Nominations for Historic Preservation Improvement Awards due March 31

The City of Mt. Pleasant’s Historic District Commission (HDC) is currently seeking nominations for the 2019 Historic Preservation Improvement Awards.

The awards are presented each year to honor exterior improvements of residential and commercial properties in the City of Mt. Pleasant in four areas – Preservation, Restoration, New Construction or Downtown Historic District Choice. Nominated properties must be at least 25 years old, and improvements must have been completed between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2018.

The HDC will evaluate applications that best reflect the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. Details can be found at http://www.mps.gov/tps/standards.htm. Winners will be announced on May 13 as part of National Historic Preservation month.

Michelle Sponseller, Downtown Development Director shared, “These awards offer individuals an opportunity to recognize and express appreciation to their fellow residents who not only take pride in maintaining their property, but are dedicated to retaining its historic character.” She added, “Over the past three years we have honored three commercial properties which have safeguarded the historical charm of our downtown area and in 2019 we are hoping to receive nominations for residential properties as well. This impressive commitment to preserving the past while offering modern amenities continues to be a draw to our many year-round visitors.”

Nominations are due by 4:30 p.m. on March 31, 2019. Nomination forms can be found on the City’s website at http://www.mt-pleasant.org/boards_and_commissions/HDC.asp.

For more information, contact Downtown Development Director Michelle Sponseller at (989) 779-5348 or msponseller@mt-pleasant.org.

City of Mt. Pleasant Winter Storm Update: Closures, City Commission Meeting Cancelled for 1/28/19 and Street Parking Reminder (11:30 a.m.)

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. – Due to the winter storm, below is a list of current closures from the City of Mt. Pleasant.

Updates to this list will be posted on the following social media accounts:

City of Mt. Pleasant @mtpleasantmi Facebook page

City of Mt. Pleasant Public Safety @mtppublicsafety Facebook page

City of Mt. Pleasant Twitter @MtPleasantMI

City of Mt. Pleasant Public Safety Twitter @mtppublicsafety

CLOSURES:

-All city offices will close at 12 noon on Monday, January 28, 2019.

-All City of Mt. Pleasant Parks

-Cemetery

-Hannah’s Bark Park

CANCELLATIONS:

-Tonight’s City Commission meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. at City Hall has been cancelled, per Vice Mayor Lori Gillis. The agenda from the January 28 meeting will be combined with the agenda of the February 11, 2019 City Commission meeting.

STREET PARKING: Please remember to not park on City streets. This will help our Street Department clear our streets quickly and efficiently during this winter storm.

As a reminder, from Dec. 1, 2018 to April 1, 2019, on-street and City lot parking is prohibited in non-downtown areas from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m. On-street parking is prohibited downtown from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. throughout the year.

Overnight Parking Reminders;Winter Storm Preparations

OVERNIGHT PARKING REMINDERS/WINTER STORM

With the forecasted winter storm, please remember to not park on City streets. This will help our Street Department clear our streets quickly and efficiently.

For those with overnight parking permits, several City parking lots have designated areas where overnight parking is allowed. For more information about parking permits, please contact the Division of Community Services at (989) 779-5347.

Thank you for your assistance as we prepare for this winter storm.

Topics to watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for January 28, 2019

Here are the topics to watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. on January 28, 2019 at City Hall, 320 W. Broadway Street.

To see the full City Commission meeting packet and agenda click here.

-Consider public hearing for special assessment on pedestrian lighting.

-Consider approval of Storm Drain Painting Pilot Project for Island and Chipp-A-Waters Parks.

-Consider appointments to the various City Boards and Commissions.

Summary of minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, January 7, 2019

Summary of minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, January 7, 2019, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room.

Commissioner Joseph was elected Mayor for 2019.

Commissioner Gillis was elected Vice Mayor for 2019.

Set time and day of regular meetings for 2019.

Mayor Joseph read and presented a proclamation in support of Peacemaking Recognition Day, January 21, 2019, to Laura Gourlay of the Mt. Pleasant Public Schools Peacemaking Committee.

Finance Director Kornexl gave a presentation on the small business tax exemption available to those businesses that qualify.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1)Minutes of the special meeting of the City Commission held December 4, 2018.

2) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held December 4, 2018.

3) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held December 10, 2018.

4) Resolutions #1 and #2 to commence proceedings for special assessment, tentatively determine the necessity, and set a Public Hearing for January 28, 2019, regarding the necessity of Special Assessment District #1-19.

5) Authorized Finance Director Kornexl to approve the issuance of payrolls and warrants from January 4, 2019 to January 14, 2019.

6) Appointments of City Officials to applicable City boards and commissions for 2019.

Approved an amendment to the R & T Murphy Trucking contract for leaf hauling services.

Approved appointments to various City Boards and Commissions as recommended by the Appointments Committee.

City Attorney Homier conducted a training session on the Open Meetings Act (OMA) and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

Adjourned at 8:42 p.m.

Important Tax Information for City of Mt. Pleasant Business Owners

MT. PLEASANT, MI – In December 2012, the State of Michigan created an exemption known as the Small Taxpayer Exemption. This program allows business and business personal property owners to exempt their equipment from property taxation if the value of the equipment is under $80,000 depreciated true cash value (40,000 assessed value) per jurisdiction.

Examples of personal property (equipment used in commercial and industrial businesses) include: cash registers, freezers, shelving, etc. Residential and agricultural personal property is exempt from taxation.

The 5076 Small Taxpayer Exemption Form was sent to City property owners by the assessor’s office. This one-page form, with basic information already included by the assessor’s office, must be returned by February 20, 2019 to qualify for the exemption.

For the 2019 tax year, the State of Michigan has updated the small taxpayer exemption process. Property owners only need to file one time, instead of annually, to receive the exemption going forward.

The assessor’s office will annually audit each account to determine if the property still qualifies for exemption. As long as the account is estimated to be valued at less than $80,000, the exemption will carry over year to year.

If you have questions regarding this exemption please contact the City of Mt Pleasant Assessor’s Office, (989) 779-5355.

35th Annual Daddy-Daughter Date Night planned for Jan. 27; register today

Young ladies and their fathers are invited to the 35^th annual Daddy-Daughter Date Night on Jan. 27 at the Mt. Pleasant Comfort Inn & Suites.

Presented by Mt. Pleasant Parks & Recreation, the special evening of music, dancing, prizes and activities is open to girls of all ages and their dads or other favorite escort. Attendants may choose from the two event times offered; 2 to 4 p.m. or 6 to 8 p.m.

Due to limited space, advanced registration is encouraged and available through Jan. 23. The cost is $30 per family for City residents, $42 per family for non-residents or $45 per family at the door.

Sign up online at www.mt-pleasant.org/recreation or at the Mt. Pleasant Parks & Recreation office at 320 W. Broadway Street.

Professional quality portrait packages will also be offered by iDEAL Photo.

For more information, call (989) 779-5331.

Mt. Pleasant Fire Department responds to structure fire – 1604 W. Michigan Street

Mt. Pleasant Fire Department responds to structure fire – 1604 W. Michigan Street

On January 5, 2019 at 7:08 p.m. the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 1604 W. Michigan Street. The initial on the scene report indicated heavy smoke coming from the rear of a single story residential structure. The occupants were out of the house upon arrival of first responders and no injuries were reported.

Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire through an aggressive interior and exterior attack.

The structure received light structural damage and heavy interior damage with loss of most contents. Residents of the home will be displaced for an unknown period of time.

The Mount Pleasant Fire Department is currently conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the fire. Damages are estimated at more than $100,000.

The Mt. Pleasant Fire Department was assisted by the Mt. Pleasant Police Department and Mobile Medical Response.

Most home fires occur at night when people are sleeping. Check your smoke detectors monthly and replace your batteries twice a year. Operating smoke detectors may save your life.

City to hold fourth Citizens’ Academy of Mt. Pleasant; now accepting applications

The fourth Citizens’ Academy of Mt. Pleasant is now accepting applications. Presented by the City of Mt. Pleasant, the academy is designed to engage members of the community and to expand their knowledge of the structure and functions of local government.

Participants will attend seven, three-hour weekly sessions beginning Tuesday, February 19. Each session will offer an in-depth look at the fundamentals of the City’s administration and budget; public works and utilities; parks and recreation; public safety; and community development. Additional topics covered include the basics of local government, elections and more.

The Citizens’ Academy is open to anyone living, working, owning property or attending school in the City.

“The Citizen’s Academy is an opportunity for residents to capture a close up view of how a municipality operates.” said Mt. Pleasant City Planner Jacob Kain. “Past participants have indicated the program is informative, enjoyable and has broadened their insight into local government.”

Registration for the academy is free and space is limited. Sessions will occur on the following Tuesdays: February 19, February 26, March 12, March 19, April 2, April 9, and April 16. Graduates of the academy will be recognized at the April 22 City Commission meeting.

Applications are available at City Hall or online, and are accepted until January 31, 2019. Find the application and learn more at www.mt-pleasant.org/citizensacademy

Topics to watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting

Here are the topics to watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. on January 7, 2019 at City Hall, 320 W. Broadway Street.

To see the full City Commission meeting packet and agenda click here.

-Election of Mayor and Vice Mayor and setting of 2019 meeting schedule.

-Proclamation in support of Peacemaking Recognition Day (January 21, 2019).

-Consider special assessment, determined the necessity, set a public hearing for January 28, 2019.

-Consider appointments of City Officials to applicable City Boards and Commissions.

-Consider appointments to the various City Boards and Commissions as recommended by the Appointments Committee.