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:

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/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.

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
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

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.

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.

Topics to Watch at the 12/04/25 Mt. Pleasant Planning Commission Meeting

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant Planning Commission meeting scheduled for Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 7 p.m.

The Planning Commission will review an amendment request for a previously approved site plan at 1219 N. Mission Street.

Commissioners will discuss potential properties to list as priority redevelopment sites for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

The Commission will establish next year’s meeting dates.

After adjournment, commissioners will move into a work session.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

E-Packet Link

How to follow public meetings:

The Planning 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.

To participate via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82442572171?pwd=yW9deD7a1sWyYICkrbZINUa8SdkJvl.1

Meeting ID: 893 0229 8475
Passcode: 094130
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.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – November 24, 2025

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, November 24, 2025, at 7 p.m.

Joint session with the Planning Commission and local property owners to discuss options for a proposed zoning change for the five properties southwest of Crawford and Broomfield.

Consider approving the final 2026 Operating Budget and set next year’s property tax rate.

Consider opting out of Public Act 152 of 2011, a Michigan law that limits how much public employers can pay toward employee health insurance plans.

Review of recommendations and potential appointments to various boards and commissions.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

E-Packet for Regular Meeting on Monday, November 24^th

How to follow public meetings:

To participate via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84217594299?pwd=pmOa8oYeoqAfG3kZ1laDX4QIrGnSQJ.1

Meeting ID: 842 1759 4299
Passcode: 080994
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:

Mt. Pleasant Communication Survey Open Until December 13, 2025

The City of Mt. Pleasant is launching a community-wide Communication Survey to better understand how people in the community receive information, what they want to hear more about, and what makes it easier–or harder–to stay connected with what’s happening in the city.

The survey is open from November 20 through December 13, 2025, and is available online and in print. Anyone who lives, works, studies, or spends time in Mt. Pleasant is invited to participate.

This survey is part of the City’s effort to strengthen communication and support a meaningful two-way feedback loop. Responses will help the City learn:

How community members receive updates such as service changes, events, news, and public meeting information
Which communication channels are most helpful
What topics people want more information about
What barriers make it difficult to stay informed or engage
How the City can make it easier to ask questions, share ideas, or get important updates

The City’s goal is to make information easy to find, keep residents informed, and help everyone feel confident that their voice is valued. The survey will highlight what is working well and where communication can become more consistent, accessible, and useful.

How to Participate

Online:
Complete the survey at www.mt-pleasant.org/survey

Printed copies:
Printed surveys are available at City Hall and may be returned in person or mailed to: City Hall, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858.

All responses must be received by Saturday, December 13, 2025.

For questions or assistance, contact:
Madison Craven, Public Relations / Graphic Designer
(989) 779-5322
mcraven@mt-pleasant.org

Summary of Minutes from the 11/10/2025 Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, November 10, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Approved the Agenda as presented.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:
6) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held October 27, 2025;
7) 2026 Chemical Bid contracts;
8) Contract with Reunion Health Services SiriusPoint America Insurance Company for 2026 stop loss coverage insurance;
9) Payrolls and Warrants.

Held a Public Hearing to allow for public input on intent to renew the CBD TIFA Plan. No action was taken.

Held a Public hearing and approved a Resolution and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1109, an ordinance to renew and amend the Mt. Pleasant, Michigan Central Business District Development Plan and Tax Increment Financing Plan, adopted on April 15, 1985, as amended.

Held a Public Hearing on the proposed 2026 Annual Operating Budget. No action was taken.

Approved Project Agreement for the MDNR Trust Fund Grant for fiscal year 2025 budget to support North Pathway project and adopted Resolution on same.

Approved the Housing Commission’s request for Renewal of the Municipal Services Agreement (MSA).

Held a Work Session discussion on Immigration Trust Act.

Approved and conducted a Closed Session pursuant to subsection 8(a) of the Open Meetings Act to consider a personnel evaluation.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:38 p.m