Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – May 26, 2020

Here are the topics to watch at the next Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Tuesday, May 26, 2020.

Public hearing on proposed 2021-2026 Capital Improvement Plan.

Receipt of Local Development Finance Authority/Downtown Development Authority information and ability to provide grants to local businesses.

Consider resolution confirming administrative actions regarding recreational marijuana licensing dates.

Consider resolution temporarily permitting outdoor business activities.

Consider resolution in support of amending fees for summer 2020 PEAK.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/board/city.commission/agendas/2020/5.26.20.pdf

How to follow public meetings during this social distancing:

In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, the City of Mt. Pleasant is following federal, state and county health officials’ recommendations while still providing valuable City services.

Even though the City Commission meeting will take place as scheduled, it will be an electronically conducted meeting as allowed by the Governor’s Executive Order and the City Commission Chambers will be closed to the public.

Citizens can watch the City Commission meeting live on Spectrum Charter Channel 188, web streamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/MtPleasantMi/ or via Zoom.

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

Zoom Meeting information
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84587632501?pwd=N3VoWlJqa1JrTnd2WnRQN0RpSjJXQT09

Meeting ID: 845 8763 2501

Password: 864380

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.

Any citizen desiring to make a public comment on an agenda item must email their comments to comment@mt-pleasant.org either before or during the meeting. Individuals must include their name and address.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – May 11, 2020

Summary of Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, May 11, 2020, at 7:02 p.m.

Mayor Joseph read and presented a proclamation to Public Works Director Moore recognizing National Public Works Week (May 17-23, 2020).

Item #12. Recommendation to look at fees related to outdoor dining was added to the agenda.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held April 27, 2020.

2) Authorized the Mayor and Clerk to sign a one-year contract extension with Brown and Brown for broker services.

3) Resolution authorizing an amendment to the Standard Lighting Contract between the City and Consumers Energy for the removal of the existing light pole in Parking Lot 7.

4) Warrants and Payrolls.

Approved the resolution extending conditional authorization for 3967 Euclid LLC as presented. (CC Exh. 3-2020)

Approved the resolution to waive summer tax bill penalties until September 14, confirm the waiver of late fees on utility bills until June 15, 2020 and authorize utility bill payment plans as presented. (CC Exh. 4-2020)

Waived outdoor dining fees for downtown brick and mortar businesses for the 2020 outdoor dining season that do not exceed two parking spaces.

The Commission recessed at 8:46 p.m. and went into a work session at 8:52 p.m.

WORK SESSION – 1) Presentation on the 2021-2026 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).

WORK SESSION – 2) Discussion on the proposed 2021-2026 Capital Improvement Plan.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:51 p.m.

Special One-Time Recycling Collection for City of Mt. Pleasant Residents

The City of Mt. Pleasant has contracted with Republic Services to conduct a one-time special curbside pick up for recyclables. This collection, within the city limits, will take place on your regularly scheduled recycle pick-up date during the week of May 18, 2020.

Please place your items at the usual pick up point (curb or alley) by 7:00 a.m. on your usual scheduled pick up day. All usual City recycling guidelines are still in effect.

Based on the high volume of recycling to be picked up it is possible Republic Services may not be able to totally complete the collection on the scheduled pick up day. If that occurs, please leave your bin out overnight so the remaining recycling material can be picked up the next day.

Recycling Reminders:

All cardboard must be flattened and stacked.
All recyclable material should be placed in a blue recycle bin or near a blue bin in another container. A cardboard box may be used as a container for this pick up only. Plastic bags are not permitted.
Remove tape and staples from paper, and cellophane envelope windows before recycling.

Items which will NOT be picked up:

Pizza boxes and other food boxes.
Styrofoam
Shredded paper
Large metal objects
Colored glass
Kleenex, paper towels, and used personal products, such as diapers and wipes.
Wax or plastic coated cardboard/boxboard, such as milk and juice cartons, laundry soap boxes, and dog/cat food bags or water softener salt bags.
Metal cutting strips from aluminum foil and similar boxes are acceptable, but must be removed and included with your tin and aluminum recyclables. The boxes themselves can be included with your cardboard.
Plastic shopping bags.

Curbside recycling pickup will remain suspended after this one-time special pick up. Further announcements regarding the opening of the Isabella County Material Recovery Facility, and resumption of curbside recycling collection will be shared via the City’s website (www.mt-pleasant.org), Blog (mpcityblog.com), Facebook and Twitter accounts, MACTV Charter Spectrum Channel 188, and the Community Information Phone Line (989) 779-5320.

Still Time to Complete the 2020 Census

Although April 1 Census Day has passed, it is not too late for Mt. Pleasant residents, including Central Michigan University students, to complete their census form and make a difference in our community.

As of May 9, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that 56.7 percent of Mt. Pleasant households have completed their Census forms. The national average sits at 58.5 percent.

Towns across the country depend on residents responding to the census and the City of Mt. Pleasant is no different. As residents, you use and benefit from critical resources such as healthcare facilities, roadways, educational offerings and public safety services.

Your census response helps determine the funding of these services as well as the amount of representation our community has in Lansing and Washington D.C. over the next 10 years. In addition, data from the census helps shape future retail and dining options for you, your family, and future CMU students.

Residents

The Census Bureau states you must report all individuals who lived in your household on April 1, 2020. The short online Census questionnaire is confidential and can be found be visiting my2020census.gov. The online form takes less than 10 minutes to complete.

College Students

The Census Bureau has stated if you typically reside in Mt. Pleasant to attend Central Michigan University you should be counted in Mt. Pleasant. If you would have resided on campus on April 1, you are already counted, and there are no additional steps you need to take. If you reside, or would have resided off-campus on April 1, you need to fill out the short Census online questionnaire. This confidential form can be found by visiting my2020census.gov. You can complete the Census form for all individuals who were, or would have been living in your house or apartment on April 1. The online form takes less than 10 minutes to complete.

If your parents included you on their census forms at their residences you can still fill out your Census form stating where you would have been living on April 1. The Census Bureau will analyze the data to ensure there are no duplicate counts and make sure you count where you reside for school.

COVID-19 and City of Mt. Pleasant Services Update (5/8/2020; UPDATED 5/12 and 5/18/2020)

In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, the City of Mt. Pleasant continues to follow recommendations of federal, state and county health officials while still providing vital City services.

Therefore, through May 28, 2020 the City is following Governor Whitmer’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order 2020-77, and is continuing its level of building closure and only providing critical services at this time. This includes: police, fire, airport operations, water, wastewater, limited street services as well as limited construction permitting and inspection services.

Other City staff will be monitoring emails and phone calls and will attempt to answer urgent inquiries.

City Parks

City parks are currently open, but park restroom facilities are closed as well as Island Park’s Skate Park and Hannah’s Bark Park.

Trash/Recycling (Updated 5/12/2020 and 5/18/2020)

City trash pick-up is still taking place.

Recycling

The City of Mt. Pleasant has contracted with Republic Services to conduct a one-time curbside pick up for recyclables. This collection will take place on your regularly scheduled recycle pick up date during the week of May 18, 2020. Please place your items at the usual pick up point (curb or alley) by 7:00 a.m. on your usual scheduled pick up day. All City recycling guidelines are still in effect.

REMINDER: Recycling should NOT be placed in plastic bags or in oversized/appliance-size boxes. Boxes 24” x 36” will be collected, if they are not too heavy and can be picked-up by recycling staff.

For detailed information visit:

https://mpcityblog.com/2020/05/12/special-one-time-recycling-collection-for-city-of-mt-pleasant-residents/

Recycling will remain suspended after this one-time pick-up. Further announcements regarding the opening of the Isabella County Material Recovery Facility, will be made when information becomes available.

Recycling fees were waived on the April and May utility bills due to the Materials Recovery Facility being closed.

As a result of building closures, the City has temporarily suspended the direct sale of recycling bins, City trash bags and tags. City trash bags and tags are available at Meijer and Ric’s. Individual tags are available at GreenTree Grocery.

Large Item Pick Up

Large item pick-up is now reinstated. Tags can be ordered online. Once payment is received your tag will be delivered to your door.

http://www.mt-pleasant.org/residents/online_service_center/

Second Spring Leaf Collection

Since landscaping companies are now operating, a second leaf pick-up for May 11, 2020 has been scheduled. Please note all leaves must be out and ready for pick up by 6 p.m. on May 10. There will be one collection through each neighborhood starting on May 11.

Public Meetings

The City of Mt. Pleasant will host its public meetings virtually as allowed by the Governor’s Stay at Home Executive Order. Citizens may watch these meetings live on Spectrum Charter Channel 188, webstreamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/MtPleasantMi/ or via Zoom. Any citizen desiring to make a public comment must email their comments on agenda items to comment@mt-pleasant.org.

-Virtual City Commission meeting will take place on May 11, 2020 at 7 p.m.

-May 12 Historic District Commission is cancelled.

-May 14 DDA meeting is cancelled.

-May 14 Airport Advisory Board meeting is cancelled.

-May 18 TIFA Board meeting is cancelled.

-Virtual Parks and Recreation Commission meeting will take place on May 19 at 6:30 p.m.

-Virtual Police and Fire Pension Board meeting will take place on May 21, 2020 at 8:15 a.m.

-Virtual City Commission meeting will take place on May 26, 2020 at 7 p.m.

-May 27 Zoning Board of Appeals meeting is cancelled due to lack of action items.

Event Cancellations

Federal and state health officials are mandating all events be cancelled or postponed to stop the gathering of people, of any size. This guidance has caused the cancellation of the following to date:

-PEAK activities cancelled until at least June.

-Farmers’ Market cancelled through the month of May.

-City of Mt. Pleasant park shelter rental reservations are cancelled for the duration of Governor Whitmer’s Stay at Home Executive Order.

Payments and Building/DPW Permits

Citizens can make payments via mail (320 W. Broadway Street), the City’s Drop Box located outside of City Hall, or online at www.mt-pleasant.org.

Building Permits can also be electronically submitted by visiting www.mt-pleasant.org. Inspections will be scheduled once the City receives the proper recommendations from federal, state and local health officials. If needed, virtual inspections can be conducted through Skype or Zoom.

COVID-19 Resources

The City will continue to monitor this situation and be guided by information provided by the Central Michigan District Health Department https://www.cmdhd.org/novel-coronavirus, the State of Michigan https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus, and the Center for Disease Control & Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

Information Updates

Information will be updated and shared via the City’s website (www.mt-pleasant.org), Blog (mpcityblog.com), Facebook and Twitter accounts, MACTV Charter Spectrum Channel 188, and the Community Information Phone Line (989) 779-5320.

Small Business Relief

Are you a small business impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak? If so, you may be eligible for a grant or low-interest loan. Refer to these links for more information.

https://www.michigan.gov/Coronavirus

https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – May 11, 2020

Here are the topics to watch at the next Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for May 11, 2020.

-Consider resolution authorizing an amendment to the Standard Lighting Contract between the City and Consumers Energy for the removal of the existing light pole in Parking Lot 7.

-Consider extension of conditional approval of medical marijuana license for 3967 Euclid LLC.

-Consider resolution waiving summer tax bill late charges, confirmation of waiver of late fees on utility bills until June 15, and authorization for utility bill payment plans.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/board/city.commission/agendas/2020/5.11.20.pdf

How to follow public meetings during this social distancing:

In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, the City of Mt. Pleasant is following federal, state and county health officials’ recommendations while still providing valuable City services.

Citizens can watch the City Commission meeting live on Spectrum Charter Channel 188, web streamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/MtPleasantMi/ or via Zoom.

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

Zoom Meeting information
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82681508676?pwd=bWpvVnU4UG1wQUZIMjJ2WDdacmpsZz09

Meeting ID: 826 8150 8676

Password: 929986

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.

Stay the course. Wear a face mask.

In addition to continuing our social distancing practices of keeping a 6 ft. physical distance between ourselves and others, all individuals 2 years of age or older, who can medically tolerate it, must wear a cloth face mask. This mask must cover their nose and mouth when out in enclosed public spaces which includes stores and workplaces. Surgical and N95 masks must be reserved for healthcare workers and first responders. Thank you for doing your part to beat COVID-19.

For more information regarding the use of face masks visit:

• Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order 2020-70

http://www.michigan.gov/whitmer

• CDC Face mask FAQ: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html

Notice to Hannah’s Bark Park Members

We hope you and yours are in good health during this fight against COVID-19. We understand the importance of exercise and fresh air for you and your pets – especially under our current circumstances. However, the health and safety of the public, and the dog park membership, is always our priority.

In order to protect the health and safety of our members, and following the guidelines and recommendations from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (see link below), the decision has been made to close the dog park beginning Saturday, May 2, 2020 until further notice. At this time, we are uncertain as to when the park will resume operation, but we will continue to monitor the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and share any updates.

Membership fees may be extended for the period of the park closure, or you may request a refund for the number of months not used due to the park’s closure. Questions regarding refunds can be sent to Ryan Longoria at rlongoria@mt-pleasant.org

Please note that Mission Creek Park and all other City parks and trails remain open, although park restroom facilities and the Island Park Skate Park are closed. While enjoying these park offerings please practice social distancing and keep dogs on their leashes, in accordance with park rules.

For detailed information from the CDC related to best practices for pets and their owners during the current pandemic, visit:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/animals.html

Thank you for your continued support and understanding during these difficult times. We very much look forward to seeing you and your dogs at the park in the near future.

Sincerely,

City of Mt. Pleasant Parks and Recreation Department

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – April 27, 2020

Summary of Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, April 27, 2020, at 7:00 p.m.

City Manager Ridley announced Interim Director Jason Moore as the new Division of Public Works Director.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held April 13, 2020.

2) Authorized amendment to construction engineering and design services contract with Rowe Professional Services Company for 1MG Reservoir Bypass Project and budget amendment on same.

3) Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Resolution authorizing the approval of a contract for partial reimbursement of funds for 2020 M-20 (High Street) Pump Station Rehabilitation Project.

4) Warrants and Payrolls.

Approved the resolution regarding recreational marijuana establishment license deadlines as presented. (CC Exh. 2-2020)

Conducted a work session on potential options for local relief to City residents and businesses due to COVID-19.

Adjourned the meeting at 8:20 p.m.

Mt. Pleasant Police Department Investigates Felonious Assault

On April 29, at 5:17 p.m. officers of the Mt. Pleasant Police Department responded to a call of an altercation at Tall Grass Apartments located in the 1200 block of E. Broomfield Street.

Upon arrival officers determined a firearm was pointed at a sole victim during the altercation. Through victim and witness statements, and further investigative leads, a suspect was immediately identified and lodged in the Isabella County Jail. This suspect is currently pending arraignment. There was no risk to the public.

This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with additional information regarding this incident are asked to contact the Mt. Pleasant Police Department’s Anonymous Tip Line at 989-779-9111 or Central Dispatch at (989) 773-1000.

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department was assisted by the Isabella County Sheriff’s Department and Central Michigan University Police.