2021

Summary of Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, December 13, 2021, at 7:02 p.m.

Approved the December 13, 2021 City Commission Agenda.

Introduced Kevin Thrusher as the City’s newest paid on-call firefighter.

Received petitions and communications.

Item #21 “Consider motion to cancel City Commission meeting scheduled for December 20, 2021.” was removed from the Consent Calendar.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held November 22, 2021.

2) Bids for 2022 Water Treatment Plant treatment (bulk) chemicals.

3) Resolution for 2021 Final Amended Budget.

4) Resolution to waive the penalty and fees associated with Property Transfer Affidavits (PTA).

5) Resolution extending conditional approval of a Recreational Marihuana Class C Operation for Absolute Royale, Inc.

6) Set first meeting of 2022 for Monday, January 10, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.

7) Authorized Finance Director Mary Ann Kornexl to approve the issuance of payrolls and warrants from December 13, 2021 through January 9, 2022.

8) Warrants and Payrolls.

Approved the resolution to purchase, acquire and construct improvements and to publish notice of intent to issue municipal securities.

Approved the continuation of the purchase-buyback program with Krapohl Ford for (17) 2022 model pickup trucks and one Ford Expedition.

Waived the fees to Nottawa Township for 113 fixed REU’s starting January 1, 2022 and extend that deadline to June 1, 2022.

Confirmed the purchase of water meters from Ferguson Waterworks.

Appointments were made to various City Boards and Commissions as recommended by the Appointments Committee and correction to LOCC appointment.

Approved the appointment of Brian Assmann to fill the City Commission vacancy.

Cancelled the December 20, 2021 regularly scheduled City Commission meeting.

Adjourned the meeting at 7:47 p.m.

City Receives Grant and High Achiever Bonus Funds for Home Exterior Improvements

In 2021, the city had $100,000 available for home exterior improvement projects. Of this sum, $60,000 was provided by the city and $30,000 was funded by a Michigan State Housing Development (MSHDA) grant. Due to the city’s previous success with this program, a ‘high achiever’ bonus of $10,000 was also awarded by MSHDA so additional projects could be completed.

Since the program’s inception in 2020, ten household improvement projects have been completed. Six in the city’s west side neighborhood bordered by the Chippewa River, Pickard Street, High Street/M-20 and the western city limits, and four in other areas of the city. An additional 2-3 projects are expected to be added due to the high-achiever bonus. Finished projects include roof repairs, porch and deck replacements, as well as window and door installations.

Topics to Watch at the Virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – December 13, 2021

Here are the topics to watch at the next virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, December 13, 2021 at 7 p.m.

Consider resolution to purchase, acquire and construct capital improvements, and to publish notice of intent to issue municipal securities.

Consider purchase-buyback program with Krapohl Ford for the renewal purchase of 18 vehicles and appropriate budget amendment.

Consider waiver of fees for Nottawa Township and deadline extension.

Consider recommendation from the Appointments Committee for City Commission vacancy.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/board/city.commission/agendas/2021/12-13-21.pdf

How to follow public meetings during social distancing:

In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, as allowed under the Open Meetings Act and consistent with the Isabella County Declaration of a State of Emergency (Resolution No. 20-12-03 effective 12-15-20), the City Commission Meeting will be held virtually. The public 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.

Zoom Meeting instructions via computer, phone, or dial-in number are as follows:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87440783934?pwd=UXMvbWRhQ1pGTkRwb1BidWxMUEdRZz09

Meeting ID: 874 4078 3934

Passcode: 186203

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. Any citizen desiring to make a public comment on an agenda item may email their comments.

• Attendance to the meeting and participation during public comment periods will be conducted as follows:

• Members of the public must provide their name and address with their comments.

• Comments/Questions may be sent ahead of the meeting in writing or emailed to comment@mt-pleasant.org.

• Individual commissioners can be contacted at the following email addresses:

Mary Alsager malsager@mt-pleasant.org

Olivia Cyman ocyman@mt-pleasant.org

Lori Gillis lgillis@mt-pleasant.org

Amy Perschbacher aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org

George Ronan gronan@mt-pleasant.org

Pete Tolas ptolas@mt-pleasant.org

• Comments/Questions can be emailed to comment@mt-pleasant.org during the meeting and during normal public comment sections of the agenda.

• Comments sent via email will be read aloud to the Commission during the public comment periods.

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.

Mt. Pleasant High School Threat Investigated by Mt. Pleasant Police – UPDATED 12/10/2021

On December 9, 2021 at approximately 7:50 a.m. officers from the Mt. Pleasant Police Department (MPPD) responded to a written gun threat found at Mt. Pleasant High School. The school was already in enhanced secure mode when officers arrived. Police conducted a complete security check of the school, and as an extra precaution brought in bomb sniffing dogs. There were no weapons or bombs found during these searches.

While on site, police spoke with the student who initially discovered and reported the threat and found inconsistencies in their statement. That same student later admitted to writing the gun threats on Tuesday, December 7 and Thursday, December 9.

The investigation report was turned over to the Isabella County Prosecutors Office which led to the detention of the 15-year-old student, who is charged with two counts of Intentional Threat to Commit Act of Violence Against the School. One count is a felony, and the other is a misdemeanor.

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department was assisted by Central Dispatch and the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Police Department.

Mt. Pleasant Christmas Celebration – Downtown Road Closures and Parade Safety Information

In preparation for the Christmas Celebration, the following downtown streets will be closed at various times on December 3 and 4, 2021.

Friday, December 3, 2021

6 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Parking Lot #3 (Town Center): The front two rows on the east side of the lot will be closed. All cars must be removed by 6 a.m. to avoid towing.

3 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Parking Lot #3 (Town Center): The back two rows on the west side of the lot will be closed. All cars must be removed by 3 p.m. to avoid towing.

3 p.m. – 9 p.m. 6:00 p.m. Christmas Tree Lighting and Community Sing

Main Street will be closed from the Broadway and Main Street intersection, north to parking lot #2 (Jockey Alley).

11 p.m. Island Park

In preparation for the Saturday firework display, Island Park will be closed from 11 p.m. on Friday, December 3 through Sunday, December 5 at 12 noon. Please make sure all vehicles are removed.

Saturday, December 4, 2021

6:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. 7:50 a.m. Kids Fun Run, 8:25 a.m. 5 Mile Run, and 8:30 a.m. 5k

Broadway Street will be closed from Court Street to Main Street.

12 p.m. – 8 p.m. 6 p.m. Lighted Parade

Main Street between Illinois and Mosher will be closed.

Broadway Street between Main and Lansing will be closed.

4 p.m. – 8 p.m. 6 p.m. Lighted Parade

Main Street from Cherry to Illinois will be closed.

Cars left on the street on Saturday, December 4 will be subject to towing. Please seek alternate routes during these time frames.

The lighted parade, which begins at 6 p.m. on December 4 starts at the First United Methodist Church, travels north on Main Street, east on Broadway Street, south on Lansing Street, and west on Illinois Street as it returns to the First United Methodist Church. To celebrate and honor frontline/essential workers, Jeniffer Faydenko assistant produce manager at GreenTree Grocery, will serve as the 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.

Snow Emergencies

If a snow emergency is declared by City of Mt. Pleasant staff, on-street parking will NOT be permitted.

During a snow emergency, failure to remove vehicles from the street will result in a ticket. Towing may be utilized if ticketing has proven ineffective and/or the vehicles parked on the street cause a delay in snow removal.

Notice of when a snow emergency is declared, and later lifted, will be provided through the city’s social media channels, blog https://mpcityblog.com/, community information phone line (989-779-5320), local media notification, and an email alert.

To receive an email notification, sign up to receive the city’s monthly eConnections newsletter by visiting http://www.mt-pleasant.org/news/e-news.asp.

Other parking ordinance guidelines are as follows:

Overnight street parking is allowed throughout the City of Mt. Pleasant year-round, except for the Downtown area.
Downtown street parking is prohibited from 4 – 6 a.m. year-round.
When a snow emergency is declared, all cars must be removed from the street.

Materials Recovery Facility to Close for Repairs; Week of December 13, 2021

The Isabella County Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) will be closed for repairs during the week of December 13. No inbound material will be accepted, and there will be no curbside recycling collection during this time. Operations and curbside collection are slated to resume the week of December 20.

Once curbside recycling resumes, there will be an increased amount of materials due to the MRF closure and holiday celebrations. If you have extra recyclables, please place a small amount out for collection over the next several weeks, or consider dropping them off for free at the MRF. This will allow the collection crews to service each address on the route.

Thank you in advance for your assistance. Questions? Call (989) 779-5401.

Summary of Minutes of the Virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 11/22/2021

Summary of Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, November 22, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.

Mayor Joseph read and presented a Proclamation recognizing Elimination of Violence Against Women Day “November 25, 2021”.

MMDC President and CEO Jim McBryde gave a presentation of MMDC’s Third Quarter Report and 2022-2024 Strategic Plan.

Presentation by Isabella County Restoration House (ICRH) Director Dee Obrecht.

Introduction of Mike Kurbel as the City’s System Administrator.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held November 8, 2021.

2) Warrants and Payrolls.

-Approved the bid of Gateway Refrigeration, Inc. of Clare, MI for 2021 Make-Up Air Unit and Installation at the WRRF.

-Approved the resolution approving the final 2022 Operating Budget and set the millage rate for 2022.

-Approved Resolution to Set Fees and Charges for Certain City Services.

-Approved appointments as submitted by the Appointments Committee.

-Accepted the resignation of Mayor William Joseph.

-Adjourned the meeting at 8:07 p.m.

Isabella County Enhances 9-1-1 Services and Emergency Notification with Smart911; Replacing CodeRED

Isabella County public safety officials announced Smart911 is now available for free to all residents. Individuals who were previously signed up for CodeRED will need to sign up for Smart911 to receive timely and actionable emergency alerts via email, text or voice message. This should be completed before the CodeRED system is discontinued on December 6, 2021.

Smart911 not only informs citizens of emergencies, but allows individuals to create a Safety Profile for their household, if they wish. These profiles include detailed information citizens want 9-1-1 representatives and response teams to know in the event of an emergency. Profiles can be completed by visiting www.smart911.com or downloading the Smart911 App.

With this new system, when an individual makes an emergency call their Safety Profile is automatically displayed for the 9-1-1 representative, enabling the proper response team(s) to be dispatched to an exact location with detailed information. Examples include fire crews knowing how many people reside in a household, EMS staff being informed of allergies or specific medical conditions, or police having a photo of a missing child in seconds, rather than minutes or hours.

Topics to Watch at the VIRTUAL Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – November 22, 2021

Here are the topics to watch at the next virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, November 22, 2021 at 7 p.m.

Consider resolution approving the final 2022 Operating Budget and set the millage rate for 2022.
Consider appointments to the various boards and commissions as recommended by the Appointments Committee.
Accept Mayor Will Joseph’s resignation from the City Commission.