5 things to watch at the next City Commission meeting

Here are five things to watch at the Jan. 22 City Commission meeting:

Material collection licenses and penalties: In January 2017, the City Commission approved ordinance changes that restricted the hours of operation for refuse collection in certain zones, as well as provided penalties and allowed for an exception process. As part of the approval, a one-year sunset clause was added to the ordinance. Since then, the changes have had the desired positive impacts on the adjacent residential neighborhoods. The sunset clause must be removed in order for the law to remain in effect. The City Commission will hold a public hearing on the removal of the sunset clause and consider its approval.
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) bottles: A sole source purchase for 44 SCBA bottles will be considered. This purchase will replace the carbon fiber bottles used by the fire department, which have a March 2018 expiration date, with new aluminum bottles that do not have expiration dates.
Tree trimming and removal: A bid recommendation for F & K Tree Services to complete the necessary tree trimming and removals within City Right-of-ways during 2018 will be considered.
Proposed character-based zoning code and map: The City Commission will consider the approval of the proposed zoning ordinance and related zoning map. To see more information about the draft character-based zoning code, click here.
Patrol vehicle camera systems: Several years ago, the City purchased and installed cameras in the Police Department’s patrol vehicles. Central Michigan University Police Department (CMUPD) was using the same equipment vendor, so the City entered into an agreement with CMUPD to share one system. As part of the agreement, the cost of future hardware replacements would be split evenly between MPPD and CMUPD. The hardware is now in need of replacement and the City Commission will consider the recommendation to approve the cost of the shared purchase.

To see the full City Commission agenda and packet for Jan. 22, 2018, click here.

Mt. Pleasant City Commission meetings are held at City Hall on the second and fourth Monday of every month. Meetings begin at 7 p.m.

Summary of Jan. 8 City Commission meeting

The video of the Jan. 8, 2018 City Commission meeting is available here.

Below is the Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room.

1. Commissioner Lents was elected Mayor for 2018.

2. Commissioner Madaj was elected Vice Mayor for 2018.

3. Set time and day of regular meetings.

4. City Planner Kain gave a presentation on the upcoming 2018 Citizens’ Academy.

5. Received petitions and communications.

6. Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held December 11, 2017
Receive proposed ordinance to amend Title V, Chapter 50, Section(s) 50.12 and 50.99 of the Mount Pleasant City Code regarding material collection licenses and penalties and set a public hearing for January 22, 2018 on same
Resolution in support of Final approval of Traffic Control Order #1-2018
Resolution in support of Final approval of Traffic Control Order #2-2018
Resolution authorizing MDOT contract for reimbursement for the 2017 Tree Abatement project
Appointments of City Officials to applicable City boards and commissions for 2018.

7. Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1032, an Ordinance to amend Title XIII, Chapter 132, Section(s) 132.03, 132.04 and 132.06 of the Mount Pleasant City Code regarding the purchase, consumption, and possession of alcoholic beverages by minors, furnishing or using fraudulent identification, and license sanctions, and to repeal Title XIII, Chapter 132, Section 132.07 of the Mount Pleasant City Code regarding preliminary breath tests.

8. Approved amendment to Motor Pool Budget for the replacement of a snow plow.

9. Approved Appointments to various City Boards and Commissions.

10. Approved proceeding with drafting of the general framework of ordinances with regard to MMMFLA leaving open issues for discussion and scheduling a work session at the earliest available time.

11. Approved and conducted a closed session pursuant to subsection 8(h) of the Open Meetings Act for material exempt from discussion or disclosure by state or federal statute.

12. Adjourned the meeting at 8:34 p.m.

5 things to watch at the next City Commission meeting

Here are five things to watch at the Jan. 8 City Commission meeting:

Oath of Office Administration and Mayor/Vice Mayor Election: As the meeting begins, City Clerk Jeremy Howard will administer the oath of office to newly-elected members William Joseph and Kristin LaLonde. The City Commission will then conduct an election of the mayor and vice mayor.
Material Collection Licenses and Penalties: In January 2017, the City Commission approved ordinance changes that restricted the hours of operation for refuse collection in certain zones, as well as provided penalties and allowed for an exception process. As part of the approval, a one-year sunset clause was added to the ordinance. Since then, the changes have had the desired positive impacts on the adjacent residential neighborhoods. The sunset clause must be removed in order for the law to remain in effect. The City Commission will consider setting a public hearing on the removal of the sunset clause for Jan. 22, 2018
Temporary Traffic Control Order: An “Electric Vehicle Only” sign was placed at the electric car charging station parking space in Lot #2 (Jockey Alley) 90 days ago as a temporary traffic control order. With no comments received during the 90-day time period, the City Commission will consider the approving the order as final.
Reimbursement of Airport Tree Abatement Project Costs: In 2017 the City Commission approved contracts related to the approach slope clearing project for the Mt. Pleasant Municipal Airport. The next step in the process is to approve the grant agreement with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to fund 95 percent of these costs. The City Commission will consider the resolution authorizing the mayor to sign the agreement.
Michigan Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act (MMMFLA): The City Commission will consider directing City Attorney and City staff to begin drafting ordinance to opt-in to the Michigan Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act (MMMFLA).

To see the full City Commission agenda and packet for Jan. 8, 2018, click here.

Mt. Pleasant City Commission meetings are held at City Hall on the second and fourth Monday of every month. Meetings begin at 7 p.m.

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

The third Citizens’ Academy of Mt. Pleasant (CAMP) is now accepting applications.

Presented by the City of Mt. Pleasant, the academy is designed to engage members of the community motivated to expand their knowledge of the structure and functions of the local government.

Participants will attend seven three-hour sessions over seven weeks beginning on Tuesday, Feb. 20. 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. Graduates of the academy will be honored at a City Commission meeting following the completion of the program.

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

“Citizens’ Academy is the best way to learn who, what, where, why and how behind the operations of our local government,” said Mt. Pleasant City Planner Jacob Kain. “Past participants have indicated that the program is not only fun, but has also increased their level of knowledge about the City.”

Registration for the academy is free and space is limited. CAMP sessions will occur on the following Tuesdays:

Feb. 20
Feb. 27
Mar. 13
Mar. 20
Apr. 3
Apr. 10
Apr. 17

Recognition of the program participants will take place at the April 23 City Commission meeting.

Applications are accepted until all spaces are filled. Applications are available at City Hall and online. Find the application and learn more at www.mt-pleasant.org/citizensacademy.

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PEAK to provide Day Camp for students during holiday break; register today!

Registration is open for the PEAK program’s “Recess – School’s Out Day Camp.” The all-day program is designed to entertain and enrich local youth in grades K-6 when school is not in session over the holidays. Offered Dec. 22, 27, 28 and 29 from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., PEAK Day Camp includes dynamic sports, lively games, arts and crafts, and team-building activities. Camp is held at Mt. Pleasant Middle School.

Registration fees are as follows:

City Resident / MPPS Student: $30 per day
Non-City Resident / Non-MPPS Student: $35 per day

Scholarship rates are also available:

Scholarship – City Resident / MPPS Student: $15 per day
Scholarship – Non-City Resident / Non-MPPS Student: $20 per day

(Scholarship rate is based on free/reduced lunch income guidelines)

The Mt. Pleasant PEAK program is administered by the City of Mt. Pleasant Parks & Recreation Department in partnership with Mt. Pleasant Public Schools. PEAK provides all school-age children with educational, enrichment and recreational activities in a fun and safe environment.

For more information or to register, call Mt. Pleasant Parks & Recreation at (989) 779-5331 or visit www.mt-pleasant.org/PEAK and click on “Specialty Camps.”

Seasonal overnight parking laws go into effect Dec. 1

The City of Mt. Pleasant is reminding residents of the following overnight parking regulations:

From Dec. 1, 2017 to April 1, 2018, on-street and City lot parking is prohibited in non-downtown areas from 2 to 5 a.m.
On-street parking is prohibited downtown from 4 to 6 a.m. throughout the year.
For those with overnight parking permits, several City parking lots have designated areas where overnight parking is allowed.

Those found in violation of any of the above ordinances are subject to a fine.

For more information about parking permits, please contact the Division of Community Services at (989) 779-5347.

5 things to watch at the next City Commission meeting

Here are 5 things to watch at the Nov. 27 City Commission meeting:

Minor in Possession Ordinance Amendment: Last year, the Legislature passed, and the Governor signed into law, 2016 PA 357, which amended the Minor in Possession of Alcohol (MIP) statute. The City’s local ordinance related to minor in possession must be amended in order to comply with the new state law. A public hearing will be held on the initial proposed changes but no action will be taken at this meeting as the City Attorney will propose additional changes at a future meeting and another public hearing will be scheduled.
TIFA Plan Amendment: The City Commission will consider the amendment to the Tax Increment Finance Authority (TIFA) plan to add fire safety grants as an eligible project. This reimbursement grant program assists downtown property owners with the cost to install necessary fire protection systems while maintaining and/or restoring the historic character of the building.
Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Plan Amendment: The City Commission will receive the recommended amendment to the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Plan for the West Broadway Revitalization project and set a public hearing for Dec. 11, 2017.
2018 Facilities License Agreements for Mt. Pleasant Little League, Mt. Pleasant Girls’ Fast Pitch and Mt. Pleasant Baseball: In February 2017, the City Commission approved agreements with Mt. Pleasant Little League, Mt. Pleasant Girls’ Fast Pitch Softball and Mt. Pleasant Baseball. The agreements outlined the shared expectations regarding the use of the City fields for these programs, and fees for the use of the fields were excluded based on the mutual benefit to the organizations and City residents. The City Commission will consider authorizing the continuation of each of the agreements.
2018 No-Fee Brush Collection Program: During the 2018 budget work sessions, the City Commission requested staff develop parameters for a no-fee brush collection program for 2018. The preferred parameters included a collection two times per year. In addition, discussions were held about the appropriate fee structure for this service during the remainder of the year. The City Commission will receive the recommendation as requested, and provide feedback and direction to staff.

Following the regular meeting, a work session will be held on to discuss the Michigan Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act.

To see the full City Commission agenda and packet for Nov. 27, 2017, click here.

Mt. Pleasant City Commission meetings are held at City Hall on the second and fourth Monday of every month. Meetings begin at 7 p.m.

Registration for 2018 Man Vs. Mountain now open; sign up early for discounted rates

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Registration is now open for the City of Mt. Pleasant Parks & Recreation’s Man Vs. Mountain challenge on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2018.

This unique winter 5K dares participants to embrace the cold of winter while running, climbing, jumping and crawling their way to the finish. The race is electronically timed and wave times begin at 9:30 a.m. Sign up early to receive the best registration rates. Event pricing starts at $50 and will gradually increase to $80 as the race day approaches. A $35 student rate is also available.

The course, set through Mt. Pleasant’s picturesque park system, is filled with more than 15 strategically placed manmade obstacles that complement the natural elements of Michigan winters, such as snow and the cold temperatures. Each obstacle is designed to accommodate multiple skill levels.

“Man Vs. Mountain is challenging, exhilarating and overall a lot of fun,” said Recreation Coordinator Steve Hofer. “This race was created to provide an additional recreational opportunity during the winter months. If you like to be active and you have a sense of adventure, this one-of-a-kind event is perfect for you.”

Following the event, join fellow Man Vs. Mountain 5K challengers at Mountain Town Station for a warm beverage, hearty meal and the chance to exchange stories from the experience. Challengers take home memories, bragging rights and race swag.

For additional information and to register, go to www.mt-pleasant.org/mvm or call the Parks and Recreation Office at (989) 779-5331.

5 things to watch at the next City Commission meeting

Here are 5 things to watch at the Oct. 9 City Commission meeting:

Indigenous Peoples Day: Mayor Kathy Ling will proclaim the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples Day to reflect upon the ongoing struggles of Indigenous people, and to celebrate the thriving culture and value the Saginaw Chippewa and other indigenous peoples add to our City and community. Members of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe community drummers will provide an honor song prior to the Proclamation.
Storm Water Ordinance: A public hearing will be held on the proposed changes to the storm water ordinance, which will impact which parking lot reconstruction projects are eligible for permit waivers, clarify that normal maintenance of parking lots is exempt from the ordinance, address flow through of storm water from adjacent properties, and clarify single-family and two-family dwelling pavement changes. After the public hearing, the City Commission will consider approving the amendment.
“Yield to Pedestrians within Crosswalk” Sign at Island Park Entrance: The City Commission will consider the final approval of placing a “Yield to Pedestrians within Crosswalk” sign on Main Street north and south of the entrance to Island Park on Lincoln Street. This temporary traffic control order has been in place for 90 days and staff is recommending it be approved as a permanent traffic control order.
New Zoning Ordinance and Map: The updated draft zoning ordinance and map were released to the public last month, reflecting the comments received through the prior public review period, as well as changes requested by the City Commission at its special meeting in August. The City Commission will be asked to set a public hearing for Nov. 13 on the new zoning ordinance and map, pending the recommendation from the Planning Commission at its Oct. 19 special meeting.
TIFA Development Plan Amendment for Fire Safety Grants: An amendment to the Tax Increment Finance Authority (TIFA) development plan will be introduced to allow TIFA funds to be eligible for the Downtown Fire Protection Grant Program. This reimbursement grant program assists downtown property owners with the cost to install necessary fire protection systems while maintaining and/or restoring the historic character of the building facades. The City Commission will consider setting a public hearing for Nov. 13 regarding this amendment.

Following the regular meeting, the City Commission will hold a work session to discuss the Michigan Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act (MMMFLA).

To see the full City Commission agenda and packet for Oct. 9, 2017, click here.

Mt. Pleasant City Commission meetings are held at City Hall on the second and fourth Monday of every month. Meetings begin at 7 p.m.

City announces leaf collection schedule

Beginning the week of Oct. 23, residents who live within City limits may begin raking their leaves into low piles in the street for the City to collect the following week in a citywide sweep. The full leaf collection schedule is as follows:

Week of Oct. 23: Rake leaves into low piles
Week of Oct. 30: Leaf collection week
Week of Nov. 6: Rake leaves into low piles
Week of Nov. 13: Leaf collection week
Week of Nov. 20: Rake leaves into low piles
Week of Nov. 27: Final leaf collection week. (Leaves left in the street after crews have made their final sweep will not be collected and are the responsibility of the homeowner.)

Please rake leaves in low piles into the gutter and close to the curb. Please avoid covering storm sewer catch basins. To prevent causing a traffic obstruction, do not place the leaf piles too far out into the street.

On High and Pickard streets, where traffic prohibits leaves in the gutter, leaves may be piled on the rights-of-way between the curb and sidewalk.

In uncurbed areas, leaves should be raked into the streets along the street shoulders.

Yard waste bags should not be used. Leaf piles must not contain yard waste or brush.

Questions may be directed to the Division of Public Works at (989) 779-5401.