Roadwork along portions of Three Leaves and Denison to begin June 19

Three Leaves and Denison 2017 Portions of Three Leaves Drive and Denison Drive (as shown in red) will be closed to through traffic June 19 to July 7.

Beginning June 19, construction work will begin along Three Leaves Drive from Deerfield Road to Denison Drive, and along Denison from Three Leaves to West Campus Drive. The roads within the project limits will be closed to through traffic. Motorists are asked to seek alternate routes. Access for local traffic will be maintained.

Crews will crush, shape and repave the roads, as well as apply markings for two lanes of traffic and dedicated on-street bike lanes. Crosswalk signs and markings will also be added at the two trail crossings along the project route.

Work will be complete by July 7.

The weekly “Food Truck Fridays” on Denison Drive, presented by Central Michigan University Research Corporation (CMURC), will occur as planned.

For additional information, call the Division of Public Works at (989) 779-5401.

Ad-Hoc Committee develops draft recommendation regarding medical marihuana facility regulations; Town Hall meeting set for June 19

The City’s Ad-Hoc Committee on the Michigan Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act (MMMFLA) has developed a draft recommendation on the suggested parameters and elements to include in a draft ordinance(s) regulating the five facility types created under the MMMFLA: Provisioning Centers, Processors, Safety Compliance Facilities, Secure Transporters, and Growers. A Town Hall meeting will be held at City Hall on Monday, June 19 for the community to offer feedback on the draft recommendation. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m.

The recommendation can be found at www.mt-pleasant.org/MMMFLA. Written comments may also be submitted to the Ad-Hoc Committee by mail to Ad-Hoc Committee on MMMFLA, 320 W. Broadway Street, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858; or by email to manager@mt-pleasant.org.

The committee was formed in April to further research the MMMFLA and make a recommendation to the City Commission for opting in to the act. A draft ordinance(s) is expected to be introduced in September.

Questions about the committee’s work may be directed to Jacob Kain, City Planner, at (989) 779-5346, or jkain@mt-pleasant.org.

“Coneys for a Cause” to occur June 14

The community is invited to feast on their favorite local Coney dogs while helping the youth of Isabella County at the 11th annual “Coneys for a Cause” on June 14 at the Pixie Restaurant. All net proceeds will benefit the Mt. Pleasant Police Youth Services Unit and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region.

Customers can purchase individual Coney dogs for $1.19 at the restaurant, or they can pre-order to have the Coney dogs delivered by an officer of the YSU or a representative of Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

At 7 p.m., the annual “Pixie Pig Out” contest will begin. Stop by to cheer on the contestants as they compete to consume the most Coneys.

The pre-order form is available here. Forms must emailed by 3 p.m. on June 13 to ysu@mt-pleasant.org. Delivery pre-orders must total $18 or more.

5 things to watch at the next City Commission meeting

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Here are 5 things to watch at the June 12 City Commission meeting…

Pedestrian lighting on West Broadway Street: The City received a $60,000 allocation during the spring Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribal 2% request distribution to fund pedestrian lighting along West Broadway Street. The City Commission will consider two potential options for the utilization of these funds for the project.
2018-2022 Capital Improvement Plan: The proposed Capital Improvement Plan was received by the City Commission at the April 10 meeting. Following extensive review and feedback, the City Commission will consider approving the 2018-2022 Capital Improvement Plan with changes to the funding source for new sidewalks in 2018, which was recommended after a work session in May.
Outdoor Dining Policy: The Commission will consider approving the amended Outdoor Dining Policy, which clarifies the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility requirements, and states that on-street barrier free parking cannot be used for decks.
City Assessor appointment: The City Commission will vote on the appointment of Chris Coucke of Coucke Property Services, LLC, as City Assessor. Chris is a Michigan Master Assessing Officer MMAO(4) which is the highest level of assessing certification. Chris would be responsible for all assessing responsibilities for the City, and would have office hours at City Hall on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contracting for assessing services is becoming more common throughout the state due to a limited number of certified assessors and because it provides more depth in the office.
Statewide bicycle passing laws: The City Commission will consider authorizing the Mayor to sign letters to legislators that express support of having a statewide law that requires motorists to provide a specified minimum distance between the car and a bicyclist when passing.

To see the full City Commission agenda and packet for June 12, 2017, click here.

Mount Pleasant City Commission meetings are held at City Hall on the second and fourth Monday of every month. Meetings begin at 7 p.m.

Mt. Pleasant City Commission Nominating Petitions due July 25

Nominating Petitions for the office of City Commissioner are available at the City Clerk’s office at 320 W. Broadway Street in Mt. Pleasant. The City Clerk’s office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Completed Nominating Petitions may be filed with the City Clerk from Monday, June 26, through Tuesday, July 25 at 4 p.m.

The election will be held Nov. 7, 2017. Two City Commission positions are available for the term Jan. 1, 2018 through Dec. 31, 2020.

The terms of current Commissioners Jim Holton and Mike Verleger expire Dec. 31, 2017.

Consumers Energy employees beautify Mt. Pleasant; Present $1500 grant to City

More than 160 Consumers Energy employees gathered at the Borden Building early Wednesday to present the City of Mt. Pleasant with a $1,500 grant from the Consumers Energy Foundation to enhance and maintain local park facilities. The group then spent the remainder of the morning beautifying several public spaces in Mt. Pleasant.

The volunteers completed staining projects, spread wood chips and raked pine needles at Chipp-A-Waters, Island, Mill Pond, Mission Creek and Nelson parks, as well as at Riverside Cemetery.

“Mt. Pleasant is extremely grateful for both the generous $1500 contribution from the Consumers Energy Foundation, as well as the willingness of so many Consumers Energy employees to spend the morning doing volunteer work in our parks,” said City Mayor Kathy Ling. “During a time when all cities are struggling to continue to provide services to residents with fewer resources, the work being done by these volunteers will be an enormous help in keeping our parks special places. We hope these volunteers from around the state will come back to Mt. Pleasant sometime in the future and enjoy our parks with family or friends.”

The Consumers Energy Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Consumers Energy, giving Michigan cities, towns and neighborhoods the extra support needed to build communities that they’re proud to call home. The foundation provides grants and mobilizes volunteers to strengthen local education, social services, the environment, and community, economic and cultural development.

Grand Opening for Timber Town 2.0 is June 9

Thanks to the community’s outstanding support, the City of Mt. Pleasant is ready to unveil the Timber Town 2.0 playground! The grand opening will take place at Island Park on Friday, June 9 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Hot dogs and refreshments will be served. The official ribbon-cutting ceremony will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Timber Town 2.0 is a one-of-a-kind, universally accessible play structure at Island Park that replaced the original 1994 version of the playground. With the generosity of several community members, businesses and organizations, the City of Mt. Pleasant reached its $156,000 fundraising campaign goal for the playground project earlier this year. In May, hundreds of volunteers assisted with the playground’s construction and installation.

“The Timber Town 2.0 project is an amazing example of what a giving and collaborative community we live in,” said Rick Ervin of the Timber Town 2.0 Citizens’ Committee. “From the initial design phase of the playground to the community-wide build, people of all ages and backgrounds have made an impact on this project. We can’t wait to see the reactions of the families who will enjoy this space for years to come, and to celebrate everyone’s hard work!”

Timber Town 2 Grand Opening Flyer.jpg

10 Reasons to Make Downtown Your Destination this Summer

Summertime in Mt. Pleasant features not only beautiful scenery, but a wide variety of things to do! Events around the City offer something for everyone. Check out this list of why you should head downtown this summer:

1. Thrilling Thursdays

If you’re looking for some fun activities to fill your Thursday nights this summer, downtown is the place to be. Starting June 15, events like Yogapalooza, Bugs R Us and Mad Science Fair will be happening at the Town Center. To learn more about each week’s events, click here.

2. Max & Emily’s Summer Concert Series

While you’re downtown for Thrilling Thursdays, stick around for a concert! The series opens on June 29 with country singer Brandon Ray. For the full line up, check out the Max & Emily’s Facebook page.

3. Spray Park

Hot day? Don’t want to spend it inside? Your little ones will love the Spray Park at Island Park. It’s designed for youth ages 12 and younger, and features 100 water activated sprayers and nozzles. The park is opened for the summer, so be sure to check it out! Summer hours are 9:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.

4. Timber Town 2.0

Speaking of parks, Timber Town 2.0 is the latest Mt. P treasure! Thank you to the community volunteers who made this park possible. We think it’s pretty cool… So we can’t wait for you to check it out! The park officially opens on June 9. Want to be there for the opening? Come to our community event from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. to catch the ribbon cutting ceremony.

5. Trails

And while you’re out and about, check out the rest of the parks Mt. P has to offer! There are some cool trails too– perfect for a morning run or afternoon dog walk. Our website lists all of our parks along with maps of each.

6. Downtown shops & eateries

Searching for the perfect gift or date night? Look no further than downtown Mt. P. With cute, local shops and delicious hidden gems, downtown is the perfect place to spend a day out. Grab some coffee at the Coffee House to start your day, then work your way down Broadway and Main hitting shops like Basketree and Trillium. Getting hungry? Don’t even hop in the car. Walk to Max & Emily’s for soup and sandwiches, or check out the Brass Cafe for some unique cuisines.

7. Movies by Moonlight

Mark your calendars for Saturdays in August! The Movies by Moonlight series kicks off on August 5 with the movie “Zootopia.” Find a spot on the hill at City Hall to catch the 8:30 p.m. showing. Here’s the line up:

August 12 – Lego Batman

August 19 – Rogue 1: A Star Wars Story

August 26 – Finding Dory

Bring your blankets and snacks… There’s nothing better than a summer movie night!

8. Farmers’ Market

One of the best parts of summer: the fresh fruits and veggies found at the Mt. Pleasant Farmers’ Market! Pick up some healthy, local food and products at Island Park on Thursdays and City Hall on Saturdays. The Thursday Farmers’ Market goes until October 26 and the Saturday Market begins June 24.

9. Car Show

On July 15, head downtown to catch the second annual Car and Motorcycle Show! The event, put on by the Home Builders Association, will feature contests like hula hooping, bubble blowing and watermelon eating in addition to the classic cars. Stick around until 5 p.m. to watch the trophy presentation. 60 cars will receive awards!

10. Other events around town

If that’s not enough, Mt. Pleasant also hosts events such as the Craft Beer Festival and and Art Walk Central. On Saturday, June 10, adults 21 years of age and older have the opportunity to sample Michigan’s own beer and fine wine. Later in the summer, Art Walk Central will fill the Mt. Pleasant community with art and cultural events such as a poetry slam, chalk art and artist talks. The art competition starts Aug. 3 and lasts until the end of the month.

For a full list of events happening in Mt. Pleasant this summer, visit www.mountpleasantwow.com.

“Thrilling Thursdays” return to downtown Mt. Pleasant

Beginning June 15, make downtown your destination every Thursday evening for activities designed to take you and your family back in time when summer was all about fun! Each of these “Thrilling Thursdays” will begin at 6 p.m. at Town Center, with the exception of the Supersoaker Festivus, which will be held at Island Park.

The 2017 “Thrilling Thursdays” include:

June 15: Yogapalooza
June 22: Let’s Ride
June 29: Scavenger Hunt*
July 6: Bugs R Us
July 13: Fun with Vegetables*
July 20: Mad Science Fair*
July 27: Superhero and Princess Extravaganza
August 3: Stepping Stones (Held in partnership with Art Reach as part of Art Walk Central)
August 10: Urban Printmaking ( Held in partnership with Art Reach as part of Art Walk Central)
August 17: Supersoaker Festivus*

*Followed by the Max & Emily’s Summer Concert Series

This year’s “Thrilling Thursdays” are co-sponsored by Downtown Mt. Pleasant, Isabella Community Credit Union and WCFX. For additional details, visit the event section on the Downtown Mt. Pleasant Facebook page at www.facebook.com/downtownmp.

See the “Thrilling Thursdays” event flyer:

Thrilling Thursday 2017 Flyer

5 things to watch at the next City Commission meeting

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Here are 5 things to watch at the May 22 City Commission meeting…

Historic Preservation Improvement Awards: The Historic Preservation Improvement Awards are presented each year to honor exterior improvements to residential and commercial property in the City of Mt. Pleasant in four areas – Preservation, Rehabilitation, New Construction or Downtown Historic District Choice. The Historic District Commission will present the annual awards to Art Reach of Mid-Michigan for the rehabilitation of its lower front façade, and Rubble’s Bar for the rehabilitation of its entire front façade.
Special Olympics Michigan Week: Special Olympics Michigan has been a part of the Mt. Pleasant community since 1972, and has positively impacted the lives of its athletes and their family members, as well as provided opportunities for inclusion, health screening and lifelong fitness. In honor of the State Summer Games on June 1-3, Mayor Ling will proclaim May 28 through June 3, 2017 to be Special Olympics Michigan Week, and will extend best wishes for continued success to organization, the volunteers and the athletes.
2016 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report: The 2016 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report has been finalized and will be presented to the City Commission by the audit firm. View the report here.
2018-2022 Capital Improvement Plan: The proposed Capital Improvement Plan for 2018 through 2022 was presented to the City Commission in April. A public hearing will be held to receive public input on the proposed plan. See the proposed plan here.
On Street Barrier Free Parking Downtown: As requested by the Isabella County Human Rights Committee, the City Commission will consider budget amendments for the cost of constructing two on-street barrier free parking spaces downtown. The spaces would be located on Broadway near the intersection of Broadway and University, and on Illinois near the intersection of Illinois and Main.

To see the full City Commission agenda and packet for May 22, 2017, click here.

Mount Pleasant City Commission meetings are held at City Hall on the second and fourth Monday of every month. Meetings begin at 7 p.m.