Month: July 2022

Mt. Pleasant Youth Police Academy Graduates 21st Class

Cadets from the Mt. Pleasant Police Department’s 21st Youth Police Academy recently celebrated their graduation with their law enforcement mentors, family and friends. Those in attendance enjoyed comments from academy leader Officer Josh Theisen, and retired educator and coach Denny LaFleur who served as keynote speaker.

For the past three weeks these sixth through eighth grade cadets learned what it takes to become a law enforcement official; integrity, trust, leadership, compassion, and the ability to quickly assess a situation. All of this is in addition to the rigorous physical requirements of the job. By completing a series of hands-on training sessions and classroom instruction, cadets realized how much knowledge and fitness a police officer must possess to perform their job.

Cadet Andrew Moutsatson, Mt. Pleasant Middle School 6th grader shared, “During the academy I learned to believe in myself and push through challenging tasks. I was surprised at the many responsibilities a police officer has, and all of the paperwork they have to complete. It was very nice of the police officers to take time to teach us,” he continued. “They were all very kind, caring and helpful. I know Officer Theisen will be there to help me with many things when I am in the middle school.”

Mt. Pleasant Middle School 8th grader Chloe Churchman graduated from the academy last year and returned this year as a cadet instructor. She originally learned about the academy through her school. “The Youth Police Academy made me a better person due to its discipline and challenges it provided,” Chloe stated. “The police officers teaching the academy are real people and they are very kind, considerate and caring. Besides learning so much about law enforcement, it was wonderful to get to know the officers personally, and know they are here to help us in so many ways.”

The Youth Police Academy is a free program which offers sixth to eighth grade youth an up-close view of the skills and necessary training needed for law enforcement officials. Applications for this summer program are distributed through the schools in May and also available at the Division of Public Safety, 804 E. High Street, Mt. Pleasant.

Gratitude is extended to the Central Michigan University Police Department, Isabella County Sheriff Department, Michigan State Police, Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Police Department, Saginaw Police Department, DNR, MMR, Mt. Pleasant Fire Department, and Isabella County Central Dispatch who also shared their expertise with the cadets throughout this program.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – July 25, 2022

Chief of Police Lauria introduced and swore in Police Officer Mike Williams.

Mt. Pleasant Schools Superintendent Jennifer Verleger gave a presentation regarding the school resource officer program and additional services needed.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

5) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held July 11, 2022.

6) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held July 11, 2022.

7) Awarded contract to Denali Construction of Mt. Pleasant, MI and budget amendment for the Nelson Park shop renovation project.

8) Awarded contract to Denali Construction of Mt. Pleasant, MI for Island Park Restroom addition.

9) Received proposed ordinance amendment to §154.410.B.4 of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances regarding registered student organization dwellings and set a public hearing for August 22, 2022.

10) Received proposed ordinance amendment to §154.410.C.2.B and Table 154.410.A of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances regarding group “B” special regulated uses and set a public hearing for August 22, 2022.

11) Warrants and Payrolls.

Approved a budget amendment for the purchase, setup and installation of Microsoft Office 365 and Barracuda SPAM and web filtering services.

Condolence letter which has been sent to Sister City Okaya, Japan was read aloud.

Approved and conducted a closed session.

Adjourned the meeting at 8:25 p.m.

Crapo Street Reconstruction Project to Begin August 1

The Crapo Street reconstruction project (between Broadway and High Street) is scheduled to begin on August 1 with an anticipated completion date of October 22, 2022. During this time, asphalt pavement, curbs and gutters, and water main will be removed and replaced. There will be partial sidewalk replacements completed and a section of new sidewalk installed. The street will be reconstructed at the same width and re-striped to shift parking to the west side of the street.   

Street Closure and Access

Crapo Street will be closed to thru traffic between Broadway and High Street for the duration of the project. Residents will have direct access off of Crapo Street except when work is being done on their driveways and during asphalt paving operations. The Contractor (McGuirk Sand & Gravel of Mt. Pleasant) 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.

Residents on Illinois and Heritage Court will have direct access from their homes off of Crapo Street, except when work is being done at the intersection of Illinois and Crapo.

Entrances to The Laurels, DaVita Dialysis, and the medical professional buildings on Crapo Street will remain open.

Trash Collection: Residents should write their address on all trash cans and recycling bins and place those containers out for collection no later than 7 a.m. on Thursday. The contractor is responsible for moving trash and recycle bins to pre-designated collection areas and returning the containers to property owners after collection. The contractor is not responsible for moving trash and recycling containers if items are not out for pick-up by 7 a.m. on Thursday.

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: 

Bill Ernst, Engineering Tech                City of Mt. Pleasant                (989) 779-5406

Stacie Tewari, City Engineer               City of Mt. Pleasant                (989) 779-5404

Topics to Watch at the Hybrid Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – July 25, 2022

Here are the topics to watch at the next in-person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, July 25, 2022 at 7 p.m.

  • Presentation from Mt. Pleasant Public Schools Superintendent Jennifer Verleger regarding school resource officer program.
  • Receive an ordinance to amend section 154.410.B.4 of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances regarding registered student organization dwellings and set a public hearing for August 22, 2022 on the same.
  • Receive an ordinance to amend section 154.410.C.2.B and Table 154.410.A of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances regarding group “B” special regulated uses and set a public hearing for August 22, 2022 on the same.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

Click to access 7-25-22.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/84998825857?pwd=MXFJQzVsemEzYzlXeWhUbnNzY3Y2Zz09

Meeting ID: 849 9882 5857

Passcode: 677616

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.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – July 11, 2022

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, July 11, 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:

2) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held June 27, 2022.

3) Resolution authorizing Michigan Art and Cultural Council 2023 arts project mini-grant submission for painting the intersections.

4) Appointed Sarah Parrott as the Officer Delegate and Susanne Gandy as the alternate to represent the City at the 2022 MERS Annual Meeting.

5) Purchase of a Vacall 2023 model street sweeper through the Sourcewell government purchasing program.

6) Purchase of a Ventrac 2023 model tractor from Spartan Distributors.

7) Warrants and Payrolls.

Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1082, an Ordinance to amend §154.410.B.4 and table 154.410.A of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances regarding child care centers and group day care homes.

Adopted the 2023 goals and objectives as presented.

Consensus of the Commission to provide a land acknowledgement resolution for adoption at a future meeting and statement to be read prior to each meeting going forward.

Discussed enforcement, speed limits, geography and attorney opinion in regards to the Motor Vehicle Code. Director Lauria will consult with the Michigan State Police and report his findings to the Commission.

Approved and conducted a closed session pursuant to Section 8(1)E of the Open Meetings Act to consult with the City Attorney regarding trial or settlement strategy in connection with pending litigation in Pure Releaf N Union LLC v City of Mount Pleasant, 20-16511; Cedjo Services & N-East Services v City of Mount Pleasant, 20-16504; and Cary Investments v City of Mount Pleasant, Court of Appeals Case No. 357862, for the reason that an open meeting would have detrimental financial effect on the litigating or settlement position of the City; and, pursuant to MCL 15.268(1)(h), discuss written confidential legal opinions with the City Attorney which are exempt from disclosure by state or federal statute.

Adjourned the meeting at 8:59 p.m.

Topics to Watch at the Hybrid Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – July 11, 2022

Here are the topics to watch at the next in-person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, July 11, 2022 at 7 p.m.

  • Public hearing on an ordinance to amend section 154.410.B.4 and table 154.410.A of the Mt. Pleasant Code of Ordinances regarding child care centers and group day care homes and consider approval of the same.
  • Presentation of 2023 Goals and Objectives and consider adoption.
  • Discussion on engine braking and/or noise restrictions.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

Click to access 7-11-22.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/85474646764?pwd=VmU5dW9VVlBVR0xCaGFOWUtDZm9TQT09

Meeting ID: 854 7464 6764

Passcode: 562428

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.

Home Builders Car Show Slated for July 9, 2022

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 9, 2022 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 9, 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 House Fire

On July 5 at 6:57 p.m., the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department (MPFD) responded to a house fire at the 1700 block of West Broadway Street. 

Upon arrival, crews observed a two-story residence with flames and smoke coming from the rear of the structure. The fire was brought under control at 7:15 p.m. The house sustained heavy smoke, heat and fire damage.

The occupants of the residence were home at the time of the incident and safely exited the structure.

The MPFD is investigating the cause of the fire.       

The Mt. Pleasant Fire Department was assisted by the Mt. Pleasant Police Department, Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Fire Department and Isabella County Central Dispatch.

Election Day – August 2, 2022

On August 2, 2022 a primary election will be held to narrow the candidates for the November ballot. Voters must vote either Democrat or Republican in this primary election.

Offices on the ballot include: Governor, Representative in the 2nd District for Congress, State Senator for the 34th District, Representative in State Legislature for the 92nd District, County Road Commissioner, County Commissioner and Delegates to the County Convention.

A proposal for the Medical Care Facility’s Operations, Maintenance and Capital Cost Millage is also on the ballot.

Voter ID Cards Mailed:

In late May/early June every registered voter in the City received a new voter ID card in the mail. These cards include the updated voting precinct, congressional, legislative and county district information. On Election Day, Tuesday, August 2, 2022 voters should go to the precinct noted on this updated ID card.

City of Mt. Pleasant Voting Precincts (Effective August 2022):

Precinct 1: Ganiard Elementary School, 101 South Adams Street

Precinct 2: Kinney Elementary School, 720 North Kinney Street

Precinct 3: Pullen Elementary School, 251 South Brown Street

Precinct 4: Fancher Elementary School, 801 South Kinney Avenue

Precinct 5: Vowles Elementary School, 1560 South Watson Street

Absentee Voter Counting Board: Mt. Pleasant City Hall, 320 W. Broadway Street

Mt. Pleasant High School is no longer a voting precinct due to the high amount of scheduled extracurricular activities and limited convenient parking. 

Voter Registration:

Individuals who are not currently registered to vote can register online at https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/ or mail in the voter registration application found online. This must be completed by July 18, 2022 to vote in the August 2, 2022 primary election. Residents may also visit www.mi.gov/vote to confirm voting precincts.

Permanent Absentee Voters:

Permanent absentee voters have been mailed an application for a ballot. If you wish to vote in this election you must return the application by 5 p.m. on Friday, July 29, 2022. 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 Friday, July 29, 2022.  Visit https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us to request an absentee ballot online.

Absentee voting at the Clerk’s Office is now available during regular business hours with additional hours on Saturday, July 30, 2022 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and on Monday, August 1, 2022 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Election Day Information

Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 2, 2022. 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.