Suspect in Custody Following Domestic Violence Call – No Risk to the Public

On May 31, 2022 at approximately 11:07 a.m. officers from the Mt. Pleasant Police Department (MPPD) responded to an aggravated domestic violence call on the City of Mt. Pleasant’s southwest side.

The suspect, a 23-year-old male, fled the scene prior to the 911 call. Upon arrival, MPPD officers located the suspect’s vehicle at a nearby apartment complex. The suspect was located, taken into custody, and lodged at the Isabella County Jail.

This was an isolated and targeted incident and there is no risk to the public.

Anyone with further information are asked to contact the Mt. Pleasant Police Department’s Anonymous Tip Line at 989-779-9111 or Central Dispatch 989-773-1000. This is an ongoing and open investigation.

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department was assisted by the Isabella County Sheriff’s Department, MINT, Central Michigan University Police Department, Mobile Medical Response, Isabella County Central Dispatch and Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Police Department.

Summary of Minutes from the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – May 23, 2022

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, May 23, 2022, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Item #15 “Board and Commission Appointments as recommended by the Appointments Committee” was added to the agenda under New Business.

Approved the Agenda with the addition of Item #15.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

5) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held May 9, 2022.

6) Bid of Krapohl Ford of Mt. Pleasant, MI for the purchase of two Utility Vehicles.

7) Resolution in support of pedicab business licensing fees.

8) Renewal of Facility Agreement with Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan for cabin located in Chipp-A-Waters Park.

10) Budget amendment from carryover funds for groundskeeping and signage for the downtown parking lots.

11) Acceptance of $40,000 from the MSHDA for a neighborhood enhancement grant; authorized the Mayor to execute the necessary documents and allocated an additional $30,000 from the HODAG funds.

12) Warrants and Payrolls.

Held a public hearing on the proposed 2023-2028 CIP. No action required at this time.

Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1081, an Ordinance to amend §154.410.B.4. of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances to reference numeric limits for adult-use marihuana establishments and medical marihuana facilities.

Held a public hearing on Phase II Project Plan for upgrades at the Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) and approved Resolution adopting a final project plan for water and wastewater system improvements and designated an authorized project representative for the CWSRF application.

Made appointments to the Planning Commission and the Parks and Recreation Commission as recommended by the Appointments Committee.

Adjourned the meeting at 8:09 p.m.

Live Radio Show Discussing City News Broadcast on WMHW-FM

Infrastructure, upcoming events, public safety, elections and more are discussed on “Mt. Pleasant City Connect”. This live 30-minute radio show, produced by WMHW-FM, features City of Mt. Pleasant staff sharing the latest City news and updates.

During the summer “Mt. Pleasant City Connect” is broadcast at 1 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday’s of the month. To listen tune into 91.5 FM or live stream at www.wmhw.org.

Mt. Pleasant City Connect Broadcast Schedule

June 1: Guest – Aaron Desentz, City Manager

June 15: Guest – Heather Bouck, City Clerk

July 6: Guest – Phil Biscorner, Director of Parks and Public Spaces

Road Closures for Paint the Pavement Event – June 4, 2022

Art Reach of Mid Michigan is hosting its annual “Paint the Pavement” event on Saturday, June 4, 2022. This year, members of the Mt. Pleasant community will start painting three intersections at 10 a.m. The intersections are: Broadway and Main; Broadway and University; Broadway and Franklin.

The following streets will be closed or have limited access from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. on June 4.

Broadway Street will be closed from Franklin Street to Main Street.

Limited Access:

Main Street from Michigan to Broadway.
University Street from Michigan to Broadway.
Court Street from Mosher to Broadway.
Franklin Street from Michigan to Mosher.

All cars parked on the streets noted above must be moved by 3 a.m. on June 4 to avoid being towed.

Nominating Petitions for City Commissioner Seats Available

Nominating petitions for the office of City Commissioner are available at the Clerk’s office at City Hall, 320 W. Broadway Street, from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Completed nominating petitions may be filed with the City Clerk starting Monday, June 27, 2022. The deadline to file is 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 26, 2022.

Two (2) City Commission positions are available for the term January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2025. The terms of current Commissioners Mary Alsager and George Ronan are expiring December 31, 2022.

The city election will take place on Tuesday, November 8, 2022.

Topics to Watch at the Hybrid Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – May 23, 2022

Here are the topics to watch at the next in-person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, May 23, 2022 at 7 p.m.

Consider resolution in support of recommended pedicab business licensing fees.

Consider acceptance of $40,000 from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) for a neighborhood enhancement grant, authorize the Mayor to execute the necessary documents, and approve the allocation of additional funds.

Public hearing on proposed 2023-2028 Capital Improvement Plan.

Public hearing on an ordinance to amend section 154.410.B.4. of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances to reference numeric limits for recreational marihuana establishments and medical marihuana facilities and consider approval of the same.

Public hearing on Phase II Project Plan for upgrades at the Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) and consider resolution adopting a final project plan for water and wastewater system improvements and designating an authorized project representative for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) application.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

Click to access 5-23-22.pdf

How to follow public meetings:

In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, the City Commission Meeting will be held in person in the City Chambers/City Hall (320 W. Broadway Street) with virtual attendance options as well. Non-voting participants 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.

If a virtual option becomes unavailable due to technical difficulties, the meeting will continue as scheduled. Residents who would like to provide a comment during the appropriate time are welcome to come to the meeting at City Hall, or email their statement to comments@mt-pleasant.org.

To participate via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81490009639?pwd=S3ZrYzNkUkFqbGp0Qk5CQ0RYYkJxZz09

Meeting ID: 814 9000 9639

Passcode: 185618

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.

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

Members of the public are asked to provide their name and address with any comments.
Comments/Questions may be sent ahead of the meeting, or during the meeting via email to comment@mt-pleasant.org. Comments sent via email will be read aloud to the Commission during the public comment period.

Individual commissioners can be contacted at the following email addresses:

Mary Alsager malsager@mt-pleasant.org

Brian Assmann bassmann@mt-pleasant.org

Elizabeth Busch ebusch@mt-pleasant.org

Olivia Cyman ocyman@mt-pleasant.org

Maureen Eke meke@mt-pleasant.org

Amy Perschbacher aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org

George Ronan gronan@mt-pleasant.org

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.

EGLE’s Water Service Line Verification Underway

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) revised the lead and copper rule for community drinking water, requiring municipalities to gather and update water service line material information for all structures connected to the distribution system. This has been an ongoing project for the City of Mt. Pleasant’s Water Department.

Starting the week of May 16, 2022 material verification will take place north of Broadway Street and west of Harris Street. During this process the water department will be digging down to the water service in the right of way. Once the water line material is identified (likely plastic or copper) the area will be backfilled and restored with topsoil and seed. Water service will not be interrupted. Households in future verification areas throughout the city will be notified with door hangars as the time draws closer.

This work is being funded by a grant from the State of Michigan and insures compliance with the state’s lead and copper rule. Although the city does not know of any lead services that currently exist in the water distribution system, this process will verify the current inventory. If you have any questions about this process please call the Division of Public Works at 989-779-5400.

Marihuana Facility and Establishment Limits Lifted – Effective June 8, 2022 (UPDATED 6/8/2022)

UPDATE 6/8/2022: The City has received a referendum petition relating to the recreational marihuana ordinance which was adopted by the City Commission on May 9, 2022. In accordance with the City Charter, implementation of the ordinance is paused pending petition review. The City has up to 20 days to review the submitted petition. Updates will be provided when available.

MAY 2022 POST: The Mt. Pleasant City Commission recently adopted amendments to Chapter 112 (Medical Marihuana Facilities) and Chapter 115 (Recreational Marihuana Establishments) of the Mt. Pleasant City Code. These amendments eliminate caps on the number of medical marihuana facilities and recreational establishments eligible for licensing by the City. These amendments are effective June 8, 2022.

The City will begin accepting new applications for Provisioning Centers, Retailers, Growers, and Microbusinesses on June 8, 2022. Applicants must be prequalified by the State of Michigan. All marihuana businesses are subject to operational and location criteria contained in the City of Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinance, including buffers from K-12 schools and the Central Michigan University campus.

Processor, Secure Transporter, and Safety Compliance license types were not previously subject to a numeric cap and the City continues to accept applications for those facilities and establishments. The City does not allow Designated Consumption Establishments or Class A Microbusinesses.

Updated information regarding marihuana licensing can be found at www.mt-pleasant.org/marihuana. Below are FAQ’s for medical and recreational marihuana.

medical-marihuana-facilities-faqs_may-2022 Download

recreational-marihuana-facilities-faqs_may-2022 Download

www.mt-pleasant.org/marihuana.

Summary of Minutes from the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – May 9, 2022

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, May 9, 2022, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Approved the agenda as presented.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

9) Minutes of the special meeting of the CC held April 18, 2022.

10) Minutes of the regular meeting of the CC held April 25, 2022.

11) Bid of Peerless Midwest of Ionia, MI for the Well #6 Rehabilitation Project.

12) Bid of National Restoration, Inc. of Milford, MI for Building Crack Seal and Masonry Repair Project at DPS.

13) Resolution extending conditional approval of a Medical Marihuana Class C Grow Operation for Absolute Royale, Inc.

14) Resolution extending conditional approval of an Adult-Use Marihuana Class C Grow Operation for Absolute Royale, Inc.

15) Set a special meeting for follow-up discussion on 2023 goals and objectives for June 15, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. at DPS.

16) Warrants and Payrolls.

Held a public hearing on the CDBG Water Related Infrastructure Program and adopted the resolution authorizing the grant application and funds for this project.

Held a public hearing and adopted the resolution authorizing the grant application and commit the local matching funds for the MEDC Revitalization and Placemaking Grant proposal.

Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1078, an Ordinance to amend Title XI: BUSINESS REGULATIONS, Chapter 110. GENERAL LICENSING to allow for and regulate the operation of pedicabs within the City.

Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1079, an Ordinance to amend Title XI: BUSINESS REGULATIONS, Chapter 112. Medical Marihuana Facilities of the Mt. Pleasant Code of Ordinances.

Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1080, an Ordinance to amend Title XI: BUSINESS REGULATIONS, Chapter 115. Recreational Marihuana Facilities of the Mt. Pleasant Code of Ordinances with the inclusion of §115.08 POLICY REVIEW IN 2023.

Approved a modified plan for Broadway Central for the 2022 season and budget amendment for same.

Approved a budget amendment for MERS contribution and Fire Truck Replacement.

Approved the resolution to authorize the issuance of $8.5m of General Obligation Bonds for WRRF upgrades.

Awarded contract for WRRF Phase I Upgrades to RCL Construction Co. of Sanford, MI.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:07 p.m.

Brown Street Reconstruction Project to Begin May 31, 2022

The Brown Street reconstruction project (North Drive to High Street) is scheduled to begin on May 31 with an anticipated completion date of August 12, 2022. 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. A new storm sewer sump pump drain will be installed behind the curb between South Drive and High Street, which will then be connected to existing storm sewer structures.

Street Closure and Access

Brown Street will be closed to thru traffic between North Drive and High 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 and during asphalt paving operations. 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.

Entrances to McLaren Central Hospital and the Isabella County Medical Care Facility will be open at North Drive, Thomas Street and South Drive. The Brown Street entrances will be closed during construction.

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.

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