23: There are a few trees still available.)

The City of Mt. Pleasant plants a variety of trees in the city’s right-of-way as part of the Urban Forestry Plan. Residential and commercial property owners are eligible for one free tree per year, to be planted in the right of way in front of their property. The Street Department will determine the best location for the tree. Once planted, the property owner is asked to water the tree as directed, especially during the hot summer months, or long periods without rainfall.

To receive a free tree and have it planted in the Spring, fill out a Tree Application and return it to the Division of Public Works at 320 W. Broadway Street, by March 1, 2023. View the Tree Brochure below.

Residents who wish to plant their own tree in the right-of-way must obtain a permit from DPW. There is no charge for the permit, but there are a few tree species that are prohibited by city ordinance. For more information, please contact the Division of Public Works office at 989-779-5401.

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.

Mt. Pleasant City Commission Vacancy

The Mt. Pleasant City Commission has one vacancy due to Vice Mayor Olivia Cyman relocating to East Lansing. Applications for this open position are being accepted now through September 14, 2022. The Appointments Committee will consider applications and make a recommendation to the full City Commission at the September 26, 2022 meeting. This appointed term would expire on May 2, 2023. Application information is available at the City Manager’s Office as well as http://www.mt-pleasant.org/boards_and_commissions/.

Nominating petitions to run for this open seat, which term runs from May 3, 2023 – December 31, 2023, are available at City Hall, office of the City Clerk, 320 W. Broadway Street, from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday will be available in mid-November. Completed nominating petitions which require a minimum of 50, and a maximum of 80 certified signatures may be filed with the City Clerk starting Monday, December 19, 2022. The deadline to file is 4 p.m. on Tuesday, January 17, 2023. For nominating petition information visit: https://bit.ly/2YLFvzs

The City election will take place on Tuesday, May 2, 2023.