Mt. Pleasant Fire Department Responds to Appian Way Apartment Fire

On November 21, 2023 at 12:55 a.m., the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department (MPFD) was dispatched to an apartment fire on Appian Way.

Upon arrival to the scene, fire crews observed a multi-unit apartment building with smoke coming from a second story window. Upon entry, firefighters extinguished a fire in the apartment’s bathroom/laundry room.

The apartment sustained moderate to heavy smoke damage and heavy fire damage to the bathroom/laundry room. Occupants were home at the time of the incident, but exited safely with no injuries sustained.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The Mt. Pleasant Fire Department was assisted by the Mt. Pleasant Police Department and Isabella County Central Dispatch.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 11/13/2023

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, November 13, 2023, 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:

5) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held October 23, 2023.

6) Resolution in support of final approval of TCO #6-2023.

7) Resolution in support of final approval of TCO #7-2023.

8) Committed American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to revenue replacement.

9) Resolutions #1 and #2 to commence the proceedings for special assessment, tentatively determine the necessity and set a public hearing for November 27, 2023 at 7:00 pm regarding the necessity of Special Assessment District 1-2023.

10) Resolution reconfirming City of Mt. Pleasant Development License Development Districts.

11) Payrolls and Warrants.

Held a public hearing on propose 2024 Annual Operating Budget.

Accepted recommendation from LOCC regarding compensation for elected city officials and approved the Resolution setting forth the annual compensation schedule.

Adopted a Resolution approving the 2024 Operating Budget and establishing the millage rate.

Approved the Resolution supporting amended rates, fees, and charges.

Approved contract amendment with Fishbeck Engineering to provide additional services and oversight for the completion of the WRRF Rehabilitation Project.

Approved reappointments to the various boards and commissions as recommended by the Appointments Committee.

Moved to discontinue Broadway Central going forward.

Held a Work Session discussion on TNR Program.

Adjourned at 8:56 p.m.

Cram a Cruiser: Join Forces with the Mt. Pleasant Police Department to Support Toys for Tots

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department and Krapohl Ford Lincoln invites the public to help ‘cram a cruiser’ with new, unwrapped, unopened toys to support Toys for Tots.

Mt. Pleasant Police Officers look forward to personally thanking you for your generosity at the toy drop offs scheduled for:

November 30 from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. in front of the Division of Public Safety Building, 804 E. High Street.

December 6 from 3:00 – 5:30 p.m. at Krapohl Ford Lincoln, 1415 E. Pickard Road.

December 14 from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. in front of the Division of Public Safety Building, 804 E. High Street.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – November 13, 2023

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, November 13, 2023 at 7 p.m.

Presentation on Town Center by Downtown Development Director Michelle Sponseller.

Public hearing on the proposed 2024 Annual Operating Budget.

Receive and consider recommendation from Local Officers Compensation Commission regarding compensation for elected city officials.

Consider resolution approving the final 2024 Operating Budget and set the millage rate for 2024.

Consider resolution supporting amended rates, fees, and charges.

Review 2023 Broadway Central and consider recommendation for 2024 and beyond.

Discussion on TNR Program.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

Click to access E-Packet%20for%20November%2013,%202023—–.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/85384088427?pwd=bnZnaHZ2bmZmZTdpQWZUUlEva0F4Zz09

Meeting ID: 853 8408 8427

Passcode: 855156

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

Brian Assmann bassmann@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

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. A 48-hour advance notice is necessary for accommodation.

Changes Made to the City’s Snow and Ice Removal from Sidewalk Ordinance

In order to promote safety during the winter months, changes were made to the City’s Snow and Ice Removal from Sidewalks Ordinance (98.37). Owners and/or occupants of all properties within the City must now clear any accumulation of ice and/or snow from public sidewalks adjoining such property.

Changes are as follows:

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.

Downtown Mt. Pleasant Christmas Celebration Scheduled for December 1 and 2

Downtown Mt. Pleasant will be filled with holiday spirit at the December 1-2 Christmas Celebration.

The celebration kicks off Friday, December 1 from 5 to 8 p.m. 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 and his reindeer round out the night’s festivities.

Saturday, December 2 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. Races begin at 7:50, 8:25 and 8:30 a.m., with proceeds benefitting Toys for Tots.

A pancake breakfast with Santa is scheduled from 9 a.m. – noon at the Sacred Heart Parish Hall. Admission is $10 adults, children 10 and under $5. Children under four are free. Proceeds benefit the Sacred Heart Academy Athletic Association. Tickets can be purchased at the Mt. Pleasant Parks and Recreation office located inside City Hall at 320 West Broadway.

The celebration continues at 6 p.m. on Saturday with the lighted parade traveling down Main and Broadway Street. The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation’s Women’s Initiative will serve as Parade Grand Marshal, in honor of their 20-year anniversary supporting women and girls in Isabella County.

Registration forms for the Jingle All-The-Way Kids Fun Run, 5 Mile Run and 5K Walk/Run, volunteer opportunities, Winter Market Vendor Application, parade entry applications and an up-to-date event schedule can be found at: www.mt-pleasant.org/christmas. November 10 is the deadline for market vendors and parade entry applications are due on November 15.

Pre-Celebration Events:

Jan Brett’s Winter Wonderland Tour – Chippewa River District Library, www.crdl.org November 30, 5-7 p.m., Sacred Heart Parish Hall

Winter Wonderland Family Photos – Chippewa River District Library, www.crdl.org November 30 – December 3

Summary of Minutes of the City Commission Meeting – October 23, 2023

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, October 23, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Item #17 “Utility Billing” was added to the agenda.

Approved the agenda with the addition of Item #17.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

4) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held October 9, 2023.

5) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held October 9, 2023.

6) Copier Lease Agreement with CMU.

7) Letter of support for MSHDA Neighborhood Enhancement Program application.

8) Designation of Powers Hall as Early Voting Center for all State and Federal elections beginning in 2024.

9) Payrolls and Warrants.

Held a public hearing and approved the establishment of a PACE District.

Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1092, a PILOT Ordinance; Approved Resolution for Municipal Services Agreement and Approved Municipal Services Agreement.

Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1093, an Ordinance to amend Table 154.405.A District Standards of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances regarding driveway widths.

Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1094, an Ordinance to amend Table 154.405.A District Standards of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances regarding the ratio of houses versus garage at frontage.

Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1095, an Ordinance to amend Table 154.410.A Building and Lot Principal Use, Section 154.410.B Special Uses and Article VII of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances regarding institutional uses.

Approved contract with Fishbeck for professional services to update the City’s Wellhead Protection Plan and approved a budget amendment on same.

Reconsidered EV charging supplier recommendation and approved EV charging contract with EV Holdings.

Approved credit for the September late fee on the next utility bill.

Work Session discussion on 2024 Operating Budget.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:14 p.m.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – October 23, 2023

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, October 23, 2023 at 7 p.m.

Public hearing on the establishment of a Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) District and approve resolution on the same.
Public hearing on the proposed PILOT ordinance and consider adoption of the same and resolution for the Municipal Services Agreement.
Public hearing on an ordinance to amend Table 154.405.A District Standards: CD-4 General Urban and CD-5 Urban Center Character Districts of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances Regarding Driveway Widths and consider adoption of the same.
Public hearing on an ordinance to amend Table 154.410.A District Standards: CD-3L Sub-Urban Large, CD-3 Sub-Urban and CD-04 General Urban Character Districts of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances Regarding the Ratio of Houses Versus Garage at Frontage and consider adoption of the same.
Public hearing on an ordinance to amend Table 154.410.A Building and Lot Principal Use, Section 154.410.B Special Uses, and Article VII of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances Regarding Institutional Uses and consider adoption of the same.
Discussion on the proposed 2024 Operating Budget.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

Click to access E-Packet%20for%20October%2023,%202023-reduced–.pdf

How to follow public meetings:

To participate via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83293612764?pwd=NGxyclZvMlRRN1lDMGd0Mys2dlhRUT09

Meeting ID: 832 9631 2764

Passcode: 601263

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

Brian Assmann bassmann@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

Boomer Wingard bwingard@mt-pleasant.org

Garage Fire in the 1000 Block of South Crapo Street

On October 18, 2023 at 2:58 p.m., the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department (MPFD) was dispatched to a structure fire in the 1000 block of South Crapo Street.

Upon arrival to the scene, fire crews observed smoke coming from a residential duplex and brought the fire under control by 3:31 p.m. The duplex sustained light fire damage in the garage and eaves. Occupants were home at the time of the incident, but exited safely with no injuries sustained.

The cause of the fire was due to cigarette smoking in the area.

The Mt. Pleasant Fire Department was assisted by the Mt. Pleasant Police Department and Isabella County Central Dispatch.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 10/9/2023

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, October 9, 2023, 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 September 25, 2023.

8) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held September 25, 2023.

9) Set a public hearing for Monday, October 23, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. on the establishment of a PACE District and approved a resolution of intent.

10) Received a proposed PILOT program and set a public hearing for Monday, October 23, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of receiving public comment on the matter.

11) Payrolls and Warrants.

Held a public hearing and read, passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1090, an Ordinance to amend Title IX: General Regulations, Chapter 98. Streets and Sidewalks §98.37 Snow and Ice Removal From Sidewalks of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Mt. Pleasant to require snow and ice removal from sidewalks 24 hours after a snow or ice event.

Held a public hearing and read, passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1091, an Ordinance to amend Title VII: Traffic Code, Chapter 71. Parking Regulations of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Mt. Pleasant to modify definitions, remove even/odd overnight parking system and establish a system for parking lot snow removal, provide reference to special parking arrangements for future ease of recall, and establish regulations for parking at electric car charging stations.

Approved a contract with T.H. Eifert to update the controls on the City Hall HVAC system and budget amendment for same.

Approved allocation of General Funds to continue to cover the costs for the Outdoor Ice Rink and approved a $2,000 budget amendment for a new liner.

Approved GM Dealer Community Charging Program Agreement as presented and direct staff to sign all necessary documents.

Conducted a Work Session discussion on weeds, tall grass and natural vegetation.

Approved and conducted a closed session pursuant to Section 8(1)(e) of the Open Meetings Act to consult with the City Attorney regarding trial or settlement strategy in connection with pending litigation.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:31 p.m.