Tag: 5 things to watch

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.

5 things to watch at the next City Commission meeting

Here are five things to watch at the May 14, 2018 City Commission meeting:

  1. Consumers Energy Line Clearing Project: A presentation will be given by a Consumers Energy representative about the annual line-clearing project. Trees near and around electric lines in specified areas will be trimmed or removed to continue to provide safe, reliable electric service to customers. Residents whose properties will be impacted have been notified of the work.
  2. National Public Works Week: Mayor Allison Quast-Lents will proclaim May 21-27, 2018 as Public Works Week. Sponsored by the American Public Works Association, this nationally recognized week honors the public works professionals responsible for the planning, operation and maintenance of the water treatment and distribution, solid waste systems, public properties, city streets and other facilities.
  3. West Campus Drive Parking: The City Commission will consider approving the Traffic Control Order to restrict parking on West Campus Drive between Preston and Vernon streets. If approved, Pango metered parking (pay-by-phone technology) will be installed.
  4. 2018 Millage Rate: The City Commission will consider whether a public hearing to adjust the 2018 millage rate should be held. City staff recommend leaving the millage rate at the previously approved 16.25 total mills as there are no substantial changes in the assumptions that were made when the Operating Budget was approved. If the Commission desires to change the millage rate, a public hearing will need be to set for the regular meeting on May 9.
  5. Medical Marihuana Facilities: The Planning Commission held a public hearing earlier this month on the ordinances proposed to “opt-in” and regulate medical marihuana facilities. The City Commission will receive the recommendation from the Planning Commission resulting from the public hearing. The City Commission will hold a public hearing on the updated ordinances on Tuesday, May 29 at 6:30 p.m. The recommended changes include the following:
    • Reducing the distancing requirement from a K-12 school such that properties north of Broadway within the Central Business District would be allowed. (this is similar to the change in the distancing requirement regarding the 500 feet from CMU along the east side of Mission Street).
    • Eliminating the limits on the number of facilities allowed for processors, secure transporter and safety compliance facilities.

To see the full City Commission agenda and packet for May 14, 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.

5 things to watch at the next City Commission meeting

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Capital Improvement Plan: Assistant Finance Director Chris Saladine will give a presentation on the proposed 2019-2023 Capital Improvement Plan. See the plan here.
  5. 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.

5 things to watch at the next City Commission meeting

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

  1. 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.
  2. 2017 Annual Report: The City Commission will receive the 2017 Annual Report. See the report here.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

5 things to watch at the next City Commission meeting

Here are five things to watch at the March 26, 2018 City Commission meeting:

  1. Proclamation of National Barbershop Quartet Day: Mayor Lents will proclaim April 11, 2018 as National Barbershop Quartet Day in Mt. Pleasant, and recognize the MountainTown Singers for their charitable work, service to the community and efforts to preserve and share this unique American musical art form.
  2. Special Assessment Roll for Alley Reconstruction: A public hearing will be held on the special assessment roll for Special Assessment District #1-18 to support the reconstruction of the alley between Fancher and Kinney, from Locust to Wisconsin. After the public hearing, the City Commission will consider the resolution to approve the roll and set payment terms for the Special Assessment District.
  3. I-Ride Bus Shelter: The City Commission will consider the recommendation of the CBD TIFA and PSD boards to keep the I-Ride bus shelter at its current location at the intersection of Main and Broadway streets.
  4. Pedestrian Lighting Project: Based on updated cost allocations, the City Commission will consider prioritizing Broadway Street from Maxwell to Bradley for the pedestrian lighting project in 2018, and postpone May, Clayton and Gaylord streets to a future year.
  5. Passport Grant for Island Park Amphitheater Project: In April of 2017 the City Commission approved an application to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Recreation Passport Grant Program for the construction of a community amphitheater at Island Park. The project was proposed by Taylor Idema, a student at Mt. Pleasant High School. The state selected the amphitheater project and has awarded the City of Mt. Pleasant $75,000 towards its completion. In order to receive the grant funds, the City is required to adopt a resolution and have the Mayor and City Clerk sign the Project Agreement accepting the grant.

To see the full City Commission agenda and packet for March 26, 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.

5 things to watch at the next City Commission meeting

Here are five things to watch at the Feb. 26, 2018 City Commission meeting:

  1. Parks Resource Leadership Award: The City Commission will recognize Director of Parks and Public Spaces Chris Bundy as the 2017 recipient of the Park Resource Leadership Award. Presented by the Michigan Recreation and Park Association, recipients of this prestigious award demonstrate outstanding contributions in the area of maintenance practice, equipment management, resource development and environmental stewardship. Read more here.
  2. Private Swimming Pool Ordinance Amendment: An amendment to the ordinance regarding private swimming pools will be introduced. Currently, private pools are not allowed to be emptied into the sanitary sewer system. To align with federal and state requirements, the proposed amendment would state that all discharge from private pools should be emptied into the sanitary sewer system. If that method is not possible, the amendment offers two additional options. It is recommended the City Commission set a public hearing on the topic for March 12, 2018.
  3. Ceilometer Replacement at the Airport: The City Commission will consider a resolution authorizing a contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) for the replacement of the Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS) ceilometer at the Mt. Pleasant Municipal Airport. The associated budget amendment will also be considered. Vital for the safety of pilots and passengers, the AWOS provides accurate and timely weather information to pilots who fly within range of the airport. One component of the AWOS instrumentation is the ceilometer, which is used to measure the height and thickness of cloud cover. MDOT will pay for 90 percent of the cost of the new ceilometer.
  4. Special Assessment for Alley Reconstruction: Discussion on the status of residential alleys occurred during both the 2016 and 2017 budget work sessions. As a result of those discussions in 2016, a letter was sent to property owners whose properties abut alleys that might benefit from reconstruction. The letter outlined the process for petitioning to have the City Commission consider a special assessment to pay for the cost. DPW received a petition in January for the reconstruction of the alley between Fancher and Kinney, from Locust to Wisconsin. The City Commission will consider resolutions #1 and #2 to begin the proceedings for a special assessment, tentatively determine the necessity, and set a public hearing for March 12 on the need for the project.
  5. Downtown Fire Protection Grant Program: The City Commission will consider a resolution to amend the Central Business District (CBD) Tax Increment Finance Authority (TIFA) plan to add the Fire Protection Grant Program as an eligible project. The program is intended to provide funding to property owners in order to assist them with installing fire protection systems including suppression systems, sprinklers and fire alarms in existing commercial and residential buildings in the downtown historic district.

To see the full City Commission agenda and packet for Feb. 26, 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.

5 things to watch at the next City Commission meeting

Here are five things to watch at the Feb. 12 City Commission meeting:

  1. Peacemaking Recognition Day Proclamation: Every year, Mt. Pleasant Public Schools nominates students of all grade levels who promote peace with their words and actions. Mayor Allison Quast-Lents will read a proclamation declaring Feb. 26, 2018 as Peacemaking Recognition Day in the City of Mt. Pleasant to affirm the peacemaking efforts of local youth are valued and contribute to the quality of life in the community.
  2. Mini Grant Award: In 1999, the City received a 2 percent grant from the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe to establish an endowment fund for the purpose of strengthening capacity within neighborhoods. This fund has permitted the City to award mini grants of $500 or less to several different neighborhoods. A $500 Neighborhood Mini Grant will be awarded to the Orchard Glen Condo Association to make landscaping improvements to the entrance median of Orchard Drive, north of Broomfield Street.
  3. Parks Resource Leadership Award: The City Commission will recognize Director of Parks and Public Spaces Chris Bundy as the 2017 recipient of the Park Resource Leadership Award. Presented by the Michigan Recreation and Park Association, recipients of this prestigious award demonstrate outstanding contributions in the area of maintenance practice, equipment management, resource development and environmental stewardship.
  4. Airport Tree Removal and Runway Lighting: Last year, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) required changes to the approach slope at the Mt. Pleasant Municipal Airport in preparation for the installation of Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) lighting upgrades on the runway. The City Commission will consider the appropriate resolutions and contracts for the necessary lighting and tree removal near the airport.
  5. Horizon Park Donation and Improvements: As part of its 2017 improvements to the Chase Run Apartment Complex on Isabella Road, MHT Housing Inc. of Bingham Farms, donated $50,000 for improvements at the City’s nearby Horizon Park. The proposed projects will improve park access, the restroom building and sport areas, as well as add amenities such as benches, picnic tables, grills and trees. The City Commission will consider authorizing the proposed improvements and associated budget amendments.

To see the full City Commission agenda and packet for Feb. 12, 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.

5 things to watch at the next City Commission meeting

Here are five things to watch at the Jan. 22 City Commission meeting:

  1. Material collection licenses and penalties: In January 2017, the City Commission approved ordinance changes that restricted the hours of operation for refuse collection in certain zones, as well as provided penalties and allowed for an exception process. As part of the approval, a one-year sunset clause was added to the ordinance. Since then, the changes have had the desired positive impacts on the adjacent residential neighborhoods. The sunset clause must be removed in order for the law to remain in effect. The City Commission will hold a public hearing on the removal of the sunset clause and consider its approval.
  2. Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) bottles: A sole source purchase for 44 SCBA bottles will be considered.  This purchase will replace the carbon fiber bottles used by the fire department, which have a March 2018 expiration date, with new aluminum bottles that do not have expiration dates.
  3. Tree trimming and removal: A bid recommendation for F & K Tree Services to complete the necessary tree trimming and removals within City Right-of-ways during 2018 will be considered.
  4. Proposed character-based zoning code and map: The City Commission will consider the approval of the proposed zoning ordinance and related zoning map. To see more information about the draft character-based zoning code, click here.
  5. Patrol vehicle camera systems: Several years ago, the City purchased and installed cameras in the Police Department’s patrol vehicles. Central Michigan University Police Department (CMUPD) was using the same equipment vendor, so the City entered into an agreement with CMUPD to share one system. As part of the agreement, the cost of future hardware replacements would be split evenly between MPPD and CMUPD. The hardware is now in need of replacement and the City Commission will consider the recommendation to approve the cost of the shared purchase.

 

To see the full City Commission agenda and packet for Jan. 22, 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.

5 things to watch at the next City Commission meeting

Here are five things to watch at the Jan. 8 City Commission meeting:

  1. Oath of Office Administration and Mayor/Vice Mayor Election: As the meeting begins, City Clerk Jeremy Howard will administer the oath of office to newly-elected members William Joseph and Kristin LaLonde. The City Commission will then conduct an election of the mayor and vice mayor.
  2. Material Collection Licenses and Penalties: In January 2017, the City Commission approved ordinance changes that restricted the hours of operation for refuse collection in certain zones, as well as provided penalties and allowed for an exception process. As part of the approval, a one-year sunset clause was added to the ordinance. Since then, the changes have had the desired positive impacts on the adjacent residential neighborhoods. The sunset clause must be removed in order for the law to remain in effect. The City Commission will consider setting a public hearing on the removal of the sunset clause for Jan. 22, 2018
  3. Temporary Traffic Control Order: An “Electric Vehicle Only” sign was placed at the electric car charging station parking space in Lot #2 (Jockey Alley) 90 days ago as a temporary traffic control order. With no comments received during the 90-day time period, the City Commission will consider the approving the order as final.
  4. Reimbursement of Airport Tree Abatement Project Costs: In 2017 the City Commission approved contracts related to the approach slope clearing project for the Mt. Pleasant Municipal Airport. The next step in the process is to approve the grant agreement with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to fund 95 percent of these costs. The City Commission will consider the resolution authorizing the mayor to sign the agreement.
  5. Michigan Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act (MMMFLA): The City Commission will consider directing City Attorney and City staff to begin drafting ordinance to opt-in to the Michigan Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act (MMMFLA).

To see the full City Commission agenda and packet for Jan. 8, 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.

5 things to watch at the next City Commission meeting

Here are five things to watch at the Dec. 11 City Commission meeting:

1. Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Plan Amendment: A public hearing will be held on the amendment to the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Plan for the West Broadway Revitalization project. Following the public hearing, the City Commission will consider approving the amendment and the corresponding reimbursement agreement.

Amendment of the current Brownfield Plan is necessary to cover the outstanding bond debt payments from the original project (which was used for the renovation and purchase of City Hall), as well as covering eligible expenses for the proposed development of a 8500 square foot mixed-use building with 90 Class A apartments, podium parking and ground floor retail.

A representative of the development team will attend Monday’s meeting to provide an overview of the plan prior to the public hearing.

2. Mission/Pickard DDA Board and Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Agreement:  The City Commission will consider an agreement between the Mission/Pickard DDA Board and the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority to share in the captured taxable value generated by the Campus Commons development at 1706-1722 S. Mission.

3. Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and Central Business District TIFA Agreement: The City Commission will consider an agreement between the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and Central Business District Tax Increment Finance Authority (TIFA) to share in the captured taxable value generated by the 410 West Broadway redevelopment.

4. Rates, Fees and Charges: The City Commission will consider resolutions supporting amended rates, fees and charges for water demand, sewer demand, on-demand brush pick up, and Parks & Recreation youth programs. If approved, the new rates, fees and charges go into effect in 2018.

5. Operating Budget: The City Commission will consider the resolution approving the final 2018 Operating Budget and will set the millage rate for 2018. Following this item, the City Commission will consider the resolution approving the final amended 2017 Operating Budget.

To see the full City Commission agenda and packet for Dec. 11, 2017, 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.