City Commission changes start time for summer meetings to 6:30 p.m.

The regular meetings of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission scheduled between Memorial Day and Labor Day (May 28 – Sept. 3), will begin at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.

The City Commission meets the second and fourth Monday of the month in the City Commission Chambers at Mt. Pleasant City Hall, 320 W. Broadway in Mt. Pleasant. Commission work sessions and special meetings are scheduled as needed.

In recognition of Memorial Day, the second meeting in May will occur Tuesday, May 29 at 6:30 p.m.

Meetings can also be viewed live on Channel 188. The meetings are rebroadcasted (for two weeks following the meeting) daily at noon, as well as Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., or can be viewed on the MAC TV website at www.mactvnetwork.org.

Medical Marihuana Facilities FAQs

The City of Mt. Pleasant is currently reviewing ordinances related to the Michigan Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act (MMMFLA). These ordinances would “opt in” to the state law allowing medical marihuana facilities to operate within the City subject to certain limitations.

Public input is being sought regarding the draft ordinances before the City Commission makes a final decision.

The Planning Commission held a public hearing on the draft ordinances in early May and provided the City Commission with comments and recommendations following that public hearing. The draft ordinances have been revised to reflect the recommendations made by the Planning Commission.

DATES TO REMEMBER:

Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. City Commission Public Hearing on the proposed ordinances.
Monday, June 4, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. City Commission Work Session to discuss the outcomes of the public hearing process and next steps.

MEDICAL MARIHUANA FACILITIES FAQs

What medical marihuana facility types would be allowed in the City?

All 5 types of facilities would be allowed: growers, provisioning centers, processors, secure transporters, and safety compliance.
No more than 3 growers would be allowed.
No more than 3 provisioning centers would be allowed.
If more than 3 applications are received for a specific facility type, a public meeting will be held to randomly select 3 of the applicants to continue the approval process.

Where would medical marihuana facilities be located?

All types of facilities would be permitted in the industrial zone.
Provisioning centers would be allowed in commercial zones within designated areas, including portions of Downtown, Mission and Pickard.
A facility could not be located within 1,000 feet of a public or private K-12 school, unless the facility is located north of Broadway in the Central Business District / Tax Increment Finance Authority.
A facility could not be located within 500 feet of Central Michigan University, unless the facility is located east of the CMU main campus, east of Mission of Street.

What other regulations would be in place for medical marihuana facilities?

Each facility would be required to adhere to standards regulating odor, lighting, signage, storage, exterior and interior appearance, hours of operation and more.
On-site consumption of marihuana would be prohibited on the premises of any facility.

How would medical marihuana facilities receive approval to operate?

Applicants must complete the following steps before beginning to operate:

Apply to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) for prequalification
Apply to the City of Mt. Pleasant to operate a facility**
Obtain a special-use permit for the location of the facility
A public hearing would be held with the Planning Commission to approve the facility location. Notifications for all public hearings would be sent to property owners and occupants within 300 feet of the proposed location of the facility, as well as shared with the general public through the City’s communication channels.
Complete the state licensing process

How can I give my input?

A public hearing will be held before the City Commission on Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.
If you are unable to attend the public hearing, opinions can be expressed by mail, email or phone to City Manager Nancy Ridley to be shared with the City Commission. Contact the City Manager’s office by calling (989) 779-5323, emailing manager@mt-pleasant.org or visiting City Hall at 320 W. Broadway.

Where can I find additional information?

The FAQs are a summary of the draft medical marihuana facilities ordinances. The complete draft of the ordinances and other information can be found at www.mt-pleasant.org/MMMFLA.
If you have additional questions, please contact City Planner Jacob Kain at (989) 779-5346 or jkain@mt-pleasant.org.

**The City is not accepting applications for medical marihuana facilities at this time.

Updated 5/18/18

5 things to watch at the next City Commission meeting

Here are five things to watch at the April 23, 2018 City Commission meeting:

Greeks Clean the Streets: A proclamation will be read to recognize the Greeks Clean the Streets program. Greeks Clean the Streets is a partnership between the City of Mt. Pleasant and the Central Michigan University fraternities and sororities in which students volunteer to pick up trash in neighborhoods north of CMU’s campus several times each year. Since inception in 2012, close to 741 students have volunteered their time during 25 events to beautify and better the residential student neighborhoods by removing nearly 470 bags of trash.
Citizens’ Academy 2018: Mayor Lents will present certificates to the 22 participants of the third annual Citizens’ Academy of Mt. Pleasant. Designed to engage members of the community to expand their knowledge of the structure and functions of local government, community members attended seven 2.5-hour sessions throughout February, March and April to explore the City’s day-to-day operations.
Community Improvement Awards: Since 1979, the Planning Commission has presented a Community Improvement Award for a rebuilt or renovated residential and/or commercial property. These awards are a way for the Planning Commission to thank and acknowledge the property owners for investment in our community and making our neighborhoods better places to live. Properties on which construction was finalized prior to December 2017 were considered for recognition this year. Three properties were selected, and the owners of each property will be presented with awards produced by the students from the Graphic Arts program at Gratiot-Isabella Technical Education Center.
Capital Improvement Plan: Assistant Finance Director Chris Saladine will give a presentation on the proposed 2019-2023 Capital Improvement Plan. See the plan here.
Medical Marihuana Facilities Ordinances: Zoning and regulatory ordinances regarding the Michigan Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act will be introduced and the City Commission will consider setting a public hearing for May 29, 2018. See the draft ordinances here.

To see the full City Commission agenda and packet for April 23, 2018, click here.

Mt. Pleasant City Commission meetings are held at City Hall on the second and fourth Monday of every month. Meetings begin at 7 p.m.

Summary of the April 9 City Commission meeting

See the video of the April 9 City Commission meeting here.

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, April 9, 2018, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room.

1. Mayor Lents read and presented a proclamation recognizing the Central Michigan University Women’s Basketball Team for their accomplishments during the 2017-2018 season.

2. Received petitions and communications.

3. Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held March 26, 2018
Bid of Green Scene Landscaping of Mt. Pleasant, MI for 2018 grounds mowing
Bid of Countyline Power LLC of Hope, MI for the 2018 Pedestrian Lighting Project
Bid of Insight Pipe Contracting, LLC of Harmony, PA for sewer relinings
Bid of Archon Construction Co., Inc. of Addison, IL for the 2018 Manhole Rehabilitation Project
Receive 2019-2023 proposed Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and set a public hearing for Tuesday, May, 29, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. on same
Revoke the 1976 Special Assessment Practice and Procedure Policy, the 1985 Tobacco Use Policy and the 2010 Revolving Loan Fund Policy
Warrants and Payrolls.

5. Authorized a contract with Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber, Inc. of Grand Rapids, MI for engineering consulting services for joint water systems study and appropriate budget amendment, contingent upon approval by the Charter Township of Union Board of Trustees.

6. Approved the Residential Alley Paving, Reconstruction and Resurfacing Policy as presented. (CC Exh. 3-2018)

7. Approved Resolution No. 5 for Special Assessment District No. 1-18.

8. Approved and conducted closed session pursuant to Section 8(h) of the Open Meetings Act for material exempt from discussion or disclosure by state or federal statute.

9. Approved changes to the purchasing policy as outlined in Item 3 to expand equipment disposal options to include any auction advertised and available to the general public.

10. Adjourned at 8:39 p.m.

City to continue free brush chipping service week of April 23; Reservation deadline is April 19

The City of Mt. Pleasant is extending the no-fee brush chipping service. Up to 23 households within the City limits will receive 30 minutes of free brush chipping during the week of April 23. The service is first come, first served, and residents must make a reservation by contacting the Division of Public Works no later than 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 19.

Free Brush Chipping Service Guidelines

Brush chipping will be performed once per address at no cost for a period of up to 30 minutes. Residents may not transfer a portion of the 30-minute maximum to another resident. Those who participated in the free brush chipping service the week of April 9 are not permitted to make a reservation for the free service the week of April 23, nor may they reschedule services from this week to the week of April 23.

If residents have more brush than what can be chipped within the allotted 30 minutes, they have the option of being billed $1.82 per minute for each additional minute, or, at the time the reservation is made, can request crews stop at 30 minutes.

Residents must adhere to the City’s regular brush chipping guidelines (available at http://www.mt-pleasant.org). A letter outlining the guidelines will be sent to registrants in advance.

Brush chipping will be completed at curbside only. No chipping will occur in the alleys. Brush must be placed at the curb no later than Sunday, April 22. Brush placed out after that date will not be collected.

After the completion of the free program, the City will offer brush chipping services for a fee. Residents may also take yard waste and brush to the Isabella County Materials Recovery Facility at 4208 East River Road.

Free Brush Chipping in September 2018

Free brush chipping will be offered to an additional 150 households this September. The City will share more information about the September program later this summer.

Make a Reservation Today

To make a reservation or to learn more, contact the Division of Public Works at (989) 779-5401 or publicworks@mt-pleasant.org, or visit the office at 1303 N. Franklin Street.

Reservations may also be made online here.

5 things to watch at the next City Commission meeting

Here are five things to watch at the April 9 City Commission meeting:

Proclamation recognizing the Central Michigan University Women’s Basketball Team: City Mayor Allison Quast-Lents will read a proclamation recognizing the accomplishments of the Central Michigan University Women’s Basketball Team. Team 50 and Coach Guevara finished their season with a 30-5 record and an NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament run that led to the Sweet Sixteen. These achievements brought nationwide recognition to the community and Coach Guevara generated immense community spirit and pride, continuing to foster the valuable partnership between CMU and Mt. Pleasant.
2017 Annual Report: The City Commission will receive the 2017 Annual Report. See the report here.
Residential Alley Paving, Reconstruction and Resurfacing Policy: The City Commission will consider approval of the Residential Alley Paving, Reconstruction and Resurfacing Policy. This policy recommends that reconstruction of all residential alleys be funded 70 percent by property owners and 30 percent from the Capital Improvement millage. The limitation is that $50,000 would be set aside annually and any alleys petitioned for reconstruction would be scheduled on a first come basis. The policy also outlines the evaluation, notification, timing and repayment terms for alleys so that all policy matters related to residential alleys are addressed in one document.
Capital Improvement Plant: The City Commission will receive the 2019-2023 proposed Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and set a public hearing for May 29, 2018.
Engineering Analysis for Joint water systems study: The City Commission will consider proposals received for an engineering study that would evaluate the potential costs and opportunities related to sharing water infrastructure between the City and Charter Township of Union compared to upgrading the independent facilities.

To see the full City Commission agenda and packet for April 9, 2018, click here.

Mt. Pleasant City Commission meetings are held at City Hall on the second and fourth Monday of every month. Meetings begin at 7 p.m.

City extends deadline to April 6 to register for free brush chipping service

The City of Mt. Pleasant is extending the deadline for residents to make a reservation for the no-fee brush chipping service. Up to 150 households within the City limits will receive 30 minutes of free brush chipping during the week of April 9. The service is first come, first served, and residents must make a reservation by contacting the Division of Public Works no later than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, April 6.

Brush chipping will be performed once per address at no cost for a period of up to 30 minutes. Residents may not transfer a portion of the 30-minute maximum to another resident. If residents have more brush than what can be chipped within the allotted 30 minutes, they have the option of being billed $1.82 per minute for each additional minute, or, at the time the reservation is made, can request crews stop at 30 minutes.

Residents must adhere to the City’s regular brush chipping guidelines (available at www.mt-pleasant.org). A letter outlining the guidelines will be sent to registrants in advance.

Brush chipping will be completed at curbside only. No chipping will occur in the alleys.

To make a reservation or to learn more, contact the Division of Public Works at (989) 779-5401 or publicworks@mt-pleasant.org, or visit the office at 1303 N. Franklin Street.

Reservations may also be made online at www.mt-pleasant.org.

Summary of the March 26 City Commission meeting

See the video of the March 26 City Commission meeting here.

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, March 26, 2018, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room.

1. Mayor Lents read and presented a Proclamation recognizing National Barbershop Quartet Day, April 11, 2018. Four members of the local Barbershop Quartet sang.

2. City Assessor Chris Coucke gave a department presentation.

3. Received petitions and communications.

4. Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held March 12, 2018
Bid of Peerless Midwest of Ionia, MI for Well #16 rehabilitation and the appropriate budget amendment
Bid of Malley Construction of Mt. Pleasant, MI for 2018 local streets reconstruction project
Bid of Bay Landscaping of Essexville, MI for 2018 Spring Tree project
Recreation Budget amendments for replacement of flood damaged supplies
Budget amendments from the building reserve accounts to fund security upgrades to City buildings as presented
Resolution to accept $75,000 from the MDNR for the Island Park Amphitheater Project Recreation Passport Grant and authorize the Mayor and Clerk to sign the project agreement
Warrants and Payrolls

5. Held a public hearing and postponed the final decision on resolution #5 for approval of the roll and setting of payment terms for the Special Assessment District 1-18.

6. Supported TIFA/PSD Board recommendation to retain the bus shelter at the Main and Broadway Streets location.

7. Prioritized Broadway Street from Maxwell to Bradley for the pedestrian lighting project in 2018 and postponed May, Clayton and Gaylord Streets to a future year.

8. Postponed action on Item 1 to purchasing policy revisions.

9. Approved changes to the purchasing policy as outlined in Item 3 to expand equipment disposal options to include any auction advertised and available to the general public.

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

11. Appointments to various City Boards and commissions as recommended by the Appointments Committee.

12. The Commission conducted a work session discussion on 2019 goals.

13. Adjourned at 8:50 p.m.

Riverside Cemetery spring cleanup begins April 1

Spring cleanup will begin April 1 at Riverside Cemetery. All holiday decorations, decorative flowers and light-weight items on grave sites must be removed by April 15 or they will be discarded.

Spring plantings may be placed beginning May 1. Riverside Cemetery is open daily from dawn to dusk.

For further information or questions, contact the Parks & Recreation Office at 779-5331.

Thirty-five pounds of pills collected at Prescription Drug Drop Off

A total of 35 pounds of pills were collected during a Prescription Drug Drop Off event held this month at the Isabella County Commission on Aging in partnership with Ten16 Recovery Network and the Mt. Pleasant Police Department.

Prescription Drug Drop Off events are held in the community several times throughout the year and allow residents to drop off unwanted or outdated prescription medication to ensure it is disposed of in a safe manner. It also keeps the drugs out of the hands of people who would misuse them, as well as prevents them from entering landfills and groundwater.

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department thanks the partners for this event and the public for helping keep the community safe and healthy.

Community members may also safely discard prescription medication at the
Mt. Pleasant Police Department at any time.

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