Mt. Pleasant Awarded $2.79M Grant for New Farmers Market Pavilion and Commercial Kitchen

The City of Mt. Pleasant has been awarded $2.79 million through the Michigan Talent Partnership Program, a statewide initiative led by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). The funding will support the construction of a new, multi-use, state-of-the-art pavilion in Island Park, including a commercial kitchen incubator.

The project will be a major addition to the park’s existing pavilions, which were originally constructed in the 1970s. While the current structures have served the City for decades, they cannot provide the flexible, year-round space needed for community programs, gatherings, and events.

“As communities across the state of Michigan continue to navigate uncertain economic times, this grant from the Michigan Talent Partnership Program will allow the City of Mt. Pleasant to build a new and innovative market space that serves as a resource for the entire Mid‑Michigan region,” said Mayor Boomer Wingard.

The new pavilion will feature a redesigned space and an incubator kitchen, creating a versatile venue for residents and community groups. It will support a wide range of activities from farmers’ markets and concerts to festivals, art fairs, and other social and cultural events, offering residents a welcoming, all-season gathering place.

“This investment positions the new multi-use pavilion as a powerful economic driver for Mt. Pleasant, supporting local farmers and vendors while expanding opportunities for small businesses through a commercial kitchen incubator,” said City of Mt. Pleasant Staff. “By creating a year-round destination that attracts visitors, fuels entrepreneurship, and strengthens the local food economy, the pavilion will help grow jobs, increase downtown activity, and enhance Mt. Pleasant’s ability to attract and retain talent.”

The incubator kitchen addresses a critical gap in local and regional food-business infrastructure. Currently, the nearest shared commercial kitchens are located more than 80 miles from Mt. Pleasant, creating a significant barrier for aspiring food entrepreneurs. By offering licensed kitchen space locally, the project will lower barriers to entry, support small and diverse businesses, and help retain food-based enterprises within the community.

With its optimized location and layout, the new pavilion will also strengthen physical and visual connections between Island Park and Downtown Mt. Pleasant, improving walkability, visibility, and the flow of foot traffic between the market and nearby businesses.

Planning and design work for the project is expected to begin in 2026. Additional details will be shared as the project progresses.

More information about the City of Mt. Pleasant Farmers Market is available at www.mt-pleasant.org/farmersmarket.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – January 26, 2026

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, January 26, 2026, at 7 p.m.

Kati Mora, President of the Middle Michigan Development Corporation (MMDC), will give a presentation on MMDC’s 2025 Annual Report.

Commissioners will consider setting a public hearing for February 9, 2026, to allow input from the community on proposed amendment to the regulation of food trucks and other temporary food vendors.

The Commission will make various appointments to City boards and committees.

A work session will be held to discuss and prioritize the 2026 City Commission work sessions and interests.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

E-Packet for Regular Meeting on Monday, January 26th

How to follow public meetings:

The City Commission Meeting will be held in person in the City Chambers/City Hall (320 W. Broadway Street) with virtual attendance options as well. Non-voting participants may view the meeting live on the City’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/MtPleasantMi/, on Spectrum Charter channel 188 or via Zoom.

If a virtual option becomes unavailable due to technical difficulties, the meeting will continue as scheduled. Residents who would like to provide a comment during the appropriate time are welcome to come to the meeting at City Hall or email their statement to comment@mt-pleasant.org.

To participate via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84646771400?pwd=jClBLwfFrBCUdGTjVea3USdQIhAOmd.1

Meeting ID: 846 4677 1400
Passcode: 991617
Phone dial-in: (312) 626-6799

The audio and video will be muted for members of the public and then unmuted by the host during public comment periods.

For participants accessing via computer or smartphone please use the “Raise Your Hand” icon to indicate you would like to speak. First, click on the “Participants” icon at the bottom of your screen. Next, click on the “Raise Your Hand” icon near the bottom right corner of the screen.

To raise your hand for telephone dial-in participants, press *9.

Members of the public may be muted or removed if using abusive language or if they become disruptive to the meeting.

Virtual attendance at the meeting and participation during public comment periods will be conducted as follows:

Members of the public are asked to provide their name and address with any comments.
Comments/Questions may be sent ahead of the meeting, or during the meeting via email to comment@mt-pleasant.org. Comments sent via email will be read aloud to the Commission during the public comment period.

Individual commissioners can be contacted at the following email addresses:

Mary Alsager             malsager@mt-pleasant.org
Maureen Eke              meke@mt-pleasant.org
Amy Perschbacher      aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org
Grace Rollins               grollins@mt-pleasant.org
Ryon Skalitzky             rskalitzky@mt-pleasant.org
Boomer Wingard        bwingard@mt-pleasant.org

Persons with disabilities needing assistance to participate may call the Human Resources office on (989) 779-5314. Persons requiring speech or hearing assistance may contact the city through the Michigan Relay Center at 711. 48-hour advance notice is necessary for accommodation.

Riverside Cemetery Introduces Interactive Burial Search and Plot Map

The City of Mt. Pleasant is pleased to announce an upgrade to Riverside Cemetery’s mapping and search system, designed to make visiting and navigating the cemetery easier and more accessible.

Riverside Cemetery now offers an interactive plot map with burial search features. Visitors can locate specific plots and connect with their mobile device map applications for walking or driving directions directly to individual plots.

Previously, the cemetery provided a traditional map showing only plot sections. The new interactive platform offers detailed information and real-time navigation, making it easier for families and guests to find what they need.

The interactive map and burial search are available now on the City of Mt. Pleasant website. The tool works on most smartphones, providing a convenient experience whether planning ahead or navigating on-site.

For more information and to explore the new interactive map, visit www.mt-pleasant.org/cemetery.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – January 12, 2026

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, January 12, 2026, at 7 p.m.

Election of Mayor and Vice Mayor

Presentation on 2026 Goals and Objectives by City Manager Aaron Desentz

Consider Recommendation from the Appointments Committee for the City Commission vacancy

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

E-Packet for Regular Meeting on Monday, January 12^th

How to follow public meetings:

To participate via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84231482725?pwd=MiabiXs0HXeYI5pk96PHDs0ecX4p2A.1

Meeting ID: 842 3148 2725
Passcode: 143400
Phone dial-in: (312) 626-6799

The audio and video will be muted for members of the public and then unmuted by the host during public comment periods.

To raise your hand for telephone dial-in participants, press *9.

Members of the public may be muted or removed if using abusive language or if they become disruptive to the meeting.

Virtual attendance at the meeting and participation during public comment periods will be conducted as follows:

Members of the public are asked to provide their name and address with any comments.
Comments/Questions may be sent ahead of the meeting, or during the meeting via email to comment@mt-pleasant.org. Comments sent via email will be read aloud to the Commission during the public comment period.

Individual commissioners can be contacted at the following email addresses:

Mary Alsager             malsager@mt-pleasant.org
Maureen Eke              meke@mt-pleasant.org
Amy Perschbacher    aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org
Grace Rollins              grollins@mt-pleasant.org
Ryon Skalitzky            rskalitzky@mt-pleasant.org
Boomer Wingard       bwingard@mt-pleasant.org

Island Park Ice Rink Now Open

Lace up your skates and enjoy winter at Island Park! The outdoor ice rink is officially open for the season. Located on the south softball field, this 54’ x 95’ rink is free to use and maintained by the City of Mt. Pleasant Parks Department for the community to enjoy.

Ice Rink Hours:

The Island Park Ice Rink is open daily when weather conditions allow.

If a “Rink Closed – No Skating” sign is posted, the rink is temporarily closed, and skating is not permitted. When the sign is posted, please do not enter the Ice Rink area.

A Few Things to Know Before You Skate:

To keep the rink safe and enjoyable for everyone, we ask skaters and visitors to be mindful of the following rules:

Skate courteously and stay aware of other skaters and visitors at all times.

Help care for the rink by avoiding digging, chipping, spraying, or throwing ice or snow while on the skating surface.

For everyone’s safety, the rink is for skating only. Food, drinks, tobacco products, hockey equipment, street shoes, and animals are not permitted on the ice.

Children under 5 should skate with close adult supervision. The rink is unsupervised, and all skaters use the facility at their own risk.

All rink users, including skaters and spectators, are expected to follow the City of Mt. Pleasant Parks and Recreation Ordinance (Sections 97.01–97.21 of the City Code of Ordinances) while at the ice rink.

Helpful Reminders

The City of Mt. Pleasant is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.

If you notice damage to the rink or unsafe behavior, please contact Mt. Pleasant Parks and Recreation at (989) 779-5331 or Police Anonymous T.I.P. line at (989) 770-9111. For emergencies, call 911.

Thank you for helping make the Island Park Ice Rink a fun and welcoming place for everyone this winter. See you on the ice!

Sidewalk Snow & Ice Removal Reminder

As winter weather settles in, the City of Mt. Pleasant is asking residents to help keep our community safe and accessible for everyone.

Clear sidewalks play a major role in making it possible for neighbors, students, mail carriers, and visitors to move through town safely. Owners and occupants of properties within the City are responsible for clearing the public sidewalks that adjoin their property.

To support safe travel throughout the community, follow these winter sidewalk guidelines:

Sidewalks should be cleared of snow and ice within 24 hours after snowfall, including spaces around mailbox approaches.

This expectation applies even in areas where the City later clears sidewalks.

Keeping sidewalks free of ice and snow reduces falls, supports school routes, and helps maintain accessibility for everyone who relies on walking as a primary mode of transportation.

If sidewalks remain uncleared, the City may issue a civil infraction or perform the clearing, with associated costs billed to the property. These measures are in place to help maintain a safe environment for the whole community.

The City also maintains certain sidewalk routes after plowing streets, alleys, and parking lots. To see which sidewalks are cleared by City crews, view our sidewalk snowplow map at www.mt-pleasant.org/maps.

We appreciate everyone doing their part this winter. Small efforts at each property add up to a safer, more walkable Mt. Pleasant for all.

City Commissioner Open Seat Appointment and Election Information

At the December 8, 2025, Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting, Commissioner Elizabeth Busch announced she will resign, effective December 31, 2025. This creates one open seat on the City Commission.

Due to election rules and timelines, the City Commission will appoint an individual to fill this seat temporarily. The appointment will last from the date of appointment until the election on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.

How to apply for the appointment:

Applications for the appointed position are being accepted now through Monday, December 22, 2025, at 4:30 p.m.

The Appointments Committee will review applications and recommend a candidate to the full City Commission at the January 12, 2026 meeting.

Application information is available at the City Manager’s Office, 320 W. Broadway Street, or online at www.mt-pleasant.org/boardapplication.

Running for the seat in the August 2026 election:

Nominating petitions for the full term (August 4, 2026 – December 31, 2028) are available at City Hall, Office of the City Clerk, 320 W. Broadway Street, Monday -Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Petitions must have 50 – 80 certified signatures and be filed with the City Clerk by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.

The election to fill the seat for the full term will take place on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.

City of Mt. Pleasant Now Accepting Applications for Citizens’ Academy

The City of Mt. Pleasant is now accepting applications for the upcoming Citizens’ Academy, a free seven-week program designed to help community members learn how local government and city services work.

The academy begins Tuesday, February 17, 2026, and includes weekly evening sessions that provide an inside look at various city departments and services. Topics include city administration and budgeting, public works and utilities, parks and recreation, public safety, community development, elections, and the basics of local government.

The program is open to anyone who lives, works, attends school, or owns property within the City of Mt. Pleasant. Director of Planning & Community Development Manuela Powidayko shared, “The Citizens’ Academy is an opportunity for residents to capture a close-up view of how a municipality operates and the many services the city provides on a daily basis. Participants can meet other residents and learn directly from staff about the wide range of topics that we work on every day to ensure good quality of life for our current and future residents.”

Sessions will be held on Tuesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with dinner served at 5:30 p.m., on the following dates: February 17, February 24, March 3, March 17, March 24, April 7, and April 14. Participants who complete the program may be eligible for CMU learning credits and will be recognized at the April 27 City Commission meeting.

Applications are available at City Hall or online and will be accepted through February 3, 2026. Space is limited.

Find more details and the application at www.mt-pleasant.org/citizensacademy.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – December 8, 2025

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, December 8, 2025, at 7 p.m.

Consider motion to cancel the City Commission meeting scheduled for December 15, 2025.

Consider setting the first City Commission meeting of 2026 for Monday, January 12, 2026.

Consider amendment to the 2025 operating budget.

Work session to continue discussion on alternatives to the proposed Zoning Map Amendment Z-24-01 for five properties located southwest of Crawford and Broomfield.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

E-Packet for Regular Meeting on Monday, December 8^th

How to follow public meetings:

To participate via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81991776909?pwd=0lByKtbH1tGYEPuVJqXS7a3OIV515D.1

Meeting ID: 819 9177 6909
Passcode: 431587
Phone dial-in: (312) 626-6799

The audio and video will be muted for members of the public and then unmuted by the host during public comment periods.

To raise your hand for telephone dial-in participants, press *9.

Members of the public may be muted or removed if using abusive language or if they become disruptive to the meeting.

Virtual attendance at the meeting and participation during public comment periods will be conducted as follows:

Members of the public are asked to provide their name and address with any comments.
Comments/Questions may be sent ahead of the meeting, or during the meeting via email to comment@mt-pleasant.org. Comments sent via email will be read aloud to the Commission during the public comment period.

Individual commissioners can be contacted at the following email addresses:

Mary Alsager             malsager@mt-pleasant.org
Elizabeth Busch          ebusch@mt-pleasant.org
Maureen Eke              meke@mt-pleasant.org
Amy Perschbacher    aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org
Grace Rollins              grollins@mt-pleasant.org
Ryon Skalitzky            rskalitzky@mt-pleasant.org
Boomer Wingard       bwingard@mt-pleasant.org

Road Closures for Christmas Celebration and Parade

The City of Mt. Pleasant is preparing for a weekend of Christmas festivities. To help residents and visitors plan ahead, the following outlines road closures and the route for the Lighted Christmas Parade.

For the full event schedule and additional details, visit www.mt-pleasant.org/christmas.

Beginning Friday, December 5 at 5 p.m., vehicles parked on the streets listed below will be subject to towing. Towed vehicles will be relocated to City Hall (320 W. Broadway St.).

Road Closures

Friday, December 5 at 5 p.m. – Saturday, December 6 at 8 p.m.

Broadway St. from Washington St. to Lansing St.
Main St. from Michigan St. to Jockey Alley
University St. from Broadway St. to Cat’s Meow Alley.
Franklin St. from Broadway St. to Cat’s Meow Alley.
Court St. from Broadway St. to Jockey Alley.

Saturday, December 6 from 2 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Main St. from Broadway St. to High St.,
Broadway St. from Main St. to Lansing St.
Lansing St. from Broadway St. to Illinois St.

Parade Route

The lighted parade, which begins at 6 p.m. on December 6, starts at the First United Methodist Church, travels north on Main Street, east on Broadway Street, south on Lansing Street to Illinois Street. CMU President, Neil MacKinnon, will serve as the Parade Grand Marshal.

PARADE SAFETY NOTE: For the safety of parade-goers and parade participants; please do not venture out into the street during the parade. Stay on the sidewalk during the entire duration of the parade.