Topics to watch at the hybrid Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting scheduled for Monday, February 13, 2023 at 7 p.m.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – February 13, 2023

Here are the topics to watch at the next in-person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, February 13, 2023 at 7 p.m.

Public hearing on a request to create an Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act (OPRA) District to include the Mission-Pickard DDA boundary and consider approval of the resolution to establish the district as presented.

Public hearing on an ordinance to amend Chapter 116 Subsection 03(B)(12) of Title XI: Business Regulations of the City’s Code Entitled “Electric Scooters/Skateboards” and consider approval of the same.

Presentation and discussion on Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (NEZ).

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

Click to access 2-13-23.pdf

How to follow public meetings:

City Commission Meeting will be held in person in the City Chambers/City Hall (320 W. Broadway Street) with virtual attendance options as well. Non-voting participants may view the meeting live on the City’s YouTube Channel, on Spectrum Charter channel 188 or via Zoom.

If a virtual option becomes unavailable due to technical difficulties, the meeting will continue as scheduled. Residents who would like to provide a comment during the appropriate time are welcome to come to the meeting at City Hall, or email their statement to comments@mt-pleasant.org.

To participate via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81734623280?pwd=Y3puMElnWS9rTHU5TEUzdkZpVHVDQT09

Meeting ID: 817 3462 3280

Passcode: 773346

Phone dial-in: (312) 626-6799

Audio and video will be muted for members of the public and then unmuted by the host during public comment periods.

For participants accessing via computer or smartphone please use the “Raise Your Hand” icon to indicate you would like to speak. First, click on the “Participants” icon at the bottom of your screen. Next, click on the “Raise Your Hand” icon near the bottom right corner of the screen.

To raise your hand for telephone dial-in participants, press *9.

Members of the public may be muted or removed if using abusive language or if they become disruptive to the meeting.

Virtual attendance to the meeting and participation during public comment periods will be conducted as follows:

Members of the public are asked to provide their name and address with any comments.
Comments/Questions may be sent ahead of the meeting, or during the meeting via email to comment@mt-pleasant.org. Comments sent via email will be read aloud to the Commission during the public comment period.

Individual commissioners can be contacted at the following email addresses:

Mary Alsager malsager@mt-pleasant.org

Brian Assmann bassmann@mt-pleasant.org

Elizabeth Busch ebusch@mt-pleasant.org

Bryan Chapman bchapman@mt-pleasant.org

Maureen Eke meke@mt-pleasant.org

Amy Perschbacher aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org

Boomer Wingard bwingard@mt-pleasant.org

Persons with disabilities needing assistance to participate may call the Human Resources office at (989) 779-5314. Persons requiring speech or hearing assistance may contact the City through the Michigan Relay Center at 711. A 48-hour advance notice is necessary for accommodation.

Summary of Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission – Monday, February 6, 2023

Summary of Minutes of the special meeting of the City Commission held Monday, February 6, 2023 at 6:03 p.m. at the Mt. Pleasant Division of Public Safety, 804 E. High St.

Discussed status of 2023 goals and thoughts on 2024 goals.

Adjourned the meeting at 8:42 p.m.

Island Park Ice Rink Now Open

The new Island Park Ice Rink is now open to skaters. Located on the south softball field this 54’ x 95’ rink is open daily from 8 a.m. – 11 p.m., weather permitting. There is no charge to use this facility, which is maintained by the City of Mt. Pleasant Parks Department.

As you are gathering up your skates, please review the outdoor ice rink rules before you hit the ice.

Island Park Outdoor Ice Rink Rules

Hours of Operation:

The Island Park Ice Rink is open daily from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm conditions permitting.

The City of Mount Pleasant reserves the right to close the Ice Rink at any time in its sole discretion by posting a sign on the rink which states, “Rink Closed – No Skating.” Skaters shall not enter the Ice Rink area when the sign is posted.

Code of Conduct:

All Ice Rink participants, including skaters and bystanders, will be required to follow the general rules of conduct established in the City’s Parks and Recreation Ordinance (Section 97.01 – 97.21 of the City Code of Ordinances) while at the Ice Rink.

Further, all Ice Rink participants will be required to adhere to the following Ice Rink specific rules and regulations:

Skaters shall be courteous and cautious of other skaters and bystanders while using the skating area. Skaters shall not push, shove, or otherwise engage in raucous behavior while using the skating area.
Skaters shall not dig, spray, chip, throw, or otherwise expel ice or snow within the skating area.
The following shall be prohibited in the skating area:
- Food and beverage items;
- Tobacco products;
- Hockey equipment, including hockey sticks, pucks, and nets;
- Street shoes; and
- Animals.
Skaters under the age of 5 shall be under adult supervision while in the skating area. The Ice Rink does not have designated supervisors. Skaters shall skate at their own risk.

Failure to abide by the rules and regulations of the Ice Rink could result in enforcement actions against you.

Lost Items and Reporting Misconduct:

The City of Mt. Pleasant is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items.

Report damage or acts of abuse to Mt. Pleasant Parks and Recreation at (989) 779-5331 or Police Anonymous T.I.P. Line at (989) 779-9111. In case of emergency call 911.

City to hold Citizens’ Academy; accepting applications now

The seventh Citizens’ Academy is now accepting applications. Presented by the City of Mt. Pleasant, the academy is designed to engage members of the community and to expand their knowledge of the structure and functions of local government.

Participants will attend seven, weekly sessions beginning Tuesday, February 21. Each session will offer an in-depth look at the fundamentals of the City’s administration and budget; public works and utilities; parks and recreation; public safety; and community development. Additional topics covered include the basics of local government, elections and more.

The Citizens’ Academy is open to anyone living, working, owning property or attending school in the City of Mt. Pleasant. Director of Planning & Community Development Manuela Powidayko shared, “The Citizens’ Academy is an opportunity for residents to capture a close up view of how a municipality operates and the many services the city provides on a daily basis.”

Registration for the academy is free and space is limited. Sessions will occur on the following Tuesdays from 6 – 8:30 p.m.: February 21, February 28, March 14, March 21, April 4, April 11, and April 18. Graduates of the academy will be recognized at the April 24 City Commission meeting.

Applications are available at City Hall or online, and are accepted until January 17, 2023. Find the application and learn more at www.mt-pleasant.org/citizensacademy.

Christmas Celebration Parade Route and Road Closure Information

It is time to visit Downtown Mt. Pleasant and enjoy the Christmas Celebration slated for December 2-3, 2022. Please note the following street closures. For full event information visit: www.mt-pleasant.org/christmascelebration.

Thursday, December 1 starting at 5 p.m. – Saturday, December 3 at 10 p.m.

Broadway St. closed from Main to Franklin.

Court St. closed from Jockey Alley to Broadway.

University St. closed from Broadway to Cat’s Meow Alley.

Franklin St. closed from Broadway to Cat’s Meow Alley.

Beginning December 1 at 4 p.m., cars left on the streets noted above will be subject to towing.

Saturday, December 3

6 a.m. – 10 p.m. No on street parking on Main St. from Town Center to High St.

Cars left on Main St. will be subject to towing.

8 a.m. – 10 p.m. Broadway St. closed from Main to University.

2 p.m. – 10 p.m. Main St. closed to through traffic from Town Center to High St.

The lighted parade which begins at 6 p.m. on December 3, starts at the First United Methodist Church, travels north on Main Street, east on Broadway Street, south on Lansing Street to Michigan Street. B’s Music Shop will serve as parade Grand Marshal.

PARADE SAFETY NOTE: For the safety of parade-goers and parade participants; please do not venture out into the street during the parade. Stay on the sidewalk during the entire duration of the parade.

November 12 is “Ladies’ Day Out” in Downtown Mt. Pleasant

Ladies’ Day Out is scheduled for Saturday, November 12, 2022 and is poised to be another great event in downtown Mt. Pleasant. And, a wonderful opportunity to conquer that holiday shopping list.

Big prizes. Rather than smaller raffle prizes being distributed, attendees will have the opportunity to win $250, $500 or $1,000 in downtown gift certificates. Individuals can stop by the Broadway Theatre from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. to register to win these notable prizes.

Questions: Contact Downtown Development Director Michelle Sponseller at msponseller@mt-pleasant.org or (989) 779-5348.

Pumpkin Promenade and Trick or Treating Information

The Pumpkin Promenade is scheduled for Monday, October 31 from 4-6 p.m. in downtown Mt. Pleasant. Children 12 years and under are invited to dress in their Halloween costumes, trick-or-treat at downtown businesses, and enjoy kid-friendly outdoor activities at Town Center.

The City of Mt. Pleasant’s Trick-or-Treating hours are 6 – 8 p.m. on October 31. Please remember the following safety tips.

Remain on well-lit streets, and use sidewalks.
A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children.
Look both ways before crossing the street, and use crosswalks.
Carry a flashlight and/or wear reflective clothing.
Always stay in front of a residence, and never enter a house when Trick or Treating.
Inspect all treats collected, and discard any item that is not sealed.

Mt. Pleasant Youth Police Academy Graduates 21st Class

Cadets from the Mt. Pleasant Police Department’s 21^st Youth Police Academy recently celebrated their graduation with their law enforcement mentors, family and friends. Those in attendance enjoyed comments from academy leader Officer Josh Theisen, and retired educator and coach Denny LaFleur who served as keynote speaker.

For the past three weeks these sixth through eighth grade cadets learned what it takes to become a law enforcement official; integrity, trust, leadership, compassion, and the ability to quickly assess a situation. All of this is in addition to the rigorous physical requirements of the job. By completing a series of hands-on training sessions and classroom instruction, cadets realized how much knowledge and fitness a police officer must possess to perform their job.

Cadet Andrew Moutsatson, Mt. Pleasant Middle School 6^th grader shared, “During the academy I learned to believe in myself and push through challenging tasks. I was surprised at the many responsibilities a police officer has, and all of the paperwork they have to complete. It was very nice of the police officers to take time to teach us,” he continued. “They were all very kind, caring and helpful. I know Officer Theisen will be there to help me with many things when I am in the middle school.”

Mt. Pleasant Middle School 8^th grader Chloe Churchman graduated from the academy last year and returned this year as a cadet instructor. She originally learned about the academy through her school. “The Youth Police Academy made me a better person due to its discipline and challenges it provided,” Chloe stated. “The police officers teaching the academy are real people and they are very kind, considerate and caring. Besides learning so much about law enforcement, it was wonderful to get to know the officers personally, and know they are here to help us in so many ways.”

The Youth Police Academy is a free program which offers sixth to eighth grade youth an up-close view of the skills and necessary training needed for law enforcement officials. Applications for this summer program are distributed through the schools in May and also available at the Division of Public Safety, 804 E. High Street, Mt. Pleasant.

Gratitude is extended to the Central Michigan University Police Department, Isabella County Sheriff Department, Michigan State Police, Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Police Department, Saginaw Police Department, DNR, MMR, Mt. Pleasant Fire Department, and Isabella County Central Dispatch who also shared their expertise with the cadets throughout this program.

Live Radio Show Discussing City News Broadcast on WMHW-FM

Infrastructure, upcoming events, public safety, elections and more are discussed on “Mt. Pleasant City Connect”. This live 30-minute radio show, produced by WMHW-FM, features City of Mt. Pleasant staff sharing the latest City news and updates.

During the summer “Mt. Pleasant City Connect” is broadcast at 1 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday’s of the month. To listen tune into 91.5 FM or live stream at www.wmhw.org.

Mt. Pleasant City Connect Broadcast Schedule

June 1: Guest – Aaron Desentz, City Manager

June 15: Guest – Heather Bouck, City Clerk

July 6: Guest – Phil Biscorner, Director of Parks and Public Spaces

Krysta Carabelli Fills Social Crisis Advocate Role

*At the March 28, 2022 Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting, Public Safety Director Paul Lauria introduced Social Crisis Advocate, Krysta Carabelli.*

Krysta Carabelli recently joined the Mt. Pleasant Division of Public Safety as a social crisis advocate. This is a new position resulting from an expanded partnership between the City and RISE, an agency which provides support services for survivors of both domestic violence and sexual assault.

With an overwhelming need for mental health support services, RISE and the City have entered into a one-year pilot program agreement. The purpose of this agreement is to offer networking services to individuals suffering from mental health and temporary crisis issues, as well as substance abuse and drug overdose situations.

Director of Public Safety Lauria stated, “An innovative concept for a public safety division of our size, this new position will provide further guidance to first responders in dealing with these specific types of encountered incidents.” He added, “It will also connect individuals to additional resources in obtaining specialized help. The Division of Public Safety is excited to see where this pilot program takes us as we continue to serve with pride, integrity and compassion.”

Krysta, a two-time graduate of Central Michigan University, earned her master’s degree in Clinical Professional Counseling. Previous work experience includes service as a social worker, domestic violence counselor, and a sexual assault counselor. For the past year Krysta has worked for RISE, specializing in trauma and crisis counseling.

Krysta shared, “I went into counseling to help people, and while completing my degree I decided to concentrate on trauma and crisis counseling. Trauma work is difficult, but I am honored to be a support when needed.” She continued, “You can make a drastic difference in someone’s life by being present and genuine. This integrated approach with first responders can make a noticeable difference.”