MT. PLEASANT, Mich. – At approximately 12:40 p.m. on Sept. 15, Mt. Pleasant Police responded to a call requesting a welfare check on an individual in the parking lot of Meijer who was undressing himself and banging on his car. When officers arrived at the scene, a man matching the description of the individual jumped into his vehicle and fled northbound on Mission Street. The man proceeded to drive north on Old U.S. 27 to Jordan Road before crashing his car on the railroad tracks. The subject exited the vehicle and a foot pursuit ensued into a nearby cornfield.
Officers set up a perimeter of the area and were able to locate the suspect after an extensive search. The suspect was identified as 34-year-old man from Leroy, Michigan.
The Leroy man will be lodged at the Isabella County Jail on charges of Fleeing and Eluding; Resisting and Obstructing; Driving While License Suspend; Reckless Driving and several outstanding warrants.
The Mt. Pleasant Police Department was assisted by the, City of Clare Police Department, Department of Natural Resources, Isabella County Sherriff’s Office, Michigan State Police, Michigan State Police K-9 Unit, Bay Area Narcotics Unit, Mt. Pleasant Fire Department and Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Police Department.
Active since 1940, the Mt. Pleasant Municipal Airport is administered as a department within the Division of Public Works of the City of Mt. Pleasant. Covering an area of 344 acres, the airport is categorized as a General Utility Airport with two available runways.
Highlighted in this month’s “Why MP,” check out 3 reasons why the Mt. Pleasant Airport is a community treasure.
1. The City airport adds millions of dollars to the local economy each year.
1935 – First Airplane to Visit Mt. Pleasant
Close to 1,300 aircraft utilize the airport annually, bringing visitors to the Mt. Pleasant area who stay at local hotels, eat at local restaurants and patron local businesses. As a result, nearly $8 million of revenue is added to the community each year!
“When the doors open on the plane, I rarely know who’s going to be on the other side,” said Airport Manager Bill Brickner. “People use the airport for a wide variety of reasons, from selling wares and delivering emergency parts, to transferring prisoners. Even celebrities use our airport.”
Corporate aircraft are among those that use the airport regularly, serving as a means of transportation for several companies, including Morbark, Bandit Industries, Delfield, Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, Meijer, Walmart, Kay Jewelers and Harley Davidson – just to name a few!
2. It serves as a resource for community safety and emergency services.
Used for the U.S. Military, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan State Police and Medi-Vac flights, the City Airport offers a quick and efficient method of transportation for those in emergency situations. With on-call staff members and a 24-hour phone line, emergency personnel rely on the airport in times of need.
Most recently, the airport housed airplanes that helped people in the paths of the hurricanes Harvey and Irma flee Texas and Florida.
In addition, the nonprofit organization, Wings of Mercy, uses the Mt. Pleasant Airport to provide free air transportation to distant medical centers for those with serious or rare illnesses in need of specialized care. Wings of Mercy connects those who can’t afford the financial burden of commercial flights with volunteer pilots who can get them there.
3. It offers educational and engaging events to promote aviation to all ages.
Young Eagles Day
The Airport plays host to events organized by Chapter 907 of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), a group of aviation enthusiasts who plan events tailored to engage community members of all ages in hopes of sparking interest in aviation.
This year alone, the EAA’s Young Eagles program has provided free airplane rides to approximately 120 kids between the ages of 8-17. “With each flight lasting about 20 minutes, local kids love the opportunity to fly over Mt. Pleasant and potentially their houses,” says Brickner.
Another EAA-hosted event, “Wings & Wheels,” takes place on Sept. 16. For details, check out the Facebook event page here.
EAA Chapter 907 – With a team of only 5 individuals making up the staff at the airport, the EAA loves to volunteer their time and effort to ensure the future of aviation is as bright as ever.
For more information about the Mt. Pleasant Airport, contact Airport Manager Bill Brickner at (989) 444-1996 or bbrickner@mt-pleasant.org.
City Public Works staff and members of the Safety Alliance, Chad Sapp (left) and Sarah Parrott (middle), receive 50 first aid kits from Jennifer Churchill (right) of CMU Health.
All City-owned vehicles will soon be stocked with first aid supplies thanks to the generosity of Central Michigan University Health. In an effort initiated by the City’s Safety Alliance, CMU Health recently donated 50 OSHA-compliant first aid kits to ensure City staff members would have an adequate supply of basic medical care items while working out in the field.
“Until now, only the police and fire departments had first aid kits in their vehicles, so it was a high priority for the Safety Alliance to provide the kits to the rest of the City,” said Sarah Parrott of the Division of Public Works. “The group is in the process of distributing the kits to each department. There are extras in case new vehicles are purchased or items are used, and the kits will be checked once-a-month to make sure they are fully stocked and up-to-date.”
Created this year, the Safety Alliance is comprised of nine City staff members who work collaboratively across departments to make recommendations on health and safety topics.
Here are 5 things to watch at the Sept. 11 City Commission meeting.
United Way Week Proclamation:Mayor Ling will proclaim Sept. 17-23, 2017 as United Way Week in the City of Mt. Pleasant to kick off the 2017 Community Campaign and celebrate the more than 60 years of community investment provided through United Way.
Ordinance Amendment to Permit Shooting Ranges in the City: A potential expansion of a local business includes an indoor shooting range. Currently the City Code prohibits the discharge of firearms within the City limits except in the legal defense of person or property. After holding a public hearing, the City Commission will consider an amendment to this ordinance to allow the discharge of a firearm at regularly established indoor firearm ranges authorized by the City, at times and places approved by the City Commission following a public hearing.
Hanger Lease with the EAA: The City Commission is requested to approve a lease with the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) for the City-owned hangar at the Mt. Pleasant Municipal Airport. The City-owned hangar has been vacant for over a year, and is in need of cleaning and repairs. As part of the lease agreement, the EAA would not be charged a monthly rental fee, rather they would complete the cleaning and repairs. The agreement would allow the EAA to sublet portions of the hangar to a mechanic, for airplane storage or other aeronautical opportunities, subject to approval by the City. The City would receive funds from the subleases.
Downtown Special Assessment: Earlier this year, the Commission approved the resolution to determine the need for a downtown special assessment to fund downtown parking lot maintenance and snow removal, beautification and groundskeeping. In July, after holding the public hearing on the proposed roll to spread the assessment, the City Commission did not approve the assessment roll. Since then, modifications to the assessment roll have been made. The City Commission will set a public hearing on the revised recommendation for the 2018-2019 special assessment process for the Downtown Principal Shopping District.
2018 Annual Operating Budget:The City Commission will receive the proposed 2018 Annual Operating Budget. A formal presentation on the proposed budget will occur during the Sept. 25 City Commission meeting, and a special meeting has been scheduled for Oct. 30 for further discussion. It is recommended the City Commission set a public hearing for Nov. 13, 2017 to obtain public comment on the proposed budget. Members of the community may view the document online at www.mt-pleasant.org, or view a printed copy at the City Clerk’s office.
Immediately following the regular meeting, the City Commission will hold a work session to discuss the Michigan Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act (MMMFLA) Ad Hoc Committee recommendation.
To see the full City Commission agenda and packet for Sept. 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.
The video of the Aug. 28, 2017 City Commission meeting is available here.
Below is the Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, Aug. 28, 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 and of the closed session of the City Commission held August 14, 2017
Resolution authorizing an amendment to the Standard Lighting Contract between the City and Consumers Energy for new LED street lighting at Mission and Preston and Mission and Bellows
Received proposed Ordinance to Amend Title XIII, Chapter 131, §131.04
DISCHARGING FIREARMS OR OTHER DEVICES of the Mt. Pleasant City Code to allow
for indoor shooting range within the City limits and set a public hearing for September 11,2017 at 7:00 p.m. on same
Approval of easement purchase agreement
Resolution authorizing the submission of a grant under Section 19 of Emergency Management Act
Payroll and warrants
3. Approved option to move forward with a proposed Emergency Ordinance to amend Title V, Chapter 54: STORM WATER MANAGEMENT of the Mt. Pleasant City Code to change the requirements of when compliance is required for parking lot only projects as well as authorizing waiving the $250 fee if Faith Lutheran Church decides to go to the Building Board of Appeals
4. Approved the policy and application for Boards and Commissions to provide guidance to current and future appointment committee members, as well as the public regarding the process and add a check box to the application for boards and commissions for renters within the City of Mt. Pleasant
5. Set a special meeting for Monday, October 30, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. to discuss the 2018
Operating Budget
6. Conducted a work session on sidewalk snow removal
This weekend, thousands of student residents arrived to the area for the start of the fall semester at Central Michigan University. The Mt. Pleasant Police Department responded to several calls for service and generated a number of citations from 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 24 to 7 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 27. Please see the weekend’s statistics below:
Arrested or Received Citation:
8 Disorderly Conduct
1 Disturbing the Peace
1 Driving While License Suspended
40 Minor in Possession of Alcohol
3 Nuisance Party-Attending
9 Nuisance Party-Hosting
64 Open Intoxicants
6 OWI
3 Possession of Drugs
11 Traffic Citations
3 Warrant Arrest
Calls for Service:
There were 97 calls for service from 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 24 to 7 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 25.
There were 199 calls for service from 7 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 25 to 7 a.m. on Saturday,
Aug. 26.
There were 145 calls for service from 7 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 26. To 7 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 27.
In 2014, the City of Mt. Pleasant developed a multi-year plan to address the history of violations and increasing tension among residents in the neighborhood north of Central Michigan University’s campus where owner-occupied properties and student rentals are intermingled. To decrease disruptive behavior and improve relationships between the full- and part-year residents, City officials have worked to improve partnerships with local landlords, CMU and its students, as well as enforce ordinances on a more consistent basis.
“We are proud to be home to Central Michigan University. The students are a great asset to our community and the energy and diversity they bring strengthens the City as a whole,” said Mt. Pleasant City Manager Nancy Ridley.“The students are also City residents, and all residents are expected to uphold our community standards, which include respecting your neighbors and taking care of each other to ensure Mt. Pleasant continues to be a safe and desirable place to live and visit.”
The Mt. Pleasant Police Department and Fire Department were assisted by the Central Michigan University Police Department, Central Michigan University Dispatch, Michigan State Police – Mt. Pleasant, and Lakeview Post, Isabella County Central Dispatch, Department of Corrections, Mobile Medical Response, Alma Police Department, Gratiot County Sheriff’s Department, Clare Police Department, Midland Police Department, and Midland County Sheriff’s Department.
DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER
A Disaster Recovery Center is now open in Isabella County to help residents and businesses through the assistance process after damages and losses suffered during the severe storms and flooding that occurred from June 22 – 27, 2017.
Isabella County Disaster Recovery Center:
4855 E. Bluegrass Road
Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858
Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday
ASSISTANCE AND LOANS AVAILABLE
Representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are at the center to answer questions about disaster assistance and low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses. They can also help survivors apply for federal disaster assistance.
REGISTER TODAY
Residents must register with FEMA before being considered for assistance or a loan.
Residents and those who use 711 or Video Relay Services can call 800-621-3362 to register for assistance. People who are hearing impaired can call 800-462-7585.
It is recommended that residents register before visiting the recovery center.
LEARN MORE
To learn more about individual disaster assistance from FEMA, click here.
To learn more about SBA’s low-interest disaster loans offered to homeowners, renters and businesses, click here or click on the flyers below. (Image on left is for residents; image on right is for businesses.)
The video of the Aug. 14, 2017 City Commission meeting is available here.
Below is the Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, Aug. 14, 2017, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room.
1. Authorized the Mayor to sign a letter of intent from the City in support of the Mt. Pleasant Housing Commission’s grant application to HUD.
2. Received petitions and communications.
3. Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:
Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held July 24, 2017
Minutes of the special meeting of the City Commission held August 7, 2017
Resolution in support of final approval of Temporary Traffic Control Order #5-2017
Resolution regarding grant application for new voting equipment
Authorized the Mayor and Clerk to sign a five year contract with CMU for copier leases
Authorize the Mayor to sign the annual delegation of School Plan Review and Inspection Authority for the Mt. Pleasant Public Schools
Appoint Chris Saladine as Employer Delegate and Shar Rappuhn as alternate to represent the City of Mt. Pleasant at the Municipal Employees’ Retirement system (MERS) annual meeting
Confirm appointment of Nancy Ridley as voting delegate for the Michigan Municipal League (MML) annual meeting on September 13, 2017
Payroll and warrants.
4. Authorized a contract with ATI Group of Flushing, MI for chiller repair.
5. Authorized a contract with Johnson Door and Central Vac. Systems of Mt. Pleasant, MI for the replacement of twelve garage doors at the Public Safety building and the appropriate budget amendment.
6. Approved the policy and procedure for public inspection and copying of assessment records as presented.
7. Reprioritized parks budget allocations as recommended.
8. Received the proposed policy and application for boards and commissions.
9. Approved and conducted a closed session pursuant to subsection 8(d) of the Open Meetings Act, to discuss the possible purchase or lease of real property.
10. Conducted a work session on Michigan Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act (MMMFLA) Ad Hoc Committee recommendation.
The “Super Soaker Festivus” community water gun fight will take place tonight at Island Park. The event will officially start at 6:30 p.m., but participants may arrive beginning at 6 p.m.
Bring water blasters, soakers and cannons to this family-fun event! Large buckets of water will be available for refueling. Plus, four lucky participants will win a Super Aqua Blaster Soaker 1500!
Presented by Downtown Mt. Pleasant, Isabella Community Credit Union and WCFX, the “Super Soaker Festivus” is the final event of the City’s Thrilling Thursdays series.
The “Super Soaker Festivus” community water gun fight will take place tonight at Island Park. The event will officially start at 6:30 p.m., but participants may arrive beginning at 6 p.m.
City of Mt.Pleasant 
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