Robbery at “The Store” in the City of Mt. Pleasant, MI

On January 22, 2019 at approximately 12:36 a.m. “The Store” located at 2128 S. Mission Street in the city of Mt. Pleasant was the victim of a robbery.

A black male, believed to be in his late 20’s, entered The Store and engaged in a conversation with the lone clerk.

The suspect suddenly jumped over the counter knocking the cash register to the floor. The suspect verbally threatened the clerk as he removed an undetermined amount of cash from the register.

The suspect then threatened the clerk with a bottle before fleeing the store in an unknown direction.

This incident was reported to the Mt. Pleasant Police at approximately 1:00 p.m. on January 22, 2019.

The suspect is described as a black male in his late 20’s, over 6’ tall, with a thin beard. The suspect was last seen wearing a black hat with the #1 or #7 on the front, a black and gray hooded sweatshirt, dark gray “Nike” sweat pants, and gray and red basketball shoes.

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department is asking anyone with information about this incident, or the identity of the subject, to call the Anonymous Tip Line at 989-779-9111.

Surveillance video from the robbery can be viewed at facebook.com/mtppublicsafety

the store 1222019

Summary of minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, January 7, 2019

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

Commissioner Joseph was elected Mayor for 2019.

Commissioner Gillis was elected Vice Mayor for 2019.

Set time and day of regular meetings for 2019.

Mayor Joseph read and presented a proclamation in support of Peacemaking Recognition Day, January 21, 2019, to Laura Gourlay of the Mt. Pleasant Public Schools Peacemaking Committee.

Finance Director Kornexl gave a presentation on the small business tax exemption available to those businesses that qualify.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1)Minutes of the special meeting of the City Commission held December 4, 2018.

2) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held December 4, 2018.

3) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held December 10, 2018.

4) Resolutions #1 and #2 to commence proceedings for special assessment, tentatively determine the necessity, and set a Public Hearing for January 28, 2019, regarding the necessity of Special Assessment District #1-19.

5) Authorized Finance Director Kornexl to approve the issuance of payrolls and warrants from January 4, 2019 to January 14, 2019.

6) Appointments of City Officials to applicable City boards and commissions for 2019.

Approved an amendment to the R & T Murphy Trucking contract for leaf hauling services.

Approved appointments to various City Boards and Commissions as recommended by the Appointments Committee.

City Attorney Homier conducted a training session on the Open Meetings Act (OMA) and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

Adjourned at 8:42 p.m.

City to hold fourth Citizens’ Academy of Mt. Pleasant; now accepting applications

The fourth Citizens’ Academy of Mt. Pleasant is now accepting applications. Presented by the City of Mt. Pleasant, the academy is designed to engage members of the community and to expand their knowledge of the structure and functions of local government.

Participants will attend seven, three-hour weekly sessions beginning Tuesday, February 19. Each session will offer an in-depth look at the fundamentals of the City’s administration and budget; public works and utilities; parks and recreation; public safety; and community development. Additional topics covered include the basics of local government, elections and more.

The Citizens’ Academy is open to anyone living, working, owning property or attending school in the City.

“The Citizen’s Academy is an opportunity for residents to capture a close up view of how a municipality operates.” said Mt. Pleasant City Planner Jacob Kain. “Past participants have indicated the program is informative, enjoyable and has broadened their insight into local government.”

Registration for the academy is free and space is limited. Sessions will occur on the following Tuesdays: February 19, February 26, March 12, March 19, April 2, April 9, and April 16. Graduates of the academy will be recognized at the April 22 City Commission meeting.

Applications are available at City Hall or online, and are accepted until January 31, 2019. Find the application and learn more at www.mt-pleasant.org/citizensacademy

Vaping on the rise among teens

MT. PLEASANT, MI – Over the past several months the Mt. Pleasant Police Department has been closely monitoring the use and accessibility of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), e-juice (vaping liquids) and other nicotine products among middle and high school students. After conducting compliance checks at several tobacco retailers within the City of Mt. Pleasant, three local businesses were cited for Selling Tobacco Products to a Minor (anyone under the age of 18.)

What are e-cigarettes/vape pens?

E-cigarettes or vape pens, have become very popular among middle and high school aged students. They are sold in many different shapes and sizes and resemble a thumb drive, cell phone battery charger or make-up containers, which makes it difficult for parents to identify.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) describes e-cigarettes as: A product which allows a user to inhale aerosol containing nicotine and other substances, and at times, marihuana. E-cigarettes are composed of a rechargeable, battery-operated heat element, a cartridge that contains nicotine, and other flavored chemicals (e-juice/vape juice), and an atomizer. When heated, the device converts the contents of the cartridge into an aerosol which is often flavored. The fruity and candy-flavored vape juice is most popular among adolescents.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there has been a 78 percent increase in vaping by high school students, with 3.6 million high school and middle school students now using e-cigarettes.

Vaping misconceptions and health warnings

There are misconceptions that vaping is not dangerous or addictive. The Surgeon General has reported that the use of vape pens, which are nicotine products, do pose a danger.

In youth, vaping can disrupt the growth of brain circuits that control attention, learning and susceptibility to addiction. The nicotine in e-cigarettes and other tobacco products can prime young brains for addiction to other drugs, such as cocaine and methamphetamine.

Nicotine exposure during pregnancy can affect fetal and postnatal development as well as contribute to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Nicotine poisoning and symptoms

Ingestion of e-cigarette liquids containing nicotine can cause acute toxicity and possible death if the contents of the refill cartridges or bottles are consumed.

One conventional cigarette contains approximately 1 mg of nicotine. Those smoking conventional cigarettes only absorb about 1/10^th of the 1 mg of nicotine. Some manufacturers are producing e-juice/vaping juice with 30-40 + mg of nicotine in a cartridge, which is considered lethal to adults. Nicotine poisoning tends to be more critical in children and adults who are first time users.

Symptoms of nicotine poisoning include nausea, vomiting, increased blood pressure, abnormal heart rate, dehydration, loss of appetite, extreme fatigue, dizziness, headache, gas, anxiety, and hearing and vision changes. Nausea and vomiting are the most notable symptoms in youth.

For a summary of common vaping myths and FAQ’s visit: https://www.fda.gov/downloads/TobaccoProducts/AboutCTP/UCM624891.pdf

Electronic Cigarettes, E-Cigs, Vape Pens

E-Juice, Vape Juice

Vape Juice

###

Refuse and Recycling Reminders

During the holiday season, we all tend to generate more trash. Here are some trash/recycling tips to make this a hassle-free holiday season.

Remember the 34-gallon rule. Trash cans may not exceed 34-gallons in size.
Did I use enough tags or bags? Extra trash that exceeds the top of the can must be individually tagged with a City refuse tag or placed in a City refuse bag.
Remember the 50 lb. weight limit. Cans or bags that are deemed too heavy will not be picked up.
Split it up. If you have a large number of trash bags, put a few bags out each week.
Be on time. Trash and recycling must be at the collection site (curb or alley) by 7:00 a.m. If you set it out later, you risk not having it collected.
Prepare properly. Rinse out plastic bottles and cans. Flatten all cardboard boxes. Large boxes must be cut down to 2’ x 3’ sections for curbside recycling. Flattened large boxes may also be taken to the Materials Recovery Facility (4208 E. River Road) as well as large pieces of Styrofoam. Bubble wrap and Styrofoam packing peanuts can be included with your trash.
Using extra bins for recycling. If you have more recycling that can fit inside your City bin, you can use another container such as an old laundry basket, or plastic container, do not use cardboard boxes.
Wrapping paper is not recyclable. Wrapping paper is not recyclable at the MRF. Please do not place it in your recycling bins, it will not be collected.
OOPS! What happened? If you receive an OOPS card from the refuse or recycling collection crews, it will state a reason why your refuse/recycling was not collected.

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, December 10, 2018

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, December 10, 2018, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room.

Mayor Lents presented the newly created Collins Drive street sign to Bill and Doug Collins as representatives of the Collins family.

Approved motion to add Item #22: “Consider elimination of the Citizen Advisory Board and mandate that instead the Public Safety Director meet monthly with the Mt. Pleasant Area Diversity Group, Isabella County Human Rights Committee and City/CMU Liaison Committee.”; 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 November 26, 2018.

2) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held November 26, 2018.

3) Contract with Ferguson Waterworks of Grand Rapids, MI, for 2019 water meter purchase.

4) Resolution for Final Amended 2018 Operating Budget.

5) Contract with Space, Inc. of Midland, MI for the design, purchase and installation of walls/furniture at the Borden Building.

6) Set first meeting of 2019 for Monday, January 7, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room.

7) Warrants and Payrolls.

Approved Resolution for the 2019 Annual Operating Budget and setting of millage rate.

Authorized the Mayor to sign the EPA consent order as recommended by the City Attorney.

Approved a 2% wage adjustment for City Manager.

Appointments to various City Boards and Commissions as recommended by the Appointments Committee and correction for Board of Review appointment.

Cancelled the December 17, 2018 regularly scheduled City Commission meeting.

Authorized Finance Director Mary Ann Kornexl to approve the issuance of payrolls and warrants from December 11, 2018 through January 4, 2019.

Rescind the creation of the Citizen Advisory Board and mandated that instead the Public Safety Director meet monthly with the Mt. Pleasant Area Diversity Group, Isabella County Human Rights Committee and City/CMU Liaison Committee and at the end of the year a report would be prepared for the Commission.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:16 p.m.

Join the Mt. Pleasant Police to support Toys for Tots

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. – The City of Mt. Pleasant Police Department invites the public to help ‘cram a cruiser’ from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, December 17 at Mt Pleasant’s Department 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 and Mrs. Claus, 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.

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

Topics to Watch at the December 10 City Commission Meeting

To see the full City Commission agenda and packet for the December 10, 2018 meeting click here.

-Presentation of Collins Drive street sign to Doug Collins as representative of the Collins family.

-Consider resolution approving the final 2019 Operating Budget and set the millage rate for 2019.

-Consider resolution approving the final amended 2018 Operating Budget.

-Consider setting the first meeting of 2019 for Monday, January 7, 2019.

-Thank you to Mayor Allison Quast-Lents and Vice Mayor Nicholas Madaj for their service the past three years.

Mt. Pleasant City Commission meetings take place at 7 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month at City Hall, 320 W. Broadway Street.

Mt. Pleasant City Commission meetings are also streamed live at the City’s YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/MtPleasantMi/ and aired on Channel 188, or viewed online at a later date on the MACTV website.

Mt. Pleasant Christmas Festival Downtown Road Closures and Weather Forecast

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. – In preparation for the 25^th Annual Christmas Celebration’s lighted parade, the following downtown streets will be closed on Saturday, December 1, 2018.

Streets closed from 1:00 – 8:00 p.m.

-Main Street between Illinois and Mosher.

-Broadway Street between Main and Lansing.

Streets closed from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.

-Main Street from Cherry to Illinois.

Cars left on the street will be subject to towing. Please seek alternate routes during these time frames.

Weather Forecast/Festival Schedule Updates

Festival planners are closely watching the weather forecast for this weekend. A decision regarding cancellation of the lighted parade and fireworks will be made by 12 noon on Saturday, December 1. Updates will be provided on the City of Mt. Pleasant and Downtown Mt. Pleasant Facebook pages.

25th Annual Christmas Celebration and fireworks display

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. – Downtown Mt. Pleasant will be filled with holiday spirit at the annual Christmas Celebration slated for November 30 – December 1, 2018. A community tradition for 25 years, this event offers a variety of activities for the whole family beginning with a sing-along and tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. on Friday at Town Center (Broadway and Main Streets.)

Saturday highlights include a pancake breakfast with Santa at 9 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Parish Hall. Admission is $7 per person and children under four are $5. At 6 p.m. the lighted parade will wind through the streets of downtown and feature McLaren Central Michigan Hospital as grand marshal.

This year’s parade will host a contest for “Most Lights,” “Most Creative/Best Craftsmanship,” “Most Holiday Spirit,” and “Best in Show.” To be eligible to compete, parade applications must be submitted to City Hall by Nov. 29.

On Saturday, the festival grand finale includes a fireworks display at 7 p.m. visible from the downtown area. This show, sponsored by the Bird Bar and Grill, is honoring both the 85^th anniversary of The Bird and the 25^th anniversary of the Christmas Celebration. The fireworks will be shot off from a location in Island Park and will be visible throughout the downtown and surrounding areas. City Manager Nancy Ridley shared, “Mt. Pleasant is fortunate to have members of our community who believe in our city and want to give back, providing opportunities for our residents to gather and make memories.”

For a complete list of activities visit www.facebook.com/downtownmp.