meet here. Community Rebrand Revealed

Meet here. is a community movement, created by the community and fueled by local pride.

On November 13, the public gathered at the Art Reach Gallery to celebrate the community brand reveal.  This project initially began with the City of Mt. Pleasant and the Mt. Pleasant Area Convention and Visitors Bureau working on their separate rebrand projects.  Both entities had the foresight to combine efforts and invite other partners to become involved, creating a campaign which encompasses the entire community.

The other rebrand partners involved in this process included, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Charter Township of Union, Middle Michigan Development Corporation and Mid Michigan College.

The goals for this project were as follows:

  • Identifying and owning our community’s sense of place.
  • A consistent message the entire community is committed to telling.
  • Making an impact inside and outside our community.
  • Develop an enduring brand strategy; resulting in new growth opportunities.

To help achieve these goals the community partner agencies selected The Darwin Company, a center for social impact/marketing and advertising firm to lead this process.

Numerous members of the Mt. Pleasant community answered the call to action, and shared their thoughts and insights regarding what our community currently has to offer, and what should be the hopes for the future. This was accomplished through a series of focus groups, interviews and a Town Hall Meeting.  Information obtained through these collection methods was analyzed and ultimately developed into a strategic initiative designed to boost tourism, economic development and community spirit.

It became apparent through this research process that people Meet here. for various reasons. Three recurring themes emerged.

  • Cultural Crossroads: “We are the intersection of every walk and stage of life.”
  • Relaxed Lifestyle: “Live life with plenty of the hustle, but none of the hassle.”
  • No Compromises: “Small town feel with big city amenities.”

The Meet here. campaign is versatile and has endless possibilities for residents, businesses, and service organizations to make it their own while still incorporating the community brand.

To find out more about the Meet here. campaign and how you can utilize it visit https://www.mountpleasantwow.com/meet-here/ or visit Facebook – @Meetheremtp.  You are also welcome to share your Meet here. experience at #MeetMtP.   If you need information regarding how to obtain the Meet here. logo contact Darcy Orlik, Director of Public Relations, City of Mt. Pleasant at dorlik@mt-pleasant.org.

Summary of Minutes of the special meeting of the City Commission and Central Michigan University Student Government Association – October 29, 2018

Summary of Minutes of the special meeting of the City Commission and Central Michigan University Student Government Association held Monday, October 29, 2018, at 7:02 p.m., at Central Michigan University Bovee University Center Auditorium, 103 E. Preston St., Mt. Pleasant.

Mayor Lents provided an overview of the purpose of the meeting and facilitated introductions of the Commissioners to the Student Government Association (SGA).

Received Petitions and Communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, October, 22, 2018.

2) Bid of Republic Services of Pierson, MI for solid waste collection and disposal.

3) One-year contract extension with MMI of Mt. Pleasant, MI for curbside pick-up of recycling collection services.

Approved installation of a commercial ball field lighting system at one upper Pickens Field through a donation from the Mt. Pleasant Little League and authorized staff to establish a use agreement on same.

Held a work session in the Central Michigan University Bovee University Center Maroon Room to discuss:

1) Economic Development Contracts

2) Sidewalk Snow Removal.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:53 p.m.

Special event road closures; October 13-14, 2018

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. – Race for a Reason 5K Run sponsored by Grace Church will take place on Saturday, October 13 from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The race route is through Mill Pond, Nelson and Island Parks and a portion of the Downtown area, causing the closure of Main Street between Illinois and Michigan Streets.

McLaren Central Hospital will be closing the south side of Maple Street, between South Drive and Brown Street on Saturday, October 13 from 3 – 5 p.m. and Sunday, October 14 from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. for their Road of Ribbons project, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Please seek alternate routes during these time frames.

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Applications for City boards and commissions accepted through October 29, 2018

Community members interested in serving on any of the City’s boards and commissions should apply by Oct. 29. Qualified electors may submit their name or the name of another for consideration.

“We accept applications for all of the City’s boards and commissions throughout the year,” said City Manager Nancy Ridley. “However, each fall, we encourage community members to apply so the Appointments Committee has the information of potential candidates readily available to review if partial-term vacancies occur.”

Applications are available online or at the City Manager’s Office, located at 320 W. Broadway. For more information, visit www.mt-pleasant.org.

McLaren Central Hospital Named Grand Marshal of Lighted Christmas Parade

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. – The staff and directors from McLaren Central Hospital will serve as grand marshal of the 2018 Lighted Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 1.

Michelle Sponseller, Downtown Development Director shared, “This year’s Christmas Celebration marks two milestones, McLaren Central commemorating 75 years as Mt. Pleasant’s community hospital, and the 25th anniversary of Mt. Pleasant’s Christmas Celebration.”  She continued, “Since 2004 a local organization who has given so much to our community throughout the year, is honored in this special way at the popular lighted parade.”

Previous grand marshals include:

  • 2017       Max and Emily’s People Helping People Program
  • 2016       Central Michigan University (125th anniversary)
  • 2015       PEAK program
  • 2014       Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation (25th anniversary)
  • 2013       United Way of Isabella County
  • 2012       Goodrow Fund
  • 2011       Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts
  • 2010       Chippewa River District Library
  • 2009       Toys for Tots
  • 2008       Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe
  • 2007       Hospice of Central Michigan
  • 2006       Child and Family Enrichment (CAFÉ)
  • 2005       Isabella Community Soup Kitchen
  • 2004       Friends of the Broadway
  • 2003       Mr. and Mrs. Sheehan

Martin Tursky, McLaren Central President & CEO stated, “It is an honor to be selected as the grand marshal for this year’s event.  We look forward to the festival and celebrating with the community in December.”

The Lighted Christmas parade begins at 6 p.m. in downtown Mt. Pleasant, and is one of several events taking place Nov. 30 – Dec. 1 for the 25th annual Mt. Pleasant Christmas Celebration. Additional activities include a community sing-along and tree lighting ceremony on Friday night; and a pancake breakfast and visits with Santa on Saturday. For details, go to www.facebook.com/downtownmp.

Memorial Day Parade to honor country’s fallen military service members

On Monday, May 28, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3033 is hosting a Memorial Day Parade beginning at 10 a.m. in remembrance of those who sacrificed their lives while serving in the U.S. military.

Initially known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971.

The parade travels through Downtown Mt. Pleasant and begins at 709 E. Broadway St. by Rite Aid. The route travels west on Broadway to Main Street and from there a bus will visit Riverside Cemetery, Calvary Cemetery and the Memorial Gardens to honor veterans.

There will be no road closures for this event, but temporary traffic delays may occur. 

Isabella Bank sponsors Movies by Moonlight

The City of Mt. Pleasant is pleased to announce Isabella Bank as the 2018 sponsor of Movies by Moonlight. The annual outdoor film series offers residents and visitors of the Mt. Pleasant area an opportunity to bring chairs, blankets and snacks, and settle in on the lawn at City Hall for the movie showings on Saturday evenings throughout August.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled with our partnership with Isabella Bank for Movies by Moonlight,” said Downtown Development Director Michelle Sponseller. “As one of downtown Mt. Pleasant’s oldest and most trusted businesses, they understand the power of community engagement and giving back to others. This partnership will ensure Movies by Moonlight continues for years to come.”

All movies begin at 8:30 p.m. / dusk. This year’s lineup includes:

  • 4: “Leap!” (PG)
  • 11: “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” (PG-13)
  • 18: “Coco” (PG)
  • 25: “Jumanji” (PG-13)

Additional details will be announced as the event approaches. See www.facebook.com/downtownmp for updates.

This year’s media sponsorship is provided by WCFX-FM. The Movies by Moonlight event was founded by City of Mt. Pleasant, Isabella Bank and Max & Emily’s Eatery.

Medical Marihuana Facilities FAQs

The City of Mt. Pleasant is currently reviewing ordinances related to the Michigan Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act (MMMFLA). These ordinances would “opt in” to the state law allowing medical marihuana facilities to operate within the City subject to certain limitations.

Public input is being sought regarding the draft ordinances before the City Commission makes a final decision.

The Planning Commission held a public hearing on the draft ordinances in early May and provided the City Commission with comments and recommendations following that public hearing. The draft ordinances have been revised to reflect the recommendations made by the Planning Commission.

 

DATES TO REMEMBER:

  • Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. City Commission Public Hearing on the proposed ordinances.
  • Monday, June 4, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. City Commission Work Session to discuss the outcomes of the public hearing process and next steps.

 

MEDICAL MARIHUANA FACILITIES FAQs

What medical marihuana facility types would be allowed in the City?

  • All 5 types of facilities would be allowed: growers, provisioning centers, processors, secure transporters, and safety compliance.
  • No more than 3 growers would be allowed.
  • No more than 3 provisioning centers would be allowed.
  • If more than 3 applications are received for a specific facility type, a public meeting will be held to randomly select 3 of the applicants to continue the approval process.

 

Where would medical marihuana facilities be located?

  • All types of facilities would be permitted in the industrial zone.
  • Provisioning centers would be allowed in commercial zones within designated areas, including portions of Downtown, Mission and Pickard.
  • A facility could not be located within 1,000 feet of a public or private K-12 school, unless the facility is located north of Broadway in the Central Business District / Tax Increment Finance Authority.
  • A facility could not be located within 500 feet of Central Michigan University, unless the facility is located east of the CMU main campus, east of Mission of Street.

 

What other regulations would be in place for medical marihuana facilities?

  • Each facility would be required to adhere to standards regulating odor, lighting, signage, storage, exterior and interior appearance, hours of operation and more.
  • On-site consumption of marihuana would be prohibited on the premises of any facility.

 

How would medical marihuana facilities receive approval to operate?

Applicants must complete the following steps before beginning to operate:

  1. Apply to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) for prequalification
  2. Apply to the City of Mt. Pleasant to operate a facility**
  3. Obtain a special-use permit for the location of the facility
  4. A public hearing would be held with the Planning Commission to approve the facility location. Notifications for all public hearings would be sent to property owners and occupants within 300 feet of the proposed location of the facility, as well as shared with the general public through the City’s communication channels.
  5. Complete the state licensing process

 

How can I give my input?

  • A public hearing will be held before the City Commission on Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.
  • If you are unable to attend the public hearing, opinions can be expressed by mail, email or phone to City Manager Nancy Ridley to be shared with the City Commission. Contact the City Manager’s office by calling (989) 779-5323, emailing manager@mt-pleasant.org or visiting City Hall at 320 W. Broadway.

 

Where can I find additional information?

  • The FAQs are a summary of the draft medical marihuana facilities ordinances. The complete draft of the ordinances and other information can be found at www.mt-pleasant.org/MMMFLA.
  • If you have additional questions, please contact City Planner Jacob Kain at (989) 779-5346 or jkain@mt-pleasant.org.

 

**The City is not accepting applications for medical marihuana facilities at this time.

Updated 5/18/18

“Bingo Bash” to offer fun for all ages on Feb. 24

Community members of all ages – from the very young to the young at heart – are invited to the Isabella County Commission on Aging on Feb. 24 for “Bingo Bash,” presented by Mt. Pleasant Parks & Recreation, Commission on Aging and McDonald’s.  This free event will allow players as many rounds of Bingo as they desire, with winners advancing to the Bonus Bingo rounds!

Prizes and free refreshments will be available. Bingo Bash will take place from 2 to 4 p.m.

The Isabella County Commission on Aging is located at 2200 S. Lincoln Road in Mt. Pleasant. For more information, click here or call (989) 779-5331.

Seasonal jobs available at the City of Mt. Pleasant

The City of Mt. Pleasant is seeking individuals to fill a variety of seasonal employment positions. The available positions include:

Applications can be found on the City’s website at www.mt-pleasant.org/jobs or at the Human Resources office, located on the second floor of City Hall. When applying for more than one position, applicants must complete an application for each position.

The application deadline for all positions is Thursday, March 1.