The use of handheld cellphones while driving will be outlawed in Michigan, effective June 30, 2023. Motorists will still be able to use hands-free devices. This new law expands Michigan’s ban on texting, placing calls and scrolling on social media while driving.
Penalties for distracted driving will increase and are as follows:
The City of Mt. Pleasant has recently been awarded a $1 million grant through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Revitalization and Placemaking Grant (RAP) program.
This funding will support the Town Center Civic Space Project, a $2,278,462 initiative aimed at revitalizing Town Center located at Broadway and Main Street in downtown Mt. Pleasant. Additional funding will be supported by the City’s General Fund.
The Town Center Civic Space Project will create a versatile space for public gatherings, events and recreational activities and include the following amenities:
“We are thankful for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s support of our Town Center Civic Space Project,” said Downtown Development Director Michelle Sponseller. “This grant will enable us to create a dynamic, accessible, and sustainable public space which fosters both social interaction and economic development.”
Engineering plans for this project will be completed in the near future, followed by a formal bid process. Construction is slated to begin in Spring 2024, with an anticipated December 2024 completion date.
The State of Michigan’s Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program provides access to gap financing for real estate rehabilitation and development, as well as public space improvements associated with traditional downtowns, social-zones, and outdoor dining initiatives. The state received $500 million in applications for the $100 million available.
Nominating petitions for the office of City Commissioner are available at the Clerk’s office at City Hall, 320 W. Broadway Street, from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. These petitions must contain no less than 50, and no more than 80 signatures of registered city voters.
Completed nominating petitions may be filed with the City Clerk starting Monday, June 26, 2023. The deadline to file is 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 25, 2023.
Two City Commission positions are available for the term January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2026. The terms of current Commissioners Brian Assmann and Brian Chapman are expiring December 31, 2023.
The city election will take place on Tuesday, November 7, 2023.
Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, May 22, 2023, 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 May 8, 2023.
7) Appointed Employee Delegate and Officer Delegate to MERS annual meeting.
8) Confirmed appointment of Christine Witmer as City Treasurer and Christopher Saladine, Assistant Finance Director as Deputy Treasurer.
9) Amended contract for bond counsel and municipal financial advising services with Dickinson Wright and a revised contract with Bendzinski & Co.
10) Contract with Pro Surfaces of Harrison, MI as well as a budget amendment for the conversion of the existing tennis courts at Horizon Park to four pickleball courts.
11) Contract with Grand River Construction of Hudsonville, MI for the replacement of the M-20 Pedestrian Bridge.
12) Payrolls and Warrants.
Held a public hearing and adopted a Resolution for inclusion in the DWSRF program.
Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1088, an Ordinance to amend Chapter 39: Human Rights of the City of Mt. Pleasant Code of Ordinances to match compliance with changes in State law regarding gender expression and religious freedoms.
Held a public hearing on the proposed 2024-2029 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). No action required at this time.
Held a work session discussion on sidewalk snow removal.
Adjourned the meeting at 9:13 p.m.
Two street reconstruction projects are slated to begin on June 1, 2023 with a projected completion date of August 2, 2023. Improvements will be made to the following areas:
During reconstruction the asphalt pavement, curbs, gutters, sidewalk and handicap access ramps will be removed and replaced. Some storm sewer work will also take place.
Driveway Access will be maintained as much as possible. At times residents may need to park on a side street. Advanced notification will be provided via a door tag.
Garbage Collection: Residents will need to bring their garbage cans and recycling to the nearest side street while their block is under construction. The Contractor can offer assistance, if needed.
Mail delivery will not be affected.
Water Service: Interruptions to water service is not anticipated.
If you have questions, concerns, or you need a special accommodation due to a physical disability, please contact:
Bill Ernst City of Mt. Pleasant (989) 779-5406
Stacie Tewari, City Engineer City of Mt. Pleasant (989) 779-5404
Mary Ann Kornexl, Director of Finance/Treasurer for the City of Mt. Pleasant, is set to retire on June 15, 2023 after almost 32 years of service. Before joining city staff, Mary Ann was the city’s External Auditor in Charge. Mary Ann’s esteemed career as a city employee began in 1991 when she filled the role of Deputy City Clerk. Five years later, Mary Ann was promoted to Treasurer. She advanced to her current position in 2015.
During her tenure, Mary Ann’s work brought fruitful economic development initiatives, and a strong municipal balance sheet. As early as 1991, Mary Ann was tasked with handling the financial aspect of Project 2000, a residential and business development initiative. She assisted many developers throughout this project, resulting in the formation of Eastpointe subdivision, residential condominiums, offices, Horizon Park, retail offerings and a church in the surrounding area.
Mary Ann’s accomplishments also extended beyond the city limits and onto the statewide stage. She was elected by her financial peers across Michigan to serve on the Board of Directors for the Michigan Municipal Treasurers Association (MMTA), on which she served proudly for 11 years. Her dedication to this professional association led to functioning as President from 2013 – 2014, and resulted in her being awarded the Distinguished Service Award in 2016. “I have made wonderful connections and friendships from my MMTA affiliation,” Mary Ann said. “Serving on various committees and being a guest speaker at our numerous conferences was always very rewarding.”
Mary Ann’s accolades did not end with MMTA. During her external audit assignment, and in her following internal leadership role, the City has been awarded the Government Finance Officers Association’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the past 35 years. This certificate is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting. As Mary Ann stated, “It has been fulfilling to work together as a team, qualifying the city to receive this important accolade.”
Looking back on her city career, Mary Ann reflected, “I am grateful for the opportunity to work with colleagues who believed anything could be conquered if we were willing to assist, learn and communicate with each other. I look forward to seeing what is next for our community.”
Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, May 22, 2023 at 7 p.m.
To view the entire meeting packet visit:
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 comments@mt-pleasant.org.
To participate via Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81721260129?pwd=bnFEaGpqUHJ6bTdpMWlkYmJZRkNrZz09
Meeting ID: 817 2126 0129
Passcode: 310457
Phone dial-in: (312) 626-6799
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 to the meeting and participation during public comment periods will be conducted as follows:
Individual commissioners can be contacted at the following email addresses:
Mary Alsager malsager@mt-pleasant.org
Brian Assmann bassmann@mt-pleasant.org
Elizabeth Busch ebusch@mt-pleasant.org
Bryan Chapman bchapman@mt-pleasant.org
Maureen Eke meke@mt-pleasant.org
Amy Perschbacher aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org
Boomer Wingard bwingard@mt-pleasant.org
Persons with disabilities needing assistance to participate may call the Human Resources office at (989) 779-5314. Persons requiring speech or hearing assistance may contact the City through the Michigan Relay Center at 711. A 48-hour advance notice is necessary for accommodation.
A certified arborist from PlanIT Geo will be conducting an inventory and determining the health status of approximately 7,700 trees in city right-of-ways, parking lots, Riverside Cemetery, as well as Nelson and Island Parks. The right-of-way trees and parking lots will be inventoried first.
It is not necessary for residents to be home during the inventory, since all work will be completed within the street right-of-way and on city property.
2023 Inventory Dates:
May 23 – June 2
June 20-29
July dates – TBD
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources awarded a $15,000 Community Forestry Grant to the City of Mt. Pleasant to conduct this tree inventory. Over time, the City will have a comprehensive method to track plantings, removals, species, and the overall health of its right-of-way trees.
This summer, City residents have the chance to plant, grow and harvest their own fruits and vegetables at the Horizon Park Community Garden located at 1535 Sweeney Street.
Fifteen 4’ x 8’ garden plots are available for a summer rental fee of $30.
Garden plot registration runs from Wednesday, May 17 through June 1, 2023. If there are more than 15 registrants, a lottery drawing will be held on June 2.
To reserve a plot, individuals must complete and submit the required application at https://forms.gle/uhej2CS6tuTwd1A49 or contact the Parks Department for a hard copy of the application. One plot per household.
The $30 summer rental fee is due immediately following the June 2 lottery drawing.
For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 989-779-5331.
Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, May 8, 2023, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.
Approved the Agenda with the addition of the Oath of Office for Bryan Chapman.
Received petitions and communications.
Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:
13) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held April 24, 2023.
14) Contract with C & I Building Maintenance of Sparta, MI for roof restoration (Sections 6 & 7) on the Public Safety Building and approved payment for supplies through Tremco Manufacturing of Beachwood, OH.
15) Contract with Rocky Ridge Development LLC of Sylvania, OH for removal of lime residual.
16) Contract extension with Vredeveld Haefner for audit services.
17) Received proposed amendment to Chapter 39: Human Rights of the Mt. Pleasant Code of Ordinances and set a public hearing for Monday, May 22, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. on same.
18) Set a public hearing for Monday, May 22, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. for public comment on the DWSRF final project plan for Water Treatment Plant improvements.
19) Amended Resolution for Development District License for China Master Restaurant, Inc.
20) Payrolls and Warrants.
Voted to make no change to the 2023 millage rate.
Held a work-session discussion on the 2024-2029 Capital Improvement Plan.
Adjourned the meeting at 8:26 p.m.
City of Mt.Pleasant 
You must be logged in to post a comment.