The People Helping People team from Max & Emily’s Eatery will serve as grand marshal of the 2017 Lighted Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 2. Founded by the late Tim Brockman, the People Helping People program serves a free meal to those in need every Sunday. Brockman’s family will lead the parade in his memory.
People Helping People began in 2015 when Brockman learned that many of the area’s hunger relief programs were not available on Sundays. “Tim believed that no one in our community should ever go hungry, and when the idea of People Helping People came to him, he acted immediately,” said Chris “Elmo” Walton, owner of Max & Emily’s Eatery. “After a few weeks of the program, Tim and the staff started to create relationships with the program’s recipients. Smiles became hugs, faces became names, and stories were told on how his vision was positively impacting their lives.”
Funded by Max & Emily’s and community donations, the program remains strong and serves approximately 85 people each Sunday.
“Tim would be honored that this wonderful People Helping People program is being recognized in this year’s parade, and afterwards, he would challenge those in attendance to go out and do the right thing for someone else,” said Walton. “Doing the right thing is one of the many lessons Tim Brockman will continue to teach us long after his passing.”
The Lighted Christmas parade begins at 6 p.m. downtown Mt. Pleasant, and is one of several events taking place Dec. 1-2 for the 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.
Here are five things to watch at the Nov. 13 City Commission meeting:
Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting: The City Commission will receive the announcement that the City of Mt. Pleasant has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR) for the 30th consecutive year. Presented by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA), this award is the highest form of recognition in the area of government accounting and financial reporting.
2018 Annual Operating Budget: A public hearing will be held on the proposed 2018 Annual Operating Budget. To see the proposed budget, click here.
TIFA Plan Amendment:A public hearing will be held on the amendment to the Tax Increment Finance Authority (TIFA) plan to add fire safety grants as an eligible project. This reimbursement grant program assists downtown property owners with the cost to install necessary fire protection systems while maintaining and/or restoring the historic character of the building facades.
Proposed Zoning Ordinance and Map:A public hearing will be held on the proposed zoning ordinance and map. To learn more about the proposed character-based code, including a link to FAQs, go to www.mt-pleasant.org/character.
Barrier Free Parking Signs Downtown:The City Commission will consider the final approval of placing barrier free parking signs at several locations downtown Mt. Pleasant to identify the barrier free parking spaces added earlier this year. This temporary traffic control order has been in place for 90 days and staff is recommending it be approved as a permanent traffic control order.
To see the full City Commission agenda and packet for Nov. 13, 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.
Saturday, Nov. 11 is the 13th annual Ladies’ Night Out downtown Mt. Pleasant. This year’s event will feature fantastic shopping opportunities and giveaways for women while benefiting two local women’s organizations – the Women’s Initiative and the Women’s Aid Service.
The event begins at 4 p.m. at the Broadway Theatre downtown. With a $5 donation at the door, ladies will enter the theatre for an exciting raffle for fun and tasty prizes provided by many local businesses. Once the giveaways are gone, ladies can visit participating downtown businesses to take part in the countless in-store giveaways, promotions and specials.
A number of area businesses, including Herbs Etc. and Mt. Pleasant Hot Yoga, are also offering deals and discounts known as “Early Girl Specials” throughout the entire day.
Over the last 13 years, the Ladies’ Night Out event has raised more than $22,800 for the Women’s Initiative and the Women’s Aid Service.
The Women’s Initiative Fund, initiated by the Mt. Pleasant Community Foundation, provides for the needs of women and girls in Isabella County by granting funds to local organizations that combat the issues more commonly faced by women, including single parenting, abuse, eating disorders and more. The Women’s Aid Service provides emergency shelter and crisis intervention for domestic violence victims, as well as counseling services and support groups for victims of violence. For more information about these organizations, visit their Web sites at www.mpacf.org and www.womens-aid.org.
The City of Mt. Pleasant is excited to present the updated draft character-based code. The new ordinance provides a regulatory framework that will help the City to achieve several key objectives prioritized by the community, including preserving family neighborhoods, enhancing Downtown Mt. Pleasant, and transforming our commercial corridors including Mission Street.
ClickHEREto download the draft code (Updated Jan. 8, 2018).
ClickHERE to see amendments to the draft code (Dec. 11, 2017)
For more information, see the following frequently asked questions about the proposed character-based code.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a character-based code?
A Character-Based Code is an approach to zoning that is intended to produce predictable outcomes that are aligned with community goals and objectives.
You have probably noticed a business or home in the community that “just doesn’t fit” with its surroundings. In districts designed to preserve or enhance existing character, the new code will be designed to ensure new development “fits.”
Specifically, a character-based code is best suited to preserve and enhance the unique character of Mt. Pleasant; transform areas of the City (such as Mission Street) by creating character and improving walkability, bikeability, and safety; and improve the overall livability of the community.
A character-based code includes a range of standards regulating:
use,
frontage type,
building form,
building placement,
density,
civic space, and
parking standards for each character (zoning) district.
Character districts are assigned to areas of the community and depicted on the zoning map.
Why is this project important?
Zoning regulates the size, shape, location, and use of buildings and property; the quantity and type of landscaping; the quantity and location of parking; and the quantity and type of signage among other things.
Zoning regulations apply to all properties in the City, including residential properties. This is a once-in-a-generation project. The zoning ordinance has not been significantly updated since 1984 and the last complete overhaul was in 1971 – 46 years ago.
How were the proposed ordinance and map developed?
The proposed zoning ordinance and map are the product of a robust and extensive public engagement process.
The City Commission budgeted money for a complete rewrite of the City’s zoning ordinance in 2015. The City engaged with Town Planning & Urban Design Collaborative (TPUDC) to provide consulting services for the project in June 2016.
In September 2016, the City and TPUDC held a kick-off event that included a public presentation on the project.
In November 2016, the City hosted Planapalooza, a four-day engagement event that included a public workshop, four public roundtable discussions, an open design studio, and a work-in-progress presentation to the public. This event included over 40 hours of public engagement.
The ideas obtained through the kickoff and Planapalooza events were used to develop a draft zoning ordinance and map. Those documents were presented to the public in July 2017. The draft ordinance and map were subsequently updated and re-released in September 2017.
The Planning Commission held a public hearing on the proposed zoning ordinance and map on October 19, 2017. Following the public hearing, the Planning Commission recommended that the City Commission adopt the proposed zoning ordinance and map but seriously reconsider whether all the parcels east of Main Street, south of High Street, and west of Fancher Street that are currently zoned M-2 should be zoned CD-4 with student organizations and rooming dwellings permitted. (Please note: The area suggested for reconsideration is proposed to be zoned as CD-3 on the proposed map.)
The City Commission held a public hearing on the proposed zoning ordinance and map on Nov. 13, 2017. They also held a work session on the proposed zoning ordinance and map on Nov. 28, 2017.
How has the public been notified about and involved in this process?
The City views public engagement as paramount to both a successful process and a successful final product. To that end, the City used traditional and non-traditional methods to notify community members about the project and opportunities to participate. A partial list of those methods is provided below.
City Website – project webpage, homepage links, and web banners
Community presentations
City newsletters
Posters and flyers
Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube
City calendar
Emailed notices
MAC TV
Full-page color advertisement in the Morning Sun
Public hearing notices as required by law
Newspaper articles
Radio interviews
TV interviews
Water bill advertisement
MP City Link app
Mt. Pleasant Public Schools’ Friday Folder
Will my property be rezoned?
Most properties transition into a district that is equivalent to the current zoning designation in terms of intensity and use. The proposed code includes new character-based districts to replace existing zoning designations (i.e., R-3 to CD-3 and C-2 to CD-5).
Some district boundaries are changed to reflect the City’s Master Plan and input obtained from the public during the engagement process.
Will we see rapid changes in the community after adoption of the new code?
Very unlikely. In fact, one of the most immediate impacts of the new code is likely that new development will be less noticeable and more in keeping with the character of the community.
The current zoning ordinance prescribes minimums and maximums as well as allowable uses but provides very little clarity on exactly what type of development might result.
You have probably noticed a business or home in the community that “just doesn’t fit” with its surroundings. In districts designed to preserve or enhance existing character, the new code will be designed to ensure new development “fits.”
In districts where transformation to a new character is intended with the new proposed code – such as Mission Street – new development over years and decades will bring to life the community’s vision for those districts.
How are properties that do not meet the requirements of the proposed new regulations impacted?
Lots, structures, and buildings that do not conform to the dimensional requirements of the new ordinance may continue to be used and improved as long as the manner of non-conformance is not increased.
For example, if a building is 5 feet from a side property line where 10-foot setback is required, the building may be used and improved. However, it may not be expanded in a way that increases that particular non-conformity (i.e. a building addition within the required 10-foot setback).
Uses that existed prior to the adoption of the zoning ordinance that do not conform with the new allowed uses are considered non-conforming uses.
These uses may continue, but not expand.
The non-conforming use can continue even if ownership changes.
The lapse of a non-conforming use for 12-months or more ends the use on a permanent basis. An appeal can be made to the Zoning Board of Appeals to reinstate the use, but such reinstatements are expected to be very rare.
The voluntary discontinuation of the use ends the use on a permanent basis.
Buildings that contain non-conforming uses can be maintained in a variety of ways, but may not be expanded. Maintenance activities include:
strengthening or restoring any portion of a structure;
improvement to a safe condition, provided no material enlargement results;
repairing or replacing interior walls, fixtures, wiring or plumbing;
repaving driveways and parking lots;
replacing exterior windows and siding; and
painting exterior structures and fixtures.
The proposed non-conformance regulations are consistent with the City’s current non-conformance regulations.
How are current residential rental properties impacted?
The zoning ordinance does not regulate whether or not a rental license may be issued, only the type of license that is allowed. The primary difference in the type of license permitted is the number of unrelated occupants allowed per unit. In most districts, family occupancy (no more than two unrelated occupants) is the maximum. In the current M-2 district, rooming dwellings and Registered Student Organization dwellings (RSOs) are permitted to have higher occupancies depending upon location, lot area, and building area among other standards.
Existing rental properties may continue to renew and use their rental licenses indefinitely as long as they are in compliance with the City’s Housing Licensing Code, even when that license is of a type that would not be permitted for a new rental property.
A non-conforming rental license can be transferred to a new owner.
New rental licenses for properties not licensed by the date the proposed zoning ordinance is adopted would be subject to the regulations of the new ordinance.
How is student housing impacted?
64 parcels (less than 10 acres) currently zoned M-2 Multiple-Family Residential are proposed to change to CD-3 Sub-Urban district. These properties are located east of Main Street, south of High Street, and west of Fancher Street.
The CD-3 district permits detached single-family residential dwellings.
This change was recommended by TPUDC based upon the character of the neighborhood as well as extensive public input received during the engagement process.
Existing multiple-family, rooming, and RSO dwellings in that area would become non-conforming uses (see above questions about how a non-conforming use is impacted/handled).
Existing single-family residential (both owner- and tenant-occupied) would remain a conforming use.
Pictured below: Current (top) and proposed (bottom) zoning in the neighborhood north of Central Michigan University. On the current zoning map, the dark orange represents the current M-2 zoning district while the light yellow represents the current R-3 zoning district. On the proposed zoning map, the blue crosshatch areas denote the proposed CD-4 and CD-5 zoning districts. Dark yellow area represents the CD-3 zoning district. The area delineated on the map on the bottom includes the 64 properties that are recommended to be zoned CD-3.
Current Zoning MapProposed Zoning Map
As with a similar change in 1984 that resulted in many multiple-family, rooming, and RSO dwellings becoming non-conforming north of High Street, it is not expected that the housing types of multi-family, rooming, and RSO dwellings will be completely eliminated from the area east of Main Street, south of High Street and west of Fancher Street in the short- or long-term. As a matter of fact, the non-conforming uses north of High Street from the 1984 zoning amendment may continue to be exist as non-conforming under the new proposed zoning ordinance as well.
Opportunities for multiple-family and mixed-use (residential and commercial) development will increase.
More than 200 acres of additional land within the City, including along the Mission Street corridor, that do not currently permit residential development would allow residential development under the proposed ordinance.
Rooming and boarding dwellings and RSOs would be permitted as a special use in new locations as shown on the map at right. The crosshatched area in the map below depicts locations where rooming and/or RSO dwellings would be permitted:
Along the west side of Mission Street south of Preston Street, adjacent to Central Michigan University; and
In the area east of Mission Street and south of Broomfield Street.
The crosshatched area in the map above depicts locations where rooming and/or RSO dwellings would be permitted under the proposed zoning ordinance.
The proposed ordinance would increase opportunities for attached housing types that are attractive to diverse populations including students, young professionals and empty-nesters.
Why are the 64 parcels in the area north of campus proposed to be rezoned to CD-3?
The project consultant, TPUDC, recommended the rezoning of this area based on the existing character of the buildings in this area and the public input received during the engagement process, which included a desire to increase the supply of single-family housing in that area. The proposed change also aligns with several goals and objectives contained in the 2014 City Master Plan, which can be viewed online at www.mt-pleasant.org/ourcity.
The East Michigan Council of Governments and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority completed a Target Market Analysis for Isabella County in 2016. One of the results of the analysis was a need for a variety of housing types including single-family housing. This analysis was not specific to these 64 parcels. The analysis can be found online at www.mt-pleasant.org/planning.
How are duplexes impacted?
The current zoning ordinance allows duplexes as a special use in Residential districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4) and as a permitted use in Multiple-Family districts (M-1 and M-2).
The proposed zoning ordinance would continue to allow duplexes as a special use in the new Residential districts (CD-3L and CD-3) only when one of the two units was owner-occupied. In response to public input on the proposed language, an amendment was introduced exempting existing duplexes in those districts from the owner-occupancy requirement.
In the new CD-4 district, duplexes would continue to be a permitted use and both units could be tenant-occupied.
What is the impact on tax revenues as a result of the zoning changes for the 64 properties north of the campus?
A property that becomes non-conforming due to the zoning change will be allowed to continue its current use, even if it is sold after the change takes effect. As a result, the City Assessor indicates there will be no immediate change in tax revenues.
If a property is converted to a single‐family home and is no longer a rental property, the taxable value may be subject to change.
Have any changes been proposed following the two public hearings?
The City Commission requested staff provide amended language on the following topics:
Exempt existing two-family dwellings (duplexes) from the Principal Residence Exemption standard that would be imposed on new two-family dwellings in the CD-3L and CD-3 zoning districts.
Modify the bicycle parking standards for commercial, retail, and service uses to prevent an excessive standard for large format “big box” retailers.
Add review standards for site plans that do not proposed vehicular parking.
Clarify the language concerning non-conforming uses, structures, and improvements; set the replacement value for such uses, structures, or improvements damaged by fire or other cause at 50% or more of its replacement value; and ensure that the Zoning Board of Appeals may consider permitting resumption of a non-conforming use damaged by fire or other cause.
Staff introduced the amendments to the text at the City Commission meeting on Dec. 11, 2017. See the amendments here.
What is the next step in the process?
It is expected that the City Commission will take action on the proposed zoning ordinance and map in January 2018.
How can community members provide input?
There are two ways community members can provide input to the City Commission. First, written communication may be sent to manager@mt-pleasant.org, or by mail to City Commission, 320 W. Broadway, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858.
Second, opportunities for public comment are provided during City Commission meetings.
When does the new zoning ordinance go into effect?
A new ordinance is effective 30 days after the City Commission officially approves it.
Can I watch any of the previous events online?
Yes, the kickoff presentation, community workshop, Planapalooza work-in-progress presentation, and presentation of the draft code were all taped and are available for viewing on the City’s YouTube page.
How can I learn more?
City staff is available to discuss the character-based code and what it means for you and our community any time. You can visit the Planning & Community Development Department at City Hall, 2nd floor, or contact City Planner Jacob Kain by email at jkain@mt-pleasant.org or phone at (989) 779-5346.
City staff can also come to you; contact us if your workplace, neighborhood, or community organization would like to arrange for a project presentation and Q&A session.
The video of the Oct. 23, 2017 City Commission meeting is available here.
Below is the Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, Oct. 23, 2017, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room.
1. Stephanie Ward of Mead and Hunt gave a presentation on the Michigan Aviation System Plan.
2. Received petitions and communications.
3. Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:
Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Oct. 9, 2017
Minutes of closed session of the City Commission held Oct. 9, 2017
Warrants and Payrolls
4. Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1029, an
ordinance to add new section 150.02 to the Mt. Pleasant City Code to regulate swimming
pools.
5. Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1030, an
ordinance to add Chapter 156 to the Mt. Pleasant City Code to provide for and regulate
local historic districts.
6. Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1031, an
ordinance to add Section 32.30 to the Mt. Pleasant City Code to specify the power of the
City Planning Commission.
7. Received a proposed ordinance to amend Title XIII, Chapter 132, Section(s) 132.03, 132.04 and 132.06 of the Mt. Pleasant City Code regarding the purchase, consumption, and possession of alcoholic beverages by minors, furnishing, or using fraudulent identification, and license sanctions and set a public hearing for Nov. 27, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. on same.
8. Authorized a budget amendment to support a contract with Mt. Pleasant Sash and Door to complete the installation of the Wood Street fence.
9. Conducted a work session on the 2018 Operating Budget.
Registration is now open for the City of Mt. Pleasant Parks & Recreation’s Man Vs. Mountain challenge on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2018.
This unique winter 5K dares participants to embrace the cold of winter while running, climbing, jumping and crawling their way to the finish. The race is electronically timed and wave times begin at 9:30 a.m. Sign up early to receive the best registration rates. Event pricing starts at $50 and will gradually increase to $80 as the race day approaches. A $35 student rate is also available.
The course, set through Mt. Pleasant’s picturesque park system, is filled with more than 15 strategically placed manmade obstacles that complement the natural elements of Michigan winters, such as snow and the cold temperatures. Each obstacle is designed to accommodate multiple skill levels.
“Man Vs. Mountain is challenging, exhilarating and overall a lot of fun,” said Recreation Coordinator Steve Hofer. “This race was created to provide an additional recreational opportunity during the winter months. If you like to be active and you have a sense of adventure, this one-of-a-kind event is perfect for you.”
Following the event, join fellow Man Vs. Mountain 5K challengers at Mountain Town Station for a warm beverage, hearty meal and the chance to exchange stories from the experience. Challengers take home memories, bragging rights and race swag.
For additional information and to register, go to www.mt-pleasant.org/mvm or call the Parks and Recreation Office at (989) 779-5331.
The Mt. Pleasant community and surrounding areas are invited to celebrate Halloween downtown Mt. Pleasant at the sixth annual Pumpkin Promenade!
The Pumpkin Promenade will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 31 from 4 to 6 p.m. Children age 12 and under can trick-or-treat at participating businesses and visit Town Center for a free donut hole from Robaire’s Bakery. Participating businesses will have signs displayed in their windows indicating they are part of the event.
Please note, citywide trick-or-treating is Oct. 31 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Downtown Mt. Pleasant features events year-round and new businesses opening regularly. With a variety of shopping venues, eateries and bars, as well as salons, coffee shops, spas, fitness studios and parks, the historic district can be enjoyed no matter the season.
Downtown Mt. Pleasant is centrally located in the City of Mt. Pleasant and is bordered by the picturesque Chippewa River. Two of Mt. Pleasant’s most scenic parks, Island Park and Nelson Park, are also located downtown offering a local trail system with a variety of nature trails and cycling paths.
Located just a few blocks north of Central Michigan University’s campus and 3.5 miles directly west of the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort, Downtown Mt. Pleasant has all you are looking for and more!
Thirty student members of the Greek community at Central Michigan University joined the City of Mt. Pleasant’s Neighborhood Resource Unit (NRU) on Oct. 15 to clean the streets of the neighborhood north of Bellows Street. 30 bags of trash were collected from Bellows Street to High Street, and from Douglas Street to Lansing Street.
Jeff Pickler
Sunday marked the first “Greek Clean the Streets” event since the retirement and passing of former City Code Enforcement Officer Jeff Pickler. Pickler established the “Greeks Clean the Streets” program six years ago, creating volunteer opportunities for Greek students to get involved in the community. “Jeff was always extremely proud of the students who volunteered their time to make the City of Mt. Pleasant a cleaner place for everyone to enjoy,” said Mt. Pleasant Police Officer Jeff Browne.
Asst. Fire Chief Mike Dunham added, “Jeff’s contributions will live on through the programs he initiated and friendships he made. We will always be thankful to Jeff for his dedicated work ethic and his desire to improve the organization’s success.”
The video of the Oct. 9, 2017 City Commission meeting is available here.
Below is the Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, Oct. 9, 2017, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room.
1. Mayor Ling read and presented a Proclamation recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day as Oct. 9, 2017.
2. Received petitions and communications.
3. Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:
Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Sept. 25, 2017
Minutes of closed sessions (2) of the City Commission held Sept. 25, 2017
Bid of Garber Contracting Inc. of Mt. Pleasant, MI for Island Park Shelter Roof Replacement
Award contract to Rowe Professional Services of Mt. Pleasant, MI for 2017 1MG Reservoir Bypass Project
Authorize the Mayor to sign a two year contract with The Hartford as our vendor for life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment coverage related to benefits required by collective bargaining agreement and employee benefit plans
Resolution in support of final approval of Temporary Traffic Control Order 6-2017
Authorize the Mayor and Clerk to sign the appropriate documents for four F-250 trucks through the purchase-buyback program with Krapohl Ford of Mt. Pleasant, MI
Approve recommended changes to the out-of-network annual deductible and prescription drug program in the PACT Employee Benefits and Personnel Policies as presented
Rescind the 1975 policy on Civil Rights and Employment Practices
Warrants and Payrolls
4. Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1028, an ordinance to amend Sections 54.02, 54.03, 54.04 and 54.09 of the Mt. Pleasant City Code to address parking lot reconstruction and off-site pass through.
5. Received proposed ordinance amendments to the Mt. Pleasant City Code and set public hearing for Monday, October 23, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. on same.
a. Add new section 150.02 to regulate swimming pools.
b. Add Chapter 156 to provide for and regulate local historic districts.
c. Add Section 32.30 to specify the power of the City Planning Commission.
6. Received proposed new zoning ordinance and map and set public hearing for Monday, Nov. 13, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. on same.
7. Received an amendment to the Tax Increment Finance Authority (TIFA) plan to add fire safety grants as an eligible project and set a public hearing for Monday, Nov. 13, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. on same.
8. Approved and conducted closed session pursuant to subsection 8(h) of the Open Meetings Act for material exempt from discussion or disclosure by state or federal statute.
9. Conducted a work session on Michigan Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act
(MMMFLA).
Officer Jeff Thompson received MADD’s Outstanding Officer Award, a statewide recognition honoring members of law enforcement who made a difference in 2016 in reducing drunk driving deaths and injuries through education, prevention, policy or enforcement. Officer Thompson led the department last year with 54 operating while impaired (OWI) arrests. The award was presented to Thompson last month during the Lifesavers Recognition Luncheon presented by MADD Michigan.
Officers Mike Covarrubias, Kipp Moe and Kurt Solmonson have been named MADD Salute Award winners as they each made more than 25 OWI arrests last year.
Together, the four officers made 154 OWI arrests in 2016.
City of Mt.Pleasant 
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