Island Park Ice Rink Now Open

The new Island Park Ice Rink is now open to skaters. Located on the south softball field this 54’ x 95’ rink is open daily from 8 a.m. – 11 p.m., 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 from 8 a.m. to 11p.m., conditions 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.
5. Animals
Skaters under the age of five 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 of Mt. Pleasant Lifts Snow Emergency (Effective 6 p.m. on 1/13/2024)

The City of Mt. Pleasant Snow Emergency declared on January 11, 2024, has been lifted, effective 6 p.m. on January 13, 2024. On-street parking is now permitted. Thank you for your cooperation during this winter storm.

Notice of when a snow emergency is declared, and later lifted, is provided through the city’s social media channels, website (www.mt-pleasant.org), blog https://mpcityblog.com/, community information phone line (989-779-5320), local media notification, and an email alert.

To receive an email notification, individuals must sign up to receive the city’s monthly eConnections newsletter by visiting www.mt-pleasant.org.

Pedestrian Fatality Near Mission and Broomfield Street

On January 11, 2024, at approximately 7:10 p.m. officers from the Mt. Pleasant Police Department (MPPD) responded to a call involving a vehicle and pedestrian in the 2100 block of South Mission Street.

Upon arrival to the scene, MPPD officers found a male and his leashed dog had been struck by a car travelling southbound on Mission Street.

Witnesses reported that the male and his dog were attempting to cross Mission Street, in a non-crosswalk area. Witnesses shared the man initially slipped and fell, and then continued to cross the street.

The pedestrian, a 39-year-old male from Mt. Pleasant, and his dog were pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the car, an 18-year-old male from Mt. Pleasant and his 16-year-old passenger, also from Mt. Pleasant, were not injured.

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department was assisted by the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department, Central Michigan University Police, Isabella County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police, Isabella County Victims Response Services, Isabella County Animal Control, Mobile Medical Response, and Isabella County Central Dispatch.

(UPDATED: 6 p.m. 1/13/24: The Snow Emergency has now been lifted for the City of Mt. Pleasant.) City of Mt. Pleasant Declares Snow Emergency

Due to the significant winter weather forecast, the City of Mt. Pleasant has declared a Snow Emergency. All vehicles must be removed from the streets by 5 p.m. on Friday, January 12, 2024, so crews can safely and effectively clear the roadways.

Failure to remove vehicles from the street will result in a ticket. Towing may be utilized if ticketing has proven ineffective and/or the vehicles parked on the street cause a delay in snow removal.

Notice of when a snow emergency is declared, and later lifted, is provided through the city’s social media channels, website www.mt-pleasant.org, blog https://mpcityblog.com/, community information phone line (989-779-5320), local media notification, and an email alert.

To receive an email notification, individuals must sign up to receive the city’s monthly eConnections newsletter by visiting www.mt-pleasant.org.

Parking ordinance reminders:

Downtown Overnight Parking Permit Holders: Will be informed via email or text on when and where you need to move your vehicle.
Overnight street parking is allowed throughout the City of Mt. Pleasant year-round, except for the Downtown area.
Downtown street parking is prohibited from 4 – 6 a.m. year-round.
When a snow emergency is declared, all cars must be removed from the street.

Isabella County Operating Millage Will Not Affect City of Mt. Pleasant Public Safety Services

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 1/8/2024

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, January 8, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

City Clerk Bouck administered the Oath of Office to Bryan Chapman and Grace Rollins for the term January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2026.

Commissioner Perschbacher was elected Mayor for 2024.

Commissioner Alsager was elected Vice Mayor for 2024.

Approved Resolution Setting Time and Day of Regular Meetings.

Mayor Perschbacher read and presented a proclamation in support of Peacemaking Recognition Day “January 15, 2024” to Laura Gourlay of Mount Pleasant Public Schools.

Accepted 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 December 11, 2023.

10) Set public hearing for Monday, January 22, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. on CHILL Grant Application as required by MSHDA.

Adjourned the meeting at 7:19 p.m.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – January 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, January 8, 2024, at 7 p.m.

Administer Oath of Office to Commissioners Chapman and Rollins

Election of Mayor and Vice Mayor

Consider setting a public hearing for January 22, 2024, on a Community Development Block Grant Housing Improving Local Livability (CHILL) Grant Application as required by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA).

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

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

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/83245133239?pwd=VGlMVmQvQ0R4eklMVk5rZEtvSUU5Zz09

Meeting ID: 832 4513 3239

Passcode: 952681

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.

Mt. Pleasant Home Sustains Fire Damage

On December 27, 2023, at 5:44 p.m., the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department (MPFD) responded to a house fire in the 1100 block of E. Michigan Street.

Upon arrival, crews observed a single-story residence with fire exiting one window and heavy smoke coming from the eaves of the structure. The house sustained light smoke damage with heavy fire, smoke, and heat damage to the room where the fire originated.

The resident was not at home at the time of the fire. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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

UPDATE: Due to the recent winter storm, Christmas Tree Collection will be extended to 2/2/2024.

City of Mt. Pleasant Street Department staff will be picking up discarded Christmas trees from January 8- February 2, 2024. This curbside collection can be utilized by attaching two City refuse tags to the tree. Individual tags are available at GreenTree Grocery. Multiple tags can be purchased at Meijer, Ric’s, and City Hall.

Trees are to be placed at the curb, even in areas where normal trash collection is in the alley. If you know you will be using this service, please call (989) 779-5401 or email publicworks@mt-pleasant.org with the date the tree will be curbside. All tinsel and plastic bags must be removed, and the trunk ends of the trees face the street. Evergreen wreaths will not be collected. After February 2 trees may be taken to the Materials Recovery Facility or disposed of through the City’s brush chipping program.

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 20, 2024. 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 20, February 27, 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 February 5, 2024. Find the application and learn more at www.mt-pleasant.org/citizensacademy.