Category: CMU Students

City Completes Stakeholder Economic Development Discussions

Why pursue business development in Mt. Pleasant? 

For the past few months city staff posed this question to more than 20 area developers, real estate brokers and financial professionals. Topics discussed in these one-on-one economic development conversations included the city’s current building and zoning policies, processes, and infrastructure.

Information stemming from these valuable dialogues will be forwarded to the Planning Commission for their review over the next year. 

Topics include (but are not limited to):

  • Applications requiring special Planning Commission approval.
  • Alterations/expansions of current buildings.
  • Special rules for large or auto-oriented businesses, such as drive-throughs, gas stations and big box retailers.
  • More design requirement flexibility within commercial and residential districts.
  • Allowing multi-uses within single lots.
  • Rules that regulate what types of businesses can be conducted within homes.
  • E-commerce fulfillment centers.
  • Wholesale versus retail zoning requirements.

The Planning Commission meets every fourth Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at City Hall (320 W. Broadway Street).  Meetings can also be viewed on Zoom, the City’s YouTube Channel or live on Channel 188. Meetings are rebroadcast daily at 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. (two weeks following the meeting date).

For complete meeting agendas, packets and public hearing information visit:

www.mt-pleasant.org/plancomm.   

Lightning Strikes Mt. Pleasant Home

On July 17, 2023 at 2:15 a.m. the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department (MPFD) responded to a house fire in the 1300 block of Crestwood Drive in Mt. Pleasant.

Upon arrival, crews observed a single-story home with heavy smoke and fire protruding from the garage and east side of the structure. The fire was brought under control at 3:23 a.m. The house sustained smoke, heat and fire damage. The occupants were not home at the time of the fire.

Neighbors report being awakened by a lightning bolt and smelled smoke shortly after.

MPFD investigated the cause of the fire and have ruled it to be from a lightning strike.

The Mt. Pleasant Fire Department was assisted by the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Fire Department, Deerfield Township Fire Department, Shepherd Tri-Township Fire Department, Mt. Pleasant Police Department, Michigan State Police, Mobile Medical Response, Consumers Energy and Isabella County Central Dispatch.

Air Quality Information Available Through MDHHS

As a result of the Canadian wildfires, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has established a hotline for individuals to ask their air quality questions. Residents can call 800-648-6942, Monday – Friday (excluding holidays) from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Air quality information can also be found at https://www.airnow.gov/. If you wish to receive alerts visit https://www.enviroflash.info/.

Summary of Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting Minutes – July 10, 2023

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, July 10, 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 June 26, 2023 City Commission Meeting.

7) Minutes June 26, 2023 City Commission closed session.

8) Resolution in support of TCO #4-2023.

9) Extension to the contract with Nutrigro Environmental Solutions, Inc. of Olivet, MI for biosolids services.

10) Set a public hearing for July 24, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. for DDA License for Valhalla Indoor Axe Throwing.

11) Pass-through MEDC funding for architectural and engineering services for Broadway Land Management and authorized the City Manager to sign the necessary documentation.

12) Payrolls and Warrants.

Approved the buyout of 18 vehicles in the purchase-buyback program with Krapohl Ford.

Approved the resolution to authorize the issuance of Water Resource Recovery System Revenue Bonds for Phase II WRRF upgrades.

Conducted a work session on Property Maintenance Standards and International Property Management Code (IPMC).

Adjourned at 7:39 p.m.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – July 10, 2023

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, July 10, 2023 at 7 p.m.

  • Presentation on air quality by Jennifer Morse of the Central Michigan District Health Department.
  • Consider setting a public hearing for July 24, 2023, for Development District (DDA) License for Valhalla Indoor Axe Throwing.
  • Consider resolution to authorize the issuance of Water Resource Recovery System Revenue Bonds for Phase II Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) upgrades.
  • Work Session regarding Property Maintenance Standards and International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC).

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

Click to access Updated%20E-Packet%20for%20Monday,%20July%2010,%202023.pdf

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/82349664872?pwd=T0VNZVJZTkRMQ1JUaWtINklPWFp1Zz09

Meeting ID: 823 4966 4872

Passcode: 950014

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:

  • 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

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.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – June 26, 2023

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, June 26, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

6) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held June 12, 2023.

7) One-year extension to the Municipal Recycling Curbside Collection Services contract with MMI of Mt. Pleasant, MI.

8) Contract with Gateway Refrigeration of Clare, MI for replacement of two boilers serving the Public Safety Building and accompanying budget amendment.

9) Payrolls and Warrants.

Awarded contract for Phase II WRRF upgrades to RCL Construction, of Sanford, MI and authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the contract contingent on available financing and pending value engineering.

Approved and conducted closed session to consult with the city attorney regarding trial or settlement strategy in connection with City of Mt. Pleasant v Michelle Lange, et al, Court of Claims Case No. 23-000034-MB, because an open meeting would have a detrimental financial effect on the litigating or settlement position of the City.

Adjourned the meeting at 8:13p.m.

Mt. Pleasant Police Investigating Pedestrian Fatality

On June 24, 2023 at 1:45 AM, officers from the Mt. Pleasant Police Department responded to a vehicle/pedestrian incident in the area of W. High St. and S. Henry St.  Upon arrival, officers found a 31-year-old female deceased as a result of being struck by a vehicle.  The driver of the vehicle, a 19-year-old male from Mt. Pleasant, was not injured.

This is an open and on-going investigation.  Anyone with information regarding this incident are asked to contact the Mt. Pleasant Police Department’s Anonymous Tip Line at (989) 779-9111 or Central Dispatch (989) 773-1000.

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department was assisted by the Michigan State Police, Mobile Medical Response, Isabella County Central Dispatch, Isabella County Medical Examiner’s office, and Mt. Pleasant Fire Department.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – June 26, 2023

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, June 26, 2023 at 7 p.m.

  • Presentation of funds for Neighborhood Enhancement Program (NEP) by Loryn Smith of Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MHSDA).
  • Update from Jim McBryde of Middle Michigan Development (MMDC).
  • Consider approval of a contract with RCL Construction Co., Inc. for the Phase II Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) upgrades.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

Click to access E-Packet%20for%20June%2026,%202023..pdf

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/87627492888?pwd=czZOZm1TeEJ5d0M1NTNDMHYyalczQT09

Meeting ID: 876 2749 2888

Passcode: 001674

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:

  • 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

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.

City of Mt. Pleasant 4th of July Holiday Hours and Firework Safety Reminders

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the Isabella County Material Recovery Facility being closed for asphalt repairs on July 7 and 8, there will be no city curbside recycling collection for residences on the regular Thursday route.

City Offices Closed

City offices will be closed on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. Refuse and recycling pick-up will be delayed one day all week.

Fourth of July Firework Safety and Ordinance Reminders

A person may only discharge or use consumer fireworks on private property on June 29 – July 4 from 11 a.m. – 11:45 p.m.

Individuals should not ignite, discharge, or use consumer fireworks, homemade fireworks, articles pyrotechnics or display fireworks on public property, school property, church property, or the property of another person without permission to do so.

Violations shall be punishable with fines of $500 up to $1,000.

Additionally, a minor shall not possess, ignite, discharge or use consumer fireworks. Fireworks shall not be used while a person is under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, or during times when a burning ban has been established by the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, MI. For a list of burning restrictions by county, visit http://www.dnr.state.mi.us/burnpermits/.

Safety Tips

For those planning on discharging fireworks this July Fourth holiday, please follow the City regulations as stated above, and practice these safety tips:

1.    Read and follow all warning and instructions.

2.    Never allow children to play with fireworks of any kind.

3.    Wear protective clothing, including eye wear.

4.    Only light devices on smooth, flat surfaces away from residential areas, dry leaves and flammable materials.

5.    Always keep a hose or bucket of water nearby in case of malfunction.

6.    Never try to re-light fireworks that have not fully functioned.

The best way to protect your family is to avoid the use of fireworks at home entirely. 

Summary of Minutes of the City Commission Meeting – June 12, 2023

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, June 12, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

8) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held May 22, 2023.

9) 2024-2029 Capital Improvement Plan.

10) Resolution granting a nine-month extension of Rio’s Happy Tree’s conditional authorization.

11) Payrolls and Warrants.

Discussed possibility of a City information and engagement booth at the Mt. Pleasant Farmer’s Market. City Manager Desentz will work with staff to develop a plan.

Director of Planning & Community Development Manuela Powidayko gave a presentation and led a discussion on owner-occupied residential incentive program. Commission agrees to not bring back the program.

Adjourned the meeting at 7:48 p.m.