Category: News

35-year-old man on motorized bike injured in collision with car on Mission Street

On June 26, 2018 at approximately 7:30 p.m., Isabella County Central Dispatch received a call of a motorized bicycle hitting a car in the 2300 block of S. Mission Street in the City of Mt. Pleasant.

Mt. Pleasant Police responded to the scene and observed a 35-year-old male unconscious with facial injuries.

Mt. Pleasant Police Officers determined the bicyclist was traveling south on the sidewalk, alongside S. Mission Street. The car, driven by a 25-year-old male, was waiting to turn on S. Mission from the Stadium Mall parking lot.

The 35-year-old bicyclist rode directly into the side of the 25-year-old’s car causing the bicyclist to fall and strike his head on the pavement.

Due to the accident, the motorized bicycle caught fire causing damage to the bicycle and car.

Mobile Medical Response and the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department were dispatched to the scene.

The bicyclist was flown to a Grand Rapids area hospital for treatment.

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

Police respond to suspicious situation at Island Park, no credible threat found

On June 26, 2018 at approximately 7:51 p.m., Isabella County Central Dispatch received a call that two male subjects, who appeared to be covered in blood, were seen entering a bathroom at Island Park.

Mount Pleasant City Police responded to the area and were approached by a citizen who stated they had seen two subjects in the park and one was carrying a long rifle. The citizen advised that the subjects were dressed in camouflage clothing and were last seen by the Vietnam Memorial within the park.

Mount Pleasant City Police Officers continued to search the park for the two subjects and were then contacted by a second citizen. The citizen advised officers they had also seen the two subjects in camouflage, now in Pickens Fields, walking towards the Post Office. Mount Pleasant Police evacuated both Island Park and Pickens Fields due to the two separate sightings.

Officers from the Mount Pleasant Department, Isabella County Sheriff’s Department, Michigan State Police, Central Michigan University Police, and Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Police continued to search the area. Also assisting in the search was a Michigan State Police K-9.

After a thorough search, no suspects, victims or evidence of a crime were located.

The Mount Pleasant City Police would like to assure the public there is no credible threat to the community.

The Mount Pleasant City Police were assisted by: Isabella County Sheriff’s Deputies, Michigan State Police Troopers, Central Michigan University Police Officers, Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Officers and Isabella County Central Dispatch.

Downtown planter removal project begins June 22; Periodic parking space and street closures to occur

Beginning June 22, the City of Mt. Pleasant will remove the 42 round cement planters along the streets of downtown. Planters on Main Street will be removed first, followed by those on Broadway Street. Periodic parking space and street closures will occur throughout the project to accommodate the necessary equipment.

After the planters are removed, spaces will be filled with turf, concrete or brick pavers, depending on the location.

The project will conclude July 13.

5 things to watch at the next City Commission meeting

Here are 5 things to watch at the June 11, 2018 City Commission meeting:

  1. Medical Marihuana Facilities Ordinances: The City Commission will consider adopting the medical marihuana facilities ordinances. These ordinances would “opt in” to the state law allowing medical marihuana facilities to operate within the City subject to certain limitations. Public hearings were held at the Planning Commission meeting on May 3, 2018, and City Commission meeting on May 29, 2018. The City Commission discussed the ordinances at a work session on June 4, 2018. To see the updated versions of the draft ordinances, click here.
  2. Zoning Ordinance Amendment: A public hearing will be held on an amendment to the zoning ordinance that adds a definition of “façade area” to the Definitions section. In conjunction with this updated definition, the proposed ordinance would also modify the facade glazing standards for the CD-3L and CD-3 character districts so it is consistent with the new definition of “façade area.” The City Commission will consider approving the amendment following the public hearing.   
  3. Painting of High Street Bridge Abutments: In September 2017, a grassroots citizens group requested the City to once again partner and serve as a governmental unit needed to contract for the painting of the High Street bridge abutments and pump house owned by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). The funds for this project have been raised and the agreement to contract for the painting is in place. To complete the final step, the City Commission will consider approving the MDOT Office of Rail resolution authorizing the Mayor and Clerk to sign the required MDOT Rail Permit and maintenance agreement for the project.
  4. Joint Water Systems Study Grant Funding: The City Commission will consider approving the resolution to formally accept grant funds awarded to the City and Charter Township of Union from the Competitive Grant Assistance Program (CGAP). The funds will support the City and Township’s Joint Water Systems Study Project.
  5. Pickens Field Scoreboards: The Mt. Pleasant Little League Organization has requested the installation of two new scoreboards to replace the old scoreboards at the upper ball diamonds at Pickens Field. Isabella Bank has committed to donating the cost to purchase the scoreboards, and Mt. Pleasant Little League will donate the cost of installation. The City Commission will consider approving the installation and authorizing City staff to update the scoreboard agreement with Mt. Pleasant Little League.

To see the full City Commission agenda and packet for June 11, 2018, click here.

Mt. Pleasant City Commission meetings are held at City Hall on the second and fourth Monday of the month at 7 p.m., and at 6:30 p.m. from May 28-September 3.

Thrilling Thursdays return to downtown Mt. Pleasant

Beginning June 14, the community is encouraged to make downtown its destination for the return of Thrilling Thursdays! Co-sponsored by Downtown Mt. Pleasant and Isabella Community Credit Union, each Thrilling Thursday features fun activities and offerings designed to engage all members of the family. Thrilling Thursdays begin at 6 p.m. at Town Center, with the exception of the Supersoaker Festivus, which will be held at Island Park.

The 2018 Thrilling Thursdays include:

  • June 14: Yogapalooza with Redbloom Yoga
  • June 21: Let’s Ride with the Mt. Pleasant Optimist Club
  • June 28: Fun with Vegetables with McLaren Central Michigan*
  • July 5: Scavenger Hunt
  • July 12: Bugs-R-Us with CMU Museum of Cultural and Natural History
  • July 19: Mad Science Fair with Kim Kady the Science Lady*
    July 26: It’s Nature! With CMU Play on the Way
  • August 2: Stepping Stones with Mt. Pleasant Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
  • August 9: Urban Printmaking with Art Reach and Paul Waters*
  • August 16: Supersoaker Festivus with Art Reach and CMU Play on the Way*

*Followed by the Max & Emily’s Summer Concert Series

This year’s media sponsorship is provided by MY1043. For additional details, visit the event section on the Downtown Mt. Pleasant Facebook page at www.facebook.com/downtownmp.

Coneys for a Cause is June 13

The community is invited to feast on their favorite local coney dogs while helping the youth of Isabella County at the 13th annual Coneys for a Cause on June 13 at the Pixie Restaurant. All net proceeds will benefit the Mt. Pleasant Police Youth Services Unit (YSU) and Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region.

Customers can purchase individual coney dogs for $1.19 at the restaurant, or they can pre-order to have the coney dogs delivered by an officer of the YSU or a representative of Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

At 7 p.m., the annual “Pixie Pig Out” contest will begin. Stop by to cheer on the contestants as they compete to consume the most coneys.

The pre-order form is available here, as well as at www.facebook.com/mtppublicsafety and www.mt-pleasant.org. Forms must emailed by 3 p.m. on June 12 to ysu@mt-pleasant.org. Delivery pre-orders must total $18 or more.

 

Chippewa Street is currently closed to through traffic for construction work, however, both of Pixie’s Chippewa Street driveways will be open for use during the event.

Chippewa Street reconstruction begins June 4

Reconstruction of Chippewa Street between Mission and Brown streets will begin Monday, June 4, and continue through Friday, July 13. The road will be closed to through traffic, but businesses will remain open and accessible.

Questions about the project may be directed to the City of Mt. Pleasant Division of Public Works at (989) 779-5401.

Summary of the May 29 City Commission meeting

See the video of the May 29, 2018 City Commission meeting here.

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Tuesday, May 29, 2018, at 6:30 p.m., in the City Commission Room.

1. Introduced newly hired Paid On Call Firefighter Brad Wahr.

2. Read a proclamation recognizing Special Olympics Michigan week, May 31 – June 2.

3. Presented a Neighborhood Mini Grant to South West Association of Neighbors.

4. Presentation of the 2017 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.

5. Received petitions and communications.

6. Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

  • Minutes of the special meeting of the City Commission held May 8, 2018
  • Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held May 14, 2018
  • Bid of Apollo Fire Equipment Company of Romeo, MI for hydraulic rescue tools
  • Bid of Garber Contracting of Mt. Pleasant, MI for construction of the Mission Creek restroom facility and a budget amendment. In addition, advance approval for additional funds for the concession/warming area construction by Garber Contracting is approved if grants or donations are received
  • Outdoor dining application for Pure Vitality
  • Agreement with the USA Softball of Michigan for the Girls’ Fast Pitch State Tournament
  • Agreement with FAA for the PAPI light inspection and appropriate budget amendments
  • MDOT resolution authorizing a contract for continued operation and maintenance of the airport AWOS system until July 31, 2023
  • Warrants and Payrolls

7. Held a public hearing and approved the 2019-2023 Capital Improvement Plan.

8. Held a public hearing on proposed ordinance to add a new Chapter 112, entitled “Medical Marihuana Facilities” to allow certain facilities operated in accordance with state law and to add a new subsection 154.401.B.4.p. and to amend Table 154.410.A of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances to regulate medical marihuana facilities as special uses. No action was taken by the Commission at this time.

9. Approved budget amendments for a) TIFA round planter removal; b) Additional staff
position in Public Works; and c) LDFA conceptual development design.

10. Conducted a work session discussion on barriers that exist for infill redevelopment and Economic Development action plan draft.

11. Adjourned at 9:20 p.m.

Mt. Pleasant leaders launch community branding initiative; Public input sought through Town Hall event and online survey

Community leaders are issuing an open call for thoughts and opinions with the launch of a Mt. Pleasant community branding initiative. The cornerstone public event will be a Town Hall on June 21 at 7 p.m. at City Hall (320 W. Broadway in Mt. Pleasant). Participants will roll-up their sleeves and expect robust discussion in the form of inclusive, interactive activities. In addition to the Town Hall, a public opinion survey has been created to capture a breadth of perspective. The survey can be found at www.madebydarwin.com/mt-pleasant.

The purpose of the initiative is to create a strategic, unifying promise the entire community can deliver. This promise will serve as the foundation for a magnetic reputation that creates an expectation around Mt. Pleasant to boost tourism, economic development and community spirit. While a new logo and messaging are expected to be produced, the main project goals are to:

  1. Identify who the Mt. Pleasant community is to the world
  2. Identify what makes the Mt. Pleasant community different
  3. Identify what the Mt. Pleasant community offers
  4. Identify who the Mt. Pleasant community is speaking to and what it should say

The process for this initiative is being facilitated through partnership with Darwin, a center for social impact. Their process uses many cutting-edge research methods and will engage a variety of stakeholder groups such as residents, professionals, students, visitors, business owners and more.

The City of Mt. Pleasant and the Mt. Pleasant Area Convention & Visitors’ Bureau are leading the initiative, with support from Central Michigan University, Charter Township of Union, McLaren Central Michigan, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Middle Michigan Development Corporation and Mid Michigan Community College.

The full duration of the engagement is six months, with plans for the new logo and messaging to be completed in the fall and the full public brand launch held before the end of the year. More information about this initiative, including a link to the public survey and registration for the Town Hall, can be found at www.madebydarwin.com/mt-pleasant. The survey will be available until June 29. Additional questions may be directed to Molli Ferency, City of Mt. Pleasant public relations coordinator, at (989) 779-5322 or mferency@mt-pleasant.org.