Division of Public Safety Video Reveal and Department Highlights

The Mt. Pleasant Police and Fire Departments are committed to serving with pride, integrity and compassion as highlighted in this video produced by Drone the News. Click on the link below to view the video.

Division of Public Safety Video

In addition to responding to more than 25,000 service calls, and completing more than 100 hours of training a year, the Mt. Pleasant Division of Public Safety (DPS) sponsors a variety of events and programs. Below is a snapshot of these offerings.

14th Annual Coney’s for a Cause – June 12, 2019 from 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. Stop by the Pixie Restaurant (302 N. Mission Street) and enjoy $1.19 coney dogs while helping the Mt. Pleasant Youth Services Unit (YSU) and Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region. Pre-orders will be taken until 3 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11 and can be emailed to ysu@mt-pleasant.org.  Order forms can be found at www.mt-pleasant.org. YSU officers will deliver pre-orders of $18 or more.

Vacation Security Checks – The Mt. Pleasant Police Department will check your house while you are away on vacation. Those individuals interested in this no fee service should fill out the Vacation/Security Check Application and submit it to the Police Department.

Prescription Drug Drop Off – The Mt. Pleasant Department of Public Safety offers a Prescription Drug Drop Box for the City of Mt. Pleasant and surrounding area. A secure mail slot is located in the Mt. Pleasant Department of Public Safety lobby located at 804 E. High Street. Individuals can walk in and anonymously deposit unused or expired prescription medications twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

Neighborhood Resource Unit – This unit, housed within the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department, investigates new community-oriented programs, revamps existing programs, and works closely with neighborhood associations to assure neighborhoods remain desirable.

Annual Free Smoke Alarm Campaign – To help reduce the number of home fire-related injuries and fatalities, the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department, partners with the American Red Cross for their annual free smoke alarm installation drive.

 

 

 

Topics to watch at the City Commission Meeting – May 13, 2019

Here are the topics to watch at the next Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. on May 13, 2019 at City Hall.

-Presentation of 2018 Historic District Commission Historic Preservation Improvement Award.

-Discuss reconstruction design of Brown Street and confirm design.

-Consider resolution to establish regulations for small cell wireless facilities.

-Consider whether a public hearing to adjust the 2019 millage rate should be held, if so set a public hearing.

-Consider storm sewer extension and reimbursement agreement with the Central Michigan Mental Health Facilities Board.

To view the entire meeting agenda packet visit:

http://www.mt-pleasant.org/boards_and_commissions/city_commission.asp

Broadway Street reconstruction

The Broadway Street reconstruction project is currently slated to begin on May 13th and conclude by June 28th.  During this time the road, portions of the storm sewer, sidewalk and curbing will be replaced between Main Street and the Grand Central Railroad (west of Mountain Town Station.)

Street and Sidewalk Closure Information

Broadway Street will be closed to all through traffic. A detour will route vehicular traffic from Main Street to Pickard Street to Harris Street. Access to businesses and City Hall along this route will be maintained the majority of the time. Sidewalk removal will take place along both sides of Broadway Street near the railroad crossing as well as the area between Main and Washington Streets. Pedestrian traffic will be limited.

Parking

Access to parking in the City Hall parking lot will be sporadic during construction.  All other city parking lots will be open.

Alternative Parking Options

Island Park (Gate opens at 7 a.m. Please note the Farmers’ Market takes place every Thursday beginning June 6.)

Lot 12: South side of Broadway Street, access from Oak Street.

Lot 3: Town Center, access from Main Street.

Lot 10:  In front of Riverview Apartments, access from Mosher Street.

Oak Street:  Parallel parking on the west side of the street.

Pine Street:  Parallel parking from Broadway to Michigan Street.

Washington Street:  Parallel parking on both sides of the street.

Lot 2: Jockey Alley

City Hall

City Hall will remain open during construction and will always be accessible via Island Park and the Oak Street pedestrian bridge.

Utility Billing

During construction, city residents are encouraged to pay their utility bills online at http://www.mt-pleasant.org/residents/online_service_center/ or by mail.

Project Updates

Updated information will be provided on the City’s social media channels, newsletters, blog (mpcityblog.com,) as well as the Community Information Phone Line (989) 779-5320.

Home invasion and burglary arrest made

On April 27, 2019 at approximately 10:41 a.m., officers from the Mt. Pleasant Police Department (MPPD) were dispatched to a residence in the 900 block of Appian Way for a home invasion in progress.

MPPD officers made contact with a 32-year-old victim and a 25-year-old witness. The 25-year-old witness observed several people running out of his neighbor’s apartment and getting into a red minivan.  The witness stated the subjects appeared to be “in a hurry,” and he felt the situation was very strange.  The witness was able to provide officers with the license plate to the red minivan.

The victim, was home but asleep at the time of the burglary, and was awaken by noises inside the apartment. When the victim exited his apartment, he was informed by the witness on what had occurred.

The victim stated he returned to his apartment and discovered the subject(s) had taken his television, Xbox gaming system, other games and controllers.  Property was valued at approximately $1,400.

Officers from the MPPD proceeded to canvass the area for the red minivan which was later located at the Millennium Pawn Shop, just outside the city limits.

Three females from Flint; ages 31, 22, and 14 were taken into custody. A 46-year-old male from Flint was also arrested.

Statements from the suspects indicated one of the females met a subject on Facebook who claimed to have won $2,000 dollars at the casino. The plan was to drive to Mt. Pleasant and rob the subject.

The address given to the suspects was incorrect. However, once inside the residence the suspects decided to take several items and flee.

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department was assisted by the Isabella County Sheriff’s Department.

 

City to offer no fee brush chipping

5/6/2019 UPDATE:  ALL SPOTS HAVE BEEN FILLED. NO LONGER TAKING RESERVATIONS

The City of Mt. Pleasant is offering up to 150 households within the City limits 30 minutes of no fee brush chipping during the week of May 13. Brush chipping will be completed at curbside only, no alleys.  The service is first come, first served, and residents must make a reservation by contacting the Division of Public Works beginning May 1 until May 9 at 4:30 p.m.   

To make a reservation or to learn more, contact the Division of Public Works at (989) 779-5401 email publicworks@mt-pleasant.org, or visit the office at 320 W. Broadway Street.

If you need assistance disposing of yard waste, the Materials Recovery Facility located at 4208 E. River Road, is an option. Cost to drop off yard waste at the MRF is $1 per bag or $12.50 per cubic yard.

Summary of Minutes of the City Commission Meeting Held April 22, 2019

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, April 22, 2019, at 7:01 p.m., in the City Commission Chambers.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held April 8, 2019.

2) Bid of Green Scene Landscaping of Mt. Pleasant, MI for 2019 grounds mowing.

3) Bid of Insituform Technologies USA, LLC of Chesterfield, MO, for the 2019 Sewer Relining Project.

4) Bid of Fisher Transportation of Mt. Pleasant, MI for the 2019 Street Sweeping Disposal Project.

5) Bid of Rowe Professional Services Company of Mt. Pleasant, MI for the Island Park Fitness Trail and Bridge Project.

6) MDOT resolution for MDOT Contract 19-5115 authorizing the approval of a contract for reimbursement of funds for the 2019 West Broadway Street over the Chippewa River Scour Protection Project and approved an amendment to the 2019 Parks budget for the Nelson Park riprap work.

7) Receive proposed Ordinance to amend Subsection 154.414.B.4.k. of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances to correct a scrivener’s error within the general sign provisions and set a public hearing for May 13, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. on same.

8) Warrants and Payrolls.

Authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the contract amendment with Consumers Energy for the 35 fixtures recently upgraded. In addition, approve authority for the City Manager to sign future contract amendments for high pressure sodium lights to LED replacements.

Approved a six-month trial program for delivery vehicle permits in the Central Business District.

Approved changes to the Purchasing Policy as recommended including when quotes and bids are required and the dollar threshold for approval.

The Commission recessed at 8:23 p.m. and went into a work session at 8:32 p.m.

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

Adjourn the meeting at 9:33 p.m.

Mt. Pleasant suspends three-hour parking enforcement due to federal court tire-chalking ruling

Due to yesterday’s (4/22/2019) 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling, stating it is unconstitutional for municipalities to chalk citizens’ tires to enforce parking, the City of Mt. Pleasant has suspended the specific practice of chalking tires. Monitoring and enforcement of all other parking regulations will continue.

The City is currently researching and evaluating other options for future parking enforcement.

In the meantime, the City will not be monitoring the three-hour parking areas for timed violations. Business owners and downtown employees are asked to refrain from parking in spaces intended for three-hour parking in order to allow customers easy access to all businesses in the downtown district.

Updated information will be provided when it becomes available.

Fourth annual Citizens’ Academy wraps up

Participants of the fourth annual Citizens’ Academy of Mt. Pleasant were celebrated for their completion of the program at the April 22 City Commission meeting.

Designed to engage members of the community to expand their knowledge of the structure and functions of local government, community members attended seven sessions throughout February, March and April which explored the City’s day-to-day operations.

For more information about the Citizens’ Academy, visit www.mtpleasant.org/citizensacademy.  To receive email notifications regarding future academies, contact City Planner, Jacob Kain at (989) 779-5346 or jkain@mt-pleasant.org.

Congratulations to the 2019 Citizens’ Academy participants:

Joshua Adams

Melanie Duke

Maureen Eke

Jerell Erves

Joe Fleming

Erick Fredendall

Gregory Hanley

Yannis Haveles

Erica Hopcraft

Azharul Islam

Blaine Long

Jim McBryde

Matt Mertz

Brian Mitchell

Amy Motz

Christy Onstott

Darcy Orlik

Amy Perschbacher

Allan Riggs

Martha Riggs

George Ronan

Melinda Stacer

Topics to watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for April 22, 2019

Here are the topics to watch at the next Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting.

  •  Presentation on the 2020-2025 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
  •  Consider resolution authorizing an amendment to the Standard Lighting Contract     between the City and Consumers Energy for new LED street lighting.
  •  Consider approval of Delivery Vehicle Permit Pilot Program for downtown.
  •  Presentation recognizing Mt. Pleasant Citizens’ Academy participants.
  •  Proclamation recognizing “Greeks Clean the Streets”.

To view the entire meeting agenda packet visit:

http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/board/city.commission/agendas/2019/4.22.19.pdf

Pickard Street Restriping Forum – Input Requested

CITY RECEIVED GRANT FOR PICKARD STREET RESURFACING 

 The City of Mt. Pleasant received an MDOT Transportation Economic Development Fund (TEDF) Category F grant to mill and resurface Pickard Street between Mission and Bradley Streets. The existing curb and gutter will remain in place. This project is slated for the Summer of 2020 and, depending on the weather, will take approximately four weeks to complete.

PICKARD RESTRIPING AND ROAD DIET POSSIBILITY   

As we prepare for the mill and resurfacing project, decisions need to be made regarding restriping. The Greater Mt. Pleasant Area Non-Motorized Plan, adopted as part of the City’s Master Plan in 2014, calls for the addition of bike lanes to West Pickard Street between South Lincoln Road and North Main Street through a 4 to 3 lane conversion (page 86). This lane reduction is often referred to as a, ‘road diet.’ A classic road diet typically involves converting an existing four-lane, undivided roadway segment to a three-lane segment consisting of two through lanes and a center, two-way left-turn lane as shown below. You will also see two bike lanes depicted in the image on the right.

Road Diagram Example

COST 

Road diets can be relatively low cost if planned in conjunction with reconstruction, or simple mill and overlay projects (as in this case) since applying road diets consists primarily of restriping.

BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN AND RAILROAD CROSSING CONSIDERATIONS *     

Embarking on a road diet presents an opportunity to dedicate more space to other roadway users and create a more balanced transportation system. The bicycle lanes might make that route an option for many who would have not previously traveled the street. The high commercial truck traffic, and a 35 mph speed limit on Pickard Street should also be a consideration. For pedestrians, road diets might help reduce vehicle speeds and speed discrepancies midblock, making crossings easier and safer. The bicycle lanes create a buffer between the vehicles and the sidewalk, increasing the perception of pedestrian safety.

An important consideration in the feasibility of converting a four-lane, undivided roadway to three lanes is the existence of the railroad crossing. Vehicles queued at an    at-grade rail crossing will need to be served by one through lane after the road diet conversion. This could result in queues that are approximately twice as long
when a train is crossing, as well as when busses and hazardous material trucks make their required stop at railroad crossings. If this type of queuing is not acceptable along the three-lane cross section, it could affect feasibility.

*U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration

PUBLIC FORUM SCHEDULED – YOUR INPUT IS NEEDED BY MAY 22

We would like to hear your input regarding this possible Pickard Street road diet.
The City of Mt. Pleasant is hosting a Public Forum on Wednesday, May 8 from             5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at City Hall, 320 W. Broadway Street. At this forum, representatives from the Department of Public Works will be on hand to answer your questions and collect your thoughts on this specific project.

We look forward to seeing you on May 8 and hearing your feedback. Additional information on road diet projects can be found at: http://www.michigan.gov/mdot/ or https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/road_diets/.

If you are unable to attend the forum you may submit your comments to Stacie Tewari, City Engineer at stewari@mt-pleasant.org or by mail at 320 W. Broadway Street,            Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858.

There will also be comment cards available at the Public Forum and at City Hall beginning May 8.  All feedback must be received by 4:30 p.m. on May 22, 2019.