Mt. Pleasant Fire Chief Doug Lobsinger Retires After 33 Years of Service

After 33 years of service to the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department, Fire Chief Doug Lobsinger will retire on October 30, 2026. Doug joined the department as a paid-on-call firefighter on October 18, 1993, and attended his first fire training course that same night. He became a full-time firefighter in 1997, was promoted to Fire Sergeant in 2015, Assistant Fire Chief in 2018, and was named Fire Chief in May 2023.

Throughout his career, Doug’s work extended well beyond emergency response. As a certified EMS and Fire I instructor, he dedicated much of his career to teaching. He also directed the Neighborhood Resource Unit, administered the MSHDA housing grant program to help residents make home exterior improvements, and served as Union Township’s Fire Chief and Fire Code Official. His involvement in community boards, public safety partnerships and outreach reflect his commitment to the people and communities he served.

Public Safety Director Paul Lauria said, “Doug has had a very positive impact on the Fire Department, but I think his impact on the community goes well beyond that. He has always been willing to take on projects and get involved, from the City’s TNR program to organizing Greeks Cleaned the Streets. That is one of the things I have always appreciated about Doug. He understood that public service was bigger than just his role as Fire Chief. He cared about the community and was willing to put in the work to make it better. I think his impact will be felt here for a long time.”

Looking back on his career, Doug shared that its greatest rewards have not come from any single achievement, but from the people he served with.

“When I think about what I am most proud of, it isn’t a particular fire, promotion or accomplishment. It is the people. I am proud of the firefighters who show up every day ready to help someone they may never have met.”

That belief shaped Doug’s leadership as chief. Through years of teaching and mentoring, he reminded new firefighters that making a difference isn’t always about saving a life or putting out a fire. It’s often about showing up when someone is having the worst day of their life and treating them with dignity and compassion. As chief, he found it most rewarding to watch his team do just that.

Doug is looking forward to spending more time with family and friends, fishing, enjoying his hobbies and discovering life beyond the firehouse. After years of late-night calls, training and time away from home, he is grateful for the family who supported him throughout his career.

While he is ready for the next chapter, Doug knows the fire service will always be part of who he is.

“Once a firefighter, always a firefighter. The uniform may eventually come off, the pager may eventually stop, and the schedule will belong to someone else, but the memories, friendships, lessons, and experiences will stay with me forever.”

Reflecting on his time with the department, Doug shared his gratitude for the people who have been part of his journey and the opportunity to serve alongside them.

“For 33 years, I was fortunate enough to be part of something bigger than myself. I wouldn’t trade that for anything. Thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey. It has been an incredible ride, and now I am ready to see what is waiting around the next corner.”

Congratulations on your retirement, Chief Lobsinger. Thank you for 33 years of dedication to the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department and the community.

2026 Fall Leaf Collection Information

As the leaves start to fall, residents and landscaping companies are reminded to not rake leaves into the streets until the week of October 19. City staff will make one sweep through the entire City during pick up weeks. Therefore, leaves should be raked into low piles before Monday of pick-up weeks and not cover catch basins.

On High and Pickard Streets, where high traffic volume prohibits leaves in the street, residents and landscaping companies should rake the leaves onto the rights-of-way, as close to the curb as possible. Those who live on streets other than High and Pickard must place their leaves in the street. If you live on a boulevard, do not place leaves in the median, place them in front of your home.

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.

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 2026 leaf collection schedule is as follows:

  • October 26-30: Staff will collect leaves in a City-wide sweep.
  • November 9-13: Staff will collect leaves in a City-wide sweep.
  • November 23-25: 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.

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

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – September 28, 2026

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, September 28, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

“Discussion on House Bill 6074”  was added to the Agenda.

Approved the Agenda as amended. 

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar: 4) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held September 14, 2026;

5) Renewal of Experimental Aircraft Association’s (EAA) hangar lease;

6) Resolution in support of TCO #2-2026;

7) Resolution in support of TCO #3-2026;

8) Payrolls & Warrants.

Held a public hearing for developer selection & PILOT and MSA Extension for Mill Street Landing.  

Approved the selection of Spire Development, Inc. and the Mount Pleasant Housing Commission for the development of the Mill Street Landing project at 410 Mill Street, 200 Walnut Street and 208 Walnut Street.  

Passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1115, an Ordinance to amend PILOT Ordinance No. 1092 to extend the date by which construction of the Mill Street Landing housing development must commence, and include 208 Walnut Street into the development proposal and passed its accompanying Resolution. 

Approved the proposed MSA Agreement and passed its accompanying Resolution. 

Appointed Joseph Carreon to the Zoning Board of Appeals, partial term expiring December 31, 2026. 

Directed staff to create a policy requiring continuing education of board and committee members to complete for consideration of re-appointments including requirement of two hours of ethics, two hours of parliamentary procedure, and two hours of additional topics to be brought forward at a work session.  

Prioritized and approved submission of City requests for fall 2026 Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe 2% allocations.

Moved to seek guidance from the City Attorney on how House Bill 6074 currently impacts or has impacted the City of Mt. Pleasant and similar actions that the City could take by City ordinance.  

Conducted a Work Session discussion on proposed 2027 Operating Budget 

Adjourned the meeting at 10:24 p.m.

Riverside Cemetery Fall Cleanup Begins October 1

Fall cleanup will take place at Riverside Cemetery from October 1-15, 2026.

During this time, please remove the following items from grave sites:

  • Summer or seasonal decorations
  • Decorative flowers
  • Wreaths
  • Weathered or faded mementos
  • Other items that may not withstand winter weather

Any items left after October 15 will be removed and disposed of by cemetery staff.

New decorations may be placed starting November 1.

To help with clean up, a dumpster will be placed at the back of the cemetery for easy disposal of items.

For questions or more information, contact the Parks and Public Spaces Field Operations Supervisor at (989) 779‑5340.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – September 28, 2026

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, September 28, 2026, at 7 p.m.

  • Presentation of the 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report
  • Public hearing for PILOT and MSA Extension for Mill Street Landing
  • Consider prioritization and approval of submission of City requests for Fall 2026 Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe 2% allocation
  • Work session on the proposed 2027 Operating Budget

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

E-Packet for Regular Meeting on Monday, September 28th

How to follow public meetings:

The City Commission Meeting will be held in person in the City Chambers/City Hall (320 W. Broadway Street) with virtual attendance options as well. Non-voting participants may view the meeting live on the City’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/MtPleasantMi/, on Spectrum Charter channel 188 or via Zoom.

If a virtual option becomes unavailable due to technical difficulties, the meeting will continue as scheduled. Residents who would like to provide a comment during the appropriate time are welcome to come to the meeting at City Hall or email their statement to comment@mt-pleasant.org.

To participate via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88948056698?pwd=emMLBunjbNPXKpgiIUtagXsoBUCBW8.1

Phone dial-in: (312) 626-6799
Meeting ID: 889 4805 6698
Passcode: 075789

The audio and video will be muted for members of the public and then unmuted by the host during public comment periods.

For participants accessing via computer or smartphone please use the “Raise Your Hand” icon to indicate you would like to speak. First, click on the “Participants” icon at the bottom of your screen. Next, click on the “Raise Your Hand” icon near the bottom right corner of the screen.

To raise your hand for telephone dial-in participants, press *9.

Members of the public may be muted or removed if using abusive language or if they become disruptive to the meeting.

Virtual attendance at the meeting and participation during public comment periods will be conducted as follows:

  • Members of the public are asked to provide their name and address with any comments.
  • Comments/Questions may be sent ahead of the meeting, or during the meeting via email to comment@mt-pleasant.org. Comments sent via email will be read aloud to the Commission during the public comment period.

Individual commissioners can be contacted at the following email addresses:

Mary Alsager               malsager@mt-pleasant.org   
Hanna Demerath        hdemerath@mt-pleasant.org
Maureen Eke              meke@mt-pleasant.org
Amy Perschbacher      aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org
Grace Rollins               grollins@mt-pleasant.org
Ryon Skalitzky             rskalitzky@mt-pleasant.org
Boomer Wingard        bwingard@mt-pleasant.org

Persons with disabilities needing assistance to participate may call the Human Resources office on (989) 779-5314. Persons requiring speech or hearing assistance may contact the city through the Michigan Relay Center at 711. 48-hour advance notice is necessary for accommodation.

Reservations for no fee brush chipping open on 9/28/2026

UPDATE 9/28/2026: Registration for the Fall 2026 No Fee Brush Chipping Program is now full. Thank you to all residents who reserved a spot. The City is no longer accepting reservations for this program.

The city is offering 150 households, within the city limits, up to 30 minutes of no fee brush chipping during October 12 – 16, 2026.

The same guidelines used for fee-based brush chipping apply to this program. Branches must be no more than 9 inches in diameter and at least 2 feet long. Anything shorter than 2 feet cannot be chipped.

Brush should be placed at the curb (not in the street) no earlier than the week before the scheduled chipping week and no later than Sunday evening , October 11. Piles should be stacked as neatly as possible, with cut ends facing the street when space allows. Materials should not obstruct sidewalks, streets, alleys, or traffic sightlines.

Only branches are accepted. Twigs, thorn bushes, grass clippings, leaves, stumps, roots, weeds, vines, flowers, wire, landscape timbers, fencing, or other wood materials will not be chipped.

Reservations can be scheduled beginning September 28 at 8:00 a.m. until all spots are filled. Call the Division of Public Works, 989-779-5401 or email publicworks@mt-pleasant.org to make a reservation.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – September 14, 2026

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, September 14, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Mayor Wingard read and presented International Day of Peace proclamation to Donna Giuliani from the Isabella Human Rights Committee.

Finance Director Lauren Pavlowski gave an update on 2025 annual audit.

Approved the Agenda as presented. 

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

8) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held August 24, 2026;

9) Receive Fall 2026 Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribal 2% funding requests from City departments;

10) Receive proposed 2027 Annual Operating Budget and set public hearing for Monday, November 9, 2026;

11) Award contract for 2026 Slide Gate Actuator Retrofit to Systems Specialties of Bloomfield Hills, MI, and a budget amendment;

12) Award four-year contract renewal with HydroCorp of Troy, MI, for continued administration of the commercial cross connection control program, for a total contract amount of $43,191.64;

13) Award 2026 Analytical Equipment Annual Service Agreement to Hach Company of Loveland, CO;

14) Payrolls & Warrants.

Approved the Resolution to amend 2026 Operating Budget

Approved the selection of Spire Development for the construction of Mill Street Landing affordable housing project at 410 Mill Street, 200 Walnut Street and 208 Walnut Street, receive the proposed Amendment to PILOT Ordinance No. 1092, its accompanying Resolution, and MSA Agreement, and set a public hearing for Monday, September 28, 2026 to consider the PILOT extension.

Authorized remaining unpaid funds on the Nelson Park mill and overlay contract be obligated to Granite Re, Inc., or to a completion contractor arranged under the performance bond, and that staff may then proceed with termination and the surety demand.  

Directed staff to do an analysis of costs for city bathrooms and public bathrooms.

Accepted a presentation by Harsna Chahal, a CMU Medical Student regarding providing free feminine products in city restrooms.  

Conducted a work session discussion on responsible contract language in the City’s Purchasing Policy.

Adjourned the meeting at 10:12 p.m.

628 S. Oak St Fire – No Injuries

At 8:28 p.m., the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 628 S. Oak St.

Upon arrival, crews observed light smoke coming from the rear of the building. Firefighters located a fire within a rear wall and in the attic and were able to bring it under control within 20 minutes.

The building sustained smoke, fire, and water damage. Residents of the two-unit home were displaced.

The Mt. Pleasant Fire Department was assisted by the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Fire Department, Deerfield Township Fire Department, Mt. Pleasant Police Department, and Isabella County Central Dispatch.

No residents or firefighters were injured. The fire remains under investigation.

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.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – September 14, 2026 

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, September 14, 2026, at 7 p.m. 

  • Update on 2025 Annual Audit by Finance Director Lauren Pavlowski. 
  • Receive proposed Annual Operating Budget for 2027 and set a public hearing for November 9, 2026. 
  • Request for developer selection & PILOT and MSA Extension for Mill Street Landing and consider setting a public hearing for September 28, 2026. 
  • Discussion on ordinance on providing free menstrual products in City restrooms. 
  • Work Session discussion on responsible contracting language in the City’s purchasing policy. 

To view the entire meeting packet visit:   

E-Packet for Regular Meeting on Monday, September 14th 

How to follow public meetings: 

The City Commission Meeting will be held in person in the City Chambers/City Hall (320 W. Broadway Street) with virtual attendance options as well. Non-voting participants may view the meeting live on the City’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/MtPleasantMi/, on Spectrum Charter channel 188 or via Zoom. 

If a virtual option becomes unavailable due to technical difficulties, the meeting will continue as scheduled. Residents who would like to provide a comment during the appropriate time are welcome to come to the meeting at City Hall or email their statement to comment@mt-pleasant.org.  

To participate via Zoom: 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83717720281?pwd=IFaylqITQO7T91ff0c363RIrXZzPLy.1

Meeting ID: 837 1772 0281 
Passcode: 552908 
Phone dial-in: (312) 626-6799 

The audio and video will be muted for members of the public and then unmuted by the host during public comment periods. 

For participants accessing via computer or smartphone please use the “Raise Your Hand” icon to indicate you would like to speak. First, click on the “Participants” icon at the bottom of your screen. Next, click on the “Raise Your Hand” icon near the bottom right corner of the screen. 

To raise your hand for telephone dial-in participants, press *9. 

Members of the public may be muted or removed if using abusive language or if they become disruptive to the meeting.  

Virtual attendance at the meeting and participation during public comment periods will be conducted as follows:  

  • Members of the public are asked to provide their name and address with any comments. 
  • Comments/Questions may be sent ahead of the meeting, or during the meeting via email to comment@mt-pleasant.org. Comments sent via email will be read aloud to the Commission during the public comment period. 

Individual commissioners can be contacted at the following email addresses:  

Mary Alsager  malsager@mt-pleasant.org   
Hanna Demerath hdemerath@mt-pleasant.org  
Maureen Eke meke@mt-pleasant.org  
Amy Perschbacher aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org 
Grace Rollins grollins@mt-pleasant.org  
Ryon Skalitzky rskalitzky@mt-pleasant.org  
Boomer Wingard bwingard@mt-pleasant.org 

Persons with disabilities needing assistance to participate may call the Human Resources office on (989) 779-5314. Persons requiring speech or hearing assistance may contact the city through the Michigan Relay Center at 711. 48-hour advance notice is necessary for accommodation.

Pavement Marking Projects Scheduled This Weekend

The City of Mt. Pleasant will begin pavement marking projects on Friday, September 11 and continue through Monday, September 14. Crews will be refreshing pavement markings in Island Park, downtown parking lots, and along several city streets during the project period.

Parking Lot Pavement Marking

Work will begin Friday in Island Park, starting with the parking lot near the pickleball courts before moving through the remaining park parking areas. Crews will then prioritize Downtown Parking Lot 2 so it can reopen ahead of the Farmers Market on Saturday afternoon.

Depending on crew availability, multiple locations may be completed simultaneously.

The following parking lots are scheduled for pavement marking:

  • All Island Park parking lots
  •  Lot 1
  • Lot 2
  • Lot 6
  • Lot 7
  • Lot 8
  • Lot 12

Please avoid parking in these areas while crews are working and follow all posted signs and temporary closures.

Roadway Marking Work

From Saturday through Monday, additional crews will be completing hand-applied pavement markings, including directional arrows, crosswalks, and other roadway markings.

Roadway marking work is scheduled for the following road segments:

  • Adams Street: High Street to Broadway Street
  • Bellows Street: Mission Street to Isabella Road
  • Bradley Street: High Street to Pickard Street
  • Brown Street: Pickard Street to Broadway Street
  • Pickard Street: Bradley Street to Mission Street
  • West Campus Drive: Preston Street to Bellows Street

Please use caution when traveling through active work areas and be alert for workers and equipment. We appreciate your patience as this work helps maintain safe and clearly marked roadways and parking areas throughout Mt. Pleasant.