Summary of the Jan. 22 City Commission meeting

The video of the Jan. 22, 2018 City Commission meeting is available here.

Below is the Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, Jan. 22, 2018, at 7 p.m., in the City Commission Room.

1. Public Works Director Zang introduced newly hired Street Maintenance Specialist Brendan Carrick.

2. Received petitions and communications.

3. Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Jan. 8, 2018
Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held Jan. 8, 2018
Authorize contract with C2AE of Lansing, MI for the design services and construction oversight of the chemical tank and delivery systems
Authorize purchase of 44 replacement bottles for the self-contained breathing apparatus units from Douglas Safety Systems, LLC. of Sanford, MI
Bid of F & K’s Tree Service of Mt. Pleasant, MI for the 2018 Tree Trimming and Removal Project
Bid of Yeo & Yeo Computer Consulting, LLC of Saginaw, MI for the purchase of equipment for wireless access points
Authorize amendment to contract with Pat McGuirk Excavating, Inc. for the 2017-2018 snow season
Approve payment to CMU for the shared purchase of hardware equipment for the L3 in-car camera system
Set special meeting of the City Commission for Monday, Jan. 29, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. for priority setting discussion
Warrants and Payrolls

4. Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1033, an
Ordinance to amend Title V, Chapter 50, Section(s) 50.12 and 50.99 of the Mt. Pleasant
City Code regarding material collection licenses and penalties.

5. Passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1034, an Ordinance to replace Title
XV: Land Usage, Chapter 154. Zoning Ordinances and Zoning Map, in its entirety.

6. Appointment of City Commissioners to City standing and special committees.

7. Appointment of City Commissioners to City Boards and Commissions.

8. Set date for City Commission Retreat for Goal Setting for Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2018 at
9 a.m.

9. Adjourned the meeting at 8:28 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:

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Summary of Jan. 8 City Commission meeting

The video of the Jan. 8, 2018 City Commission meeting is available here.

Below is the Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room.

1. Commissioner Lents was elected Mayor for 2018.

2. Commissioner Madaj was elected Vice Mayor for 2018.

3. Set time and day of regular meetings.

4. City Planner Kain gave a presentation on the upcoming 2018 Citizens’ Academy.

5. Received petitions and communications.

6. Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held December 11, 2017
Receive proposed ordinance to amend Title V, Chapter 50, Section(s) 50.12 and 50.99 of the Mount Pleasant City Code regarding material collection licenses and penalties and set a public hearing for January 22, 2018 on same
Resolution in support of Final approval of Traffic Control Order #1-2018
Resolution in support of Final approval of Traffic Control Order #2-2018
Resolution authorizing MDOT contract for reimbursement for the 2017 Tree Abatement project
Appointments of City Officials to applicable City boards and commissions for 2018.

7. Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1032, an Ordinance to amend Title XIII, Chapter 132, Section(s) 132.03, 132.04 and 132.06 of the Mount Pleasant City Code regarding the purchase, consumption, and possession of alcoholic beverages by minors, furnishing or using fraudulent identification, and license sanctions, and to repeal Title XIII, Chapter 132, Section 132.07 of the Mount Pleasant City Code regarding preliminary breath tests.

8. Approved amendment to Motor Pool Budget for the replacement of a snow plow.

9. Approved Appointments to various City Boards and Commissions.

10. Approved proceeding with drafting of the general framework of ordinances with regard to MMMFLA leaving open issues for discussion and scheduling a work session at the earliest available time.

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

12. Adjourned the meeting at 8:34 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:

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.
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
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.
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.
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.

Summary of Dec. 11 City Commission meeting

Pictured above: Mayor Kathy Ling with Commissioners Jim Holton (left) and Mike Verleger, whose terms as City Commissioners expire Dec. 31, 2017. Holton has served since 2006 and Verleger since 2015. Thank you for your service to the City of Mt. Pleasant!

The video of the Dec. 11, 2017 City Commission meeting is available here.

Below is the Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, at 7 p.m., in the City Commission Room.

1. Received petitions and communications.

2. Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

Minutes of the regular meeting and closed session of the City Commission held November 27, 2017
Minutes of the special meeting of the City Commission held November 28, 2017
Contract with Ferguson Waterworks of Grand Rapids, MI, for 2018 water meter purchase
Bid of Garber Contracting, Inc. of Mt. Pleasant, MI for Island Park East Storage Building Rehabilitation
Authorize the Mayor and Clerk to sign the agreement to share captured tax value generated by the Campus Commons Development between the Mission/Pickard
DDA Board and the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority
Resolution for Final Amended 2017 Operating Budget
Set first meeting of 2018 for Monday, January 8, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room
Receive an ordinance to amend Title XIII, Chapter 132, Section(s) 132.03, 132.04 and 132.06 of the Mount Pleasant City Code regarding the purchase, consumption, and possession of alcoholic beverages by minors, furnishing or using fraudulent identification, and license sanctions, and to repeal Chapter 132 Section 132.07 regarding preliminary breath tests and set a public hearing for Monday, January 8, 2018 on same
Warrants and Payroll.

3. Held a public hearing and denied the amendment to Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Plan for West Broadway Revitalization site #3.

4. Adopted resolutions amending fees and charges for water rates, sewer rates, brush pickup and Parks and Recreation.

5. Adopted resolution approving the 2018 Annual Operating Budget and setting millage
rate.

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

7. Approved bonus to the City Manager.

8. Canceled the December 18, 2017 regularly schedule City Commission meeting.

9. Authorized Finance Director Mary Ann Kornexl to approve the issuance of payrolls and warrants from December 12, 2017 through January 5, 2018.

10. Adjourned at 9:08 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.

SUMMARY OF NOV. 27 CITY COMMISSION MEETING

The video of the Nov. 27, 2017 City Commission meeting is available here.

Below is the Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, Nov. 27, 2017, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room.

1. Received petitions and communications.

2. Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Nov. 13, 2017
Bids for 2018 Water Treatment Plant treatment (bulk)
Bid of JBS Contracting, Inc., of Mt. Pleasant, MI for the Island Park West Storage Building Rehabilitation Project
Authorize the Mayor to sign a two-year contract with EHIM for all PBM services related to the City of Mt. Pleasant’s Section 125 pharmacy plan for both active and retiree enrollees
2018 Facilities License Agreements for Mt. Pleasant Little League, Mt. Pleasant Girls’ Fast Pitch Softball and Mt. Pleasant Baseball and authorize staff to sign subsequent agreements if no changes are made
Warrants and Payroll

3. Held a public hearing on proposed ordinance to amend Title XIII, Chapter 132, Section(s) 132.03, 132.04 and 132.06 of the Mt. Pleasant Code regarding the purchase, consumption, and possession of alcoholic beverages by minors, furnishing, or using fraudulent identification, and license sanctions and Section 132.07 regarding preliminary breath tests. There was no action taken by the Commission at this time.

4. Postponed action on Resolution to amend the Tax Increment Finance Authority (TIFA)
plan for Central Business District.

5. Authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the amended reimbursement agreement for 510-600 W. Pickard as presented.

6. Received recommended amendment to Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Plan for
West Broadway Revitalization site #3 and set a public hearing for Monday, December 11,
2017 at 7:00 p.m. on same.

7. Received 2018 No Fee Brush Pick-up Guidelines/Program and fee structure.

8. Appointments to various City boards and commissions as recommended by the
Appointments Committee.

9. Conducted a Work Session – Michigan Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act
(MMMFLA) discussion.

10. Approved and conducted a closed session pursuant to subsection 8(a) of the Open Meetings Act, to consider a periodic personnel evaluation of a City employee as requested by that employee.

11. Adjourned the meeting at 9:55 p.m.

Character-Based Code: City Commission requests amended language to draft zoning code and map

The City Commission held a special meeting in November to discuss the proposed character-based zoning code and map, as well as review feedback from the public about the topic.

Meeting Summary – The City Commission requested staff provide amended language to accomplish the following:

Exempt existing two-family dwellings (duplexes) from the Principal Residence Exemption standard that would be imposed on new two-family dwellings in the CD-3L and CD-3 zoning districts.
Modify the bicycle parking standards for commercial, retail, and service uses to prevent an excessive standard for large format “big box” retailers.
Add review standards for site plans that do not proposed vehicular parking.
Clarify the language concerning non-conforming uses, structures, and improvements; set the replacement value for such uses, structures, or improvements damaged by fire or other cause at 50% or more of its replacement value; and ensure that the Zoning Board of Appeals may consider permitting resumption of a non-conforming use damaged by fire or other cause.

Amendments: Staff introduced amendments to the text dealing with the above items at the City Commission meeting on Dec. 11, 2017. See the amendments here.

Next Steps – It is expected that the City Commission will take action on the proposed zoning ordinance and map in January 2018.

Learn More – For more information on the proposed character-based code and map, read the answers to the frequently asked questions about the draft here.

5 things to watch at the next City Commission meeting

Here are five things to watch at the Nov. 13 City Commission meeting:

Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting: The City Commission will receive the announcement that the City of Mt. Pleasant has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR) for the 30th consecutive year. Presented by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA), this award is the highest form of recognition in the area of government accounting and financial reporting.
2018 Annual Operating Budget: A public hearing will be held on the proposed 2018 Annual Operating Budget. To see the proposed budget, click here.
TIFA Plan Amendment: A public hearing will be held on the amendment to the Tax Increment Finance Authority (TIFA) plan to add fire safety grants as an eligible project. This reimbursement grant program assists downtown property owners with the cost to install necessary fire protection systems while maintaining and/or restoring the historic character of the building facades.
Proposed Zoning Ordinance and Map: A public hearing will be held on the proposed zoning ordinance and map. To learn more about the proposed character-based code, including a link to FAQs, go to www.mt-pleasant.org/character.
Barrier Free Parking Signs Downtown: The City Commission will consider the final approval of placing barrier free parking signs at several locations downtown Mt. Pleasant to identify the barrier free parking spaces added earlier this year. This temporary traffic control order has been in place for 90 days and staff is recommending it be approved as a permanent traffic control order.

To see the full City Commission agenda and packet for Nov. 13, 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.

5 things to watch at the next City Commission meeting

Here are 5 things to watch at the Oct. 9 City Commission meeting:

Indigenous Peoples Day: Mayor Kathy Ling will proclaim the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples Day to reflect upon the ongoing struggles of Indigenous people, and to celebrate the thriving culture and value the Saginaw Chippewa and other indigenous peoples add to our City and community. Members of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe community drummers will provide an honor song prior to the Proclamation.
Storm Water Ordinance: A public hearing will be held on the proposed changes to the storm water ordinance, which will impact which parking lot reconstruction projects are eligible for permit waivers, clarify that normal maintenance of parking lots is exempt from the ordinance, address flow through of storm water from adjacent properties, and clarify single-family and two-family dwelling pavement changes. After the public hearing, the City Commission will consider approving the amendment.
“Yield to Pedestrians within Crosswalk” Sign at Island Park Entrance: The City Commission will consider the final approval of placing a “Yield to Pedestrians within Crosswalk” sign on Main Street north and south of the entrance to Island Park on Lincoln Street. This temporary traffic control order has been in place for 90 days and staff is recommending it be approved as a permanent traffic control order.
New Zoning Ordinance and Map: The updated draft zoning ordinance and map were released to the public last month, reflecting the comments received through the prior public review period, as well as changes requested by the City Commission at its special meeting in August. The City Commission will be asked to set a public hearing for Nov. 13 on the new zoning ordinance and map, pending the recommendation from the Planning Commission at its Oct. 19 special meeting.
TIFA Development Plan Amendment for Fire Safety Grants: An amendment to the Tax Increment Finance Authority (TIFA) development plan will be introduced to allow TIFA funds to be eligible for the Downtown Fire Protection Grant Program. This reimbursement grant program assists downtown property owners with the cost to install necessary fire protection systems while maintaining and/or restoring the historic character of the building facades. The City Commission will consider setting a public hearing for Nov. 13 regarding this amendment.

Following the regular meeting, the City Commission will hold a work session to discuss the Michigan Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act (MMMFLA).

To see the full City Commission agenda and packet for Oct. 9, 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.