2019: “The Store” Robbery

Mt. Pleasant, Mich., – On January 22, 2019 at approximately 12:36 a.m. “The Store” located at 2128 S. Mission Street in the City of Mt. Pleasant was the victim of a robbery.

The suspect, a black male, believed to be in his late 20’s, entered “The Store” and engaged in a conversation with the lone clerk.

The suspect suddenly jumped over the counter knocking the cash register to the floor and verbally threatened the clerk as he removed an undetermined amount of cash from the register. The suspect then threatened the clerk with a bottle before fleeing the store in an unknown direction.

Using various investigative tools, Mt. Pleasant Police Detectives were able to identify the suspect and on February 5, 2019 obtained an arrest warrant for Leonardo Bernard Parker III.

Parker was believed to be traveling between Mt. Pleasant and Saginaw on a regular basis.

Mt. Pleasant Detectives worked closely with surrounding law enforcement agencies surveilling several locations in both Mt. Pleasant and Saginaw.

Parker was located in Saginaw and arrested on the robbery warrant. Parker was transported from Saginaw to the Isabella County Jail where he is currently lodged.

Parker is scheduled for arraignment later this afternoon (02/07/19).

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department was assisted by the Isabella County Sheriff Department, Michigan State Police, Michigan State Police Tech. Services, Saginaw Township Police, and the Bay Area Narcotic Enforcement Team.

Video from the robbery can be viewed at www.facebook.com/mtppublicsafety/

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Wayside Bar Assault – Request for public assistance in identifying person of interest

Mt. Pleasant, MI – The Mt. Pleasant Police Department (MPPD) is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying a person of interest in an assault case.

On February 2, 2019 the MPPD received information of an assault which occurred at 2000 S. Mission Street. (The Wayside Bar).

The victim in this complaint reported being assaulted inside The Wayside Bar between the hours of 12:30 a.m. and 1:00 a.m. on February 2, 2019.

After viewing surveillance video from inside the bar, Mt. Pleasant Police Officers determined the person of interest is a white male, medium build with short dark hair, between the ages of 18 and 24.

There is no safety risk to the public and no further details of the assault will be released at this time.

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department is requesting anyone who can help identify the subject in the attached photographs to please call the Anonymous TIP Line at (989) 779-9111.

Nominations for Historic Preservation Improvement Awards due March 31

The City of Mt. Pleasant’s Historic District Commission (HDC) is currently seeking nominations for the 2019 Historic Preservation Improvement Awards.

The awards are presented each year to honor exterior improvements of residential and commercial properties in the City of Mt. Pleasant in four areas – Preservation, Restoration, New Construction or Downtown Historic District Choice. Nominated properties must be at least 25 years old, and improvements must have been completed between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2018.

The HDC will evaluate applications that best reflect the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. Details can be found at http://www.mps.gov/tps/standards.htm. Winners will be announced on May 13 as part of National Historic Preservation month.

Michelle Sponseller, Downtown Development Director shared, “These awards offer individuals an opportunity to recognize and express appreciation to their fellow residents who not only take pride in maintaining their property, but are dedicated to retaining its historic character.” She added, “Over the past three years we have honored three commercial properties which have safeguarded the historical charm of our downtown area and in 2019 we are hoping to receive nominations for residential properties as well. This impressive commitment to preserving the past while offering modern amenities continues to be a draw to our many year-round visitors.”

Nominations are due by 4:30 p.m. on March 31, 2019. Nomination forms can be found on the City’s website at http://www.mt-pleasant.org/boards_and_commissions/HDC.asp.

For more information, contact Downtown Development Director Michelle Sponseller at (989) 779-5348 or msponseller@mt-pleasant.org.

WINTER WEATHER UPDATE: Refuse/Recycling Pick Up Cancelled;Community Info Phone Line; City Offices Closed 1/30/19

Refuse/Recycling Pick Up Cancelled

Due to the extremely cold temperatures, Republic Services, the City of Mt. Pleasant’s refuse hauler, and MMI, the City’s recycling hauler will NOT run their collection routes for the remainder of the week. The normal collection schedule will resume on Monday, February 4, 2019.

Updates will be posted on the following social media accounts and City of Mt. Pleasant Blog:

City of Mt. Pleasant @mtpleasantmi Facebook page

City of Mt. Pleasant Public Safety @mtppublicsafety Facebook page

City of Mt. Pleasant Twitter @MtPleasantMI

City of Mt. Pleasant Public Safety Twitter @mtppublicsafety

City of Mt. Pleasant Blog; mpcityblog.com

Community Information Phone Line:

To assist City residents who may not have access to a computer or social media channels, the City of Mt. Pleasant has dedicated a telephone line to share the latest updates on City services and other announcements. Weather related delays, possible road closures, and other information will be provided on the Community Information Line at: (989) 779-5320.

City of Mt. Pleasant Offices Closed:

Due to the hazardous weather conditions, all City of Mt. Pleasant offices will be closed on Wednesday, January 30, 2019. This does not include Police, Fire and Street Department. Please stay safe and limit travel. Check the City’s social media channels, website, blog and local media for updates.

City of Mt. Pleasant Winter Storm Update: Closures, City Commission Meeting Cancelled for 1/28/19 and Street Parking Reminder (11:30 a.m.)

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. – Due to the winter storm, below is a list of current closures from the City of Mt. Pleasant.

Updates to this list will be posted on the following social media accounts:

City of Mt. Pleasant @mtpleasantmi Facebook page

City of Mt. Pleasant Public Safety @mtppublicsafety Facebook page

City of Mt. Pleasant Twitter @MtPleasantMI

City of Mt. Pleasant Public Safety Twitter @mtppublicsafety

CLOSURES:

-All city offices will close at 12 noon on Monday, January 28, 2019.

-All City of Mt. Pleasant Parks

-Cemetery

-Hannah’s Bark Park

CANCELLATIONS:

-Tonight’s City Commission meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. at City Hall has been cancelled, per Vice Mayor Lori Gillis. The agenda from the January 28 meeting will be combined with the agenda of the February 11, 2019 City Commission meeting.

STREET PARKING: Please remember to not park on City streets. This will help our Street Department clear our streets quickly and efficiently during this winter storm.

As a reminder, from Dec. 1, 2018 to April 1, 2019, on-street and City lot parking is prohibited in non-downtown areas from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m. On-street parking is prohibited downtown from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. throughout the year.

Overnight Parking Reminders;Winter Storm Preparations

OVERNIGHT PARKING REMINDERS/WINTER STORM

With the forecasted winter storm, please remember to not park on City streets. This will help our Street Department clear our streets quickly and efficiently.

For those with overnight parking permits, several City parking lots have designated areas where overnight parking is allowed. For more information about parking permits, please contact the Division of Community Services at (989) 779-5347.

Thank you for your assistance as we prepare for this winter storm.

Topics to watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for January 28, 2019

Here are the topics to watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. on January 28, 2019 at City Hall, 320 W. Broadway Street.

To see the full City Commission meeting packet and agenda click here.

-Consider public hearing for special assessment on pedestrian lighting.

-Consider approval of Storm Drain Painting Pilot Project for Island and Chipp-A-Waters Parks.

-Consider appointments to the various City Boards and Commissions.

Robbery at “The Store” in the City of Mt. Pleasant, MI

On January 22, 2019 at approximately 12:36 a.m. “The Store” located at 2128 S. Mission Street in the city of Mt. Pleasant was the victim of a robbery.

A black male, believed to be in his late 20’s, entered The Store and engaged in a conversation with the lone clerk.

The suspect suddenly jumped over the counter knocking the cash register to the floor. The suspect verbally threatened the clerk as he removed an undetermined amount of cash from the register.

The suspect then threatened the clerk with a bottle before fleeing the store in an unknown direction.

This incident was reported to the Mt. Pleasant Police at approximately 1:00 p.m. on January 22, 2019.

The suspect is described as a black male in his late 20’s, over 6’ tall, with a thin beard. The suspect was last seen wearing a black hat with the #1 or #7 on the front, a black and gray hooded sweatshirt, dark gray “Nike” sweat pants, and gray and red basketball shoes.

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department is asking anyone with information about this incident, or the identity of the subject, to call the Anonymous Tip Line at 989-779-9111.

Surveillance video from the robbery can be viewed at facebook.com/mtppublicsafety

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Mt. Pleasant Fire Department responds to structure fire – 1435 Highland Street

On January 20, 2019 at 9:50 p.m. the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 1435 Highland Street. The initial on scene report indicated heavy smoke coming from the eaves and flames on the north side of the bi-level residential structure. The occupants were out of the house upon arrival of first responders and no injuries were reported. The occupant was alerted to smoke coming from the eaves by a neighbor.

Firefighters extinguished the fire through an aggressive interior and exterior attack. The structure received moderate structural damage and heavy interior damage with loss of most of the contents. Residents of the home will be displaced for an unknown period of time.

The Mount Pleasant Fire Department is currently conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the fire. Damages are estimated over $150,000.

The Mt. Pleasant Fire Department was assisted by the Mt. Pleasant Police Department, Mobile Medical Response, Shepherd Tri-Township, Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Fire Department and DTE Energy.

Most home fires occur at night when people are sleeping. Check your smoke detectors monthly and replace your batteries twice a year. Operating smoke detectors may save your life.

Remember if you are heating with wood to have your chimney cleaned and checked annually by a professional.

Summary of minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, January 7, 2019

Summary of minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, January 7, 2019, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room.

Commissioner Joseph was elected Mayor for 2019.

Commissioner Gillis was elected Vice Mayor for 2019.

Set time and day of regular meetings for 2019.

Mayor Joseph read and presented a proclamation in support of Peacemaking Recognition Day, January 21, 2019, to Laura Gourlay of the Mt. Pleasant Public Schools Peacemaking Committee.

Finance Director Kornexl gave a presentation on the small business tax exemption available to those businesses that qualify.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1)Minutes of the special meeting of the City Commission held December 4, 2018.

2) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held December 4, 2018.

3) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held December 10, 2018.

4) Resolutions #1 and #2 to commence proceedings for special assessment, tentatively determine the necessity, and set a Public Hearing for January 28, 2019, regarding the necessity of Special Assessment District #1-19.

5) Authorized Finance Director Kornexl to approve the issuance of payrolls and warrants from January 4, 2019 to January 14, 2019.

6) Appointments of City Officials to applicable City boards and commissions for 2019.

Approved an amendment to the R & T Murphy Trucking contract for leaf hauling services.

Approved appointments to various City Boards and Commissions as recommended by the Appointments Committee.

City Attorney Homier conducted a training session on the Open Meetings Act (OMA) and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

Adjourned at 8:42 p.m.