23: There are a few trees still available.)

The City of Mt. Pleasant plants a variety of trees in the city’s right-of-way as part of the Urban Forestry Plan. Residential and commercial property owners are eligible for one free tree per year, to be planted in the right of way in front of their property. The Street Department will determine the best location for the tree. Once planted, the property owner is asked to water the tree as directed, especially during the hot summer months, or long periods without rainfall.

To receive a free tree and have it planted in the Spring, fill out a Tree Application and return it to the Division of Public Works at 320 W. Broadway Street, by March 1, 2023. View the Tree Brochure below.

Residents who wish to plant their own tree in the right-of-way must obtain a permit from DPW. There is no charge for the permit, but there are a few tree species that are prohibited by city ordinance. For more information, please contact the Division of Public Works office at 989-779-5401.

Downtown Mt. Pleasant Customer Parking Enforcement Survey

As you are aware, the City of Mt. Pleasant has not enforced downtown parking since September 2019 due to the 6^th District, U.S. Court of Appeals ruling that chalking of tires was unconstitutional. A survey conducted at that time indicated the overwhelming majority of downtown businesses preferred the following:

Free (3) hour on-street parking.
Free, no time limit parking in all lots; with the exception of permit only Lots 7 and 8.

Recently, several business owners stated they would like the City to reconsider parking enforcement. Therefore, the City Commission is requesting downtown customers complete the survey found in the link below. This valuable input will help identify current views on parking enforcement.

Please submit your completed survey by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, February 3, 2023.

Thank you in advance for sharing your thoughts on this important matter.

Customer Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/89L6FPL

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – January 23, 2023

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, January 23, 2023, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Interim Fire Chief Doug Lobsinger introduced Code Enforcement Officer Michael Lopez.

City Manager Desentz provided a review of the 2022 Goals and Objectives.

Item #15b – Hazard Mitigation Plan Adoption Resolution was added to the Consent Calendar; and Item #20 – Consider closed session pursuant to subsection 8(1)(h) of the Open Meetings Act to discuss a written confidential legal opinion with the City Attorney was removed from the Agenda.

Approved the Agenda.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

8) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held January 9, 2023.

9) Resolution in support of final approval of TCO #1-2023.

10) Resolution in support of final approval of TCO #2-2023.

11) Received request to create an OPRA District to include the Mission-Pickard DDA boundary and set a public hearing for February 13, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.

12) Received proposed ordinance to amend Chapter 116 Subsection 03(B)(12) of Title XI of the City’s Code of Ordinances entitled “Electric Scooters/Skateboards” and set a public hearing for February 13, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.

13) Set a special meeting for discussion on goals and objectives for February 6, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at the Public Safety Bldg., 804 E. High St.

14) Set a special meeting for follow-up discussion on goals and objectives for March 6, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at the Public Safety Bldg., 804 E. High St.

15) Warrants and Payrolls.

15b) Resolution adopting the Isabella County Hazard Mitigation Plan.

Approved the updated guidelines/criteria for Neighborhood Enhancement Grants as part of the MSHDA and increased the project cap to $11,000; waived the requirement for 25% homeowner match on the projects, and issue refunds to those that paid the 25% match to ensure fair treatment among participants in Round 6.

Made appointments of City administrative officials to boards and commissions.

Made appointments of City Commissioners to boards and commissions.

Made appointments of City Commissioners to City standing and special committees.

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

Conducted a Work Session discussion regarding the International Property Management Code.

Adjourned the meeting at 8:40 p.m.

Mt. Pleasant Fire Department Responds to House Fire

On January 20, 2023 at 6:34 p.m. the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department (MPFD) responded to a house fire on River Road in Union Township.

Upon arrival, crews observed a single-story residence with heavy flames and smoke coming from the attached garage. The fire was brought under control at 7:11 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 Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Fire Department, Deerfield Township Fire Department, Shepherd Tri-Township Fire Department, Mobile Medical Response and Isabella County Central Dispatch.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – January 23, 2023

Here are the topics to watch at the next in-person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, January 23, 2023 at 7 p.m.

Presentation by City Manager on 2022 Goals and Objectives.
Receive request to create an Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act (OPRA) District to include the Mission-Pickard DDA boundary and set a public hearing for February 13, 2023 on the same.
Receive an ordinance to amend Chapter 116 Subsection 03(B)(12) of Title XI: Business Regulations of the City’s Code Entitled, “Electric Scooters/Skateboards” and set a public hearing for February 13, 2023.
Presentation and discussion on Property Standards.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

Click to access 1-23-23.pdf

How to follow public meetings:

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/82176923890?pwd=cVJLdGdtYS9KN3dmZTY3NmkyL2lUUT09

Meeting ID: 821 7692 3890

Passcode: 697577

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

Bryan Chapman bchapman@mt-pleasant.org

Maureen Eke meke@mt-pleasant.org

Amy Perschbacher aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org

Boomer Wingard bwingard@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 – January 9, 2023

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, January 9, 2023 at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

City Clerk Bouck administered the Oath of Office to Mary Alsager and Boomer Wingard for the term January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2026.

Commissioner Perschbacher was elected Mayor for 2023.

Commissioner Alsager was elected Vice Mayor for 2023.

Approved Resolution Setting Time and Day of Regular Meetings.

Mayor Perschbacher read and presented proclamation in support of Peacemaking Recognition Day “January 16, 2023” to Laura Gourlay of Mount Pleasant Public Schools.

Accepted the agenda as presented.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

5) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held December 12, 2022.

6) Isabella County Hazard Management Plan as presented.

Adjourned the meeting at 7:17 p.m.

Sergeant Dave VanDyke to Retire from MPPD

Sergeant Dave VanDyke will be retiring on January 21, after more than 26 years of service to the Mt. Pleasant Police Department (MPPD). A graduate of the Delta Police Academy, Dave initially joined the city as a seasonal park ranger before being hired as a full-time police officer. He later served as Public Information Officer (PIO) interfacing with both the community and media. VanDyke was ultimately promoted to Sergeant, following in the footsteps of his father, Sergeant Wayne VanDyke who retired from the MPPD in 1991.

VanDyke was heavily involved in the MPPD’s training programs, serving as both a firearms and defensive tactics instructor. He was a crime scene investigator for 25 years, an evidence technician, and was a member of the Traffic Enforcement Team and a team leader on the Emergency Services Team, on which he served for 22 years.

Reflecting on his career with the MPPD, VanDyke observed, “I have had a multitude of memorable moments, many of which were tragic high-profile cases. But the one constant was the dedication and extreme effort put forth by members of the MPPD.” He continued, “It is a challenging job, but being part of our committed public safety team was very rewarding. I look forward to our new recruits being able to experience this same feeling of camaraderie.”

“During his impressive tenure with the MPPD, Dave has remained steadfast in his service to law enforcement and our community, Director Paul Lauria recalled. “Throughout his many special assignments and at times, tragic cases, Dave exhibited both compassion and an unwavering drive to solve a case.” Lauria added, “Dave continuously valued the importance of training. He served as a respected firearms and defensive tactics instructor to help refine the skills of our officers. This, along with Dave’s tireless service on our Emergency Services Team, were vital assets to our department. His expertise and commitment will certainly be missed.”

In retirement, VanDyke will pursue another position where he can continue to serve his community.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – January 9, 2023

Here are the topics to watch at the next in-person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, January 9, 2023 at 7 p.m.

Administer Oath of Office to Commissioners Alsager and Wingard
Election of Mayor and Vice Mayor.
Consider approval of the Isabella County Hazard Management Plan.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

Click to access E-Packet%20for%20January%209,%202023–.pdf

How to follow public meetings:

To participate via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88933630594?pwd=Y01VNldDNjFiTnlTK1VnY2hxaFgyZz09

Meeting ID: 889 3363 0594

Passcode: 538251

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.

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

Bryan Chapman bchapman@mt-pleasant.org

Maureen Eke meke@mt-pleasant.org

Amy Perschbacher aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org

Boomer Wingard bwingard@mt-pleasant.org

Your Help Needed in the MPPD’s Polar Plunge Challenge

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department (MPPD) is taking the plunge to benefit Special Olympics Michigan athletes.

We need your help in raising $15,000. Once that goal is met, MPPD Command Officers will take the chilly dive at the Polar Plunge event, scheduled for 12 p.m. on February 11, 2023 at the Wayside/O’Kelly’s parking lot.

How can you help?

Just visit https://give.classy.org/mtppd to make your donation and help the MPPD reach its $15,000 goal. Gifts of any amount are welcome.

Cash and check donations are also accepted. Checks can be made payable to Special Olympics of Michigan, with “MPPD Polar Plunge” notated on the memo line. Donations can be mailed or delivered to:

Division of Public Safety

ATTN: MPPD Polar Plunge

804 E. High St.

Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858

Don’t miss the opportunity to help Special Olympics of Michigan, and witness Paul Lauria, Brandon Bliss and Mike Williams take their icy plunge. Donate today.