Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, October 24, 2022, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.
Received petitions and communications.
Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:
7) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held October 10, 2022.
8) Resolution in support of fees related to electric scooters and/or skateboards.
9) Approved CBD/TIFA Façade Improvement Program.
10) Approved agreement with CMU for copier leases.
11) Warrants and Payrolls.
Held a public hearing on the necessity of the public improvement; and approved resolution #3 to proceed with improvements; consider resolution #4 to accept the special assessment roll and set a public hearing for Monday, November 14, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. regarding said roll for Special Assessment District #3-22.
Received draft PILOT Policy.
Conducted a Work Session discussion on 2023 Operating Budget.
Here are the topics to watch at the next in-person, as well asvirtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, October 24, 2022 at 7 p.m.
Mid-Michigan Aquatic Recreational Authority update provided by John Zang.
Consider resolution in support of fees related to electric scooters and/or skateboards.
Consider Central Business District Tax Increment Finance Authority (CBD TIFA) Facade Improvement Program.
Public hearing on the necessity of the public improvement, consider resolution #3 to proceed with improvements; consider resolution #4 to accept the special assessment roll and set a public hearing for November 14, 2022 regarding said roll for Special Assessment District #3-22.
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.
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:
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.
Ladies’ Day Out is scheduled for Saturday, November 12, 2022 and is poised to be another great event in downtown Mt. Pleasant. And, a wonderful opportunity to conquer that holiday shopping list.
Big prizes. Rather than smaller raffle prizes being distributed, attendees will have the opportunity to win $250, $500 or $1,000 in downtown gift certificates. Individuals can stop by the Broadway Theatre from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. to register to win these notable prizes.
Questions: Contact Downtown Development Director Michelle Sponseller at msponseller@mt-pleasant.org or (989) 779-5348.
Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, October 10, 2022, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.
City Clerk administered the Oath of Office to newly appointed City Commissioner Bryan Chapman.
Mayor Perschbacher read and presented a Proclamation recognizing Indigenous People’s Day – October 10, 2022. The Onion Creek Drummers performed the Drum Ceremony.
Approved the Agenda as presented.
Received petitions and communications.
Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:
4) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held September 26, 2022.
5) Contract with Great Lakes Concrete Restoration Inc. of Troy/Prudenville, MI for the Apparatus Bay Floor Restoration Project.
6) Warrants and Payrolls.
Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1085, an ordinance to add a Chapter 116 to Title XI: Business Regulations of the City of Mt. Pleasant Code of Ordinances entitled “Electric Scooters/Skateboards”.
Approved resolution for the expansion of the Development District and revised Off-Premise and On-Premise Liquor License Policy.
Adopted Resolutions #1 and #2 To Commence Proceedings For Special Assessment, Tentatively Determine The Necessity, And Set A Public Hearing For October 24, 2022, Regarding the Necessity of Special Assessment District #3-22.
Mayor Perschbacher appointed Commissioner Liz Busch to the Principal Shopping District Board to replace Commissioner Ronan.
Conducted a Work Session on the 2023 Operating Budget.
MT. PLEASANT, MI – Director of Public Safety/Police Chief Paul Lauria recently announced personnel changes within the Mt. Pleasant Police Department (MPPD). Effective November 4, 2022, Assistant Police Chief Andy Latham will retire after 26 years of service to the department. Lieutenant Brandon Bliss has been promoted to Assistant Police Chief and will assume his new duties on November 6, 2022.
Director Lauria stated, “There is much to celebrate with these recent personnel changes. It is wonderful to witness a dedicated and successful law enforcement official like Assistant Police Chief Latham achieve retirement. His commitment to our profession and department is truly appreciated and we thank him for his service. It is a bonus,” Lauria continued, “to have the ability to promote a highly qualified individual like Brandon Bliss up through the departmental ranks to fill the role of Assistant Police Chief. Since joining the MPPD in 2008, Brandon has exhibited a strong work ethic and dedication. He will do well in his new role.”
During his tenure with the MPPD, Assistant Police Chief Andy Latham progressed through the ranks of Officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain and Assistant Police Chief.
Special assignments included serving on the Isabella County Traffic Team, Bayanet, Youth Services Unit, and the Mt. Pleasant Fire Technical Rescue Team. He was also a Motor Operator, Arson Investigator and Commander of the Emergency Services Unit.
Andy has long taken pride in assisting his community by organizing MPPD volunteer activities including: Toys for Tots, Shop with a Cop, Shop with a Hero, Christmas Outreach, helping the Strickler Center Food Pantry, as well as preparing and serving food for the Isabella County Restoration House.
As Andy shared, “I am very fortunate to have spent my career at the MPPD. I have been encouraged and motivated to refine and grow my skill set.” During his law enforcement years, Andy completed multiple Michigan State Police Supervisory Courses, as well as graduated from the Grand Rapids Police Executive Leadership Institute, and the FBI National Academy. This is in addition to his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Columbia Southern University.
Reflecting on his MPPD experiences Andy observed, “I have had the pleasure of working with many noble men and women over the decades. Our community is fortunate to have a Division of Public Safety populated with men and women who are courageous, caring and are deserving of continued gratitude and support. As I retire from the law enforcement profession,” He added, “I do so with great memories, lasting friendships and no regrets. It has been my pleasure to serve the Mt. Pleasant community alongside a talented and committed Public Safety team.”
Andy’s immediate retirement plans include assuming the role of Dean of Students/Athletic Director for Sacred Heart Academy in Mt. Pleasant.
In assuming his new position, Brandon Bliss possesses more than 17 years of law enforcement experience, with 14 of these years with the MPPD. During his time with the department he has served as a Lieutenant, Sergeant, Youth Services Unit Officer, team leader for the Emergency Services Team, lead Sergeant for the Field Training Program and held union leadership roles with the Police Officers Association of Michigan and the Command Officers Association of Michigan.
Brandon obtained a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Saginaw Valley State University and a master’s degree in Public Administration from Central Michigan University. Throughout his career he has also completed Michigan State University’s First Line Supervision Program as well as attending various other supervisory and leadership schools.
In regards to his new role Brandon shared, “There have been many exemplary leaders at the MPPD over the years. I look forward to carrying on that long tradition of excellence. I am even more excited to help and support a great group of officers who serve our community, in multiple ways, with integrity, pride and compassion.”
Leaves from High and Pickard Streets will be collected with the sweeper by the end of the day on Monday, December 5, 2022. Leaf collection for the remainder of the city has been completed for 2022.
Updated 11/4/2022: Monday, November 7, 2022 leaf pick-up for specific streets.
Due to the large volume of leaves that have been placed out for collection this week, leaf pick-up will continue on Monday, November 7, 2022 for properties within the boundaries of the following streets: Oak to Mission and Pickard to Bellows. Future leaf collection pick up-dates are the weeks of November 14 and November 28.
Updated 10/21/2022: Crapo Street Leaf Pick-Up Guidance
As the temperatures cool, and the trees start to show their vibrant colors, residents and landscaping companies are reminded to not rake leaves into the streets until the week of October 24. City staff will make one sweep through the entire City during pick up weeks. Therefore, leaves should be raked into low piles before Monday of pick up weeks and not cover catch basins.
On High and Pickard Streets, where high traffic volume prohibits leaves in the street, residents and landscaping companies should rake the leaves onto the rights-of-way, between the curb and sidewalk. Those who live on streets other than High and Pickard must place their leaves in the street. If you live on a boulevard, do not place leaves in the median, place them in front of your home.
Residents on Crapo Street should place leaves in the right of way, and not in the street, due to the construction project. Households on Heritage and Illinois Court should place their leaves in the street as normal.
Yard waste bags should not be used, this collection is for leaves only. Leaf piles must not contain garden or shrubbery clippings, dead grass, branches, trim board or other material.
Residents who wish to rake their yards ahead of the City’s collection schedule may bag and dispose of the leaves for a fee at the Material Recovery Facility, located at 4208 E. River Rd., Mt. Pleasant. Leaves may also be mulched with a mulching lawnmower.
The City’s 2022 leaf collection schedule is as follows:
Week of October 31: Staff will collect leaves in a City-wide sweep.
Week of November 14: Staff will collect leaves in a City-wide sweep.
Week of November 28: Final collection of leaves in a City-wide sweep. Any leaves left in the street after the crews have made their final pass will not be collected and are the responsibility of the homeowner.
Questions may be directed to the Division of Public Works, 989-779-5401.
Here are the topics to watch at the next in-person, as well asvirtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, October 10, 2022 at 7 p.m.
Administer Oath of Office to Commissioner Bryan Chapman.
Proclamation recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day (October 10, 2022).
Public hearing on an ordinance to add a Chapter 116 to Title XI: Business Regulations of the City’s Code entitled “Electric Scooters/Skateboards” and consider approval of the same.
Consider resolution in support of expanding the Development District (DDA) license development district and revised Off-Premise and On-Premise Liquor License Policy.
Consider resolutions #1 and #2 to commence the proceedings for special assessment, tentatively determine the necessity and set a public hearing for October 24, 2022 regarding the necessity of Special Assessment District #3-22.
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.
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:
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 
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