Christmas tree collection begins Jan. 2

Residents can place their discarded Christmas trees curbside for collection Jan. 2-5 and Jan. 8-12, 2018. Trees will be collected on weekdays and the service is free of charge. To ensure collection, please place tree curbside by 7 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 5, or 7 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 12.

Trees will only be collected at curbside; this includes areas where normal trash collection is in the alley. Please remove plastic bags and tinsel, and face the base of the tree toward the street.

Tree remnants are processed through a wood chipper; wreaths cannot be processed through the chipper and will not be collected.

For more information, please call the City of Mt. Pleasant Division of Public Works at (989) 779-5401.

City reminds community of holiday hours and trash collection schedule

City of Mt. Pleasant offices will be closed on the following days:

Monday, Dec. 25, 2017
Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2017
Monday, Jan. 1, 2018

Refuse and recycling collection will be delayed one day during the weeks of Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.

For questions related to refuse and recycling collection, please contact the Division of Public Works at (989) 779-5401.

Summary of Dec. 11 City Commission meeting

Pictured above: Mayor Kathy Ling with Commissioners Jim Holton (left) and Mike Verleger, whose terms as City Commissioners expire Dec. 31, 2017. Holton has served since 2006 and Verleger since 2015. Thank you for your service to the City of Mt. Pleasant!

The video of the Dec. 11, 2017 City Commission meeting is available here.

Below is the Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, at 7 p.m., in the City Commission Room.

1. Received petitions and communications.

2. Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

Minutes of the regular meeting and closed session of the City Commission held November 27, 2017
Minutes of the special meeting of the City Commission held November 28, 2017
Contract with Ferguson Waterworks of Grand Rapids, MI, for 2018 water meter purchase
Bid of Garber Contracting, Inc. of Mt. Pleasant, MI for Island Park East Storage Building Rehabilitation
Authorize the Mayor and Clerk to sign the agreement to share captured tax value generated by the Campus Commons Development between the Mission/Pickard
DDA Board and the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority
Resolution for Final Amended 2017 Operating Budget
Set first meeting of 2018 for Monday, January 8, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room
Receive an ordinance to amend Title XIII, Chapter 132, Section(s) 132.03, 132.04 and 132.06 of the Mount Pleasant City Code regarding the purchase, consumption, and possession of alcoholic beverages by minors, furnishing or using fraudulent identification, and license sanctions, and to repeal Chapter 132 Section 132.07 regarding preliminary breath tests and set a public hearing for Monday, January 8, 2018 on same
Warrants and Payroll.

3. Held a public hearing and denied the amendment to Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Plan for West Broadway Revitalization site #3.

4. Adopted resolutions amending fees and charges for water rates, sewer rates, brush pickup and Parks and Recreation.

5. Adopted resolution approving the 2018 Annual Operating Budget and setting millage
rate.

6. Appointments to various City Boards and commissions as recommended by the Appointments Committee.

7. Approved bonus to the City Manager.

8. Canceled the December 18, 2017 regularly schedule City Commission meeting.

9. Authorized Finance Director Mary Ann Kornexl to approve the issuance of payrolls and warrants from December 12, 2017 through January 5, 2018.

10. Adjourned at 9:08 p.m.

Seasonal reminders from the City of Mt. Pleasant

With the arrival of winter, the City of Mt. Pleasant is reminding community members of the following:

Clear sidewalks following winter weather:

FOR ALL PROPERTY OWNERS – For the safety of your family and neighbors, please clear your sidewalk of snow, including your mailbox approach, within 24 hours after inclement weather.
FOR COMMERCIAL PROPERTY OWNERS – Commercial property owners are required to clear sidewalks in business districts within 18 hours after snow, sleet or freezing rain fall, with the exception of Sundays and holidays (Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day). In this case, snow must be cleared by noon the day following the Sunday or holiday.
If the snow or ice is too hard to remove, the owner must spread enough sand or other abrasive to make travel safe, and, as soon as weather permits, must clear a path of at least 48 inches in width.

Code enforcement officers can write a municipal civil infraction ticket to commercial property owners who do not fulfill this requirement of the ordinance. For further information, contact Asst. Fire Chief Michael Dunham at 779-5123 or mdunham@mt-pleasant.org.

Overnight parking:

From Dec. 1, 2017 to April 1, 2018, on-street and City lot parking is prohibited in non-downtown areas from 2 to 5 a.m. On-street parking is prohibited downtown from 4 to 6 a.m. throughout the year. Those found in violation are subject to a fine.
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.

PEAK to provide Day Camp for students during holiday break; register today!

Registration is open for the PEAK program’s “Recess – School’s Out Day Camp.” The all-day program is designed to entertain and enrich local youth in grades K-6 when school is not in session over the holidays. Offered Dec. 22, 27, 28 and 29 from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., PEAK Day Camp includes dynamic sports, lively games, arts and crafts, and team-building activities. Camp is held at Mt. Pleasant Middle School.

Registration fees are as follows:

City Resident / MPPS Student: $30 per day
Non-City Resident / Non-MPPS Student: $35 per day

Scholarship rates are also available:

Scholarship – City Resident / MPPS Student: $15 per day
Scholarship – Non-City Resident / Non-MPPS Student: $20 per day

(Scholarship rate is based on free/reduced lunch income guidelines)

The Mt. Pleasant PEAK program is administered by the City of Mt. Pleasant Parks & Recreation Department in partnership with Mt. Pleasant Public Schools. PEAK provides all school-age children with educational, enrichment and recreational activities in a fun and safe environment.

For more information or to register, call Mt. Pleasant Parks & Recreation at (989) 779-5331 or visit www.mt-pleasant.org/PEAK and click on “Specialty Camps.”

5 things to watch at the next City Commission meeting

Here are five things to watch at the Dec. 11 City Commission meeting:

1. Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Plan Amendment: A public hearing will be held on the amendment to the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Plan for the West Broadway Revitalization project. Following the public hearing, the City Commission will consider approving the amendment and the corresponding reimbursement agreement.

Amendment of the current Brownfield Plan is necessary to cover the outstanding bond debt payments from the original project (which was used for the renovation and purchase of City Hall), as well as covering eligible expenses for the proposed development of a 8500 square foot mixed-use building with 90 Class A apartments, podium parking and ground floor retail.

A representative of the development team will attend Monday’s meeting to provide an overview of the plan prior to the public hearing.

2. Mission/Pickard DDA Board and Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Agreement: The City Commission will consider an agreement between the Mission/Pickard DDA Board and the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority to share in the captured taxable value generated by the Campus Commons development at 1706-1722 S. Mission.

3. Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and Central Business District TIFA Agreement: The City Commission will consider an agreement between the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and Central Business District Tax Increment Finance Authority (TIFA) to share in the captured taxable value generated by the 410 West Broadway redevelopment.

4. Rates, Fees and Charges: The City Commission will consider resolutions supporting amended rates, fees and charges for water demand, sewer demand, on-demand brush pick up, and Parks & Recreation youth programs. If approved, the new rates, fees and charges go into effect in 2018.

5. Operating Budget: The City Commission will consider the resolution approving the final 2018 Operating Budget and will set the millage rate for 2018. Following this item, the City Commission will consider the resolution approving the final amended 2017 Operating Budget.

To see the full City Commission agenda and packet for Dec. 11, 2017, click here.

Mt. Pleasant City Commission meetings are held at City Hall on the second and fourth Monday of every month. Meetings begin at 7 p.m.

Structure fire damages Mt. Pleasant residence

On Dec. 7, 2017 at 12:32 a.m., the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 108 Oak Street with three fire engines, a rescue truck and other support vehicles.

First arriving units found smoke visible from the eaves of the two-story, wood-framed residential structure. Responders were notified that all occupants were out of the home.

Engines were set up in the front of the structure and an aggressive interior fire attack was initiated. While the main fire was extinguished rather quickly, the fire extended to the attic space of the residence and burned the exposed surfaces of the cellulose insulation.

Extensive salvage and overhaul was conducted to prevent further loss to the structure or its contents. Salvage and overhaul is a process during which the burned area is carefully examined for remaining sources of heat that may re-kindle.

The fire caused extensive damage to the home and its contents. More than 30 firefighters from three departments assisted in firefighting operations.

No injuries were reported. The fire remains under investigation at this time.

The Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Fire Department, Shepherd Tri-Township Fire Department, Mt. Pleasant Police Department and Mobile Medical Rescue provided assistance during this incident.

Mt. Pleasant man arrested for home invasion

On Dec. 4 at approximately 6:53 a.m., Mt. Pleasant Police officers responded to an illegal entry complaint in the 1100 block of West Camps Drive. The suspect entered an unlocked apartment. The suspect went through the apartment to the bedroom and shined a flashlight on the female resident. The victim awoke and confronted the suspect. The suspect then fled the scene.

Officers arrived in the area and observed a male running down the railroad tracks matching the description of the suspect that was provided. Officers attempted to stop and identify the suspect, but he continued to run for several more blocks and was taken into custody after struggling with officers.

During the investigation, officers also learned of another incident that took place earlier in the morning in the same area. In this incident, the suspect let himself into the residence, pulled the covers off the female victim and shined his flashlight on the female’s body. The victim sat up in bed when the suspect fled the scene.

The suspect was identified as Charles Henry, a 33-year-old Mt. Pleasant man.

Henry was lodged at the Isabella County Jail on charges of Home Invasion-First Degree; Sex Offenders-Failure to Comply with Registration Act; Police Officer-Assault/Resisting/Obstructing; Police Officer-Assault/Resisting/Obstructing; Lying to a Police Officer; Breaking and Entering-Illegal Entry; and Breaking and Entering-Illegal Entry. Henry is currently held at the Isabella County Jail with a bond of $70,000/ten percent.

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department was assisted in apprehending Henry by Central Michigan University Police Department and the Isabella County Sheriff’s Department.

SUMMARY OF NOV. 27 CITY COMMISSION MEETING

The video of the Nov. 27, 2017 City Commission meeting is available here.

Below is the Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, Nov. 27, 2017, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room.

1. Received petitions and communications.

2. Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Nov. 13, 2017
Bids for 2018 Water Treatment Plant treatment (bulk)
Bid of JBS Contracting, Inc., of Mt. Pleasant, MI for the Island Park West Storage Building Rehabilitation Project
Authorize the Mayor to sign a two-year contract with EHIM for all PBM services related to the City of Mt. Pleasant’s Section 125 pharmacy plan for both active and retiree enrollees
2018 Facilities License Agreements for Mt. Pleasant Little League, Mt. Pleasant Girls’ Fast Pitch Softball and Mt. Pleasant Baseball and authorize staff to sign subsequent agreements if no changes are made
Warrants and Payroll

3. Held a public hearing on proposed ordinance to amend Title XIII, Chapter 132, Section(s) 132.03, 132.04 and 132.06 of the Mt. Pleasant Code regarding the purchase, consumption, and possession of alcoholic beverages by minors, furnishing, or using fraudulent identification, and license sanctions and Section 132.07 regarding preliminary breath tests. There was no action taken by the Commission at this time.

4. Postponed action on Resolution to amend the Tax Increment Finance Authority (TIFA)
plan for Central Business District.

5. Authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the amended reimbursement agreement for 510-600 W. Pickard as presented.

6. Received recommended amendment to Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Plan for
West Broadway Revitalization site #3 and set a public hearing for Monday, December 11,
2017 at 7:00 p.m. on same.

7. Received 2018 No Fee Brush Pick-up Guidelines/Program and fee structure.

8. Appointments to various City boards and commissions as recommended by the
Appointments Committee.

9. Conducted a Work Session – Michigan Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act
(MMMFLA) discussion.

10. Approved and conducted a closed session pursuant to subsection 8(a) of the Open Meetings Act, to consider a periodic personnel evaluation of a City employee as requested by that employee.

11. Adjourned the meeting at 9:55 p.m.

3 Ways to Spark Holiday Cheer in Mt. Pleasant This Year

As fall leaves turn into winter flakes, bundle up, grab your friends and family, and head to downtown Mt. Pleasant! These upcoming events are guaranteed to warm your heart and spark holiday cheer throughout the community.

Christmas Celebration

From Friday, Dec. 1 through Saturday, Dec. 2, visit downtown Mt. Pleasant to feel the holiday spirit at the annual Mt. Pleasant Christmas Celebration. A community tradition for 24 years, this event offers a variety of activities for the whole family, including a sing-along and tree lighting ceremony on Friday, and hot-off-the-griddle pancakes with Santa and the lighted parade on Saturday.

New this year, the parade will feature a contest with winners selected for “Most Lights,” “Most Creative/Best Craftsmanship” and “Most Holiday Spirit.” Among the winners, one will be named “Best in Show.” To be eligible, parade applications must be submitted to City Hall by Nov. 30, 2017. Find the parade application here.

For a list of activities throughout the two-day celebration and additional information, please visit the City’s blog here.

Santa’s House

Santa Claus is coming to Downtown Mt. Pleasant! Visit Santa and the North Pole at Town Center, on the corner of Main and Broadway streets, this Holiday season.

Bring your letters to the bright red mailbox and make sure Santa hears your Christmas wishes. Listen to Holiday music and have the yearly conversation with the big guy, himself. Santa Claus is available for free visits through Christmas, and photos are welcome.

When will you be making your way to the North Pole?

Santa’s Hours 2017
Friday, Dec. 1 ~ 5 – 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 2 ~ 3-9:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 3 ~ 12-4 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 8 ~ 5-8 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 9 ~ 12-4 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 10 ~ 12-4 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 15 ~ 5-8 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 16 ~ 12-4 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 17 ~ 12-4 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 22 ~ 5-8 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 23 ~ 12-4 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 24 ~ Off to Deliver Toys!

25 Days of Christmas

Dec. 1 isn’t just day one of the Mt. Pleasant Christmas Celebration, it’s also the first of the 25 Days of Christmas downtown! Throughout the month of December, this holiday calendar will bring special attention to each day leading up to Dec. 25.

You’ll have dozens of reasons to #makedowntownyourdestination this holiday season as you’re welcomed with lively decorations, holiday-themed activities, and can’t miss promotions. The Christmas Tree at Town Center, Holiday Light Curtains and lit trees along the sidewalk set the stage to brighten even the chilliest of days.

With confirmed participants, including the gang at the Bird Bar & Grill, the Broadway Theater, Guys and Dolls Photography, and Art Reach, local businesses will continue to release promotions and activities from now through Dec. 25.

For all of the “25 Days of Christmas” details, click here!