Mt. Pleasant Youth Police Academy Accepting Applications

The Youth Services Police Academy is scheduled for July 10 – 27, 2023, (Monday – Thursday) from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. This free program offers youth, going into grades 6-8 who have an interest in law enforcement, an up-close view of the skills and necessary training needed for law enforcement officials.

Mt. Pleasant Police Officers conduct the program in the manner of a real police academy with values such as teamwork, integrity, compassion and discipline being stressed. Cadets are required to participate in physical training and complete the same agility tests given to recruits during a standard police academy.

In addition to physical training, the daily curriculum includes: hands-on learning, field trips and demonstrations by specialized units such as the SWAT Team, K-9 and DNR. Classroom topics encompass crime scene investigations, traffic stops, marine patrol activities, defensive driving techniques, firearms safety, first aid and CPR, and much more.

Applications are now available at Mt. Pleasant Public Schools and the Division of Public Safety, 804 E. High Street, during 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The application deadline is June 2, 2023.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – April 24, 2023

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, April 24, 2023, 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:

8) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held April 10, 2023.

9) Enhanced Access to Public Records Policy and resolution setting fees for same.

10) Payrolls and Warrants.

Held a public hearing and approved the resolution in support of the Public Gathering Spaces Initiative grant application.

Adopted the proposed 2024 goals and objectives with the addition of adopting a climate change plan.

Held a work session discussion on the 2024-2029 Capital Improvement Plan.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:15 p.m.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – April 24, 2023

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, April 24, 2023 at 7 p.m.

  • Presentation recognizing 2023 Mt. Pleasant Citizens’ Academy participants.
  • 2022 Annual Report from Jim McBryde of Middle Michigan Development Corporation.
  • Public hearing on the Public Gathering Spaces Initiative grant proposal as required by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and approve resolution for the same.
  • Consider adoption of 2024 Goals and Objectives.
  • Presentation and discussion of 2024-2029 Capital Improvement Plan.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

How to follow public meetings:

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/89060906722?pwd=N2dXT3A2OVg4b28wTWR2UnozL0NDdz09

Meeting ID: 890 6090 6722

Passcode: 674072

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 – 4/10/2023

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, April 10, 2023, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Assistant Police Chief Bliss introduced and swore in Mt. Pleasant Police Officer Cole McGregor.

Approved the Agenda with the removal of Item #8, “Public Hearing To Amend Chapter 110: General Licensing of the Code of Ordinances.”

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

3) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held March 27, 2023.

4) Resolution authorizing an amendment to the Standard Lighting Contract with Consumers Energy for removing streetlights at no cost to the City at Packard and Pickard (M-20) for MDOT road reconstruction.

5) Budget amendment for downtown visual enhancements.

6) Received proposed 2024-2029 Capital Improvement Plan and set public hearing for May 22, 2023 on same.

7) Warrants and Payrolls.

City Manager Desentz gave a presentation on 2024 Goals and Objectives. No action taken. Request by Commission to add language on diversity and inclusion.

Adopted the proposed downtown master plan.

Set a public hearing for Monday, April 24, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. on the Public Gathering Spaces Initiative grant proposal as required by the MEDC.

Approved the Broadway Central concept as proposed for 2023 and allow staff to engage in discussion with business owners on the expansion of outdoor seating opportunities.

Adjourned the meeting at 8:12 p.m.

City to Offer No Fee Brush Chipping

UPDATE: April 24, 11a.m. – All 150 slots have been filled.

The City is offering 150 households, within the City limits, up to 30 minutes of no fee brush chipping during the week of May 8, 2023. Brush chipping will be completed at curbside only, no alleys. Reservations will be accepted beginning April 24 at 8:00 a.m. until April 28 at 4:30 p.m., or until all spots are filled.  

Reservations can be made in person at City Hall, calling the Division of Public Works, 989-779-5401 or emailing publicworks@mt-pleasant.org.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – April 10, 2023

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, April 10, 2023 at 7 p.m.

  • Public hearing on an ordinance to amend Chapter 110: General Licensing and consider approval of the same.
  • Presentation on 2024 Goals and Objectives and consider adoption.
  • Consider adoption of the 2023 downtown strategic plan.
  • Consider approval to continue with the 2022 hybrid approach for Broadway Central for the 2023 season and engage in discussions with business owners on expansion.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

How to follow public meetings:

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/87664798421?pwd=N09GTWhrR2VVRVFHMEFkMnhxTWRYQT09

Meeting ID: 876 6479 8421

Passcode: 414356

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.

City Receives MSHDA Grant for Home Exterior Improvement Projects

The City has been awarded a $75,000 Neighborhood Enhancement Program (NEP) grant through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA). The purpose of this grant is to boost neighborhood aesthetics, improve property values, and enhance safety and quality of life for residents. The City has also contributed $45,000 to this program, resulting in a total of $120,000 available for home exterior projects.

Since the program’s inception in 2020; 27 household improvement projects, totaling $233,511.41, have been completed. Finished projects include roof repairs, porch and deck replacements, as well as window and door installations.

Project selection criteria includes:

  • Homes must be located within the boundaries of Pickard, Bradley High and Mission Street.
  • Single-family, owner-occupied homes whose taxes are up to date.
  • Exterior projects only.
  • Household income at or below 120% median income.
  • No outstanding code violations.
  • No prior tax foreclosure on property within the city limits.
  • Properties who were awarded funds in 2022 are not eligible.
  • Minimum funding for a project is $1,000. 
  • City funding, increasing the project cost to $10,000 or above, will require the homeowner to make a $250 contribution, or file a lien.

Deadline for homeowners to apply is April 25, 2023. Grant funding applications can be found at

www.mt-pleasant.org/neighborhoods.  

Two Fires Plague Same Property

On April 3, 2023 at 8:58 p.m. the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department (MPFD) responded to a shed fire in the 3300 block of S. Isabella Road in Mt. Pleasant. This outbuilding was located behind the home that burned on April 2, 2023.

Upon arrival, crews observed the shed fully engulfed in flames. The fire was brought under control quickly. No injuries were sustained.

The MPFD is investigating the cause of the house and shed fires with the assistance of the Michigan State Police. If you have any information regarding these two incidents, please contact the Michigan State Police at (989) 773-5951. 

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

Fire Damages Mt. Pleasant Home

On April 2, 2023 at 8:52 p.m. the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department (MPFD) responded to a house fire in the 3300 block of S. Isabella Road in Mt. Pleasant.

Upon arrival, crews observed a single-story residence fully engulfed in flames. The fire was brought under control at 10:00 p.m. The house sustained heavy smoke, heat and fire damage, and is a complete loss. No one was in the structure at the time of the incident.

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, Mt. Pleasant Police Department, Michigan State Police, Mobile Medical Response and Isabella County Central Dispatch.

Election Day – May 2, 2023

On May 2, 2023 an election will be held to elect one individual to the Mt. Pleasant City Commission.

The candidate on the ballot is:  Bryan Chapman

For detailed voter registration and ballot information visit www.mi.gov/vote.

Precinct Consolidation:

Please note precinct locations for the May 2, 2023 election.

  • Precincts 1 & 2: Ganiard Elementary School, 101 S. Adams
  • Precincts 3 & 4: Pullen Elementary School, 251 S. Brown
  • Precinct 5: Vowles Elementary School, 1560 S. Watson

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, April 28, 2023. 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, April 28, 2023.

Absentee voting at the Clerk’s Office is available beginning Thursday, March 23, 2023 during regular business hours with additional hours on Saturday, April 29, 2023 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and on Monday, May 1, 2023 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Voter Registration:

If you are currently not registered to vote, you can register online at  https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/ or mail in the voter registration application found online. This must be completed by April 18, 2023.

After April 18, 2023 voter registration will be available at the City Clerk’s office. Please bring a proof of residency and a photo ID. This can be done until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 2, 2023.

Election Day Information

Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 2, 2023. Need a ride to and from the polls? I-Ride is offering free rides. Call (989) 772-9441 to schedule.