Capital Improvements, Regional Airport Designation, Manager Brickner elected to board
Capital Improvements
After more than a year of planning and securing grant funding, the Mt. Pleasant Municipal Airport’s (KMOP) taxiway and lighting project has been completed well below the projected $2.7 million cost. The project was fully funded through grants.
90% Federal Grants
5% State Grants
5% Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Local Match Funds
Improvements included a reconstructed 35-foot-wide taxiway, LED lighting and updated signage.
To bring the layout of the airfield into compliance, modifications were made resulting in one mid-field taxiway connector. This change was slated for 2025, but federal money was made available to complete the project alongside the taxiway upgrade.
Regional Airport Designation
Due to its traffic counts, the Mt. Pleasant Municipal Airport is now considered a regional airport. This designation enables the airport to be eligible for an additional $100,000 in grant funding.
Airport Manager Brickner Elected to MAAE
Bill Brickner, airport manager was elected to the Michigan Association of Airport Executives (MAAE) Board of Directors. The MAAE’s mission is to promote Michigan airports through aviation leader forums, while strengthening relationships with legislative, regulatory and community partners. Bill will serve a five-year term on this statewide board.
City of Mt. Pleasant shoot 08/08/2019. Photos by Steve Jessmore, Steve Jessmore Photography, Steve@stevejessmore.com, 616-606-3451
On November 9, 2024, at 2:15 p.m. the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department (MPFD) responded to a structure fire in the 1500 block of Canterbury Trail Apartments.
Upon arrival, crews observed a single story, four-unit apartment building with smoke exiting from one unit’s front door. The fire was brought under control by 2:35 p.m.
The apartment sustained moderate to heavy smoke and heat damage. The kitchen, where the fire originated, sustained heavy fire damage. The occupant, who was home at the time of the fire, was able to exit safely. This individual is currently displaced from the apartment.
The MPFD is investigating the cause of the fire.
The Mt. Pleasant Fire Department was assisted by the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Fire Department, Mt. Pleasant Police Department, and Isabella County Central Dispatch.
On November 9, 2024, at 6:19 a.m. the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department (MPFD) responded to a structure fire in the 900 block of South Isabella Road in Union Township.
Upon arrival, crews observed a two-story home and adjoining office with smoke coming from a portion of the roof’s eaves. The fire was brought under control by 6:42 a.m. The structure sustained smoke, heat, and fire damage
Since the building is currently under construction, no occupants were home at the time of the fire.
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, Shepherd Tri-Township Fire Department, Isabella Northeast Fire Department, Michigan State Police, and Isabella County Central Dispatch.
Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, November 11, 2024, at 7 p.m.
Presentation by Parks and Recreation Director Phil Biscorner on the GKB Pathway.
Consider Approval of 2025 Contract for Fire Department Services for Union Charter Township.
Consider setting a public hearing on December 9, 2024 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 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.
Consider setting a public hearing on December 9, 2024, on proposed ordinance amendment to Table 154.405.A of the zoning ordinance as it relates to SD-U University Special District rules.
Public hearing on the proposed 2025 Annual Operating Budget.
Request for Fire Suppression and Façade Improvement Funding Allocation for TyJorMac, LLC (120 South University) and Request for Work Session.
Work session discussion on usage of motorized bikes and scooters on City owned trails.
The City Commission 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.
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:
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.
Established in 2021, the city’s Trap Neuter Release (TNR) program stabilizes the feral cat population by humanely and compassionately trapping, sterilizing, and vaccinating cats before they are returned to their outdoor habitat. This comprehensive process involves setting up cat feeding stations and specific feeding times. Cats then receive a health assessment by a licensed veterinarian who spays/neuters, vaccinates, and ear-nips or micro-chips the animals. Cats are released into their outdoor habitat and adopted, if possible. This program runs annually from April-October.
In 2024, the city hired a part-time public safety employee, who is TNR certified, to administer the program. This commitment resulted in a total of 100 cats receiving aid, with 47 of those cats being adopted.
Per city ordinance, animals are not allowed to be euthanized except when determined by a licensed veterinarian. Out of the 233 cats only one has been euthanized after (3) days of hospitalization.
Community Cat Program Worker Susan Sanderson shared, “I am proud and thankful to be involved with the City of Mt. Pleasant’s effort in controlling the community cat population. Considering the number of cats involved in the TNR program, and the number who have been adopted, this was a successful season, for both the community cats, and our city.”
Residents are reminded not to feed stray cats and get their cats spayed and neutered.
Downtown Mt. Pleasant will be filled with holiday spirit at the December 6-7 Christmas Celebration.
The festivities kick off on Friday, December 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Town Center will begin at 5 p.m. near the community tree.
The Winter Market will once again feature specialty crafts and food vendors and Candy Cane Lane will host a variety of children’s games, activities, and live performances.
Visits with Santa are as follows:
Friday, December 6, 5-8 p.m. Town Center’s Santa House
Saturday, December 7, 3-6 p.m. & 7-8 p.m.: Coldwell Banker/Mt. Pleasant Realty, 304 E. Broadway Street
December 14 & 21, 1 – 4 p.m.; Coldwell Banker/Mt. Pleasant Realty
New this year, a laser light show will illuminate the skies over Town Center at 8 p.m. This show, choreographed to holiday music, will be the closing act to Friday’s activities.
Saturday, December 7 highlights include the Jingle All-The-Way Kids Fun Run, and the adult 5K and 5 Mile Run, all starting at Max & Emily’s. Registration must be completed online. Advanced registration is required. Races begin at 8:00, 8:25 and 8:30 a.m.
After the races, a pancake breakfast with Santa is scheduled from 9:00 – 11:30 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Parish Hall. Admission is $11 for adults, $5 for children under 10, and children under 4 are free. Proceeds benefit the Sacred Heart Academy Athletic Association. Tickets will be sold at the door.
The celebration continues at 6 p.m. on Saturday with the lighted parade traveling down Main and Broadway Street.
Registration forms for the Jingle All-The-Way Kids Fun Run, 5 Mile Run and 5K Walk/Run, volunteer opportunities, Winter Market Vendor Application, and parade entry applications can be found at: www.mt-pleasant.org/christmas. November 8 is the deadline for market vendors and parade entry applications are due on November 20.
LIGHTED PARADE ROUTE AND ROAD CLOSURES – December 7, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
The parade starts at Main and Washington Streets.
Travels north on Main to Broadway Street.
East on Broadway to Lansing Street.
South on Lansing to Michigan Street where the parade ends.
Parade Safety Note: For the safety of parade-goers and 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 regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, October 28, 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:
6) Minutes of the regular session of the City Commission held on October 15, 2024.
7) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held October 15, 2024.
8) MDOT Contract 2024-0364 for State Trunkline Maintenance.
9) Contract with GameTime c/o Sinclair Recreation for the 2024 Horizon Park and Chipp-A-Waters Park Playground Replacement and 2025 Installation.
10) Warrants and payrolls.
Contract for Phase I DWSRF Design and Construction Engineering to Fishbeck Engineering of Grand Rapids, MI.
Approved Deer Cull as discussed.
Conducted a Work Session discussion on Proposed 2025 Operating Budget.
Approved and Conducted Closed Session pursuant to subsection 8(h) of the Open Meetings Act to consider material exempt from discussion or disclosure by state or federal statute.
Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, October 28, 2024, at 7 p.m.
Consider approval of MDOT Contract 2024-0364 for State Trunkline Maintenance.
Consider Contract with Fishbeck Engineering for Phase I DWSRF Design and Construction Engineering and Associated Budget Amendment.
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.
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:
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.
Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Tuesday, October 15, 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. Motion unanimously adopted.
Received petitions and communications.
Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:
4) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held September 23, 2024.
5) Warrants and payrolls.
Approved a $90,000 Funding Allocation for 200 E. Broadway University Lofts Revitalization (Old Isabella Bank Building) and Placemaking (RAP) Grant Application.
Approved and conducted a Closed Session pursuant to subsection 8(c) of the Open Meetings Act for strategy and negotiation sessions connected with negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement.
Earlier this year, the City of Mt. Pleasant contracted with Progressive Companies to lead the development of an improvement plan for Mission Street. In collaboration with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and with funding from the State of Michigan Redevelopment Ready Communities program, the city convened a local steering committee and solicited public input through in-person events and an online survey.
Information received from these outreach efforts helped formulate design concepts which were presented to the community on September 26 through appearances at the Farmers’ Market, CMU’s campus, and an Open House at City Hall.
For those community members who were unable to attend these events, a survey has been developed to capture your insight. Visit https://s.alchemer.com/s3/eb01215e5300. Survey deadline is October 31, 2024. Please do not complete the survey if you have already shared your feedback at the September 26 events.
City of Mt.Pleasant 
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