City of Mt. Pleasant Now Accepting Applications for Citizens’ Academy

The City of Mt. Pleasant is now accepting applications for the upcoming Citizens’ Academy, a free seven-week program designed to help community members learn how local government and city services work.

The academy begins Tuesday, February 17, 2026, and includes weekly evening sessions that provide an inside look at various city departments and services. Topics include city administration and budgeting, public works and utilities, parks and recreation, public safety, community development, elections, and the basics of local government.

The program is open to anyone who lives, works, attends school, or owns property within the City of Mt. Pleasant. Director of Planning & Community Development Manuela Powidayko shared, “The Citizens’ Academy is an opportunity for residents to capture a close-up view of how a municipality operates and the many services the city provides on a daily basis. Participants can meet other residents and learn directly from staff about the wide range of topics that we work on every day to ensure good quality of life for our current and future residents.”

Sessions will be held on Tuesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with dinner served at 5:30 p.m., on the following dates: February 17, February 24, March 3, March 17, March 24, April 7, and April 14. Participants who complete the program may be eligible for CMU learning credits and will be recognized at the April 27 City Commission meeting.

Applications are available at City Hall or online and will be accepted through February 3, 2026. Space is limited.

Find more details and the application at www.mt-pleasant.org/citizensacademy.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 12/9/2024

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, December 9, 2024, at 7 p.m.

Public Hearing on the Planning Commission’s proposed Zoning Map Amendment (Z-24-01) for the five properties located southwest of Crawford and Broomfield.

Public Hearing on the Planning Commission’s TC-24-02-Amendment to Table 154.405.A of the zoning ordinance as it relates to SD-U University Special District Rules.

Consider resolution approving the final 2025 Operating Budget and set the millage rate for 2025.

Consider resolution supporting amended rates, fees, and charges.

Consider contract with UME-Gerber Life for 2025 stop loss coverage insurance.

Discussion on City Manager Evaluation Process.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

Click to access E-Packet%20for%20Monday,%20December%209,%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 comment@mt-pleasant.org.

To participate via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81427929317?pwd=2P1aut1B3uoOb8snfkfrWofaiDdAhq.1

Meeting ID: 814 2792 9317

Passcode: 146246

Phone dial-in: (312) 626-6799

The 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 on (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.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 11/25/2024

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, November 25, 2024, at 7 p.m.

Introduction of Central Michigan University President Neil MacKinnon by City Manager Aaron Desentz.

Presentation by Public Works Director Jason Moore on 2024 Year-End Review of Major Public Works and Utilities Projects.

Presentation on recreation needs assessment findings by Parks and Recreation Director Phil Biscorner.

Presentation on large scale events (2025 goal) by Parks and Recreation Director Phil Biscorner.

Approve 2025 Operating Budget.

Consider approval of Asset Management Policy.

Consider adoption of Climate Change Preparedness Plan.

Discussion on City Manager Evaluation Process.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

Click to access E-Packet%20for%20Monday,%20November%2025%202024.pdf

How to follow public meetings:

To participate via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84490742824?pwd=kzcRo8uJ4JfTeqq4yO3A84iTIgmWFZ.1

Meeting ID: 844 9074 2824

Passcode: 806901

Phone dial-in: (312) 626-6799

The 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

Welcome Students

Helpful information can be found in the City’s ‘home away from home’ guide composed specifically for college students.

See what Mt. Pleasant has to offer: recreation, an historic downtown, parks, trails, a rolling river and more.

The City is thrilled to welcome the students of Central Michigan University and Mid Michigan College to the Mt. Pleasant area for the 2024-2025 academic year.

As part-year residents, students have the opportunity to explore the City while immersing themselves in college life. To make that transition easier, a home away from home guide was created.

Useful information can be found at www.mt-pleasant.org/students or the “CMU & MMC Student Resident” page of the City’s blog (www.mpcityblog.com/studentresidents).

Topics include:

Things to do in Mt. Pleasant
Utility set up and billing
Parking Regulations
Parties
Property Appearance
Refuse and Recycling
Voter Registration
Safety tips and more.
Sign up for Smart911, a free emergency notification system. Download the Smart911 App, or visit www.smart911.com

E-Scooters to Offer Another Transportation Option in Mt. Pleasant

In October 2022, the Mt. Pleasant City Commission approved an ordinance allowing electric scooters (e-scooters) to operate within the city, offering residents another transportation option.

In the near future, these two-wheeled devices, designed to transport one person at a time, will be available for the general public to rent, via a QR Code displayed on the unit. The city licensed third-party vendor’s contact information will also be affixed to the e-scooter. Reports of safety concerns, parking issues, or unsafe and inoperable scooters, shall be made directly to the scooter vendor, via the provided phone number.

E-Scooter Rental Sites:

There are currently multiple deployment sites where individuals can pick-up a scooter to rent.

227 S. Main Street

(Next to the bench in front of Listening Ear.)

201 S. Main Street

111 E. Michigan Street

220 W. Michigan Street

118 W. Broadway Street

(SE Corner of Michigan and Washington)

320 W. Broadway Street

Town Center – Location 1

(Corner of Main and Broadway)

Town Center – Location 2

(Corner of Main and Broadway)

200 E. Broadway Street

301 E. Broadway Street

NE Corner of University and Illinois

Drop-Off Sites:

E-scooters must be parked upright and left in the city’s right-of-way (between the sidewalk and the street, or back at a deployment site.)
The e-scooter vendor will pick-up all units within 24 hours.

Operating Regulations:

Users 18 years-old and younger must wear a helmet.
E-scooters may only be operated on city streets which have a speed limit of 25 mph or less.
No open alcohol containers are allowed while operating an e-scooter.
E-scooters are only to be used outdoors.
Users cannot charge the e-scooters.

Speed Limits:

While traveling on a sidewalk or on Central Michigan University’s campus, e-scooters cannot exceed 10 mph. Operators must give an audible notice when coming up on pedestrians, and yield the right of way in all instances.

When traveling on streets, e-scooters must remain close to the curb, and abide by all traffic rules.

The full e-scooter ordinance and Michigan Vehicle Code can be found at:

https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/mtpleasant/latest/mtpleasant_mi_code/0-0-0-10719

http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?mcl-257-660

Youth Outdoor Exploration Program Launch Successful

The City of Mt. Pleasant’s Parks and Recreation Department recently partnered with Central Michigan University’s Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services Department (RPL) to form an exciting indoor rock-climbing class for area youth. The program, led by RPL Instructor Jordan Bruursema, and trained CMU student facilitators, is designed to build participant’s self-confidence and social skills through climbing, bouldering and other group activities. Attendees also learn about harnesses, knots and proper safety techniques to help them meet their rock-climbing goals.

The Youth Outdoor Exploration program offers rock climbing classes for kids 6-9 years old and 10-13 years old. Classes take place at the indoor climbing wall located in Finch Fieldhouse on CMU’s campus on Monday and Wednesdays, January 24 – February 23.

Initial sessions, which began in Fall 2021, have been met with great interest. The goal is to offer year-round programming not only on CMU’s campus, but in the City’s expansive park and river trail system where outdoor education and nature-based sessions will take place.

Spring sessions will be offered in mid-March. Follow the Mt. Pleasant Recreation Department on Facebook for registration information as it becomes available. www.mt-pleasant.org/recreation.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Peace March and Vigil – Road Closures 1/17/22

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Peace March and Vigil will take place from 3 – 5 p.m. on Monday, January 17, 2022. Periodic street closures will occur during this time.

The march begins on the campus of Central Michigan University with the route continuing on Washington, Bellows and Main Streets. The march will end at Town Center in Downtown Mt. Pleasant. All are welcome to take part in this event.

City offices are open on Monday, and there will be no delay in trash/recycling collection.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 11/9/2020

Summary of Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, November 9, 2020, at 7:00 p.m.

Central Michigan University (CMU) President Robert Davies gave a presentation on the status of various aspects of activity at Central Michigan University.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held October 26, 2020.

2) Authorized contract with Tokio Marine HCC for health insurance stop loss coverage.

3) Awarded the Industrial Park South Detention Pond expansion project to The Isabella Corporation contingent upon EDA approval.

4) Continuation of the purchase-buyback program with Krapohl Ford for the purchase of 14 trucks.

5) Approved resolution extending the temporary permitting of outdoor business activities to March 14, 2021.

6) Received an ordinance to amend Chapter 150 of the Mt. Pleasant City Code to create a new division entitled “Property Standards” to regulate property conditions, to amend Section 150.99 and to repeal and relocate the regulations in Section 96.09 pertaining to inoperable vehicles and set a public hearing for November 23, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. on same.

7) Received an ordinance to amend Chapter 50 of the Mt. Pleasant City Code to amend the regulation of accumulation of solid waste and associated penalties and set a public hearing for November 23, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. on same.

8) Warrants and Payrolls.

Held a public hearing on proposed 2021 Annual Operating Budget. No action required by the Commission at this time.

Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1059, an ordinance to rezone 623 S. Fancher from CZ (Civic Zone) to CD-3 (Sub-Urban).

Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1060, an ordinance to amend table 154.405.A to update district density in the CD-4 General Urban Character District.

Held a public hearing and approved the resolution to adopt the final version of the 2050 Master Plan as presented.

Failed motion to approve contract with Enterprise Fleet Management for the purchase of four trucks.

Failed motion to approve lowering the Building, Fire & Sanitary Sewer Board of Appeals application fee to $175 to cover costs.

Denied the request to waive the Building, Fire & Sanitary Sewer Board of Appeals application fee.

Tabled action on recommendation from Principal Shopping District Board regarding special assessment billing until 2021 when more information would be available on snow removal options and costs in the Principal Shopping District.

Failed motion to adjourn the meeting and postpone the work session.

Work Session discussion on the proposed 2021 Operating Budget.

Adjourned the meeting at 10:35 p.m.

CMU ‘Greeks Clean the Streets’

Thirty student members of the Greek community at Central Michigan University joined the City of Mt. Pleasant’s Neighborhood Resource Unit (NRU) on Oct. 15 to clean the streets of the neighborhood north of Bellows Street. 30 bags of trash were collected from Bellows Street to High Street, and from Douglas Street to Lansing Street.

Sunday marked the first “Greek Clean the Streets” event since the retirement and passing of former City Code Enforcement Officer Jeff Pickler. Pickler established the “Greeks Clean the Streets” program six years ago, creating volunteer opportunities for Greek students to get involved in the community. “Jeff was always extremely proud of the students who volunteered their time to make the City of Mt. Pleasant a cleaner place for everyone to enjoy,” said Mt. Pleasant Police Officer Jeff Browne.

Asst. Fire Chief Mike Dunham added, “Jeff’s contributions will live on through the programs he initiated and friendships he made. We will always be thankful to Jeff for his dedicated work ethic and his desire to improve the organization’s success.”

Mt. Pleasant Police Department statistics from start of the fall semester at Central Michigan University

This weekend, thousands of student residents arrived to the area for the start of the fall semester at Central Michigan University. The Mt. Pleasant Police Department responded to several calls for service and generated a number of citations from 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 24 to 7 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 27. Please see the weekend’s statistics below:

Arrested or Received Citation:

8 Disorderly Conduct
1 Disturbing the Peace
1 Driving While License Suspended
40 Minor in Possession of Alcohol
3 Nuisance Party-Attending
9 Nuisance Party-Hosting
64 Open Intoxicants
6 OWI
3 Possession of Drugs
11 Traffic Citations
3 Warrant Arrest

Calls for Service:

There were 97 calls for service from 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 24 to 7 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 25.
There were 199 calls for service from 7 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 25 to 7 a.m. on Saturday,
Aug. 26.
There were 145 calls for service from 7 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 26. To 7 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 27.

In 2014, the City of Mt. Pleasant developed a multi-year plan to address the history of violations and increasing tension among residents in the neighborhood north of Central Michigan University’s campus where owner-occupied properties and student rentals are intermingled. To decrease disruptive behavior and improve relationships between the full- and part-year residents, City officials have worked to improve partnerships with local landlords, CMU and its students, as well as enforce ordinances on a more consistent basis.

“We are proud to be home to Central Michigan University. The students are a great asset to our community and the energy and diversity they bring strengthens the City as a whole,” said Mt. Pleasant City Manager Nancy Ridley. “The students are also City residents, and all residents are expected to uphold our community standards, which include respecting your neighbors and taking care of each other to ensure Mt. Pleasant continues to be a safe and desirable place to live and visit.”

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department and Fire Department were assisted by the Central Michigan University Police Department, Central Michigan University Dispatch, Michigan State Police – Mt. Pleasant, and Lakeview Post, Isabella County Central Dispatch, Department of Corrections, Mobile Medical Response, Alma Police Department, Gratiot County Sheriff’s Department, Clare Police Department, Midland Police Department, and Midland County Sheriff’s Department.