24: The Suspect has been found and is in custody.

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in locating Paul Vance Ellingson a 57-year-old white male suspect (shown below) in an attempted homicide which took place on Friday, February 16, 2024, around 5 p.m. in the 1500 block of Granger Street.

This was a physical altercation between two male roommates There is no known threat to the public.

Ellingson was last seen driving a stolen 2020 maroon Mitsubishi Mirage with Michigan license plate, 4MDA81.

If you have any information regarding the identification of this individual, please contact the Mt. Pleasant Police Department’s Anonymous Tip Line at (989) 779-9111 or Central Dispatch (989) 773-1000.

On February 25, 2024 the suspect was found and placed into custody.

Mt. Pleasant Police Respond to Stabbing – No Known Risk to the Public (Updated: 2/25/2024)

2/25/2024 Update: The suspect has been found and is in custody.

2/20/24 Update: The Mt. Pleasant Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in locating Paul Vance Ellingson a 57-year-old white male suspect. Ellingson was last seen driving a stolen 2020 maroon Mitsubishi Mirage with Michigan license plate, 4MDA81.

At approximately 5:03 p.m. on February 16, 2024, officers of the Mt. Pleasant Police Department were dispatched to a reported stabbing at the 1500 block of Granger Street.

Upon arrival officers observed a male victim with multiple stab wounds. Police interviewed witnesses who described a physical altercation between two male roommates. The suspect fled the scene in the victim’s car. The victim was transported to a local hospital.

The suspect is still at large, but there is no known threat to the public. This is an isolated incident between two roommates.

This is an ongoing and open investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident are asked to contact the Mt. Pleasant Police Department’s Anonymous Tip Line at (989) 779-9111 or Central Dispatch (989) 773-1000.

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department was assisted by Central Michigan University Police, Isabella County Sheriff’s Office, Mt. Pleasant Fire Department, MMR, and Isabella County Central Dispatch.

Summary of Minutes from the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 2/12/2024

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, February 12, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Item #11 “Status of Deputization of Public Safety Officers” was added to the agenda.

Approved the Agenda as amended.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held January 22, 2024.

2) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held January 22, 2024.

3) Contract with Great Lakes Concrete Restoration of Troy, MI for the Apparatus Bay Floor Refinishing Project.

4) Warrants and payrolls.

Held a public hearing and approved resolution #3 to proceed with improvements; and resolution #4 to accept the special assessment roll and set a public hearing for Monday, February 26, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. regarding said roll for Special Assessment District #1-2024.

Consensus of Commissioners to send a letter and invite Sheriff Main to speak at the next City Commission meeting regarding deputization of public safety officers.

Conducted a work session discussion on tall grass, weeds, and natural gardens.

Adjourned the meeting at 8:22 p.m.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – February 12, 2024

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, February 12, 2024, at 7 p.m.

Consider approval of a sole source quote with Great Lakes Concrete Restoration for the Apparatus Bay Floor Refinishing Project.

Public hearing on the necessity of the public improvement, consider resolution #3 to proceed with improvements; consider resolution #4 to accept the special assessment roll and set a public hearing for February 26, 2024, regarding said roll for Special Assessment District #1-2024.

Discussion on tall grass, weeds, and natural gardens.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

Click to access E-Packet%20for%20February%2012,%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 comments@mt-pleasant.org.

To participate via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83841082584?pwd=U0IvSllFMWcyOHFLamZQOTh2d0cyQT09

Meeting ID: 838 4108 2584

Passcode: 521166

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.

Free Tree Planting Program

The City of Mt. Pleasant plants a variety of trees in the city’s right-of-way as part of the Urban Forestry Plan. Residential property owners are eligible for one free tree per year, to be planted in the right-of-way in front of their property. The Street Department will determine the best location for the tree. Once planted, the property owner is asked to water the tree as directed, especially during the hot summer months, or long periods without rainfall.

To view the tree brochure as well as complete a tree application, visit www.mt-pleasant.org/streets. Applications are due by March 15, 2024. PLEASE NOTE: Autumn Flame and Redpointe Maples are no longer available.

Residents who wish to plant their own tree in the right-of-way must obtain a permit from DPW. There is no charge for the permit, but there are a few tree species that are prohibited by city ordinance. For more information, please contact the Division of Public Works office at 989-779-5401.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – January 22, 2024

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, January 22, 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:

6) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held January 8, 2024.

7) Set special meeting for discussion on goals and objectives for Monday, April 1, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.

8) Allocated additional funding from the City’s HODAG funds for the MSHDA NEP.

9) Resolutions #1 and #2 to commence the proceedings for special assessment, tentatively determine the necessity and set a public hearing for February 12, 2024, at 7:00 pm regarding the necessity of Special Assessment District #1-2024.

10) Bid of Kawkawlin Roofing of Kawkawlin, MI for the 2024 Water Treatment Plant Reroof project.

11) Contract with American Fiberglass Tank Repair of Franklin, NH, for repairs to the Sodium Hypochlorite Tank and approved a budget amendment for same.

12) Warrants and payrolls.

Held a public hearing and approved the CHILL Grant Application as required by the MSHDA and resolution in support of same.

Approved purchase of a Pierce Aerial Ladder Truck and a Pierce Rescue Pumper Truck through Halt Fire.

Approved a professional services agreement with Mannik Smith Group for quarterly groundwater testing and reporting.

Moved to eliminate administrative fees for use of certain electronic payment forms for Farmers Market.

Moved to extend the current 6-week PEAK Summer Camp program duration from 6 weeks to 8 weeks and discontinue the Day Camp Program.

Made appointments of City administrative officials to boards and commissions; City Commissioners to City standing and special committees; and City boards and commissions.

Postponed Agenda Item #21 – Work Session Discussion on tall grass, weeds, and natural gardens.

Approved and conducted Closed Session pursuant to subsection 8(a) of the Open Meetings Act to consider a period personnel evaluation.

Approved a 9.8% raise for 2024 not having a raise for the past two subsequent years for City Manager Aaron Desentz.

Adjourned the meeting at 10:49 p.m.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – January 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, January 22, 2024, at 7 p.m.

Presentation on the Aquatic Center by Lisa Diaz-Sytsema of the Mid-Michigan Aquatic Recreational Authority.

Presentation by City Manager on 2023 and 2024 Goals and Objectives.

Presentation by Isabella County Staff on February ballot proposal.

Public hearing on a Community Development Block Grant Housing Improving Local Livability (CHILL) Grant Application as required by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) and consider resolution for the same.

Discussion on tall grass, weeds, and natural gardens.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

Click to access E-Packet%20for%20January%2022,%202024.pdf

How to follow public meetings:

To participate via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86266289919?pwd=NE5UOXZRSHR6SjZ6UTZHRitLZDhLZz09

Meeting ID: 832 4513 3239

Passcode: 695612

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.

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

2/27/24 Election Information: Presidential Primary, Community Aquatic Center Bond Proposal, Isabella County Operating Millage

The Presidential Primary election will be held on February 27, 2024. A millage proposal for the Community Aquatic Center Bond Proposal and Isabella County Operating Millage Proposal will also be on the ballot. Visit www.mi.gov/vote or http://www.mt-pleasant.org/election to review ballot language.

Voter ID Cards Mailed:

New voter ID cards, including updated voting precinct information, were mailed to every registered voter in the City on December 15, 2023. On Election Day, Tuesday, February 27, 2024, voters should go to the precinct noted on their updated ID card. Residents may also visit www.mi.gov/vote to confirm voting precincts.

City of Mt. Pleasant Voting Precincts (Effective February 2024):

Precinct 1: Ganiard Elementary School, 101 South Adams Street

Precinct 2: Pullen Elementary School, 251 South Brown Street

Precinct 3: Fancher Elementary School, 801 South Kinney Avenue

Absentee Voter Counting Board: Mt. Pleasant City Hall, 320 W. Broadway Street

Voter Registration:

Individuals who are not currently registered to vote can register online at www.mi.gov/vote or mail in the voter registration application found online. This must be completed on or before February 12, 2024. After February 12, 2024, you must register in person at the Clerk’s Office to vote in the February 27, 2024, primary election.

Early In-Person Voting:

For state and federal elections, qualified voters can cast their ballot during the nine day early voting period.

February 17-25, 2024; 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Powers Hall, Central Michigan University, Washington Street
Parking available in Lot 6.
I-Ride is offering free rides to the early voting center. Call (989) 772-9441 to schedule.

Permanent Absentee Voters:

Permanent absentee voters have been mailed an application for a ballot. If you wish to vote absentee in this election, you must return the application by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, February 23, 2024. A ballot will then be mailed to you. Voted ballots may be mailed to the City Clerk’s office (320 W. Broadway Street) or placed in the ballot drop box located in the City Hall parking lot.

Absentee Voting:

For those not on the Permanent Absentee Voter list, you can submit a request for an absentee ballot to the City Clerk’s office by mail, or email (clerk@mt-pleasant.org). This must be completed by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, February 23, 2024.

Absentee voting at the Clerk’s Office is available beginning Thursday, January 18, 2024, during regular business hours with additional hours on Saturday, February 24, 2024, from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and on Monday, February 26, 2024, from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Election Day Information:

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. Need a ride to and from the polls? I-Ride offers free rides. Call (989) 772-9441 to schedule.

Island Park Ice Rink Now Open

The new Island Park Ice Rink is now open to skaters. Located on the south softball field this 54’ x 95’ rink is open daily from 8 a.m. – 11 p.m., weather permitting. There is no charge to use this facility, which is maintained by the City of Mt. Pleasant Parks Department.

As you are gathering up your skates, please review the outdoor ice rink rules before you hit the ice.

Island Park Outdoor Ice Rink Rules

Hours of Operation:

The Island Park Ice Rink is open daily from 8 a.m. to 11p.m., conditions permitting.

The City of Mount Pleasant reserves the right to close the Ice Rink at any time in its sole discretion by posting a sign on the rink which states, “Rink Closed – No Skating.” Skaters shall not enter the Ice Rink area when the sign is posted.

Code of Conduct:

All Ice Rink participants, including skaters and bystanders, will be required to follow the general rules of conduct established in the City’s Parks and Recreation Ordinance (Section 97.01 – 97.21 of the City Code of Ordinances) while at the Ice Rink.

Further, all Ice Rink participants will be required to adhere to the following Ice Rink specific rules and regulations:

Skaters shall be courteous and cautious of other skaters and bystanders while using the skating area. Skaters shall not push, shove, or otherwise engage in raucous behavior while using the skating area.
Skaters shall not dig, spray, chip, throw, or otherwise expel ice or snow within the skating area.
The following shall be prohibited in the skating area:
1. Food and beverage items.
2. Tobacco products.
3. Hockey equipment, including hockey sticks, pucks, and nets.
4. Street shoes.
5. Animals
Skaters under the age of five shall be under adult supervision while in the skating area. The Ice Rink does not have designated supervisors. Skaters shall skate at their own risk.

Failure to abide by the rules and regulations of the Ice Rink could result in enforcement actions against you.

Lost Items and Reporting Misconduct:

The City of Mt. Pleasant is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items.

Report damage or acts of abuse to Mt. Pleasant Parks and Recreation at (989) 779-5331 or Police Anonymous T.I.P. Line at (989) 779-9111. In case of emergency call 911.

City of Mt. Pleasant Lifts Snow Emergency (Effective 6 p.m. on 1/13/2024)

The City of Mt. Pleasant Snow Emergency declared on January 11, 2024, has been lifted, effective 6 p.m. on January 13, 2024. On-street parking is now permitted. Thank you for your cooperation during this winter storm.

Notice of when a snow emergency is declared, and later lifted, is provided through the city’s social media channels, website (www.mt-pleasant.org), blog https://mpcityblog.com/, community information phone line (989-779-5320), local media notification, and an email alert.

To receive an email notification, individuals must sign up to receive the city’s monthly eConnections newsletter by visiting www.mt-pleasant.org.