Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – October 12, 2020

Here are the topics to watch at the next virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, October 12, 2020 at 7 p.m.

Public hearing on an ordinance for Mt. Pleasant Housing Commission Payment In lieu of Taxes (PILOT) and Municipal Services Agreement and consider approval of the same.

Consider approval of an ordinance to amend section 71.27 and 71.45 of City Code regarding parking and snow emergencies as postponed from September 28, 2020.

Receive proposed 2050 Master Plan as recommended by the Planning Commission and Parks and Recreation Commission and set a public hearing for November 9, 2020 on the same.

Consider resolution approving charter amendment ballot language to change the term of office for commission members.

Consider resolution approving charter amendment ballot language to increase the term of office for the mayor and vice mayor.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

Click to access 10.12.20.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 the Governor’s Executive Order and the 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/85049577042?pwd=bThLZjk0dHdCSitGZU1SYXM5eWJ1UT09

Passcode: 644394

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 must email their comments.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – September 28, 2020

Summary of Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, September 28, 2020, at 7:00 p.m.

Scott Mertes gave a presentation on proposed Mid-Michigan College annexation.

Finance Director gave a presentation on the 2020 election status.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held September 14, 2020.

2) Minutes of the electronically conducted Closed session held September 14, 2020.

3) Minutes of the electronically conducted Special Joint meeting held September 17, 2020.

4) Warrants and Payrolls.

Held a public hearing on proposed amendment to Article VII: TRAFFIC CODE, Chapter 71 PARKING REGULATIONS, Sections 71.27 and 71.45 of the City Code of the City of Mt. Pleasant Code regarding parking and snow emergencies. The matter was postponed until further legal review can occur.

Held a public hearing and authorized the Mayor to sign the required documentation as part of the CDBG-RLF program for Gursky Limited, LLC.

Approved a contract with the Mannik Smith Group of Lansing, MI for the groundwater testing near the former City landfill and the appropriate budget amendment.

Received proposed ordinance for the Mt. Pleasant Housing Commission Payment in lieu of Taxes (PILOT) and the Municipal Services Agreement and set a public hearing on same for Monday, October 12, 2020.

Prioritized and approved submission of City requests for Fall 2020 Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe 2% allocations.

Held Work Session discussions on the 2021 Operating Budget and Property Maintenance Ordinance.

Adjourned the meeting at 10:27 p.m.

Assault Rifle Suspect in Custody

On September 25, 2020 at approximately 10:15 p.m. officers of the Mt. Pleasant Police Department (MPPD) responded to a weapons complaint at West Campus Apartments. It was reported that a black male wearing a face mask and a camo sweatshirt pointed an assault rifle at a group of males and females within an apartment. None of the victims knew the suspect, but did recognize him from approximately one hour prior when the suspect was looking for a party and the victims denied the suspect access to their apartment.

Officers searched the area and were unable to locate the male suspect that evening. Upon further investigation a suspect was identified and confirmed by victims.

On September 30, 2020 MPPD located the suspect at a residence on Main Street. The male suspect from Saginaw was interviewed and search warrants were issued on his vehicle and the residence where he was currently staying.

The suspect was arrested on five counts of felonious assault, possession of a firearm, carrying a firearm with unlawful intent and home invasion. He was lodged at the Isabella County Jail and will be arraigned on October 1, 2020.

This was an isolated and targeted incident and there was no risk to the public. Anyone with additional information regarding this incident are asked to contact the Mt. Pleasant Police Department’s Anonymous Tip Line at 989-779-9111 or Central Dispatch (989) 773-1000.

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department was assisted by the Michigan State Police, MINT, Michigan State Intelligence Analysts, Central Michigan University Police Department, and the Michigan Department of Corrections.

Mt. Pleasant Police Seeking Assistance in Identifying Suspect (Updated 10/1/2020: Suspect Identified.)

UPDATE: Thank you for your assistance. As of 10/1/2020, the suspect has been identified.

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying a male suspect who was stealing signs from residential yards on the southeast side of Mt. Pleasant. The suspect was walking his black dog on Buckingham Street between 12 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. on September 29, 2020.

The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 6’3” – 6’5”, with a large build, dark hair and beard and possibly wearing glasses. The suspect was weaing athletic gear and tall compression socks.

Important Health and Safety Trick-or-Treating Information

Halloween is not a City sanctioned event, but a national holiday known for its popular trick-or-treating activity on October 31. The City establishes a specific time frame (6-8 p.m.) for trick-or-treating, to safely coordinate foot and vehicular traffic patterns.

Due to COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has categorized trick-or-treating and trunk-or-treating as high-risk activities. The CDC urges individuals to participate in lower risk activities such as virtual Halloween costume contests or celebrations with individuals within your same household. For a complete list of lower-risk celebrations visit the CDC website at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html#halloween

Trick-or-treating is a personal choice for both trick-or-treaters and residents. If you do decide to participate in this activity, only go to households with the porch light on and follow these CDC safety measures:

•A costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth mask. A costume mask should not be used unless it is made of two or more layers of breathable fabric that covers the mouth and nose and doesn’t leave gaps around the face.

•Do not wear a costume mask over a protective cloth mask because the costume mask makes it hard to breathe. Consider using a Halloween-themed cloth mask.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has also outlined safety protocols for trick-or-treating. https://www.michigan.gov/documents/coronavirus/Halloween_Guidance_703282_7.pdf

Please also keep in mind the Central Michigan District Health Department’s Public Health Emergency Order which limits outdoor group sizes to 25 people or less within the City of Mt. Pleasant and Union Township.

As always, individuals should continue to wear a face mask, practice social distancing, and follow gathering guidelines.

In addition to COVID-19 safety protocols, trick-or-treaters should follow these standard safety tips:

• Remain on well-lit streets, and use sidewalks.
• A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children.
• Look both ways before crossing the street, and use crosswalks.
• Carry a flashlight and/or wear reflective clothing.

Updates from health officials will be provided if they become available.

November Election Absentee Voting Reminders (Updated 9/28,10/19 and 10/30/2020.)

UPDATED 10/30/2020:

What Voters Need to Know in the Final Days to Cast Ballots

Below is information provided by the Michigan Secretary of State’s Office regarding the November 3 Election.

Michigan.gov/Vote: Michiganders can check their registration, find their local clerk offices, drop boxes and polling place, and track their absentee ballot at the state’s official website.

Registration through Election Day: Eligible citizens can register to vote and then vote an absentee ballot in one trip to their city clerk’s office now through Election Day, Nov. 3. As long as voters are in line by 8 p.m. on Election Day they must be allowed to register and vote. To register within 14 days of the election, a voter must bring a document verifying residency, like a utility bill, school ID or government mail with their address (digital copies are acceptable).

Early Voting by Absentee Ballot at City Clerk’s Office: Registered voters can request and submit absentee ballots in one trip. For your convenience, the City Clerk’s Office will be open on Saturday, October 31, 2020 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Monday, November 2 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Return Absentee Ballots ASAP: Voters who already have an absentee ballot should fill it out, sign the back of the envelope, and hand-deliver it to their city clerk’s office or drop box (located at Mt. Pleasant City Hall’s entrance) as soon as possible, and no later than 8 p.m. on Nov. 3.

Voters must bring their ballot to a drop box in their jurisdiction.

Missing Absentee Ballot: If a voter requested an absentee ballot and it never arrived or they lost it, they should go to their clerk’s office immediately to request and submit one in person. If they cannot do so due to health reasons, they should contact their clerk immediately.

Requested Absentee but Want to Vote at Polls: If a voter requested and received an absentee ballot but decided they would prefer to vote at their polling place, they should bring the absentee ballot with them to the polls. Once there, they can surrender it for a new ballot that they will fill out and place in the tabulation machine.

Submitted Absentee Ballot but Want to Change Vote: Voters who already submitted an absentee ballot but want to change or cancel their vote should go to their city clerk’s office as soon as possible, and no later than 10 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 2. On Election Day, voters who have already cast an absentee ballot will NOT be able to change or cancel it.

Polling Places Will Be Safe, Clean and Accessible: Masks, gloves, sanitizer, and protocols for hygiene and social distancing have been provided to election jurisdictions statewide. Election workers are required to wear masks and voters are strongly encouraged to do so. All polling places must have Voter Assist Terminals for any voter who wants to use one.

Voter Intimidation is Illegal: Anyone who experiences or witnesses voter intimidation, harassment or coercion of any kind should report it immediately to an election worker or their election clerk’s office. Intimidating a voter with a firearm or any other weapon or menacing behavior is a felony under existing law enforceable by local law enforcement.

All Valid Absentee Ballots Will Be Counted Fairly: To be valid, absentee ballots must be received by the voter’s city clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day on Nov. 3, and have a signature that matches the one on file with the clerk. Absentee ballots are counted by pairs of election workers, one from each major political party, to ensure they are counted without political bias and in accordance with the law.

Complete Election Results Will Not Come Tuesday: Absentee ballots take longer to process and count than ballots cast at polling places. And unlike other states, Michigan law provides very limited ability for clerks to prepare them ahead of Election Day. Because of this, and the significant increase in voters casting absentee ballots, it could take until Friday, Nov. 6, for all ballots to be counted. Depending on how close the races are, this likely means results will not be determined on Tuesday.

Other Election Day Information:

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. on November 3, 2020.

Do you need a ride to and from the polls? I-Ride is offering free rides. Call (989) 772-9441 to schedule.

———END OF 10/30/2020 UPDATE——–

10/19/2020 UPDATE: Due to the November 2018 passage of a statewide ballot proposal, all registered voters in Michigan are now eligible to vote via absentee ballot without a specific reason. This, coupled with our current COVID-19 reality, the City of Mt. Pleasant has experienced a dramatic increase in absentee ballot requests. A record number of individuals participated in absentee voting for the August 2020 Primary Election, this number is expected to grow for the November 3, 2020 General Election.

How to Sign Up for Absentee Voting

If you did not select the absentee ballot option for the November General Election on the August Primary absentee ballot application, which was mailed to your residence, or request a ballot already, you may still vote absentee on November 3^rd by:

Completing an Absentee Voter Application Form which is available at the City Clerk’s office, or can be found online at http://www.michigan.gov/sos. The United States Postal Service is recommending individuals who choose to mail their application do so 15 days prior to Election Day.

Absentee Ballot Mailing Timeline

Absentee ballots were mailed on September 24 to those individuals who previously requested an absentee ballot for the November 3^rd election.

Absentee Ballot Return Options

Drop absentee ballots off at the Absentee Ballot Drop Box located on the sidewalk near the main entrance of City Hall.
Drop off ballot in person at the City Clerk’s Office located on the second floor of City Hall. 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday. Ballots must be received by the close of polls on November 3rd.
Absentee ballots can be mailed to City Hall, 320 W. Broadway Street. If mailing your absentee ballot, the United States Postal Service recommends mailing at least 7 days before Election Day. Ballots must be received by the close of polls on November 3rd.

In-person absentee voting:

This option is available at the City Clerk’s office Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. starting September 24, through Monday, November 2, 2020 at 4 p.m. For your convenience, the City Clerk’s office will also be open for in-person absentee voting on Saturday, October 31, 2020 from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Absentee Ballot Tracking

Absentee ballots can be tracked by visiting www.mi.gov/vote.

Election Day Information

Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3, 2020. Even though safety protocols will be in place at all polling locations, absentee voting is the safest option during this COVID-19 pandemic. Need a ride to and from the polls? I-Ride is offering free rides. Call (989) 772-9441 to schedule.

Visit www.mi.gov/vote to confirm where you are registered to vote. If you have questions regarding absentee voting, or being added to the permanent absentee voter list, call (989) 779-5361.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – September 28, 2020

Here are the topics to watch at the next virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, September 28, 2020 at 7 p.m.

Public hearing on an ordinance to amend section 71.27 and 71.45 of City Code regarding parking and snow emergencies and consider approval the same.

Public hearing on Gursky Limited, LLC DBA Motorless Motion job creation accomplishment through the Michigan Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and authorize the Mayor to sign the required documentation on the same.

Receive proposed ordinance for the Mt. Pleasant Housing Commission Payment In lieu of Taxes (PILOT) and the Municipal Services Agreement and set a public hearing for October 12, 2020 on the same.

Prioritize and approve submission of City requests for Fall 2020 Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe 2% allocations.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

Click to access 9.28.20.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.

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/85291700218?pwd=QnNaL2hvbnRBYnFBRVN0eldjZFMwdz09

Passcode: 010579

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 must email their comments.

2020 Fall Leaf Collection Information (Updated 11/6/2020)

UPDATE 11/6/2020: With the high volume of leaves, street crews were unable to complete the first leaf collection.

The area affected includes Washington to Mission Street, north of High Street. Leaves in this specific area will be picked up starting the morning of Monday, November 9, 2020. This will complete the first scheduled leaf collection. There are two more leaf collections scheduled for the week of November 16 and the week of November 30, 2020.

ORIGINAL POST 9/23/2020: As the temperatures cool, and the trees start to show their vibrant colors, residents and landscaping companies are reminded to not rake leaves into the streets until the week of October 26. City staff will make one sweep through the entire City during pick up weeks. Therefore, leaves should be raked into low piles before Monday of pick up weeks and not cover catch basins.

On High and Pickard Streets, where high traffic volume prohibits leaves in the gutter; residents and landscaping companies should rake the leaves onto the rights-of-way, between the curb and sidewalk. Those who live on streets other than High and Pickard must place their leaves in the street. If you live on a boulevard, do not place leaves in the median, place them in front of your home.

Yard waste bags should not be used; this collection is for leaves only. Leaf piles must not contain garden or shrubbery clippings, dead grass, branches, trim board or other material.

Residents who wish to rake their yards ahead of the City’s collection schedule may bag and dispose of the leaves for a fee at the Material Recovery Facility, located at 4208 E. River Rd., Mt. Pleasant. Leaves may also be mulched with a mulching lawnmower.

The City’s 2020 leaf collection schedule is as follows:

• Week of November 2: Staff will collect leaves in a City-wide sweep.

• Week of November 16: Staff will collect leaves in a City-wide sweep.

•November 30: Final collection of leaves in a City-wide sweep.

Any leaves left in the street after the crews have made their final pass will not be collected and are the responsibility of the homeowner.

Questions may be directed to the Division of Public Works, 989-779-5401.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – September 14, 2020

Summary of Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, September 14, 2020, at 7:00 p.m.

James McBryde, President of MMDC gave a quarterly update on MMDC activities.

City Planner Kain gave an update on the 2020 Census progress.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held August 24, 2020.

2) Minutes of the electronically conducted Closed session held August 24, 2020.

3) Authorized the purchase of an unmarked (non-patrol) vehicle through the MiDeal program.

4) Received proposed amendment to Article VII: TRAFFIC CODE, Chapter 71 PARKING REGULATIONS, Sections 71.27 and 71.45 of the City Code of the City of Mt. Pleasant Code regarding parking and snow emergencies and set a public hearing for Monday, September 28, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. on same.

5) Set a public hearing for September 28, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. for Gursky Limited, LLC (Motorless Motion) as required through the CDBG program.

6) Authorized a three-year agreement with Consumers Energy for continued participation in their demand response program.

7) Received proposed 2021 Annual Operating Budget and set a public hearing for Monday, November 9, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. on same.

8) Resolution to amend 2020 Operating Budget.

9) Received Fall 2020 Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribal 2% funding requests from City Departments.

10) Warrants and Payrolls.

Approved service contract at 0% PILOT with 5% service fee for first five years and reset to 10% PILOT after five years in regard to the Mt. Pleasant Housing Commission’s potential purchase of property at 1414 West Broomfield.

Approved the contract amendment with Fleis and Vandenbrink for $20,600 for the multi-jurisdictional storm water study and the appropriate budget amendment.

Approved the resolution as presented authorizing the Mayor to sign the easements for the Isabella County Drain Commissioner for the Mission Creek Drain and the supplemental agreement as presented. (CC Exh. 11-2020)

Approved a contract amendment with L.D. Cocsa for the 1MG Reservoir Bypass Project and the appropriate budget amendment.

Approved and conducted a closed session pursuant to subsection 8(h) of the Open Meetings Act to consider material exempt from discussion or disclosure by state or federal statute.

Postponed the work session discussion on Potential Property Maintenance Ordinance.

Adjourned the meeting at 10:08 p.m.

Mt. Pleasant Police Seeking Assistance in Identifying Suspect

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying a female suspect who stole more than $500 in merchandise at Hobby Lobby, 2121 South Mission Street at approximately 4:54 p.m. on September 14, 2020.

The suspect is described as a white female in her 50’s with dark hair with auburn tones. The suspect was wearing a cheetah print shirt, drawstring khaki pants, and carrying a large black purse.

There are no safety concerns for the City of Mt. Pleasant.

If you have any information in regards to the identification of this subject, please contact the Mt. Pleasant Police Department’s anonymous tip line at 989-779-9111.