6) Resolution for final approval for TCO #4-2021.

7) Warrants and Payrolls.

Approved rescinding prior City liquor license polices, adopting two new liquor license policies, and approved the application fee resolution as presented. (CC Exh. 10-2021)

Authorized the Public Safety Director to represent the City in the State of Michigan pyrotechnic display application process. Fireworks display to be a part of the 2021 Christmas Celebration (December 4, 2021).

Moved to accept the initiative petition received under the MRTMA and approved the Resolution to Approve Ballot Language as presented for the November 2, 2021 election.

Approved resolution extending conditional authorization for LowKey Properties LLC medical marihuana Class A grower license at 1110 N. Fancher as presented.

Held a Work Session discussion on Principal Shopping District (PSD) Special Assessment.

Adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Topics to Watch at the VIRTUAL Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – July 26, 2021

Here are the topics to watch at the next virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, July 26, 2021 at 7 p.m.

  • Consider update to Liquor License Policy and applicable fee resolution as postponed from July 12, 2021.
  • Consider resolution authorizing 2022 Michigan Arts Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs mini-grant submission for Paint the Intersection Project.
  • Consider approval of a fireworks display as part of the 2021 Christmas Celebration (December 4, 2021) and authorize the Public Safety Director to represent the City in the State of Michigan pyrotechnic display application process.
  • Consider resolution regarding recreational marijuana petition to increase number of retailers.
  • Consider resolution extending conditional approval of a Class A medical marihuana grow operation for LowKey Properties LLC.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:  

http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/board/city.commission/agendas/2021/7-26-21.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/83264306022?pwd=aitZSE9mYTU2RWVndFhXbDU5a3RjQT09

Passcode: 069764

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.

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.

Downtown Parking Lot Improvement Projects to Begin July 23

Beginning July 23, parking lot #6, located on Illinois Street between Main and University and parking lot #8, a permit lot located on Lansing Street between Broadway and Michigan will be closed due to reconstruction. Both lots will receive new pavement, curbs and gutters, drive approaches, sidewalk, a new storm sewer including an underground detention system as well as other amenities.

Permit holders are requested to park in lot #7, located at the NE corner of University and Illinois, behind Listening Ear and The Bird Bar and Grill or in lot #5, located at the SE corner of Michigan and Washington, behind the old Ward Theatre.

This project is expected to be completed by September 17.

Summary of Minutes of the Virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – July 12, 2021

Summary of Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, July 12, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.

Introduced recently hired City employee Micah Kemler, Water Resource Recovery Facility Operator.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held June 28, 2021.

2) Bid of Denali Construction of Mt. Pleasant, MI for the replacement of three bridge decks at Broadway and Leaton Streets.

3) Received proposed ordinance to amend Section 154.410.B.4 of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances to update special use permit conditions and requirements for two-family dwellings and set a public hearing for August 9, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. on the same.

4) Received proposed ordinance to amend Section 154.410.B.4 of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances to update special use permit conditions and requirements for accessory dwelling units and set a public hearing for August 9, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. on the same.

5) Appointed employer delegate and alternate for the 2021 MERS Annual Meeting.

6) Set a special meeting for Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. for City Manager interviews.

7) Authorized the Mayor to sign the Reciprocal Parking Space Lease Agreement for Parking Lot #6 with Isabella Bank as presented.

8) Resolution authorizing the City Manager to accept the American Rescue Funds as presented.

9) Warrants and Payrolls.

Received a proposed ordinance to amend section 154.410.B and table 154.410.A of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances to permit multiple-family dwellings as a special use in the CD-3-character district and set a public hearing for August 9, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. on the same.

Postponed action on liquor license policies and applicable fees until further information is available.

Approved the Website Policy as presented. (CC Exh. 7-2021)

Approved the updated Self-Insurance Fund Operating Policy as presented. (CC Exh. 8-2021)

Approved Resolution Attachment B to put the four-year term language on the November 2021 ballot. (CC Exh. 9-2021)

Received reports regarding changes to overnight parking and downtown sidewalk snow removal.

Passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1069, an Ordinance to amend Chapter GENERAL PROVISIONS, §10.05 DEFINITIONS and Chapter 91: ANIMALS of the Mt. Pleasant City Code of Ordinances.

Adjourned the meeting at 8:47 p.m.

Topics to Watch at the Virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – July 12, 2021

Here are the topics to watch at the next virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, July 12, 2021 at 7 p.m.

  • Receive an ordinance to amend Section 154.410.B.4 of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances to update special use permit conditions and requirements for two-family dwellings and set a public hearing for August 9, 2021 on the same.
  • Receive an ordinance to amend Section 154.410.B.4 of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances to update special use permit conditions and requirements for accessory dwelling units and set a public hearing for August 9, 2021 on the same.
  • Receive an ordinance to amend section 154.410.B and table 154.410.A of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances to permit multiple-family dwellings as a special use in the CD-3-character district and set a public hearing for August 9, 2021 on the same.
  • Consider resolution regarding Charter Amendment for changing the City Commission term of office.
  • Consider setting a special meeting for August 21, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. for City Manager interviews.
  • Consider approval of an ordinance to amend Chapter 10.05 and Chapter 91 Animals of the Code of Ordinances as postponed from the June 28, 2021 meeting.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:  

http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/board/city.commission/agendas/2021/7-12-21.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/82199053797?pwd=alVuL2pzNFdGbXhrK3ZncFVIVThJZz09

Passcode: 628352

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.

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.

Home Builders Car Show slated for July 10, 2021; road and parking lot closures

A City parking lot and several streets will be closed to accommodate the Home Builders Association of Central Michigan Car Show. Closures will take place on Saturday, July 10, 2021 between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Cars left in Parking Lot #3 and on the streets specified below will be towed, starting at 6 a.m. on July 10, to the City Hall parking lot, (320 W. Broadway Street.)

PARKING LOT CLOSURE:

  • Lot #3 (Town Center) 

STREET CLOSURES:

  • Broadway from Mosher to Lansing
  • Main from Mosher to Illinois (Michigan will remain open to through traffic.)
  • Court from Broadway to Mosher (There will still be access to parking lot #2.)  
  • University from Michigan to Broadway
  • Franklin from Michigan to Mosher

Mosher and Michigan will remain open to move traffic traveling east and west. Washington will remain open for north and southbound traffic.

Questions may be directed to Ryan Longoria, Director of Recreation and Sports at  rlongoria@mt-pleasant.org or (989) 779-5329.

Mt. Pleasant Fire Department Responds to Restaurant Fire

On July 3 at 8:25 pm, the Mount Pleasant Fire Department (MPFD) responded to a structure fire at Kuji Hibachi and Sushi, 5768 E. Pickard Rd.

Upon arrival crews observed smoke and flames emerging from the back of the structure. The fire began outside of the building, burned into a wall, and spread to the attic area. The restaurant was open at the time of the fire. All staff and customers were evacuated safely.

The building sustained moderate smoke damage and light structural damage to the rear corner and roof. The MPFD is investigating to determine the cause of the fire. 

The MPFD was assisted by MMR, Shepherd Tri-Township Fire Department, and the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Fire Department.