Month: November 2024

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 11/25/2024

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, November 25, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Approved the agenda with the deletion of Item #12 “Approve 2025 Proposed Operating Budget”.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved items on the Consent Calendar with the removal of Item #14 “Sponsorship Policy”.

7) Minutes of the regular session of the City Commission held on November 11, 2024.

8) Professional Engineering Services Agreement with Mead & Hunt for the procurement of a tractor-mounted snow blower for the Mt. Pleasant Regional Airport and authorized the City Manager to sign the contract.

9) Bids for 2025 Water Treatment Plant treatment (bulk) chemicals.

10) Fire Department budget amendment for the purchase of up to $65,000 in turnout gear and authorized a sole source purchase from Premiere Safety of Sterling Heights, MI.

11) Language for new Airport sign.

12) Item removed from Agenda.

13) Permanent Easement for Consumers Energy Guy Wires for GKB/Mid-Michigan Pathway.

14) Item removed from Consent Calendar.

15) Five-year contract for Audit Services with Vredeveld Haefner LLC.

16) Warrants and payrolls.

Approved the Asset Management Policy as presented.

Approved reappointments to various boards and commissions as recommended by the Appointments Committee.

Adopted a Climate Change Preparedness Plan as presented.

Approved creation of a short survey to go to all City staff on workplace climate with a work session in January 2025 to establish same.

Adopted a Sponsorship Policy to establish guidelines and procedures for the acceptance of donations to the City’s parks and recreation system and procedures for accepting sponsorships from for-profit organizations for City programs, events, projects, and sites.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:54 p.m.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 11/25/2024

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, November 25, 2024, at 7 p.m.

  • Introduction of Central Michigan University President Neil MacKinnon by City Manager Aaron Desentz.
  • Presentation by Public Works Director Jason Moore on 2024 Year-End Review of Major Public Works and Utilities Projects.
  • Presentation on recreation needs assessment findings by Parks and Recreation Director Phil Biscorner.
  • Presentation on large scale events (2025 goal) by Parks and Recreation Director Phil Biscorner.
  • Approve 2025 Operating Budget.
  • Consider approval of Asset Management Policy.
  • Consider adoption of Climate Change Preparedness Plan.
  • Discussion on City Manager Evaluation Process.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

Click to access E-Packet%20for%20Monday,%20November%2025%202024.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 comment@mt-pleasant.org.

To participate via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84490742824?pwd=kzcRo8uJ4JfTeqq4yO3A84iTIgmWFZ.1

Meeting ID: 844 9074 2824

Passcode: 806901

Phone dial-in: (312) 626-6799

The 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

Elizabeth Busch          ebusch@mt-pleasant.org

Bryan Chapman          bchapman@mt-pleasant.org

Maureen Eke              meke@mt-pleasant.org

Amy Perschbacher      aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org

Grace Rollins               grollins@mt-pleasant.org

Boomer Wingard        bwingard@mt-pleasant.org

Persons with disabilities needing assistance to participate may call the Human Resources office on (989) 779-5314. Persons requiring speech or hearing assistance may contact the city through the Michigan Relay Center at 711. 48-hour advance notice is necessary for accommodation.

Fire Damages Mt. Pleasant Home

On November 20, 2024, at 1:24 p.m. the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department (MPFD)

responded to a house fire in the 700 block of Cooley Street in Mt. Pleasant.

Upon arrival, crews observed a small two-story home with smoke and fire coming from the rear of the structure. The fire was brought under control by 2:10 p.m. The house sustained heavy smoke, heat, and fire damage to the first floor, and substantial smoke and heat damage to the second floor.

Occupants were home at the time of the fire and exited safely. One firefighter was injured and sought medical treatment.

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, Isabella Northeast Fire Department, Mt. Pleasant Police Department, and Isabella County Central Dispatch.

Mt. Pleasant Police Department’s Cram-a-Cruiser Drive Offers Dining Deals and Fun

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department (MPPD), Krapohl Ford Lincoln, as well as restaurants, Mountain Town Station, and Summit Smokehouse, invite the public to help ‘cram-a-cruiser’ with new, unwrapped, unopened toys to support Toys for Tots.

  • November 29 – December 16 Treat yourself to a delicious meal while helping the toy drive. Bring a toy and enjoy 25% off your individual meal at Mountain Town Station or Summit Smokehouse. (Alcohol excluded.)
  • December 4 from 3:00 – 5:30 p.m. at Krapohl Ford Lincoln, 1415 E. Pickard Road.
  • December 12 from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. in front of the Division of Public Safety Building, 804 E. High Street.

MPPD Youth Services Officer Josh Theisen shared, “Every year our department looks forward to participating in the Toys for Tots program and helping our area youth have a good holiday.” He continued, “An added bonus is witnessing the strong partnerships and commitment between community members and local businesses to make this happen for our kids.”

Toy drop-off boxes are also located inside the Division of Public Safety Building Lobby (802 E. High Street) and the City Hall Lobby (320 W. Broadway Street).

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission – 11/11/2024

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, November 11, 2024, 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 items on the Consent Calendar.

7) Minutes of the regular session of the City Commission held on October 28, 2024.

8) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held October 28, 2024.

9) Purchase of a 2025 Ford F-150 pickup truck through the MiDeal program and a budget amendment for same.

10) Charter Township of Union 2025 Contract for Fire Department Services.

11) Set a public hearing on Monday, December 9, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. on proposed rezoning of parcels 17-000-17-300-00, 17-000-17-303-00, 17-000-17-304-00, 17-000-17-305-00, 17-000-17-306-00, located at the southwest corner of Crawford and Broomfield, from PRD (Planned Residential Development) to CD-4 (General Urban Character District with the Residential/Dwelling Use Restriction), CD-4 (General Urban Character District), SD-U (Special District University), CD-4 (General Urban Character District with the Residential/Dwelling Use Restriction), and CZ (Civic Zone), respectively.

12) Received proposed Ordinance to amend Table 154.405.A of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Mt. Pleasant as it relates to SD-U University Special District Rules and set a public hearing on same for Monday, December 9, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.

13) Warrants and payrolls.

Held a public hearing on proposed 2025 Annual Operating Budget. There was no action taken at this time.

Request for Fire Suppression and Façade Improvement Funding Allocation for TyJorMac, LLC (120 South University) tabled until a future Work Session on same.

Held a Work Session discussion on usage of motorized bikes and scooters on City owned trails.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:18 p.m.

High Flying News from the Mt. Pleasant Municipal Airport

Capital Improvements, Regional Airport Designation, Manager Brickner elected to board

Capital Improvements

After more than a year of planning and securing grant funding, the Mt. Pleasant Municipal Airport’s (KMOP) taxiway and lighting project has been completed well below the projected $2.7 million cost. The project was fully funded through grants.

  • 90% Federal Grants
  • 5% State Grants
  • 5% Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Local Match Funds

Improvements included a reconstructed 35-foot-wide taxiway, LED lighting and updated signage.

To bring the layout of the airfield into compliance, modifications were made resulting in one mid-field taxiway connector. This change was slated for 2025, but federal money was made available to complete the project alongside the taxiway upgrade.

Regional Airport Designation

Due to its traffic counts, the Mt. Pleasant Municipal Airport is now considered a regional airport. This designation enables the airport to be eligible for an additional $100,000 in grant funding.

Airport Manager Brickner Elected to MAAE

Bill Brickner, airport manager was elected to the Michigan Association of Airport Executives (MAAE) Board of Directors. The MAAE’s mission is to promote Michigan airports through aviation leader forums, while strengthening relationships with legislative, regulatory and community partners. Bill will serve a five-year term on this statewide board.

City of Mt. Pleasant shoot 08/08/2019. Photos by Steve Jessmore, Steve Jessmore Photography, Steve@stevejessmore.com, 616-606-3451

Fire Damages Mt. Pleasant Apartment

On November 9, 2024, at 2:15 p.m. the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department (MPFD) responded to a structure fire in the 1500 block of Canterbury Trail Apartments.

Upon arrival, crews observed a single story, four-unit apartment building with smoke exiting from one unit’s front door. The fire was brought under control by 2:35 p.m.

The apartment sustained moderate to heavy smoke and heat damage. The kitchen, where the fire originated, sustained heavy fire damage. The occupant, who was home at the time of the fire, was able to exit safely. This individual is currently displaced from the apartment.

The MPFD is investigating the cause of the fire.       

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

Fire Damages Union Township Home

On November 9, 2024, at 6:19 a.m. the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department (MPFD) responded to a structure fire in the 900 block of South Isabella Road in Union Township.

Upon arrival, crews observed a two-story home and adjoining office with smoke coming from a portion of the roof’s eaves. The fire was brought under control by 6:42 a.m. The structure sustained smoke, heat, and fire damage

Since the building is currently under construction, no occupants were home at the time of the fire.

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, Isabella Northeast Fire Department, Michigan State Police, and Isabella County Central Dispatch.

What to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 11/11/2024

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, November 11, 2024, at 7 p.m.

  • Presentation by Parks and Recreation Director Phil Biscorner on the GKB Pathway.
  • Consider Approval of 2025 Contract for Fire Department Services for Union Charter Township.
  • Consider setting a public hearing on December 9, 2024 on proposed rezoning of parcels 17-000-17-300-00, 17-000-17-303-00, 17-000-17-304-00, 17-000-17-305-00, 17-000-17-306-00, located southwest corner of Crawford and Broomfield, from PRD (Planned Residential Development) to CD-4 (General Urban Character District with the Residential/Dwelling Use Restriction), CD-4 (General Urban Character District), SD-U (Special District University), CD-4 (General Urban Character District with the Residential/Dwelling Use Restriction), and CZ (Civic Zone), respectively.
  • Consider setting a public hearing on December 9, 2024, on proposed ordinance amendment to Table 154.405.A of the zoning ordinance as it relates to SD-U University Special District rules.
  • Public hearing on the proposed 2025 Annual Operating Budget.
  • Request for Fire Suppression and Façade Improvement Funding Allocation for TyJorMac, LLC (120 South University) and Request for Work Session.
  • Work session discussion on usage of motorized bikes and scooters on City owned trails.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

Click to access E-packet%20for%20Monday,%20November%2011,%202024..pdf

How to follow public meetings:

The City Commission 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 comment@mt-pleasant.org.

To participate via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85385613172?pwd=rj3NJh8nO8OCxPII5LuohncZaqQFsc.1

Meeting ID: 853 8561 3172

Passcode: 319876

Phone dial-in: (312) 626-6799

The 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

Elizabeth Busch          ebusch@mt-pleasant.org

Bryan Chapman          bchapman@mt-pleasant.org

Maureen Eke              meke@mt-pleasant.org

Amy Perschbacher      aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org

Grace Rollins               grollins@mt-pleasant.org

Boomer Wingard        bwingard@mt-pleasant.org

Persons with disabilities needing assistance to participate may call the Human Resources office on (989) 779-5314. Persons requiring speech or hearing assistance may contact the city through the Michigan Relay Center at 711. 48-hour advance notice is necessary for accommodation.

City of Mt. Pleasant Releases 2024 TNR Program Census

Established in 2021, the city’s Trap Neuter Release (TNR) program stabilizes the feral cat population by humanely and compassionately trapping, sterilizing, and vaccinating cats before they are returned to their outdoor habitat. This comprehensive process involves setting up cat feeding stations and specific feeding times. Cats then receive a health assessment by a licensed veterinarian who spays/neuters, vaccinates, and ear-nips or micro-chips the animals. Cats are released into their outdoor habitat and adopted, if possible. This program runs annually from April-October.

In 2024, the city hired a part-time public safety employee, who is TNR certified, to administer the program. This commitment resulted in a total of 100 cats receiving aid, with 47 of those cats being adopted.

Per city ordinance, animals are not allowed to be euthanized except when determined by a licensed veterinarian. Out of the 233 cats only one has been euthanized after (3) days of hospitalization.

Community Cat Program Worker Susan Sanderson shared, “I am proud and thankful to be involved with the City of Mt. Pleasant’s effort in controlling the community cat population. Considering the number of cats involved in the TNR program, and the number who have been adopted, this was a successful season, for both the community cats, and our city.”

Residents are reminded not to feed stray cats and get their cats spayed and neutered.

Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/EapseqBrvjoyqmaK/