Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, December 12, 2022, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.
Received petitions and communications.
Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:
7) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held November 28, 2022.
8) Contract award for 2023 water treatment chemicals.
9) Final amended 2022 operating budget.
10) Agreement with Core Technology for new records management system.
11) Submittal of MDNR Spark Grant Application.
12) Cancellation of December 19, 2022 City Commission meeting.
13) Finance Director May Ann Kornexl to approve payrolls and warrants from December 13, 2022 through January 8, 2023.
14) First City Commission meeting of 2023 for January 9, 2023.
The seventh Citizens’ Academy is now accepting applications. Presented by the City of Mt. Pleasant, the academy is designed to engage members of the community and to expand their knowledge of the structure and functions of local government.
Participants will attend seven, weekly sessions beginning Tuesday, February 21. Each session will offer an in-depth look at the fundamentals of the City’s administration and budget; public works and utilities; parks and recreation; public safety; and community development. Additional topics covered include the basics of local government, elections and more.
The Citizens’ Academy is open to anyone living, working, owning property or attending school in 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.”
Registration for the academy is free and space is limited. Sessions will occur on the following Tuesdays from 6 – 8:30 p.m.: February 21, February 28, March 14, March 21, April 4, April 11, and April 18. Graduates of the academy will be recognized at the April 24 City Commission meeting.
Applications are available at City Hall or online, and are accepted until January 17, 2023. Find the application and learn more at www.mt-pleasant.org/citizensacademy.
Here are the topics to watch at the next in-person, as well asvirtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, December 12, 2022 at 7 p.m.
Introduction of Recreation Coordinator, Tyler Moss.
Consider resolution approving the final amended 2022 Operating Budget.
Consider setting the first meeting of 2023 for January 9, 2023.
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.
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:
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.
After 25 years of service, Fire Chief Rick Beltinck will retire on December 16. Rick rose through the fire ranks, starting as a Fire Equipment Operator. He then advanced to Sergeant, Lieutenant and ultimately Chief in 2015.
In reflecting on his career with the MPFD, Rick observed, “I have had the opportunity to work with great people within our organization, and the community as a whole. It was truly an honor to be a member of a team which fostered learning and growth.”
“Rick’s dedication and hard work is evident through the numerous roles he filled within the fire department and the many initiatives he spearheaded,” said Director Paul Lauria. “Rick worked diligently on the 800Mhz statewide radio system implementation, the SCBA firefighter pack transition, successfully obtained grant funding, and developed a process for updating policy and procedures. Rick also served as the City’s Emergency Manager,” Lauria added, “and chaired the area fire chief’s board which fosters communication among the regional fire departments. Rick’s commitment to the community, the Division of Public Safety, and his invaluable institutional knowledge will be sorely missed.”
Rick’s retirement plans include spending time with family and enjoying life.
Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, November 28, 2022, 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 November 14, 2022.
9) Purchase of 2023 model Caterpillar backhoe from Michigan CAT.
10) Bid of RBS of Grand Rapids, MI for 2023-2025 Custodial Services.
11) Purchase of a police administration replacement vehicle as part of the Krapohl Buy Back Program.
12) Authorized the purchase of 3 Lucas devices from Stryker Medical of Chicago, IL.
13) Authorized the Mayor to sign a letter of support for MSHDA NEP application.
14) Budget amendment to purchase water treatment chemicals.
15) Warrants and Payrolls.
Held a public hearing and approved DDA License for China Master at their 1216 South Mission St. location.
Approved the final 2023 Annual Operating Budget as presented.
Adopted Resolution amending rates, fees and charges for sewer and water demand effective January 1, 2023.
Reappointments to various boards and commissions as recommended by the Appointments Committee.
Held a Work Session on Property Maintenance Code.
Held a Work Session on MML Annual Convention learning.
It is time to visit Downtown Mt. Pleasant and enjoy the Christmas Celebration slated for December 2-3, 2022. Please note the following street closures. For full event information visit: www.mt-pleasant.org/christmascelebration.
Thursday, December 1 starting at 5 p.m. – Saturday, December 3 at 10 p.m.
Broadway St. closed from Main to Franklin.
Court St. closed from Jockey Alley to Broadway.
University St. closed from Broadway to Cat’s Meow Alley.
Franklin St. closed from Broadway to Cat’s Meow Alley.
Beginning December 1 at 4 p.m., cars left on the streets noted above will be subject to towing.
Saturday, December 3
6 a.m. – 10 p.m. No on street parking on Main St. from Town Center to High St.
Cars left on Main St. will be subject to towing.
8 a.m. – 10 p.m. Broadway St. closed from Main to University.
2 p.m. – 10 p.m. Main St. closed to through traffic from Town Center to High St.
The lighted parade which begins at 6 p.m. on December 3, starts at the First United Methodist Church, travels north on Main Street, east on Broadway Street, south on Lansing Street to Michigan Street. B’s Music Shop will serve as 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.
Here are the topics to watch at the next in-person, as well asvirtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, November 28, 2022 at 7 p.m.
Consider purchase of Lucas devices from Stryker Medical.
Public hearing for the Development District (DDA) License for China Master and consider resolution on the same.
Consider resolution approving the final 2023 Operating Budget and set the millage rate for 2023.
Consider reappointments to the various boards and commissions as recommended by the Appointments Committee.
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.
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:
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.
Electric bikes, scooters and skateboards can be fun, but they also present a fire hazard due to their lithium-ion batteries. When damaged or overcharged, lithium-ion batteries can overheat, catch on fire, and even lead to explosions. These fires often burn very hot and are difficult for firefighters to extinguish.
Chief Rick Beltinck of the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department shared, “Lithium-ion batteries store a large amount of energy, and have a high probability of catching fire if not handled properly.” He continued, “As more products rely on lithium-ion energy, it is imperative that consumers are aware of the risks, and properly store and operate these powerful batteries.”
If you have an e-bike, e-scooter, e-skateboard, or any lithium-ion powered product, there are several fire prevention tips you should follow.
Purchase products that have the Underwriters Laboratories Mark (UL).
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and storage.
Use the manufacturer’s cord and power adapter made for the device.
Do not overcharge items with lithium-ion batteries. Unplug when fully charged.
Never leave your bike/scooter/skateboard unattended while charging.
Continually inspect lithium-ion batteries for any signs of damage.
City Commission nominating packets for the May 2, 2023 election are available at City Hall, office of the City Clerk, 320 W. Broadway Street, from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Completed nominating petitions may be filed with the City Clerk starting Monday, December 19, 2022. The deadline to file is 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 17, 2023. Petitions must have no less than 50 and no more than 80 signatures.
One (1) partial City Commission term is open due to the resignation of Olivia Cyman. This term runs from May 2023 through December 31, 2023.
The city election will take place on Tuesday, May 2, 2023.
The Mt. Pleasant Police Department (MPPD) is pleased to announce Officer Chris Leonard has been named Youth Services Unit (YSU) Officer for Mt. Pleasant High School.
Officer Leonard joined the MPPD in April 2022. Prior law enforcement experience includes, 13 years of service with the Isabella County Sheriff’s Office as a corrections sergeant and road patrol deputy.
Chris received his corrections academy certificate from Mid-Michigan Community College and is a graduate of the Delta College Police Academy.
The YSU, in existence since 1996, is a valuable program which involves police positively interacting with youth at an early age. The YSU Officer spends a considerable amount of time in the schools and provides guidance and support to students when needed, ultimately forming lifelong bonds. The popular Youth Police Academy and Shop with a Cop are just a few of the programs hosted by YSU.
City of Mt.Pleasant 
You must be logged in to post a comment.