Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 4/22/2024

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, April 22, 2024, at 7 p.m.

  • Presentation recognizing 2024 Mt. Pleasant Citizens’ Academy participants.
  • Consider approval of purchasing one-year access to Placer.ai software for $18,000 and consider budget amendment for the same.
  • Consider adoption of 2025 Goals and Objectives.
  • Discuss Managed Natural Landscaping Ordinance
  • Consider appointment to the County Tax Allocation Board.
  • Presentation and discussion on 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Plan.
  • Discussion on Refuse and Recycling Pickup Services.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

How to follow public meetings:

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 comments@mt-pleasant.org.

To participate via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82962983280?pwd=Q05ES3BadHpJN3NkT1hMNXhFV0I5UT09

Meeting ID: 829 6298 3280

Passcode: 091593

Phone dial-in: (312) 626-6799

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 at (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.

– Project Steering Committee Meeting Open to the Public

The City of Mt. Pleasant has contracted with Progressive Companies, based in Grand Rapids, to lead development of an improvement plan for Mission Street. Addressing traffic congestion, pedestrian and bicycle safety, universal accessibility and enhancing access to businesses along Mission Street have been identified as priorities in city plans and strategies going back more than 20 years.

The city is leading this effort, in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and with funding from the State of Michigan Redevelopment Ready Communities program. Mt. Pleasant City Manager Aaron Desentz is optimistic about the effort, “While the city has been a part of multiple efforts to enhance Mission Street in the past, this represents the first time the city is leading the charge to develop truly detailed designs and plans with an emphasis on meeting the needs of the entire community.” Jack Hofweber, the Mt Pleasant Transportation Service Center Manager for MDOT highlighted the importance of developing a plan for Mission Street now, which is under the State’s jurisdiction, “With a detailed plan that has community buy-in, MDOT will be better equipped to seek funding opportunities and plan for a future reconstruction of the corridor.”

The city is convening a steering committee to review potential designs and plans for Mission Street. The group is composed of local business owners, elected, and appointed officials, representatives from Central Michigan University, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), the Disability Network of Mid-Michigan, the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce, the Mt. Pleasant Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe. The planning process will conclude with a formal update to the city’s 2020 Master Plan.

To launch this effort, the city is releasing a community survey. Just follow this link:

[https://tinyurl.com/mstreetmp] or scan the QR Code below to complete it. Paper copies of the survey will be available at City Hall (320 W. Broadway Street) and information about it will be posted throughout the community. Survey deadline is May 31, 2024. There will be three $50 gift certificates from businesses located along Mission Street that will be drawn from the list of those who complete the survey and share their email address. The first meeting of the project steering committee is April 22nd at 12:30 p.m. in City Hall. The meeting is open to the public.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 4/8/2024

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, April 8, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Mt. Pleasant Paid On-Call Firefighters Andrew Foster, Jordan VanAvery, and Demetrius (Eli) Walker were introduced and sworn in.

Mt. Pleasant Police Officer Tyler Hall was introduced and sworn in.

Approved the agenda as presented.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

7) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held March 25, 2024.

8) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held March 25, 2024.

9) Minutes of the special meeting of the City Commission held April 1, 2024.

10) Five-year contract with Sunrise Assessing Services.

11) Received proposed 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Plan and set a public hearing for May 28, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. on same.

12) Established Mission Street Corridor Plan Steering Committee.

13) Resolution authorizing a 2024 MSHDA MI Neighborhood Program grant application.

14) Warrants and payrolls.

Authorized the purchase of two 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicles from Berger Chevrolet as well as authorized a budget amendment for the purchase of same.

Adjourned the meeting at 7:20 p.m.

Christmas Celebration Survey

It is never too early to talk about the holidays. The Recreation Department would like to get your input on the annual Christmas Celebration held downtown, during the first week in December. What do you enjoy about the event? What would you like to see or do at the event?

Please complete the brief survey by May 3, 2024.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HJ238NQ

Thank you in advance.

Town Center Project and Parking Lot 3 Reconstruction

PROJECT OVERVIEW

This downtown project will transform an underutilized space into a vibrant, multi-functional, and universally accessible area, encouraging year-round events, activities, and social interaction. See project rendering below.

Key elements of the project include:

  • parking lot reconstruction with 18 additional spaces and EV charging stations,
  • a multi-purpose community hub for gatherings and events, expansive green space with enhanced urban greenery, universal accessibility design, green infrastructure, and sustainability measures,
  • addition of on-street parking spaces,
  • upgraded electrical infrastructure,
  • accessible public restrooms,
  • enhanced pedestrian lighting, and comprehensive site amenities.

When will construction related to the town center project begin, and how long is it expected to last?

Construction is set to begin by April 22, 2024, with an anticipated completion date of August 29, 2024. Parking lot 3 and 10 will be closed until August 29, 2024.

Where can we park during construction?

There are 11 City parking lots for staff, customers, and renters to utilize during the construction. See the map below.

Is there a plan for accommodating ADA parking during the construction period?

Yes. All 11 City parking lots, have ADA parking spaces available as well as an on-street ADA parking space on both East Broadway and East Illinois street. Additionally, the sidewalks on the south side of Broadway and east side of Main Street will remain ADA accessible.

Are measures being taken to ensure the safety of pedestrians, drivers, and the construction team?

Yes. Access to the site will be limited during the project. The public will be able to observe the project’s progress from a safe distance.

Will there be any temporary closures or detours planned during the construction, and if so, where can we find information about them?

Construction will be contained to the site, and additional street closures will be limited, except for periodic equipment staging. Traffic from the Mosher Street “curve” or “connector” will be rerouted onto Main and Washington.

Information about the project, including temporary street closures or detours, will be provided on the City’s website, blog, and social media channels, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Are there any noise restrictions or construction hour limitations in place to minimize disturbance to residents and businesses?

Yes. Construction will be limited to Monday through Saturday, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AND DELIVERIES

Will construction impact public transportation routes and stops in the downtown area?

No. Door-to-door service from I-RIDE will remain intact, with the only exception being temporary road closures during equipment staging.

Will construction impact delivery routes and stops in the downtown area?

No. Deliveries will not be impacted, except for temporary road closures during equipment staging.

Who should we contact if we have further questions or concerns about the construction project?

Stacie Tewari, City Engineer: stewari@mt-pleasant.org or 989-779-5404

Michelle Sponseller, Downtown Development Director: msponseller@mt-pleasant.org or 989-779-5348

Aaron Desentz, City Manager: manager@mt-pleasant.org or 989-779-5321

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – April 8, 2024

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, April 8, 2024, at 7 p.m.

  • Introduction and swearing in of three Paid On Call Firefighters and one Police Officer.
  • Receive proposed 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Plan and set a public hearing for May 28, 2024, on the same.
  • Consider the establishment of a Mission Street Corridor Plan Steering Committee.
  • Consider resolution authorizing a 2024 Michigan State Housing Development (MSHDA) MI Neighborhood Program grant application.
  • Consider purchase of (2) police pursuit vehicles from Berger Chevrolet and authorize a budget amendment for the same.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

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 comments@mt-pleasant.org.

To participate via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82563729800?pwd=dlNRY0MzSFI3WmlXbWYvNmRrUm5KQT09

Meeting ID: 825 6372 9800

Passcode: 384243

Phone dial-in: (312) 626-6799

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 at (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.

City to Offer No Fee Brush Chipping

The City is offering 150 households, within the City limits, up to 30 minutes of no fee brush chipping during the week of May 6, 2024. Brush chipping will be completed at curbside only, no alleys. Reservations will be accepted beginning April 22 at 8:00 a.m. until April 26 at 4:30 p.m., or until all spots are filled.  

Reservations can be made by calling the Division of Public Works, 989-779-5401 or emailing publicworks@mt-pleasant.org.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 3/25/2024

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

Approved addition of salt commitment to the agenda.

Approved the Agenda as amended.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

6) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held March 11, 2024.

7) Resolution supporting submittal of MDNR Trust Fund Grant application for the proposed 2025 Mid-Michigan GKB Pathway North Connection Project.

8) Warrants and payrolls.

8b) Commitment to purchase 500 tons of road salt for the 2024-2025 season through the State of Michigan MiDeal Extended Purchasing Program.

Contract for the 2024 Design and Engineering Services – GKB/Mid-Michigan Pathway North Connection Project awarded to Fleis & Vanderbrink of Midland, MI.

Discussed proposal for a community orchard in conjunction with the City of Mt. Pleasant Community Garden. The consensus of the group is to move forward with the proposed orchard.

Approved submission of City requests for Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe two percent allocations with a summary of the Commission’s top priorities.

Work Session Discussion on Natural Landscape Ordinance. Reviewed the language and revisions were recommended.

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.

Adjourned the meeting at 10:44 p.m.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – March 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, March 25, 2024, at 7 p.m.

  • Presentation by Center for Public Safety Management on fire department and EMS analysis.
  • Consider a proposal for a community orchard in conjunction with the City of Mt. Pleasant Community Garden.
  • Prioritize and approve submission of City requests for Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe 2% allocations.
  • Discussion on natural landscaping.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

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 comments@mt-pleasant.org.

To participate via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88356687880?pwd=eWdteVZ0aGh2eCsvTHhtOWVKVnJGZz09

Meeting ID: 883 5668 7880

Passcode: 723053

Phone dial-in: (312) 626-6799

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 at (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.

Prevent Costly Sewage Back-Ups

The City of Mt. Pleasant’s Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) is responsible for treating all residential and commercial sanitary sewage generated within the city limits. Lift stations assist with the transport of sewage from the collection system to the WRRF where it is treated. Recently, there have been several clogged pumps due to mop heads and other items being flushed and poured down the drains.

Your home’s plumbing and the City’s sewage collection system are designed to handle water, human waste, and toilet tissue only. Clogged pumps lead to equipment failure and can cause sewer backups, which are costly to repair. Please review the guidelines listed below.

Do not dispose of these items down drains or toilets:

  • Mop heads of any kind (recently found at the pump station).
  • Baby wipes, disposable personal wipes, towelettes, disinfecting wipes, or cloth wipes of any kind, even if the container indicates they are “flushable.”
  • Paper (other than toilet paper).
  • Medications: (Prescription or over the counter.) These may be dropped off for free at the City’s Public Safety Building, 804 E. High Street.
  • Feminine hygiene products of any kind.
  • Beauty products, Q-Tips, dental floss, makeup sponges.
  • Plastics of any kind.
  • Food
  • Grease of any kind, especially grease from cooking. Grease quickly congeals and clogs private sewer lead pipes and municipal sewer mains.
  • Garden supplies, such as pesticides or herbicides, paint, varnish, paint remover, nail polish remover, or chemicals of any kind.
  • Motor oil, gasoline, or any explosive material.

The items listed above should be thrown away in the trash or disposed of at a recycling center or during a community household hazardous waste collection.

The Isabella County Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), 4208 E. River Road, Mt. Pleasant, accepts motor oil for a small fee.