Mt. Pleasant Police Officer Mike Williams Promoted to Lieutenant

Officer Mike Williams has been promoted to Lieutenant of the Mt. Pleasant Police Department (MPPD), and will assume his new duties immediately.

Mike possesses 23 years of law enforcement experience, 14 of those years with the MPPD. During his MPPD tenure, Mike has served as a Youth Services Officer, Field Training Officer, Fire Investigation Officer, Evidence Room Manager and supervised Crossing Guards and Park Rangers. Mike was also President of the Police Officers Association of Michigan for the MPPD. Other previous law enforcement assignments include service as Corrections Sergeant and Undersheriff for Mecosta County.

Assistant Police Chief Brandon Bliss shared, “Mike’s strong work ethic, excellent communication skills, solid-decision making abilities, and his natural capacity to serve, greatly benefits our department. We are excited to welcome Mike to the police administration team.”

Downtown Mt. Pleasant Christmas Celebration Scheduled for December 2 and 3

Downtown Mt. Pleasant will be filled with holiday spirit at the December 2-3 Christmas Celebration. A community tradition for almost three decades, this event offers a variety of activities for the whole family.

The celebration kicks off Friday, December 2 from 5 to 8 p.m. on Broadway Street between Main and Franklin. The Winter Market will once again feature specialty crafts and food vendors and Candy Cane Lane will host a variety of children’s games, activities, and live performances. Hayrides and visits with Santa and Santa’s reindeer round out the night’s festivities.

Saturday, December 3 highlights include the Jingle All-The-Way Kids Fun Run, and the adult 5K and 5 Mile Run, all starting at Max & Emily’s. Registration must be completed online. Races begin at 7:50, 8:25 and 8:30 a.m., with proceeds benefitting Toys for Tots.

A pancake breakfast with Santa is scheduled from 9 a.m. – noon at the Sacred Heart Parish Hall. Admission is $10 adults, children 10 and under $5. Children under four are free. Proceeds benefit the SHA Athletic Association. Tickets can be purchased at the Mt. Pleasant Parks and Recreation office located inside City Hall at 320 West Broadway.

The celebration continues at 6 p.m. on Saturday with the lighted parade starting at Main and Illinois Street and continuing down Main and Broadway. B’s Music Shop will serve as parade Grand Marshal.

Registration forms for the Jingle All-The-Way Kids Fun Run, 5 Mile Run and 5K Walk/Run, volunteer opportunities, Winter Market Vendor Application, and parade entry applications can be found at www.mt-pleasant.org/christmascelebration. November 16 is the deadline for market vendor and parade entry applications.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – October 24, 2022

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, October 24, 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:

7) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held October 10, 2022.

8) Resolution in support of fees related to electric scooters and/or skateboards.

9) Approved CBD/TIFA Façade Improvement Program.

10) Approved agreement with CMU for copier leases.

11) Warrants and Payrolls.

Held a public hearing on the necessity of the public improvement; and approved resolution #3 to proceed with improvements; consider resolution #4 to accept the special assessment roll and set a public hearing for Monday, November 14, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. regarding said roll for Special Assessment District #3-22.

Received draft PILOT Policy.

Conducted a Work Session discussion on 2023 Operating Budget.

Adjourned the meeting at 8:57 p.m.

Topics to Watch at the Hybrid Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – October 24, 2022

Here are the topics to watch at the next in-person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, October 24, 2022 at 7 p.m.

Mid-Michigan Aquatic Recreational Authority update provided by John Zang.
Consider resolution in support of fees related to electric scooters and/or skateboards.
Consider Central Business District Tax Increment Finance Authority (CBD TIFA) Facade Improvement Program.
Public hearing on the necessity of the public improvement, consider resolution #3 to proceed with improvements; consider resolution #4 to accept the special assessment roll and set a public hearing for November 14, 2022 regarding said roll for Special Assessment District #3-22.
Receive draft PILOT Policy and provide input.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

Click to access 10-24-22.pdf

How to follow public meetings:

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/82325608682?pwd=aG5NTXRuSXUya2ZtYWhRa0ltU3EzQT09

Meeting ID: 823 2560 8682

Passcode: 703462

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

George Ronan gronan@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.

November 12 is “Ladies’ Day Out” in Downtown Mt. Pleasant

Ladies’ Day Out is scheduled for Saturday, November 12, 2022 and is poised to be another great event in downtown Mt. Pleasant. And, a wonderful opportunity to conquer that holiday shopping list.

Big prizes. Rather than smaller raffle prizes being distributed, attendees will have the opportunity to win $250, $500 or $1,000 in downtown gift certificates. Individuals can stop by the Broadway Theatre from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. to register to win these notable prizes.

Questions: Contact Downtown Development Director Michelle Sponseller at msponseller@mt-pleasant.org or (989) 779-5348.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – October 10, 2022

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, October 10, 2022, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

City Clerk administered the Oath of Office to newly appointed City Commissioner Bryan Chapman.

Mayor Perschbacher read and presented a Proclamation recognizing Indigenous People’s Day – October 10, 2022. The Onion Creek Drummers performed the Drum Ceremony.

Approved the Agenda as presented.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

4) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held September 26, 2022.

5) Contract with Great Lakes Concrete Restoration Inc. of Troy/Prudenville, MI for the Apparatus Bay Floor Restoration Project.

6) Warrants and Payrolls.

Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1085, an ordinance to add a Chapter 116 to Title XI: Business Regulations of the City of Mt. Pleasant Code of Ordinances entitled “Electric Scooters/Skateboards”.

Approved resolution for the expansion of the Development District and revised Off-Premise and On-Premise Liquor License Policy.

Adopted Resolutions #1 and #2 To Commence Proceedings For Special Assessment, Tentatively Determine The Necessity, And Set A Public Hearing For October 24, 2022, Regarding the Necessity of Special Assessment District #3-22.

Mayor Perschbacher appointed Commissioner Liz Busch to the Principal Shopping District Board to replace Commissioner Ronan.

Conducted a Work Session on the 2023 Operating Budget.

Adjourned the meeting at 8:05 p.m.

2022 Fall Leaf Collection Information – Updated 12/1/2022

Updated 12/1/2022:

Leaves from High and Pickard Streets will be collected with the sweeper by the end of the day on Monday, December 5, 2022. Leaf collection for the remainder of the city has been completed for 2022.

Updated 11/4/2022: Monday, November 7, 2022 leaf pick-up for specific streets.

Due to the large volume of leaves that have been placed out for collection this week, leaf pick-up will continue on Monday, November 7, 2022 for properties within the boundaries of the following streets: Oak to Mission and Pickard to Bellows. Future leaf collection pick up-dates are the weeks of November 14 and November 28.

Updated 10/21/2022: Crapo Street Leaf Pick-Up Guidance

As the temperatures cool, and the trees start to show their vibrant colors, residents and landscaping companies are reminded to not rake leaves into the streets until the week of October 24. City staff will make one sweep through the entire City during pick up weeks. Therefore, leaves should be raked into low piles before Monday of pick up weeks and not cover catch basins.

On High and Pickard Streets, where high traffic volume prohibits leaves in the street, residents and landscaping companies should rake the leaves onto the rights-of-way, between the curb and sidewalk. Those who live on streets other than High and Pickard must place their leaves in the street. If you live on a boulevard, do not place leaves in the median, place them in front of your home.

Residents on Crapo Street should place leaves in the right of way, and not in the street, due to the construction project. Households on Heritage and Illinois Court should place their leaves in the street as normal.

Yard waste bags should not be used, this collection is for leaves only. Leaf piles must not contain garden or shrubbery clippings, dead grass, branches, trim board or other material.

Residents who wish to rake their yards ahead of the City’s collection schedule may bag and dispose of the leaves for a fee at the Material Recovery Facility, located at 4208 E. River Rd., Mt. Pleasant. Leaves may also be mulched with a mulching lawnmower.

The City’s 2022 leaf collection schedule is as follows:

Week of October 31: Staff will collect leaves in a City-wide sweep.
Week of November 14: Staff will collect leaves in a City-wide sweep.
Week of November 28: Final collection of leaves in a City-wide sweep. Any leaves left in the street after the crews have made their final pass will not be collected and are the responsibility of the homeowner.

Questions may be directed to the Division of Public Works, 989-779-5401.

Topics to Watch at the Hybrid Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting

Here are the topics to watch at the next in-person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, October 10, 2022 at 7 p.m.

Administer Oath of Office to Commissioner Bryan Chapman.
Proclamation recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day (October 10, 2022).
Public hearing on an ordinance to add a Chapter 116 to Title XI: Business Regulations of the City’s Code entitled “Electric Scooters/Skateboards” and consider approval of the same.
Consider resolution in support of expanding the Development District (DDA) license development district and revised Off-Premise and On-Premise Liquor License Policy.
Consider resolutions #1 and #2 to commence the proceedings for special assessment, tentatively determine the necessity and set a public hearing for October 24, 2022 regarding the necessity of Special Assessment District #3-22.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

Click to access 10-10-22.pdf

How to follow public meetings:

In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, 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.

To participate via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83486313828?pwd=VEFGenpzMk8zS3Z2UzlCejNkaFlzZz09

Meeting ID: 834 8631 3828

Passcode: 342600

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.

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

Maureen Eke meke@mt-pleasant.org

Amy Perschbacher aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org

George Ronan gronan@mt-pleasant.org

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – September 26, 2022

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, September 26, 2022, 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:

5) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held September 12, 2022.

6) Minutes of closed session of the City Commission held September 12, 2022.

7) Warrants and Payrolls.

Approved the establishment of an Industrial Development District (IDD) and adopted a Resolution to be submitted to the State Department of Treasury for the creation of the district.

Awarded contract for 2023 City Hall Retaining Wall Replacement Engineering Services to Williams and Works of Grand Rapids, MI and approved a budget amendment.

Received Commissioners’ top rankings for Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe two percent allocations.

Received proposed ordinance to add a Chapter 116 to Title XI: Business Regulations of the City of Mt. Pleasant Code of Ordinances entitled “Electric Scooters/Skateboards” and set a public hearing for Monday, October 10, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. on same.

Appointed Bryan Chapman to fill the partial City Commission seat.

Adjourned the meeting at 7:57 p.m.

City Residents to Vote on Changing City Commissioner Term Lengths

On November 8, 2022 in addition to the gubernatorial, senate and house races, voters within the City limits will vote on changing the length of terms for City Commissioners, as well as electing two Commissioners.

The proposed Charter Amendment would:

Increase the term of each City Commission office from 3 to 4 years.
Require City Commission elections to take place in November on even years, coinciding with presidential and gubernatorial races.
Change the staggering of City Commission elections to one group of three and one group of four.

The four candidates running for the two City Commission seats are:

Mary Alsager

Daniel Hess

Mike Kostrzewa

Boomer Wingard

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

Precinct Consolidation:

Please note precinct locations which went into effect August 2022.

Precinct 1: Ganiard Elementary School, 101 S. Adams
Precinct 2: Kinney Elementary School, 720 N. Kinney
Precinct 3: Pullen Elementary School, 251 S. Brown
Precinct 4: Fancher Elementary School, 801 S. Kinney
Precinct 5; Vowles Elementary School, 1560 S. Watson

Permanent Absentee Voters:

Permanent absentee voters have been mailed an application for a ballot. If you wish to vote in this election you must return the application by 5 p.m. on Friday, November 4, 2022. 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 in the City Hall parking lot.

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, or email (clerk@mt-pleasant.org). This must be completed by 5 p.m. on Friday, November 4, 2022.

Absentee voting at the Clerk’s Office is available on Saturday, November 5, 2022 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. or Monday, November 7, 2022 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Voter Registration:

If you are currently not registered to vote, you can register online at https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/ or mail in the registration voter application found online. This must be completed by October 24, 2022.

After October 24, 2022 voter registration will be available at the City Clerk’s office. Please bring a proof of residency and a photo ID. This can be done until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 8, 2022.

Election Day Information

Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. Need a ride to and from the polls? I-Ride is offering free rides. Call (989) 772-9441 to schedule.

Visit http://www.mi.gov/vote to confirm where you are registered to vote.