Sidewalk Snow & Ice Removal Reminder

As winter weather settles in, the City of Mt. Pleasant is asking residents to help keep our community safe and accessible for everyone.

Clear sidewalks play a major role in making it possible for neighbors, students, mail carriers, and visitors to move through town safely. Owners and occupants of properties within the City are responsible for clearing the public sidewalks that adjoin their property.

To support safe travel throughout the community, follow these winter sidewalk guidelines:

Sidewalks should be cleared of snow and ice within 24 hours after snowfall, including spaces around mailbox approaches.

This expectation applies even in areas where the City later clears sidewalks.

Keeping sidewalks free of ice and snow reduces falls, supports school routes, and helps maintain accessibility for everyone who relies on walking as a primary mode of transportation.

If sidewalks remain uncleared, the City may issue a civil infraction or perform the clearing, with associated costs billed to the property. These measures are in place to help maintain a safe environment for the whole community.

The City also maintains certain sidewalk routes after plowing streets, alleys, and parking lots. To see which sidewalks are cleared by City crews, view our sidewalk snowplow map at www.mt-pleasant.org/maps.

We appreciate everyone doing their part this winter. Small efforts at each property add up to a safer, more walkable Mt. Pleasant for all.

Summary of Minutes from the 12/8/2025 Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, December 8, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Item #19, “Closed Session”, was removed from the agenda.

Approved the agenda as amended.

Received petitions and communications.

Item #11, “Revise Purchasing Manual”, was removed from the Consent Calendar.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:
9) Minutes of the Joint Work Session with the Planning Commission and the City Commission as well as the regular meeting of the City Commission held November 24, 2025;
10) Fire Protection Agreement between the City of Mt. Pleasant and the Charter Township of Union;
11) Item removed from Consent Calendar;
12) Contract with Three Rivers Corporation of Midland, MI for the replacement of the oil separator at DPS;
13) Cancelled City Commission’s regularly scheduled December 15, 2025 meeting;
14) Authorized Financial Director Lauren Pavlowski to approve the issuance of payrolls and warrants from December 9, 2025 through January 12, 2026.”;
15) Set first meeting of 2026 for Monday, January 12, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.;
16) Payrolls and Warrants.

Approved Resolution for the 2025 Budget Amendments.

Approved the revised Purchasing Manual as presented.

Conducted a Work Session to continue discussion on alternatives to the proposed Zoning Map Amendment Z-24-01 for the five properties located southwest of Crawford and Broomfield.

Adjourned the meeting at 8:30 pm.

City Commissioner Open Seat Appointment and Election Information

At the December 8, 2025, Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting, Commissioner Elizabeth Busch announced she will resign, effective December 31, 2025. This creates one open seat on the City Commission.

Due to election rules and timelines, the City Commission will appoint an individual to fill this seat temporarily. The appointment will last from the date of appointment until the election on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.

How to apply for the appointment:

Applications for the appointed position are being accepted now through Monday, December 22, 2025, at 4:30 p.m.

The Appointments Committee will review applications and recommend a candidate to the full City Commission at the January 12, 2026 meeting.

Application information is available at the City Manager’s Office, 320 W. Broadway Street, or online at www.mt-pleasant.org/boardapplication.

Running for the seat in the August 2026 election:

Nominating petitions for the full term (August 4, 2026 – December 31, 2028) are available at City Hall, Office of the City Clerk, 320 W. Broadway Street, Monday -Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Petitions must have 50 – 80 certified signatures and be filed with the City Clerk by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.

The election to fill the seat for the full term will take place on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.

City of Mt. Pleasant Now Accepting Applications for Citizens’ Academy

The City of Mt. Pleasant is now accepting applications for the upcoming Citizens’ Academy, a free seven-week program designed to help community members learn how local government and city services work.

The academy begins Tuesday, February 17, 2026, and includes weekly evening sessions that provide an inside look at various city departments and services. Topics include city administration and budgeting, public works and utilities, parks and recreation, public safety, community development, elections, and the basics of local government.

The program is open to anyone who lives, works, attends school, or owns property within 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. Participants can meet other residents and learn directly from staff about the wide range of topics that we work on every day to ensure good quality of life for our current and future residents.”

Sessions will be held on Tuesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with dinner served at 5:30 p.m., on the following dates: February 17, February 24, March 3, March 17, March 24, April 7, and April 14. Participants who complete the program may be eligible for CMU learning credits and will be recognized at the April 27 City Commission meeting.

Applications are available at City Hall or online and will be accepted through February 3, 2026. Space is limited.

Find more details and the application at www.mt-pleasant.org/citizensacademy.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – December 8, 2025

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, December 8, 2025, at 7 p.m.

Consider motion to cancel the City Commission meeting scheduled for December 15, 2025.

Consider setting the first City Commission meeting of 2026 for Monday, January 12, 2026.

Consider amendment to the 2025 operating budget.

Work session to continue discussion on alternatives to the proposed Zoning Map Amendment Z-24-01 for five properties located southwest of Crawford and Broomfield.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

E-Packet for Regular Meeting on Monday, December 8^th

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/81991776909?pwd=0lByKtbH1tGYEPuVJqXS7a3OIV515D.1

Meeting ID: 819 9177 6909
Passcode: 431587
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 at 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
Maureen Eke              meke@mt-pleasant.org
Amy Perschbacher    aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org
Grace Rollins              grollins@mt-pleasant.org
Ryon Skalitzky            rskalitzky@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.

Road Closures for Christmas Celebration and Parade

The City of Mt. Pleasant is preparing for a weekend of Christmas festivities. To help residents and visitors plan ahead, the following outlines road closures and the route for the Lighted Christmas Parade.

For the full event schedule and additional details, visit www.mt-pleasant.org/christmas.

Beginning Friday, December 5 at 5 p.m., vehicles parked on the streets listed below will be subject to towing. Towed vehicles will be relocated to City Hall (320 W. Broadway St.).

Road Closures

Friday, December 5 at 5 p.m. – Saturday, December 6 at 8 p.m.

Broadway St. from Washington St. to Lansing St.
Main St. from Michigan St. to Jockey Alley
University St. from Broadway St. to Cat’s Meow Alley.
Franklin St. from Broadway St. to Cat’s Meow Alley.
Court St. from Broadway St. to Jockey Alley.

Saturday, December 6 from 2 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Main St. from Broadway St. to High St.,
Broadway St. from Main St. to Lansing St.
Lansing St. from Broadway St. to Illinois St.

Parade Route

The lighted parade, which begins at 6 p.m. on December 6, starts at the First United Methodist Church, travels north on Main Street, east on Broadway Street, south on Lansing Street to Illinois Street. CMU President, Neil MacKinnon, will serve as the 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 12/04/25 Mt. Pleasant Planning Commission Meeting

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant Planning Commission meeting scheduled for Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 7 p.m.

The Planning Commission will review an amendment request for a previously approved site plan at 1219 N. Mission Street.

Commissioners will discuss potential properties to list as priority redevelopment sites for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

The Commission will establish next year’s meeting dates.

After adjournment, commissioners will move into a work session.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

E-Packet Link

How to follow public meetings:

The Planning 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/82442572171?pwd=yW9deD7a1sWyYICkrbZINUa8SdkJvl.1

Meeting ID: 893 0229 8475
Passcode: 094130
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 at 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.

Summary of Minutes from the 11/24/2025 Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, November 24, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Item #14, “Discussion on Commissioner vacancy”, was added to the agenda.

Item #15, “Discussion on tenants rights committee”, was added to the agenda.

Approved the Agenda as amended.

Held a Joint Work Session with the City Commission, Planning Commission and property owners to discuss alternatives to the proposed Zoning Map Amendment Z-24-01 for the five properties located southwest of Crawford and Broomfield.

A consensus was reached to revise previous PRD dissolution and rezoning proposal to address issues that led to the 2024 denial.

Adjourned the Joint Work Session at 10:00 p.m.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:
4) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held November 10, 2025;
5) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held November 10, 2025;
6) Renew contract with Insight Benefit Administrators for 2026 plan year;
7) Resolution and purchase of a John Deer 524 wheel loader under a Snogo Problast snowblower from AIS Construction Equipment, of Bridgeport, MI;
8) Professional Services Agreement with Fishbeck of Grand Rapids, MI for Phase II DWSRF Design Engineering and a budget amendment for same;
9) Resolution approving the 2026 Final Operating Budget and set the millage rate for 2026 at 16.25;
10) Resolution supporting amended rates, fees and charges for 2026;
11) Resolution to opt-out of Public Act 152 of 2011 for the 2026 plan year, as authorized under Section 8 of the Act;
12) Payrolls and Warrants.

Made appointments to various boards and commissions as recommended by the Appointments Committee.

Held a discussion on Commissioner vacancy. No action taken.

Held a discussion on tenants rights committee. No action taken.

Adjourned the meeting at 10:41 pm

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – November 24, 2025

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, November 24, 2025, at 7 p.m.

Joint session with the Planning Commission and local property owners to discuss options for a proposed zoning change for the five properties southwest of Crawford and Broomfield.

Consider approving the final 2026 Operating Budget and set next year’s property tax rate.

Consider opting out of Public Act 152 of 2011, a Michigan law that limits how much public employers can pay toward employee health insurance plans.

Review of recommendations and potential appointments to various boards and commissions.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

E-Packet for Regular Meeting on Monday, November 24^th

How to follow public meetings:

To participate via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84217594299?pwd=pmOa8oYeoqAfG3kZ1laDX4QIrGnSQJ.1

Meeting ID: 842 1759 4299
Passcode: 080994
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 at 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:

Garage Fire on South Elizabeth Street

On November 20, 2025, at 7:50 a.m., the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department responded to a structure fire located at 211 S. Elizabeth St. Heavy smoke was reported throughout the neighborhood.

The Fire Department arrived at 7:52 a.m. and found an unattached 24’ x 24’ garage behind the residence with heavy black smoke coming from the entire building. Firefighters quickly began working and brought the fire under control at 8:11 a.m.

The garage was used as a workshop and sustained significant smoke and fire damage. The building structure withstood the fire and remains structurally intact.

The occupants were home at the time of the fire and reported no injuries. The garage was the only building that sustained any damage.

The Mt. Pleasant Fire Department was assisted by the Mt. Pleasant Police Department, Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Fire Department, Deerfield Fire Department, and Isabella County Central Dispatch.

No occupants, pets, or firefighters reported any injuries. The fire remains under investigation.

Most home fires occur at night when people are sleeping. Check your smoke detectors monthly and replace batteries twice a year. Operating smoke detectors may save your life.