Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – July 27, 2020

Summary of Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, July 27, 2020, 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 July 13, 2020,

2) Authorize the Mayor to sign the electric facilities easement for Parking Lot #12 as presented.

3) Resolution approving submittal of the grant application to the Michigan Arts Council for the 2021 Paint the Intersection project.

4) Warrants and Payrolls.

Held a Public Hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1056, an Ordinance to amend portions of Title V, Chapter 50: “Solid Wastes” of the Mt. Pleasant Code of Ordinances to provide pickup options for non-single-family residential buildings in the City.

Contract amendment for the remaining sites in Eastpointe IV as recommended by the Property Committee.

Conducted a work session discuss on Charter Committee recommendations.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:03 p.m.

Election Day Access to Precinct 3 – Pullen Elementary School

Election Day is Tuesday, August 4, 2020 and for those individuals not voting absentee, the polls will be open from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Voters of Precinct 3, which is located at Pullen Elementary School, will still have access to their polling location despite the construction taking place on Brown Street.

Voters driving to the polling location have two parking options:

Voters can drive across Brown Street from Michigan Street and park in the north parking lot of the school.
Voters may also park on Illinois Court, located off of Crapo Street, and walk the trail to the east side of Pullen School.

If you need a ride to and from the polls I-Ride is offering free rides. Call (989) 772-9441 to schedule.

To confirm your polling location, visit www.michigan.gov/vote. If you have questions regarding absentee voting, or being added to the permanent absentee voter list, call (989) 779-5361.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – July 27, 2020

Here are the topics to watch at the next virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, July 27, 2020 at 7 p.m.

Public hearing on an ordinance to amend portions of Chapter 50: Solid Wastes and consider approval of the same.

Consider contract amendment for the remaining sites in Eastpointe IV as recommended by the Property Committee.

Consider approval of an easement for Parking Lot #12 for Consumer Energy.

Consider resolution authorizing Michigan Arts Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs Project Mini-Grant submission for painting the intersections.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/board/city.commission/agendas/2020/7.27.20.pdf

How to follow public meetings during social distancing:

In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, the City of Mt. Pleasant is following federal, state and county health officials’ recommendations while still providing valuable City services.

Even though the City Commission meeting will take place as scheduled, it will be an electronically conducted meeting as allowed by the Governor’s Executive Order and the City Commission Chambers will be closed to the public.

Citizens can watch the City Commission meeting live on Spectrum Charter Channel 188, web streamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/MtPleasantMi/ or via Zoom.

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

Zoom Meeting information

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89057011678?pwd=RTJJa1JNY3pmSmxwaFNKWkM2M0ozdz09

Meeting ID: 890 5701 1678

Password: 839170

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 must email their comments

UPDATE: Suspect in Bradley Street Trailer Park Homicide Arraigned

At 2:53 a.m. on July 15, the Mount Pleasant Police Department responded to a report of a homicide at 505 S. Bradley Street.

Upon arrival to the scene officers found one deceased male who was identified as 33-year old Chad Kuzma. Officers also located a 25-year-old, Mt. Pleasant man at the scene who sustained injuries from a gunshot wound. This individual was treated for his injuries and released.

Through witness statements and further investigative leads, a shooting suspect was identified as 29-year-old Charles Reid from Saginaw County. The suspect was arrested and transported to the Isabella County Jail.

Charles Reid was arraigned in the Isabella County Court on July 22, 2020 and charged with:

•Homicide – Open Murder

•Assault with intent to Murder

•Possession of Firearm by Felon

•3 counts of Felony Firearm

Reid is currently lodged in the Isabella County Jail on a $1,600,000 cash bond.

Anyone with additional 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.

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department was assisted by Michigan State Police Detectives, Michigan State Crime Lab, Michigan State Fugitive Team, Michigan State Emergency Response Team, Isabella County Sheriff’s Department, Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Police, Central Michigan University Police, Mobile Medical Response, Mt. Pleasant Fire Department, VIPER Team, MINT, Bay City Police Department, Bay City Sheriff’s Department, Saginaw County Sheriff’s Department, Zilwaukee Police Department, Michigan Department of Corrections, and FBI.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – July 13, 2020

Summary of Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, July 13, 2020, at 7:00 p.m.

City Manager Ridley spoke in memoriam of Morning Sun Reporter Mindy Norton and a moment of silence was held.

Added agenda Item #15: “Consider a resolution supporting Executive Order 2020-147 regarding face coverings.” to the agenda.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held June 22, 2020.

2) Bid of The Isabella Corporation of Mt. Pleasant, MI for the 2020 0.5 MG Elevated Tank Valve and Watermain Replacement bid.

3) Contract with J. Ranck Electric, Inc. of Mt. Pleasant, MI for traffic signal improvements as presented.

4) Received a proposed ordinance to amend portions of Chapter 50: Solid Waste and set a public hearing for Monday, July 27, 2020 at 7:00 p.m.

5) Authorized the Mayor to sign the required certificates for the EDA Grant for Industrial Park South Detention Pond.

6) Resolution to Select an Alternative Date for the 2020 July Board of Review Meeting.

7) Designated Human Resources Consultant/Safety Officer Shar Rappuhn as the employer delegate and Human Resources Director Susanne Gandy as the alternate for the 2020 MERS Annual Meeting.

8) Warrants dated June 23, July 1 and 2, 2020 and Payrolls dated June 26, 2020 all totaling $1,306,598.01.

Revised the August 2019 action related to the tree at 420 South Kinney Street such that the evaluation on the health of the tree would occur every five years or when the tree experiences storm damage, whichever occurs first.

Approved the Christmas Tree Disposal Fee resolution as presented.

Authorized the City Manager to sign the amendment to the Brownfield Loan Agreement with the revised loan terms as presented.

Approved a Resolution Supporting Executive Order 2020-147 Regarding Face Coverings. (CC Exh 8-2020)

Conducted a work session on homeowner loan/grant programs associated with MSHDA grant.

Adjourned the meeting at 8:51 p.m.

UPDATED (7/15/2020 at 2:10 p.m.): Mt. Pleasant Police Respond to Homicide

At 2:53 a.m. on July 15, the Mount Pleasant Police Department responded to a report of a homicide at 505 S. Bradley Street.

Upon arrival to the scene officers found one deceased male who has been identified as 33-year old Chad Kuzma. Officers also located a 25-year-old, Mt. Pleasant man at the scene who sustained injuries from a gunshot wound. This individual has been treated for his injuries and released.

Mt. Pleasant Police Department, along with other local Detectives are following all leads and are working to identify the suspect. This is an ongoing and open investigation. Updates will immediately be provided as information becomes available.

If you have any information in regards to this incident, please contact the Mount Pleasant Police Department’s anonymous tip line at 989-779-9111 or Isabella County Central Dispatch at 989-773-1000. The Mt. Pleasant Police Department was assisted by Michigan State Police, Isabella County Sheriff’s Department, Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Police, Central Michigan University Police, Mobile Medical Response and the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department.

Mt. Pleasant Police Respond to Homicide

Mt. Pleasant MI – At 2:53 a.m. on July 15, the Mount Pleasant Police Department responded to a report of a homicide at 505 S. Bradley Street.

Upon arrival officers found one deceased male and one male injured from gunshot wounds.

There is currently no description of a suspect available at this time. This is an ongoing and open investigation. Updates will immediately be provided as information becomes available.

The name of the victim will be released pending the notification of family members.

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department was assisted by Michigan State Police, Isabella County Sheriff’s Department, Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Police, Central Michigan University Police, Mobile Medical Response and the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department.

Mt. Pleasant City Commission adopts resolution in support of wearing face masks due to COVID-19

On July 13, 2020 the Mt. Pleasant City Commission adopted a resolution in support of wearing face masks due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). This new virus strain is an easily transferrable respiratory disease which can result in serious illness or death. Isabella County has recently seen an increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases.

RESOLUTION SUPPORTING EXECUTIVE ORDER 2020-147 REGARDING FACE COVERINGS

WHEREAS, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease that can result in serious illness or death and it is caused by a new strain of virus that has not previously been identified in humans and can easily spread from person to person; and

WHEREAS, Governor Whitmer has declared a state of emergency to harness resources across the state to slow the spread of the virus including, but not limited to, requiring face coverings in public places and in certain instances outdoors (Executive Order 2020-147); and

WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued guidance to the public and employers to slow the spread of the virus including, but not limited to, encouraging individuals to wear face coverings and practice social distancing; and

WHEREAS, there has been a recent increase in confirmed cases within Isabella County; and

WHEREAS, the City Commission recognizes the importance and effectiveness of face coverings in helping to slow the spread of the virus; and

WHEREAS, the City Commission desires to assist in returning to economic stability, which can more likely be obtained if businesses can stay open and gradually return to full capacity, and understands that this may be dependent on slowing the spread of the virus; and

WHEREAS, the City Commission desires to do what it can to keep residents, visitors, business owners and front-line workers safe; and

WHEREAS, the City Commission emphasizes the personal responsibility of each individual to wear a face covering and believes doing so reflects a sign of respect for neighbors, front line and essential workers, and all residents and visitors

WHEREAS, the City Commission desires to provide leadership and support to implement the wearing of face coverings; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Commission of the City of Mount Pleasant as follows:

The City Commission supports Executive Order 2020-147 requiring wearing of face coverings in any indoor public space and when outdoors and unable to maintain a distance of six feet or more from individuals who are not members of the same household.

Individuals are encouraged to implement their personal responsibility by wearing face coverings as required to help keep others safe both in public places and as appropriate outdoors and to eliminate putting businesses and law enforcement in the position of enforcing the standards

Businesses are encouraged to do their part in implementing the requirements so that customers feel safe that the expected protocols are in place.

In the rare instances where law enforcement is called upon for enforcement, the City Commission supports the approach of educating first and attempting to get voluntary compliance. Using law enforcement discretion, in instances where personal responsibility and voluntary compliance cannot be achieved and the law enforcement staff feels that enforcement is the best option in the circumstances, enforcement that is deemed necessary will be supported.

Topics to watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – July 13, 2020

Here are the topics to watch at the next virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, July 13, 2020 at 7 p.m.

Introduce an ordinance to amend Chapter 50: Solid Wastes and set a public hearing for July 27, 2020 on the same.

Consider authorizing the execution of documents associated with the Economic Development Association (EDA) Grant for Industrial Park South Detention Pond.

Consider resolution to select an alternative date for the 2020 July Board of Review meeting.

Consider postponed resolution setting fee for Christmas tree pickup.

Consider authorization for amended loan repayment terms for Brownfield Redevelopment Loan.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

Click to access 7.13.20.pdf

How to follow public meetings during social distancing:

In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, the City of Mt. Pleasant is following federal, state and county health officials’ recommendations while still providing valuable City services.

Citizens can watch the City Commission meeting live on Spectrum Charter Channel 188, web streamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/MtPleasantMi/ or via Zoom.

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

Zoom Meeting information

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89057011678?pwd=RTJJa1JNY3pmSmxwaFNKWkM2M0ozdz09

Meeting ID: 890 5701 1678

Password: 839170

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 must email their comments to comment@mt-pleasant.org either before or during the meeting. Individuals must include their name and address.

Update from City Manager, Nancy Ridley – July 2020

The past several months challenged us in ways we never thought possible. We found ourselves battling, and continuing to battle, a virus that knows no boundaries. Once only a news story from across the globe, COVID-19 quickly made its presence known in our state and in our community.

Throughout our City we were required to temporarily close many of our businesses and schools and halted our daily activities. As we start to reopen, like the rest of the nation, we are trying to find the delicate balance of getting our society up and running while staying socially distanced and safe. To accomplish this, City Commissioners and City staff are finding creative ways to conduct City business and assist our local businesses and residents in this financially challenging time.

Outdoor Business Activity Options

To make the transition of doing business in a COVID-19 landscape a little easier, the City Commission adopted a resolution temporarily authorizing outdoor business activities for all businesses within the City limits.These activities include waiving certain standards and fees for outdoor dining, tent and merchandise display permits.

To allow for proper social distancing, businesses are able to utilize the space directly in front of their establishment and possibly adjacent frontage of service providers who will not be using their outdoor space. Although license fees are being waived, businesses must still apply for an outdoor dining license or merchandise display license if using public space. Expedited approvals are in place for use of privately-owned outdoor space.

In the downtown business district, Broadway Street between Main and University Street is closed for restaurant, merchant and public use. Even though this street closure has the possibility to last until September 30, staff is reviewing it every two weeks.

Summer Tax Payments

Due to financial hardships the COVID-19 pandemic may have caused to City taxpayers, the City Commission also approved waiving late charges which accrue on unpaid taxes from August 1 to September 14. This waiver is for tax payers who do not escrow their tax payments with financial institutions. Based on state law, interest will be applied at the rate of 1% on any unpaid balance on September 15, 2020 and the rate shall increase by 1% each month thereafter until paid.

Additionally, some taxpayers may qualify for deferment of Summer Taxes to February 2021. Taxpayers who meet certain eligibility requirements can file for deferment of Summer 2020 taxes to February 14, 2021. This deferment only applies to a principal residence property. Details can be found at: https://mpcityblog.com/2020/06/30/city-of-mt-pleasant-summer-property-tax-bill-information/

Past Due Utility Bill Payment Plans

If you are having difficulty paying a past due utility bill, please contact the Utility Billing Department to discuss payment plan options. The City Commission authorized staff to approve payment plans within certain parameters during this time. (989) 779-5387.

Island Park Improvement Projects

Even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic City staff are working on the following Island Park improvement projects.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Pedestrian Bridge leading to Pickens Field is being replaced. This includes adding a half mile trail to Island Park’s existing paved trail. Once completed, the one-mile trail will circle the island and feature outdoor fitness equipment along the route. This project, partially funded by a Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant and Tribal 2% funds should be completed by the end of August.

The Island Park Amphitheater’s decorative concrete walls, stone pillars and wood ceiling will be seal coated. During this process the amphitheater will not be available for use. This project is expected to be complete by the end of July.

Street Construction

City staff worked with construction contractors to complete three projects while traffic volumes were low. The Michigan and Pickard Street projects were completed ahead of schedule.

Michigan Street from Oak to Washington was reconstructed.
Pickard Street from Mission and Bradley was milled and overlaid.
The alley west of Mission, bordered by Bellows, Arnold and Gaylord Streets was reconstructed and completed on schedule.

Currently, work is occurring to reconstruct Brown Street from North Drive to Broadway, as well as the parking lot at University and Illinois.

Stay safe.

We hope some of these programs and improvement projects make this transition period a bit easier for our residents. Thank you for following the recommended guidelines from our health officials, as well as wearing a face mask when out in public. Stay safe and be well.