Month: June 2023

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – June 26, 2023

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, June 26, 2023, 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:

6) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held June 12, 2023.

7) One-year extension to the Municipal Recycling Curbside Collection Services contract with MMI of Mt. Pleasant, MI.

8) Contract with Gateway Refrigeration of Clare, MI for replacement of two boilers serving the Public Safety Building and accompanying budget amendment.

9) Payrolls and Warrants.

Awarded contract for Phase II WRRF upgrades to RCL Construction, of Sanford, MI and authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the contract contingent on available financing and pending value engineering.

Approved and conducted closed session to consult with the city attorney regarding trial or settlement strategy in connection with City of Mt. Pleasant v Michelle Lange, et al, Court of Claims Case No. 23-000034-MB, because an open meeting would have a detrimental financial effect on the litigating or settlement position of the City.

Adjourned the meeting at 8:13p.m.

Mt. Pleasant Police Investigating Pedestrian Fatality

On June 24, 2023 at 1:45 AM, officers from the Mt. Pleasant Police Department responded to a vehicle/pedestrian incident in the area of W. High St. and S. Henry St.  Upon arrival, officers found a 31-year-old female deceased as a result of being struck by a vehicle.  The driver of the vehicle, a 19-year-old male from Mt. Pleasant, was not injured.

This is an open and on-going investigation.  Anyone with information regarding this incident are asked to contact the Mt. Pleasant Police Department’s Anonymous Tip Line at (989) 779-9111 or Central Dispatch (989) 773-1000.

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department was assisted by the Michigan State Police, Mobile Medical Response, Isabella County Central Dispatch, Isabella County Medical Examiner’s office, and Mt. Pleasant Fire Department.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – June 26, 2023

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, June 26, 2023 at 7 p.m.

  • Presentation of funds for Neighborhood Enhancement Program (NEP) by Loryn Smith of Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MHSDA).
  • Update from Jim McBryde of Middle Michigan Development (MMDC).
  • Consider approval of a contract with RCL Construction Co., Inc. for the Phase II Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) upgrades.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

Click to access E-Packet%20for%20June%2026,%202023..pdf

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/87627492888?pwd=czZOZm1TeEJ5d0M1NTNDMHYyalczQT09

Meeting ID: 876 2749 2888

Passcode: 001674

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 of Mt. Pleasant 4th of July Holiday Hours and Firework Safety Reminders

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the Isabella County Material Recovery Facility being closed for asphalt repairs on July 7 and 8, there will be no city curbside recycling collection for residences on the regular Thursday route.

City Offices Closed

City offices will be closed on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. Refuse and recycling pick-up will be delayed one day all week.

Fourth of July Firework Safety and Ordinance Reminders

A person may only discharge or use consumer fireworks on private property on June 29 – July 4 from 11 a.m. – 11:45 p.m.

Individuals should not ignite, discharge, or use consumer fireworks, homemade fireworks, articles pyrotechnics or display fireworks on public property, school property, church property, or the property of another person without permission to do so.

Violations shall be punishable with fines of $500 up to $1,000.

Additionally, a minor shall not possess, ignite, discharge or use consumer fireworks. Fireworks shall not be used while a person is under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, or during times when a burning ban has been established by the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, MI. For a list of burning restrictions by county, visit http://www.dnr.state.mi.us/burnpermits/.

Safety Tips

For those planning on discharging fireworks this July Fourth holiday, please follow the City regulations as stated above, and practice these safety tips:

1.    Read and follow all warning and instructions.

2.    Never allow children to play with fireworks of any kind.

3.    Wear protective clothing, including eye wear.

4.    Only light devices on smooth, flat surfaces away from residential areas, dry leaves and flammable materials.

5.    Always keep a hose or bucket of water nearby in case of malfunction.

6.    Never try to re-light fireworks that have not fully functioned.

The best way to protect your family is to avoid the use of fireworks at home entirely. 

Summary of Minutes of the City Commission Meeting – June 12, 2023

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, June 12, 2023, 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:

8) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held May 22, 2023.

9) 2024-2029 Capital Improvement Plan.

10) Resolution granting a nine-month extension of Rio’s Happy Tree’s conditional authorization.

11) Payrolls and Warrants.

Discussed possibility of a City information and engagement booth at the Mt. Pleasant Farmer’s Market. City Manager Desentz will work with staff to develop a plan.

Director of Planning & Community Development Manuela Powidayko gave a presentation and led a discussion on owner-occupied residential incentive program. Commission agrees to not bring back the program.

Adjourned the meeting at 7:48 p.m.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – June 12, 2023

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, June 12, 2023 at 7 p.m.

  • Consider approval of the proposed 2024 – 2029 Capital Improvement Plan.
  • Consider resolution extending conditional approval of a Class A Adult-Use Marihuana Grower and Adult Use Marihuana Retailer for Rio’s Happy Tree, LLC at 1012 N. Landing Street.
  • Discussion on Owner-Occupied Residential Incentive Program.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

Click to access E-Packet%20for%20June%2012,%202023.pdf

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/88222114197?pwd=NlBOS09laWh1OWU0RUF6QWJHZE9RZz09

Meeting ID: 882 2211 4197

Passcode: 016166

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.

Handheld Cellphone Use Banned While Driving

The use of handheld cellphones while driving will be outlawed in Michigan, effective June 30, 2023. Motorists will still be able to use hands-free devices. This new law expands Michigan’s ban on texting, placing calls and scrolling on social media while driving.

To avoid a ticket, listen to Public Safety Director Paul Lauria’s summary of this new legislation.

Penalties for distracted driving will increase and are as follows:

  • First Offense: $100 and/or 16 hours of community service.
  • Subsequent Offenses: $250 and/or 24 hours of community service.
distracted-driving-legislation-june-2023-1Download

City of Mt. Pleasant Receives $1 Million MEDC Grant for Town Center Civic Space Project

The City of Mt. Pleasant has recently been awarded a $1 million grant through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Revitalization and Placemaking Grant (RAP) program.

This funding will support the Town Center Civic Space Project, a $2,278,462 initiative aimed at revitalizing Town Center located at Broadway and Main Street. Additional funding is provided by the City’s General Fund.

The Town Center Civic Space Project will create a versatile space for public gatherings, events and recreational activities and include the following amenities:

  • Expansive Green Space: A significant increase in green space contributing to improved air quality and biodiversity.
  • Universal Accessibility Design: Ensures easy navigation for all community members.
  • Installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
  • Upgraded Electrical Infrastructure: A modernized power system to better support a range of events and activities.
  • Additional Parking Spaces: Gain of (18) total parking lot and on-street parking spaces.
  • Traffic Calming: Removal of the portion of Mosher Street between Main and Broadway Street to increase pedestrian safety.
  • New Accessible Public Restrooms
  • Increased Pedestrian Lighting
  • Site Added Features: Benches, trash cans, bike racks, universally accessible pathways.

“We are thankful for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s support of our Town Center Civic Space Project,” said Downtown Development Director Michelle Sponseller. “This grant will enable us to create a dynamic, accessible, and sustainable public space which fosters both social interaction and economic development.”

Engineering plans for this project will be completed in the near future, followed by a formal bid process. Construction is slated to begin in Spring 2024, with an anticipated December 2024 completion date.

The State of Michigan’s Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program provides access to gap financing for real estate rehabilitation and development, as well as public space improvements associated with traditional downtowns, social-zones, and outdoor dining initiatives. The state received $500 million in applications for the $100 million available.