Category: News

City of Mt. Pleasant Awarded DNR Grant

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently awarded $1 million in grants to hep 15 Michigan communities improve their tree canopies. Mt. Pleasant was one of the communities awarded, receiving $100,000 for public tree planting and maintenance activities to support a sustainable urban forest.

According to the DNR, these statewide grants will collectively plant and care for more than 1,700 trees, train 500 city staff, students, and residents through 33 workshops and events, and create inventories and develop plans to sustainably manage more than 32,000 public trees benefiting more than 285,000 Michigan residents.

This grant program is made possible through funding provided by the USDA Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Program. The Michigan DNR Urban and Community Forestry Program is a federally funded program providing technical, educational and grant assistance to communities, nonprofits, educational institutions and tribes to build capacity for managing trees and forests in communities throughout the state.  

4th of July Holiday Hours and Firework Safety Reminders

City offices will be closed on Friday, July 4, 2025.

A person may only discharge or use consumer fireworks on private property on June 29 – July 5 from 11 a.m. – 11:45 p.m.

Individuals should not ignite, discharge, or use consumer fireworks, homemade fireworks, pyrotechnics or display fireworks on public property, school property, church property, or the property of another person without permission to do so.

Violations shall be punishable with fines of $500 up to $1,000.

Additionally, a minor shall not possess, ignite, discharge, or use consumer fireworks. Fireworks shall not be used while a person is under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, or during times when a burning ban has been established by the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, MI. For a list of burning restrictions by county, visit http://www.dnr.state.mi.us/burnpermits/.

Safety Tips

For those planning on discharging fireworks this July Fourth holiday, please follow the City regulations as stated above, and practice these safety tips:

1.    Read and follow all warnings and instructions.

2.    Never allow children to play with fireworks of any kind.

3.    Wear protective clothing, including eyewear.

4.    Only light devices on smooth, flat surfaces away from residential areas, dry leaves, and flammable materials.

5.    Always keep a hose or bucket of water nearby in case of malfunction.

6.    Never try to light fireworks that have not fully functioned.

The best way to protect your family is to avoid the use of fireworks at home entirely. 

Truck Crosses Pickard Hits a Tree – No Injuries

On June 10, 2025, at 12:23 p.m. officers from the Mt. Pleasant Police Department were dispatched to a truck that hit a tree in the 900 block of Pickard Street, near the Mission and Pickard intersection.

A Chevrolet Silverado truck was initially in the McDonald’s drive thru. The driver became incapacitated and rear-ended two cars who were ahead of the truck in the drive-thru lane. The truck then traveled over the curb, across Pickard Street and stopped when it struck a tree on the north side of the street. The tree then fell causing damage to two parked cars.

The driver of the vehicle, a 35-year-old male from Shepherd, was transported to a local hospital for evaluation. No other individuals were injured.

This accident remains under investigation.

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department was assisted by the Michigan State Police, Mobile Medical Response, Isabella County Central Dispatch, and the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department.

Summary of City Commission Meeting Minutes 6/9/2025.

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, June 9, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Read a Proclamation recognizing Juneteenth Celebration Day as June 19, 2025.

Approved the Agenda as presented.

Received petitions and communications.

Removed Item #6 “Proposed 2026-2031 Capital Improvement Plan” from the Consent Calendar.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

5) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held May 27, 2025.

6) Removed from the Consent Calendar.

7) Payrolls and Warrants.

Held a public hearing and approved Application of Reynolds Golden Finds LLC for a loan through the CDBG Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) program.

Approved the proposed 2026-2031 Capital Improvement Plan as amended on June 2, 2025.

Discussed 2025 millage rate. No action taken.

Approved the final draft of EPIC MRA Survey and inclusion of former employees who have left employment with the city in the past 2.5 years.

Conducted a Work Session on Proposed Ordinance to amend Title VII: TRAFFIC CODE, Chapter 72: BICYCLES of the City’s Code of Ordinances regarding the use of motorized bikes and scooters on City owned trails.

Approved and conducted Closed Sessions pursuant to subsection 8(h) of the Open Meetings Act to consider material exempt from discussion or disclosure by state or federal statute.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:46 p.m.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 6/9/2025

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, June 9, 2025, at 7 p.m.

  • Consider approval of the proposed 2026-2031 Capital Improvement Plan.
  • Public hearing on proposed application from Reynolds Golden Finds LLC for the CBDG Revolving Loan Fund Program and consider resolution on the same.
  • Consider whether a public hearing to adjust the 2025 millage rate should be held.
  • Consideration of final draft of EPIC MRA workplace climate survey.
  • Discussion on Chapter 72 of the City’s Code of Ordinances entitled, “Bicycles” regarding the usage of motorized bikes and scooters on City owned trails.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

Click to access E-Packet%20for%20Regular%20Meeting%20on%20Monday,%20June%209,%202025.pdf

How to follow public meetings:

The City Commission 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/81794668975?pwd=HFZNeUXFJyz476EgKPb3E9VQAbTvFA.1

Meeting ID: 817 9466 8975

Passcode: 433810

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

Boomer Wingard        bwingard@mt-pleasant.org

John Zang                   jzang@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.

Truck and Motorcycle Accident Leads to Fatality

On May 28, 2025, at 2:17 p.m. officers from the Mt. Pleasant Police Department were dispatched to a truck and motorcycle accident at the intersection of Sweeney and Broomfield Street. A Chevrolet 3500 truck traveling north on Sweeney Street failed to yield to oncoming traffic while crossing Broomfield Street. A motorcycle traveling west on Broomfield collided with the truck.

The driver of the truck, a 45-year-old male from Vestaburg, did not seek medical attention for a minor injury.

The motorcyclist, a 27-year-old male from Mt. Pleasant was transported to a local hospital where he died from his injuries.

This accident remains under investigation.

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department was assisted by the Michigan State Police, Mobile Medical Response, Isabella County Central Dispatch, and the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department.

Summary of City Commission Meeting Minutes 5/27/2025.

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Read and presented a Proclamation in support of 2SLGBTQ+Pride Month (June 2025).

“Presentation on City Delegation trip to Sister City Okaya, Japan” was added to the agenda.

Approved the Agenda as amended.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

2) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held May 12, 2025.

3) Removed from Consent Calendar.

4) Set a Public Hearing for June 9, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of providing the opportunity for public input on the proposed application by Reynolds Golden Finds LLC for a loan through the CDBG RLF program.

5) Payrolls and Warrants.

Held a public hearing and moved to not accept the proposed Ordinance to amend Title VII: TRAFFIC CODE, Chapter 72: BICYCLES of the City’s Code of Ordinances regarding the use of motorized bikes and scooters on City owned trails of the Mount Pleasant Code of Ordinances and to bring back for a future work session.

Held a public hearing and approved the Resolution in support of application for CBD Grant Water Related Infrastructure Program.

Held a public hearing and recommended that staff look at pages 38, 39 and 41 of the 2026-2031 proposed CIP to remove references to Veits Woods and to bring the CIP back before the City Commission on Monday, June 9, 2025.

Approved Resolution granting six (6) month extension of conditional authorization for Haze MP LLC to operate an Adult-Use Recreational Retailer Establishment at 914 E. Pickard Street.

Authorized Director Lauria to proceed with the purchase of a 2024 Chevrolet Express Van for use by both the EST and YSU and budget amendment for same.

Held a Work Session discussion on EPIC MRA workplace climate survey.

Adjourned the meeting at 10 p.m.

Topics to Watch at the 5/27/2025 City Commission Meeting

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for TUESDAY, May 27, 2025, at 7 p.m.

  • Public hearing on the amendment and adoption of Chapter 72 of the City’s Code of Ordinances entitled, “Bicycles” regarding the usage of motorized bikes and scooters on City owned trails.
  • Public hearing on the Community Development Block Grant Water Related Infrastructure Program application and consider approval of resolution on the same.
  • Public hearing on the 2026 – 2031 Proposed Capital Improvement Plan.
  • Discussion on EPIC MRA workplace climate survey.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

Click to access E-Packet%20for%20Regular%20Meeting%20Tuesday,%20May%2027,%202025.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 comment@mt-pleasant.org.

To participate via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86254896065?pwd=qHJoz1HN3o3qC2faAvhHSUPlgipDkG.1

Meeting ID: 862 5489 6065

Passcode: 596089

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

Boomer Wingard         bwingard@mt-pleasant.org

John Zang                   jzang@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 City Commission Meeting Minutes 5/12/2025.

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, May 12, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Item #19 “Consider appointments to the various boards and commissions as recommended by the Appointments Committee.”; was removed from the agenda.

Approved the Agenda as amended.

Received petitions and communications.

Items #12 and #15 were removed from the Consent Calendar.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:
9) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held April 28, 2025.
10) Bid of Shain Roofing of Livonia, MI for DPS Building Roof Restoration Agreement and budget amendment for same.
11) Budget amendment for the purchase of essential replacement parts for Well #20.
12) Removed from Consent Calendar.
13) Contract with Kihn Heating & Cooling LLC of Mt. Pleasant, MI for CHILL Furnace & Water Heater Project.
14) Set a public hearing for May 27, 2025, for the Community Block Development Grant Water Related Infrastructure Program.
15) Removed from Consent Calendar.
16)Payrolls and Warrants dated May 1, 2025.

Approved Contract with Mead & Hunt of Lansing, Michigan for Professional Engineering Services to perform required geotechnical and field survey work of Runway 9/27 subbase and authorized the City Manager to sign the contract.

Received proposed Ordinance to amend Title VII: TRAFFIC CODE, Chapter 72: BICYCLES of the City’s Code of Ordinances regarding the use of motorized bikes and scooters on City owned trails and set a public hearing for Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. on same.

Approved updates to the MERS Adoption Agreement & Plan Addendum documents.

Authorized Director of Public Safety Paul Lauria to work with the City Attorney to draft a contract to provide limited police services to the Village of Lake Isabella with language that there will be no disruption in police services to the City.

Conducted a Work Session on 2026-2031 Capital Improvement Plan.

Conducted a Work Session on Central Business District TIFA.

Conducted a Work Session on EPIC MRA workplace climate survey.

Adjourned the meeting at 10:23 p.m.