Accessory Dwelling Units Offer Unique Housing Options

Accessory dwelling units (ADU’s) are small, secondary dwelling units located on the same lot as a larger, principal dwelling unit. They can be a detached structure in the backyard, an over-the-garage unit, or a space attached to the primary residence. The main home and ADU, also referred to as granny flats or in-law units, cannot be sold separately. The owner of the principal home is also the owner of the ADU.

ADU’s are built and have become an increasingly popular housing option because:

-They create additional housing supply and variety within existing residential neighborhoods.

-They increase housing affordability.

-They provide opportunities for multi-generational housing and/or aging-in-place.

-They generate supplementary income for homeowners.

There are currently 54 existing ADU’s in the City. This distinctive housing option can be created in the CD-4 zoning district by right, or created in the CD-3L or CD-3 zoning district with Planning Commission approval.

To make the ADU design process easy, and to assure these units meet all zoning guidelines, City staff has prepared example building plans for both stand-alone and over-the-garage ADU’s. These plans can also be adjusted by City staff to reflect the architectural details of primary dwellings.

To find out more about these units and view the building plans, call (989) 779-5347.

Summary of Minutes of the virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – October 25, 2021

Summary of Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, October 25, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held October 11, 2021.

2) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held October 11, 2021.

3) Bid of Tokio Marine HCC for 2022 stop loss coverage insurance.

4) S.A. 2-21 Resolution #4 to set a public hearing for November 8, 2021 on the PSD special assessment roll.

5) Updates to the PACT Policies as presented.

6) Warrants and Payrolls.

Held a public hearing and approved Resolution for transfer of the IFT from Dayco to MAC LTT as presented. (CC Exh. 13-2021)

Authorized the Mayor and Clerk to sign the IFT Agreement with MAC LTT as presented.

Approved a budget allocation from the Unassigned Fund Balance for the purchase and operation of an outdoor ice rink.

Approved a budget amendment from the Motor Pool Fund Balance for the repairs for the vactor truck.

Held a work session discussion on potential pedal trolley ordinance.

Adjourned the meeting at 8:49 p.m.

Topics to Watch at the VIRTUAL Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – October 25, 2021

Here are the topics to watch at the next virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, October 25, 2021 at 7 p.m.

-Public hearing on the amended MAC LTT Industrial Facilities Tax (IFT) abatement application and consider resolution recommending the transfer of Dayco’s remaining (IFT)

Consider agreement with MAC LTT related to Industrial Facilities Tax (IFT) abatement approval.

-Consider resolution #4 to accept the special assessment roll and set a public hearing for November 8, 2021 regarding said roll for Special Assessment District #2-21 regarding Principal Shopping District special assessment.

-Consider budget amendment for ice rink.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/board/city.commission/agendas/2021/10.25.21.pdf

How to follow public meetings during social distancing:

In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, as allowed under the Open Meetings Act and consistent with the Isabella County Declaration of a State of Emergency (Resolution No. 20-12-03 effective 12-15-20), the City Commission Meeting will be held virtually. The public 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.

Zoom Meeting instructions via computer, phone, or dial-in number are as follows:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81888462535?pwd=UWJzZVBtUVhUY2I3c3Z0QzgzSGhFdz09

Meeting ID: 818 8846 2535

Passcode: 729008

Phone dial-in: (929) 205-6099

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. Any citizen desiring to make a public comment on an agenda item may email their comments.

• Attendance to the meeting and participation during public comment periods will be conducted as follows:

• Members of the public must provide their name and address with their comments.

• Comments/Questions may be sent ahead of the meeting in writing or emailed to comment@mt-pleasant.org.

• Individual commissioners can be contacted at the following email addresses:

Mary Alsager malsager@mt-pleasant.org

Olivia Cyman ocyman@mt-pleasant.org

Lori Gillis lgillis@mt-pleasant.org

William Joseph wjoseph@mt-pleasant.org

Amy Perschbacher aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org

George Ronan gronan@mt-pleasant.org

Pete Tolas ptolas@mt-pleasant.org

• Comments/Questions can be emailed to comment@mt-pleasant.org during the meeting and during normal public comment sections of the agenda.

• Comments sent via email will be read aloud to the Commission during the public comment periods.

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. A 48-hour advance notice is necessary for accommodation.

Summary of Minutes of the Virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – October 11, 2021

Summary of Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, October 11, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.

Mayor Joseph read a proclamation recognizing October 11, 2021 as Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held September 27, 2021.

2) Bid of ProComm of Mt. Pleasant, MI for the purchase of 12 portable 800 Mhz radios and the appropriate budget amendment.

3) Received Amended Application from MAC LTT and set public hearing on same for Monday, October 25, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.

4) Allocation of $10,000 to the Mid-Michigan Aquatic Recreational Authority for start-up funds contingent on similar approval from the other two partners and the appropriate budget amendment as presented.

5) MDOT resolution authorizing a contract amendment to include wetland delineation services.

6) Contract amendment with Mead and Hunt for wetland delineation services.

7) Appointment of Aaron Desentz to replace Nancy Ridley on the Airport Joint Operations and Management Board effective immediately and to the remaining boards and commissions as presented effective November 1, 2021.

8) Warrants and Payrolls.

Held a public hearing on S.A. #1-2021 regarding pedestrian lighting and approved Resolution #5 for approval of the roll and setting of payment terms for the special assessment district.

Confirmed the reallocation and carryover of existing vacancy savings in 2021 to be used for a one-year contract with R.I.S.E. Advocacy, Inc.

Commissioner Cyman was appointed to fill the vacant seat on the Appointments Committee.

Authorized a bonus for current City Manager Nancy Ridley.

Approved and conducted a closed session pursuant to subsection 8(c) of the Open Meetings Act for strategy and negotiation sessions connected with the negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement.

Approved the labor agreement with Paid On-Call Firefighters (POCF).

Held Work Session Discussions on 2022 Operating Budget and outdoor ice rink options.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:15 p.m.

Summary of Minutes of the Virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 9/27/2021

Summary of Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, September 27, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.

Mayor Joseph read a proclamation recognizing October 10, 2021 as Bowlers Hall of Fame Day.

Public Safety Director Paul Lauria introduced and swore in Mt. Pleasant Police Officer Brandon Crawford.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held September 13, 2021 with corrections to recess of closed session and comment of Commissioner Tolas.

2) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held September 13, 2021.

3) Bid of Greenscene Landscaping of Mt. Pleasant, MI for Downtown Sidewalk Snow Removal 2021-2022 snow season.

4) Authorized the Mayor and Clerk to sign the contract with Consumers Energy for the Water Treatment Plant rate change as presented.

5) Accepted ownership of three properties designated on the quit claim deed from the Economic Development Corporation as presented.

6) Authorized the Mayor to sign the three-year contract extension for third party administration (TPA) with Trustmark.

7) Approved Resolution Extending Conditional Approval of a recreational marihuana microbusiness for Rio’s Happy Tree, LLC.

8) Warrants and Payrolls.

Held a public hearing and approved the Industrial Pretreatment Program (PPI) including Ordinance 1074, an Ordinance to amend Chapter 51: SEWERS of the Mt. Pleasant Code of Ordinances.

Approved Resolution to set fees related to the Industrial Pretreatment Program (PPI).

Approved amended Capital Project Special Assessment Policy.

Approved resolutions #3 and #4 for Special Assessment District #1-21 regarding pedestrian lighting and set a public hearing for October 11, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. on same.

Commissioners each identified their top 5 priorities for Fall 2021 Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe 2% funding requests from City Departments.

Authorized the Mayor and Clerk to sign the purchase agreement with Pat Jarman for land in Industrial Park South.

Held a work session discussion on report from Ad Hoc Committee regarding local businesses.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:03 p.m.

City to offer no fee brush chipping

UPDATED 9/8/21: All 150 no fee brush chipping slots have been filled. To be placed on the wait list please call, (989) 779-5401.

The City of Mt. Pleasant is offering 150 households, within the City limits, up to 30 minutes of no fee brush chipping during the week of September 20, 2021. Brush chipping will be completed at curbside only, no alleys. Reservations will be accepted beginning September 7 at 8:00 a.m. until September 10 at 4:30 p.m. or until all spots are filled.

To make a reservation or to learn more, contact the Division of Public Works at (989) 779-5401 or email publicworks@mt-pleasant.org.

City Manager Interviews Scheduled for August 21

The City of Mt. Pleasant will be conducting public interviews for the City Manager position on Saturday, August 21, 2021 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the Commission Chambers at City Hall (320 W. Broadway Street). These interviews will not be live streamed, but recorded and available for viewing on the City’s YouTube channel.

COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed. Therefore, seating will be limited due to social distancing, and face masks must be worn per guidance from federal, state and local health departments.

The following candidates will be interviewed:

Justin Lakamper, Chief Administrative Officer, Village of Edmore, Michigan
John Hanifan, City Manager, City of Chelsea, Michigan
Susan Montenegro, City Manager, City of Leslie, Michigan
Aaron Desentz, City Manager, Eaton Rapids, Michigan

As a result of current City Manager Nancy Ridley’s scheduled retirement in October, the City Commission hired Walsh Municipal Services to conduct the City Manager recruitment process. Out of 63 applications received, 10 candidates were presented to the City Commission for review. The City Commission selected four candidates to interview.

The City Commission will determine which candidate will move forward in the hiring process at their regularly scheduled virtual commission meeting, slated for 7 p.m. on Monday, August 23, 2021. As with all virtual City Commission meetings, citizens can watch this meeting live on Spectrum Charter Channel 188, web streamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/MtPleasantMi/ or via Zoom.

Current City Manager Nancy Ridley, announced her plans to retire in April 2021. She has been employed with the City for 24 years.

Face masks to be worn in City of Mt. Pleasant facilities beginning 8/11/2021

Due to Isabella County’s COVID-19 transmission rate, beginning August 11, 2021, all employees and visitors regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status, must wear a face mask when inside a City building. The City is following guidance from the CDC, MDHHS and the local health department.

There will be no change to the level of City services.

Public Meetings

The City of Mt. Pleasant will host its public meetings virtually as permitted by Public Act 254 of 2020. Citizens can watch these meetings live on Spectrum Charter Channel 188, web streamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/MtPleasantMi/ or via Zoom. Any citizen desiring to make a public comment can email their agenda item comments to comment@mt-pleasant.org or attend the virtual Zoom meeting.

Utility and Tax Payments and Building/DPW Permits

Citizens can make payments via mail (320 W. Broadway Street), the City’s Drop Box located outside of City Hall, or online at www.mt-pleasant.org.
Building and DPW Permit requests can be electronically submitted by visiting www.mt-pleasant.org. In-person inspections will follow recommendations of federal, state and local health officials. If needed, virtual inspections can be conducted through Skype or Zoom.

Small Business Relief

Are you a small business impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak? If so, you may be eligible for a grant or low-interest loan. Refer to this link for more information.https://mmdc.org/our-blog/coronavirus-covid-19-resources-for-your-business/

COVID-19 Health Resources

The City will continue to be guided by information provided by the Central Michigan District Health Department https://www.cmdhd.org/novel-coronavirus, the State of Michigan https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus, and the Center for Disease Control & Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

COVID-19 Vaccination Information

To stay updated on the most recent COVID-19 vaccine and booster information, visit the Central Michigan District Health Department’s website at www.cmdhd.org.

Information Updates

Information will continue to be updated and shared via the City’s website (www.mt-pleasant.org), Blog (mpcityblog.com), Facebook and Twitter accounts, MACTV Charter Spectrum Channel 188, and the Community Information Phone Line (989) 779-5320.

Topics to Watch at the VIRTUAL Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – July 26, 2021

Here are the topics to watch at the next virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, July 26, 2021 at 7 p.m.

Consider update to Liquor License Policy and applicable fee resolution as postponed from July 12, 2021.

Consider resolution authorizing 2022 Michigan Arts Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs mini-grant submission for Paint the Intersection Project.

Consider approval of a fireworks display as part of the 2021 Christmas Celebration (December 4, 2021) and authorize the Public Safety Director to represent the City in the State of Michigan pyrotechnic display application process.

Consider resolution regarding recreational marijuana petition to increase number of retailers.

Consider resolution extending conditional approval of a Class A medical marihuana grow operation for LowKey Properties LLC.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/board/city.commission/agendas/2021/7-26-21.pdf

How to follow public meetings during social distancing:

Zoom Meeting instructions via computer, phone, or dial-in number are as follows:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83264306022?pwd=aitZSE9mYTU2RWVndFhXbDU5a3RjQT09

Passcode: 069764

Phone dial-in: (301) 715-8592

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. Any citizen desiring to make a public comment on an agenda item may email their comments.

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

• Members of the public must provide their name and address with their comments.

• Comments/Questions may be sent ahead of the meeting in writing or emailed to comment@mt-pleasant.org.

• Individual commissioners can be contacted at the following email addresses:

Mary Alsager malsager@mt-pleasant.org

Olivia Cyman ocyman@mt-pleasant.org

Lori Gillis lgillis@mt-pleasant.org

William Joseph wjoseph@mt-pleasant.org

Amy Perschbacher aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org

George Ronan gronan@mt-pleasant.org

Pete Tolas ptolas@mt-pleasant.org

• Comments/Questions can be emailed to comment@mt-pleasant.org during the meeting and during normal public comment sections of the agenda.

• Comments sent via email will be read aloud to the Commission during the public comment periods.

Additional Video Campaign Honor: City of Mt. Pleasant Receives Bronze Telly

The City of Mt. Pleasant was recently conferred with a bronze Telly Award for its “Be the reason” online video campaign. This honor is in addition to the Award of Excellence presented earlier in the Communicator Awards competition.

The Telly Awards are respected worldwide and honor excellence in television and video for all screens as judged by a group of leading television and video experts from some of the most prestigious companies in entertainment, publishing, advertising and emerging technology, such as WarnerMedia, NBC News, ESPN Films and Dow Jones. In determining winners, entries are evaluated against a comprehensive industry benchmark for excellence.

For this year’s judging, more than 12,000 entries were received from all 50 states and 5 continents. Telly award winners represent submissions of the most respected advertising agencies, television stations, production companies, publishers and public relations units from around the world. Other Telly Award Winners include: Netflix, CBS/Late Late Show with James Cordon, Nickelodeon, FOX Entertainment, Disney, Comcast, the Smithsonian, Colorado State University and Santa Cruz County.

“In the face of a year like no other, the visual storytelling community has continued to defy the limitations of our new world,” shared Sabrina Dridje, Telly Awards Executive Director. “This year’s submissions doubled down on what we already know about the industry,” she added. “Creativity will never be stopped. Collaboration will always prevail. New ideas and stories will always find a way to break through to an audience.”

The City’s “Be the reason” online video campaign addressed the COVID-19 pandemic.

The purpose of the effort was not only to educate the public on proper safety measures, but to emphasize the purpose and urgency of these precautions while creating a feeling of comfort and unity. Due to the state’s Stay-at-Home Order, no new video could be shot. Instead, existing footage was repurposed with all production being completed remotely by the City’s creative team.

To view the award-winning campaign visit:

https://bethereasonwearamask.myportfolio.com/

The creative team for the “Be the reason” PSA video campaign included Tenley McLaughlin-Good/Graphic Designer, Paul Lauria/Director of Public Safety, Zach Huffman/Videographer/CEO and Founder of Hyvion, Jim Bollella/Voiceover Talent/Owner of Freeform Audio, and Darcy Orlik/Director of Public Relations.