Island Park Ice Rink Now Open

The Island Park Ice Rink is now open to skaters. Located on the south softball field this 54’ x 95’ rink is open daily, weather permitting. There is no charge to use this facility, which is maintained by the City of Mt. Pleasant Parks Department.

As you are gathering up your skates, please review the outdoor ice rink rules before you hit the ice.

Island Park Outdoor Ice Rink Rules

Hours of Operation:

The Island Park Ice Rink is open daily, weather permitting.

The City of Mount Pleasant reserves the right to close the Ice Rink at any time in its sole discretion by posting a sign on the rink which states, “Rink Closed – No Skating.” Skaters shall not enter the Ice Rink area when the sign is posted.

Code of Conduct:

All Ice Rink participants, including skaters and bystanders, will be required to follow the general rules of conduct established in the City’s Parks and Recreation Ordinance (Section 97.01 – 97.21 of the City Code of Ordinances) while at the Ice Rink.

Further, all Ice Rink participants will be required to adhere to the following Ice Rink specific rules and regulations:

Skaters shall be courteous and cautious of other skaters and bystanders while using the skating area. Skaters shall not push, shove, or otherwise engage in raucous behavior while using the skating area.
Skaters shall not dig, spray, chip, throw, or otherwise expel ice or snow within the skating area.
The following shall be prohibited in the skating area:
1. Food and beverage items;
2. Tobacco products;
3. Hockey equipment, including hockey sticks, pucks, and nets;
4. Street shoes; and
5. Animals.
Skaters under the age of 5 shall be under adult supervision while in the skating area. The Ice Rink does not have designated supervisors. Skaters shall skate at their own risk.

Failure to abide by the rules and regulations of the Ice Rink could result in enforcement actions against you.

Lost Items and Reporting Misconduct:

The City of Mt. Pleasant is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items.

Report damage or acts of abuse to Mt. Pleasant Parks and Recreation at (989) 779-5331 or Police Anonymous T.I.P. Line at (989) 779-9111. In case of emergency call 911.

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

The eighth Citizens’ Academy 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 weekly sessions beginning Tuesday, February 18, 2025. 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 of Mt. Pleasant. Director of Planning & Community Development Manuela Powidayko shared, “The Citizens’ Academy is an opportunity for residents to capture a close-up view of how a municipality operates and the many services the city provides on a daily basis.”

Registration for the academy is free and space is limited. Sessions will occur on the following Tuesdays from 6 – 8:30 p.m.: February 18, February 25, March 4, March 18, April 1, April 8, and April 15. CMU learning credits may be available for those who complete the program. Graduates of the academy will be recognized at the April 21 City Commission meeting.

Applications are available at City Hall or online and are accepted until February 4, 2025. Find the application and learn more at www.mt-pleasant.org/citizensacademy.

Sidewalk Snow and Ice Removal Reminders

The City’s Snow and Ice Removal from Sidewalks Ordinance (98.37) is focused on safety. As the winter weather approaches, there are items we need to remember.

Owners and/or occupants of all properties within the City must clear any accumulation of ice and/or snow from public sidewalks adjoining such property.

Clearing must be done within 24 hours of accumulation or placement of snow and/or ice.

If a sidewalk is not cleared within the 24-hour period of accumulation, the City may issue a civil infraction ticket that is a personal debt owed to the City for each day that the owner fails to clear the sidewalk.

If the City has to remove ice and/or snow from the sidewalk, a lien on the property is imposed for the cost of clearing the sidewalk.

Properties located along school routes are not exempt from this ordinance.

Sidewalks designated for clearance by the City are worked on after City streets, alleys and parking lots have been plowed.

For a map on which sidewalks are plowed by the City visit: www.mt-pleasant.org/maps.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 12/9/2024

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, December 9, 2024, at 7 p.m.

Public Hearing on the Planning Commission’s proposed Zoning Map Amendment (Z-24-01) for the five properties located southwest of Crawford and Broomfield.

Public Hearing on the Planning Commission’s TC-24-02-Amendment to Table 154.405.A of the zoning ordinance as it relates to SD-U University Special District Rules.

Consider resolution approving the final 2025 Operating Budget and set the millage rate for 2025.

Consider resolution supporting amended rates, fees, and charges.

Consider contract with UME-Gerber Life for 2025 stop loss coverage insurance.

Discussion on City Manager Evaluation Process.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

Click to access E-Packet%20for%20Monday,%20December%209,%202024….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/81427929317?pwd=2P1aut1B3uoOb8snfkfrWofaiDdAhq.1

Meeting ID: 814 2792 9317

Passcode: 146246

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

Bryan Chapman bchapman@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

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.

Christmas Celebration Parade Route and Road Closure Information

It is time to visit Downtown Mt. Pleasant and enjoy the Christmas Celebration slated for December 6-7, 2024. Please note the following street and parking lot closures. For detailed event information visit: www.mt-pleasant.org/christmas.

Beginning December 6 at 8 a.m., cars left on the streets and parking lots noted below will be subject to towing. Towed vehicles will be moved to City Hall (320 W. Broadway St.)

Friday, December 6

8 a.m. – 10 p.m. Town Center Parking Lot Closed

Friday, December 6 from 8 a.m. – Saturday, December 7 at 10 p.m.

Main St. closed from Jockey Alley to Broadway St.
Broadway St. closed from Washington St. to Main St.

Saturday, December 7

6 a.m. – 10 p.m. No on street parking on Main St. from Town Center to High St.

6 a.m.- 10 p.m. Broadway St. closed from Main St. to Franklin St.

2 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Main St. closed to through traffic from Town Center to High St.,
Broadway St. closed to through traffic from Washington St. to Lansing St.

The lighted parade which begins at 6 p.m. on December 7, starts at the First United Methodist Church, travels north on Main Street, east on Broadway Street, south on Lansing Street to Michigan Street. The Mt. Pleasant Rotary Club will serve as parade Grand Marshal.

PARADE SAFETY NOTE: For the safety of parade-goers and parade participants; please do not venture out into the street during the parade. Stay on the sidewalk during the entire duration of the parade.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 11/25/2024

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, November 25, 2024, at 7 p.m.

Introduction of Central Michigan University President Neil MacKinnon by City Manager Aaron Desentz.

Presentation by Public Works Director Jason Moore on 2024 Year-End Review of Major Public Works and Utilities Projects.

Presentation on recreation needs assessment findings by Parks and Recreation Director Phil Biscorner.

Presentation on large scale events (2025 goal) by Parks and Recreation Director Phil Biscorner.

Approve 2025 Operating Budget.

Consider approval of Asset Management Policy.

Consider adoption of Climate Change Preparedness Plan.

Discussion on City Manager Evaluation Process.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

Click to access E-Packet%20for%20Monday,%20November%2025%202024.pdf

How to follow public meetings:

To participate via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84490742824?pwd=kzcRo8uJ4JfTeqq4yO3A84iTIgmWFZ.1

Meeting ID: 844 9074 2824

Passcode: 806901

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

Bryan Chapman bchapman@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

High Flying News from the Mt. Pleasant Municipal Airport

Capital Improvements, Regional Airport Designation, Manager Brickner elected to board

Capital Improvements

After more than a year of planning and securing grant funding, the Mt. Pleasant Municipal Airport’s (KMOP) taxiway and lighting project has been completed well below the projected $2.7 million cost. The project was fully funded through grants.

90% Federal Grants
5% State Grants
5% Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Local Match Funds

Improvements included a reconstructed 35-foot-wide taxiway, LED lighting and updated signage.

To bring the layout of the airfield into compliance, modifications were made resulting in one mid-field taxiway connector. This change was slated for 2025, but federal money was made available to complete the project alongside the taxiway upgrade.

Regional Airport Designation

Due to its traffic counts, the Mt. Pleasant Municipal Airport is now considered a regional airport. This designation enables the airport to be eligible for an additional $100,000 in grant funding.

Airport Manager Brickner Elected to MAAE

Bill Brickner, airport manager was elected to the Michigan Association of Airport Executives (MAAE) Board of Directors. The MAAE’s mission is to promote Michigan airports through aviation leader forums, while strengthening relationships with legislative, regulatory and community partners. Bill will serve a five-year term on this statewide board.

City of Mt. Pleasant shoot 08/08/2019. Photos by Steve Jessmore, Steve Jessmore Photography, Steve@stevejessmore.com, 616-606-3451

What to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 11/11/2024

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, November 11, 2024, at 7 p.m.

Presentation by Parks and Recreation Director Phil Biscorner on the GKB Pathway.

Consider Approval of 2025 Contract for Fire Department Services for Union Charter Township.

Consider setting a public hearing on December 9, 2024 on proposed rezoning of parcels 17-000-17-300-00, 17-000-17-303-00, 17-000-17-304-00, 17-000-17-305-00, 17-000-17-306-00, located southwest corner of Crawford and Broomfield, from PRD (Planned Residential Development) to CD-4 (General Urban Character District with the Residential/Dwelling Use Restriction), CD-4 (General Urban Character District), SD-U (Special District University), CD-4 (General Urban Character District with the Residential/Dwelling Use Restriction), and CZ (Civic Zone), respectively.

Consider setting a public hearing on December 9, 2024, on proposed ordinance amendment to Table 154.405.A of the zoning ordinance as it relates to SD-U University Special District rules.

Public hearing on the proposed 2025 Annual Operating Budget.

Request for Fire Suppression and Façade Improvement Funding Allocation for TyJorMac, LLC (120 South University) and Request for Work Session.

Work session discussion on usage of motorized bikes and scooters on City owned trails.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

Click to access E-packet%20for%20Monday,%20November%2011,%202024..pdf

How to follow public meetings:

The City Commission 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.

To participate via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85385613172?pwd=rj3NJh8nO8OCxPII5LuohncZaqQFsc.1

Meeting ID: 853 8561 3172

Passcode: 319876

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

Bryan Chapman bchapman@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

City of Mt. Pleasant Releases 2024 TNR Program Census

Established in 2021, the city’s Trap Neuter Release (TNR) program stabilizes the feral cat population by humanely and compassionately trapping, sterilizing, and vaccinating cats before they are returned to their outdoor habitat. This comprehensive process involves setting up cat feeding stations and specific feeding times. Cats then receive a health assessment by a licensed veterinarian who spays/neuters, vaccinates, and ear-nips or micro-chips the animals. Cats are released into their outdoor habitat and adopted, if possible. This program runs annually from April-October.

In 2024, the city hired a part-time public safety employee, who is TNR certified, to administer the program. This commitment resulted in a total of 100 cats receiving aid, with 47 of those cats being adopted.

Per city ordinance, animals are not allowed to be euthanized except when determined by a licensed veterinarian. Out of the 233 cats only one has been euthanized after (3) days of hospitalization.

Community Cat Program Worker Susan Sanderson shared, “I am proud and thankful to be involved with the City of Mt. Pleasant’s effort in controlling the community cat population. Considering the number of cats involved in the TNR program, and the number who have been adopted, this was a successful season, for both the community cats, and our city.”

Residents are reminded not to feed stray cats and get their cats spayed and neutered.

Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/EapseqBrvjoyqmaK/

Laser Light Show Added to Downtown Mt. Pleasant Christmas Celebration Line-Up

Downtown Mt. Pleasant will be filled with holiday spirit at the December 6-7 Christmas Celebration.

The festivities kick off on Friday, December 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Town Center will begin at 5 p.m. near the community tree.

The Winter Market will once again feature specialty crafts and food vendors and Candy Cane Lane will host a variety of children’s games, activities, and live performances.

Visits with Santa are as follows:

Friday, December 6, 5-8 p.m. Town Center’s Santa House
Saturday, December 7, 3-6 p.m. & 7-8 p.m.: Coldwell Banker/Mt. Pleasant Realty, 304 E. Broadway Street
December 14 & 21, 1 – 4 p.m.; Coldwell Banker/Mt. Pleasant Realty

New this year, a laser light show will illuminate the skies over Town Center at 8 p.m. This show, choreographed to holiday music, will be the closing act to Friday’s activities.

Saturday, December 7 highlights include the Jingle All-The-Way Kids Fun Run, and the adult 5K and 5 Mile Run, all starting at Max & Emily’s. Registration must be completed online. Advanced registration is required. Races begin at 8:00, 8:25 and 8:30 a.m.

After the races, a pancake breakfast with Santa is scheduled from 9:00 – 11:30 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Parish Hall. Admission is $11 for adults, $5 for children under 10, and children under 4 are free. Proceeds benefit the Sacred Heart Academy Athletic Association. Tickets will be sold at the door.

The celebration continues at 6 p.m. on Saturday with the lighted parade traveling down Main and Broadway Street.

Registration forms for the Jingle All-The-Way Kids Fun Run, 5 Mile Run and 5K Walk/Run, volunteer opportunities, Winter Market Vendor Application, and parade entry applications can be found at: www.mt-pleasant.org/christmas. November 8 is the deadline for market vendors and parade entry applications are due on November 20.

LIGHTED PARADE ROUTE AND ROAD CLOSURES – December 7, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.

The parade starts at Main and Washington Streets.
Travels north on Main to Broadway Street.
East on Broadway to Lansing Street.
South on Lansing to Michigan Street where the parade ends.

Parade Safety Note: For the safety of parade-goers and participants, please do NOT venture out into the street during the parade. Stay on the sidewalk during the entire duration of the parade.