Armed Robbery Suspect in Custody

On August 30, 2021 at approximately 3:24 p.m. officers from the Mt. Pleasant Police Department (MPPD) responded to an armed robbery on the west side of the city.

Upon arrival, officers determined the suspect left the scene in a vehicle. Two victims, a 41-year-old male and 43-year-old female, were acquainted with the suspect and provided a detailed description. Officers quickly located the 38-year-old male suspect from Saginaw at a residence on the east side of Isabella County where he was taken into custody and lodged at the Isabella County Jail. The handgun was also located and seized for evidence. The suspect will be arraigned later today. This was an isolated and targeted incident. There is no risk to the public.

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. This is an ongoing and open investigation.

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department was assisted by Central Dispatch, Isabella County Sheriff’s Department, Central Michigan University Police and MINT.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Special Meeting – 8/26/21

Summary of Minutes of the electronically conducted special meeting of the City Commission held Thursday, August 26, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.

Agreed to offer a contingent offer of employment to Aaron Desentz pending the background check and contract negotiations.

Directed the committee utilized for the recruitment process continue with the contract negotiations. The committee is comprised of Mayor Joseph, Commissioner Alsager and Commissioner Tolas.

Adjourned the meeting at 7:25 p.m.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission 8/21 Special Meeting and 8/23 Regular Meeting

Summary of Minutes of the special meeting of the City Commission held Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. in the City Commission Room at the Mt. Pleasant City Hall, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant.

The Commission conducted interviews of candidates for City Manager position and adjourned the meeting at 1:50 p.m.

Summary of Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, August 23, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held August 9, 2021.

2) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held August 9, 2021.

3) Bid of F & K Tree Services of Mt. Pleasant, MI for 2022 and 2023 tree trimming and removal services.

4) Bid of Green Scene Landscaping of Mt. Pleasant, MI for 2022 and 2023 grounds mowing.

5) Bid of Shults Equipment of Ithaca, MI for the purchase and installation of plow truck equipment and lighting.

6) Bid of Thomas Scientific of Swedesboro, NJ for replacement of the Fume Hood Replacement at the WRRF.

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

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

9) Confirmed appointment of Vice Mayor Amy Perschbacher as the voting delegate, representing the City of Mt. Pleasant at the MML annual member’s meeting and appointed Commissioner Mary Alsager as the alternate.

10) Set a public hearing for September 13, 2021 on the application to transfer the existing IFT from DAYCO to MAC LTT for the remaining three years.

11) Received proposed Ordinance to amend Chapter 51: Sewers, of the Mt. Pleasant City Code of Ordinances and set a public hearing for September 27, 2021 on the IPP and the proposed ordinance amendment.

12) Set a public hearing for September 13, 2021 on the request from TNC Holdings for a Redevelopment Liquor License at 203/205 W. Broadway.

13) Authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the lighting agreement with the Friends of the Dog Park.

14) Warrants and Payrolls.

Held a Public Hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1073, an Ordinance to amend Chapter 97: Parks and Recreation, Section 97.99 Penalties of the Mt. Pleasant Code of Ordinances to add penalties for violations of the ordinance.

Held a Public Hearing and postponed action on S.A. #1-21 until a review of the zoning is completed.

Held a Public Hearing and approved resolutions #3 and #4 and set a public hearing for September 13, 2021 regarding said roll for S.A. #2-21 regarding PSD.

Supported the reconfirmation of the regular meetings with the Director of Public Safety and the MPADG and the HRC to accomplish the activities as presented.

Second interviews were extended to City Manager candidates Aaron Desentz and John Hanifan.

Approved and conducted closed session pursuant to subsection 8(c) of the Open Meetings Act for strategy and negotiation sessions connected with the negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement.

Approved labor agreements with TPOAM, POLC and COAM.

Adjourned the meeting at 10:34 p.m.

Topic to Watch at the VIRTUAL Special Meeting of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission – August 26, 2021

Here is the topic of discussion at the virtual Special Meeting of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission scheduled for Thursday, August 26, 2021 at 7 p.m.

Discussions regarding the City Manager Search due to Nancy Ridley’s retirement.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/board/city.commission/agendas/2021/8-26-21_Special_Meeting.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/84065832666?pwd=TFZjQlFvdFdSVVZhNnhSZ3lBalE4Zz09

Passcode: 133483

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

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.

City to offer no fee brush chipping

UPDATED 9/8/21: All 150 no fee brush chipping slots have been filled. To be placed on the wait list please call, (989) 779-5401.

The City of Mt. Pleasant is offering 150 households, within the City limits, up to 30 minutes of no fee brush chipping during the week of September 20, 2021. Brush chipping will be completed at curbside only, no alleys. Reservations will be accepted beginning September 7 at 8:00 a.m. until September 10 at 4:30 p.m. or until all spots are filled.

To make a reservation or to learn more, contact the Division of Public Works at (989) 779-5401 or email publicworks@mt-pleasant.org.

Topics to Watch at the VIRTUAL Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – August 23, 2021

Here are the topics to watch at the next virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, August 23, 2021 at 7 p.m.

Public hearing on an ordinance to amend Chapter 97: Parks and Recreation and consider approval of the same.
Public hearing on the necessity of public improvement; and set a public hearing for September 13, 2021 for Special Assessment District #1-21 regarding pedestrian lighting, and Special Assessment District #2-21 regarding Principal Shopping special assessment.
Receipt of application for transfer of Industrial Facilities Tax from MAC Liquid Truck Trailer and set a public hearing for September 13, 2021 on the same.
Receipt of amendments to sewer ordinance and set a public hearing for September 27, 2021 on the same.
Consider approval of lighting agreement with the Friends of the Dog Park for lighting at Hannah’s Bark Park.
Review and discuss City Manager candidates and consider entering into contract negotiations with the top candidate.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/board/city.commission/agendas/2021/8-23-21_Regular_Meeting.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/81270999914?pwd=dzh0NU5yd1BqVjVnL3ZUSTExWTE1UT09

Passcode: 465806

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

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.

MP City Link App no longer available as of 9/30/2021

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.