UV Light Technology Added to City of Mt. Pleasant’s Safety Protocols

In the battle against coronavirus, the City of Mt. Pleasant is using a variety of tools to keep employees safe while continuing to provide vital City services. These tools include personal protective equipment such as masks and gloves, proper handwashing techniques, the use of hand sanitizer and social distancing practices. Now, ultraviolet lights have been added to the arsenal.

One of the primary ways the novel coronavirus spreads from person to person is through viral respiratory droplets emitted when a person breathes, coughs or sneezes. The virus can live for days on hard surfaces causing the rate of transmission to grow. This can be prevalent in common areas such as counters and desks and especially in tight enclosed shared spaces such as emergency vehicles.

It is believed UV lights can alter the DNA and RNA of bacteria and viruses, and thereby destroy their ability to reproduce. That is why the City of Mt. Pleasant has added UV light treatment to their cleaning regiment. These UV lights can disinfect the inside of a police or City vehicle in two minutes. UV light treatment does not replace any of the standard safety hygiene protocols, but it is another valuable tool in the fight against COVID-19.

COVID-19 and City of Mt. Pleasant Services Update (4/10/2020)

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 April 30, the City is following Governor Whitmer’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order 2020-42, and is continuing its level of building closure and only providing critical services at this time. This includes: police, fire, airport operations, water, wastewater and limited street 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.

Trash/Recycling

City trash pick-up is still taking place, although curbside recycling has been suspended through April 30, 2020 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 not taking place due to the contractor suspending pick up at this time,

Spring Leaf Collection

At this time, the Spring Leaf Collection is scheduled for the week of April 27, 2020.

Leaves should not be out for collection before April 18, but all leaves must be out and ready for pick up by 6 p.m. on April 26. There will be one collection through each neighborhood starting on April 27. High and Pickard Street residents should rake leaves into low piles in the right-of-way. All others should place leaves in low piles in the street gutter. Do not cover catch basins.

Since landscaping companies are not operating at this time, a second leaf pick-up will be scheduled after the Stay at Home Executive Order has been lifted.

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 or webstream at https://www.youtube.com/user/MtPleasantMi/. Any citizen desiring to make a public comment must email their comments on agenda items to comment@mt-pleasant.org.

-The Virtual City Commission meeting will take place on April 13, 2020 at 7 p.m.

-Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting (April 22) is cancelled due to lack of business.

-Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting (April 28) is cancelled due to lack of business.

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:

-Master Plan Open House (April 23)

-PEAK activities cancelled until at least June.

-Youth Soccer Program (Registration refunds will be issued.)

-Start Smart Program (Registration refunds will be issued.)

-Youth Tee Ball (Registration refunds will be issued.)

-Farmers’ Market cancelled through the month of May.

Payments and Building 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.

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.

Topics to Watch at the City Commission Meeting – April 13, 2020

Here are the topics to watch at the next Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for April 13, 2020.

-Receive 2021-2026 proposed Capital Improvement Plan and set a public hearing for May 26, 2020 on the same.

-Consider resolutions authorizing an amendment to the Standard Lighting Contract between the City and Consumers Energy for new LED street lighting at High Street and Arnold Street and High Street and Mission Street.

-Consider resolution confirming administrative decisions regarding utility bills and extending administrative authority.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/board/city.commission/agendas/2020/4.13.20.pdf

How to follow public meetings during this unprecedented time:

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 or web streamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/MtPleasantMi/. Any citizen desiring to make public comment must email their public comments on agenda items to comment@mt-pleasant.org.

Island Park Skate Park to close at 1 p.m. on April 6, 2020

In an effort to keep our residents safe and healthy in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Island Park Skate Park will be closed starting at 1 p.m. on Monday, April 6. A reopen date will be made at a later date as more information regarding COVID-19 becomes available.

Information will be updated and shared via the City’s website (www.mt-pleasant.org), Blog (mpcityblog.com), Facebook and Twitter accounts and the Community Information Phone Line (989) 779-5320. You may also contact your City Commissioners at commission@mt-pleasant.org.

A Message from Mayor Will Joseph (April 5, 2020)

Dear City of Mt. Pleasant Residents,

Our daily lives have recently taken a dramatic turn. COVID-19 and the rapid rate of new information has altered our familiar schedules and has forced us to adapt quickly over the past several weeks. But what has remained constant is the City of Mt. Pleasant’s dedication to taking proactive steps to follow state and county health officials’ recommendations while still providing vital City services.

City staff has been working tirelessly to stay ahead of the ever-changing COVID-19 landscape while making sure the needs of our residents are met. These services include, but are not limited to, Public Safety, Water and Wastewater Treatment Services, airport operations, City trash pick-up and park operations.

City Commissioners and staff have also determined a way to conduct our City Commission meetings virtually so our residents can still participate in local government during this time of social distancing. On Monday, April 13 at 7 p.m., our City Commission meeting will take place virtually. Citizens may watch the meeting live on Spectrum Charter Channel 188 or livestream on the City’s YouTube Channel. Citizens who wish to comment during the public comment portions of the meeting must email their comments to COMMENT@mt-pleasant.org.

We realize many residents may have specific questions regarding COVID-19. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has launched several statewide platforms to answer your questions. You may call the COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136, seven days a week from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. or email your specific questions to COVID19@michigan.gov24/7.

Are you a small business impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak? If so, you may be eligible for some relief. Refer to this website https://www.michiganbusiness.org/covid19/ provided by the Middle Michigan Development Corporation.

Specific City of Mt. Pleasant information will be updated and shared via the City’s website (www.mt-pleasant.org), Blog (mpcityblog.com), Facebook and Twitter accounts and the Community Information Phone Line (989) 779-5320. You may also contact your City Commissioners at commission@mt-pleasant.org.

We all play a role in this fight against COVID-19. Please adhere to Governor Whitmer’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order 2020-42 (Updated 4/13/2020) which states you may leave the house to take a walk or run as well as visit the grocery store or pharmacy; but all other travel should be suspended. While you are getting exercise, feel free to enjoy our City’s park system but remember to keep a 6 ft. distance between you and others. Thank you for your understanding and flexibility as we navigate through this uncharted territory. Together we will make it through this.

Sincerely,

Will Joseph

Mayor, City of Mt. Pleasant

Michigan Street Reconstruction

The Michigan Street reconstruction project which was originally scheduled to start on July 6, 2020 will begin on Monday, March 30, 2020. During this time the road, portions of the storm sewer, sidewalk and curbing will be replaced between Oak and Washington Streets. Site amenities such as benches, trash cans, and pedestrian lighting will follow later in the summer due to lead time in ordering materials.

This civil construction project is classified as critical work as outlined in Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order 2020-21. Starting this project earlier while traffic levels are lower will decrease the length of disruption to those along this corridor.

Michigan Street between Oak and Washington Streets will be closed to through traffic starting on March 30, 2020.

Curbside Recycling Fee Waived – Utility Bill Payment Due Date Extended

The impact of COVID-19 is far-reaching and each day brings new information as well as many changes to our jobs, schooling, recreational activities and level of municipal services provided. Due to curbside recycling being suspended, that fee will be removed from your next utility bill. The City has also delayed utility bill due dates from April 15 to May 15 without penalty. Payments may be made online, by mail, or dropped off at the drop box located in the City Hall parking lot.

City staff and City Commissioners are committed to identifying potential ways to help our residents and businesses. We are still working on, and researching additional local options available to make this challenging time a little easier. 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.

We ask you continue to follow the recommended guidelines from our health officials, adhere to Governor Whitmer’s Executive Orders, and please, stay safe and be well.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – March 23, 2020

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, March 23, 2020, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held March 9, 2020.

2) Bid of Lakeshore Construction of Mt. Pleasant, MI for 2020 New Sidewalk and Sidewalk Replacement Project and approved a budget amendment from Major and Local Streets.

3) Authorized the Mayor and Clerk to sign the revised sewer agreement with Nottawa Township as presented.

4) Authorized the Mayor and Clerk to sign the easement document with Nottawa Township as presented.

5) Warrants and Payrolls.

Denied Resolution #5 and instead authorized a budget amendment of $17,400 from the Capital Improvement Fund to fund the remaining cost of the street light improvements.

Approved Option A (add lighting with irrigation) and awarded the contract for the 2020 Michigan Street Reconstruction Project to McGuirk Sand and Gravel, of Mt. Pleasant, MI and appropriate budget amendments.

Approved submission of City requests for Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe two percent allocations with a summary of the Commission’s top priorities.

Appointed Mayor Joseph to the County Tax Allocation Board.

Adjourned the meeting at 7:54 p.m.