2021

As of September 30, 2021, the MP City Link app will no longer be available. Residents can stay connected by visiting the City’s website at www.mt-pleasant.org. This site provides all the information you found on MP City Link and more.

Visit the Quick Links section on the home page for direct access to City publications, employment and volunteer opportunities, online bill pay, property information, recreation program sign-up, and reporting an issue. The City calendar, in addition to links to the City’s social media and YouTube channels are also easily accessible on the home page. As always, residents are welcome to call (989) 779-5300.

Excessive Vehicle Noise is Illegal – A Message from Director of Public Safety Paul Lauria

Did you know altering your vehicles exhaust to produce louder noise is illegal? Excessive vehicle noise will end up costing you a ticket and a fine. Michigan law requires vehicle exhaust systems to be in good working order, and not modified to produce more noise in excess of legally established limits. Please be mindful of your neighbors and keep the vehicle noise down.

City Manager Interviews Scheduled for August 21

The City of Mt. Pleasant will be conducting public interviews for the City Manager position on Saturday, August 21, 2021 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the Commission Chambers at City Hall (320 W. Broadway Street). These interviews will not be live streamed, but recorded and available for viewing on the City’s YouTube channel.

COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed. Therefore, seating will be limited due to social distancing, and face masks must be worn per guidance from federal, state and local health departments.

The following candidates will be interviewed:

Justin Lakamper, Chief Administrative Officer, Village of Edmore, Michigan
John Hanifan, City Manager, City of Chelsea, Michigan
Susan Montenegro, City Manager, City of Leslie, Michigan
Aaron Desentz, City Manager, Eaton Rapids, Michigan

As a result of current City Manager Nancy Ridley’s scheduled retirement in October, the City Commission hired Walsh Municipal Services to conduct the City Manager recruitment process. Out of 63 applications received, 10 candidates were presented to the City Commission for review. The City Commission selected four candidates to interview.

The City Commission will determine which candidate will move forward in the hiring process at their regularly scheduled virtual commission meeting, slated for 7 p.m. on Monday, August 23, 2021. As with all virtual City Commission meetings, citizens can watch this meeting live on Spectrum Charter Channel 188, web streamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/MtPleasantMi/ or via Zoom.

Current City Manager Nancy Ridley, announced her plans to retire in April 2021. She has been employed with the City for 24 years.

Summary of Minutes of the Virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 8/9/2021

Summary of Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, August 9, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.

Item #18: “Consider action to be taken regarding Charter Amendment Ballot Language to Change the Term of Office for Commission Members.” was added to the agenda without objection.

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 August 26, 2021.

2) Bid of R&T Murphy of Mt. Pleasant, MI for 2021-2022 leaf hauling and 2021-2023 snow hauling.

3) Bid of Topcon Solutions Store of Niles, MI for the purchase of the robotic total station and approve a budget amendment.

4) Approved contract with Fishbeck of Grand Rapids, MI for design and construction engineering for WRRF upgrades and the appropriate budget amendment.

5) Received proposed ordinance to amend Chapter 97: Parks and Recreation and set a public hearing for Monday, August 23, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. on same.

6) Approved Resolutions #1 and #2 to commence proceedings for pedestrian lighting Special Assessment 1-2021, and set public hearing for August 23, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.

7) Approved Resolutions #1 and #2 to commence proceedings for PSD Special Assessment 2-2021, and set public hearing for August 23, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.

8) Warrants and Payrolls.

Held Public Hearings and passed, ordained and ordered published:

a) Ordinance 1070, to amend Section 154.410.B.4 of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances to update special use permit conditions and requirements for two-family dwellings;

b) Ordinance 1071, to amend Section 154.410.B.4 of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances to update special use permit conditions and requirements for accessory dwelling units;

c) Ordinance 1072, to amend section 154.410.B and table 154.410.A of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances to permit multiple-family dwellings as a special use in the CD-3-character district.

Approved prepayment of the full special assessment amount for the Mission Creek Drain.

Assessment and the appropriate 2021 budget amendments as recommended.

Approved the resolution as drafted in support of final approval of Traffic Control Order 7-2021.

Approved the appropriate budget amendment to accept the donation of the Morey Foundation and award the prizes to Battle of the Local Voices winners.

Approved and conducted closed session pursuant to subsection 8(f) of the Open Meetings Act to review and consider the contents of an application for employment or appointment to public office if the candidate requests their application remain confidential.

Approved the Resolution to Rescind July 12, 2021 Resolution to Approve Charter Amendment Ballot Language to Change the Term of Office for Commission Members. (CC Exh 11-2021)

Approved City Manager Candidates #40, #49, #55, and #56 to be offered public interviews, to be conducted on August 21, 2021.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:30 p.m.

Face masks to be worn in City of Mt. Pleasant facilities beginning 8/11/2021

Due to Isabella County’s COVID-19 transmission rate, beginning August 11, 2021, all employees and visitors regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status, must wear a face mask when inside a City building. The City is following guidance from the CDC, MDHHS and the local health department.

There will be no change to the level of City services.

Public Meetings

The City of Mt. Pleasant will host its public meetings virtually as permitted by Public Act 254 of 2020. Citizens can watch these meetings live on Spectrum Charter Channel 188, web streamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/MtPleasantMi/ or via Zoom. Any citizen desiring to make a public comment can email their agenda item comments to comment@mt-pleasant.org or attend the virtual Zoom meeting.

Utility and Tax Payments and Building/DPW Permits

Citizens can make payments via mail (320 W. Broadway Street), the City’s Drop Box located outside of City Hall, or online at www.mt-pleasant.org.
Building and DPW Permit requests can be electronically submitted by visiting www.mt-pleasant.org. In-person inspections will follow recommendations of federal, state and local health officials. If needed, virtual inspections can be conducted through Skype or Zoom.

Small Business Relief

Are you a small business impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak? If so, you may be eligible for a grant or low-interest loan. Refer to this link for more information.https://mmdc.org/our-blog/coronavirus-covid-19-resources-for-your-business/

COVID-19 Health Resources

The City will continue to be guided by information provided by the Central Michigan District Health Department https://www.cmdhd.org/novel-coronavirus, the State of Michigan https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus, and the Center for Disease Control & Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

COVID-19 Vaccination Information

To stay updated on the most recent COVID-19 vaccine and booster information, visit the Central Michigan District Health Department’s website at www.cmdhd.org.

Information Updates

Information will continue to be updated and shared via the City’s website (www.mt-pleasant.org), Blog (mpcityblog.com), Facebook and Twitter accounts, MACTV Charter Spectrum Channel 188, and the Community Information Phone Line (989) 779-5320.

Topics to Watch at the Virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – August 9, 2021

Here are the topics to watch at the next virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, August 9, 2021 at 7 p.m.

Public hearing on an ordinance to amend Section 154.410.B.4 of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances to update special use permit conditions and requirements for two-family dwellings and consider approval of the same.

Public hearing on an ordinance to amend Section 154.410.B.4 of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances to update special use permit conditions and requirements for accessory dwelling units and consider approval of the same.

Public hearing on an ordinance to amend section 154.410.B and table 154.410.A of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances to permit multiple-family dwellings as a special use in the CD-3-character district and consider approval of the same.

Consider resolutions #1 and #2 to commence the proceedings for special assessment, tentatively determine the necessity, and set a public hearing for August 23, 2021, regarding the necessity of Special Assessment District #1-21 for pedestrian lighting.

Consider resolutions #1 and #2 to commence the proceedings for special assessment, tentatively determine the necessity, and set a public hearing for August 23, 2021, regarding the necessity of Special Assessment District #2-21 for Principal Shopping District special assessment.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/board/city.commission/agendas/2021/8-9-21_Packet_Revised.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/88092167180?pwd=ZS9CN1BGMFpoQU5YMHBJZEVrOHNIQT09

Passcode: 816143

Phone dial-in: (301) 715-8592

Audio and video will be muted for members of the public and then unmuted by the host during public comment periods.

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

William Joseph wjoseph@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.

Summary of Minutes of the Virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – July 26, 2021

Summary of Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, July 26, 2021, at 7:02 p.m.

Introduced recently hired City employees; Braxton Gomez Police Officer; Alan Mosher Parks and Public Spaces I; and Philip Biscorner Director of Parks and Public Spaces.

Public Safety Director Lauria swore in Officer Braxton.

MMDC President James McBryde gave a quarterly update for the Middle Michigan Development Corporation.

Marc Griffis, Isabella County Emergency Management Director, gave a presentation on the Isabella County Central Dispatch proposition for renewal of 9-1-1 surcharge.

Latherio Agoff gave a presentation on Limitless Outdoors, a non-profit organization with the mission to give outdoor opportunities to people with disabilities. They are looking for assistance and donations for the cause. You can contact Limitless Outdoors via email or by phone, LMK1211@aol.com or (989)506-5673 or follow them on Facebook at LimitlessOutdoors Foundation.

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 July 12, 2021.

2) Contract amendment with JCI Jones Chemicals of Riverview, MI, for caustic soda.

3) Authorized the Mayor to sign the 2020-2024 Mt. Pleasant Housing Commission Environmental Review for submission.

4) Resolution approving submittal of the grant application to the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs for the 2022 Paint the Pavement project.

5) Resolution for final approval for TCO #3-2021.

6) Resolution for final approval for TCO #4-2021.

7) Warrants and Payrolls.

Approved rescinding prior City liquor license polices, adopting two new liquor license policies, and approved the application fee resolution as presented. (CC Exh. 10-2021)

Authorized the Public Safety Director to represent the City in the State of Michigan pyrotechnic display application process. Fireworks display to be a part of the 2021 Christmas Celebration (December 4, 2021).

Moved to accept the initiative petition received under the MRTMA and approved the Resolution to Approve Ballot Language as presented for the November 2, 2021 election.

Approved resolution extending conditional authorization for LowKey Properties LLC medical marihuana Class A grower license at 1110 N. Fancher as presented.

Held a Work Session discussion on Principal Shopping District (PSD) Special Assessment.

Adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Topics to Watch at the VIRTUAL Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – July 26, 2021

Here are the topics to watch at the next virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, July 26, 2021 at 7 p.m.

Consider update to Liquor License Policy and applicable fee resolution as postponed from July 12, 2021.

Consider resolution authorizing 2022 Michigan Arts Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs mini-grant submission for Paint the Intersection Project.

Consider approval of a fireworks display as part of the 2021 Christmas Celebration (December 4, 2021) and authorize the Public Safety Director to represent the City in the State of Michigan pyrotechnic display application process.

Consider resolution regarding recreational marijuana petition to increase number of retailers.

Consider resolution extending conditional approval of a Class A medical marihuana grow operation for LowKey Properties LLC.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/board/city.commission/agendas/2021/7-26-21.pdf

How to follow public meetings during social distancing:

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

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83264306022?pwd=aitZSE9mYTU2RWVndFhXbDU5a3RjQT09

Passcode: 069764

Phone dial-in: (301) 715-8592

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

William Joseph wjoseph@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.

Downtown Parking Lot Improvement Projects to Begin July 23

Beginning July 23, parking lot #6, located on Illinois Street between Main and University and parking lot #8, a permit lot located on Lansing Street between Broadway and Michigan will be closed due to reconstruction. Both lots will receive new pavement, curbs and gutters, drive approaches, sidewalk, a new storm sewer including an underground detention system as well as other amenities.

Permit holders are requested to park in lot #7, located at the NE corner of University and Illinois, behind Listening Ear and The Bird Bar and Grill or in lot #5, located at the SE corner of Michigan and Washington, behind the old Ward Theatre.

This project is expected to be completed by September 17.

Summary of Minutes of the Virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – July 12, 2021

Summary of Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, July 12, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.

Introduced recently hired City employee Micah Kemler, Water Resource Recovery Facility Operator.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held June 28, 2021.

2) Bid of Denali Construction of Mt. Pleasant, MI for the replacement of three bridge decks at Broadway and Leaton Streets.

3) Received proposed ordinance to amend Section 154.410.B.4 of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances to update special use permit conditions and requirements for two-family dwellings and set a public hearing for August 9, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. on the same.

4) Received proposed ordinance to amend Section 154.410.B.4 of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances to update special use permit conditions and requirements for accessory dwelling units and set a public hearing for August 9, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. on the same.

5) Appointed employer delegate and alternate for the 2021 MERS Annual Meeting.

6) Set a special meeting for Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. for City Manager interviews.

7) Authorized the Mayor to sign the Reciprocal Parking Space Lease Agreement for Parking Lot #6 with Isabella Bank as presented.

8) Resolution authorizing the City Manager to accept the American Rescue Funds as presented.

9) Warrants and Payrolls.

Received a proposed ordinance to amend section 154.410.B and table 154.410.A of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances to permit multiple-family dwellings as a special use in the CD-3-character district and set a public hearing for August 9, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. on the same.

Postponed action on liquor license policies and applicable fees until further information is available.

Approved the Website Policy as presented. (CC Exh. 7-2021)

Approved the updated Self-Insurance Fund Operating Policy as presented. (CC Exh. 8-2021)

Approved Resolution Attachment B to put the four-year term language on the November 2021 ballot. (CC Exh. 9-2021)

Received reports regarding changes to overnight parking and downtown sidewalk snow removal.

Passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1069, an Ordinance to amend Chapter GENERAL PROVISIONS, §10.05 DEFINITIONS and Chapter 91: ANIMALS of the Mt. Pleasant City Code of Ordinances.

Adjourned the meeting at 8:47 p.m.