Topics to Watch at the Virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – November 8, 2021

Here are the topics to watch at the next virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, November 8, 2021 at 7 p.m.

Public hearing on proposed 2022 Annual Operating Budget.

Public hearing on special assessment roll for Special Assessment District #2-21 and consider approval of resolution #5 for approval of the roll and setting of payment terms for Special Assessment District #2-21 for Principal District Shopping special assessment.

Consider contract with Recovery, Independence Safety & Empowerment (RISE) Advocacy, Inc. for mental health services assistance.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/board/city.commission/agendas/2021/11-8-21.pdf

How to follow public meetings during social distancing:

In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, as allowed under the Open Meetings Act and consistent with the Isabella County Declaration of a State of Emergency (Resolution No. 20-12-03 effective 12-15-20), the City Commission Meeting will be held virtually. The public 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.

Zoom Meeting instructions via computer, phone, or dial-in number are as follows:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85117429936?pwd=VTZ5Rk5BZmtqeFFtQ1NuRmJ3M1lFQT09

Meeting ID: 851 1742 9936

Passcode: 968314

Phone dial-in: (929) 205-6099

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. Any citizen desiring to make a public comment on an agenda item may email their comments.

• Attendance to the meeting and participation during public comment periods will be conducted as follows:

• Members of the public must provide their name and address with their comments.

• Comments/Questions may be sent ahead of the meeting in writing or emailed to comment@mt-pleasant.org.

• Individual commissioners can be contacted at the following email addresses:

Mary Alsager malsager@mt-pleasant.org

Olivia Cyman ocyman@mt-pleasant.org

Lori Gillis lgillis@mt-pleasant.org

William Joseph wjoseph@mt-pleasant.org

Amy Perschbacher aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org

George Ronan gronan@mt-pleasant.org

Pete Tolas ptolas@mt-pleasant.org

• Comments/Questions can be emailed to comment@mt-pleasant.org during the meeting and during normal public comment sections of the agenda.

• Comments sent via email will be read aloud to the Commission during the public comment periods.

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.

Ladies Day Out – Scheduled for November 13, 2021

Ladies Day Out is scheduled for Saturday, November 13, 2021 and is poised to be another great event in downtown Mt. Pleasant. And, a wonderful opportunity to conquer that holiday shopping list.

New name and updated logo. After 17 years, some alterations have been made to this popular event, prompting an updated logo and name. Since the event has transitioned from an evening event to an all-day shopping experience, what was once Ladies Night Out is now coined, Ladies Day Out. An updated logo also reflects this change.

Big prizes. Rather than smaller raffle prizes being distributed at the Broadway Theatre, attendees will have the opportunity to win $250, $500 or $1,000 in downtown gift certificates. Individuals can stop by the Downtown Development kiosk at Main and Broadway from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. to register to win these notable prizes.

Questions: Contact Downtown Development Director Michelle Sponseller at msponseller@mt-pleasant.org or (989) 779-5348.

A Message from Mt. Pleasant City Manager Aaron Desentz

Since I joined the City of Mt. Pleasant as City Manager on October 18, I am blown away by the support and outreach of this extremely welcoming community. Each day I am more impressed with the City, and happy I made the decision to call Mt. Pleasant home.

A little bit about me, I graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 2013, with a Master’s in Public Administration. Shortly thereafter, I was appointed as the Village Manager of Shelby, Michigan. Since then I have worked in local government for a number of other Michigan communities, with the most recent being Eaton Rapids. My wife Samantha and I have two dogs, Zander and Fenrir, and are excited to be moving into our new home in Mt. Pleasant.

As you can imagine, the past two weeks have been filled with meetings and I have met a number of great people in the community. I look forward to continuing the quality services our City of Mt. Pleasant organization provides, and welcome the opportunity to talk with residents. Please feel free to contact me, email: adesentz@mt-pleasant.org, phone: (989) 779-5321.

Accessory Dwelling Units Offer Unique Housing Options

Accessory dwelling units (ADU’s) are small, secondary dwelling units located on the same lot as a larger, principal dwelling unit. They can be a detached structure in the backyard, an over-the-garage unit, or a space attached to the primary residence. The main home and ADU, also referred to as granny flats or in-law units, cannot be sold separately. The owner of the principal home is also the owner of the ADU.

ADU’s are built and have become an increasingly popular housing option because:

-They create additional housing supply and variety within existing residential neighborhoods.

-They increase housing affordability.

-They provide opportunities for multi-generational housing and/or aging-in-place.

-They generate supplementary income for homeowners.

There are currently 54 existing ADU’s in the City. This distinctive housing option can be created in the CD-4 zoning district by right, or created in the CD-3L or CD-3 zoning district with Planning Commission approval.

To make the ADU design process easy, and to assure these units meet all zoning guidelines, City staff has prepared example building plans for both stand-alone and over-the-garage ADU’s. These plans can also be adjusted by City staff to reflect the architectural details of primary dwellings.

To find out more about these units and view the building plans, call (989) 779-5347.

Summary of Minutes of the virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – October 25, 2021

Summary of Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, October 25, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held October 11, 2021.

2) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held October 11, 2021.

3) Bid of Tokio Marine HCC for 2022 stop loss coverage insurance.

4) S.A. 2-21 Resolution #4 to set a public hearing for November 8, 2021 on the PSD special assessment roll.

5) Updates to the PACT Policies as presented.

6) Warrants and Payrolls.

Held a public hearing and approved Resolution for transfer of the IFT from Dayco to MAC LTT as presented. (CC Exh. 13-2021)

Authorized the Mayor and Clerk to sign the IFT Agreement with MAC LTT as presented.

Approved a budget allocation from the Unassigned Fund Balance for the purchase and operation of an outdoor ice rink.

Approved a budget amendment from the Motor Pool Fund Balance for the repairs for the vactor truck.

Held a work session discussion on potential pedal trolley ordinance.

Adjourned the meeting at 8:49 p.m.

Topics to Watch at the VIRTUAL Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – October 25, 2021

Here are the topics to watch at the next virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, October 25, 2021 at 7 p.m.

-Public hearing on the amended MAC LTT Industrial Facilities Tax (IFT) abatement application and consider resolution recommending the transfer of Dayco’s remaining (IFT)

Consider agreement with MAC LTT related to Industrial Facilities Tax (IFT) abatement approval.

-Consider resolution #4 to accept the special assessment roll and set a public hearing for November 8, 2021 regarding said roll for Special Assessment District #2-21 regarding Principal Shopping District special assessment.

-Consider budget amendment for ice rink.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/board/city.commission/agendas/2021/10.25.21.pdf

How to follow public meetings during social distancing:

Zoom Meeting instructions via computer, phone, or dial-in number are as follows:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81888462535?pwd=UWJzZVBtUVhUY2I3c3Z0QzgzSGhFdz09

Meeting ID: 818 8846 2535

Passcode: 729008

Phone dial-in: (929) 205-6099

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. Any citizen desiring to make a public comment on an agenda item may email their comments.

• Attendance to the meeting and participation during public comment periods will be conducted as follows:

• Members of the public must provide their name and address with their comments.

• Comments/Questions may be sent ahead of the meeting in writing or emailed to comment@mt-pleasant.org.

• Individual commissioners can be contacted at the following email addresses:

Mary Alsager malsager@mt-pleasant.org

Olivia Cyman ocyman@mt-pleasant.org

Lori Gillis lgillis@mt-pleasant.org

William Joseph wjoseph@mt-pleasant.org

Amy Perschbacher aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org

George Ronan gronan@mt-pleasant.org

Pete Tolas ptolas@mt-pleasant.org

• Comments/Questions can be emailed to comment@mt-pleasant.org during the meeting and during normal public comment sections of the agenda.

• Comments sent via email will be read aloud to the Commission during the public comment periods.

Trick or Treating Safety Reminders and Pumpkin Promenade Fun

The City of Mt. Pleasant’s Trick-or-Treating hours are 6 – 8 p.m. on October 31. Please remember the following safety tips.

Remain on well-lit streets, and use sidewalks.
A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children.
Look both ways before crossing the street, and use crosswalks.
Carry a flashlight and/or wear reflective clothing.

Guidance from the Center for Disease Control (CDC):

At the end of September, the CDC provided this Halloween guidance:

Trick-or-treat outside, in small groups.
Avoid crowded, large indoor Halloween parties.
Mask up.
Social distance.
Properly wash hands.

Refer to the www.cdc.gov website for updates.

Pumpkin Promenade to Provide Happy Haunting

The Pumpkin Promenade is scheduled for Friday, October 29 from 4-6 p.m. in downtown Mt. Pleasant. Children 12 years and under are invited to dress in their Halloween costumes, trick-or-treat outside of downtown businesses, and enjoy kid-friendly outdoor activities at Town Center.

Summary of Minutes of the Virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – October 11, 2021

Summary of Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, October 11, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.

Mayor Joseph read a proclamation recognizing October 11, 2021 as Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held September 27, 2021.

2) Bid of ProComm of Mt. Pleasant, MI for the purchase of 12 portable 800 Mhz radios and the appropriate budget amendment.

3) Received Amended Application from MAC LTT and set public hearing on same for Monday, October 25, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.

4) Allocation of $10,000 to the Mid-Michigan Aquatic Recreational Authority for start-up funds contingent on similar approval from the other two partners and the appropriate budget amendment as presented.

5) MDOT resolution authorizing a contract amendment to include wetland delineation services.

6) Contract amendment with Mead and Hunt for wetland delineation services.

7) Appointment of Aaron Desentz to replace Nancy Ridley on the Airport Joint Operations and Management Board effective immediately and to the remaining boards and commissions as presented effective November 1, 2021.

8) Warrants and Payrolls.

Held a public hearing on S.A. #1-2021 regarding pedestrian lighting and approved Resolution #5 for approval of the roll and setting of payment terms for the special assessment district.

Confirmed the reallocation and carryover of existing vacancy savings in 2021 to be used for a one-year contract with R.I.S.E. Advocacy, Inc.

Commissioner Cyman was appointed to fill the vacant seat on the Appointments Committee.

Authorized a bonus for current City Manager Nancy Ridley.

Approved and conducted a closed session pursuant to subsection 8(c) of the Open Meetings Act for strategy and negotiation sessions connected with the negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement.

Approved the labor agreement with Paid On-Call Firefighters (POCF).

Held Work Session Discussions on 2022 Operating Budget and outdoor ice rink options.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:15 p.m.

Election Day – November 2, 2021

On November 2, 2021 an election will be held to elect three individuals to the Mt. Pleasant City Commission as well as consider a bonding proposal for the Mt. Pleasant Public Schools.

The five candidates running for City Commission are:

Elizabeth “Liz” Busch

Marueen N. Eke

Daniel “Dan” Hess

Philip “Phil” Kruska

Amy Perschbacher

To review candidate biographical information and ballot language visit: vote411.org

To watch the League of Women’s Voters candidate forum visit:https://vimeo.com/610953099

Precinct Consolidation:

Please note precinct locations for this November 2, 2021 election.

Precinct 2 (City Hall): Voters from Precinct 1 (Ganiard) and Precinct 2 will vote at City Hall.
Precinct 3 (Pullen): Voters from Precinct 4 (High School) and Precinct 3 will vote at Pullen.
Precinct 6 (Vowles): Voters from Precinct 5 (Kinney) and Precinct 6 and Precinct 7 (Fancher) will vote at Vowles.

Permanent Absentee Voters:

Permanent absentee voters have been mailed an application for a ballot. If you wish to vote in this election you must return the application by 5 p.m. on Friday, October 29, 2021. A ballot will then be mailed to you. Ballots can be mailed to the City Clerk’s office (320 W. Broadway Street) 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 5 p.m. on Friday, October 29, 2021.

Absentee voting at the Clerk’s Office is available on Saturday, October 30, 2021 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. or Monday, November 1, 2021 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Voter Registration:

If you are currently not registered to vote, you can register online at https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/ or mail in the registration voter application found online. This must be completed by October 18, 2021.

After October 18, 2021 voter registration will be available at the City Clerk’s office. Please bring a proof of residency and a photo ID. This can be done until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 2, 2021.

Election Day Information

Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 2, 2021. Need a ride to and from the polls? I-Ride is offering free rides. Call (989) 772-9441 to schedule.

Visit www.mi.gov/vote to confirm where you are registered to vote.

Topics to Watch at the Virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – October 11, 2021

Here are the topics to watch at the next virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, October 11, 2021 at 7 p.m.

Public hearing on special assessment roll for Special Assessment District #1-2021 regarding pedestrian lighting and consider approval of Resolution #5 for approval of the roll and setting of payment terms for the Special Assessment District.

Receive amended Industrial Facilities Tax abatement application from MAC LTT and set public hearing for October 25, 2021 on the same.

Consider approval of startup funds for the Mid-Michigan Aquatic Recreational Authority and budget amendment for the same.

Consider budget reallocation for mental health services assistance.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/board/city.commission/agendas/2021/10-11-21_Agenda.pdf

How to follow public meetings during social distancing:

Zoom Meeting instructions via computer, phone, or dial-in number are as follows:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86043997255?pwd=OVlWdGtFUVNCZnZqOEdiZ2NUcFl3QT09

Meeting ID: 860 4399 7255

Passcode: 501059

Phone dial-in: (929) 205-6099

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. Any citizen desiring to make a public comment on an agenda item may email their comments.

• Attendance to the meeting and participation during public comment periods will be conducted as follows:

• Members of the public must provide their name and address with their comments.

• Comments/Questions may be sent ahead of the meeting in writing or emailed to comment@mt-pleasant.org.

• Individual commissioners can be contacted at the following email addresses:

Mary Alsager malsager@mt-pleasant.org

Olivia Cyman ocyman@mt-pleasant.org

Lori Gillis lgillis@mt-pleasant.org

William Joseph wjoseph@mt-pleasant.org

Amy Perschbacher aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org

George Ronan gronan@mt-pleasant.org

Pete Tolas ptolas@mt-pleasant.org

• Comments/Questions can be emailed to comment@mt-pleasant.org during the meeting and during normal public comment sections of the agenda.