No Injuries in Lexington Ridge Apartment Fire

On April 19, 2025, at 7:32 a.m. the Mount Pleasant Fire Department (MPFD) responded to a fire at Lexington Ridge Apartments, 3700 E. Deerfield Rd. in Union Township.

Upon arrival, firefighters located a small fire inside a wall and in the attic of the two-story apartment building. The fire was quickly brought under control.

The building sustained smoke, fire, and water damage. The tenants of two units were displaced.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

No injuries were reported.

The Mt. Pleasant Fire Department was assisted by Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Fire Department, Isabella County Central Dispatch and the American Red Cross.

Mt. Pleasant Community Garden Plots for Rent

This summer, city residents have the chance to plant, grow and harvest their own fruits and vegetables at the Horizon Park Community Garden located at 1535 Sweeney Street.

Fifteen 4’ x 8’ garden plots are available for a summer rental fee of $30. Fees are due May 5, 2025.

Garden plot registration runs through May 4. If there are more than fifteen registrants, a lottery drawing will be held on May 5.

To reserve a plot, individuals must complete and submit the required application at www.mt-pleasant.org/garden or contact the Parks Department for a hard copy of the application. One plot per household.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 4/14/2025

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, April 14, 2025, at 7 p.m.

Receive proposed 2026 – 2031 Capital Improvement Plan and set a public hearing for May 27, 2025, on the same.

Consider a budget amendment of $14,000 from the General Funds Planning Department Account and Parks and Recreation Fund to cover expenses related to a summer internship program at the Planning Department and Parks and Public Spaces Department.

Consider renewal of Placer.ai contract for $18,000 and approve budget amendment for the same.

Consider adoption of 2026 Goals and Objectives.

Consider Contract with Dickinson Wright for bond counsel in the amount not to exceed $34, 280.

Consider Contract with Bendzinski & Co for municipal financial advisor in the amount not to exceed $15,000.

Designate Signatory for the Sister City Exchange Program.

Consider authorization of a contract with Williams & Works to perform surveying, engineering design and construction services for the 2026 City Hall Retaining Wall Replacement Project not to exceed amount of $113,955 and approve a budget amendment of $62,036.

Consider Contract for Assessing Services with Precise Tax Assessment LLC beginning May 1, 2025, to April 30, 2028, at a cost of $9,083.33 per month.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

Click to access E-Packet%20for%20Regular%20Meeting%20on%20Monday,%20April%2014,%202025..pdf

How to follow public meetings:

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.

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 comment@mt-pleasant.org.

To participate via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87811362461?pwd=bDe1tNCstHLYBAY62FrezT4nhyvGMT.1

Meeting ID: 878 1136 2461

Passcode: 201686

Phone dial-in: (312) 626-6799

The 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

Elizabeth Busch ebusch@mt-pleasant.org

Maureen Eke meke@mt-pleasant.org

Amy Perschbacher aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org

Grace Rollins grollins@mt-pleasant.org

Boomer Wingard bwingard@mt-pleasant.org

John Zang jzang@mt-pleasant.org

Persons with disabilities needing assistance to participate may call the Human Resources office on (989) 779-5314. Persons requiring speech or hearing assistance may contact the city through the Michigan Relay Center at 711. 48-hour advance notice is necessary for accommodation.

City of Mt. Pleasant 2050 Master Plan Update

The City of Mt. Pleasant is preparing to update its 2050 Master Plan. Every five years (per Public Act 33 of 2008), all Michigan cities are required to have their Planning Commissions review their Master Plans and determine if amendments are necessary, or if the city should adopt a new document.

Master Plans

Master Plans chart the direction of the City’s development for the next 30 years.

Master plans are critical policy documents. They are the primary way for the community to answer the following questions:

What do we want our community to look like in 2050?
How do we get there?
How can we ensure our community is resilient by avoiding or mitigating risks or threats that we may face?

The plan will continue to address land use, transportation, housing, downtown, economic development, and public safety.

Suggested Updates

The city’s current 2050 Master Plan reflects the need for more housing options in the community. Proposed updates are as follows:

Add information from the Mission Street Improvement Plan project. This plan, approved by the Mission Street Improvement Plan Steering Committee, and the Mission/Pickard DDA, focuses on roadway improvements, zoning updates, and strategic investments along the Mission Street Corridor.
Other suggested updates include incorporating results from the recent Parks & Recreation public outreach efforts, as well as the completed Town Center redevelopment.

Public Input Needed

Public input is imperative during this amendment process. The public is invited to participate in a series of open meetings, which will be held at City Hall, 320 W. Broadway Street. The public will have an opportunity to share their thoughts during the public comment section of each meeting. This can be done in-person or virtually, in some cases.

April 3: Planning Commission – 7 p.m. – City Hall/Hybrid

April 22: Parks & Recreation Commission – 6 p.m. – City Hall (no hybrid option)

April 28: City Commission – 7 p.m. – City Hall/Hybrid

City of Mt. Pleasant Master Planning History

Major projects and policy changes often result from a master planning process. The city adopted its first Master Plan in 1946 with subsequent plans being adopted in 1965, 1987, 2006, and 2020. For instance, the 1965 Master Plan led to the development of “Town Center” and the creation of a new 1971 zoning ordinance. The 1987 Master Plan led to significant investments in park accessibility for individuals with disabilities; facility investments to improve drinking water quality; and extensions of Bellows and Preston Streets.

For more details regarding the 2050 Master Plan Update visit www.mt-pleasant.org/masterplan.

For information about the Mission Street Improvement Plan visit www.mt-pleasant.org/missionstreet.

Summary of Minutes of the 3/24/2025 City Commission Meeting

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, March 24, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Item #12 “Appointment of Interim Clerk” was added to the agenda.

Approved the Agenda as amended.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

5) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held March 10, 2025.

6) Minutes of the special meeting of the City Commission held March 13, 2025.

7) Three-year contract with MMDC Contract for Economic Development Services in the amount of $281 per year plus 2.5% annual increase.

8) Removed from the Consent Calendar.

9) Budget Amendment for Internship Programs.

10) Payrolls and Warrants dated March 7 & 20, 2025 totaling $838,204.27.

Approved a five-year contract with HydroCorp of Troy, MI for Cross Connection Control Program and Water Meter Installation.

Prioritized and approved submission of City requests for Spring 2025 Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe 2% allocations.

Appointed Marilyn Wixson as Interim Clerk.

Conducted a work session discussion on trail/pathway speed limit ordinance.

Conducted Closed Session pursuant to subsection 8(c) of the Open Meetings Act for strategy and negotiation sessions connected with negotiation of collective bargaining agreements and subsection 9(a) of the Open Meetings Act for personnel evaluation of the City Manager.

Approved the contract between the City and the Paid On-Call Fire Fighters.

Approved the contract between the City and the Police Officers Labor Council (Firefighters) (POLC).

Approved a 4.5% increase to the City Manager’s wages retroactive to January 1, 2025.

Adjourned the meeting at 10:27 p.m.

Election Day – May 6, 2025

On May 6, 2025, an election will be held to renew the Mt. Pleasant Public School’s millage.

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

Precinct Locations:
Please note precinct locations for the May 6, 2025, election.

• Precincts 1: Ganiard Elementary School, 101 S. Adams
• Precincts 2: Pullen Elementary School, 251 S. Brown
• Precinct 3: Fancher Elementary School, 801 S. Kinney
• Absentee Voter Counting Board: Mt. Pleasant City Hall, 320 W. Broadway Street

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, May 2, 2025. 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 (vote@mt-pleasant.org). This must be completed by 5 p.m. on Friday, May 2, 2025.

Absentee voting at the Clerk’s Office is available beginning Thursday, March 27, 2025, during regular business hours with additional hours on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and on Monday, May 5, 2025, 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 voter registration application found online. This must be completed by Monday, April 21, 2025.

After Monday, April 21, 2025, voter registration will be available at the City Clerk’s office. Please bring proof of residency and a photo ID. This can be done until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

Election Day Information:
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Need a ride to and from the polls?
I-Ride is offering free rides. Call (989) 772-9441 to schedule.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – March 24, 2025

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, March 24, 2025, at 7 p.m.

Presentation from Mid-Michigan Development Corporation (MMDC) President and CEO Kati Mora on 2024 Annual Report.

Consider approval of MMDC Contract for Economic Development Services.

Consider Budget Amendment for Internship Programs.

Consider prioritization and approval of submission of City requests for Spring 2025 Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe 2% allocation.

Work Session: Trail/pathway speed limit ordinance discussion.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

Click to access E-Packet%20for%20Regular%20Meeting%20on%20Monday,%20March%2024th%202025..pdf

How to follow public meetings:

To participate via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89085993673?pwd=NW84pwGn9NPJ32IbY7YGsrXi06eurp.1

Meeting ID: 890 8599 3673

Passcode: 483503

Phone dial-in: (312) 626-6799

The 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

Elizabeth Busch ebusch@mt-pleasant.org

Maureen Eke meke@mt-pleasant.org

Amy Perschbacher aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org

Grace Rollins grollins@mt-pleasant.org

Boomer Wingard bwingard@mt-pleasant.org

John Zang jzang@mt-pleasant.org

Topics to Watch at the 2/24/2025 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, February 24, 2025, at 7 p.m.

Consider recommendation from the appointments committee for the City Commission vacancy.

Presentation from city staff on the city hall parking lot driveway entrance.

Consider Request for Proposals for City Employee Climate Survey.

Resident difficulty with refuse and recycling carts during snow events.

Distribute City Manager Review Packet.

Work Session: Central Business District Tax Increment Financing Authority (TIFA) discussion.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

Click to access E-Packet%20for%20Regular%20Meeting%20on%20Monday,%20February%2024,%202025.pdf

How to follow public meetings:

To participate via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83965613842?pwd=e4LYnDbI2aJA4labxSmgnoFR5t2PKS.1

Meeting ID: 839 6561 3842

Passcode: 425590

Phone dial-in: (312) 626-6799

The 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

Elizabeth Busch ebusch@mt-pleasant.org

Maureen Eke meke@mt-pleasant.org

Amy Perschbacher aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org

Grace Rollins grollins@mt-pleasant.org

Boomer Wingard bwingard@mt-pleasant.org

UPDATE: (2/15/2025 at 3 p.m.) The Snow Emergency has been cancelled.

UPDATE: (2/15/2025 at 3 p.m.) – The Snow Emergency has been cancelled, due to the change in forecast. Plow crews will be out tonight and early tomorrow morning to clear the roads.

Due to the significant winter weather forecast, the City of Mt. Pleasant has declared a Snow Emergency. All vehicles must be removed from the streets by 5 p.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2025, so crews can safely and effectively clear the roadways.

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, is provided through the city’s social media channels, website www.mt-pleasant.org, blog https://mpcityblog.com/, community information phone line (989-779-5320), local media notification, and an email alert.

To receive an email notification, individuals must sign up to receive the city’s monthly eConnections newsletter by visiting www.mt-pleasant.org.

Parking ordinance reminders:

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.

Mt. Pleasant City Commission Summary of Minutes – 2/10/2025

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, February 10, 2025, 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:

6) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held January 27, 2025.

7) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held January 27, 2025.

8) Bid of H&H Concrete of Clare, MI for 2025 Sidewalk Replacement Project and a budget amendment.

9) Payrolls and Warrants.

Approved a budget amendment for fund balance allocation for Retaining Wall, Parking Lot 4, and Parking Lot 5 projects.

Approved bid of McGuirk Sand & Gravel of Mt. Pleasant, MI for Parking Lots 4 & 5 Reconstruction Project.

Conducted a Work Session discussion on City Manager review process.

Adjourned the meeting at 8:50 p.m.