Category: CMU Students

Topics to Watch at the 07/09/26 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, July 9, 2026, at 7 p.m.

  • SUP-26-02 – 107 E Broadway – Unit #3 – Ryan Johnroe – Request for Special Use Permit for short-term rental.
  • Z-26-01 – Tax Parcels 17-000-17-300-00, 17-000-17-303-00, 17-000-17-304-00, 17-000-17-305 00, 17-000-17-306-00 – City request to rezone the properties from PRD (Planned Residential Development) to CD-4 (General Urban Character District with the Residential/Dwelling Use Restriction), CD-4 (General Urban Character District), SD-U (Special District University), CD-4 (General Urban Character District with the Residential/Dwelling Use Restriction), and CZ (Civic Zone).
  • TC-26-02 – City request for a proposed amendment to Table 154.405.A of the zoning ordinance as it relates to SD-U University Special District rules.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

July 7th Planning Commission Meeting Packet

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.

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/81291279115?pwd=IMNaPbUU79mZ6GtahHkiepyVMv5bZJ.1

Meeting ID: 893 0229 8475
Passcode: 369912
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.

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.

August 4, 2026 Election Information for Mt. Pleasant Voters

On August 4, 2026, a primary election will be held to narrow the candidates for the November ballot. Voters must select candidates from only one political party in this primary election.

Offices on the ballot include: Governor, United States Senator, Representative in the 2nd District for Congress, State Senator for the 34th District, Representative in State Legislature for the 92nd District, County Road Commissioner, Delegates to the County Convention as well as one individual to the Mt. Pleasant City Commission.

A proposal for the Senior Citizens Services Millage Renewal is also on the ballot.

The candidates on the ballot for the one seat on the City Commission are Hanna Demerath and Mike Kostrzewa.

For detailed voter registration and ballot information visit www.mi.gov/vote.

Precinct Locations:

  • Precinct 1: Ganiard Elementary School, 101 S. Adams
  • Precinct 2 Pullen Elementary School, 251 S. Brown
  • Precinct 3: Fancher Elementary School, 801 S. Kinney
  • Absentee Voter Counting Board: Mt. Pleasant City Hall, 320 W. Broadway Street

Early In-Person Voting:

For state and federal elections, qualified voters can cast their ballot during the nine day early voting period.

  • July 25, 2026 – August 2, 2026; 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Temporary Site Change for the August 2026 State Primary: Student Activity Center, Central Michigan University, 360 E. Broomfield Street
  • Parking available in Lot 62 West.

Permanent Ballot Recipients:

Please notify the Clerk’s office with an alternate mailing address if you are on the Permanent Ballot list and will be away from your registered address before July 31, 2026. Election mail cannot be forwarded, and your ballot will be returned to the Clerk’s office as undeliverable.

Permanent Absentee Voters:

Permanent absentee voters have been mailed an application for a ballot. If you wish to vote absentee in this election, you must return the application by 5 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2026. A ballot will then be mailed to you. Ballots can be mailed to the City Clerk’s office (320 W. Broadway Street) or placed in the ballot drop box located on the north entrance to City hall on the sidewalk in front of vestibule.

Absentee Voting:

For those not on the Permanent Absentee Voter list, you can submit a request for an absentee ballot to the City Clerk’s office by mail, email (vote@mt-pleasant.org) or online at www.mi.gov/vote.  This must be completed by 5 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2026.

Absentee voting at the Clerk’s Office is available now during regular business hours with additional hours on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Voter Registration:

If you are not registered to vote, you can register online at https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/ or mail in the voter registration application found online. This must be completed by Monday, July 20, 2026.

After Monday, July 20, 2026, voter registration will be available at the City Clerk’s office. Please bring proof of residency and a photo ID. This can be done until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.

Election Day Information:

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. Need a ride to and from the polls? I-Ride is offering free rides. Call (989) 772-9441 to schedule.

Isabella County Restoration House (ICRH) Opens Emergency Cooling Station During Extreme Heat Warning

The City of Mt. Pleasant is sharing the following press release from Isabella County Restoration House regarding an emergency cooling station during the current extreme heat warning.

In response to the National Weather Service’s Extreme Heat Warning in effect from June 30, 2026 through July 2, 2026 at 8:00 PM EDT—and with forecasts indicating dangerous temperatures may continue beyond that period—the Isabella County Restoration House (ICRH) has activated an Emergency Cooling Station to protect vulnerable residents from life-threatening heat conditions.

Beginning today, ICRH will provide safe, air-conditioned shelter daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM through July 2 for individuals without housing, those staying in places not meant for habitation, and community members referred by partner agencies.

Services Available

Individuals entering ICRH for emergency cooling relief will have access to:

  • Air Conditioned common areas on the Main floor and lower level.
  • Restrooms and laundry facilities
  • Smoking area – NOTE: THC & Marijuana products are prohibited on ICRH Property
  • Computer stations (with staff assistance available for those needing help completing the GIMI Shelter pre-assessment)
  • Food and beverages as offered to registered ICRH guests

All individuals must sign in at the main desk and follow ICRH rules and policies to ensure safety and appropriate building occupancy.

Important Restrictions

To maintain safety and protect registered guests:

  • Emergency cooling visitors are not permitted on the second floor or in any sleeping areas under any circumstances.
  • Emergency cooling visitors are not considered registered guests and will not receive overnight accommodations or extended services.
  • Individuals seeking full shelter enrollment will be directed to the ICRH website to complete the GIMI pre-assessment and join the waiting list.

Statement from ICRH Leadership

ICRH Executive Leadership emphasized the organization’s commitment to community safety during extreme weather events:

“As always, thank you all very much for your help and support in carrying out this extension of our mission to provide temporary shelter and empower a pathway to self-sufficiency for homeless individuals and families.”

About Isabella County Restoration House

ICRH is the primary emergency homeless shelter serving adults and families in Isabella County. The organization provides temporary shelter, case management, and supportive services designed to stabilize households and prevent homelessness.

For questions, media inquiries, or coordination with partner agencies, please contact ICRH directly at 989-400-4126

City of Mt. Pleasant Shares Housing Report and Invites Community Feedback

The City of Mt. Pleasant has released its 2026 Housing Report and is asking residents to share what types of housing they’d like to see in Mt. Pleasant and what matters most to them when it comes to housing options.

The report was put together by the City’s Planning and Community Development Department, and it takes a close look at home and rental availability, affordability, demographic shifts and development opportunities across Mt. Pleasant. It will help guide future conversations about neighborhoods and planning to ultimately support future growth, neighborhood vitality and long-term economic sustainability.

Mt. Pleasant is growing and changing in ways that create real opportunity. More working families and seniors are calling our community home, and demand for housing that fits a wider range of lifestyles and budgets is on the rise. The report helps the City understand where that demand is coming from and where the greatest opportunities to meet it exist.

The report also found that more than 12,000 people drive into Mt. Pleasant for work every day, many of whom would prefer to live here if the right housing options were available. Giving more people the chance to live where they work strengthens local businesses, supports city services and adds to the long-term health of our neighborhoods.

The report identifies opportunities for new housing on already-vacant or underused land, as well as housing types that many Michigan communities are adding, things like townhomes, duplexes, small apartment buildings and accessory dwelling units.

As part of the process, the City is asking residents to participate in a community housing survey to share what types of housing they’d like to see available in Mt. Pleasant and what housing characteristics matter most to them. It takes less than two minutes to complete.

“This report is intended to educate, inform and start productive community conversations,” said City Manager Aaron Desentz. “As future housing and land use discussions take place, it’s important to understand the challenges and opportunities that Mt Pleasant is currently facing”

To read the 2026 Housing Report and take the survey, visit www.mt-pleasant.org/housingreport.

For questions, contact Manuela Powidayko, Director of Planning and Community Development, at mpowidayko@mt-pleasant.org or (989) 779-5346.

Summary of Minutes from the 5/26/2026 Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting

Summary Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Tuesday, May 26, 2026, 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. Motion unanimously adopted.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

3) Minutes of the regular meeting of the CC held May 11, 2026;

4) Resolution amending the 2026 Operating Budget;

5) Purchase of an Envirosight ROVVER X sewer pipeline camera system from MacQueen Equipment of Lake Orion, MI;

6) Two-year agreement with Consumers Energy for continued participation in their Demand Response Program;

7) Permanent Easement for Consumers Energy at the Mt. Pleasant Regional Airport and authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents;

8) Contract adjustment with Yeo & Yeo for the 2026 HA Firewall project, and approve a budget amendment for same;

9) Resolution to join the Michigan Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (MiWARN) and authorize the City Manager to sign the Mutual Aid Agreement;

10) Payrolls & Warrants.

Held a Public Hearing on the proposed 2027-2032 Capital Improvement Plan.  No action taken.

Approved the PACT policy amendments as presented. 

Conducted a Work Session on Opioid Settlement Funds Allocation.

Conducted a Work Session on Animals’ ordinance to address raising chickens in the City limits.

Approved and conducted a Closed Session pursuant to subsection 8(d) of the Open Meetings Act to consider the purchase or lease of real property.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:20 p.m.

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

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

  • Proclamation recognizing Pride Month (June 2026).
  • Proclamation recognizing Special Olympics Michigan Week (May 28-30, 2026).
  • Public hearing on the 2027-2032 Capital Improvement Plan.
  • Work session discussion on Opioid Settlement Funds Allocation.
  • Work session discussion on animals’ ordinance to address raising chickens in the City limits.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

E-Packet for Regular Meeting on Tuesday, May 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/84716292339?pwd=Bb2xnafttRlaNyk7HZkybJa52aOGEa.1

Meeting ID: 847 1629 2339

Passcode: 904832

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   

Hanna Demerath        hdemerath@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.

Summary of Minutes from the 5/11/2026 Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, May 11, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Introduced Public Safety Crisis Liaison Kate Mitchell.

Mayor Wingard read and presented a proclamation recognizing May 17 through 23, 2026 National Public Works Week.

Approved the Agenda as presented.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

3) Minutes of the regular meeting of the CC held April 27, 2026;

4) Approval of fourth amendment to the existing agreement with Isabella County regarding the operation and management of the MRF;

5) Renewal of MMRMA insurance coverage for the period of July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027;

6) Award contract for 2026 Non-Destructive Condition Assessment of Water Main Transmission Lines contract to Mueller of Atlanta, GA on a unit-price basis;

7) Payrolls & Warrants. Held a Public Hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance No. 1112, an Ordinance amending Table 154.405.A District Standards: SD-I Industrial Special District pertaining to Screens, to increase the maximum screen height not at Frontage or Adjacent to Civic Space from six feet to eight feet.

Contract with BS&A Software to upgrade accounting software from .NET version to Cloud version.

No action taken on 2026 millage rate.

Held a Work Session discussion on proposed 2027 – 2032 CIP

Adjourned the meeting at 8:06 p.m.

Public Safety Expo Brings Live Demonstrations and Family Activities Downtown

Residents are invited to attend the 2nd Annual Public Safety Expo on May 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Town Center (Main/Broadway) for a free, family-friendly event showcasing the agencies, equipment and partnerships that help keep the Mt. Pleasant community safe every day.

As part of the event setup, an overturned vehicle used for an accident reconstruction demonstration will be placed in the City Hall parking lot prior to the start of the expo, including overnight before the event. The vehicle display is intentional and part of the planned educational programming for the Public Safety Expo. The Mt. Pleasant Police Department is aware of the setup as part of the planned event.

Hosted in partnership with ServPro and Discount Towing, the event will feature live demonstrations, emergency vehicles, educational displays and opportunities to meet first responders and public safety professionals from across the region.

Participating agencies and organizations include:

  • Michigan State Police
  • Mt. Pleasant Police Department
  • Mt. Pleasant Fire Department
  • Isabella County Central Dispatch
  • Isabella County Sheriff’s Office
  • Michigan Independent Search & Rescue
  • Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Police Department
  • Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Fire Department
  • Mobile Medical Response
  • Isabella Bank
  • Green’s Towing

Opening ceremonies will begin at 11:15 a.m. with the National Anthem performed by Brian Eldred and a flag presentation by the Central Michigan University Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC).

Scheduled demonstrations throughout the event include:

  • 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – K-9 demonstration
  • 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Vehicle extrication (“car cutting”) demonstration
  • 12:30 to 1:00 p.m. – K-9 demonstration
  • 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. – Accident reconstruction demonstration

A medical helicopter is also expected to visit the event, weather and emergency response conditions permitting.

Several local food vendors and community partners will be providing complimentary and discounted refreshments during the expo, including:

  • Pisanello’s Pizza featuring $2.50 pizza slices
  • GreenTree Co-op offering free assorted bakery items
  • Dunkin’ providing free donuts and coffee
  • I Scream Ice Cream Truck serving free ice cream, root beer floats and Boston coolers

Community members of all ages are encouraged to attend to learn more about public safety services, emergency response operations and the collaborative partnerships that support the Mt. Pleasant community.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – May 11, 2026

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, May 11, 2026, at 7 p.m.

  • Proclamation recognizing National Public Works Week (May 17-23, 2026).
  • Public hearing to allow for public input on text changes to TC-26-01.
  • Work session on 2027 – 2032 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

E-Packet for Regular Meeting on Monday, May 11th

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/86961485603?pwd=Bu8Gpsvu2ZbdOmB7rNq4WvsVYUqboT.1

Meeting ID: 869 6148 5603

Passcode: 126070

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   

Hanna Demerath        hdemerath@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.

Mt. Pleasant Farmers’ Market Returns with New Saturday Evening Hours

For more than 50 years, the Mt. Pleasant Farmers’ Market has brought fresh in-season fruits and vegetables while creating a welcoming space to gather, connect, and support local farmers. The 2026 season brings exciting changes, including a new Saturday evening market, while continuing the traditions that residents have counted on for decades.

The Mt. Pleasant Farmers’ Market kicks off the 2026 season on Thursday, May 7, at Island Park’s South Shelter. The Thursday Market will run from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. through October 29, offering fresh produce, live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, and an unforgettable experience for customers of all ages.

New This Year: Saturday Evening Market

The Saturday Farmers’ Market is moving to evenings in 2026, running from 4 to 8 p.m. at Town Center (Main & Broadway), June 13 through September 26.

This change follows feedback gathered from vendors, shoppers, and community stakeholders. The updated hours reflect that input and are designed to better fit residents’ schedules, while creating a lively downtown atmosphere on Saturday evenings.

2026 Market Hours at a Glance

  • Thursday Market:
    Island Park’s South Shelter
    7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
    May 7 – October 29
  • Saturday Market
    Town Center (Main & Broadway)
    4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
    June 13 – September 26

Making Healthy Food Accessible for All

The Mt. Pleasant Farmers’ Market is committed to making healthy, locally grown food accessible to residents of all incomes. In 2025, the market processed more than $34,000 in food assistance transactions, and 171 residents used food assistance programs for the first time.

The market accepts a wide range of assistance programs:

  • SNAP/EBT
  • Double Up Food Bucks
  • Prescription for Health
  • Credit/debit market tokens for vendors unable to process card payments

Community Programming and Partnerships

Cooking demonstrations and nutrition-focused programming will be offered throughout the season, with support from local and regional partners.

In 2025, partnerships with the Chippewa River District Library and McLaren Health Plan helped distribute 840 Cook the Kit meal kits, providing families with fresh ingredients and simple, healthy recipes.

For more information about the Mt. Pleasant Farmers’ Market, visit www.mt-pleasant.org/farmersmarket or follow the market on Facebook.