Head on Collision Results in Double Fatality

On December 17, 2024, at approximately 2:00 p.m. officers from the Mt. Pleasant Police Department (MPPD) responded to a call involving a head-on collision on Broomfield Street east of Mission Street.

Upon arrival, MPPD officers determined there was one vehicle with a 51-year-old male driver and a 75-year-old male passenger, both from Mt. Pleasant. A 43-year-old male from Elwell was in the other vehicle.

Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger of the one vehicle was transported to a local hospital.

This accident remains under investigation. Names are not being released due to notification of family.

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department was assisted by the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department, Central Michigan University Police, Michigan State Police, Mobile Medical Response, and Isabella County Central Dispatch.

City of Mt. Pleasant Recognized for Supporting Business in their Community

The City of Mt. Pleasant has been named a 2024 eCities Honored Community for its successes and efforts in contributing to Michigan’s growth. The designation was given as part of the annual eCities study, conducted by iLabs, the University of Michigan-Dearborn’s Office of Engagement and Impact. The four other Honored Communities are the cities of Battle Creek, Romulus, Sault Ste. Marie, and Tecumseh.

According to City Manager Aaron Desentz, “This eCities recognition is tangible evidence that the City of Mt. Pleasant continues to focus on all forms of economic development, while enhancing capital assets through improved roads and pathways. To be recognized out of a field of 277 communities is an honor.”

The eCities study analyzed publicly available data from 277 communities from 54 counties in Michigan. Researchers focused on the five-year changes in property values, community assets, and tax rates, which can demonstrate the growth, investments, and cost of doing business within the community. For example, over the five-year period of 2019-2023, these communities increased their capital assets by an average of 3.71 percent per year by investments such as new buildings, roads and bike paths, and library renovations. Further, these places are home to 86 percent of Michigan’s real commercial property and have 64 percent of the state’s total property value. Communities that have seen the strongest growth in business development over the past five years, while controlling the costs of doing business in town, are designated as five- and four-star communities.

Although accounting for less than 20 percent of the State’s cities and townships, the 277 communities analyzed are home to 71 percent of Michigan’s population and 87 percent of the state’s commercial property. “Each year, we enjoy recognizing the efforts made by cities and townships throughout Michigan to support business growth and entrepreneurship in their communities,” said Kari Kowalski, Assistant Director of iLabs.

Sidewalk Snow and Ice Removal Reminders

The City’s Snow and Ice Removal from Sidewalks Ordinance (98.37) is focused on safety. As the winter weather approaches, there are items we need to remember.

Owners and/or occupants of all properties within the City must clear any accumulation of ice and/or snow from public sidewalks adjoining such property.

Clearing must be done within 24 hours of accumulation or placement of snow and/or ice.

If a sidewalk is not cleared within the 24-hour period of accumulation, the City may issue a civil infraction ticket that is a personal debt owed to the City for each day that the owner fails to clear the sidewalk.

If the City has to remove ice and/or snow from the sidewalk, a lien on the property is imposed for the cost of clearing the sidewalk.

Properties located along school routes are not exempt from this ordinance.

Sidewalks designated for clearance by the City are worked on after City streets, alleys and parking lots have been plowed.

For a map on which sidewalks are plowed by the City visit: www.mt-pleasant.org/maps.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 12/9/2024

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, December 9, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Approved the Agenda as presented.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

5) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held November 25, 2024.

6) Resolution approving charitable gaming license for Sleepy Dog Books Foundation.

7) Resolution Amending 2024 Operating Budget.

8) Commitment of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to revenue replacement.

9) Cancelled the City Commission meeting scheduled December 16, 2024 Meeting.

10) Authorized Deputy Financial Services Director Christine Witmer to approve the issuance of payrolls and warrants from December 10, 2024 through January 13, 2025.

11) Set first meeting of 2025 for Monday, January 13, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.

12) Warrants and Payrolls.

Held a Public Hearing on proposed rezoning of parcels 17-000-17-300-00, 17-000-17-303-00, 17-000-17-304-00, 17-000-17-305-00, 17-000-17-306-00, located at the southwest corner of Crawford and Broomfield, from PRD (Planned Residential Development) to CD-4 (General Urban Character District with the Residential/Dwelling Use Restriction), CD-4 (General Urban Character District), SD-U (Special District University), CD-4 (General Urban Character District with the Residential/Dwelling Use Restriction), and CZ (Civic Zone), respectively.

Denied motion to approve the proposed rezoning.

Held a Public Hearing on proposed Ordinance to amend Table 154.405.A of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Mt. Pleasant as it relates to SD-U University Special District Rules.

Denied the proposed Ordinance to amend Table 154.405.A as it relates to SD-U University Special District Rules of the Mount Pleasant Zoning Ordinances.

Approved the Resolution approving the final 2025 Operating Budget and setting the millage rate for 2025.

Approved the Resolution supporting amended rates, fees, and charges.

Approved the bid of UME-Gerber Life for 2025 stop loss coverage insurance.

Adjourned the meeting at 10:16 p.m.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 12/9/2024

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, December 9, 2024, at 7 p.m.

Public Hearing on the Planning Commission’s proposed Zoning Map Amendment (Z-24-01) for the five properties located southwest of Crawford and Broomfield.

Public Hearing on the Planning Commission’s TC-24-02-Amendment to Table 154.405.A of the zoning ordinance as it relates to SD-U University Special District Rules.

Consider resolution approving the final 2025 Operating Budget and set the millage rate for 2025.

Consider resolution supporting amended rates, fees, and charges.

Consider contract with UME-Gerber Life for 2025 stop loss coverage insurance.

Discussion on City Manager Evaluation Process.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

Click to access E-Packet%20for%20Monday,%20December%209,%202024….pdf

How to follow public meetings:

The City Commission Meeting will be held in person in the City Chambers/City Hall (320 W. Broadway Street) with virtual attendance options as well. Non-voting participants may view the meeting live on the City’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/MtPleasantMi/, on Spectrum Charter channel 188 or via Zoom.

If a virtual option becomes unavailable due to technical difficulties, the meeting will continue as scheduled. Residents who would like to provide a comment during the appropriate time are welcome to come to the meeting at City Hall or email their statement to comment@mt-pleasant.org.

To participate via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81427929317?pwd=2P1aut1B3uoOb8snfkfrWofaiDdAhq.1

Meeting ID: 814 2792 9317

Passcode: 146246

Phone dial-in: (312) 626-6799

The 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.

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

Members of the public are asked to provide their name and address with any comments.
Comments/Questions may be sent ahead of the meeting, or during the meeting via email to comment@mt-pleasant.org. Comments sent via email will be read aloud to the Commission during the public comment period.

Individual commissioners can be contacted at the following email addresses:

Mary Alsager malsager@mt-pleasant.org

Elizabeth Busch ebusch@mt-pleasant.org

Bryan Chapman bchapman@mt-pleasant.org

Maureen Eke meke@mt-pleasant.org

Amy Perschbacher aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org

Grace Rollins grollins@mt-pleasant.org

Boomer Wingard bwingard@mt-pleasant.org

Persons with disabilities needing assistance to participate may call the Human Resources office on (989) 779-5314. Persons requiring speech or hearing assistance may contact the city through the Michigan Relay Center at 711. 48-hour advance notice is necessary for accommodation.

Christmas Celebration Parade Route and Road Closure Information

It is time to visit Downtown Mt. Pleasant and enjoy the Christmas Celebration slated for December 6-7, 2024. Please note the following street and parking lot closures. For detailed event information visit: www.mt-pleasant.org/christmas.

Beginning December 6 at 8 a.m., cars left on the streets and parking lots noted below will be subject to towing. Towed vehicles will be moved to City Hall (320 W. Broadway St.)

Friday, December 6

8 a.m. – 10 p.m. Town Center Parking Lot Closed

Friday, December 6 from 8 a.m. – Saturday, December 7 at 10 p.m.

Main St. closed from Jockey Alley to Broadway St.
Broadway St. closed from Washington St. to Main St.

Saturday, December 7

6 a.m. – 10 p.m. No on street parking on Main St. from Town Center to High St.

6 a.m.- 10 p.m. Broadway St. closed from Main St. to Franklin St.

2 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Main St. closed to through traffic from Town Center to High St.,
Broadway St. closed to through traffic from Washington St. to Lansing St.

The lighted parade which begins at 6 p.m. on December 7, starts at the First United Methodist Church, travels north on Main Street, east on Broadway Street, south on Lansing Street to Michigan Street. The Mt. Pleasant Rotary Club will serve as parade Grand Marshal.

PARADE SAFETY NOTE: For the safety of parade-goers and parade participants; please do not venture out into the street during the parade. Stay on the sidewalk during the entire duration of the parade.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 11/25/2024

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, November 25, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Approved the agenda with the deletion of Item #12 “Approve 2025 Proposed Operating Budget”.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved items on the Consent Calendar with the removal of Item #14 “Sponsorship Policy”.

7) Minutes of the regular session of the City Commission held on November 11, 2024.

8) Professional Engineering Services Agreement with Mead & Hunt for the procurement of a tractor-mounted snow blower for the Mt. Pleasant Regional Airport and authorized the City Manager to sign the contract.

9) Bids for 2025 Water Treatment Plant treatment (bulk) chemicals.

10) Fire Department budget amendment for the purchase of up to $65,000 in turnout gear and authorized a sole source purchase from Premiere Safety of Sterling Heights, MI.

11) Language for new Airport sign.

12) Item removed from Agenda.

13) Permanent Easement for Consumers Energy Guy Wires for GKB/Mid-Michigan Pathway.

14) Item removed from Consent Calendar.

15) Five-year contract for Audit Services with Vredeveld Haefner LLC.

16) Warrants and payrolls.

Approved the Asset Management Policy as presented.

Approved reappointments to various boards and commissions as recommended by the Appointments Committee.

Adopted a Climate Change Preparedness Plan as presented.

Approved creation of a short survey to go to all City staff on workplace climate with a work session in January 2025 to establish same.

Adopted a Sponsorship Policy to establish guidelines and procedures for the acceptance of donations to the City’s parks and recreation system and procedures for accepting sponsorships from for-profit organizations for City programs, events, projects, and sites.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:54 p.m.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 11/25/2024

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, November 25, 2024, at 7 p.m.

Introduction of Central Michigan University President Neil MacKinnon by City Manager Aaron Desentz.

Presentation by Public Works Director Jason Moore on 2024 Year-End Review of Major Public Works and Utilities Projects.

Presentation on recreation needs assessment findings by Parks and Recreation Director Phil Biscorner.

Presentation on large scale events (2025 goal) by Parks and Recreation Director Phil Biscorner.

Approve 2025 Operating Budget.

Consider approval of Asset Management Policy.

Consider adoption of Climate Change Preparedness Plan.

Discussion on City Manager Evaluation Process.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

Click to access E-Packet%20for%20Monday,%20November%2025%202024.pdf

How to follow public meetings:

To participate via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84490742824?pwd=kzcRo8uJ4JfTeqq4yO3A84iTIgmWFZ.1

Meeting ID: 844 9074 2824

Passcode: 806901

Phone dial-in: (312) 626-6799

The audio and video will be muted for members of the public and then unmuted by the host during public comment periods.

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.

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

Members of the public are asked to provide their name and address with any comments.
Comments/Questions may be sent ahead of the meeting, or during the meeting via email to comment@mt-pleasant.org. Comments sent via email will be read aloud to the Commission during the public comment period.

Individual commissioners can be contacted at the following email addresses:

Mary Alsager malsager@mt-pleasant.org

Elizabeth Busch ebusch@mt-pleasant.org

Bryan Chapman bchapman@mt-pleasant.org

Maureen Eke meke@mt-pleasant.org

Amy Perschbacher aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org

Grace Rollins grollins@mt-pleasant.org

Boomer Wingard bwingard@mt-pleasant.org

Fire Damages Mt. Pleasant Home

On November 20, 2024, at 1:24 p.m. the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department (MPFD)

responded to a house fire in the 700 block of Cooley Street in Mt. Pleasant.

Upon arrival, crews observed a small two-story home with smoke and fire coming from the rear of the structure. The fire was brought under control by 2:10 p.m. The house sustained heavy smoke, heat, and fire damage to the first floor, and substantial smoke and heat damage to the second floor.

Occupants were home at the time of the fire and exited safely. One firefighter was injured and sought medical treatment.

The MPFD is investigating the cause of the fire.

The Mt. Pleasant Fire Department was assisted by the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Fire Department, Deerfield Township Fire Department, Isabella Northeast Fire Department, Mt. Pleasant Police Department, and Isabella County Central Dispatch.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission – 11/11/2024

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, November 11, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Approved the agenda as presented.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved items on the Consent Calendar.

7) Minutes of the regular session of the City Commission held on October 28, 2024.

8) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held October 28, 2024.

9) Purchase of a 2025 Ford F-150 pickup truck through the MiDeal program and a budget amendment for same.

10) Charter Township of Union 2025 Contract for Fire Department Services.

11) Set a public hearing on Monday, December 9, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. on proposed rezoning of parcels 17-000-17-300-00, 17-000-17-303-00, 17-000-17-304-00, 17-000-17-305-00, 17-000-17-306-00, located at the southwest corner of Crawford and Broomfield, from PRD (Planned Residential Development) to CD-4 (General Urban Character District with the Residential/Dwelling Use Restriction), CD-4 (General Urban Character District), SD-U (Special District University), CD-4 (General Urban Character District with the Residential/Dwelling Use Restriction), and CZ (Civic Zone), respectively.

12) Received proposed Ordinance to amend Table 154.405.A of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Mt. Pleasant as it relates to SD-U University Special District Rules and set a public hearing on same for Monday, December 9, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.

13) Warrants and payrolls.

Held a public hearing on proposed 2025 Annual Operating Budget. There was no action taken at this time.

Request for Fire Suppression and Façade Improvement Funding Allocation for TyJorMac, LLC (120 South University) tabled until a future Work Session on same.

Held a Work Session discussion on usage of motorized bikes and scooters on City owned trails.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:18 p.m.