Author: mpcityblog

City of Mt. Pleasant Extends Building Closure; But Full Services Provided

UPDATED on 12/23/2020: City of Mt. Pleasant Building Closure Extended Through 1/15/2021; Full Services Still Being Provided.

In order to keep our community safe and slow the spread of COVID-19, the City of Mt. Pleasant is heeding the warning of federal, state and local health officials while continuing to provide important city services. Therefore, City Hall and Public Safety offices will be closed to the public until January 4, 2021.  Access to city services is still available online, over the phone, or by appointment only. Residents are encouraged to conduct their city business virtually.

If an in-person transaction/service is necessary, an appointment must be made in advance. Upon request, staff will schedule an appointment within one business day. Individuals coming to a city facility for a scheduled face-to-face transaction will be required to do the following:

  • Call the City staff member they are meeting from the parking lot upon arrival for their pre-scheduled appointment.
  • Over the phone, the City staff member will go through a health-screening questionnaire with the visitor.
  • If answers suggest a potential COVID risk, the individual will not be admitted to the building.
  • If answers do not appear to present a COVID risk, City staff will meet the individual in the vestibule/lobby. Transactions and meetings will take place in this area, if possible.
  • A facemask must be worn when visiting a city building.

Trash/Recycling

  • City trash pick-up and recycling is still taking place as per the normal schedule. There is no delay to the December 24th and December 31st pick-ups.
  • City trash bags and tags are available at Meijer and Ric’s. Individual tags are available at GreenTree Grocery. If purchase of a recycling bin, City trash bags or tags are necessary at City Hall, an appointment must be made.

Christmas Tree Collection

  • January 4th – 15th. This curbside collection can be utilized by attaching two trash bag tags to the tree for a cost of $6.30. These are not special Christmas Tree Collection tags.

Large Item Pick Up

Public Meetings

The City of Mt. Pleasant will host its public meetings virtually as permitted by Public Act 228 of 2020. Citizens can watch these meetings live on Spectrum Charter Channel 188, web streamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/MtPleasantMi/ or via Zoom. Any citizen desiring to make a public comment can email their agenda item comments to comment@mt-pleasant.org or attend the virtual Zoom meeting.

Utility and Tax Payments and Building/DPW Permits

  • Citizens can make payments via mail (320 W. Broadway Street), the City’s Drop Box located outside of City Hall, or online at www.mt-pleasant.org. An appointment must be made for cash payments.
  • Building and DPW Permit requests can be electronically submitted by visiting www.mt-pleasant.org. In-person inspections will follow recommendations of federal, state and local health officials. If needed, virtual inspections can be conducted through Skype or Zoom.

COVID-19 Health Resources

The City will continue to monitor this situation and be guided by information provided by the Central Michigan District Health Department https://www.cmdhd.org/novel-coronavirus, the State of Michigan https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus, and the Center for Disease Control & Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

Information Updates

Information will continue to be updated and shared via the City’s website (www.mt-pleasant.org), Blog (mpcityblog.com), Facebook and Twitter accounts, MACTV Charter Spectrum Channel 188, and the Community Information Phone Line (989) 779-5320.

City of Mt. Pleasant Christmas Tree Collection

PLEASE NOTE: Two Trash Bag Tags Needed for Curbside Christmas Tree Collection

As you are decorating for the holidays, here are a few important items to know. City of Mt. Pleasant Street Department staff will be picking up discarded Christmas trees from City residents from January 4-15, 2021. This curbside collection can be utilized by attaching two trash bag tags to the tree for a cost of $6.30. These are not special Christmas Tree Collection tags.

Trash bag tags are available for online purchase and delivery at

http://www.mt-pleasant.org/residents/online_service_center/.

Individual trash bag tags are available at GreenTree Grocery. Multiple tags can be purchased at Meijer, Ric’s, and City Hall by appointment only.

Trees are to be placed at the curb, even in areas where normal trash collection is in the alley. If you know you will be using this service, please contact the Division of Public Works with the date the tree will be curbside. Call (989) 779-5401 or email publicworks@mt-pleasant.org.    

All tinsel and plastic bags must be removed, and the trunk ends of the trees face the street. Evergreen wreaths will not be collected. After January 15 trees may be taken to the Materials Recovery Facility or disposed of through the City’s brush chipping program.

Cram a Cruiser: Join Forces with the Mt. Pleasant Police Department to Support Toys for Tots

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department invites the public to help ‘cram a cruiser’ with new, unwrapped, unopened toys to support Toys for Tots.

Mt. Pleasant Police Officers look forward to personally thanking you for your generosity at the toy drop offs scheduled for December 9th and 11th from 4 – 7 p.m.  The drop off location is in front of the Division of Public Safety Building, 804 E. High Street.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 11/23/2020

Summary of Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, November 23, 2020, at 7:00 p.m.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission dated November 9, 2020.

2) Bids for 2021 Water Treatment Plant treatment (bulk) chemicals.

3) Bid for a brush chipper from Bandit Industries of Remus, MI.

4) Purchase-buyback program with Krapohl Ford for the addition of two trucks and the renewal of two trucks.

5) Confirmed the trade-in of a 2017 tractor and the purchase of a 2020 tractor from John Deere.

6) Resolution in support of final approval of TCO #3-2020.

7) Authorized the Mayor to sign a letter of support for the $30,000 Neighborhood Enhancement Program grant application.

8) Authorized the Mayor to sign a one-year letter of agreement extension to the labor agreement with the TPOAM group.

9) Warrants and Payrolls.

Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1061, an ordinance to amend Section 154.405.A to update standards in the CD-3L, CD-3 and CD-4 zoning districts regarding residential housing standards.

Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1062, an ordinance to amend Chapter 150 of the Mt. Pleasant City Code to create a new division entitled “Property Standards” to regulate property conditions, to amend Section 150.99 and to repeal and relocate the regulations in Section 96.09 pertaining to inoperable vehicles.

Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1063, an ordinance to amend Chapter 50 of the Mt. Pleasant City Code to amend the regulation of accumulation of solid waste and associated penalties.

Approved resolution for solid waste trash cart fees.

Set a public hearing for Monday, December 14, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. for the application of GreenTree Cooperative Grocery for a loan through the CDBG Revolving Loan Fund Program.

Approved reappointments to various boards and committees as recommended by the Appointments Committee.

Approved and conducted a closed session pursuant to subsection 8(d) of the Open Meetings Act to consider the purchase or lease of real property.

Work session discussion on the proposed 2021 Operating Budget.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:43 p.m.

City of Mt. Pleasant Snow Emergency and On-Street Parking Updates

The Mt. Pleasant City Commission recently passed an ordinance allowing additional on-street parking and declaration of snow emergencies. If a snow emergency is declared by City staff, on-street parking will NOT be permitted.

During a snow emergency, failure to remove vehicles from the street will result in a ticket. Towing may be utilized if ticketing has proven ineffective and/or the vehicles parked on the street cause a delay in snow removal.

Notice of when a snow emergency is declared, and later lifted, will be provided through the city’s social media channels, blog https://mpcityblog.com/, community information phone line (989-779-5320), local media notification, and an email alert.

To receive an email notification, sign up to receive the city’s monthly eConnections newsletter by visiting http://www.mt-pleasant.org/news/e-news.asp.

Other parking ordinance guidelines are as follows:

  • Overnight street parking is allowed throughout the City of Mt. Pleasant year-round, except for the Downtown area.
  • Downtown street parking is prohibited from 4 – 6 a.m. year-round.
  • When a snow emergency is declared, all cars must be removed from the street.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 11/23/2020

Here are the topics to watch at the next virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, November 23, 2020 at 7 p.m.

  • Public hearing on recommended text change to amend section 154.405.A to update standards in the CD-3L, CD-3 and CD-4 zoning districts regarding residential housing standards and consider approval of the same.
  • Public hearing on an ordinance to amend Chapter 150 of the Mt. Pleasant City Code to create a new division entitled “Property Standards” to regulate property conditions, to amend Section 150.99 and to repeal and relocate the regulations in Section 96.09 pertaining to inoperable vehicles and consider approval of the same.
  • Public hearing on an ordinance to amend Chapter 50 of the Mt. Pleasant City Code to amend the regulation of accumulation of solid waste and associated penalties and consider approval of the same.
  • Consider resolution in support of final approval of Temporary Traffic Control Order #3-2020.
  • Consider resolution to amend implementation of multi-family unit optional trash carts.
  • Consider appointments to the various City boards and commissions as recommended by the Appointments Committee.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:  

Click to access 11.23.20.pdf

How to follow public meetings during social distancing:

In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, the City of Mt. Pleasant is following federal, state and county health officials’ recommendations while still providing valuable City services.

Even though the City Commission meeting will take place as scheduled, it will be an electronically conducted meeting as allowed by Public Act 228 of 2020, allowing public bodies to meet remotely. City Commission Chambers will be closed to the public.

Citizens can watch the City Commission meeting live on Spectrum Charter Channel 188, web streamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/MtPleasantMi/ or via Zoom.

Zoom Meeting instructions via computer, phone, or dial-in number are as follows:

Zoom Meeting information

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88996078522?pwd=aGx1cnQwYnVoZlR0Z3JTVGNPYnduUT09

Passcode: 427983

Phone dial-in: (312) 626-6799

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. Any citizen desiring to make a public comment on an agenda item may email their comments.

Attendance to the meeting and participation during public comment periods will be conducted as follows:

• Members of the public must provide their name and address with their comments.

• Comments/Questions may be sent ahead of the meeting in writing or emailed to comment@mtpleasant.org.

• Individual commissioners can be contacted at the following email addresses:

malsager@mt-pleasant.org

lgillis@mt-pleasant.org

wjoseph@mt-pleasant.org

klalonde@mt-pleasant.org

aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org

gronan@mt-pleasant.org

ptolas@mt-pleasant.org

• Comments/Questions can be emailed to comment@mt-pleasant.org during the meeting and during normal public comment sections of the agenda.

• Comments sent via email will be read aloud to the Commission during the public comment periods.

Persons with disabilities needing assistance to participate may call the Human Resources office at (989) 779-5314. Persons requiring speech or hearing assistance may contact the City through the Michigan Relay Center at 711. A 48-hour advance notice is necessary for accommodation.

Mt. Pleasant Christmas Celebration Cancelled (Updated 11/20 and 11/24/2020)

Community Christmas Tree at Town Center and Drive-In Movie Offered

UPDATED 11/24/2020: Since reservations are full for the December 19th screening of “Elf” (PG), a December 18th screening has been added. See below for details.

UPDATED: As of 11/20/2020 all 50 spaces have been reserved. Names are now being added to the wait list.

In order to keep up the fight against COVID-19 and ensure our community is safe, Mt. Pleasant’s Christmas Celebration scheduled for December 4 – 5, 2020 has been cancelled. The most generous thing we can do for each other this holiday season is to follow the guidelines of health officials and continue to wear a mask, social distance, and follow gathering guidelines.

Even though this holiday season will be different, and this year’s Breakfast with Santa, Candy Cane Lane, Santa’s House and the Christmas Parade are cancelled, it does not mean that holiday spirit cannot be shared. The Community Christmas Tree will still be on display in Town Center and this year, a drive-in movie featuring the film, “Elf” (PG) will be shown on December 18 and 19 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall parking lot (320 W. Broadway Street).

Attendees must pre-register for this free outdoor movie event by visiting: https://bit.ly/DriveInMovieSignUp

Space is limited, and is on a first-come, first-served basis. Registered attendees will have an assigned time to enter the City Hall parking lot the evening of their screening.  Due to social distancing, attendees must stay in their vehicles, and walk-ups and foot traffic will not be permitted.

For more information contact, the Mt. Pleasant Parks and Recreation Department at 989-779-5331 or parks-rec@mt-pleasant.org.

City of Mt. Pleasant Buildings Closed to the Public; Full Services Provided (Updated 12/8/2020; 12/23/20)

UPDATED 12/23/2020: City of Mt. Pleasant Extends Building Closure Until 1/15/2021; But Full Services Provided

UPDATED 12/8/2020: City of Mt. Pleasant Extends Building Closure Until 1/4/2021; But Full Services Provided

In order to keep our community safe and slow the spread of COVID-19, the City of Mt. Pleasant is heeding the warning of federal, state and local health officials while continuing to provide important city services. Therefore, City Hall and Public Safety offices will be closed to the public until January 15, 2021.  Access to city services is still available online, over the phone, or by appointment only. Residents are encouraged to conduct their city business virtually.

NOVEMBER 17, 2020: In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, the City of Mt. Pleasant continues to follow recommendations of federal, state and county health officials while continuing to provide important city services.

Therefore, due to the latest Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Emergency Order, beginning November 18, 2020 through December 8, 2020 City Hall and Public Safety offices will be closed to the public. Access to city services is available online, over the phone, or by appointment only.  Residents are encouraged to conduct their city business virtually.

If an in-person transaction/service is necessary, an appointment must be made in advance. Upon request, staff will schedule an appointment within one business day. Individuals coming to a city facility for a scheduled face-to-face transaction will be required to do the following:

  • Call the City staff member they are meeting from the parking lot upon arrival.
  • Over the phone, the City staff member will go through a health-screening questionnaire with the visitor.
  • If answers suggest a potential COVID risk, the individual will not be admitted to the building.
  • If answers do not appear to present a COVID risk, City staff will meet the individual in the vestibule/lobby. Transactions and meetings will take place in this area, if possible.

City Leaf Collection

  • Leaves will be picked up as scheduled during the weeks of November 16 and November 30.

Trash/Recycling

  • City trash pick-up and recycling is still taking place as per the normal schedule. Thursday, November 26 pick-up will be delayed to Friday due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
  • City trash bags and tags are available at Meijer and Ric’s. Individual tags are available at GreenTree Grocery. If purchase of a recycling bin, City trash bags or tags are necessary at City Hall, an appointment will be required.

Large Item Pick Up

Public Meetings

The City of Mt. Pleasant will host its public meetings virtually as permitted by Public Act 228 of 2020. Citizens can watch these meetings live on Spectrum Charter Channel 188, web streamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/MtPleasantMi/ or via Zoom. Any citizen desiring to make a public comment may email their agenda item comments to comment@mt-pleasant.org or attend the virtual Zoom meeting.

PEAK

PEAK programming will follow the Mt. Pleasant Public Schools operational level.

Event Postponements/Cancellations

  • Youth basketball and volleyball programs scheduled to begin during the week of November 16 will be postponed until further notice.
  • The Annual Christmas Celebration scheduled for December 4-5, 2020 is cancelled.

Payments and Building/DPW Permits

  • Citizens can make payments via mail (320 W. Broadway Street), the City’s Drop Box located outside of City Hall, or online at www.mt-pleasant.org.
  • Building and DPW Permit requests can be electronically submitted by visiting www.mt-pleasant.org. In-person inspections will follow recommendations of federal, state and local health officials. If needed, virtual inspections can be conducted through Skype or Zoom.

COVID-19 Resources

The City will continue to monitor this situation and be guided by information provided by the Central Michigan District Health Department https://www.cmdhd.org/novel-coronavirus, the State of Michigan https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus, and the Center for Disease Control & Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

Information Updates

Information will be updated and shared via the City’s website (www.mt-pleasant.org), Blog (mpcityblog.com), Facebook and Twitter accounts, MACTV Charter Spectrum Channel 188, and the Community Information Phone Line (989) 779-5320.

Armed Robbery Spree Suspect in Custody

On November 15, 2020 at approximately 11:08 p.m. an armed robbery took place at the Speedway located at 1018 S. Pickard Street. The suspect, a white male in his late 20’s wearing a black coat, jeans and a black mask with shoulder length light brown hair, produced a handgun, demanded money, and left the scene in a vehicle. As Officers from the Mt. Pleasant Police Department were searching the area, a second call came in at 11:16 p.m. for an armed robbery at the Citgo located at 910 W. Pickard Street. The suspect had the same description as the suspect in the first armed robbery.

Michigan State Police and Isabella County Sheriff Deputies assisted in locating the suspect’s vehicle. A vehicle fitting the description was found at The Marathon Gas station located at 2025 E. Remus Road. The suspect is in custody at an out of county hospital. For further details regarding the Marathon Gas Station robbery, please contact the Michigan State Police or Isabella County Sheriff’s Department.

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department along with the Isabella County Sheriff’s Department, and the Michigan State Police, are investigating these related incidents. Updates will be provided as information becomes available. There is no risk to the public.

If you have any information in regards to these incidents, please contact the Mount Pleasant Police Department’s Anonymous Tip Line at 989-779-9111 or Isabella County Central Dispatch at 989-773-1000.

The Michigan State Police, Isabella County Sheriff’s Department, Central Michigan University Police, Michigan State Police Crime Lab, and Mobile Medical Response assisted the Mt. Pleasant Police Department.