Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting – March 9, 2020

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, March 9, 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 February 24, 2020.

2) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held February 24, 2020.

3) Bid of Block Farm Operations, LLC of Weidman, MI for the 2020 Lime Residuals Removal project.

4) Authorize an advanced commitment of 500 tons of road salt for early delivery as seasonal backup for 2021 through the State of Michigan MiDeal Purchasing Program.

5) Approve the resolution as part of the grant process for the 2020 Brown Street Reconstruction Project as presented.

6) Receive City requests for Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe 2% allocations.

7) Warrants and Payrolls.

Held a public hearing and postponed action on Special Assessment District 1-2020 until the next meeting.

Postponed action on the bid for Michigan Street Reconstruction until the next meeting.

Approved a budget amendment of $40,000 from the Economic Initiatives Fund to the TIFA-CBD to be used for marketing and promotion as outlined in the recommendation dated February 25, 2020.

Approved vote by roll call on the issue of agreement with Michigan Community Capital for the administration of the EGLE grant for 410 W. Broadway as drafted by the City Attorney.

Authorized the Mayor and Clerk to sign the agreement with Michigan Community Capital for the administration of the EGLE grant for 410 W. Broadway as drafted by the City Attorney.

Made appointments as recommended by the Appointments Committee.

Conducted work sessions on 1) Solid waste pick up discussion for non-single family residential buildings; and 2) Conference Room E renovation review.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:05 p.m.

Public invited to learn more about the City of Mt. Pleasant’s Proposed 2050 Master Plan

The City will hold a series of public open houses regarding the proposed 2050 Master Plan. The proposed plan can be viewed online at www.mtpleasant2050.com.

On Wednesday, March 25, project consultant McKenna Associates will hold an open house from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Rotunda of the University Center on the campus of Central Michigan University.

On Thursday, April 23, McKenna Associates will hold two open houses. One will occur at Cops and Donuts – Central Precinct, 1327 S. Mission Street, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The other will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Mt. Pleasant’s City Hall, 320 W. Broadway Street.

Hundreds of community members participated in formal and informal activities during a four-day event in April 2019, hosted by the City and McKenna Associates. Participants shared their vision for Mt. Pleasant in the year 2050. In addition, hundreds of additional stakeholders participated in online surveys to further refine and validate the vision.

“The proposed plan establishes a clear vision for the City’s future,” said Mt. Pleasant City Planner Jacob Kain. “We are excited for the community to review the plan and learn more about how it will guide the community over the next several decades.”

The plan is organized around specific goals and objectives including Sustainable Land Use, Connected Mobility Systems, Focused Redevelopment, Exceptional Parks and Public Spaces, and Innovative Services and Aspirations.

A series of public hearings will follow later this year leading to formal adoption of the plan.

Topics to Watch at the City Commission Meeting – March 9, 2020

Here are the topics to watch at the next Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, March 9, 2020.

Public hearing on special assessment roll for Special Assessment District #1-2020 and consider approval of resolution #5 for approval of the roll and setting of payment terms for the special assessment district.

Consider resolution to allow for partial funding from Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) for the 2020 Brown Street Reconstruction Project.

Consider budget amendment for Tax Increment Finance Authority from Economic Initiatives Fund.

Consider an agreement with Michigan Community Capital for administration of the grant funding from State of Michigan Environment, Great Lakes & Energy for 410 W. Broadway.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

Click to access 3.9.20.pdf

The 2020 Census

Why an accurate count is important.

The 2020 Census is more than a population count. It is an opportunity to shape the future of our community. Conducted every 10 years, and required by the U.S. Constitution, the goal is to count everyone who lives in the United States.

Census responses determine congressional representation in the states and inform how billions of dollars in federal funds are distributed annually for the next 10 years to states and local communities to support public safety, healthcare facilities, schools, and infrastructure.

College students

Students in college towns use critical local resources, including roads, public transportation and health clinics. Getting funds for those resources, however, depends on making sure students are counted in the right place each census. And in most instances, if they’re not living at their parents’ home, chances are the right place is in the town where they attend school. Basically, a student’s “home” is where they currently live while attending college.

How you can be counted.

By April 1, 2020, every home will have received an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. Responses can be submitted online, by phone or by mail. When completing the Census be sure to include everyone living in your household on April 1, 2020.

For updates and detailed information visit: https://2020census.gov/

Recreational Marihuana Establishment Results

The Mt. Pleasant City Commission adopted ordinances related to the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act (MRTMA) on September 9, 2019. These ordinances “opt in” to the state law allowing recreational marihuana establishments to operate within the City subject to certain limitations.

Applications for retailers, growers, and micro-businesses are numerically limited and applications were due by 4:30 p.m. on February 28, 2020. As of the deadline, the City is in receipt of the following:

Ten (10) applications for retailers (3 licenses available).

No applications for Class A growers (5 licenses available).

No applications for Class B growers (3 Class B and C licenses available).

One (1) application for Class C growers (3 Class B and C licenses available).

No applications for microbusinesses (2 licenses available).

Since more applications were received for retailers than the limits specify, the City will hold a competitive selection process, which will select applicants best suited to operate in compliance with the MRTMA. Applicants will be asked to submit supplementary applications which will be reviewed and scored by a selection committee. More information about the supplementary application process will be provided in the near future.

Since fewer applications were received for Class A growers, Class B and C growers, and micro-businesses than the limits specified, the City will continue to accept applications for those licenses on a first-come, first-served basis until the limits are reached. The City will also continue to accept applications for processors, safety compliance facilities, and secure transporters which are not numerically limited.

Updated recreational marihuana establishment information can be found at www.mt-pleasant.org/marihuana.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting – February 24, 2020.

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, February 24, 2020, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room.

Parks and Public Spaces Director Bundy gave a departmental presentation.

City Planner Kain and Mayor Joseph presented the 2019 Community Improvement Awards to the selected property owners.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held February 10, 2020; 2) Bid of Central Asphalt of Mt. Pleasant, MI for the 2020 Pickard Street Overlay Project.
Bid of Wolverine Sealcoating, LLC of Jackson, MI for the City’s annual crack sealing project.
Bid of Robbin Harsh Excavating of Clare, MI for Parking Lot #7 Reconstruction and appropriate budget amendment from the TIFA.
Bid of Duperon Corporation of Saginaw, MI for the purchase of a Wastewater Washer Compactor and appropriate budget amendment from the Wastewater Reserve Fund
Appointment of Corey Friedrich as the representative of the Planning Commission to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a one-year term.
MDOT resolutions for the addition and deletion of streets to the City’s local street system.
Resolution to Allow for Partial Funding from MDOT for the 2020 Pickard Street Mill and Overlay Project.
Warrants and Payrolls.

Approved Resolutions #3 and #4 for Special Assessment District #1-2020.

Received proposed 2050 Master Plan as recommended by the Planning Commission and released for review and comment.

Approved budget amendments to the DDA budget and to the Public Safety Building account.

Authorized the Mayor and Clerk to sign a second amendment to the 2013 Real Estate Purchase Agreement with Mr. Olivieri as drafted by the City Attorney according to the parameters as proposed.

Postponed appointments to various board and commissions until next meeting.

Approved and conducted a closed session pursuant to subsection 8(c) of the Open Meetings Act for strategy and negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement.

Approved the labor contract with full-time firefighters represented by the POLC as presented.

Held Work Session Discussions on potential drain easement for Mission Creek Dam.; and recommendation from TIFA regarding $80,000 from Economic Initiatives Fund.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:41 p.m.

Mt. Pleasant Man Arrested for Criminal Sexual Conduct

On November 30, 2019 the Mt. Pleasant Police Department was contacted regarding an alleged criminal sexual conduct complaint involving a child. The Mt. Pleasant Police Department in conjunction with Child Protective Services, began an investigation.

The investigation, involving David Alsager, a 66-year-old Mt. Pleasant man, and a 12-year old female was forwarded to the Isabella County Prosecutors Office. A warrant for Alsager’s arrest was issued on February 26, 2020.

Alsager is charged with criminal sexual conduct-second degree and is out on bond.

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department was assisted in the investigation by the Michigan State Police, the Department of Health and Human Services, and Open Arms Child Advocacy Center.

UPDATE (2/24/2020): Suspect in Wayside Central Stabbing Arraigned

Around midnight on February 22, 2020, officers of the Mt. Pleasant Police Department (MPPD) responded to a fight involving a knife at the Wayside Central Bar (2000 S. Mission Street). Upon arrival, MPPD officers identified three injured victims which were transported to local hospitals.

After numerous witnesses were interviewed, and video footage was reviewed, the suspect was quickly identified as 19 year-old Octayvious Jerome Sanchez-Lewis. The suspect was arrested and transported to the Isabella County Jail. This was an isolated incident and there was no risk to the public.

Sanchez-Lewis was arraigned in the Isabella County Court on February 24, 2020 and charged with:

-(3) Counts of Assault with Intent to Murder

-(2) Counts of Dangerous Weapon, Carrying with Unlawful Intent

The suspect is currently lodged in the Isabella County jail on a $850,000 cash bond.

Two of the three victims who suffered injuries have been treated and released from local hospitals. The third victim is still hospitalized and is in stable condition.

At this time a clear motive has not been established and at least one of the victims knew the suspect.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident are asked to contact the Mt. Pleasant Police Department’s Anonymous Tip Line at 989-779-9111.

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

Mt. Pleasant Police Arrest Suspect in Wayside Central Stabbing – No Threat to the Public

MT. PLEASANT, MI – Around midnight on February 22, 2020 officers of the Mt. Pleasant Police Department responded to a fight at Wayside Central Bar (2000 S. Mission Street). Upon arrival, officers identified three injured victims which were transported to local hospitals.

After numerous witnesses were interviewed, and video footage was reviewed, a suspect was identified and arrested. This was an isolated incident and there is no safety concern to the public at this time.

This is an ongoing and open investigation. Updates on victim injuries and suspect information will be released as they become available.

Anyone with information regarding this incident are asked to contact the Mt. Pleasant Police Department’s Anonymous Tip Line at 989-779-9111.

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Topics to Watch at the City Commission Meeting – February 24, 2020

Here are the topics to watch at the next Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, February 24, 2020.

Consider resolution #3 as postponed from February 10, 2020 to proceed with pedestrian lighting improvements and consider resolution #4 to accept the special assessment roll and set a public hearing for March 9, 2020 regarding said roll for Special Assessment District #1-2020.
Receive proposed 2050 Master Plan as recommended by the Planning Commission and consider release for review and comment.
Consider Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) resolutions for the addition and deletion of streets to the City’s local street system.
Consider resolution to allow for partial funding from Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) for the 2020 Pickard Street Mill and Overlay Project.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/board/city.commission/agendas/2020/2.24.20.pdf