Mt. Pleasant Youth Police Academy Accepting Applications

The 24^th Youth Police Academy is scheduled for July 14 – 31, 2025, (Monday – Thursday) from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. This free, fun, and interactive program offers youth going into grades 6-8, 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, 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, from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The application deadline is June 6, 2025.

No Injuries in Lexington Ridge Apartment Fire

On April 19, 2025, at 7:32 a.m. the Mount Pleasant Fire Department (MPFD) responded to a fire at Lexington Ridge Apartments, 3700 E. Deerfield Rd. in Union Township.

Upon arrival, firefighters located a small fire inside a wall and in the attic of the two-story apartment building. The fire was quickly brought under control.

The building sustained smoke, fire, and water damage. The tenants of two units were displaced.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

No injuries were reported.

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

Summary of Minutes from the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 4/14/2025

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, April 14, 2025, 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 March 24, 2025.

6) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held March 24, 2025

7) Proposed 2026-2031 Capital Improvement Plan and set a public hearing for May 27, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. on same.

8) Bid of Tancor Company of Midland, MI for 2025 Downtown Masonry Wall Repairs Project and budget amendment.

9) Bid of McGuirk Sand-Gravel, Inc. of Mt. Pleasant, MI for 2025 City Hall Driveway Reconfiguration Project.

10) Purchase of 2025 truck-mounted sewer jetter from Fredrickson Supply of Walker, MI and budget amendment.

11) Budget amendment for both the Planning Department and Parks and Public Spaces Department to cover expenses related to a summer internship program.

12) Renewal of Placer.ai contract and approved budget amendment.

13) Bid of Fisher Transportation of Mt. Pleasant, MI for 2025 Street Sweepings Disposal.

14) Bid of Dickinson Wright of Saginaw, MI for bond counsel services.

15) Bid of Bendzinski & Co. of Grosse Pointe, MI for Municipal Financial Advising Services.

16) Payrolls and Warrants.

Adopted the proposed 2026 goals and objectives.

Authorized Vice Mayor Maureen Eke as the authorized signatory for the 2025 Sister City exchange program.

Authorized the engineering design and construction engineering services contract for the 2026 City Hall Retaining Wall Replacement project to Williams & Works of Grand Rapids, MI and approved budget amendment.

Authorized the Mayor and Interim City Clerk to sign the 3-year contract with Precise Tax Assessment LLC of Rodney, MI beginning May 1, 2025, and running through April 30, 2028.

Appointed Seth Lattimore, Assessor of Record and appointed Bradley White as Deputy Assessor.

Made appointments to fill vacancies to City standing and special committees.

Appointed Jennifer Jones to the Parks & Recreation Commission.

Approved and conducted Closed Session pursuant to subsection 8(h) of the Open Meetings Act to consider material subject to attorney-client privilege; and subsection 8(c) of the Open Meetings Act for strategy and negotiation sessions connected with negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement.

Approved POAM and COAM union contracts.

Adjourned at 9:55 p.m.

UPDATED: 9:30 a.m. 4/28/25 – ALL SLOTS ARE FILLED. RESERVATIONS ARE CLOSED. City to Offer No Fee Brush Chipping

–Reservations do not open until April 28 at 8 a.m.–

The city is offering 150 households, within the city limits, up to 30 minutes of no fee brush chipping during the week of May 12 – 16, 2025. Brush chipping will be completed at curbside only, no alleys. Reservations will be accepted beginning April 28 at 8:00 a.m. (not before) until May 2 at 4:30 p.m., or until all spots are filled.

Reservations can be made by calling the Division of Public Works, 989-779-5401 or emailing publicworks@mt-pleasant.org.

Mt. Pleasant Community Garden Plots for Rent

This summer, city residents have the chance to plant, grow and harvest their own fruits and vegetables at the Horizon Park Community Garden located at 1535 Sweeney Street.

Fifteen 4’ x 8’ garden plots are available for a summer rental fee of $30. Fees are due May 5, 2025.

Garden plot registration runs through May 4. If there are more than fifteen registrants, a lottery drawing will be held on May 5.

To reserve a plot, individuals must complete and submit the required application at www.mt-pleasant.org/garden or contact the Parks Department for a hard copy of the application. One plot per household.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 4/14/2025

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, April 14, 2025, at 7 p.m.

Receive proposed 2026 – 2031 Capital Improvement Plan and set a public hearing for May 27, 2025, on the same.

Consider a budget amendment of $14,000 from the General Funds Planning Department Account and Parks and Recreation Fund to cover expenses related to a summer internship program at the Planning Department and Parks and Public Spaces Department.

Consider renewal of Placer.ai contract for $18,000 and approve budget amendment for the same.

Consider adoption of 2026 Goals and Objectives.

Consider Contract with Dickinson Wright for bond counsel in the amount not to exceed $34, 280.

Consider Contract with Bendzinski & Co for municipal financial advisor in the amount not to exceed $15,000.

Designate Signatory for the Sister City Exchange Program.

Consider authorization of a contract with Williams & Works to perform surveying, engineering design and construction services for the 2026 City Hall Retaining Wall Replacement Project not to exceed amount of $113,955 and approve a budget amendment of $62,036.

Consider Contract for Assessing Services with Precise Tax Assessment LLC beginning May 1, 2025, to April 30, 2028, at a cost of $9,083.33 per month.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

Click to access E-Packet%20for%20Regular%20Meeting%20on%20Monday,%20April%2014,%202025..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/87811362461?pwd=bDe1tNCstHLYBAY62FrezT4nhyvGMT.1

Meeting ID: 878 1136 2461

Passcode: 201686

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

Maureen Eke meke@mt-pleasant.org

Amy Perschbacher aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org

Grace Rollins grollins@mt-pleasant.org

Boomer Wingard bwingard@mt-pleasant.org

John Zang jzang@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 Water Main Flushing Schedule Updated (4/22/25)

During Spring 2025, all city water mains south of High Street to Deerfield Road will be flushed. This preventative maintenance project began on April 7, 2025.

Properties within the flushing perimeters may notice an occasional drop in water pressure and slight water discoloration and odor. If so, you are encouraged to remove your faucet aerators and run the water until clear. The water is safe to drink.

During this process water may pool over roadways. Please travel with caution and do not drive through standing water.

The proposed water main flushing schedule for the month of May is as follows:

Week of 4/28/2025: THIS AREA WILL NOW BE COMPLETED BETWEEN 4/23 – 4/25/2025. Area inside the borders of Main Street to Isabella Road and High Street to Preston.

Week of 4/28: Area inside the borders of Bradley to Isabella Road and High Street to Broomfield.

Week of 5/5/2025: Area inside the borders of Crawford Road to Mission Street and Broomfield to Deerfield Road.

Week of 5/12 through the end of May: Area inside the borders of Lincoln Road to Washington Street and High Street to Broomfield.

Please note, this is a proposed schedule. Timing may be adjusted once the project begins. For up to date schedule information visit the web news section on the city’s website www.mt-pleasant.org, blog www.mpcityblog.com, or the city’s Facebook page.

City of Mt. Pleasant 2050 Master Plan Update

The City of Mt. Pleasant is preparing to update its 2050 Master Plan. Every five years (per Public Act 33 of 2008), all Michigan cities are required to have their Planning Commissions review their Master Plans and determine if amendments are necessary, or if the city should adopt a new document.

Master Plans

Master Plans chart the direction of the City’s development for the next 30 years.

Master plans are critical policy documents. They are the primary way for the community to answer the following questions:

What do we want our community to look like in 2050?
How do we get there?
How can we ensure our community is resilient by avoiding or mitigating risks or threats that we may face?

The plan will continue to address land use, transportation, housing, downtown, economic development, and public safety.

Suggested Updates

The city’s current 2050 Master Plan reflects the need for more housing options in the community. Proposed updates are as follows:

Add information from the Mission Street Improvement Plan project. This plan, approved by the Mission Street Improvement Plan Steering Committee, and the Mission/Pickard DDA, focuses on roadway improvements, zoning updates, and strategic investments along the Mission Street Corridor.
Other suggested updates include incorporating results from the recent Parks & Recreation public outreach efforts, as well as the completed Town Center redevelopment.

Public Input Needed

Public input is imperative during this amendment process. The public is invited to participate in a series of open meetings, which will be held at City Hall, 320 W. Broadway Street. The public will have an opportunity to share their thoughts during the public comment section of each meeting. This can be done in-person or virtually, in some cases.

April 3: Planning Commission – 7 p.m. – City Hall/Hybrid

April 22: Parks & Recreation Commission – 6 p.m. – City Hall (no hybrid option)

April 28: City Commission – 7 p.m. – City Hall/Hybrid

City of Mt. Pleasant Master Planning History

Major projects and policy changes often result from a master planning process. The city adopted its first Master Plan in 1946 with subsequent plans being adopted in 1965, 1987, 2006, and 2020. For instance, the 1965 Master Plan led to the development of “Town Center” and the creation of a new 1971 zoning ordinance. The 1987 Master Plan led to significant investments in park accessibility for individuals with disabilities; facility investments to improve drinking water quality; and extensions of Bellows and Preston Streets.

For more details regarding the 2050 Master Plan Update visit www.mt-pleasant.org/masterplan.

For information about the Mission Street Improvement Plan visit www.mt-pleasant.org/missionstreet.

Summary of Minutes of the 3/24/2025 City Commission Meeting

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, March 24, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Item #12 “Appointment of Interim Clerk” was added to the agenda.

Approved the Agenda as amended.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

5) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held March 10, 2025.

6) Minutes of the special meeting of the City Commission held March 13, 2025.

7) Three-year contract with MMDC Contract for Economic Development Services in the amount of $281 per year plus 2.5% annual increase.

8) Removed from the Consent Calendar.

9) Budget Amendment for Internship Programs.

10) Payrolls and Warrants dated March 7 & 20, 2025 totaling $838,204.27.

Approved a five-year contract with HydroCorp of Troy, MI for Cross Connection Control Program and Water Meter Installation.

Prioritized and approved submission of City requests for Spring 2025 Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe 2% allocations.

Appointed Marilyn Wixson as Interim Clerk.

Conducted a work session discussion on trail/pathway speed limit ordinance.

Conducted Closed Session pursuant to subsection 8(c) of the Open Meetings Act for strategy and negotiation sessions connected with negotiation of collective bargaining agreements and subsection 9(a) of the Open Meetings Act for personnel evaluation of the City Manager.

Approved the contract between the City and the Paid On-Call Fire Fighters.

Approved the contract between the City and the Police Officers Labor Council (Firefighters) (POLC).

Approved a 4.5% increase to the City Manager’s wages retroactive to January 1, 2025.

Adjourned the meeting at 10:27 p.m.

Fire at Edgewood Apartments

On March 25, 2025, at 4:50 a.m. the Mount Pleasant Fire Department (MPFD) responded to a structure fire at Edgewood Apartments located within the city limits.

Upon arrival, crews observed smoke and fire coming from the rear of the three-story apartment building. The building sustained smoke and fire damage.

No injuries were reported. Apartment occupants were alerted by smoke alarms and exited safely.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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