City of Mt. Pleasant’s 2022 Annual Report

Economic development, infrastructure upgrades, neighborhood beautification, enhanced public safety services and outreach, recreational offerings and more are highlighted in the City of Mt. Pleasant’s 2022 Annual Report. To view the detailed report, visit: https://issuu.com/mtpleasantmi/docs/annual_report_2022_2

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.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – August 22, 2022

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, August 22, 2022, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Item #6, “Set Public Hearing for Monday, September 12, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. to consider establishing an Industrial Development District for parcel 17-000-18319-00; more commonly known at 1219 N. Mission Street” was added to the consent calendar.

Received the following petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

2) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held August 8, 2022.

3) MDOT resolution authorizing the approval of a contract to receive funds for the design work for the Taxiway A Rehabilitation Project.

4) Contract with Mead & Hunt for engineering design and bid letting for the Taxiway A Rehabilitation Project and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the agreement.

5) Warrants and Payrolls.

6) Set Public Hearing for Monday, September 12, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. to consider establishing an Industrial Development District for parcel 17-000-18319-00; more commonly known at 1219 N. Mission Street.

Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1083, an Ordinance to amend §154.410.B.4 of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances regarding registered student organization dwellings.

Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1084, an Ordinance to amend §154.410.C.2.B and table 154.410.A of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances regarding group “B” special regulated uses.

Approved moving forward with installation and operation of an outdoor ice rink during the 2022-2023 winter season from the hours of 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (depending on ice conditions) at a cost not to exceed $7,000.

Adjourned the meeting at 7:31 p.m.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – March 28, 2022

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, March 28, 2022, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Public Safety Director Paul Lauria introduced Krysta Carabelli who is joining the City as our Social Crisis Advocate in partnership with RISE, and thanked all those assisting in the creation of this position.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

5) Minutes of the special meeting of the City Commission held March 9, 2022.

6) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held March 14, 2022.

7) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held March 14, 2022.

8) Committed to purchase road salt for the 2022-2023 season through the State of Michigan MiDEAL Extended Purchasing Program.

9) MDOT Resolution authorizing the City Manager to approve a contract amendment for the approach slope clearing project at the Mt. Pleasant Airport.

10) Set a public hearing for Monday, April 11, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. to obtain public input on the MEDC Revitalization and Placemaking Grant proposal.

11) Set a public hearing for Monday, April 11, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. to obtain public input on the MEDC Public Gathering Spaces Grant application.

12) Warrants dated March 22, 2022 and Payrolls dated March 18, 2022.

Held a public hearing and approved the Resolution of Approval for the 2022 Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant Application.

Approved the budget amendment to cover the addition of a Water Plant Operator for the remainder of 2022.

Denied Broadway Central for the May 2 – October 11, 2022 season and a budget amendment.

Approved the requested street closure for Richli, Inc. to hold an EDM concert on Saturday, September 17, 2022 on Court Street with conditions.

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

Approved the revised purchasing policy to enhance and streamline the purchasing process.

Received proposed amendment to Title XI: BUSINESS REGULATIONS, Chapter 112. Medical Marihuana Facilities of the Mt. Pleasant Code of Ordinances to update standards for medical marihuana facilities and set a public hearing for Monday, April 11, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. on same.

Received proposed amendment to Title XI: BUSINESS REGULATIONS, Chapter 115.

Recreational Marihuana Establishments of the Mt. Pleasant Code of Ordinances to update standards for adult-use marihuana establishments and set a public hearing for Monday, April 11, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. on same.

Made appointments to boards and commissions as recommended by the Appointments Committee.

Reappointed Corey Friedrich as the representative of the Planning Commission to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Conducted a work session discussion on MML Capital Conference learning.

Adjourned the meeting at 10:24 p.m.

City of Mt. Pleasant’s 2021 Annual Report

Enhanced services and partnerships, desirable neighborhoods, new housing options, public safety, sustainable infrastructure, recreational activities and more are highlighted in the City of Mt. Pleasant’s 2021 Annual Report. To view the detailed report visit: https://issuu.com/mtpleasantmi/docs/annual_report_2021_ae09cb3c5a079a

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held January 24, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.

Item #29 “Waiver of Conflict” was added to the agenda.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

7) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held January 10, 2022.

8) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held January 10, 2022.

9) Resolution in support of final approval of TCO #2- 2022.

10) Resolution for final approval of TCO #3-2022.

11) Resolution for final approval of TCO #4-2022.

12) Resolution for final approval of TCO #5-2022.

13) Resolution authorizing MDOT Contract Number 21-5404 (maintenance of new sidewalk at US-127BR/Mission Street and Corporate Drive).

14) Resolution in support of a Redevelopment Liquor License for Pleasant City Coffee and Books.

15) Set special meeting of the City Commission for Wednesday, March 9, 2022 at 5:45 p.m.

16) Set special meeting of the City Commission for Monday, April 18, 2022 at 5:30 p.m.

17) MDOT Resolution contract amendment for Phase II of the Runway 9 Approach Slope Clearing Project and budget amendment.

18) Contract with Alpine Tree Service of Newaygo, MI for Phase II of the Runway 9 Approach Slope Clearing Project.

19) Mayor Perschbacher made appointments of City administrative officials to various boards and commissions.

20) Warrants and Payrolls.

Held a public hearing and adopted resolution #3 to proceed with improvements; and resolution #4 to accept the special assessment roll and set a public hearing for Monday, February 14, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. regarding said roll for Special Assessment District #1-22.

Held a public hearing and adopted resolution #3 to proceed with improvements; and resolution #4 to accept the special assessment roll and set a public hearing for Monday, February 14, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. regarding said roll for Special Assessment District #2-22.

Authorized the purchase of 800 MHz (megahertz) radios from ProComm Inc; radio programming by MPSCS as well as approved a budget amendment for the project cost and Capital Improvement Fund Transfer.

Authorized a contract extension with The Mannick & Smith Group of Canton, MI to perform environmental consulting services at the former city landfill and budget amendment.

Approved airport staffing and fee changes and budget amendment.

Appointed City Commissioners to City standing and special committees.

Appointed City Commissioners to City boards and commissions.

Referred drive-thru stacking requirements to the Planning Commission for review and options.

Denied the Waiver of Conflict from Clark Hill.

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

Adjourned the meeting at 8:25 p.m.

Summary of Minutes of the Virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – June 28, 2021

Summary of Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, June 28, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held June 14, 2021.

2) Minutes of the electronically conducted closed session of the City Commission held June 14, 2021.

3) MDOT Resolution authorizing approval of a contract for reimbursement of funds for approach slope clearing project for the Mt. Pleasant Airport.

4) Professional Services Agreement with Mead & Hunt for the Airport Tree Abatement Project.

5) Warrants and Payrolls.

Held a Public Hearing on proposed ordinance to amend Chapter 10: GENERAL PROVISIONS, §10.05 DEFINITIONS and Chapter 91: ANIMALS of the Mt. Pleasant City Code of Ordinances. The matter was tabled.

Approved contract extension with Isabella County for the Material Recovery Facility (MRF).

Approved budget amendment for Material Recovery Facility (MRF).

Changed use of funds for Broadway Central.

The Commission conducted a work session discussion with Walsh Municipal Services (Frank Walsh) regarding City Manager search.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:28 p.m.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – January 11, 2021

Summary of Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, January 11, 2021, at 7:00 p.m..

Commissioner William Joseph was elected Mayor for 2021.

Commissioner Amy Perschbacher was elected Vice Mayor for 2021.

Adopted resolution setting time and day of regular meetings. 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month beginning at 7 p.m.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held December 14, 2020.

2) MDOT performance resolution for governmental agencies for the purpose of representing the City in transactions.

3) Appointments of City Officials to applicable City boards and commissions for 2021.

Authorized the Mayor and Clerk to sign the Airport Joint Operations Agreement as presented and to retain the current Airport Advisory Board members until their terms expire. 

Approved the resolution to waive the 3% penalty on unpaid taxes between February 17 and March 1 as presented.

Approved and conducted closed session pursuant to subsection 8(e) of the Open Meetings Act to consult with counsel regarding pending litigation.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:30 p.m.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – January 11, 2021

Here are the topics to watch at the next virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, January 11, 2021 at 7 p.m.

  • Administer Oath of Office to Commissioners Olivia Cyman and Will Joseph.
  • Election of Mayor and Vice Mayor
  • Consider Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) performance resolution for governmental agencies for the purpose of representing the City in transactions.
  • Consider approval of Airport Joint Operations and Management Agreement.
  • Consider recommendation from Principal Shopping District Board (PSD) on waiving penalties.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:  

How to follow public meetings during social distancing:

In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, the City of Mt. Pleasant is following federal, state and county health officials’ recommendations while still providing valuable City services.

Even though the City Commission meeting will take place as scheduled, it will be an electronically conducted meeting as allowed by Public Act 254 of 2020, allowing public bodies to meet remotely. City Commission Chambers will be closed to the public.

Citizens can watch the City Commission meeting live on Spectrum Charter Channel 188, web streamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/MtPleasantMi/ or via Zoom.

Zoom Meeting instructions via computer, phone, or dial-in number are as follows:

Zoom Meeting information

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81166411379?pwd=S2NFQldFay81OThxNE1TOXByUnB0dz09

Passcode: 511483   

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. Any citizen desiring to make a public comment on an agenda item may email their comments.

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

• Members of the public must provide their name and address with their comments.

• Comments/Questions may be sent ahead of the meeting in writing or emailed to comment@mtpleasant.org.

• Individual commissioners can be contacted at the following email addresses:

Mary Alsager                malsager@mt-pleasant.org

Olivia Cyman                ocyman@mt-pleasant.org

Lori Gillis                         lgillis@mt-pleasant.org

William Joseph            wjoseph@mt-pleasant.org

Amy Perschbacher     aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org

George Ronan         gronan@mt-pleasant.org

Pete Tolas                      ptolas@mt-pleasant.org

• Comments/Questions can be emailed to comment@mt-pleasant.org during the meeting and during normal public comment sections of the agenda.

• Comments sent via email will be read aloud to the Commission during the public comment periods.

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.

Tree abatement near airport to begin Feb. 26

The City will begin a tree abatement project Monday, Feb. 26 near the Mt. Pleasant Municipal Airport to clear obstructions protruding into the approach slope – the path an airplane follows to land on a runway.

The project was deemed necessary by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in order for the City to continue to safely accommodate the larger planes that utilize the airport. The majority of the abatement will occur west of the airport between US-127 and South Isabella Road.

According to Airport Manager Bill Brickner, the project is not only essential for the successful arrival and departure of airplanes, it is also needed for the airport to remain a driver of local economic development and business growth.

“The airport adds about $8 million of revenue to the community each year,” said Brickner. “If the trees remain, the runway will be shortened and several of our customers who fly larger planes will have to go elsewhere to land, purchase fuel and conduct business.”

Federal and state funding will pay for 95 percent of the total project costs, with the remaining five percent budgeted in the Airport Capital Improvement Plan.