City of Mt. Pleasant Christmas Tree Collection

City of Mt. Pleasant Street Department staff will be picking up discarded Christmas trees from January 6-17, 2025. No refuse tags are needed for collection.

Trees are to be placed at the curb, no alleys. If you know you will be using this service, please call (989) 779-5401 or email publicworks@mt-pleasant.org with the date the tree will be curbside. All tinsel and plastic bags must be removed, and the trunk ends of the trees facing the street. Evergreen wreaths will not be collected. After January 17 trees may be taken to the Materials Recovery Facility or disposed of through the City’s brush chipping program.

Multi-Family Housing Unit Fire

On December 22, 2024, at 3:57 a.m., the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department (MPFD) responded to a structure fire in the 100 block of Walnut Street in Mt. Pleasant.

Upon arrival, crews observed a two-story, eight-unit multifamily housing building partially engulfed in flames, with fire extending from the entrance door up through the roof. The fire was brought under control by 4:41 a.m.

The building sustained heavy fire damage to four of the front units and heavy to moderate smoke damage to the back four units. All building tenants are displaced and working with the building owner and the American Red Cross to find temporary housing.

Three occupants were transported to a local hospital for burns and smoke inhalation injuries. All other occupants were able to exit the building safely.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The MPFD was assisted by the Deerfield Township Fire Department, Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Fire Department, Shepherd Tri-Township Fire Department, Isabella Northeast Fire Department, Mobile Medical Response, Mt. Pleasant Police Department, Consumers Energy, DTE and Isabella County Central Dispatch.

Fire Damages Trailer Home

On December 20, 2024, at 6:38 p.m. the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department (MPFD) responded to a structure fire at the Bradley Street Trailer Park located at 505 S. Bradley Street in Mt. Pleasant.

Upon arrival, crews observed a trailer with smoke and fire coming from the roof and eaves. The fire was brought under control by 7:50 p.m. The trailer sustained heavy smoke and fire damage throughout.

Occupants were home at the time of the fire and exited safely. MPFD personnel remained on scene to salvage as many items as possible for the occupants.

The MPFD is investigating the cause of the fire.

The MPFD was assisted by the Deerfield Township Fire Department, Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Fire Department, Mt. Pleasant Police Department, Mobile Medical Response, and Isabella County Central Dispatch.

Special Meeting of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission– December 30, 2024

A special meeting of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission has been scheduled for Monday, December 30, 2024 at 7 p.m. Here is the topic to watch at this in person, and virtual meeting.

Consider amendment to 2024 operating budget.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

Click to access 12-30-24%20Agenda.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/87121500876?pwd=xB8FKTzP5b9ikag8u7kgZ78bajkR2z.1

Meeting ID: 871 2150 0876

Passcode: 851632

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.

Head on Collision Results in Double Fatality

On December 17, 2024, at approximately 2:00 p.m. officers from the Mt. Pleasant Police Department (MPPD) responded to a call involving a head-on collision on Broomfield Street east of Mission Street.

Upon arrival, MPPD officers determined there was one vehicle with a 51-year-old male driver and a 75-year-old male passenger, both from Mt. Pleasant. A 43-year-old male from Elwell was in the other vehicle.

Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger of the one vehicle was transported to a local hospital.

This accident remains under investigation. Names are not being released due to notification of family.

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

City of Mt. Pleasant Recognized for Supporting Business in their Community

The City of Mt. Pleasant has been named a 2024 eCities Honored Community for its successes and efforts in contributing to Michigan’s growth. The designation was given as part of the annual eCities study, conducted by iLabs, the University of Michigan-Dearborn’s Office of Engagement and Impact. The four other Honored Communities are the cities of Battle Creek, Romulus, Sault Ste. Marie, and Tecumseh.

According to City Manager Aaron Desentz, “This eCities recognition is tangible evidence that the City of Mt. Pleasant continues to focus on all forms of economic development, while enhancing capital assets through improved roads and pathways. To be recognized out of a field of 277 communities is an honor.”

The eCities study analyzed publicly available data from 277 communities from 54 counties in Michigan. Researchers focused on the five-year changes in property values, community assets, and tax rates, which can demonstrate the growth, investments, and cost of doing business within the community. For example, over the five-year period of 2019-2023, these communities increased their capital assets by an average of 3.71 percent per year by investments such as new buildings, roads and bike paths, and library renovations. Further, these places are home to 86 percent of Michigan’s real commercial property and have 64 percent of the state’s total property value. Communities that have seen the strongest growth in business development over the past five years, while controlling the costs of doing business in town, are designated as five- and four-star communities.

Although accounting for less than 20 percent of the State’s cities and townships, the 277 communities analyzed are home to 71 percent of Michigan’s population and 87 percent of the state’s commercial property. “Each year, we enjoy recognizing the efforts made by cities and townships throughout Michigan to support business growth and entrepreneurship in their communities,” said Kari Kowalski, Assistant Director of iLabs.

City to hold Citizens’ Academy of Mt. Pleasant; accepting applications now

The eighth Citizens’ Academy is now accepting applications. Presented by the City of Mt. Pleasant, the academy is designed to engage members of the community and to expand their knowledge of the structure and functions of local government.

Participants will attend seven weekly sessions beginning Tuesday, February 18, 2025. Each session will offer an in-depth look at the fundamentals of the City’s administration and budget; public works and utilities; parks and recreation; public safety; and community development. Additional topics covered include the basics of local government, elections and more.

The Citizens’ Academy is open to anyone living, working, owning property, or attending school in the City of Mt. Pleasant. Director of Planning & Community Development Manuela Powidayko shared, “The Citizens’ Academy is an opportunity for residents to capture a close-up view of how a municipality operates and the many services the city provides on a daily basis.”

Registration for the academy is free and space is limited. Sessions will occur on the following Tuesdays from 6 – 8:30 p.m.: February 18, February 25, March 4, March 18, April 1, April 8, and April 15. CMU learning credits may be available for those who complete the program. Graduates of the academy will be recognized at the April 21 City Commission meeting.

Applications are available at City Hall or online and are accepted until February 4, 2025. Find the application and learn more at www.mt-pleasant.org/citizensacademy.

Sidewalk Snow and Ice Removal Reminders

The City’s Snow and Ice Removal from Sidewalks Ordinance (98.37) is focused on safety. As the winter weather approaches, there are items we need to remember.

Owners and/or occupants of all properties within the City must clear any accumulation of ice and/or snow from public sidewalks adjoining such property.

Clearing must be done within 24 hours of accumulation or placement of snow and/or ice.

If a sidewalk is not cleared within the 24-hour period of accumulation, the City may issue a civil infraction ticket that is a personal debt owed to the City for each day that the owner fails to clear the sidewalk.

If the City has to remove ice and/or snow from the sidewalk, a lien on the property is imposed for the cost of clearing the sidewalk.

Properties located along school routes are not exempt from this ordinance.

Sidewalks designated for clearance by the City are worked on after City streets, alleys and parking lots have been plowed.

For a map on which sidewalks are plowed by the City visit: www.mt-pleasant.org/maps.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 12/9/2024

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, December 9, 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 the following items on the Consent Calendar:

5) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held November 25, 2024.

6) Resolution approving charitable gaming license for Sleepy Dog Books Foundation.

7) Resolution Amending 2024 Operating Budget.

8) Commitment of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to revenue replacement.

9) Cancelled the City Commission meeting scheduled December 16, 2024 Meeting.

10) Authorized Deputy Financial Services Director Christine Witmer to approve the issuance of payrolls and warrants from December 10, 2024 through January 13, 2025.

11) Set first meeting of 2025 for Monday, January 13, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.

12) Warrants and Payrolls.

Held a Public Hearing 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.

Denied motion to approve the proposed rezoning.

Held a Public Hearing on 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.

Denied the proposed Ordinance to amend Table 154.405.A as it relates to SD-U University Special District Rules of the Mount Pleasant Zoning Ordinances.

Approved the Resolution approving the final 2025 Operating Budget and setting the millage rate for 2025.

Approved the Resolution supporting amended rates, fees, and charges.

Approved the bid of UME-Gerber Life for 2025 stop loss coverage insurance.

Adjourned the meeting at 10:16 p.m.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 12/9/2024

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, December 9, 2024, at 7 p.m.

Public Hearing on the Planning Commission’s proposed Zoning Map Amendment (Z-24-01) for the five properties located southwest of Crawford and Broomfield.

Public Hearing on the Planning Commission’s TC-24-02-Amendment to Table 154.405.A of the zoning ordinance as it relates to SD-U University Special District Rules.

Consider resolution approving the final 2025 Operating Budget and set the millage rate for 2025.

Consider resolution supporting amended rates, fees, and charges.

Consider contract with UME-Gerber Life for 2025 stop loss coverage insurance.

Discussion on City Manager Evaluation Process.