Author: mpcityblog

UPDATE: Empty Keg Party Store armed robbery

10/12/18 UPDATE:

On October 6, 2018 at approximately 10:44 p.m. Mt. Pleasant Police received a call of an armed robbery that had just occurred at 122 E. Pickard Street in the City of Mt. Pleasant.

On October 7, 2018 a description and photo of the suspect, along with video surveillance footage was released to the media. The public responded with several tips of the suspect’s identity and the suspect was identified.

Mt. Pleasant Police Detectives quickly determined the suspect was no longer in the Mt. Pleasant area and have reached out for assistance from other law enforcement agencies throughout the state. On October 8, 2018 an arrest warrant was issued for Rickery Donnell Cole Jr. a 29-year old black male.  In addition to the warrant for armed robbery, Cole has eight other outstanding warrants.

Rickery Donnell Cole Jr. is described as 6’1”, 190 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. Cole has a tattoo of a “Lion Head” on his upper back, and “AHLISIANNA” tattooed on the left side of his chest.

The Mt. Pleasant Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Rickery Donnell Cole Jr. who resides in the Lansing area and should be considered armed and dangerous. If you know the whereabouts of Rickery Donnell Cole Jr. please DO NOT approach him, contact your local police department and Isabella County Central Dispatch at 989-773-1000.

Video of the robbery and a current photograph of Rickery Cole Jr. can be viewed at https://www.facebook.com/mtppublicsafety/.

 

October 7, 2018 MEDIA RELEASE: 

Armed Robbery 122 E. Pickard St. (Empty Keg Party Store) 

MT PLEASANT, MI – On October 6, 2018 at approximately 10:44 p.m., Mt. Pleasant Police received a call of an armed robbery that had just occurred at 122 E. Pickard Street in the City of Mt. Pleasant.

Mt. Pleasant Police officers responded to the Empty Keg Party Store and secured the scene. Additional officers began a canvass of the area in an attempt to locate the suspect.

The suspect was described as a 5’8″ to 6′ male with dark complexion, wearing a light gray hooded sweatshirt, black basketball shorts, and tan shoes.

The suspect entered the store to inform the clerk of a disturbance outside.  The clerk exited the store with the suspect. The suspect then displayed a hand gun and ordered the clerk back into the store to retrieve money from the cash register.

Mt. Pleasant Police were unable to locate anyone in the area that matched the description of the suspect. Additional businesses in the area were contacted and made aware of the situation and were advised to contact Isabella County Central Dispatch if anyone matching the description came into their business.

Mt. Pleasant Police were assisted by a Michigan State Police K-9 unit. The investigation remains ongoing by Mt. Pleasant Police detectives.  Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Mt. Pleasant Police Department TIP line at (989)779-9111.

Visit City of Mt Pleasant Public Safety on Facebook to view a full HD video of the incident.

 

Five things to watch at October 8, 2018 City Commission meeting

Here are the five things to watch at the October 8 City Commission meeting.  To see the full City Commission agenda and packet for October 8, 2018 click here.

-Proclamation recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day (October 8, 2018).

-Native American Drum Ceremony

-Public hearing on an ordinance to amend Chapter 30 and 31.01 of the Mt. Pleasant City Code and consider approval of the same.

-Public hearing on an ordinance to amend Section 98.37 of the Mt. Pleasant City Code regarding snow and ice removal and consider approval of the same.

-Consider setting a special meeting for October 29, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.in the CMU Bovee University Center Auditorium for the purpose of meeting with the Central Michigan University Student Government Association.

Mt. Pleasant City Commission meetings take place at 7 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month at City Hall, 320 W. Broadway Street.

Mt. Pleasant City Commission meetings are also streamed live at the City’s YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/MtPleasantMi/ and aired on Channel 188, or viewed online at a later date on the MACTV website.

Applications for City boards and commissions accepted through October 29, 2018

Community members interested in serving on any of the City’s boards and commissions should apply by Oct. 29. Qualified electors may submit their name or the name of another for consideration.

“We accept applications for all of the City’s boards and commissions throughout the year,” said City Manager Nancy Ridley. “However, each fall, we encourage community members to apply so the Appointments Committee has the information of potential candidates readily available to review if partial-term vacancies occur.”

Applications are available online or at the City Manager’s Office, located at 320 W. Broadway. For more information, visit www.mt-pleasant.org.

McLaren Central Hospital Named Grand Marshal of Lighted Christmas Parade

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. – The staff and directors from McLaren Central Hospital will serve as grand marshal of the 2018 Lighted Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 1.

Michelle Sponseller, Downtown Development Director shared, “This year’s Christmas Celebration marks two milestones, McLaren Central commemorating 75 years as Mt. Pleasant’s community hospital, and the 25th anniversary of Mt. Pleasant’s Christmas Celebration.”  She continued, “Since 2004 a local organization who has given so much to our community throughout the year, is honored in this special way at the popular lighted parade.”

Previous grand marshals include:

  • 2017       Max and Emily’s People Helping People Program
  • 2016       Central Michigan University (125th anniversary)
  • 2015       PEAK program
  • 2014       Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation (25th anniversary)
  • 2013       United Way of Isabella County
  • 2012       Goodrow Fund
  • 2011       Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts
  • 2010       Chippewa River District Library
  • 2009       Toys for Tots
  • 2008       Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe
  • 2007       Hospice of Central Michigan
  • 2006       Child and Family Enrichment (CAFÉ)
  • 2005       Isabella Community Soup Kitchen
  • 2004       Friends of the Broadway
  • 2003       Mr. and Mrs. Sheehan

Martin Tursky, McLaren Central President & CEO stated, “It is an honor to be selected as the grand marshal for this year’s event.  We look forward to the festival and celebrating with the community in December.”

The Lighted Christmas parade begins at 6 p.m. in downtown Mt. Pleasant, and is one of several events taking place Nov. 30 – Dec. 1 for the 25th annual Mt. Pleasant Christmas Celebration. Additional activities include a community sing-along and tree lighting ceremony on Friday night; and a pancake breakfast and visits with Santa on Saturday. For details, go to www.facebook.com/downtownmp.

City Commission Meeting Summary of Minutes – September 24, 2018

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, September 24, 2018, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room.

Mayor Lents read and presented a proclamation in support of United Way Week – September 23-29, 2018.

Fire Lieutenant Randy Keeler gave a presentation on the City’s Fire Department.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held September 10, 2018.

2) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held September 10, 2018.

3) Bid of McKenna and Associates of Northville, MI for Master Plan Consultant project and authorized the Mayor to sign the appropriate contract documents.

4) Received a proposed Ordinance to amend Chapters 30 and 31.01 of the Mt. Pleasant Code of Ordinances and set a public hearing for Monday, October 8, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. to hear public comment on same.

5) Received a proposed Ordinance to amend Section 98.37 of the Mt. Pleasant Code of Ordinances regarding snow and ice removal and set a public hearing for Monday, October 8, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. to hear public comment on same.

6) Purchase-buyback of 11 trucks from Krapohl Ford and appropriate budget amendment.

7) Resolution for fireworks display permits.

8) Warrants and Payrolls

Held a public hearing and adopted resolution approving Application of American Mitsuba Corporation for Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate for a New Facility.

Awarded the contract for 2018-2021 Airport Snow Removal to Pat McGuirk Excavating, Inc. of Mt. Pleasant, MI.

Received Commissioners’ top rankings for Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe two percent allocations.

Approved resolution setting the initial receipt deadline date for medical marihuana facility license applications as presented.

Held work session on 2019 Operating Budget.

Postponed work session discussion on feedback received on potential Property Maintenance Standards to a future date not yet determined.

Adjourned at 9:13 p.m.

Public hearing on snow and ice removal scheduled – October 8, 2018

The City Commission is seeking public input on the draft ordinance to amend Section 98.37 of the Mt. Pleasant City Code regarding snow and ice removal for commercial, industrial and residential properties.

After numerous City Commission work sessions, a draft still requiring commercial and industrial properties to clear the sidewalks within 18 hours, would also include the following provisions:

  • Utilizes the definitions from the General Property Tax Act to identify commercial, industrial and residential properties.
  • Provides 48 hours after the cessation of snow for clearing of residential sidewalks.
  • Includes provisions for clearing sidewalks in the event of continuous snow fall.
  • In addition to the ability to issue a municipal civil infraction, the language includes a provision for costs to be added as a lien on the tax bill if the City clears the sidewalk.
  • Indicates that enforcement for residential properties would begin in November 2019, providing one year to educate residential property owners on the change.

The City Commission will hold a public hearing on the draft ordinance on Monday, October 8 at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 320 W. Broadway Street.  After the hearing, the City Commission will determine the next preferred steps.

If you are unable to attend the public hearing, opinions can be expressed by mail or email to City Manager Nancy Ridley, 320 W. Broadway Street, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 or manager@mt-pleasant.org.

Current City ordinances and other information can be found at www.mt-pleasant.org/.

 

2018 Initial Fall Leaf Collection Pick Up Information

Due to the drought like conditions this past summer, some trees are beginning to shed their leaves earlier than usual. Residents are reminded to not rake leaves into the streets until the week of October 22. Leaf piles can block and clog storm water catch basins.  Raking leaves into the streets this far ahead of the scheduled collection should be avoided.

Residents who wish to rake their yards ahead of the City’s collection schedule may bag and dispose of the leaves for a fee at the Material Recovery Facility, located at 4208 E. River Rd., Mt. Pleasant.  Leaves may also be mulched with a mulching lawnmower.

The City’s leaf collection schedule is as follows:

  • Week of October 22: Residents to rake leaves into low piles, taking care not to cover catch basins.
  • Week of October 29: Staff will collect leaves in a City-wide sweep.
  • Week of November 5: Residents to rake leaves into low piles, taking care not to cover catch basins.
  • Week of November 12: Staff will collect leaves in a City-wide sweep.
  • Week of November 19: Residents to rake leaves into low piles, taking care not to cover catch basins.
  • November 26-28: Final collection of leaves in a city-wide sweep. Any leaves left in the street after the crews have made their final pass will not be collected and are the responsibility of the homeowner.

Residents are asked to rake leaves into low piles and take caution so that leaves do not cover catch basins or are placed too far out in the street so as to cause a traffic obstruction.  On High and Pickard Streets, where high traffic volume prohibits leaves in the gutter, residents should rake the leaves onto the rights-of-way, between the curb and sidewalk.  Residents who live on any other streets other than High and Pickard should rake leaves into low piles in the street gutter.  Yard waste bags should not be used this collection is for leaves only.  Leaf piles must not contain garden or shrubbery clippings, dead grass, branches, trim board or other material.

PLEASE NOTE: that during leaf pick up weeks City staff makes one sweep through the entire City.  It is suggested that leaves be raked to the curb before Monday of pick up weeks.

Questions may be directed to the Division of Public Works, 989-779-5401.

 

Here are the five things to watch at the September 24 City Commission meeting

Here are the five things to watch at the September 24 City Commission meeting.  To see the full City Commission agenda and packet for September 24, 2018 click  here.

-Consideration of the recommendation to hire the Master Plan consultant firm.

-Public hearing on Industrial Tax Abatement application for American Mitsuba and consider approval of the same.

-Introduce an ordinance to amend Chapter 30 and 31.01 of the Mt. Pleasant City Code and set a public hearing for October 8, 2018 on the same.

-Introduce an ordinance to amend Section 98.37 of the Mt. Pleasant City Code regarding snow and ice removal and set a public hearing for October 8, 2018 on the same.

-Consider resolution setting deadline date for Medical Marihuana facility.

Mt. Pleasant City Commission meetings take place at 7 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month at City Hall, 320 W. Broadway Street.

Mt. Pleasant City Commission meetings are also streamed live at the City’s YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/MtPleasantMi/ and aired on Channel 188, or viewed online at a later date on the MACTV website.

 

 

City Commission Meeting Summary of Minutes – September 10, 2018

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, September 10, 2018, 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 August 27, 2018.

2) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held August 27, 2018.

3) Received Industrial Facilities Tax Abatement application for American Mitsuba and set a public hearing for Monday, September 24, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. to hear public comment on same.

4) Received fall 2018 Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribal 2% funding requests from City Departments.

5) Received proposed 2019 Annual Operating Budget and set a public hearing for Monday, November 12, 2018 on same.

6) Resolution to amend 2018 Operating Budget.

7) Warrants and Payrolls.

Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1040, an Ordinance to Repeal Chapter 53, Section 53.01 – Storm Sewer District No. 1 of the Mt. Pleasant Code of Ordinances, in its entirety.

Confirmed the purchase and development agreement for 410 W. Broadway as recommended by the Economic Development Corporation.

Approved appointment of Josh Agardy to EDC/BRDA as recommended by the Appointments Committee.

Authorized the allocation of $4,450 of sidewalk funds to the proposed right of way improvements on Michigan and Illinois and authorized City staff to work with Sacred Heart representatives to coordinate the work.

Authorized the Mayor to sign the Mt. Pleasant Housing Commission Environmental Review package for the 2019 Energy Performance Contract.

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.

Conducted a work session discussion regarding setting the Medical Marihuana Application deadline.

Adjourned at 9:20 p.m.

City meetings now streamed live

Staying informed on City government has become even more convenient.

The Mt. Pleasant City Commission, Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals meetings will now be streamed live on the City’s YouTube Channel at  https://www.youtube.com/user/MtPleasantMi/

All meetings are held at City Hall, 320 W. Broadway Street, Mt. Pleasant.

The City Commission meets the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month at 7 p.m.

The Planning Commission meets on the 1st Thursday of the month at 7 p.m.

The Zoning Board of Appeals meets the 4th Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m.

Meetings can also be viewed on Channel 188 or, online at a later date under Mt. Pleasant Government Access on https://mactvnetwork.viebit.com/