Author: mpcityblog

Summary of Minutes from the 7/28/2025 City Commission Meeting

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, July 28, 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:

10) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held July 14, 2025.

11) Renewal of MMRMA Insurance for the period July 1, 2025 through July 1, 2026.

12) MDOT contract 2025-0477 and adopt resolution to support the continued operation and maintenance of AWOS at the Mt. Pleasant Regional Airport and authorize the City Manager to sign the contract electronically.

13) Terminate contract with Kihn Heating & Cooling and award the contract for the remaining 13 jobs to Custom Heating & Plumbing of Mt. Pleasant, MI and budget amendment for same.

14) Payrolls and Warrants.

Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1103 amending Chapter 72: Bicycles and Electric Bicycles of the City of Mt. Pleasant Code of Ordinances regarding the usage of motorized bikes on City owned trails.

Approved a budget amendment for Sustainability Coordinator Position.

Approved and conducted a Closed Session pursuant to subsection 8(h) of the Open Meetings Act to consider material subject to attorney-client privilege.

Adjourned the meeting at 10:30 p.m.

Trail Safety – Ordinance to include e-bikes

At the July 28 City Commission meeting, commissioners adopted changes to the city’s bicycle ordinance (Chapter 72) which includes both traditional and electric bicycles. For easy reference, updates to this ordinance will be posted at https://www.mt-pleasant.org/departments/city_clerk/index.php after August 28.

Changes include:

  • Clear definitions of electric bike classifications (1, 2 and 3).
  • Updates on where e-bikes can be operated.
  • Speed limit for both bikes and e-bikes not to exceed 10 mph on a sidewalk or paved trail/pathway.
  • Violations are civil infractions, with fines of up to $50.
  • Traffic violations of bikes and e-bikes on public roadways could be subject to points on your driver’s license.

As always, trail safety is extremely important. Please review guidelines at www.mt-pleasant.org/parks and keep the trails safe and fun for everyone.

Topics to Watch at the 7/28/2025 Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, July 28, 2025, at 7 p.m.

  • Presentation on 2024 Comprehensive Annual Financial Audit.
  • Presentation by GRS Consulting Actuary Casey Ahlbrandt-Rains on Police and Fire Pension related to the 2024 Annual Actuarial Valuation Report.
  • Presentation by Municipal Employees’ Retirement System of Michigan (MERS) pension by representative Tony Radjenovich of MERS related to the 2024 Annual Actuarial Valuation Report.
  • Presentation by Watkins Ross’s Christian Veenstra related to the 2024 Annual Actuarial Valuation for the City’s and the Police’s Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) funds.
  • Public hearing to consider the proposed changes to and adoption of Chapter 72 of the City’s Code of Ordinances titled, “Bicycles and Electric Bicycles” regarding the usage of motorized bikes and scooters on City owned trails.
  • Consider budget amendment for Sustainability Coordinator Position.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

E-Packet for Regular Meeting on Monday, July 28th

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/87389449725?pwd=LAaOFp1vempTe6bEN4dH6w93j6totQ.1

Meeting ID: 873 8944 9725

Passcode: 504852

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

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.

Summary of Minutes from the 7/14/2025 City Commission Meeting

Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, July 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.

Item #17 was removed from the Consent Calendar.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:
11) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held June 23, 2025.
12) Resolution in support of final TCO #1-2025.
13) Resolution in support of final TCO #3-2025.
14) Resolution in support of final TCO #4-2025.
15) Resolution in support of final TCO #5-2025.
16) Resolution affirming award of contracts for the Water Treatment Plant Improvements and the 2026 Galvanized Water Service Line Replacement Project in support of the DWSRF financing process.
17) Removed from Consent Calendar.
18) Appointed Holly Schmeltzer, City Clerk and Marilyn Wixson, Deputy Clerk.
19) Payrolls and Warrants.

Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1104 an Ordinance to amend Chapter 154: Zoning Ordinance of the City of Mt. Pleasant Code of Ordinances to allow rezoning of 221 W. Michigan St. from CD-4 to CD-5.

Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1105 an Ordinance to amend Table 154.405.A of Chapter 154: Zoning Ordinance, of the City of Mt. Pleasant Code of Ordinances to remove the one Principle Building per lot restriction within CD-4.

Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1106 an Ordinance to amend Chapter 154: Zoning Ordinance of the City of Mt. Pleasant Code of Ordinances to allow rezoning of parcels of property located on Crosslanes St. from CD-3 to CD-4.

Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1107 an Ordinance to amend Chapter 154: Zoning Ordinance of the City of Mt. Pleasant Code of Ordinances to allow rezoning of 1104 E. Chippewa St. from CD-3 to CD-4.

Approved Bond Authorization Resolution for DWSRF Bonds. (CC Exh 1-2025)
Appointed Latricia Powell to the Zoning Board of Appeals – Alternate as recommended by the Appointments Committee.

Adjourned the meeting at 11:57 p.m.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 7/14/2025

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

  • Public Hearing for Z-25-01: 221 W Michigan – Great Lakes Bay Properties, LLC – Request to rezone the properties from CD-4 (General Urban Character District) to CD-5 (Urban Center Character District).
  • Public hearing on TC-25-01: Multiple-Buildings within the same lot – City of Mt. Pleasant A proposed text change to Table 154.405.A of the zoning ordinance to remove the one principal building per lot restriction within CD-4 (General Urban Character District.)
  • Public Hearing on Z-25-03: Crosslanes Street – City of Mt. Pleasant – Request to rezone the properties from CD-3 (Sub-Urban Character District) to CD-4 (General Urban Character District with the Residential/Dwelling Use Only Special Requirement).
  •  Public Hearing on Z-25-02: 1104 E Chippewa St – Lapham Associates – Request to rezone the property from CD-3 (Sub-Urban Character District) to CD-4 (General Urban Character District with the Residential/Dwelling Use Only Special Requirement).
  • Consider appointments to various boards and commissions as recommended by the Appointments Committee.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

Click to access E-Packet%20for%20Regular%20Meeting%20on%20Monday,%20July%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/86324205283?pwd=xuBzr6jc4NUE10S2V9BOwF0tb5mlAH.1

Meeting ID: 863 2420 5283

Passcode: 718909

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

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.

Coneys for a Cause – Support MPPD’s Youth Services Unit

The community can enjoy $1.99 coney dogs while helping the youth of Isabella County during Coneys for a Cause. This event is scheduled for August 11-15, 2025, at the Pixie Restaurant (302 N. Mission Street).

The Pixie will donate to the Mt. Pleasant Police Youth Services Unit (YSU) 100% of the profits for every coney sold.

Customers can purchase individual coney dogs for $1.99 at the restaurant, or they can pre-order a minimum of one dozen coney dogs to be delivered. All delivery orders must be submitted before 3 p.m. on August 1 and emailed to dmaclean@inspiredcpts.com. Delivery times are between 10 a.m. and noon, August 11 – 15. Event organizers will do their best to meet the desired delivery time.

Order forms can be found at www.mt-pleasant.org/ysu.

The “Pixie Pig Out” is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Pixie. Stop by to watch this friendly coney-eating competition between law enforcement agencies.

Youth Services Unit (Mt. Pleasant Police Department)

This valuable program involves police positively interacting with youth at an early age. Two YSU Officers serve more than 3,000 K-12 students in the Mt. Pleasant Public Schools (MPPS), providing guidance and support for students, ultimately forming lifelong bonds. The popular Youth Police Academy, as well as Shop with a Cop, are just a few of the programs YSU hosts.

Election Day – August 5, 2025

On August 5, 2025, an election will be held to elect one individual to the Mt. Pleasant City Commission.

The candidates on the ballot are Seth Blackey and Ryon Skalitzky.

For detailed voter registration and ballot information visit www.mi.gov/vote.

Precinct Locations:

  • Precinct 1: Ganiard Elementary School, 101 S. Adams
  • Precinct 2 Pullen Elementary School, 251 S. Brown
  • Precinct 3: Fancher Elementary School, 801 S. Kinney
  • Absentee Voter Counting Board: Mt. Pleasant City Hall, 320 W. Broadway Street

Permanent Ballot Recipients:

Please notify the Clerk’s office with an alternate mailing address if you are on the Permanent Ballot list and will be away from your registered address between June 21 and August 1, 2025. Election mail cannot be forwarded, and your ballot will be returned to the Clerk’s office as undeliverable.

Permanent Absentee Voters:

Permanent absentee voters have been mailed an application for a ballot. If you wish to vote absentee in this election, you must return the application by 5 p.m. on Friday, August 1, 2025. A ballot will then be mailed to you. Ballots can be mailed to the City Clerk’s office (320 W. Broadway Street) or placed in the ballot drop box located in the City Hall parking lot.

Absentee Voting:

For those not on the Permanent Absentee Voter list, you can submit a request for an absentee ballot to the City Clerk’s office by mail, email (vote@mt-pleasant.org) or online at www.mi.gov/vote.  This must be completed by 5 p.m. on Friday, August 1, 2025.

Absentee voting at the Clerk’s Office is available beginning Thursday June 26, 2025, during regular business hours with additional hours on Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and on Monday, August 4, 2025, from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Voter Registration:

If you are not registered to vote, you can register online at https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/ or mail in the voter registration application found online. This must be completed by Monday, July 21, 2025.

After Monday, July 21, 2025, voter registration will be available at the City Clerk’s office. Please bring proof of residency and a photo ID. This can be done until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.

Election Day Information:

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. Need a ride to and from the polls? I-Ride is offering free rides. Call (989) 772-9441 to schedule.

Summary of Minutes from the 6/23/2025 City Commission Meeting

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, June 23, 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 June 9, 2025.

6) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held June 9, 2025.

7) Notice of Temporary TCO #1-2025.

8) Resolution in support of final approval of TCO #2-2025.

9) Employer delegate for the MERS annual meeting.

10) Amendment to Contract with Kihn Heating & Cooling of Mt. Pleasant, MI for CHILL Furnace & Water Heater Projects 2025 to include a contingency of 15%.

11) Awarded Contract for 2026 Galvanized Services Replacement to Green Tech Systems of Bay City, MI.

12) Received proposed amendments to Chapter 72 Bicycles and Electric Bicycles of the City’s Code of Ordinances regarding the usage of motorized bikes and scooters on City owned trails and set a public hearing for Monday, July 28, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.

13) Received proposed amendment to Chapter 154: Zoning Ordinance of the City of Mt. Pleasant Code of Ordinances to allow rezoning of 221 W. Michigan St. from CD-4 to CD-5 and set a public hearing for Monday, July 14, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.

14) Received proposed amendment to Chapter 154: Zoning Ordinance of the City of Mt. Pleasant Code of Ordinances to allow rezoning of 1104 E. Chippewa St. from CD-3 to CD-4 and set a public hearing for Monday, July 14, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.

15) Received proposed amendment to Chapter 154: Zoning Ordinance of the City of Mt. Pleasant Code of Ordinances to allow rezoning of parcels of property located on Crosslanes St. from CD-3 to CD-4 and set a public hearing for Monday, July 14, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.

16) Received proposed amendment to Table 154.405.A of Chapter 154: Zoning Ordinance, of the City of Mt. Pleasant Code of Ordinances to remove the one Principle Building per lot restriction within CD-4 to better accommodate phased developments and enable the construction of Missing Middle Housing typologies and set a public hearing for Monday, July 14, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.

17) Contract with Fishbeck, of Lansing, MI for professional services related to the Island Recharge Stream Restoration project along with a budget amendment for same.

18) Resolution for Reynolds’ Golden Finds Revolving Loan Application.

19) Payrolls and Warrants.

Approved contract extension with The Mannik Smith Group of Canton, MI to perform environmental consulting services, including the development of a Conceptual Site Model and Focused Feasibility Study, at the former Mount Pleasant Landfill.

Awarded the contract for Water Treatment Plant Improvements to RCL Construction of Sanford, MI and a budget amendment for same.

Directed staff to complete the process necessary for renewing the CBD TIFA for 10 years at a 75% capture rate.

Approved the Police Services Agreement with the Village of Lake Isabella as presented.

Held a Work Session discussion on Opiod Settlement Funds Allocation.

Held a Work Session discussion on Panhandling Ordinance.

Adjourned the meeting at 10:47 p.m.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – June 23, 2025

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, June 23, 2025, at 7 p.m.

  • Presentation of the 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report by Vredeveld Haefner.
  • Consider authorizing a contract extension with The Mannik Smith Group for a not-to-exceed amount of $41,525 to perform environmental consulting services, including the development of a Conceptual Site Model and Focused Feasibility Study, at the former Mount Pleasant Landfill.
  • Consider awarding the contract for the Water Treatment Plant Improvements to RCL Construction for $12,002,910 and a budget amendment for the same.
  • Consider proposal for renewal of Central Business District Tax Increment Financing Authority.
  • Police Services Agreement between the City of Mt. Pleasant and the Village of Lake Isabella.
  • Work Session: Opioid Settlement Funds Allocation.
  • Work Session: Consider Panhandling Ordinance concepts.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

Click to access Regular%20Meeting%20E-Packet%20for%20Monday,%20June%2023,%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/89180397724?pwd=THLMyznSx324cFdo3raUSUFj6TLE33.1

Meeting ID: 891 8039 7724

Passcode: 254311

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

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.

Fire Damages Kinney Street Home – No Injuries

On June 13, 2025, at 11:29 p.m. the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department (MPFD) responded to a house fire in the 1000 block of North Kinney Street.

Upon arrival, crews observed heavy smoke and flames in the rear of the structure. The fire spread up the side of the house and into the attic.

The house sustained light smoke damage and fire damage to an entry room.

Occupants of the home exited safely, no injuries were sustained.

The MPFD is investigating the cause of the fire.       

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