10 Reasons to Make Downtown Your Destination this Summer

Summertime in Mt. Pleasant features not only beautiful scenery, but a wide variety of things to do! Events around the City offer something for everyone. Check out this list of why you should head downtown this summer:

1. Thrilling Thursdays

If you’re looking for some fun activities to fill your Thursday nights this summer, downtown is the place to be. Starting June 15, events like Yogapalooza, Bugs R Us and Mad Science Fair will be happening at the Town Center. To learn more about each week’s events, click here.

2. Max & Emily’s Summer Concert Series

While you’re downtown for Thrilling Thursdays, stick around for a concert! The series opens on June 29 with country singer Brandon Ray. For the full line up, check out the Max & Emily’s Facebook page.

3. Spray Park

Hot day? Don’t want to spend it inside? Your little ones will love the Spray Park at Island Park. It’s designed for youth ages 12 and younger, and features 100 water activated sprayers and nozzles. The park is opened for the summer, so be sure to check it out! Summer hours are 9:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.

4. Timber Town 2.0

Speaking of parks, Timber Town 2.0 is the latest Mt. P treasure! Thank you to the community volunteers who made this park possible. We think it’s pretty cool… So we can’t wait for you to check it out! The park officially opens on June 9. Want to be there for the opening? Come to our community event from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. to catch the ribbon cutting ceremony.

5. Trails

And while you’re out and about, check out the rest of the parks Mt. P has to offer! There are some cool trails too– perfect for a morning run or afternoon dog walk. Our website lists all of our parks along with maps of each.

6. Downtown shops & eateries

Searching for the perfect gift or date night? Look no further than downtown Mt. P. With cute, local shops and delicious hidden gems, downtown is the perfect place to spend a day out. Grab some coffee at the Coffee House to start your day, then work your way down Broadway and Main hitting shops like Basketree and Trillium. Getting hungry? Don’t even hop in the car. Walk to Max & Emily’s for soup and sandwiches, or check out the Brass Cafe for some unique cuisines.

7. Movies by Moonlight

Mark your calendars for Saturdays in August! The Movies by Moonlight series kicks off on August 5 with the movie “Zootopia.” Find a spot on the hill at City Hall to catch the 8:30 p.m. showing. Here’s the line up:

August 12 – Lego Batman

August 19 – Rogue 1: A Star Wars Story

August 26 – Finding Dory

Bring your blankets and snacks… There’s nothing better than a summer movie night!

8. Farmers’ Market

One of the best parts of summer: the fresh fruits and veggies found at the Mt. Pleasant Farmers’ Market! Pick up some healthy, local food and products at Island Park on Thursdays and City Hall on Saturdays. The Thursday Farmers’ Market goes until October 26 and the Saturday Market begins June 24.

9. Car Show

On July 15, head downtown to catch the second annual Car and Motorcycle Show! The event, put on by the Home Builders Association, will feature contests like hula hooping, bubble blowing and watermelon eating in addition to the classic cars. Stick around until 5 p.m. to watch the trophy presentation. 60 cars will receive awards!

10. Other events around town

If that’s not enough, Mt. Pleasant also hosts events such as the Craft Beer Festival and and Art Walk Central. On Saturday, June 10, adults 21 years of age and older have the opportunity to sample Michigan’s own beer and fine wine. Later in the summer, Art Walk Central will fill the Mt. Pleasant community with art and cultural events such as a poetry slam, chalk art and artist talks. The art competition starts Aug. 3 and lasts until the end of the month.

For a full list of events happening in Mt. Pleasant this summer, visit www.mountpleasantwow.com.

“Thrilling Thursdays” return to downtown Mt. Pleasant

Beginning June 15, make downtown your destination every Thursday evening for activities designed to take you and your family back in time when summer was all about fun! Each of these “Thrilling Thursdays” will begin at 6 p.m. at Town Center, with the exception of the Supersoaker Festivus, which will be held at Island Park.

The 2017 “Thrilling Thursdays” include:

June 15: Yogapalooza
June 22: Let’s Ride
June 29: Scavenger Hunt*
July 6: Bugs R Us
July 13: Fun with Vegetables*
July 20: Mad Science Fair*
July 27: Superhero and Princess Extravaganza
August 3: Stepping Stones (Held in partnership with Art Reach as part of Art Walk Central)
August 10: Urban Printmaking ( Held in partnership with Art Reach as part of Art Walk Central)
August 17: Supersoaker Festivus*

*Followed by the Max & Emily’s Summer Concert Series

This year’s “Thrilling Thursdays” are co-sponsored by Downtown Mt. Pleasant, Isabella Community Credit Union and WCFX. For additional details, visit the event section on the Downtown Mt. Pleasant Facebook page at www.facebook.com/downtownmp.

See the “Thrilling Thursdays” event flyer:

Thrilling Thursday 2017 Flyer

5 things to watch at the next City Commission meeting

Borden 2

Here are 5 things to watch at the May 22 City Commission meeting…

Historic Preservation Improvement Awards: The Historic Preservation Improvement Awards are presented each year to honor exterior improvements to residential and commercial property in the City of Mt. Pleasant in four areas – Preservation, Rehabilitation, New Construction or Downtown Historic District Choice. The Historic District Commission will present the annual awards to Art Reach of Mid-Michigan for the rehabilitation of its lower front façade, and Rubble’s Bar for the rehabilitation of its entire front façade.
Special Olympics Michigan Week: Special Olympics Michigan has been a part of the Mt. Pleasant community since 1972, and has positively impacted the lives of its athletes and their family members, as well as provided opportunities for inclusion, health screening and lifelong fitness. In honor of the State Summer Games on June 1-3, Mayor Ling will proclaim May 28 through June 3, 2017 to be Special Olympics Michigan Week, and will extend best wishes for continued success to organization, the volunteers and the athletes.
2016 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report: The 2016 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report has been finalized and will be presented to the City Commission by the audit firm. View the report here.
2018-2022 Capital Improvement Plan: The proposed Capital Improvement Plan for 2018 through 2022 was presented to the City Commission in April. A public hearing will be held to receive public input on the proposed plan. See the proposed plan here.
On Street Barrier Free Parking Downtown: As requested by the Isabella County Human Rights Committee, the City Commission will consider budget amendments for the cost of constructing two on-street barrier free parking spaces downtown. The spaces would be located on Broadway near the intersection of Broadway and University, and on Illinois near the intersection of Illinois and Main.

To see the full City Commission agenda and packet for May 22, 2017, click here.

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

City amends outdoor burning regulations

The City Commission recently approved an updated outdoor burning ordinance effective May 24, 2017. The ordinance clarifies the options for outdoor cooking, allows for special event bonfires with a permit and a fee, and allows outdoor recreational campfires that meet specific requirements.

Outdoor Cooking: For the purpose of outdoor cooking, fires of propane, charcoal or woodchips are allowed on private property without a permit. The fires must be contained in the appropriate metal, brick or other fireproof container designed for cooking purposes.

Recreational Campfires: A recreational campfire is a small fire used for warmth, cooking and/or leisure. The burning of propane or natural gas in a recreational outdoor portable fire pit, or other free standing container designed for outdoor fires is allowed without a permit. Additional regulations include:

The fire container must be at a one-family or two-family dwelling
The fire container cannot be on a balcony or deck
The fire container must be 20 feet from any structure, combustible material, lot line, roadway, alleyway or fence
At its largest point, the fire container must not exceed 3 feet wide, 3 feet deep and 3 feet tall
The fire container must be UL certified and installed according to manufacturer’s recommendations
The fire container must be made of non-combustible materials
Burning of yard waste, leaves, trash, refuse, building materials or other materials is prohibited
Fires are prohibited during times of high fire risk or burning bans

Other types of outdoor fires, such as bonfires (large fires fueled by wood or burnable waste), ground fires or other similar fires are allowed only with a permit and payment of a fee ($65 for permit, plus $145/hour if standby personnel are required).

Please note, a bonfire is not equivalent to a recreational campfire, and permits are not issued for wood/waste-burning recreational campfires. Permits must be requested at least 10 days in advance. Contact Fire Lt. Randy Keeler at (989) 779-5122.

To see the full outdoor burning ordinance, click here.

Burning Ordinance Infographic

Intersection at Washington and Michigan to become four-way stop

T all way stop sign o improve safety for both pedestrians and motorists, the intersection at Washington and Michigan streets will be converted from a two-way stop to a four-way stop on Wednesday, May 17.

The conversion was recommended by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) following a safety review of the City’s local road system, conducted through MDOT’s Local Safety Initiative program. The recommendation was considered and approved by the City’s Traffic Control Committee.

Community members are urged to use extra caution at the intersection as drivers and pedestrians become accustomed to the new four-way stop.

Pickard Road Bridge project to begin June 5

The City will begin construction work on the Pickard Road Bridge on June 5. The project will include removing and replacing the bridge deck, sidewalk, concrete approaches and railings. The project is anticipated to be complete by Aug. 11.

During this time, please expect the following travel impacts:

Access for local traffic will be maintained.
Pickard Road will be closed to through traffic between Bradley and Mission streets.
The bridge will be closed to all traffic
Traffic will be detoured from Mission Street to High Street to Bradley Street.

Additionally, there may be some temporary lane closures near the bridge in September for final completion work.

For additional information, please visit www.mt-pleasant.org/construction or call the Division of Public Works at (989) 779-5401.

5 things to watch at the next City Commission meeting

Here are 5 things to watch at the May 8 City Commission meeting…

Municipal Clerks Week: May 7-13, 2017 is Municipal Clerks Week. Mayor Kathy Ling will read a proclamation extending appreciation to all municipal clerks for the vital services they perform with neutrality and impartiality, rendering equal service to all.
National Public Works Week: Mayor Ling will proclaim May 21-27, 2017 as Public Works Week. Sponsored by the American Public Works Association, this nationally recognized week honors the public works professionals responsible for the planning, operation and maintenance of the water treatment and distribution, solid waste systems, public properties, city streets and other facilities.
Brownfield Redevelopment Program Policy: The City Commission will consider the adoption of an updated Brownfield Redevelopment Program Policy as recommended by the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. The purpose of the new policy is to provide appropriate guidance to both staff and interested developers regarding the City’s expectations for future brownfield redevelopment projects.
CMU Auction Agreement for obsolete traffic signal and signs: The City Commission will consider authorizing the sale of several outdated traffic signals and signs at Central Michigan University’s summer auction in June. The Division of Public Works (DPW) is requesting a one-time exception to the City’s purchasing policy as it allows the sale/disposal of City-owned equipment in an online auction, but not a live auction.
Airport slope clearing project: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently indicated that the approach slopes for the airport had some potential obstructions starting to grow in the slope clearing area, and that it was necessary to address those concerns before future capital projects on the runway could be considered. The commission will consider an agreement with MDOT that will reimburse the City for 95% of the costs associated with the initial phase of the project.

To see the full City Commission agenda and packet for May 8, 2017, click here.

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

City to offer free brush chipping beginning in June

UPDATE (June 6, 2017): The free brush chipping program is underway. The Street Department is currently chipping brush for those who signed up for the week of June 5.

For those on the Wednesday or Thursday refuse/recycling collection routes who have not yet signed up for the one-time free brush chipping program, reservations are still available for the week of June 19.

For those on the Monday or Tuesday refuse/recycling collection routes, reservations for free brush chipping may be made for the week of July 10.

The program will continue until the one-time funds are depleted.

If you have any questions, please contact the Public Works office at 779-5401.

citylogo2

The City has allocated funds to provide approximately 400 households with 30 minutes of complimentary brush chipping beginning in June. The service is first come, first served, and residents must make a reservation by contacting the Division of Public Works.

Brush chipping will take place during the first and third weeks of the month. After a reservation is made, the week during which the service will be provided will be based on the customer’s refuse/recycling collection day. See the table below for details: City to offer free brush chipping service beginning in June

Residents must adhere to the City’s regular brush chipping guidelines (available on the City’s website – scroll to the bottom of the webpage) and make a reservation no later than 4:30 p.m. on the Thursday prior to the brush-chipping week.

If residents have more brush than what can be chipped within the allotted 30 minutes, they have the option of being billed $1.82 per minute for each additional minute, or, at the time the reservation is made, can request crews stop at 30 minutes.

The free brush chipping service is an expanded program for 2017 only, and is made possible by one-time funding. The free service will continue during the first and third weeks of each month until funds are no longer available. One complimentary service per household is permitted.

During the month of May and after the completion of the free program, the City will offer brush chipping services for a fee. Residents may also take yard waste and brush to the Materials Recovery Facility at 4208 East River Road.

To make a reservation or learn more, contact DPW at (989) 779-5401, publicworks@mt-pleasant.org or visit the office at 1303 N. Franklin Street.

5 things to watch at the next City Commission meeting

Fall 2016 Homecoming — CMU fraternity and sorority members volunteer their time to collect trash and clean up local residential neighborhoods as part of the “Greeks Clean the Streets” program. The program will be recognized during the April 24 City Commission meeting.

Here are 5 things to watch at the April 24 City Commission meeting…

“Greeks Clean the Streets”: Mayor Kathy Ling will read a proclamation recognizing the “Greeks Clean the Streets” program, a partnership comprised of the fraternities and sororities at Central Michigan University and the City of Mt. Pleasant. Since the program’s inception in 2012, close to 665 students have volunteered their time during 22 events to beautify and better the residential student neighborhoods.
2017 Citizens’ Academy participants: Mayor Ling will present certificates to the 19 participants of the 2017 Citizens’ Academy. The academy took place over the course of seven Tuesday evenings and the participants learned about the various facets of our local government.
National Historic Preservation Month: Mayor Ling will read a proclamation declaring May 2017 as National Historic Preservation Month. This special observance celebrates the role of history in our lives, and recognizes that historic preservation is essential for revitalizing neighborhoods, fostering local pride and maintaining community character while enhancing livability.
Human Rights Ordinance: A resolution to reaffirm the City’s Human Rights Ordinance will be presented. Adopted nearly five years ago, the Human Rights Ordinance outlines the City’s commitment to diversity, inclusion and non-discrimination, and assures the City will continue to provide protection from any violations of this ordinance.
Brush pickup options: The City Commission will consider several options for free brush pickup.

To see the full City Commission agenda and packet for April 24, 2017, click here.

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

PEAK volunteer earns United Way award

MAGGIE United Way Award PEAK program volunteer Maggie Klumpp is among the 2017 recipients of the LIVE UNITED award for her continuous dedication to the Mt. Pleasant area’s after-school program. Presented by the United Way of Gratiot & Isabella Counties, the award honors key volunteers for their work to improve the community.

Nominated for the award by PEAK Coordinator Mary LaChance, Klumpp donates her time to the PEAK participants at West Intermediate School five days a week. “Maggie attended PEAK until she graduated high school and has since been a wonderful volunteer and addition to our team,” said LaChance. “She always greets everyone with a smile and high five, and encourages the current PEAKers to never stop reaching for their goals.”

LaChance calls Klumpp a positive role model for students and a “staple” of the PEAK program. “We are so glad Maggie is continuing to be a part of our PEAK family by graciously volunteering her time with us,” said LaChance. “She is truly an inspiration.”