Category: News

Citywide No-Fee Brush Chipping Scheduled for Week of April 13

Due to significant interest this spring, the City of Mt. Pleasant will conduct a citywide no-fee brush chipping program during the week of April 13–17, 2026. This expanded service replaces the previously announced limited program to better accommodate the high volume of brush resulting from winter weather events.

All residential properties within city limits will be included in the pickup. No reservations or registration will be required.

Residents who have already scheduled and paid for fee-based brush chipping services this week will automatically receive a refund. No further action is required.

The same guidelines used for fee-based brush chipping apply to this program. Only branches are accepted. Twigs, thorn bushes, grass clippings, leaves, stumps, roots, weeds, vines, flowers, wire, landscape timbers, fencing, or other wood materials will not be chipped.

Branches must be no more than 9 inches in diameter and at least 2 feet long. Anything shorter than 2 feet cannot be chipped.

Brush should be placed at the curb (not in the street) no earlier than the week before the scheduled chipping week and no later than Sunday evening prior to service. Piles should be stacked as neatly as possible, with cut ends facing the street when space allows. Materials should not obstruct sidewalks, streets, alleys, or traffic sightlines.

Important Note: While the City will make every effort to chip brush citywide during the week of April 13–17, crews may not be able to reach every location by the end of Friday, April 17. Residents are still required to have their brush at the curb no later than Sunday evening, April 12, 2026.

For questions or additional information, residents may contact the Division of Public Works at 989-779-5401 or publicworks@mt-pleasant.org.

715 Wood St. Structure Fire

On March 29, 2026, at 9:42 p.m., the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department responded to a
vehicle fire next to a residence. Arriving crews observed a fully involved vehicle with
heavy fire extending to the attic of the nearby residence. Firefighters conducted an
offensive fire attack and brought the fire under control.


Five occupants of the home were present at the time of the fire and three sustained
minor smoke inhalation and burn injuries.


The Mt. Pleasant Fire Department was assisted by the Mt. Pleasant Police Department, Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Fire Department, Shepherd Tri Township Fire Department, Mobile Medical Response, and Isabella County Central Dispatch.


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

Summary of Minutes from the 3/23/2026 Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, March 23, 2026, 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:

7) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held March 9, 2026;

8) Three-year contract with Nutrigro Environmental Solutions of Charlotte, MI for biosolids hauling;

9) Contract with Chop Tree Service of Grand Rapids, MI for 2026-2027 Tree Trimming and Removal;

10) Payrolls & Warrants.

Held a Public Hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance No. 1110, an Ordinance to adopt the 2021 Edition of the International Fire Code as amended.

Set a public hearing for Monday, April 13, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. to hear public input and to consider the proposed amendment of Section 110.28(B) of the Mount Pleasant City Code regarding the operation of transitory food service units and the issuance of permits, licenses, or approvals for transitory food service units.

Prioritized and approved submission of City requests for Spring 2026 Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe 2% allocations.

Discussed takeaways and information shared at MML CapCon 2026.

Created a special committee focused on the rights and experiences of tenants within the City of Mt. Pleasant.

Appointed Commissioners Eke, Perschbacher and Skalitzky to the tenants rights special committee.

Approved and conducted a Closed Session pursuant to subsection 8(h) of the Open Meetings Act to consider material subject to attorney-client privilege.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:02 p.m.

Topics to Watch at the 03/25/26 Mt. Pleasant Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 7 p.m.

  • ZBA-26-01 – 116 N Mission – A variance application has been filed by Graff – MTPBGRCRE LLC, requesting approval for temporary signs under section 154.414 Subsection B(3).
  • ZBA-26-02 – 1422 E Pickard – A variance application has been filed by Graff – MTPRE LLC, requesting approval for temporary signs under section 154.414 Subsection B(3).

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

Zoning Board of Appeals March 23 E-Packet Link

How to follow public meetings:

The Zoning Board of Appeals 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/87516716364?pwd=adBaNtBWenqpdrmNFpPOJnoGfbpI2A.1

Meeting ID: 856 6128 1267

Passcode: 196767

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.

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.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – March 23, 2026

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, March 23, 2026, at 7 p.m.

  • Public hearing for the proposed changes to amend Chapter 93 of the Mount Pleasant City Code to adopt the 2021 International Fire Code as amended.
  • Consider setting a public hearing for April 13th, 2026, to allow for public input and to consider the amendment of section 110.28(B) regarding the operation of transitory food service units and the issuance of permits, licenses, or approvals for transitory food service units.
  • Consider prioritization and approval of submission of City requests for spring 2026 Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe 2% allocation.
  • Discussion of takeaways from the Michigan Municipal League CapCon 2026 conference.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

E-Packet for Regular Meeting on Monday March 23rd

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/84468715978?pwd=bjK2KQcHV21aYToQVgO2Ybl4MDSBOm.1

Meeting ID: 844 6871 5978
Passcode: 498197
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   

Hanna Demerath        hdemerath@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.

Summary of Minutes from the 3/9/2026 Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, March 9, 2026, 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:

9) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held February 23, 2026;

10) Advanced commitment of 900 tons of road salt through the State of Michigan MiDeal Purchasing Program;

11) Reappoint Commissioner Haveles as the representative of the PC to the ZBA;

12) Award Contract for the 2026 Sewer Relining Project to Inland Waters Pollution Control of Detroit, MI;

13) Award Contract for 2026 Sidewalk Replacement Project to H & H Concrete of Clare, MI; and budget amendments;

14) Award Contract for 2026 Well #19 Rehabilitation Project to Peerless-Midwest of Ionia, MI; and budget amendment;

15) Purchase of 2026 Exmark Lazer Z Zero Turn Mower from Hoffman’s Equipment of Saginaw, MI; a 2026 Kawasaki Mule SX and a 2026 Polaris Ranger 570 from Central Motor Sports of Mt. Pleasant, MI; and budget amendment;

16) Set a public hearing for Monday, March 23, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. to hear public input on proposed changes to Chapter 93 of the Mount Pleasant City Code to adopt the 2021 Edition of the International Fire Code, as amended;

17) Payrolls & Warrants.

Approved amendment of the resolution previously adopted on February 9, 2026, establishing income and asset levels for poverty exemptions.

Held a Work Session discussion on Tenant Rights Committee.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:49 p.m.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – March 9, 2026

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, March 9, 2026, at 7 p.m.

  • Presentation of the 2025 Community Improvement Awards
  • Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe Presentation on the Michigan Indian Industrial Boarding School property
  • Consider setting a March 23 public hearing on proposed updates to adopt the 2021 International Fire Code
  • Consider approval of Resolution establishing income & asset levels for poverty exemptions to 2026 property tax assessments
  • Work session on tenant rights committee

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

E-Packet for Regular Meeting on Monday, March 9th

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/84894200296?pwd=1oB49cb9wHVwlDCBLXXTcgcS3DK4za.1

Meeting ID: 848 9420 0296
Passcode: 173353
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
Hanna Demerath        hdemerath@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.

Topics to Watch at the 03/05/26 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, March 5, 2026, at 7 p.m.

  • TC-26-01 Introduction to a proposed amendment to the SD-I (Industrial Special Districts) zoning ordinance regarding wall or fence screen height.
  • Review of the 2025 Planning Commission Annual Report.
  • Introduction of new Planning Commission members.

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.

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/82846354357?pwd=78K3ZiWA0dzJCSq3EGzSydEODXuCqF.1

Meeting ID: 893 0229 8475
Passcode: 392185
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.

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.

City of Mt. Pleasant Offers Free Right-of-Way Tree Planting for Residents

As part of the City of Mt. Pleasant’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a healthy and sustainable urban forest, residents are invited to participate in the free tree planting program. Under the Urban Forestry Plan, property owners may request to have a tree planted in the public right-of-way in front of their home or business.

Each parcel or property owner is eligible to receive one free tree per year. Following submission of a request, members of the City’s Street Department will evaluate the site and determine the most suitable planting location within the right-of-way. After the tree is installed, property owners will receive watering instructions and are asked to support the tree’s establishment by following the recommended care guidelines.

Residents wishing to receive a tree this spring must complete the online Tree Application by March 13, 2026. Printed applications are also available at City Hall, 320 W. Broadway Street.

Property owners who prefer to plant their own tree in the right-of-way must obtain a no-cost permit from the Public Works office prior to planting. Approved tree species and size requirements help ensure longevity, safety, and compatibility with the surrounding environment. For permit details or assistance, residents may contact Public Works at (989) 779-5401.

To learn more about tree species, care, and planting guidelines, residents are encouraged to review the Tree Planting Brochure available on the City’s website.

Summary of Minutes from the 2/23/2026 Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, February 23, 2026, 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.

Moved Agenda Item #8 to New Business.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar as amended:

3) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held February 9, 2026;

4) Set a special meeting for discussion on goals and objectives for Monday, April 6, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at DPS;

5) Purchase of a 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicle from Berger Chevrolet of Grand Rapids, MI;

6)Purchase of a Chevrolet 2500 Silverado from Berger Chevrolet of Grand Rapids, MI, including
all necessary upfitting;

7) Updates to the internal process for handling proclamation requests, including the implementation of a standardized submission method for members of the public;

8) Removed from Consent Calendar;

9) Amendment to the Professional Engineering Services Agreement with Fleis & Vandenbrink of Grand Blanc, MI and authorize the City Manager to sign the amendment;

10) Purchase of RMS data conversion services from CentralSquare and authorize acceptance of reimbursement from CMU, and approve the reallocation within the 2026 MPPD Budget to fund the City’s portion of the cost;

11) Payrolls & Warrants.

Held a Public Hearing and approved Resolution #5 for Principal Shopping District Special Assessment #1-26.

Tabled discussion on poverty exemptions until March 9 for additional discussion.

Awarded the contract for 2026 Nelson Park Mill & Overlay/Thin Overlay Project to TBD Construction of Zeeland, MI.

Work Session discussion on tenants rights committee.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:45 p.m.