Mt. Pleasant Police Department to host first Fair and Impartial Policing Training Session for Community Members

As one component of a multi-faceted plan to promote impartial policing, the Mt. Pleasant Police Department provides its personnel with Fair and Impartial Policing (FIP) training. This state-of-the art instruction is based on the modern science of bias; recognizing that all individuals, and even well-intentioned individuals, have implicit biases which impact perceptions and behavior.

Stemming from a request from Mt. Pleasant’s Director of Public Safety, Paul Lauria, a FIP Training Session was designed specifically for community members. During this inaugural session, community members will (a) learn about the science of implicit bias and the training that the agency is providing to its personnel, (b) reflect on how implicit bias can impact police personnel and individuals in every walk of life, and (c) discuss skills that police and others can use to reduce and manage biases. During the interactive session participants will also learn about the Mt. Pleasant Police Department’s comprehensive efforts to promote fair and impartial policing.

Facilitator: FIP Master Instructor Mary Hoerig, Inspector of Police (ret.)

Mary Hoerig was a member of the Milwaukee Police Department for 25 years, and retired in 2016 as an Inspector (Deputy Chief). She served in many areas, most notably in Criminal Investigations, Internal Affairs, and Strategic Analysis. Hoerig received her BA in Criminal Justice Management from Concordia University. She is a graduate of the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety (Police Staff and Command) and PERF’s Senior Management Institute of Police. Hoerig studied Law Enforcement Leadership at Marquette University and received her Master of Business (MBA) from Alverno College. Hoerig is a Master Instructor with the International Association of Chiefs of Police-Women’s Leadership, and former Instructor for the University of Illinois-Chicago in Procedural Justice.

This training is free and open to the public. The session is slated for November 14, from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. at the Mt. Pleasant Division of Public Safety Building. Limited seating is available. To register, contact Christy Dush at cdush@mt-pleasant.org or (989) 779-5148 by November 1, 2019.

Topics to watch at the City Commission meeting – October 14, 2019

Here are the topics to watch at the next Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, October 14, 2019 at City Hall, 320 W. Broadway Street.

Presentation by McKenna & Associates on the 2050 Master Plan.
Public hearing on an application for a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (NEZ) certificate and Commercial Facility Exemption Certificate for the property at 410 W. Broadway and consider approval of the same.
Public hearing on recommended rezoning request for McGuirk Subdivision.
Public hearings on various recommended text changes from the Planning Commission.
Receive recommended 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 November 11, 2019 on the same.
Consider approval of Make it Mt. Pleasant program information (downtown rent subsidy program) and agreement with Lake Trust Credit Union.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: http://www.mtpleasant.org/docs/board/city.commission/agendas/2019/10.14.19.pdf

Public presentations of City of Mt. Pleasant’s 2050 Master Plan draft scheduled

The City will present the draft 2050 Master Plan to the public during a series of meetings held in October. The draft plan can be viewed online at www.mtpleasant2050.com.

On Thursday, October 3, project consultant, McKenna & Associates will present the plan to the Downtown Development Authority at 10 a.m., the Parks and Recreation Commission at 6 p.m., and the Planning Commission at 7 p.m.

On Monday, October 14, McKenna & Associates will present the plan to the City Commission at 7 p.m.

All presentations will take place at City Hall, 320 W. Broadway Street. The Planning Commission and City Commission presentations will air on Channel 188 and will stream live on the City’s YouTube page.

In April 2019, hundreds of community members participated in formal and informal activities hosted by the City of Mt. Pleasant and McKenna & Associates. During this four-day event participants shared their vision for Mt. Pleasant in the year 2050. Hundreds of additional stakeholders also participated by completing online surveys, which further refined the vision.

“The bold vision established by this plan reflects the valuable input the community provided on Mt. Pleasant’s strengths and opportunities,” said Mt. Pleasant City Planner Jacob Kain. “The hundreds of individuals who took part in this process set the direction and momentum which has ultimately shaped the draft plan. We are excited to take the next step in the planning process by introducing the draft plan to the community.”

The draft plan establishes goals and objectives organized into the following themes: Sustainable Land Use, Connected Mobility Systems, Focused Redevelopment, Exceptional Parks and Public Spaces, and Innovative Services and Aspirations.

The formal adoption of the plan is expected to occur in 2020.

Recreational (adult-use) Marihuana Information

Under the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act (MRTMA), it is legal for adults, 21 years of age or older, to grow, possess and use marihuana within certain limitations. This act also creates a commercial market for recreational (adult-use) marihuana. Local regulations related to the commercial market for recreational marihuana were adopted by the City Commission (City Commission Approved Marihuana Establishments Ordinance). A citizen initiative ordinance has also been approved for the November 5, 2019 ballot (Citizen Initiative Recreational Marihuana Establishments Ordinance).

A timeline and detailed information about the two ordinances are described below in the document below.

Recreational Marihuana Background Flyer

Absentee voting option now available to all registered voters – and other election/ballot information

Due to the November 2018 passage of a statewide ballot proposal, all registered voters in Michigan are now eligible to vote via absentee ballot without a specific reason. A written request to have an absent voter ballot mailed to you must be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office, 320 W. Broadway Street by 5 p.m. on Friday, November 1, 2019.

Absentee Voter Application Forms are available at the City Clerk’s office or can be found online at http://www.michigan.gov/sos.

By mail: Absentee voter ballots may be mailed to you at your home address or any temporary address outside of your city of residence and must be returned via mail or in person to the Clerk’s office by 8 p.m. on election day.

In-person absentee voting: This option is available at the City Clerk’s office from now until Monday, November 4^th at 4 p.m. For your convenience, the City Clerk’s office will also be open for in-person absentee voting on Saturday, November 2^nd from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

All registered voters can now also request to be added to the permanent absentee voter list maintained by the City. Once an individual is on the permanent absentee voter list, they will receive an application to vote absentee for every election. After the completed application to vote absentee is received by the Clerk’s office, a ballot will be mailed directly to the voter, eliminating a trip to the voting precinct on election day.

If you have questions regarding absentee voting or being added to the permanent absentee voter list, call (989) 779-5361.

If you are voting at the polls on Election Day, and need to confirm where you are registered to vote, visit http://www.michigan.gov/vote. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. If you need a ride to and from the polls, I-Ride (Isabella County Transportation Commission – ICTC) is offering free rides, call (989) 772-9441.

What is on the November Ballot

There are two items on the November 5, 2019 ballot, they are as follows:

Candidates for City Commission

There are five candidates running for two full-term City Commission seats (Jan. 1 2020-Dec. 31, 2022) in the upcoming election. Commissioners Kulick and Ling are not seeking re-election. The City Commission candidates are:

Mary Alsager
Barry Delau, II
Brandon McQueen
Kathy Rise
George F. Ronan

Recreational Marihuana (adult-use) Establishments Ordinance)

Voters are also voting on the citizen initiated ordinance regarding recreational marihuana establishments. For more information on this, and the City Commission Approved Recreational Marihuana Establishments Ordinance and Proposed Zoning Ordinance, visit http://bit.ly/marihuanaordinances .

Summary of Minutes of City Commission Meeting – September 23, 2019

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, September 23, 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 September 9, 2019.

2) Bid of R & T Murphy Trucking, Inc. of Mt. Pleasant, MI for the 2019-2020 leaf hauling and 2019-2021 snow hauling bids.

3) Set a special meeting for September 30, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. for a joint meeting with Charter Township of Union.

4) Receive proposed amendment to the zoning map to rezone McGuirk Subdivision, Lots 1-10 from CD-3, Sub-Urban to CD-4, General Urban with a Residential/Dwelling Use Only Special Requirement and set a public hearing on same for Monday, October 14, 2019 at 7:00 p.m.

5) Received proposed amendment to 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 and set a public hearing on same for Monday, October 14, 2019 at 7:00 p.m.

6) Received proposed amendment to 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 and set a public hearing on same for Monday, October 14, 2019 at 7:00 p.m.

7) Received proposed amendment to 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 and set a public hearing on same for Monday, October 14, 2019 at 7:00 p.m.

8) Warrants and Payrolls.

Approved Resolution designating a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (NEZ) for West Broadway Neighborhood Enterprise Zone No. 1 as presented. (CC Exh 9-2019)

Approved a Resolution Setting a Public Hearing for October 14, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. on Application for a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone New Certificate at 410 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. (CC Exh 10-2019)

Approved a Resolution Setting a Public Hearing for October 14, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. on Application for a Commercial Facility Exemption Certificate at 410 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. (Cc Exh 11-2019)

Commissioners each identified their top 5 priorities for fall 2019 Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe 2% funding requests from City Departments.

Approved budget amendment of $4,000 for the CARRS research study as presented.

Approved and conducted a closed session pursuant to subsection 8(d) of the Open Meetings Act to consider the purchase or lease of real property.

Held a work session on the 2020 Operating Budget and 2019 goals and progress.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:36 p.m.

2019 Fall Leaf Collection and Sidewalk Snow Plowing Information – UPDATED 11/26/19

11/26/19 UPDATE:

A third leaf collection will take place throughout the City beginning Tuesday, December 3, 2019. All leaves must be placed out on the street by Monday, December 2, 2019 to be picked up during this final collection. Please do not place any additional leaves out on the street after December 2.

Any remaining leaves left after the December 3 pickup may be bagged and disposed, for a fee, at the Material Recovery Facility located at 4208 E. River Road, Mt. Pleasant. Leaves left out in the street after the December 3 collection will be the responsibility of the property owner and may be subject to code enforcement.

This year’s leaf collection schedule was impacted by October and November snowfalls leaving a considerable amount of snow and ice. Due to this snow accumulation and frigid temperatures, the wet leaves froze making it challenging for both residents to rake, and street crews to pick up the piles of leaves.

We appreciate your understanding and flexibility as we maneuver through this weather challenged Fall that has forced periodic adjustments to our leaf collection schedule. As previously announced, a Spring leaf collection will be scheduled at a later date.

Thank you again for your understanding during this collection process and please share this information with your neighbors.

If you have questions you may contact the Division of Public Works at (989) 779-5401.

11/18/19 UPDATE:

Leaf Collection and Sidewalk Snowplowing Update

When Fall and Winter collide we, as a community, are faced with the challenge of collecting leaves while also clearing the streets and sidewalks of snow. Below is an update on the leaf collection schedule, as well as sidewalk snow plowing.

Leaf Collection

Leaf collection will take place throughout the City during the week of November 18.

Due to the winter weather conditions, the leaf collection originally scheduled for November 25-27 has been cancelled. A Spring collection will be announced at a later date.

Please do not place any additional leaves out on the street.

Sidewalk Snow Plowing Update

We realize improvements to our sidewalk snowplowing process are necessary. As many of you are aware, sod was damaged by City staff during the recent clearing of some residential sidewalks, this was primarily due to new equipment being used. Adjustments to the new plow blades are being completed to rectify this problem. In the Spring, City staff will repair the damage caused by the sidewalk plow by putting down new black dirt and grass seed.

We understand the frustration and appreciate your patience as we make adjustments to our equipment and the snow clearing process. If you have questions you may contact the Division of Public Works at (989) 779-5401.

11/12/19 UPDATE: Due to current weather conditions, leaf collection for the week of 11/11/19 will now take place during the week of 11/18/19.

On High and Pickard Streets, where high traffic volume prohibits leaves in the gutter, residents should rake the leaves onto the rights-of-way, between the curb and sidewalk. Yard waste bags should not be used; this collection is for leaves only. Leaf piles must not contain garden or shrubbery clippings, dead grass, branches, trim board or other material.

The City’s 2019 leaf collection schedule is as follows:

Week of November 18: Staff will collect leaves in a City-wide sweep.

Any leaves left in the street after the crews have made their final pass will not be collected and are the responsibility of the homeowner.

Questions may be directed to the Division of Public Works, 989-779-5401.

Topics to watch at the City Commission Meeting – September 23, 2019

Here are the topics to watch at the next Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, September 23, 2019 at City Hall, 320 W. Broadway Street.

-Presentation on 2020 Census by Chloe Updegraff, Coordinator Great Lakes Bay Regional Hub.

-Receive applications for Neighborhood Enterprise Zone and Commercial Facility Exemption certificates and set a public hearing for October 14, 2019 on the same.

-Receive various recommendations from the Planning Commission and set public hearing for them on October 14, 2019.

-Consider setting priorities for the 2019 Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe 2% funding requests from City departments.

-Consider budget amendment for contract with Center for Research and Rural Studies (CARRS) for information regarding election process for Mayors.

-Presentation by Finance Director Mary Ann Kornexl on the 2020 Operating Budget.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/board/city.commission/agendas/2019/9.23.19.pdf

Summary of minutes of City Commission meeting – September 9, 2019

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, September 9, 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 August 26, 2019.

2) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held August 26, 2019.

3) Purchase of an additional RBC from American Resource Recovery Services of Sparta, MI and appropriate budget amendment.

4) Bid of MMI of Mt. Pleasant, MI for curbside recycling collection for 2020 through 2022 and allow for two additional one-year extensions.

5) Purchase of trailer from Pro-Tainer of Alexandria, MN and trailer from Scientific Brake of Mt. Pleasant, MI and appropriate budget amendment.

6) Purchase of two 2020 International HV507 SFA plow truck cab and chassis from Tri County International Trucks of Jackson, MI.

7) Contract with Fleis & Vandenbrink of Grand Rapids, MI to perform engineering services for the Multi-Jurisdictional Storm Water Master Plan project.

8) Continuation of purchase-buyback program with Krapohl Ford of Mt. Pleasant, MI for sixteen (16) 2020 pickup trucks.

9) Resolution approving contract with MDOT for trunkline maintenance.

10) Received proposed 2020 Annual Operating Budget and set a public hearing for Monday, November 11, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. on same.

11) Resolution to amend 2019 Operating Budget.

12) Received fall 2019 Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribal 2% funding requests from City Departments.

13) Warrants and Payrolls.

Held a public hearing and passed Ordinance 1046, an Ordinance to repeal Title XI, Chapter 115 RECREATIONAL MARIHUANA ESTABLISHMENTS and add a new Chapter 115 RECREATIONAL MARIHUANA ESTABLISHMENTS of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Mt. Pleasant to allow certain establishments to be operated in accordance with state law.

Held a public hearing and passed Ordinance 1047, an Ordinance to amend the Zoning Map of Chapter 154: Zoning Ordinances of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Mt. Pleasant to rezone a parcel of land at Canal and Riverview from CD-3L to CZ.

Held a public hearing and passed Ordinance 1048, an Ordinance to amend Chapter 154, Subsection 154.114 – Non-Conforming Lots, Uses, Structures & Improvements of the Zoning Ordinances of the City of Mt. Pleasant to regulate the reconstruction of certain non-conforming parking areas.

Approved the purchase of two Ford F-450 cab and chassis from Krapohl Ford of Mt. Pleasant, MI (replacing July action) and the appropriate budget amendment.

Adopted the standard MERS resolutions to allow offering 401 and 457 deferred compensation plans effective January 1, 2020 as presented and authorized the Finance Director to execute any necessary documents with MERS. (CC Exh 8-2019)

Received revised assessment roll and approved amended Resolution #5 for Special Assessment #1-18.

Conducted a work session discussion on 2019 Goals.

Adjourned the meeting at 10:00 p.m.

City to offer no fee brush chipping

The City is offering up to 150 households within the City limits 30 minutes of no fee brush chipping during the week of October 7. Brush chipping will be completed at curbside only, no alleys. Reservations will be accepted beginning September 23 until October 4 at 12:00 p.m.

Reservations can be made in person at City Hall, by email at publicworks@mt-pleasant.org, online at www.mt-pleasant.org/departments/division_of_public_works/ street/services_and_programs.asp, or by calling the Division of Public Works, 989-779-5401.

Brush Chipping Guidelines:

Brush must originate from the property.
Brush should be placed at curbside only, no later than 7:00 a.m. on Monday, October 7. Brush that is placed at curbside after this date and time will not be collected/chipped.
Brush should be neatly piled with the cut or broken ends facing the street. Brush piles must not obstruct any sidewalk, right-of-way, or view of traffic. Non-compliant piles will not be chipped.
Brush will be chipped during the week of October 7, and not necessarily on Monday.
Brush only please – grass clippings, leaves, roots, weeds, vines, flowers, wire, trim board, fencing, building materials, dead animals, etc. are not permitted.