Important Tax Information for City of Mt. Pleasant Business Owners

MT. PLEASANT, MI – In December 2012, the State of Michigan created an exemption known as the Small Taxpayer Exemption. This program allows business and business personal property owners to exempt their equipment from property taxation if the value of the equipment is under $80,000 depreciated true cash value (40,000 assessed value) per jurisdiction.

Examples of personal property (equipment used in commercial and industrial businesses) include: cash registers, freezers, shelving, etc. Residential and agricultural personal property is exempt from taxation.

The 5076 Small Taxpayer Exemption Form was sent to City property owners by the assessor’s office. This one-page form, with basic information already included by the assessor’s office, must be returned by February 20, 2019 to qualify for the exemption.

For the 2019 tax year, the State of Michigan has updated the small taxpayer exemption process. Property owners only need to file one time, instead of annually, to receive the exemption going forward.

The assessor’s office will annually audit each account to determine if the property still qualifies for exemption. As long as the account is estimated to be valued at less than $80,000, the exemption will carry over year to year.

If you have questions regarding this exemption please contact the City of Mt Pleasant Assessor’s Office, (989) 779-5355.

35th Annual Daddy-Daughter Date Night planned for Jan. 27; register today

Young ladies and their fathers are invited to the 35^th annual Daddy-Daughter Date Night on Jan. 27 at the Mt. Pleasant Comfort Inn & Suites.

Presented by Mt. Pleasant Parks & Recreation, the special evening of music, dancing, prizes and activities is open to girls of all ages and their dads or other favorite escort. Attendants may choose from the two event times offered; 2 to 4 p.m. or 6 to 8 p.m.

Due to limited space, advanced registration is encouraged and available through Jan. 23. The cost is $30 per family for City residents, $42 per family for non-residents or $45 per family at the door.

Sign up online at www.mt-pleasant.org/recreation or at the Mt. Pleasant Parks & Recreation office at 320 W. Broadway Street.

Professional quality portrait packages will also be offered by iDEAL Photo.

For more information, call (989) 779-5331.

Mt. Pleasant Fire Department responds to structure fire – 1604 W. Michigan Street

Mt. Pleasant Fire Department responds to structure fire – 1604 W. Michigan Street

On January 5, 2019 at 7:08 p.m. the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 1604 W. Michigan Street. The initial on the scene report indicated heavy smoke coming from the rear of a single story residential structure. The occupants were out of the house upon arrival of first responders and no injuries were reported.

Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire through an aggressive interior and exterior attack.

The structure received light structural damage and heavy interior damage with loss of most 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 at more than $100,000.

The Mt. Pleasant Fire Department was assisted by the Mt. Pleasant Police Department and Mobile Medical Response.

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.

City to hold fourth Citizens’ Academy of Mt. Pleasant; now accepting applications

The fourth Citizens’ Academy of Mt. Pleasant is now accepting applications. Presented by the City of Mt. Pleasant, the academy is designed to engage members of the community and to expand their knowledge of the structure and functions of local government.

Participants will attend seven, three-hour weekly sessions beginning Tuesday, February 19. Each session will offer an in-depth look at the fundamentals of the City’s administration and budget; public works and utilities; parks and recreation; public safety; and community development. Additional topics covered include the basics of local government, elections and more.

The Citizens’ Academy is open to anyone living, working, owning property or attending school in the City.

“The Citizen’s Academy is an opportunity for residents to capture a close up view of how a municipality operates.” said Mt. Pleasant City Planner Jacob Kain. “Past participants have indicated the program is informative, enjoyable and has broadened their insight into local government.”

Registration for the academy is free and space is limited. Sessions will occur on the following Tuesdays: February 19, February 26, March 12, March 19, April 2, April 9, and April 16. Graduates of the academy will be recognized at the April 22 City Commission meeting.

Applications are available at City Hall or online, and are accepted until January 31, 2019. Find the application and learn more at www.mt-pleasant.org/citizensacademy

Topics to watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting

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

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

-Election of Mayor and Vice Mayor and setting of 2019 meeting schedule.

-Proclamation in support of Peacemaking Recognition Day (January 21, 2019).

-Consider special assessment, determined the necessity, set a public hearing for January 28, 2019.

-Consider appointments of City Officials to applicable City Boards and Commissions.

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

Vaping on the rise among teens

MT. PLEASANT, MI – Over the past several months the Mt. Pleasant Police Department has been closely monitoring the use and accessibility of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), e-juice (vaping liquids) and other nicotine products among middle and high school students. After conducting compliance checks at several tobacco retailers within the City of Mt. Pleasant, three local businesses were cited for Selling Tobacco Products to a Minor (anyone under the age of 18.)

What are e-cigarettes/vape pens?

E-cigarettes or vape pens, have become very popular among middle and high school aged students. They are sold in many different shapes and sizes and resemble a thumb drive, cell phone battery charger or make-up containers, which makes it difficult for parents to identify.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) describes e-cigarettes as: A product which allows a user to inhale aerosol containing nicotine and other substances, and at times, marihuana. E-cigarettes are composed of a rechargeable, battery-operated heat element, a cartridge that contains nicotine, and other flavored chemicals (e-juice/vape juice), and an atomizer. When heated, the device converts the contents of the cartridge into an aerosol which is often flavored. The fruity and candy-flavored vape juice is most popular among adolescents.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there has been a 78 percent increase in vaping by high school students, with 3.6 million high school and middle school students now using e-cigarettes.

Vaping misconceptions and health warnings

There are misconceptions that vaping is not dangerous or addictive. The Surgeon General has reported that the use of vape pens, which are nicotine products, do pose a danger.

In youth, vaping can disrupt the growth of brain circuits that control attention, learning and susceptibility to addiction. The nicotine in e-cigarettes and other tobacco products can prime young brains for addiction to other drugs, such as cocaine and methamphetamine.

Nicotine exposure during pregnancy can affect fetal and postnatal development as well as contribute to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Nicotine poisoning and symptoms

Ingestion of e-cigarette liquids containing nicotine can cause acute toxicity and possible death if the contents of the refill cartridges or bottles are consumed.

One conventional cigarette contains approximately 1 mg of nicotine. Those smoking conventional cigarettes only absorb about 1/10^th of the 1 mg of nicotine. Some manufacturers are producing e-juice/vaping juice with 30-40 + mg of nicotine in a cartridge, which is considered lethal to adults. Nicotine poisoning tends to be more critical in children and adults who are first time users.

Symptoms of nicotine poisoning include nausea, vomiting, increased blood pressure, abnormal heart rate, dehydration, loss of appetite, extreme fatigue, dizziness, headache, gas, anxiety, and hearing and vision changes. Nausea and vomiting are the most notable symptoms in youth.

For a summary of common vaping myths and FAQ’s visit: https://www.fda.gov/downloads/TobaccoProducts/AboutCTP/UCM624891.pdf

Electronic Cigarettes, E-Cigs, Vape Pens

E-Juice, Vape Juice

Vape Juice

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Mission Creek Park Restroom Project Completed

The City of Mt. Pleasant was recently granted a Regional Prosperity Initiative 2018 Mini-Grant from the East Michigan Council of Governments to construct a year-round restroom facility at Mission Creek Park. This park is home to Hannah’s Dog Park, the Mission Creek Sled Hill, and various nature and hiking trails.

The new restroom facility is open seven days a week, 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. during the winter months, and 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. from May to October. The heated, well-lit facility features a universally accessible modern design which includes baby changing stations and an exterior security camera system. A concession stand and winter warming station will open at a later date.

Chris Bundy, Director of Parks and Public Spaces for the City of Mt. Pleasant shared, “This project is a perfect example of how our community comes together, pools its resources and provides valuable amenities for all of its residents.” He continued, “We are grateful to the community partners who, in addition to the mini-grant funding, made this project a reality.” Funding partners include: The City of Mt. Pleasant Capital Improvement Fund, Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe 2% distribution, Charter Township of Union and Mercantile Bank.

Refuse and Recycling Reminders

During the holiday season, we all tend to generate more trash. Here are some trash/recycling tips to make this a hassle-free holiday season.

Remember the 34-gallon rule. Trash cans may not exceed 34-gallons in size.
Did I use enough tags or bags? Extra trash that exceeds the top of the can must be individually tagged with a City refuse tag or placed in a City refuse bag.
Remember the 50 lb. weight limit. Cans or bags that are deemed too heavy will not be picked up.
Split it up. If you have a large number of trash bags, put a few bags out each week.
Be on time. Trash and recycling must be at the collection site (curb or alley) by 7:00 a.m. If you set it out later, you risk not having it collected.
Prepare properly. Rinse out plastic bottles and cans. Flatten all cardboard boxes. Large boxes must be cut down to 2’ x 3’ sections for curbside recycling. Flattened large boxes may also be taken to the Materials Recovery Facility (4208 E. River Road) as well as large pieces of Styrofoam. Bubble wrap and Styrofoam packing peanuts can be included with your trash.
Using extra bins for recycling. If you have more recycling that can fit inside your City bin, you can use another container such as an old laundry basket, or plastic container, do not use cardboard boxes.
Wrapping paper is not recyclable. Wrapping paper is not recyclable at the MRF. Please do not place it in your recycling bins, it will not be collected.
OOPS! What happened? If you receive an OOPS card from the refuse or recycling collection crews, it will state a reason why your refuse/recycling was not collected.

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, December 10, 2018

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, December 10, 2018, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room.

Mayor Lents presented the newly created Collins Drive street sign to Bill and Doug Collins as representatives of the Collins family.

Approved motion to add Item #22: “Consider elimination of the Citizen Advisory Board and mandate that instead the Public Safety Director meet monthly with the Mt. Pleasant Area Diversity Group, Isabella County Human Rights Committee and City/CMU Liaison Committee.”; 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 November 26, 2018.

2) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held November 26, 2018.

3) Contract with Ferguson Waterworks of Grand Rapids, MI, for 2019 water meter purchase.

4) Resolution for Final Amended 2018 Operating Budget.

5) Contract with Space, Inc. of Midland, MI for the design, purchase and installation of walls/furniture at the Borden Building.

6) Set first meeting of 2019 for Monday, January 7, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room.

7) Warrants and Payrolls.

Approved Resolution for the 2019 Annual Operating Budget and setting of millage rate.

Authorized the Mayor to sign the EPA consent order as recommended by the City Attorney.

Approved a 2% wage adjustment for City Manager.

Appointments to various City Boards and Commissions as recommended by the Appointments Committee and correction for Board of Review appointment.

Cancelled the December 17, 2018 regularly scheduled City Commission meeting.

Authorized Finance Director Mary Ann Kornexl to approve the issuance of payrolls and warrants from December 11, 2018 through January 4, 2019.

Rescind the creation of the Citizen Advisory Board and mandated that instead the Public Safety Director meet monthly with the Mt. Pleasant Area Diversity Group, Isabella County Human Rights Committee and City/CMU Liaison Committee and at the end of the year a report would be prepared for the Commission.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:16 p.m.

Newly Constructed Grid Street Named In Memory and Honor of Former City Manager and Dedicated Volunteer, Larry Collins

MT. PLEASANT, MI – The family of Larry Collins, former Mt. Pleasant City Manager from 1961-68, was in attendance at the December 10, 2018 City Commission meeting for the Collins Drive Street name presentation. Collins Drive is a recently constructed grid street located north of Preston Street, between Pizza Hut and Blaze Pizza. It is one of seven new streets constructed to help alleviate traffic congestion concerns on Mission Street.

Larry resided in Mt. Pleasant for 56 years before he passed away in August 2017. A dedicated volunteer, Larry was still giving back to his community well into his 80’s and 90’s. Organizations which benefited from Larry’s talents include, but are not limited to, the Michigan Story Festival, Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation, First United Methodist Church, Habitat for Humanity, Kiwanis Club, Isabella Community Soup Kitchen and the Isabella County Restoration House. Larry was instrumental in the establishment of the sister city relationship with Okaya, Japan in 1965 which also included the annual student exchange.