Topics to watch at the City Commission Meeting – November 11, 2019

Here are the topics to watch at the next Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, November 11, 2019 at City Hall, 320 W. Broadway Street.

-Proclamation recognizing 100^th Anniversary of Central Michigan Life (CMLife).

-Public hearing on the proposed 2020 Annual Operating Budget.

-Public hearing on an ordinance to add a new subsection 154.410.B.4.b and amendment to table 154.410.A of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinance to regulate recreational marihuana establishments as special uses and consider approval of the same.

-Public hearing on an ordinance to amend Chapter 133: Fireworks to comply with state law and consider approval of the same.

-Bids and Quotations: Environmental Consulting Services as postponed from meeting of October 28, 2019.

-Consider grant acceptance from GameTime, sole source purchase of playground equipment and budget amendment for the same.

-Consider resolution supporting fee recommendations for recreational marihuana establishment applications.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/board/city.commission/agendas/2019/11.11.19.pdf

Be a Good Neighbor – Keep Sidewalks Clear of Snow and Ice

For All Residents: In May 2019, the City Commission decided to expand city residential sidewalk snowplowing from approximately 13 miles to approximately 25 miles within three years, and adding at least five miles each year thereafter with the goal of clearing all, or a majority of the 46 miles of city residential district sidewalks. An evaluation of the effectiveness will be conducted after the first three years.

To provide more time for evaluation of the expanded process, City staff will begin sidewalk snowplowing along 25 miles of residential sidewalks this season. No salt will be used. The expanded areas are based on an evaluation of school locations, parks, other assumed high walking areas where pedestrian lighting exists, and contiguous areas to the extent practical. Sidewalk snowplowing by City staff will generally not start until the City streets, alleys and parking lots have been cleared.

For a map on which sidewalks will be plowed visit: www.mt-pleasant.org/maps. For those sidewalks not currently being plowed by City staff, please keep the safety of your family and neighbors in mind and remove the snow from your sidewalk and mailbox approach as soon as practical after inclement weather.

For Commercial and Industrial Property Owners: City ordinance requires commercial and industrial property owners to clear sidewalks within 18 hours after sleet, freezing rain or snow stops falling, with the exception of Sundays and holidays (Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day). In this case, snow must be cleared by noon the day following the Sunday or holiday. If the snow or ice is too hard to remove, the owner must spread enough sand or other abrasive material to make travel safe and as soon as weather permits, must clear a path of at least 48 inches in width.

Code enforcement officers can write a municipal civil infraction ticket to commercial and industrial property owners who do not fulfill this requirement of the ordinance. For further information, contact Assistant Fire Chief Doug Lobsinger at (989) 779-5123 or dlobsinger@mt-pleasant.org.

Join the Mt. Pleasant Police to support Toys for Tots and Visit with Santa

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department invites the public to help ‘cram a cruiser’ and visit with Santa from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 4 at Mt Pleasant’s Division of Public Safety.

Attendees are asked to bring a new, unwrapped, unopened toy to support the local Toys for Tots Drive. The evening includes the chance to visit with Santa, meet the officers from the Mt. Pleasant Police and Fire Departments, sit behind the wheel of a fire truck, and enjoy hot cocoa and candy canes.

With each toy donated you earn a chance to win a half-day, two-person walleye fishing trip on the Saginaw Bay.

Parking and entrance will be at the rear (south side) of the Public Safety Building, 804 E. High Street.

MPPD seeking assistance in identifying suspect in Strong Arm Robbery

Mt. Pleasant, Mich., – The Mt. Pleasant Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying a male suspect who was at Wild Side Smoke Shop, 1218 South Mission Street at approximately 6:38 p.m. on October 31, 2019. The store employee reported he recognized the male from previous incidents of stealing from the store. The male was back in the store attempting to steal again. The store employee approached the male about putting items in his pockets. The male in attempt to flee began to fight with the store employee.

There was an unidentified female in the parking lot that was waiting for this male. The female did take part in the assault against the store employee.

The suspect is described as a white male in his late 20’s or early 30’s, approximately 6’ tall, with a thin build. The suspect was wearing blue jeans with them tucked into his cowboy boots and a bright blue NIKE hooded sweatshirt. The male was wearing glasses during this incident.

There are no safety concerns for the City of Mt. Pleasant.

If you have any information in regards to the identification of this subject, please contact The Mt. Pleasant Police Department’s anonymous tip line at 989-779-9111.

Nov. 16 is “Ladies’ Night Out” in downtown Mt. Pleasant

This year’s annual Ladies’ Night Out event will feature fantastic shopping opportunities and giveaways in downtown Mt. Pleasant while benefiting two local women’s organizations – the Women’s Initiative and R.I.S.E. Advocacy, Inc., formally known as Women’s Aid Service.

The event begins at 4 p.m. on November 16 at the Broadway Theatre. With a $5 donation at the door, ladies will enter the theatre for fun and an exciting raffle featuring prizes provided by local businesses. Once the giveaways are distributed, ladies can visit participating downtown businesses to take part in the countless in-store giveaways, promotions and specials.

A number of area businesses are also offering deals and discounts known as “Early Girl Specials” throughout the entire day. Visit the events calendar at www.facebook.com/downtownmp for the full list of these sales and specials.

Over the last 14 years, the Ladies’ Night Out event has raised more than $25,000 for the Women’s Initiative and R.I.S.E. Advocacy, Inc.

The Women’s Initiative Fund, initiated by the Mt. Pleasant Community Foundation, provides for the needs of women and girls in Isabella County by granting funds to local organizations that combat the issues more commonly faced by women, including single parenting, abuse, eating disorders and more. R.I.S.E. Advocacy, Inc. provides emergency shelter and crisis intervention for domestic violence victims, as well as counseling services and support groups for victims of violence. For more information about these organizations, visit their websites at www.mpacf.org and http://www.riseadvocacy.org

Mt. Pleasant Police Department seeking assistance in identifying suspect

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying a male suspect who was at the EZ Mart, 1911 South Mission Street at approximately 1:30 p.m. on October 30, 2019. The store manager reported the male had stolen items and then left in an unidentified vehicle.

The suspect is described as a white male in his 30’s, approximately 6’ tall, with facial hair and light brown hair. The suspect was wearing blue jeans and a dark color hoodie.

If you have any information in regards to the identification of this subject, please contact The Mt. Pleasant Police Department’s Anonymous Tip Line at 989-779-9111.

Summary of Minutes of City Commission Meeting – October 28, 2019

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, October 28, 2019, 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 October 14, 2019.

2) Authorized Finance Director Mary Ann Kornexl to sign a contract with Tokio Marine HCC for health insurance stop loss coverage.

3) Resolution in support of Traffic Control Order No. 3-2019.

4) Received proposed Ordinance to amend Chapter 133: Fireworks to comply with State law and set a public hearing for November 11, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. on same.

5) 2019 budget adjustment to allow for a one-time payment to MERS.

6) Warrants and Payrolls.

Postponed action on environmental consulting services until next meeting to receive maps of drill holes and boundaries of landfill; justification for drilling holes in capped landfill; assurance that drilling will not cause future problems; and confirmation of the information regarding if aquifer and/or river is being contaminated.

Approved the resolution recognizing the importance of the 2020 Census as presented.

Approved amendment of the prior approval to include the purchase of two self-unloading trailers with compartments from Pro-Tainer and an additional budget amendment.

Confirmed the purchase of 800 tons of road salt for early delivery and the appropriate budget amendments.

Approved and conducted a closed session pursuant to subsection 8(e) of the Open Meetings Act to consult with counsel regarding pending litigation Fisher Transportation Company et al v. Union Township et al.

Requested the City Manager investigate the sewer connection situation in the alley between Fancher and Kinney and Locust and Wisconsin and, if appropriate, grant an exception on the sewer connection as per the Code of Ordinances, Section 51.040 and the City Manager will provide a report back to the City Commission including the basis of the decision.

Authorized the City Attorney to execute the consent to vacate part of the recorded plat in regard to the Fisher Transportation Company, et al v. Union Township, et al lawsuit.

Conducted a work session discussion on the 2020 Operating Budget.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:56 p.m.

Topics to watch at the City Commission meeting – October 28, 2019

Here are the topics to watch at the next Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, October 28, 2019 at City Hall, 320 W. Broadway Street.

Consider contract for environmental consulting services
Consider resolution in support of the 2020 Census.
Consider amendment to prior approval for the purchase of self-unloading trailers and appropriate budget amendment for the same.
Receive an ordinance amendment to Chapter 133: Fireworks to comply with state law and set a public hearing for November 11

To view the entire meeting packet visit: http://bit.ly/MtPMeetingAgenda

UM-Dearborn’s iLabs’ eCities research recognizes City of Mt. Pleasant for supporting business in their community

The City of Mt. Pleasant has been recognized for its successes and efforts in contributing to Michigan’s entrepreneurial growth and economic development in the annual eCities study conducted by researchers at iLabs, University of Michigan-Dearborn’s Center for Innovation Research. Mt. Pleasant was honored as a four-star community along with 178 other communities across the state. This is the fifth time the City has been recognized by UM-Dearborn.

According to City Manager Nancy Ridley, “Mt. Pleasant receiving this recognition is evidence that our community continues to make comprehensive improvements. The Redevelopment Ready Community certification process provides the City an opportunity to review and continually improve upon our current policies and processes.” Ridley continued, “The increased level of investment to our commercial corridors is a result of this commitment by both our public and private leaders, alike.”

The eCities study analyzed publicly available data from 277 communities from 54 counties in Michigan. Researchers focused on the five-year changes in property values, community assets, and tax rates, which can demonstrate the growth, investments and cost of doing business within the community. For example, over the five-year period of 2014-2018, these communities increased their capital assets by an average of 2.25 percent per year by investments such as road and parking structure improvements, water main and streetscape upgrades, as well as police, fire, and computer equipment, while property tax rates increased by less than 1 percent on average per year.

“While accounting for only about 15 percent of the cities and townships in Michigan, the 277 communities analyzed are home to 70 percent of the population and 85 percent of the state’s commercial property,” said Tim Davis, the College of Business’ assistant dean for student engagement and success. “By analyzing these high-performing communities, our goal is to showcase what cities and townships are doing to spur growth and how we can continue to support their efforts in developing business and encouraging entrepreneurs.”

Summary of minutes of City Commission meeting – October 14, 2019

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, October 14, 2019, at 7:02 p.m., in the City Commission Room.

Mayor Joseph read and presented a proclamation to Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Council Members recognizing “Indigenous Peoples Day – October 14, 2019.”

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held September 23, 2019.

2) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held September 23, 2019.

3) Minutes of the special meeting of the City Commission held September 30, 2019.

4) Received proposed Ordinance to add a new Subsection 154.410.B.4.b and to amend table 154.410.A of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances to regulate marihuana establishments as special uses and set a public hearing for Monday, November 11, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers, 320 W. Broadway Street, Mt. Pleasant, MI.

5) Fireworks display on Saturday, December 7, 2019 and authorized Public Safety Director Paul Lauria to represent the City in the State of Michigan application process for a pyrotechnic display.

6) Appointment of Mayor William Joseph to the Study Committee for Recreation Authority.

7) Warrants and Payrolls.

Held a Public Hearing and approved the resolution approving the Neighborhood Enterprise Zone Certificate for the property at 410 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan for Michigan Community Capital as presented. (CC Exh 12-2019)

Held a Public Hearing and approved the Resolution approving the Commercial Facility Exemption Certificate at 410 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan for Michigan Community Capital as presented. (CC Exh 13-2019)

Held a Public Hearing and passed Ordinance 1049, an Ordinance to amend the zoning map of Chapter 154: ZONING ORDINANCE of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Mt. Pleasant to rezone McGuirk Subdivision, Lots 1-10 from CD-3 to CD-4, with a Residential/Dwelling Use Only Special Requirement.

Held a Public Hearing and passed Ordinance 1050, an Ordinance to amend Chapter 154: ZONING ORDINANCE, Section 154.411.C, Trash Receptacle Requirement of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Mt. Pleasant to regulate recycling receptacle requirements.

Held a Public Hearing and passed Ordinance 1051, an Ordinance to amend Chapter 154: ZONING ORDINANCE, Section 154.412, Parking, Loading, Driveway, Service, Storage, Drive Through, Trash Receptacle/Dumpster, Equipment, & Other Items Locations & Standards of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Mt. Pleasant to permit stacked parking where parking areas are accessed only by a rear alley or rear lane and also a limited amount of stacked parking (up to 5 spaces) associated with a House that is used for a non-residential or mixed-use purpose.

Held a Public Hearing and passed Ordinance 1052, an Ordinance to amend Chapter 154: ZONING ORDINANCE, Table 154.405.A, District Standards of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Mt. Pleasant to modify standards for fences and walls, roofs, and driveways in the CD-3L (Sub-Urban Large Lot) and CD-3 (Sub-Urban) districts.

Approved the program guidelines for the Make It Mt. Pleasant program and authorized the Mayor to sign the agreement with Lake Trust Credit Union with amendment adding language that Economic Initiative Funds would cover the fees for permits that can be waived according to the policy out of that fund.

Authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the time of use contracts with Consumers Energy for the Water Treatment Plant and the facilities at 1775 E. Broomfield Road as presented.

Held a work session discussion on the 2020 Operating Budget.

Adjourned at 10:05 p.m.