2019: City of Mt. Pleasant and EGLE examining former landfill site

UPDATE: September 5, 2019:

The City of Mt. Pleasant has been working in conjunction with the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), regarding a parcel of land, previously used as a landfill located at West Pickard and North Franklin Streets.

During surface water sampling of the Chippewa River a clay tile pipe located on the river bank which had groundwater draining into the river, was identified. This pipe was not specified on historical maps, or in EGLE or Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) records. City staff immediately began consulting with EGLE and researching the pipe’s origin. This exploration led to verifying a total of five pipes near the area which had operated as a landfill between the 1950’s to 1975.

The City contracted with an environmental services company to determine the impact the former landfill has on the groundwater runoff to the Chippewa River. This firm recommended temporary monitoring wells be installed, which was completed in June. After further investigation, the environmental services company also recommended the pipes be capped off and this has also been completed.

The City will continue to work closely with EGLE and the environmental services company, and will provide updated information when it becomes available.

June 17, 2019 Release:

The City of Mt. Pleasant has been working in conjunction with the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), formerly known as the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), regarding the previous use and possible contamination of a parcel of land located at West Pickard and North Franklin Streets in Mt. Pleasant.

Water tests were conducted by an independent lab as a precaution. These tests have shown that compared to surface water there are elevated levels of ammonia, boron, PFOS and selenium.

Upon receiving these water test results, the City has contracted with an environmental services company to determine the impact the former landfill has on the groundwater runoff to the Chippewa River. This company will be installing temporary monitoring wells and performing additional water sampling and analysis. Next steps to take, if needed, will then be determined.

The city will continue to work closely with EGLE and the environmental services company, and will provide updated information when it becomes available.

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Three Mt. Pleasant Police Officers Promoted to Sergeant

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department (MPPD) is proud to announce the promotion of three officers to the rank of Sergeant. Director Paul Lauria shared, “The MPPD is fortunate to have officers who devote their entire law enforcement career to our department. This wealth of experience enables us to promote quality law enforcement professionals into supervisory roles resulting in seamless transitions despite the retirement of experienced Sergeants such as Sarah Cuthbertson, Dan Gaffka and Cary Murch.” Captain Andy Latham added, “We are grateful for the service these three retiring sergeants have given to our department. The impact made on their shifts is noticeable with these recent promotions.”

Officer Dave VanDyke, has been with the department for 22 years and has recently served as the Public Information Officer (PIO) where he interfaces with the community and media. In addition to his PIO duties, Dave is an assistant team leader on the Emergency Services Team, and has been a member of that team for 19 years. Dave will begin his role as Sergeant on June 23 due to Sergeant Sarah Cuthbertson recently retiring after 26 years of service to the MPPD. Dave Vandyke will be following in the footsteps of his father, Wayne VanDyke who retired from MPPD as a Sergeant.

Officer Dale Hawks has served the MPPD for 23 years. Dale was one of the first officers assigned to YSU when that unit formed and he laid the groundwork for the Unit’s success. Dale served as President of POAM for several years. Officer Hawks will take on the Sergeant’s role July 21 due to the retirement of Sergeant Dan Gaffka who has been with the department for 27 years.

Officer Brandon Bliss, has been with the department for 11 years and has recently served as the Youth Services Unit Officer. Brandon has been responsible for all Youth Services Unit activities which include the Coneys for a Cause fundraiser and the Youth Police Academy, as well as being the onsite officer for Mt. Pleasant Public Schools. Brandon is the current Police Officers Association of Michigan (POAM) President. Officer Bliss will begin his new role this fall due to the retirement of Sergeant Cary Murch who has served the MPPD for 25 years.

Summary of Minutes of the City Commission Meeting held June 10, 2019

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, June 10, 2019, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Bid of JCI Jones Chemical, Inc. of Riverview, Michigan for 2019 Water Treatment Plant Caustic Soda.

2) Resolution recognizing Isabella Community Restoration House (ICRH) as a non-profit organization for the purpose of obtaining a charitable gaming license as presented.

3) Warrants and Payrolls.

Approved the Minutes of the May 28, 2019 regular meeting of the City Commission as amended to reflect that “Mayor Joseph called the meeting to order and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited, led by a local Boy Scout troop.”

Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance No. 1044, an ordinance to add a new Chapter 115, “RECREATIONAL MARIHUANA FACILITIES” to Title XI of the Mt. Pleasant City Code to temporarily prohibit recreational marihuana establishments under Initiated Law 1 of 2018, the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act.

Held a public hearing on the necessity of the public improvement; consider Resolution #3 to proceed with improvements; consider Resolution #4 to accept the special assessment roll and set a public hearing for June 24, 2019 regarding said roll for Special Assessment #2-19 and postponed action on Special Assessment #2-19 until staff can gather information on amount of increase in assessment in previous year.

Approved an amendment to the engineering design work to C2AE for the Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Approved the updated Downtown Outdoor Dining Policy and Application Procedures as presented.

Approved the 2020-2025 Capital Improvement Plan as presented with page 99 regarding Industrial Area Street Improvements being moved to 6 years out (2025).

Denied Temporary Traffic Control Order 2-2019 (Preston Street parking) and ordered “No Parking” signs be reinstalled.

Made appointments as recommended by the Appointments Committee.

Adjourned at 9:11 p.m.

Accepting Applications for 19th Annual Youth Services Academy

The 19^th Annual Youth Services Academy is scheduled for July 8 – 25, 2019 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. This free program offers youth, grades 6-8, who have an interest in law enforcement, an up close view of the skills and necessary training needed for law enforcement officials.

Mt. Pleasant Police Officers conduct the academy in the manner of a real police academy, with values such as teamwork, integrity and discipline being stressed. Cadets are required to participate in physical training and complete the same agility testing given to recruits during a standard police academy. In addition to physical training, the daily curriculum includes hands-on learning and demonstrations by specialized units, such as the SWAT Team, K-9 and DNR. Classroom topics encompass crime scene investigations, traffic stops, marine patrol activities, defensive driving techniques, firearms safety and much more.

Applications are now available at the Department of Public Safety. The application deadline is June 17, 2019.

Funds for the Youth Services Academy are provided in part by the Kellogg Youth Fund and the Morning Sun Community Fund of the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation.

Broadway Street open – project completed ahead of schedule

Broadway Street is now open to vehicular and pedestrian traffic, several weeks before the projected completion date. Some final clean-up work and removal of construction barrels and barricades will take place this week.

Thank you to our residents and business owners for your understanding during this improvement project.

Gratitude is also extended to the following contractors whose dedication enabled this job to be completed ahead of schedule.

McGuirk Sand & Gravel, General Contractor
Central Asphalt
City of Mt. Pleasant Street Department
CMS & D
DTE
Green Scene Landscapes
Intertek – PSI
J & N Concrete LLC
K & H Concrete Cutting
Kuiper Productions, Inc.
LS Hayes Construction
Michigan Pavement Markings, LLC
Mid Michigan Hydro seed
Thielen Turf Irrigation, Inc.
West Michigan Sign Company

Topics to watch at the City Commission Meeting – June 10, 2019

Here are the topics to watch at the next Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, June 10, 2019 at City Hall.

-Public hearing on an ordinance to temporarily prohibit recreational marihuana establishments under Initiated Law 1 of 2018, the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act and consider approval of the same.

-Public hearing on the necessity of the public improvements for the Principal Shopping District. Consider Resolution #3 to proceed with improvements; consider Resolution #4 to accept the special assessment roll and set a public hearing for June 24, 2019.

-Receive igloo review and consider revision to the Downtown Outdoor Dining Policy postponed from May 28, 2019.

-Consider approval of 2020-2025 Capital Improvement Plan.

-Consider resolution in support of final approval of Temporary Traffic Control Order #2-2019 (Preston Street Parking).

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/board/city.commission/agendas/2019/6.10.19.pdf

Coneys for a Cause scheduled for June 12

The community is invited to enjoy $1.19 coney dogs while helping the youth of Isabella County at the 14^th annual Coneys for a Cause from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12 at the Pixie Restaurant (302 N. Mission Street). All net proceeds will benefit the Mt. Pleasant Police Youth Services Unit (YSU) and Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region.

Customers can purchase individual coney dogs for $1.19 at the restaurant, or they can pre-order to have the coney dogs delivered by a YSU officer, or a representative of Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Delivery pre-orders must total $18 or more. Pre-orders will be taken until 3 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11 and must be emailed to ysu@mt-pleasant.org. Order forms can be found at www.mt-pleasant.org, under Quick Links.

The day will also feature the annual “Pixie Pig Out” contest at 7 p.m. Stop by to cheer on local law enforcement officers as they compete to consume the most coney dogs.

Mt. Pleasant Police Department Hosting Self Defense Tactics Class

Mt. Pleasant Mich. – The Mt. Pleasant Police Department is offering a free self-defense tactics class on Saturday, June 29 from 9 a.m. – 12 noon in the Public Safety Building’s Training Room, 804 E. High Street. This course, led by the Mt. Pleasant Police Department’s defensive tactics instructors, is designed specifically for women and will cover the many aspects of self-defense.

Participants must be 18 years old or older; or accompanied by an adult if under 18. To register, email Christy Dush at cdush@mt-pleasant.org or call (989) 779-5148. Deadline to register is June 21, 2019.

This class has a maximum capacity of 30 people.

Summary of minutes of the City Commission meeting held May 28, 2019

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Minutes of the special meeting of the City Commission held May 11, 2019.

2) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held May 13, 2019.

3) Resolution designating certifying officer and environmental review officer for CDBG funded projects.

4) Warrants and Payrolls.

A public hearing was held on proposed 2020-2025 Capital Improvement Plan. No action required by the Commission at this time.

Denied the proposed ordinance amendment to Section 98.37 Snow and Ice Removal From Sidewalks.

Moved to expand the current map of sidewalk snow plowing done by City staff to 25 miles within 3 years, and then add at least 5 miles a year with the goal of eventually covering all or most of the sidewalks in residential districts; that the funds to pay for the operating costs for this proposal be covered from the increase in fire protection funds which the City will be receiving through state grants as recommended by staff; and that the cost for the equipment needed to come from the Economic Initiative Fund (EIF) and/or the General Fund Balance as recommended by staff; after 3 years there would be an evaluation to determine if further staff would be needed to continue.

Postponed matter of revisions to the Downtown Outdoor Dining Policy until the next meeting to have staff investigate overhead electrical hookup.

Approved Resolutions #1 and #2 to commence proceedings for Principal Shopping District Special Assessment 2-2019, tentatively determine the necessity and set public hearing for June 10, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. to receive public input on necessity.

Received proposed ordinance to add a new Chapter 115, “RECREATIONAL MARIHUANA FACILITIES” to Title XI of the Mt. Pleasant City Code to temporarily prohibit recreational marihuana establishments under Initiated Law 1 of 2018, the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act and set a public hearing for June 10, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. on same at the City Hall, 320 Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.

Held a work session discussion on 2020-2025 Capital Improvement Plan.

Adjourned the meeting at 10:13 p.m.

Art Reach of Mid-Michigan’s Paint the Intersection Event – Street Access and Closure Information

Art Reach of Mid Michigan is hosting its annual “Paint the Intersection” event on Saturday, June 1, 2019. This year, members of the Mt. Pleasant community will start painting two intersections at 10 a.m. The intersections are: Broadway and University; Broadway and Franklin.

The following streets will be closed or have limited access from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. on June 1:

Broadway Street will be closed from Lansing Street west to the Grand Central Railroad.

Limited Access:

University Street from Michigan to Broadway.
Court Street from Michigan to Broadway.
Franklin Street from Michigan to Mosher.

All cars parked on the streets noted above must be moved by 3 a.m. on June 1 to avoid being towed.