Island Park Skate Park to close at 1 p.m. on April 6, 2020

In an effort to keep our residents safe and healthy in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Island Park Skate Park will be closed starting at 1 p.m. on Monday, April 6.  A reopen date will be made at a later date as more information regarding COVID-19 becomes available.

Information will be updated and shared via the City’s website (www.mt-pleasant.org), Blog (mpcityblog.com), Facebook and Twitter accounts and the Community Information Phone Line (989) 779-5320. You may also contact your City Commissioners at commission@mt-pleasant.org.

A Message from Mayor Will Joseph (April 5, 2020)

Dear City of Mt. Pleasant Residents,

Our daily lives have recently taken a dramatic turn. COVID-19 and the rapid rate of new information has altered our familiar schedules and has forced us to adapt quickly over the past several weeks. But what has remained constant is the City of Mt. Pleasant’s dedication to taking proactive steps to follow state and county health officials’ recommendations while still providing vital City services.

City staff has been working tirelessly to stay ahead of the ever-changing COVID-19 landscape while making sure the needs of our residents are met. These services include, but are not limited to, Public Safety, Water and Wastewater Treatment Services, airport operations, City trash pick-up and park operations. 

City Commissioners and staff have also determined a way to conduct our City Commission meetings virtually so our residents can still participate in local government during this time of social distancing. On Monday, April 13 at 7 p.m., our City Commission meeting will take place virtually. Citizens may watch the meeting live on Spectrum Charter Channel 188 or livestream on the City’s YouTube Channel. Citizens who wish to comment during the public comment portions of the meeting must email their comments to COMMENT@mt-pleasant.org.

We realize many residents may have specific questions regarding COVID-19. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has launched several statewide platforms to answer your questions. You may call the COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136, seven days a week from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. or email your specific questions to COVID19@michigan.gov24/7.

Are you a small business impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak? If so, you may be eligible for some relief. Refer to this website https://www.michiganbusiness.org/covid19/ provided by the Middle Michigan Development Corporation. 

Specific City of Mt. Pleasant information will be updated and shared via the City’s website (www.mt-pleasant.org), Blog (mpcityblog.com), Facebook and Twitter accounts and the Community Information Phone Line (989) 779-5320. You may also contact your City Commissioners at commission@mt-pleasant.org.

We all play a role in this fight against COVID-19. Please adhere to Governor Whitmer’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order 2020-42 (Updated 4/13/2020) which states you may leave the house to take a walk or run as well as visit the grocery store or pharmacy; but all other travel should be suspended. While you are getting exercise, feel free to enjoy our City’s park system but remember to keep a 6 ft. distance between you and others. Thank you for your understanding and flexibility as we navigate through this uncharted territory. Together we will make it through this.

Sincerely,

Will Joseph

Mayor, City of Mt. Pleasant

Social Distancing – What does that mean?

As we continue our fight against COVID-19 we have made drastic changes to our daily lives and have added new terminology like ‘social distancing’ to our vocabulary. What does this mean and how does that look? Simply put, we must keep 6 ft. of physical distance from each other.

Keep this in mind as you are navigating the aisles at the grocery store or pharmacy as well as standing in the checkout lines. This is also true when you are getting exercise and enjoying a walk or run through our parks system or your neighborhood.

Please remember you can still shop for your necessities; continue to enjoy the outdoors, all while helping stop the spread of COVID-19 by simply keeping a 6 ft. distance from others. Thank you for doing your part in keeping our community safe and healthy.

Michigan Street Reconstruction

The Michigan Street reconstruction project which was originally scheduled to start on July 6, 2020 will begin on Monday, March 30, 2020. During this time the road, portions of the storm sewer, sidewalk and curbing will be replaced between Oak and Washington Streets. Site amenities such as benches, trash cans, and pedestrian lighting will follow later in the summer due to lead time in ordering materials.

This civil construction project is classified as critical work as outlined in Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order 2020-21. Starting this project earlier while traffic levels are lower will decrease the length of disruption to those along this corridor.

Michigan Street between Oak and Washington Streets will be closed to through traffic starting on March 30, 2020.

Curbside Recycling Fee Waived – Utility Bill Payment Due Date Extended

The impact of COVID-19 is far-reaching and each day brings new information as well as many changes to our jobs, schooling, recreational activities and level of municipal services provided. Due to curbside recycling being suspended, that fee will be removed from your next utility bill. The City has also delayed utility bill due dates from April 15 to May 15 without penalty. Payments may be made online, by mail, or dropped off at the drop box located in the City Hall parking lot.

City staff and City Commissioners are committed to identifying potential ways to help our residents and businesses. We are still working on, and researching additional local options available to make this challenging time a little easier. 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.

We ask you continue to follow the recommended guidelines from our health officials, adhere to Governor Whitmer’s Executive Orders, and please, stay safe and be well.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – March 23, 2020

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, March 23, 2020, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held March 9, 2020.

2) Bid of Lakeshore Construction of Mt. Pleasant, MI for 2020 New Sidewalk and Sidewalk Replacement Project and approved a budget amendment from Major and Local Streets.

3) Authorized the Mayor and Clerk to sign the revised sewer agreement with Nottawa Township as presented.

4) Authorized the Mayor and Clerk to sign the easement document with Nottawa Township as presented.

5) Warrants and Payrolls.

Denied Resolution #5 and instead authorized a budget amendment of $17,400 from the Capital Improvement Fund to fund the remaining cost of the street light improvements.

Approved Option A (add lighting with irrigation) and awarded the contract for the 2020 Michigan Street Reconstruction Project to McGuirk Sand and Gravel, of Mt. Pleasant, MI and appropriate budget amendments.

Approved submission of City requests for Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe two percent allocations with a summary of the Commission’s top priorities.

Appointed Mayor Joseph to the County Tax Allocation Board.

Adjourned the meeting at 7:54 p.m.

A Message from Director of Public Safety, Paul Lauria – (Updated 4/28/2020)

As we enter unchartered territory in our fight against COVID-19, we as a community must first and foremost take care of others. Each of us needs to be the first to respond effectively in exhibiting smart and responsible social distancing; projecting selflessness towards others even while our daily schedules are altered, and strictly adhering to Governor Whitmer’s Stay at Home Executive Order which continues through May 15. (This date was extended to May 15 on April 24 via Executive Order 2020-59.) None of this is easy, or convenient. But following these recommendations of health officials now will determine how well and how quickly we can resume our normal lives.

Committed to serving with pride and integrity; Mt Pleasant’s Division of Public Safety will be monitoring email and phone calls. Critical and emergency calls for service will continue to be done in person and follow CDC recommendations for first responder protocols.

We would like to thank our residents in advance for your cooperation and understanding as we navigate through these ever-changing times.

Governor Whitmer’s Stay at Home Executive Order 2020-21:

https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/

Topics to Watch at the City Commission Meeting – March 23, 2020

Here are the topics to watch at the next Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for March 23, 2020.

-Consider approval of Resolution #5 to approve the roll and set payment terms for Special Assessment District #1-2020 as postponed from March 9, 2020.

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

-Consider approval of amended agreement with Nottawa Township for processing wastewater.

-Consider approval of easement with Nottawa Township.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/board/city.commission/agendas/2020/3.23.20.pdf  

How to follow public meetings during this unprecedented time:

In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, the City of Mt. Pleasant is taking proactive steps to follow 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 or web streamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/MtPleasantMi/.  Any citizen desiring to make public comment must email their public comments on agenda items to comment@mt-pleasant.org.

City of Mt. Pleasant Buildings Closures, Event and Recycling Pick Up Cancellations – (Updated 4/28/2020)

MARCH 21, 2020 (Updated 4/28/2020)

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 still providing valuable City services.

Therefore, effective Monday, March 23 at 8:00 a.m. through May 15, the City is expanding its level of building closure to only providing critical services at this time. This includes: police, fire, airport operations, water and wastewater services. Other City staff will be monitoring emails and phone calls and will attempt to answer urgent inquiries.

At this time, City parks are open, but park restroom facilities are closed. City trash pick-up is still taking place, although curbside recycling has been suspended.

Evaluation of critical services and building closure duration will occur on a weekly basis.

The City will continue to monitor this rapidly evolving 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 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.

MARCH 20, 2020
City of Mt. Pleasant COVID-19 Video Update

MARCH 19, 2020 (Updated 4/13/2020): Due to the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) closing there will be NO curbside recycling pick-up starting March 19 through at least April 30, 2020. The MRF Facility is also closed to the public through at least April 30, 2020.  At this time, there is no change to City trash pick-up schedules.

MARCH 17, 2020: (Updated 4/28/2020): In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, the City of Mt. Pleasant is taking proactive steps. Following recommendations of state and county health officials’ and the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), the focus is still on providing valuable City services. Therefore, alterations are being made to City building access and further event cancellations have been implemented.  

Operations (Updated 4/28/2020)

Beginning at 12 noon on Tuesday, March 17, through May 15, 2020, City buildings including City Hall and Public Safety will be closed to the public. However, staff will still be available to provide City services via phone, email, and online (www.mt-pleasant.org). Documents can be mailed to City Hall (320 W. Broadway Street) or dropped off at the Drop Box located outside City Hall. Services that cannot be accomplished by phone, online or mail will be addressed on a case by case basis. Please call the appropriate City department if you have specific questions. 

Mt. Pleasant Municipal Airport

Will still conduct its normal operations.

Event Cancellations

The CDC recommends organizers cancel or postpone events with 50 people or more for the next eight weeks. This guidance has caused the additional cancellation of the following:

-All Peak activities through at least June. (Updated 4/13/20)

-Master Plan Open Houses (March 25 and April 23)  

-Current Speed Camp sessions which run through March 26.

-Soccer and T-ball Coaches Meetings. (March 26)

-Great Egg Scramble (April 4) 

-Teen Flashlight Egg Hunt (April 5)

-Airport Advisory Board Meeting (April 9) (Updated 3/23/20)

-Special Joint Meeting of the City and Planning Commissions (April 9) (Updated 3/23/20)

-Youth Soccer Program (Registration refunds will be issued.)

-Start Smart Program (Registration refunds will be issued.)

-Youth Tee Ball (Registration refunds will be issued.)

Farmers’ Market (May 7)

The City will continue to monitor this rapidly evolving 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 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.

City of Mt. Pleasant COVID-19 Update (Updated 4/28/2020)

MARCH 13, 2020:

In an effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the City of Mt. Pleasant is taking proactive steps to follow state and county health officials’ recommendations while still providing valuable city services.

Beginning on Friday, March 13 through April 30 2020, please be advised of the following:

City Sponsored Event Cancellations Updated 3/23/2020

Citizens’ Academy – March 17 and March 24 class sessions.   

Master Plan Open Houses (March 25 and April 23)

Current Speed Camp sessions which run through March 26.

Soccer and T-ball Coaches Meetings. (March 26)

Great Egg Scramble (April 4)

Teen Flashlight Egg Hunt (April 5)

Airport Advisory Board Meeting (April 9) Updated 3/23/2020

Special Joint Meeting of the City and Planning Commissions (April 9) Updated 3/23/20

Youth Soccer Program (Registration refunds will be issued.) Updated 3/17/2020

Start Smart Program (Registration refunds will be issued.) Updated 3/17/2020

Youth Tee Ball (Registration refunds will be issued.) Updated 3/17/2020

Farmers’ Market (Though May) Updated 4/13/2020

PEAK Program Updated 4/28/2020

All PEAK activities (after school activities and Spring Break Day Camp) cancelled through at least June. Pre-paid enrollments will be applied to family household accounts as a credit.

Events Which Require City Approval (Updated 4/28/2020)

Community sponsored events occurring before May 15 on City property, and/or require road closures will not be approved.

City Hall Conference Rooms

No public rental/use of City Hall conference rooms.

Public Meetings

City Commission, Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals meetings will take place as scheduled. However, to limit the number of people gathered, we encourage citizens to watch the meetings live on Spectrum Charter Channel 188 or web-streamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/MtPleasantMi/.  Citizens are also encouraged to email comments on agenda items to manager@mt-pleasant.org.

Payments and Building Permits

Citizens are encouraged to 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 also be electronically submitted by visiting www.mt-pleasant.org.

Building Inspections

If you are ill, please reschedule your building inspection.

Rental Housing Inspections Updated 4/28/2020

Property owners will be contacted to reschedule inspections previously scheduled before May 15.

Employment Applications

Individuals are encouraged to submit Applications for Employment electronically. Applications can be emailed to HR@mt-pleasant.org, or faxed to 989-779-5317.

The city will continue to monitor this rapidly evolving situation and coordinate closely with 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 will be updated and shared via the City’s website (www.mt-pleasant.org), Blog (mpcityblog.com), Facebook and Twitter accounts and the Community Information Phone Line (989) 779-5320.