How to follow public meetings during this 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.
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 to comment@mt-pleasant.org either before or during the meeting. Individuals must include their name and address.
In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, and the changes in current business operations, the Mt. Pleasant City Commission recently adopted a resolution temporarily authorizing outdoor business activities. These activities include waiving certain standards and fees for outdoor dining, tent and merchandise display permits.
Please Note:This outdoor business activities extension is separate from the Broadway Street closure, which has the possibility of lasting until September 30, 2020. City staff is reviewing this street closure every two weeks to determine continuation.
The resolution adjusts City policy as follows through November 30, 2020:
To allow for social distancing, the use of private outdoor parking areas, lawns, or other open spaces for sales, service, or other types of work which would normally be required to occur within an enclosed building will be permitted. Certain standards will still apply.
Fees will be waived for Outdoor Dining and Merchandise Display licenses. These licenses permit dining or merchandise sales on adjacent sidewalks or on-street parking spaces.
Outdoor Dining License eligibility can be expanded beyond Downtown Mt. Pleasant. Businesses without on-site parking areas would have the opportunity to use adjacent on-street parking for dining or merchandise sales.
Fees will be waived for tent permits when associated with a business otherwise operating within an enclosed building. These permits can be issued beyond the normal 30-day limit.
Staff will have the ability to authorize Outdoor Dining and Merchandise Display Licenses to accelerate the approval process.
Alcohol service in outdoor areas will be subject to the satisfaction of certain requirements and approval by the Director of Public Safety.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has created many challenges for businesses large and small,” said City Planner Jacob Kain. “Recognizing that business-as-usual is not possible in many instances right now, this resolution will help support our local business community create a safe environment for their employees and customers as well as operate in accordance with federal, state, and local guidelines.”
Restricting Gatherings in Union Township and the City of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan
Outdoor social gatherings or events limited to 25 people or less.
The Central Michigan District Health Department has updated and reissued the local public health order to coincide with applicable Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Emergency Orders issued on 10/5/2020. You can view the updated order here:
Restricting Gatherings in Union Township and the City of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan
Outdoor social gatherings or events now limited to no more than 25 people.
The Central Michigan District Health Department issued a public health emergency order to limit the size of social gatherings or events within Union Township and the City of Mt. Pleasant. No more than 25 people may gather at outdoor events. The local order enhances existing state orders and further restricts social gatherings in areas at increased risk for COVID-19 outbreaks since the student population returned to the local community. The order takes effect on August 24, 2020 at 8:00 p.m. and will remain in effect until amended or rescinded.
“We have seen a large increase in cases since students returned to the Mt. Pleasant area. Our investigations have shown that the majority of these cases had attended large social gatherings. Restrictions on the size of outdoor gatherings, along with other preventive measures will help us reduce the spread of this virus” said Steve Hall, R.S., M.S, health officer for the Central Michigan District Health Department.
The local order reduces the size of allowable outdoor social gatherings from 100 down to 25. Indoor gatherings remain limited to 10 or fewer people not of the same household, as per Michigan Executive Order 2020-160. At any gathering or event, inside or out, individuals not living in the same household should keep a minimum of 6 feet distance from one another.
Face coverings continue to be required in public indoor settings and any crowded outdoor settings under Executive Order 2020-153.
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 still providing vital City services.
City buildings are open to the public. Please remember, whether you have an individual appointment, or are visiting a City building, you must wear a face mask and adhere to the social distancing markings which have been laid out in all City buildings.
City Parks
City parks are open, as well as Island Park’s Skate Park, Island Park’s Splash Park and Hannah’s Bark Park.
Trash/Recycling
City trash pick-up is taking place and is on the usual schedule.
City trash bags, tags and large item pick up tags can be purchased at City Hall.
City trash bags and tags are also available at Meijer and Ric’s. Individual tags are also available at GreenTree Grocery.
Public Meetings
The City of Mt. Pleasant will host its public meetings virtually. Citizens may 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 must email their comments on agenda items to comment@mt-pleasant.org.
Farmers’ Market
Both the Thursday and Saturday Farmers’ Markets are taking place with enhanced safety procedures.
Payments
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.
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.
Small Business Relief
Are you a small business impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak? If so, you may be eligible for a grant or low-interest loan. Refer to these links for more information.
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 still providing vital City services.
Due to Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order 2020-110, which opens offices, but encourages work to still be conducted remotely, City Offices will be open by appointment only during the weeks of June 8 and June 15, 2020. As was done during the Stay Home, Stay Safe Order City staff will be answering emails and phone calls and providing services remotely as much as possible.
City buildings are currently planned to be open to the public starting June 22, 2020. Please remember, whether you have an individual appointment, or are visiting a City building, you must wear a facemask and adhere to the social distancing markings which have been laid out in all City buildings.
City Parks
City parks are open, but park restroom facilities are currently closed as well as Island Park’s Skate Park, Island Park’s Splash Park and Hannah’s Bark Park. Use of outdoor facilities is currently being reviewed and updates will be provided when available.
Trash/Recycling
City trash pick-up is taking place and is on the usual schedule.
Curbside recycling will resume during the week of June 8, 2020 and follow the usual pick up schedule. Please follow normal collection guidelines. To assist our colleagues at Mid-Michigan Industries who conduct the curbside pick-up service for the City, it would be helpful if you have a large amount of recycling to please place it out for collection over a few weeks, or drop off your recycling to the Materials Recovery Facility.
The City has temporarily suspended the direct sale of recycling bins, City trash bags and tags until June 22. City trash bags and tags are available at Meijer and Ric’s. Individual tags are available at GreenTree Grocery.
The City of Mt. Pleasant will host its public meetings virtually as allowed by the Governor’s Stay at Home Executive Order. Citizens may 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 must email their comments on agenda items to comment@mt-pleasant.org.
Events
In accordance with the latest direction from Governor Whitmer’s office, the City is currently reviewing the use of outdoor facilities and the status of outdoor activities. Updates will be provided when made available.
-PEAK Summer 2020 activities are cancelled.
-Farmers’ Market will begin on Thursday June 4 and the Saturday market will begin on June 20, 2020 with enhanced safety procedures.
-City of Mt. Pleasant park shelter rental reservations have been cancelled for the month of June.
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 Permits can be electronically submitted by visiting www.mt-pleasant.org. In person inspections will follow recommendations from federal, state and local health officials. If needed, virtual inspections can be conducted through Skype or Zoom.
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.
Small Business Relief
Are you a small business impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak? If so, you may be eligible for a grant or low-interest loan. Refer to these links for more information.
Due to COVID-19, the Mt. Pleasant Farmers’ Market has transitioned from a community gathering shopping experience to a transaction based In-and-Out Market. The market will follow recommendations from federal, state and local health officials to assure a safe environment for both shoppers and vendors.
Please note the new guidelines for the 2020 Farmers’ Market:
A limited number of people will be admitted to the market at one time.
If you do not want to wait in the admittance line you may reserve a 20-minute shopping time in advance by visiting: www.mt-pleasant.org/farmersmarket; or calling 989-779-5330.
Attendees must wear a face mask.
Individuals should maintain 6 ft. social distancing between each other.
Follow one-way foot traffic patterns. There will be a designated entrance and exit.
Only one person per household/party should visit the market.
No pets.
Shop quickly, with a shopping list.
Do not touch products. Vendors will select and bag purchases for you.
Use credit/debit cards, food assistance tokens or exact change. Change will not be given.
Preordered and prepaid orders are eligible for Curbside Pick-Up. In the future a list of participating vendors can be found at: www.mt-pleasant.org/farmersmarket.
Public seating areas will not be available.
Wash all produce before consuming.
If you are not feeling well, stay home.
The 2020 Farmers’ Market is scheduled as follows:
Thursday Market (Island Park): June 4 – October 29; 7:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Saturday Market (Town Center/Downtown): June 20 – October 10; 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
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 still providing vital City services.
Therefore, through June 12, 2020 the City is following Governor Whitmer’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order 2020-100, and is continuing its level of building closure and only providing critical services at this time. This includes: police, fire, airport operations, water, wastewater, street and park services as well as construction permitting and inspection services.
Other City staff will be monitoring emails and phone calls and will attempt to answer urgent inquiries.
City Parks
City parks are currently open, but park restroom facilities are closed as well as Island Park’s Skate Park, Island Park’s Splash Park and Hannah’s Bark Park.
Trash/Recycling
City trash pick-up is still taking place.
Curbside recycling is currently suspended due to the Materials Recovery Facility being closed. Recycling fees waived on the April, May and June utility bills.
As a result of building closures, the City has temporarily suspended the direct sale of recycling bins, City trash bags and tags. City trash bags and tags are available at Meijer and Ric’s. Individual tags are available at GreenTree Grocery.
Large Item Pick Up
Large item pick-up is now reinstated. Tags can be ordered online. Once payment is received your tag will be delivered to your door.
The City of Mt. Pleasant will host its public meetings virtually as allowed by the Governor’s Stay at Home Executive Order. Citizens may watch these meetings live on Spectrum Charter Channel 188, webstreamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/MtPleasantMi/ or via Zoom. Any citizen desiring to make a public comment must email their comments on agenda items to comment@mt-pleasant.org.
-Virtual City Commission meeting will take place on May 26, 2020 at 7 p.m.
-May 27 Zoning Board of Appeals meeting is cancelled due to lack of action items.
-Virtual TIFA Meeting will take place on May 28, 2020 at 8 a.m.
-Virtual EDC/BRA Meeting will take place on May 29, 2020 at 1 p.m.
-June 4 Planning Commission Meeting is cancelled due to lack of action items.
-Virtual City Commission meeting will take place on June 8, 2020 at 7 p.m.
-Virtual DDA Board Meeting will take place on June 11, 2020 at 10 a.m.
-June 11 Airport Advisory Board Meeting is cancelled.
Event Cancellations
-PEAK activities postponed until further notice.
-Adult and Youth Sport Leagues postponed until further notice.
-Thrilling Thursdays postponed until further notice.
-Farmers’ Market was cancelled through the month of May, but the Thursday market will begin on June 4 and the Saturday market will begin on June 20, 2020.
-City of Mt. Pleasant park shelter rental reservations are cancelled for the months of May and June.
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 Permits can be electronically submitted by visiting www.mt-pleasant.org. In person inspections will follow recommendations from federal, state and local health officials. If needed, virtual inspections can be conducted through Skype or Zoom.
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.
Small Business Relief
Are you a small business impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak? If so, you may be eligible for a grant or low-interest loan. Refer to these links for more information.
How to follow public meetings during this 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.
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 to comment@mt-pleasant.org either before or during the meeting. Individuals must include their name and address.
Summary of Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, May 11, 2020, at 7:02 p.m.
Mayor Joseph read and presented a proclamation to Public Works Director Moore recognizing National Public Works Week (May 17-23, 2020).
Item #12. Recommendation to look at fees related to outdoor dining was added to the agenda.
Received petitions and communications.
Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:
1) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held April 27, 2020.
2) Authorized the Mayor and Clerk to sign a one-year contract extension with Brown and Brown for broker services.
3) Resolution authorizing an amendment to the Standard Lighting Contract between the City and Consumers Energy for the removal of the existing light pole in Parking Lot 7.
4) Warrants and Payrolls.
Approved the resolution extending conditional authorization for 3967 Euclid LLC as presented. (CC Exh. 3-2020)
Approved the resolution to waive summer tax bill penalties until September 14, confirm the waiver of late fees on utility bills until June 15, 2020 and authorize utility bill payment plans as presented. (CC Exh. 4-2020)
Waived outdoor dining fees for downtown brick and mortar businesses for the 2020 outdoor dining season that do not exceed two parking spaces.
The Commission recessed at 8:46 p.m. and went into a work session at 8:52 p.m.
WORK SESSION – 1) Presentation on the 2021-2026 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
WORK SESSION – 2) Discussion on the proposed 2021-2026 Capital Improvement Plan.
The City of Mt. Pleasant has contracted with Republic Services to conduct a one-time special curbside pick up for recyclables. This collection, within the city limits, will take place on your regularly scheduled recycle pick-up date during the week of May 18, 2020.
Please place your items at the usual pick up point (curb or alley) by 7:00 a.m. on your usual scheduled pick up day. All usual City recycling guidelines are still in effect.
Based on the high volume of recycling to be picked up it is possible Republic Services may not be able to totally complete the collection on the scheduled pick up day. If that occurs, please leave your bin out overnight so the remaining recycling material can be picked up the next day.
Recycling Reminders:
All cardboard must be flattened and stacked.
All recyclable material should be placed in a blue recycle bin or near a blue bin in another container. A cardboard box may be used as a container for this pick up only. Plastic bags are not permitted.
Remove tape and staples from paper, and cellophane envelope windows before recycling.
Items which will NOT be picked up:
Pizza boxes and other food boxes.
Styrofoam
Shredded paper
Large metal objects
Colored glass
Kleenex, paper towels, and used personal products, such as diapers and wipes.
Wax or plastic coated cardboard/boxboard, such as milk and juice cartons, laundry soap boxes, and dog/cat food bags or water softener salt bags.
Metal cutting strips from aluminum foil and similar boxes are acceptable, but must be removed and included with your tin and aluminum recyclables. The boxes themselves can be included with your cardboard.
Plastic shopping bags.
Curbside recycling pickup will remain suspended after this one-time special pick up. Further announcements regarding the opening of the Isabella County Material Recovery Facility, and resumption of curbside recycling collection will be 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.
Although April 1 Census Day has passed, it is not too late for Mt. Pleasant residents, including Central Michigan University students, to complete their census form and make a difference in our community.
As of May 9, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that 56.7 percent of Mt. Pleasant households have completed their Census forms. The national average sits at 58.5 percent.
Towns across the country depend on residents responding to the census and the City of Mt. Pleasant is no different. As residents, you use and benefit from critical resources such as healthcare facilities, roadways, educational offerings and public safety services.
Your census response helps determine the funding of these services as well as the amount of representation our community has in Lansing and Washington D.C. over the next 10 years. In addition, data from the census helps shape future retail and dining options for you, your family, and future CMU students.
Residents
The Census Bureau states you must report all individuals who lived in your household on April 1, 2020. The short online Census questionnaire is confidential and can be found be visiting my2020census.gov. The online form takes less than 10 minutes to complete.
College Students
The Census Bureau has stated if you typically reside in Mt. Pleasant to attend Central Michigan University you should be counted in Mt. Pleasant. If you would have resided on campus on April 1, you are already counted, and there are no additional steps you need to take. If you reside, or would have resided off-campus on April 1, you need to fill out the short Census online questionnaire. This confidential form can be found by visiting my2020census.gov. You can complete the Census form for all individuals who were, or would have been living in your house or apartment on April 1. The online form takes less than 10 minutes to complete.
If your parents included you on their census forms at their residences you can still fill out your Census form stating where you would have been living on April 1. The Census Bureau will analyze the data to ensure there are no duplicate counts and make sure you count where you reside for school.
City of Mt.Pleasant 
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