2019 Fall Leaf Collection and Sidewalk Snow Plowing Information. – UPDATED 11/26/19

11/26/19 UPDATE:

A third leaf collection will take place throughout the City beginning Tuesday, December 3, 2019. All leaves must be placed out on the street by Monday, December 2, 2019 to be picked up during this final collection. Please do not place any additional leaves out on the street after December 2.

Any remaining leaves left after the December 3 pickup may be bagged and disposed, for a fee, at the Material Recovery Facility located at 4208 E. River Road, Mt. Pleasant. Leaves left out in the street after the December 3 collection will be the responsibility of the property owner and may be subject to code enforcement.

This year’s leaf collection schedule was impacted by October and November snowfalls leaving a considerable amount of snow and ice. Due to this snow accumulation and frigid temperatures, the wet leaves froze making it challenging for both residents to rake, and street crews to pick up the piles of leaves.

We appreciate your understanding and flexibility as we maneuver through this weather challenged Fall that has forced periodic adjustments to our leaf collection schedule. As previously announced, a Spring leaf collection will be scheduled at a later date.

Thank you again for your understanding during this collection process and please share this information with your neighbors.

If you have questions you may contact the Division of Public Works at (989) 779-5401.

11/18/19 UPDATE:

Leaf Collection and Sidewalk Snowplowing Update

When Fall and Winter collide we, as a community, are faced with the challenge of collecting leaves while also clearing the streets and sidewalks of snow. Below is an update on the leaf collection schedule, as well as sidewalk snow plowing.

Leaf Collection

Leaf collection will take place throughout the City during the week of November 18.

Due to the winter weather conditions, the leaf collection originally scheduled for November 25-27 has been cancelled. A Spring collection will be announced at a later date.

Please do not place any additional leaves out on the street. Leaves left out in the street will be the responsibility of the homeowner and subject to code enforcement.

Remaining leaves may be bagged and disposed, for a fee, at the Material Recovery Facility located at 4208 E. River Road, Mt. Pleasant.

Sidewalk Snow Plowing Update

We realize improvements to our sidewalk snowplowing process are necessary. As many of you are aware, sod was damaged by City staff during the recent clearing of some residential sidewalks, this was primarily due to new equipment being used. Adjustments to the new plow blades are being completed to rectify this problem. In the Spring, City staff will repair the damage caused by the sidewalk plow by putting down new black dirt and grass seed.

We understand the frustration and appreciate your patience as we make adjustments to our equipment and the snow clearing process. If you have questions you may contact the Division of Public Works at (989) 779-5401.

Mt. Pleasant Fire Department responds to fire at Fairfield Inn

On November 15, 2019 at 7:29 p.m. the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department (MPFD) was dispatched to a structure fire at the Fairfield Inn located at 2525 S. University Park Drive. Firefighters arrived on scene and observed heavy smoke coming from the heating unit in Room 218, which was unoccupied at the time.

The building’s fire alarm prompted the evacuation of the entire building and the sprinkler system extinguished the fire in Room 218 before firefighters arrived. The building’s lobby suffered water damage and Room 218 suffered extensive fire and smoke damage. The cause of the fire remains under investigation at this time.

There were no reported injuries to hotel guests, staff or firefighters. The MPFD escorted hotel guests to gather their belongings and all guests are being relocated to other properties for the evening.

The Mt Pleasant Fire Department was assisted by the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Fire Department, the Shepherd Tri-Township Fire Department and Mobile Medical Response.

Summary of minutes of City Commission Meeting – November 11, 2019

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, November 11, 2019, at 7:01 p.m., in the City Commission Room.

Mayor Joseph read and presented a Proclamation to CMLife staff members recognizing the 100th Anniversary of Central Michigan Life (CMLife).

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held October 28, 2019.

2) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held October 28, 2019.

3) Receive recommended naming request for Island Park Field #1 (Kaye Bouck) and set a public hearing for November 25, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. on same.

4) Approval of Demand Response Program with Consumers Energy.

5) Warrants and Payrolls.

Held a public hearing on proposed 2020 Annual Operating Budget. No action required by the Commission at this time.

Held a public hearing and passed Ordinance 1053, an Ordinance to add a new subsection 154.410.B.4.b and amendment to table 154.410.A. of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinance to regulate recreational marihuana establishments as special uses.

Held a public hearing and passed Ordinance 1054, an Ordinance to amend Chapter 133: FIREWORKS of the Mt. Pleasant Code of Ordinances to comply with state law.

Approved the proposal from AKT Peerless to provide environmental consulting services and additional testing at the former landfill site, located at 1303 N. Franklin Street, and amended the 2019 budget.

Authorized the Mayor to sign a letter of support for the Neighborhood Enhancement Program grant application.

Authorized a sole source contract with GameTime through OMNIA Partners Program for the purchase of two playground structures and amended 2019 budget.

Approved taking no action at this time and allow the Planning Commission to make recommendations as needed on the Zoning Ordinance.

Approved resolution supporting fee recommendations for recreational marihuana establishment applications as presented.

Authorized the Mayor to sign the Union Township petition for improvements to McGuirk Street, Rosemarie Lane, Mamie Street and James Court in the McGuirk Estates Subdivision.

Approved re-appointments as recommended by the Appointments Committee.

Approved appointments as recommended by the Appointments Committee.

Conducted a work session discussion on the 2020 Operating Budget.

Adjourned the meeting at 10:03 p.m.

Topics to watch at the City Commission Meeting – November 11, 2019

Here are the topics to watch at the next Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, November 11, 2019 at City Hall, 320 W. Broadway Street.

-Proclamation recognizing 100^th Anniversary of Central Michigan Life (CMLife).

-Public hearing on the proposed 2020 Annual Operating Budget.

-Public hearing on an ordinance to add a new subsection 154.410.B.4.b and amendment to table 154.410.A of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinance to regulate recreational marihuana establishments as special uses and consider approval of the same.

-Public hearing on an ordinance to amend Chapter 133: Fireworks to comply with state law and consider approval of the same.

-Bids and Quotations: Environmental Consulting Services as postponed from meeting of October 28, 2019.

-Consider grant acceptance from GameTime, sole source purchase of playground equipment and budget amendment for the same.

-Consider resolution supporting fee recommendations for recreational marihuana establishment applications.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/board/city.commission/agendas/2019/11.11.19.pdf

Be a Good Neighbor – Keep Sidewalks Clear of Snow and Ice

For All Residents: In May 2019, the City Commission decided to expand city residential sidewalk snowplowing from approximately 13 miles to approximately 25 miles within three years, and adding at least five miles each year thereafter with the goal of clearing all, or a majority of the 46 miles of city residential district sidewalks. An evaluation of the effectiveness will be conducted after the first three years.

To provide more time for evaluation of the expanded process, City staff will begin sidewalk snowplowing along 25 miles of residential sidewalks this season. No salt will be used. The expanded areas are based on an evaluation of school locations, parks, other assumed high walking areas where pedestrian lighting exists, and contiguous areas to the extent practical. Sidewalk snowplowing by City staff will generally not start until the City streets, alleys and parking lots have been cleared.

For a map on which sidewalks will be plowed visit: www.mt-pleasant.org/maps. For those sidewalks not currently being plowed by City staff, please keep the safety of your family and neighbors in mind and remove the snow from your sidewalk and mailbox approach as soon as practical after inclement weather.

For Commercial and Industrial Property Owners: City ordinance requires commercial and industrial property owners to clear sidewalks within 18 hours after sleet, freezing rain or snow stops falling, with the exception of Sundays and holidays (Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day). In this case, snow must be cleared by noon the day following the Sunday or holiday. If the snow or ice is too hard to remove, the owner must spread enough sand or other abrasive material to make travel safe and as soon as weather permits, must clear a path of at least 48 inches in width.

Code enforcement officers can write a municipal civil infraction ticket to commercial and industrial property owners who do not fulfill this requirement of the ordinance. For further information, contact Assistant Fire Chief Doug Lobsinger at (989) 779-5123 or dlobsinger@mt-pleasant.org.

Join the Mt. Pleasant Police to support Toys for Tots and Visit with Santa

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department invites the public to help ‘cram a cruiser’ and visit with Santa from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 4 at Mt Pleasant’s Division of Public Safety.

Attendees are asked to bring a new, unwrapped, unopened toy to support the local Toys for Tots Drive. The evening includes the chance to visit with Santa, meet the officers from the Mt. Pleasant Police and Fire Departments, sit behind the wheel of a fire truck, and enjoy hot cocoa and candy canes.

With each toy donated you earn a chance to win a half-day, two-person walleye fishing trip on the Saginaw Bay.

Parking and entrance will be at the rear (south side) of the Public Safety Building, 804 E. High Street.

Nov. 16 is “Ladies’ Night Out” in downtown Mt. Pleasant

This year’s annual Ladies’ Night Out event will feature fantastic shopping opportunities and giveaways in downtown Mt. Pleasant while benefiting two local women’s organizations – the Women’s Initiative and R.I.S.E. Advocacy, Inc., formally known as Women’s Aid Service.

The event begins at 4 p.m. on November 16 at the Broadway Theatre. With a $5 donation at the door, ladies will enter the theatre for fun and an exciting raffle featuring prizes provided by local businesses. Once the giveaways are distributed, ladies can visit participating downtown businesses to take part in the countless in-store giveaways, promotions and specials.

A number of area businesses are also offering deals and discounts known as “Early Girl Specials” throughout the entire day. Visit the events calendar at www.facebook.com/downtownmp for the full list of these sales and specials.

Over the last 14 years, the Ladies’ Night Out event has raised more than $25,000 for the Women’s Initiative and R.I.S.E. Advocacy, Inc.

The Women’s Initiative Fund, initiated by the Mt. Pleasant Community Foundation, provides for the needs of women and girls in Isabella County by granting funds to local organizations that combat the issues more commonly faced by women, including single parenting, abuse, eating disorders and more. R.I.S.E. Advocacy, Inc. provides emergency shelter and crisis intervention for domestic violence victims, as well as counseling services and support groups for victims of violence. For more information about these organizations, visit their websites at www.mpacf.org and http://www.riseadvocacy.org

Mt. Pleasant Police Department seeking assistance in identifying suspect

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying a male suspect who was at the EZ Mart, 1911 South Mission Street at approximately 1:30 p.m. on October 30, 2019. The store manager reported the male had stolen items and then left in an unidentified vehicle.

The suspect is described as a white male in his 30’s, approximately 6’ tall, with facial hair and light brown hair. The suspect was wearing blue jeans and a dark color hoodie.

If you have any information in regards to the identification of this subject, please contact The Mt. Pleasant Police Department’s Anonymous Tip Line at 989-779-9111.

Summary of Minutes of City Commission Meeting – October 28, 2019

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, October 28, 2019, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held October 14, 2019.

2) Authorized Finance Director Mary Ann Kornexl to sign a contract with Tokio Marine HCC for health insurance stop loss coverage.

3) Resolution in support of Traffic Control Order No. 3-2019.

4) Received proposed Ordinance to amend Chapter 133: Fireworks to comply with State law and set a public hearing for November 11, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. on same.

5) 2019 budget adjustment to allow for a one-time payment to MERS.

6) Warrants and Payrolls.

Postponed action on environmental consulting services until next meeting to receive maps of drill holes and boundaries of landfill; justification for drilling holes in capped landfill; assurance that drilling will not cause future problems; and confirmation of the information regarding if aquifer and/or river is being contaminated.

Approved the resolution recognizing the importance of the 2020 Census as presented.

Approved amendment of the prior approval to include the purchase of two self-unloading trailers with compartments from Pro-Tainer and an additional budget amendment.

Confirmed the purchase of 800 tons of road salt for early delivery and the appropriate budget amendments.

Approved and conducted a closed session pursuant to subsection 8(e) of the Open Meetings Act to consult with counsel regarding pending litigation Fisher Transportation Company et al v. Union Township et al.

Requested the City Manager investigate the sewer connection situation in the alley between Fancher and Kinney and Locust and Wisconsin and, if appropriate, grant an exception on the sewer connection as per the Code of Ordinances, Section 51.040 and the City Manager will provide a report back to the City Commission including the basis of the decision.

Authorized the City Attorney to execute the consent to vacate part of the recorded plat in regard to the Fisher Transportation Company, et al v. Union Township, et al lawsuit.

Conducted a work session discussion on the 2020 Operating Budget.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:56 p.m.

UM-Dearborn’s iLabs’ eCities research recognizes City of Mt. Pleasant for supporting business in their community

The City of Mt. Pleasant has been recognized for its successes and efforts in contributing to Michigan’s entrepreneurial growth and economic development in the annual eCities study conducted by researchers at iLabs, University of Michigan-Dearborn’s Center for Innovation Research. Mt. Pleasant was honored as a four-star community along with 178 other communities across the state. This is the fifth time the City has been recognized by UM-Dearborn.

According to City Manager Nancy Ridley, “Mt. Pleasant receiving this recognition is evidence that our community continues to make comprehensive improvements. The Redevelopment Ready Community certification process provides the City an opportunity to review and continually improve upon our current policies and processes.” Ridley continued, “The increased level of investment to our commercial corridors is a result of this commitment by both our public and private leaders, alike.”

The eCities study analyzed publicly available data from 277 communities from 54 counties in Michigan. Researchers focused on the five-year changes in property values, community assets, and tax rates, which can demonstrate the growth, investments and cost of doing business within the community. For example, over the five-year period of 2014-2018, these communities increased their capital assets by an average of 2.25 percent per year by investments such as road and parking structure improvements, water main and streetscape upgrades, as well as police, fire, and computer equipment, while property tax rates increased by less than 1 percent on average per year.

“While accounting for only about 15 percent of the cities and townships in Michigan, the 277 communities analyzed are home to 70 percent of the population and 85 percent of the state’s commercial property,” said Tim Davis, the College of Business’ assistant dean for student engagement and success. “By analyzing these high-performing communities, our goal is to showcase what cities and townships are doing to spur growth and how we can continue to support their efforts in developing business and encouraging entrepreneurs.”