Month: January 2026

Mt. Pleasant Awarded $2.79M Grant for New Farmers Market Pavilion and Commercial Kitchen

The City of Mt. Pleasant has been awarded $2.79 million through the Michigan Talent Partnership Program, a statewide initiative led by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). The funding will support the construction of a new, multi-use, state-of-the-art pavilion in Island Park, including a commercial kitchen incubator.

The project will be a major addition to the park’s existing pavilions, which were originally constructed in the 1970s. While the current structures have served the City for decades, they cannot provide the flexible, year-round space needed for community programs, gatherings, and events.

“As communities across the state of Michigan continue to navigate uncertain economic times, this grant from the Michigan Talent Partnership Program will allow the City of Mt. Pleasant to build a new and innovative market space that serves as a resource for the entire Mid‑Michigan region,” said Mayor Boomer Wingard.

The new pavilion will feature a redesigned space and an incubator kitchen, creating a versatile venue for residents and community groups. It will support a wide range of activities from farmers’ markets and concerts to festivals, art fairs, and other social and cultural events, offering residents a welcoming, all-season gathering place.

“This investment positions the new multi-use pavilion as a powerful economic driver for Mt. Pleasant, supporting local farmers and vendors while expanding opportunities for small businesses through a commercial kitchen incubator,” said City of Mt. Pleasant Staff. “By creating a year-round destination that attracts visitors, fuels entrepreneurship, and strengthens the local food economy, the pavilion will help grow jobs, increase downtown activity, and enhance Mt. Pleasant’s ability to attract and retain talent.”

The incubator kitchen addresses a critical gap in local and regional food-business infrastructure. Currently, the nearest shared commercial kitchens are located more than 80 miles from Mt. Pleasant, creating a significant barrier for aspiring food entrepreneurs. By offering licensed kitchen space locally, the project will lower barriers to entry, support small and diverse businesses, and help retain food-based enterprises within the community.

With its optimized location and layout, the new pavilion will also strengthen physical and visual connections between Island Park and Downtown Mt. Pleasant, improving walkability, visibility, and the flow of foot traffic between the market and nearby businesses.

Planning and design work for the project is expected to begin in 2026. Additional details will be shared as the project progresses.

More information about the City of Mt. Pleasant Farmers Market is available at www.mt-pleasant.org/farmersmarket.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – January 26, 2026

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, January 26, 2026, at 7 p.m.

  • Kati Mora, President of the Middle Michigan Development Corporation (MMDC), will give a presentation on MMDC’s 2025 Annual Report.
  • Commissioners will consider setting a public hearing for February 9, 2026, to allow input from the community on proposed amendment to the regulation of food trucks and other temporary food vendors.
  • The Commission will make various appointments to City boards and committees.
  • A work session will be held to discuss and prioritize the 2026 City Commission work sessions and interests.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

E-Packet for Regular Meeting on Monday, January 26th

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/84646771400?pwd=jClBLwfFrBCUdGTjVea3USdQIhAOmd.1

Meeting ID: 846 4677 1400
Passcode: 991617
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 at 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
Maureen Eke              meke@mt-pleasant.org
Amy Perschbacher      aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org
Grace Rollins               grollins@mt-pleasant.org
Ryon Skalitzky             rskalitzky@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 Free Tree Planting Program

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 property owners within the city limits, 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 extended periods without rainfall.

To view the tree brochure as well as complete a tree application, visit www.mt-pleasant.org/streets.
Applications are due by March 13, 2026.

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.

1619 E. High St. Fire

On January 17, 2026, at 09:50 a.m. the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department responded to a structure fire located at 1619 E. High St. The fire was reported as flames showing on the single-story ranch structure.

The fire department arrived to find heavy smoke and fire that quickly spread throughout the structure due to heavy fire load. The fire was brought under control by 10:37 a.m. The home sustained significant damage from fire, smoke, heat, and water. The occupants were home at the time of the fire and able to make it out safely and were displaced.

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

No firefighters or Police Officers reported any injuries.

The fire remains under investigation.

Most home fires occur at night when people are sleeping. Check smoke detectors monthly and replace batteries twice a year.

Operating smoke detectors may save your life.

$125,000 Available for Mt. Pleasant Homeowners Through CHILL Program

The City of Mt. Pleasant is now accepting applications for round two of the CHILL (Housing Improving Local Livability) Program, which helps eligible homeowners make essential home repairs to keep their homes safe, comfortable, and affordable.

The City was awarded $423,500 through the CDBG Housing Improving Local Livability (CHILL) grant from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), with an additional $50,000 contribution from the City, resulting in a total of $473,500 available for home improvement projects. So far, the program has assisted 24 homes with a total of $247,055 in completed projects.

Who Can Apply:
To qualify for the program, the following requirements must be met:

  • Homes must be located within Mt. Pleasant city limits.
  • The home must be at least five years old.
  • Household income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (currently $52,4000 for a household of two).
  • Project costs must be at least $1,000, maximum funding for a project is $40,000.
  • Projects costing more than $10,000 shall be a zero interest, zero payment loan, forgivable after five years. Loans shall be secured by a second mortgage, forgiven in full at the end of five years.
  • The city’s project priority is to work with homeowners to repair or replace furnaces and water heaters.

How to Apply:
Applications are available online at www.mt-pleasant.org/CHILL or in person at City Hall, 320 W. Broadway Street. Applications will be accepted through February 27 or until the remaining funds are fully expended.

Need Help with Your Application?
Residents can schedule one-on-one assistance with Lauren Baker, who will walk homeowners through the process and answer questions before submission. Email lbaker@mt-pleasant.org or call (989)779-5379 to set up an appointment.

The CHILL program reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to safe, livable, and affordable housing. Homeowners are encouraged to apply early to take advantage of the remaining funds.

Summary of Minutes from the 1/12/2026 Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, January 12, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Commissioner Wingard was elected Mayor for 2026.

Commissioner Eke was elected Vice Mayor for 2026.

Resolution setting time and day of regular meetings was adopted.

Item #12, “Appointment of current Parks, Recreation and Public Spaces Director Phil Biscorner to the position of Community Services Director” was added to the Agenda.

Item #13, “Discussion on City Manager contract and compensation” was added to the Agenda.

Removed original Agenda Item #12, “Closed Session pursuant to subsection 8(h) of the Open Meetings Act.”

Item #14, “Closed Session pursuant to subsection 8(e) of the Open Meetings Act was added to the Agenda.

Approved the agenda as amended.

Received petitions and communications.

Item #8, “Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held December 8, 2025.” was removed from the Consent Calendar.

Approved the following items on the amended Consent Calendar: 9) Bid of Dickinson Wright for bond counsel; 10) Bid of Bendzinski & Co for municipal financial advisor.

Amended the December 8, 2025 City Commission Minutes pertaining to action on revisions to the Purchasing Manual.

Appointed Hanna Demerarth to fill the vacant City Commission seat through August 4, 2026 as recommended by the Appointments Committee.

Approved the appointment of current Parks, Recreation and Public Spaces Director Phil Biscorner to the position of Community Services Director.

Discussed City Manager contract and compensation. No action taken.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:48 p.m.

Riverside Cemetery Introduces Interactive Burial Search and Plot Map

The City of Mt. Pleasant is pleased to announce an upgrade to Riverside Cemetery’s mapping and search system, designed to make visiting and navigating the cemetery easier and more accessible.

Riverside Cemetery now offers an interactive plot map with burial search features. Visitors can locate specific plots and connect with their mobile device map applications for walking or driving directions directly to individual plots.

Previously, the cemetery provided a traditional map showing only plot sections. The new interactive platform offers detailed information and real-time navigation, making it easier for families and guests to find what they need.

The interactive map and burial search are available now on the City of Mt. Pleasant website. The tool works on most smartphones, providing a convenient experience whether planning ahead or navigating on-site.

For more information and to explore the new interactive map, visit www.mt-pleasant.org/cemetery.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – January 12, 2026

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, January 12, 2026, at 7 p.m.

  • Election of Mayor and Vice Mayor
  • Presentation on 2026 Goals and Objectives by City Manager Aaron Desentz
  • Consider Recommendation from the Appointments Committee for the City Commission vacancy

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

E-Packet for Regular Meeting on Monday, January 12th

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/84231482725?pwd=MiabiXs0HXeYI5pk96PHDs0ecX4p2A.1

Meeting ID: 842 3148 2725
Passcode: 143400
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 at 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                                                     
Maureen Eke              meke@mt-pleasant.org
Amy Perschbacher    aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org
Grace Rollins              grollins@mt-pleasant.org
Ryon Skalitzky            rskalitzky@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.

Island Park Ice Rink Now Open

Lace up your skates and enjoy winter at Island Park! The outdoor ice rink is officially open for the season. Located on the south softball field, this 54’ x 95’ rink is free to use and maintained by the City of Mt. Pleasant Parks Department for the community to enjoy. 

Ice Rink Hours: 

The Island Park Ice Rink is open daily when weather conditions allow.  

If a “Rink Closed – No Skating” sign is posted, the rink is temporarily closed, and skating is not permitted. When the sign is posted, please do not enter the Ice Rink area. 

A Few Things to Know Before You Skate: 

To keep the rink safe and enjoyable for everyone, we ask skaters and visitors to be mindful of the following rules: 

  1. Skate courteously and stay aware of other skaters and visitors at all times. 
  1. Help care for the rink by avoiding digging, chipping, spraying, or throwing ice or snow while on the skating surface. 
  1. For everyone’s safety, the rink is for skating only. Food, drinks, tobacco products, hockey equipment, street shoes, and animals are not permitted on the ice. 
  1. Children under 5 should skate with close adult supervision. The rink is unsupervised, and all skaters use the facility at their own risk. 
  1. All rink users, including skaters and spectators, are expected to follow the City of Mt. Pleasant Parks and Recreation Ordinance (Sections 97.01–97.21 of the City Code of Ordinances) while at the ice rink. 

Helpful Reminders 

The City of Mt. Pleasant is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items. 

If you notice damage to the rink or unsafe behavior, please contact Mt. Pleasant Parks and Recreation at (989) 779-5331 or Police Anonymous T.I.P. line at (989) 770-9111. For emergencies, call 911. 

Thank you for helping make the Island Park Ice Rink a fun and welcoming place for everyone this winter. See you on the ice!