Summary of the July 24 City Commission Meeting

The video of the July 24, 2017 City Commission meeting is available here.

Below is the Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, July 24, 2017, at 7:01 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 July 10, 2017
  • Authorize the Mayor and Clerk to sign a three year contract as approved by the labor attorney with Brown & Brown of Central Michigan for Broker services
  • Bid of Carrier and Gable, Inc. of Farmington, MI for flashing school crossing signs as a replacement for the July 10 award to Traffic Safety Corporation and approve the appropriate budget amendment
  • Fee/Charges Policy Guidelines as presented
  • Payroll and warrants

3. Received recommendation from MMMFLA Ad Hoc Committee and set a work session for Monday, August 14, 2017 at 7:00 p.m.

4. Denied contract with APM for mosquito control.

5. Authorized the Mayor and Clerk to sign the contract with Renaissance Public School Academy for PEAK services as presented.

6. Confirmed the purchase and development agreement for 410 W. Broadway as
recommended by the EDC.

7. Recessed at 7:44 p.m. and went into a work session on City Commission goals for 2018.

8. Adjourned the meeting at 9:42 p.m.

5 things to watch at the next City Commission meeting

Here are 5 things to watch at the July 10 City Commission meeting:

  1. Introduction of new Water Superintendent: Jamie Hockemeyer, the new Water Treatment Plant Superintendent, will be introduced to the City Commission.
  2. 2017 Solar LED Flashing School Crossing Signs bid: The City Commission will consider approving a contract with Traffic Safety Corporation for 14 Solar LED Flashing School Crossing Signs to be installed at the crossing guard locations. Funds for this purchase are made available by the Tribal 2 percent grant.
  3. Confirmation of emergency curbside pickup contract: The City Commission will be asked to confirm the contract with Republic Services for the July 1 curbside pickup of flood-damaged items.
  4. July Board of Review date: The City’s July Board of Review was scheduled to be held on July 18, 2017. Two of the three Board of Review members have conflict with the schedule and have requested the date be moved to Thursday, July 20, 2017. The City Commission will consider supporting the request to modify the July Board of Review date.
  5. Extension of MDOT Contract:  The City Commission will consider extending the contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation for continued operation and maintenance of the Automated Weather Observation and Data Dissemination System at the Mt. Pleasant Municipal Airport until July 31, 2018.

To see the full City Commission agenda and packet for July 10, 2017, click here.

Mount 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

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Here are 5 things to watch at the June 12 City Commission meeting…

  1. Pedestrian lighting on West Broadway Street: The City received a $60,000 allocation during the spring Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribal 2% request distribution to fund pedestrian lighting along West Broadway Street. The City Commission will consider two potential options for the utilization of these funds for the project.
  2. 2018-2022 Capital Improvement Plan: The proposed Capital Improvement Plan was received by the City Commission at the April 10 meeting. Following extensive review and feedback, the City Commission will consider approving the 2018-2022 Capital Improvement Plan with changes to the funding source for new sidewalks in 2018, which was recommended after a work session in May.
  3. Outdoor Dining Policy: The Commission will consider approving the amended Outdoor Dining Policy, which clarifies the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility requirements, and states that on-street barrier free parking cannot be used for decks.
  4. City Assessor appointment: The City Commission will vote on the appointment of Chris Coucke of Coucke Property Services, LLC, as City Assessor. Chris is a Michigan Master Assessing Officer MMAO(4) which is the highest level of assessing certification. Chris would be responsible for all assessing responsibilities for the City, and would have office hours at City Hall on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contracting for assessing services is becoming more common throughout the state due to a limited number of certified assessors and because it provides more depth in the office.
  5. Statewide bicycle passing laws: The City Commission will consider authorizing the Mayor to sign letters to legislators that express support of having a statewide law that requires motorists to provide a specified minimum distance between the car and a bicyclist when passing.

To see the full City Commission agenda and packet for June 12, 2017, click here.

Mount Pleasant City Commission meetings are held at City Hall on the second and fourth Monday of every month. Meetings begin at 7 p.m.

Mt. Pleasant City Commission Nominating Petitions due July 25

Nominating Petitions for the office of City Commissioner are available at the City Clerk’s office at 320 W. Broadway Street in Mt. Pleasant. The City Clerk’s office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Completed Nominating Petitions may be filed with the City Clerk from Monday, June 26, through Tuesday, July 25 at 4 p.m.

The election will be held Nov. 7, 2017. Two City Commission positions are available for the term Jan. 1, 2018 through Dec. 31, 2020.

The terms of current Commissioners Jim Holton and Mike Verleger expire Dec. 31, 2017.

 

5 things to watch at the next City Commission meeting

Borden 2

Here are 5 things to watch at the May 22 City Commission meeting…

  1. Historic Preservation Improvement Awards: The Historic Preservation Improvement Awards are presented each year to honor exterior improvements to residential and commercial property in the City of Mt. Pleasant in four areas – Preservation, Rehabilitation, New Construction or Downtown Historic District Choice. The Historic District Commission will present the annual awards to Art Reach of Mid-Michigan for the rehabilitation of its lower front façade, and Rubble’s Bar for the rehabilitation of its entire front façade.
  2. Special Olympics Michigan Week: Special Olympics Michigan has been a part of the Mt. Pleasant community since 1972, and has positively impacted the lives of its athletes and their family members, as well as provided opportunities for inclusion, health screening and lifelong fitness. In honor of the State Summer Games on June 1-3, Mayor Ling will proclaim May 28 through June 3, 2017 to be Special Olympics Michigan Week, and will extend best wishes for continued success to organization, the volunteers and the athletes.
  3. 2016 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report: The 2016 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report has been finalized and will be presented to the City Commission by the audit firm. View the report here.
  4. 2018-2022 Capital Improvement Plan: The proposed Capital Improvement Plan for 2018 through 2022 was presented to the City Commission in April. A public hearing will be held to receive public input on the proposed plan. See the proposed plan here.
  5. On Street Barrier Free Parking Downtown:  As requested by the Isabella County Human Rights Committee, the City Commission will consider budget amendments for the cost of constructing two on-street barrier free parking spaces downtown. The spaces would be located on Broadway near the intersection of Broadway and University, and on Illinois near the intersection of Illinois and Main.

To see the full City Commission agenda and packet for May 22, 2017, click here.

Mount 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

Fall 2016 Homecoming
CMU fraternity and sorority members volunteer their time to collect trash and clean up local residential neighborhoods as part of the “Greeks Clean the Streets” program. The program will be recognized during the April 24 City Commission meeting. 

Here are 5 things to watch at the April 24 City Commission meeting…

  1. “Greeks Clean the Streets”: Mayor Kathy Ling will read a proclamation recognizing the “Greeks Clean the Streets” program, a partnership comprised of the fraternities and sororities at Central Michigan University and the City of Mt. Pleasant. Since the program’s inception in 2012, close to 665 students have volunteered their time during 22 events to beautify and better the residential student neighborhoods.
  2. 2017 Citizens’ Academy participants: Mayor Ling will present certificates to the 19 participants of the 2017 Citizens’ Academy. The academy took place over the course of seven Tuesday evenings and the participants learned about the various facets of our local government.
  3. National Historic Preservation Month: Mayor Ling will read a proclamation declaring May 2017 as National Historic Preservation Month. This special observance celebrates the role of history in our lives, and recognizes that historic preservation is essential for revitalizing neighborhoods, fostering local pride and maintaining community character while enhancing livability.
  4. Human Rights Ordinance: A resolution to reaffirm the City’s Human Rights Ordinance will be presented. Adopted nearly five years ago, the Human Rights Ordinance outlines the City’s commitment to diversity, inclusion and non-discrimination, and assures the City will continue to provide protection from any violations of this ordinance.
  5. Brush pickup options: The City Commission will consider several options for free brush pickup.

To see the full City Commission agenda and packet for April 24, 2017, click here.

Mount 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

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Here are 5 things to watch at the April 10 City Commission meeting…

  1. Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) tree planting: The City Commission will consider authorizing a bid award for the purchase and planting of new trees and vegetation along portions of the Chippewa River. This project is part of the GLRI Grant Program in cooperation with the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe to improve the Chippewa River corridor.
  2. Capital Improvement Plan: The commission will receive the 2018-2022 capital improvement plan, which details the projected infrastructure projects for the next five years. A public hearing will be set for May 22 to obtain public input.
  3. Adult Softball League fees: The commission will consider an adjustment to the team and participant fees for the 2017 Adult Softball League. These recommendations are based on the goal to have the adult leagues be self-sustaining for the direct costs, a comprehensive review of the City’s expenses and projected number of teams, and new rental rates implemented by CMU for use of its fields.
  4. Brush pick-up options: The City Commission will consider authorizing a one-time service of brush pickup for residential units in the City during the week of May 15, 2017.
  5. Appointments to Michigan Medical Marijuana Facilities Licensing Act (MMMFLA) ad-hoc committee: Mayor Kathy Ling will announce the appointment of the members of the MMMFLA ad-hoc committee.

To see the full City Commission agenda and packet for April 10, 2017, click here.

Mount 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

2016 Annual Report reduced_Page_01

Here are five things to watch at the March 27 City Commission meeting…

  1. Receipt of 2016 Annual Report: The City Commission will receive the 2016 Annual Report, a 14-page packet documenting the highlights of 2016. To read the 2016 edition, click here.
  2. Ad-hoc committee on Michigan Medical Marijuana Facilities Act (MMMFLA): The City Commission will consider the proposed composition of the MMMFLA ad-hoc committee, specific charge of the committee and a timeline for their work to be completed. The committee will research MMMFLA and provide a recommendation to the City Commission on suggested parameters and elements to include in a draft ordinance(s).
  3. Timber Town 2.0 donation funds: The City Commission will consider allocating $53,800 of Timber Town 2.0 donations to cover costs from the demolition; add signage, rubberized walkways and patio areas; and renovate the original wooden lodge and covered seating areas. It is also recommended the Commission approves the purchase of a wheelchair accessible play feature if additional in-kind donations are received. 
  4. Public hearings on rental house licensing rates/fees: There will be two public hearings regarding changes to rental housing license fees and fines. Members of the community may provide input on the proposed fee increase for rental housing licenses as well as the proposed ordinance amendment to increase the penalty for owners and property managers who fail to obtain rental housing licenses. 
  5. City Hall security cameras: The Commission will consider the purchase and installation of a security camera system that would cover the exterior of City Hall, including the parking lot and public entrance. 

To see the full City Commission agenda and packet for March 27, 2017, click here

Mount 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

2017-city-commissionMount Pleasant City Commission meetings are held at City Hall on the second and fourth Monday of every month. Meetings begin at 7 p.m.

Here are five things to watch at the March 13 City Commission meeting…

  1. Special Meeting: Prior to the start of the regular meeting, a special meeting with the City Commission and Planning Commission will include a presentation on new regulations for medical marijuana facilities licensing, followed by a discussion of next steps for the City. (See the agenda for the Special Meeting here.)
  2. Presentation of 2016 Community Improvement Awards: Since 1979, the Planning Commission has presented Community Improvement Awards for rebuilt or renovated residential and/or commercial properties. 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.
  3. Schedule public hearings regarding housing license fees and fines: The City Commission will consider setting public hearings for March 27 on the proposed rental housing licensing fees to be implemented July 1, as well as the new penalty amounts for owners and property managers who fail to obtain housing licenses.
  4. Renewals of facility agreements with community organizations: The City Commission will consider the renewal of a five-year facility agreement with the Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan for the Jane Harris Girl Scout cabin located in Chipp-a-Waters Park. The Commission will also consider the renewal of a 10-year facility agreement with the Mt. Pleasant Lions Club for a storage building at Pickens Field.
  5. Bids and quotations: The City Commission will consider approving a number of bids and quotes recommended by City staff for the following purchases and/or services:
    • Grounds Mowing
    • Tractor
    • High Service Pump Rehabilitation
    • Primary Sludge Pump Replacement

 To see the full City Commission agenda and packet for March 13, 2017, click here

5 things to watch at the next City Commission meeting

2017-city-commission

Mount Pleasant City Commission meetings are held at City Hall on the second and fourth Monday of every month. Meetings begin at 7 p.m.

Here are five things to watch at the Feb. 27 City Commission meeting…

  1. Presentation of award to City’s water supervisor: A representative of the American Water Works Association will present Mt. Pleasant Water Supervisor Malcolm Fox with the Raymond J. Faust award. This award recognizes individuals for outstanding personal service in the water supply field.
  2. Upgraded lighting at crossing guard locations: The City Commission will consider an amendment to the Consumers Energy Standard Lighting contract to upgrade and increase lighting at each of the eight crossing guard locations for improved safety at crosswalks.
  3. Facility license agreements: The City Commission will consider a resolution to approve a general facility license agreement template for 2017, as well as agreements specific to 2017 Little League and Fast Pitch Softball.
  4. Hazard mitigation plan: The City Commission will consider adopting the Isabella County Hazard Mitigation Plan as an official plan of the City of Mt. Pleasant. Implementation of the plan’s recommendations assist in the reduction of injuries, loss of life and destruction of property due to natural and technological hazards.
  5. Bids and quotations: The City Commission will consider approving a number of bids and quotes recommended by City staff for the following purchases and/or services:
    • Sewer Relining
    • Sand and Gravel
    • Crack Sealing
    • Spring Trees
    • Water Meters

To see the full City Commission agenda and packet for Feb. 27, 2017, click here