Public Invited to Share Feedback on Mission Street Conceptual Designs

Mt. Pleasant, MI – Earlier this year, the City of Mt. Pleasant contracted with Progressive Companies to lead the development of an improvement plan for Mission Street. In collaboration with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and with funding from the State of Michigan Redevelopment Ready Communities program, the city convened a steering committee and distributed an online survey to capture public insight.

The Mission Street steering committee is composed of local business owners, representatives from Central Michigan University, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), the Disability Network of Mid-Michigan, the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce, the Mt. Pleasant Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and appointed and elected officials.

On September 26, 2024, Progressive Companies will present potential design concepts to the community based on information extracted from the online surveys and the steering committee. There are several opportunities for residents to prioritize potential Mission Street improvements and provide feedback. They are as follows:

Farmers’ Market – Island Park, 9 – 11 a.m.

o $5 tokens to be redeemed at the market will be given to the first 20 participants.

Central Michigan University – Bovee University Center, 12 – 2 p.m.

o Participants will be placed in a drawing for CMU Bookstore gift cards.

Open House – City Hall (320 W. Broadway Street), 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

o Individuals are welcome to attend at any time during these two hours.

o Participants will be placed in a drawing for gift cards from Mission Street businesses.

o Light refreshments will be provided.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – August 26, 2024

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, August 26, 2024, at 7 p.m.

Presentation by GRS Consulting Actuary Casey Ahlbrandt-Rains on Police and Fire Pension.

Presentation by Municipal Employees’ Retirement System of Michigan (MERS).

Presentation by Data Analysis Interns Alexis Reed and Austin Benchley on Consumer Behavior Research Project.

Public hearing to consider the adoption of 96.05 Lawn Maintenance Ordinance Amendments and consider resolution for the same.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

Click to access E-Packet%20for%20Monday,%20August%2026,%202024.pdf

How to follow public meetings:

The 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 comments@mt-pleasant.org.

To participate via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86017271383?pwd=XhS5AgfwgiZyLJTQOaD1qycY263Bpb.1

Meeting ID: 860 1727 1383

Passcode: 430815

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.

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 at (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.

MPPD Reminds Drivers of the Dangers of Impaired Driving

During the busy, end-of-summer travel season that includes the Labor Day holiday weekend, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will be working alongside the Michigan State Police (MSP) and the Mt. Pleasant Police Department (MPPD) to remind drivers of the dangers of impaired driving.

In 2023, 41% of fatalities on Michigan roadways involved alcohol and/or drugs. According to the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, out of the 8,817 alcohol-involved crashes, 297 were fatalities. Whereas the 2,250 drug-involved crashes resulted in 256 fatalities.

In Michigan, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, although motorists can be arrested at any BAC level if an officer believes they are impaired.

MPPD’s Public Information Officer David Coffman, shared, “No matter what the substance may be, if it has impaired you, you should not be driving. The MPPD wants everyone to enjoy the end of the summer. Commit to yourself and to your community that you will drive safe and sober every day.”

To increase awareness and encourage safe and sober driving, the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) is funding a statewide media campaign about the dangers of impaired driving. The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is coordinated by the OHSP and supported with federal traffic safety funds provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation and NHTSA.

Welcome Students

Helpful information can be found in the City’s ‘home away from home’ guide composed specifically for college students.

See what Mt. Pleasant has to offer: recreation, an historic downtown, parks, trails, a rolling river and more.

The City is thrilled to welcome the students of Central Michigan University and Mid Michigan College to the Mt. Pleasant area for the 2024-2025 academic year.

As part-year residents, students have the opportunity to explore the City while immersing themselves in college life. To make that transition easier, a home away from home guide was created.

Useful information can be found at www.mt-pleasant.org/students or the “CMU & MMC Student Resident” page of the City’s blog (www.mpcityblog.com/studentresidents).

Topics include:

Things to do in Mt. Pleasant
Utility set up and billing
Parking Regulations
Parties
Property Appearance
Refuse and Recycling
Voter Registration
Safety tips and more.
Sign up for Smart911, a free emergency notification system. Download the Smart911 App, or visit www.smart911.com

Coneys for a Cause Scheduled for August 12-16

“Pig Out” Coney-Eating Contest, August 16

The community can enjoy $1.99 coney dogs while helping the youth of Isabella County during Coneys for a Cause. This event is scheduled for August 12-16, 2024, at the Pixie Restaurant (302 N. Mission Street).

The Pixie will donate to the Mt. Pleasant Police Youth Services Unit (YSU) 100% of the profits for every coney sold.

Customers can purchase individual coney dogs for $1.99 at the restaurant, or they can pre-order a minimum of one dozen coney dogs to be delivered. All delivery orders must be submitted before 3 p.m. on August 6 and emailed to GMstore100@inspiredcpts.com. Delivery times are between 10 a.m. and noon, August 12 – 16. Event organizers will do their best to meet the desired delivery time.

Order forms can be found at www.mt-pleasant.org/ysu.

The “Pixie Pig Out” is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday, August 16, 2024, at the Pixie. Stop by to watch this friendly coney-eating competition between law enforcement agencies.

Youth Services Unit (Mt. Pleasant Police Department)

This valuable program involves police positively interacting with youth at an early age. Two YSU Officers serve more than 3,000 K-12 students in the Mt. Pleasant Public Schools (MPPS), providing guidance and support for students, ultimately forming lifelong bonds. The popular Youth Police Academy, as well as Shop with a Cop, are just a few of the programs YSU hosts.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – July 8, 2024

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, July 8, 2024, at 7 p.m.

Presentation by Progressive Companies on the Mission Street Improvement Plan’s existing conditions evaluation and survey results.

Public hearing on proposed amendments to Chapter 50: Solid Wastes and consider approval of the same.

Consider approval of an additional contribution to the Municipal Employees’ Retirement System (MERS) pension system.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

Click to access E-Packet%20for%20Monday,%20July%208,%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.

To participate via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87180838684?pwd=pWblvEoRDFs0GaFoC6Mz1hxuB8v8bY.1

Meeting ID: 871 8083 8684

Passcode: 586986

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.

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 4th of July Holiday Hours and Firework Safety and Ordinance Reminders

City offices will be closed on Thursday, July 4, 2024. Thursday refuse and recycling pick-up will be delayed one day.

Fourth of July Firework Safety and Ordinance Reminders

A person may only discharge or use consumer fireworks on private property on June 29 – July 4 from 11 a.m. – 11:45 p.m.

Individuals should not ignite, discharge, or use consumer fireworks, homemade fireworks, articles pyrotechnics or display fireworks on public property, school property, church property, or the property of another person without permission to do so.

Violations shall be punishable with fines of $500 up to $1,000.

Additionally, a minor shall not possess, ignite, discharge, or use consumer fireworks. Fireworks shall not be used while a person is under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, or during times when a burning ban has been established by the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, MI. For a list of burning restrictions by county, visit http://www.dnr.state.mi.us/burnpermits/.

Safety Tips

For those planning on discharging fireworks this July Fourth holiday, please follow the City regulations as stated above, and practice these safety tips:

1. Read and follow all warnings and instructions.

2. Never allow children to play with fireworks of any kind.

3. Wear protective clothing, including eyewear.

4. Only light devices on smooth, flat surfaces away from residential areas, dry leaves, and flammable materials.

5. Always keep a hose or bucket of water nearby in case of malfunction.

6. Never try to re-light fireworks that have not fully functioned.

The best way to protect your family is to avoid the use of fireworks at home entirely.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – June 24, 2024

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, June 24, 2024, at 7 p.m.

Presentation of the 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report by Vredeveld Haefner.

Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC) – Recertification Presentation.

Receive Granger Waste Services Franchise Agreement and set a public hearing for July 8, 2024, on proposed amendments to the solid waste ordinance.

Discussion on Managed Natural Landscaping.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

Click to access E-Packet%20for%20Monday,%20June%2024,%202024.pdf

How to follow public meetings:

To participate via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88987946823?pwd=mVrAHhrRacJTgHv1AUNDmlDaWO0hgQ.1

Meeting ID: 889 8794 6823

Passcode: 160963

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.

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

Election Day Information – August 6, 2024

Election Day is August 6, 2024. A millage proposal for the Isabella County Fixed Operating Millage Renewal, Isabella County Parks and Recreation Millage Renewal and Transportation Commission (I-RIDE) Millage Renewal will be on the ballot. Visit www.mi.gov/vote or www.mt-pleasant.org/election to review ballot language.

City of Mt. Pleasant Voting Precincts (Effective February 2024):

Precinct 1: Ganiard Elementary School, 101 South Adams Street

Precinct 2: Pullen Elementary School, 251 South Brown Street

Precinct 3: Fancher Elementary School, 801 South Kinney Avenue

Absentee Voter Counting Board: Mt. Pleasant City Hall, 320 W. Broadway Street

Voter Registration:

Individuals who are not currently registered to vote can register online at www.mi.gov/vote or mail in the voter registration application found online. This must be completed on or before July 22, 2024. After July 22, 2024, you must register in person at the Clerk’s Office (320 W. Broadway Street) to vote in the August 6, 2024, election.

Early In-Person Voting:

For state and federal elections, qualified voters can cast their ballot during the nine day early voting period.

July 27- August 4, 2024; 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Powers Hall, Central Michigan University, Washington Street
Parking available in Lot 6.

Permanent Absentee Voters:

Permanent absentee voters have been mailed an application for a ballot. To have a ballot mailed, you must return the application by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, August 2, 2024. Voted ballots may be mailed to the City Clerk’s office 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 (clerk@mt-pleasant.org). This must be completed by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, August 2, 2024.

Absentee voting at the Clerk’s Office is available beginning Thursday, July 27, 2024, during regular business hours with additional hours on Saturday, August 3, 2024, from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and on Monday, August 5, 2024, from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Election Day Information:

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 6, 2024.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 6/10/2024

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, June 10, 2024, 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:

4) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held May 28, 2024.

5) Establish a Rail Service Advisory Committee.

6) Resolution to dissolve the Mid-Michigan Aquatic Recreational Authority.

7) Contract with Yeo & Yeo of Saginaw, MI for 2024 SAN and Host Replacement Project and budget amendment.

8) 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Plan.

9) Warrants and payrolls.

Held a work session discussion on utility billing shut-off ordinance.

Adjourned the meeting at 8:15 p.m.