Tag: City of Mount Pleasant

5 things to watch at the next City Commission meeting

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. “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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

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.

Sytsema named Mt. Pleasant police lieutenant

dsytsemThe City recently announced the promotion of Detective Don Sytsema to police lieutenant. Sytsema has dedicated 22 years to the Mt. Pleasant Police Department, serving first as an officer and later as detective.

As lieutenant, Sytsema will oversee day-to-day operations of the road patrol and detective bureau, and will be responsible for duties related to crime analysis and prevention. He will also coordinate special operations with other area law enforcement agencies, among many other tasks.

“We are very confident and pleased with Don’s decision to be a part of the police administration team,” said Police Captain Andy Latham. “Don is a creative and analytical thinker who uses his head and his heart to make decisions. This lends to an inclusive leadership style that is well received and embraced by those around him.”

Sytsema is looking forward to the new challenge. “My vision is that our department will continue to use and explore new technology to support the solving of crime,” he said. Sytsema also envisions continued police engagement with our community and businesses, as he is committed to cultivating positive relationships.

Sytsema will fill the role of lieutenant beginning April 16.

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. 

Nominations for Historic Preservation Improvement Awards due March 31

downtowndestination-logo1The City of Mt. Pleasant’s Historic District Commission (HDC) is currently seeking nominations for the 2017 Historic Preservation Improvement Awards.

The awards are presented each year to honor exterior improvements of residential and commercial properties in the City of Mt. Pleasant in four areas – Preservation, Restoration, New Construction or Downtown Historic District Choice. Nominated properties must be at least 25 years old, and the improvements must have been completed between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2016.

The HDC will evaluate applications that best reflect the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. Winners will be announced in May as part of National Historic Preservation month.

Nominations are due by 4:30 p.m. on March 31, 2017. Nomination forms can be found on the City’s website at http://www.mt-pleasant.org/boards_and_commissions/HDC.asp.

For more information, contact Downtown Development Director Michelle Sponseller at (989) 779-5348 or msponseller@mt-pleasant.org.

 

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. 13 City Commission meeting…

  1. Peacemaking Recognition Day Proclamation: Every year, Mt. Pleasant Public Schools nominates students of all grade levels who promote peace through their words and actions. Mayor Ling will read a proclamation declaring Feb. 27, 2017 as Peacemaking Recognition Day in Mt. Pleasant to affirm that the peacemaking efforts of local youth are valued and contribute to the quality of life in the community.
  2. MP City Link Presentation: The Communications Department will announce the launch of MP City Link – a free mobile app that empowers citizens to easily report non-emergency issues to City staff, as well as provides on-the-go access to the latest City news and information.
  3. Tobacco Free Zone Policy Report: City Manager Nancy Ridley will provide the City Commission with a report on the effectiveness of the Tobacco Free Zone Policy in City Parks implemented in 2016.
  4. Rezoning of 205, 209-219 E Bellows and 1021 S University: Following a public hearing, the City Commission will consider a request to change the land use of three tax parcels. Two are currently zoned C-1 (Local Business) and one P-1 (Vehicular Parking). The request is to rezone all three properties to M-2 (Multiple Family Residential).
  5. Downtown Vision Plan: The City Commission will consider an amendment to the contract with the City’s zoning ordinance consultant, Town Planning & Urban Design Collaborative (TPUDC), to conduct additional design work for downtown in conjunction with the character-based code project.

To see the full City Commission packet for Feb. 13, 2017, click here.