5 things to watch at the next City Commission meeting

Here are five things to watch at the Feb. 12 City Commission meeting:

  1. Peacemaking Recognition Day Proclamation: Every year, Mt. Pleasant Public Schools nominates students of all grade levels who promote peace with their words and actions. Mayor Allison Quast-Lents will read a proclamation declaring Feb. 26, 2018 as Peacemaking Recognition Day in the City of Mt. Pleasant to affirm the peacemaking efforts of local youth are valued and contribute to the quality of life in the community.
  2. Mini Grant Award: In 1999, the City received a 2 percent grant from the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe to establish an endowment fund for the purpose of strengthening capacity within neighborhoods. This fund has permitted the City to award mini grants of $500 or less to several different neighborhoods. A $500 Neighborhood Mini Grant will be awarded to the Orchard Glen Condo Association to make landscaping improvements to the entrance median of Orchard Drive, north of Broomfield Street.
  3. Parks Resource Leadership Award: The City Commission will recognize Director of Parks and Public Spaces Chris Bundy as the 2017 recipient of the Park Resource Leadership Award. Presented by the Michigan Recreation and Park Association, recipients of this prestigious award demonstrate outstanding contributions in the area of maintenance practice, equipment management, resource development and environmental stewardship.
  4. Airport Tree Removal and Runway Lighting: Last year, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) required changes to the approach slope at the Mt. Pleasant Municipal Airport in preparation for the installation of Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) lighting upgrades on the runway. The City Commission will consider the appropriate resolutions and contracts for the necessary lighting and tree removal near the airport.
  5. Horizon Park Donation and Improvements: As part of its 2017 improvements to the Chase Run Apartment Complex on Isabella Road, MHT Housing Inc. of Bingham Farms, donated $50,000 for improvements at the City’s nearby Horizon Park. The proposed projects will improve park access, the restroom building and sport areas, as well as add amenities such as benches, picnic tables, grills and trees. The City Commission will consider authorizing the proposed improvements and associated budget amendments.

To see the full City Commission agenda and packet for Feb. 12, 2018, 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.

MT. PLEASANT POLICE PRESS RELEASE: Domestic assault turns into stand off

On Feb. 2, 2018, at approximately 7:17 p.m., City officers responded to a domestic assault complaint in the 1820 block of South Crawford Road, also known as Country Place Apartments. Woodrow Lewis, a 38-year-old Mt. Pleasant man and his wife were arguing because Lewis believed his wife was bugging the apartment. Lewis became upset and pushed his wife up against the wall. Lewis then knocked her over a couch causing her to fall. The female left the apartment, called the police and filed a domestic assault report.

Police took a statement from Lewis’ wife and then attempted contact with Lewis. Lewis initially would not answer the door, but then came to the door with a knife 8 to 10 inches in length. The officers backed off the residence and contacted the Isabella County Emergency Services Team, a team of police officers from several jurisdictions who serve as tactical officers and crisis negotiators.

An officer obtained a domestic assault warrant for Lewis while officers continued to ask Lewis to exit the residence. Lewis attempted to start his apartment on fire by burning the drapes. Officers then evacuated residents from the apartment building complex.

The decision was made to introduce pepper spray to Lewis’ apartment to get him out of his apartment. Lewis surrendered without further incident.

Lewis was lodged at the Isabella County Jail on charges of domestic assault. Lewis remains in custody at the Isabella County Jail on the domestic assault charge and $10,000/ten percent bond.

Mt. Pleasant Police Department was assisted by the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department, Michigan State Police, Central Michigan University Police, Isabella County Sheriff’s Department, and Mobile Medical Response.

Mt. Pleasant Police News Release: Shots fired at local bar

Corey Horne II
Dequarius Payne

On Jan. 27, 2018, at approximately 2:16 a.m., City officers responded to shots fired at 2000 S. Mission Street, the location of the Wayside Bar. Staff at the Wayside said they observed a red vehicle in the parking lot driving at a high rate of speed, almost striking other vehicles and pedestrians. They stated they saw the driver stick a handgun out of the window and fire several shots into the air. The vehicle then exited the Wayside lot and pulled into McDonald’s on South Mission.

An officer responding to the call observed a red car pulling out of the McDonald’s lot. The officer initiated a felony-type traffic stop on the vehicle. The driver was identified as Corey Horne, a 20-year-old Lansing man. Horne’s eyes were red, glossy and bloodshot, and his breath emitted an odor of intoxicants. He admitted to consuming alcohol and was unable to perform simple tasks. Horne submitted to a Preliminary Breath Test (PBT) with the result of .07 percent blood alcohol content (BAC). Horne also had a restricted license.

A search of the vehicle found a .40 caliber handgun located in the glovebox. When the firearm was located, the magazine was out of the weapon, but there was a round in the chamber of the weapon. Officers also located five additional .40 caliber rounds in the passenger side door. The firearm was registered to Dequarius Payne, a 21-year-old Lansing man, who was sitting in the front passenger seat of the vehicle. Payne did not have a Concealed Pistol License (CPL) permit.

Officers reviewed video taken of the incident, which showed Horne driving the red vehicle and firing shots out of the vehicle. Officers were able to recover several spent casing from a .40 caliber weapon.

Horne was arrested and charged with Weapons-Firearms-discharge from vehicle (10-year felony); Weapon-carrying concealed (five-year felony); Motor Vehicle-operating without security (one-year misdemeanor); Operating While Intoxicated (93-day misdemeanor); Weapons-Pistol-carrying concealed while under the influence (93-day misdemeanor); Driving-reckless (90-day misdemeanor); Weapons-Firearms-reckless use (90-day Misdemeanor); and Weapons-Firearms-brandishing in public (90-day misdemeanor).

Payne was arrested and charged with Weapons-carrying concealed (five-year felony).

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department was assisted by Central Michigan University Police.

Summary of the Jan. 22 City Commission meeting

The video of the Jan. 22, 2018 City Commission meeting is available here.

Below is the Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, Jan. 22, 2018, at 7 p.m., in the City Commission Room.

1. Public Works Director Zang introduced newly hired Street Maintenance Specialist Brendan Carrick.

2. Received petitions and communications.

3. Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

  • Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Jan. 8, 2018
  • Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held Jan. 8, 2018
  • Authorize contract with C2AE of Lansing, MI for the design services and construction oversight of the chemical tank and delivery systems
  • Authorize purchase of 44 replacement bottles for the self-contained breathing apparatus units from Douglas Safety Systems, LLC. of Sanford, MI
  • Bid of F & K’s Tree Service of Mt. Pleasant, MI for the 2018 Tree Trimming and Removal Project
  • Bid of Yeo & Yeo Computer Consulting, LLC of Saginaw, MI for the purchase of equipment for wireless access points
  • Authorize amendment to contract with Pat McGuirk Excavating, Inc. for the 2017-2018 snow season
  • Approve payment to CMU for the shared purchase of hardware equipment for the L3 in-car camera system
  • Set special meeting of the City Commission for Monday, Jan. 29, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. for priority setting discussion
  • Warrants and Payrolls

4. Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1033, an
Ordinance to amend Title V, Chapter 50, Section(s) 50.12 and 50.99 of the Mt. Pleasant
City Code regarding material collection licenses and penalties.

5. Passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1034, an Ordinance to replace Title
XV: Land Usage, Chapter 154. Zoning Ordinances and Zoning Map, in its entirety.

6. Appointment of City Commissioners to City standing and special committees.

7. Appointment of City Commissioners to City Boards and Commissions.

8. Set date for City Commission Retreat for Goal Setting for Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2018 at
9 a.m.

9. Adjourned the meeting at 8:28 p.m.

SPECIAL NOTICE: Fire Department Training Exercise

Fire Department Training Exercise
Jan. 25, 2018
314 South Brown Street
7 – 9:30 p.m.

The Mt. Pleasant Fire Department will be conducting a training exercise today, Jan. 25, from approximately 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the former Davis Clinic building at 314 South Brown Street.

There will be equipment and several fire department vehicles present for the exercise, and firefighters will be using the building to practice forcible entry.

There will be no fire, but loud noises may occur. For your safety, please stay off the property during this time.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department at (989) 779-5100 or fire@mt-pleasant.org.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we conduct this very valuable training for our public safety personnel!

 

5 things to watch at the next City Commission meeting

Here are five things to watch at the Jan. 22 City Commission meeting:

  1. Material collection licenses and penalties: In January 2017, the City Commission approved ordinance changes that restricted the hours of operation for refuse collection in certain zones, as well as provided penalties and allowed for an exception process. As part of the approval, a one-year sunset clause was added to the ordinance. Since then, the changes have had the desired positive impacts on the adjacent residential neighborhoods. The sunset clause must be removed in order for the law to remain in effect. The City Commission will hold a public hearing on the removal of the sunset clause and consider its approval.
  2. Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) bottles: A sole source purchase for 44 SCBA bottles will be considered.  This purchase will replace the carbon fiber bottles used by the fire department, which have a March 2018 expiration date, with new aluminum bottles that do not have expiration dates.
  3. Tree trimming and removal: A bid recommendation for F & K Tree Services to complete the necessary tree trimming and removals within City Right-of-ways during 2018 will be considered.
  4. Proposed character-based zoning code and map: The City Commission will consider the approval of the proposed zoning ordinance and related zoning map. To see more information about the draft character-based zoning code, click here.
  5. Patrol vehicle camera systems: Several years ago, the City purchased and installed cameras in the Police Department’s patrol vehicles. Central Michigan University Police Department (CMUPD) was using the same equipment vendor, so the City entered into an agreement with CMUPD to share one system. As part of the agreement, the cost of future hardware replacements would be split evenly between MPPD and CMUPD. The hardware is now in need of replacement and the City Commission will consider the recommendation to approve the cost of the shared purchase.

 

To see the full City Commission agenda and packet for Jan. 22, 2018, 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.

Summary of Jan. 8 City Commission meeting

The video of the Jan. 8, 2018 City Commission meeting is available here.

Below is the Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room.

1. Commissioner Lents was elected Mayor for 2018.

2. Commissioner Madaj was elected Vice Mayor for 2018.

3. Set time and day of regular meetings.

4. City Planner Kain gave a presentation on the upcoming 2018 Citizens’ Academy.

5. Received petitions and communications.

6. Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

  • Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held December 11, 2017
  • Receive proposed ordinance to amend Title V, Chapter 50, Section(s) 50.12 and 50.99 of the Mount Pleasant City Code regarding material collection licenses and penalties and set a public hearing for January 22, 2018 on same
  • Resolution in support of Final approval of Traffic Control Order #1-2018
  • Resolution in support of Final approval of Traffic Control Order #2-2018
  • Resolution authorizing MDOT contract for reimbursement for the 2017 Tree Abatement project
  • Appointments of City Officials to applicable City boards and commissions for 2018.

7. Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1032, an Ordinance to amend Title XIII, Chapter 132, Section(s) 132.03, 132.04 and 132.06 of the Mount Pleasant City Code regarding the purchase, consumption, and possession of alcoholic beverages by minors, furnishing or using fraudulent identification, and license sanctions, and to repeal Title XIII, Chapter 132, Section 132.07 of the Mount Pleasant City Code regarding preliminary breath tests.

8. Approved amendment to Motor Pool Budget for the replacement of a snow plow.

9. Approved Appointments to various City Boards and Commissions.

10. Approved proceeding with drafting of the general framework of ordinances with regard to MMMFLA leaving open issues for discussion and scheduling a work session at the earliest available time.

11. Approved and conducted a closed session pursuant to subsection 8(h) of the Open Meetings Act for material exempt from discussion or disclosure by state or federal statute.

12. Adjourned the meeting at 8:34 p.m.

Family-friendly event “Under the Big Top” is Jan. 20

under the big top

Local families are invited to Finch Fieldhouse on Jan. 20 for “Under the Big Top,” a free circus-themed event presented by Mt. Pleasant Parks & Recreation, the Chippewa River District Library, MY1043 and AM 830 WMMI. From 12 to 1:30 p.m., enjoy exciting performances, midway activities, games and refreshments. Special guests include Ringmaster Big Top Joel Tacey who will display amazing juggling acts on stilts, as well as the Central Michigan University Cheer team!

Free goodie-bags will be provided to first 400 families.

For more information, click here or call (989) 779-5331.

34th annual Daddy-Daughter Date Night planned for Jan. 21; Register today

Young ladies and their fathers are invited to the 34th annual Daddy-Daughter Date Night on Jan. 21 at the Mt. Pleasant Comfort Inn & Suites.

Presented by Mt. Pleasant Parks & Recreation, the special evening of music, dancing, prizes and activities is open to girls of all ages and their dads or other favorite escort. Attendants can choose from the two event times offered – 2 to 4 p.m. or 6 to 8 p.m.

Due to limited space, advanced registration is encouraged and available through Jan. 17. The cost is $30 per family for city residents, $42 per family for non-residents or $45 per family at the door. Sign up online at www.mt-pleasant.org/recreation or at the Mt. Pleasant Parks & Recreation office at 320 W. Broadway.

Professional quality portrait packages will also be offered by iDEAL Photo.

For more information, call (989) 779-5331.