Update from Director of Public Safety, Paul Lauria Stay the course. Wear a face mask. Safeguard our community.

To combat the spread of COVID-19 in Michigan, Governor Whitmer extended the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order 2020-59 requiring Michiganders to stay at home through May 15, 2020. Progress has been made in our battle against this virus but we must stay the course to assure our communities are safe and healthy.

In addition to continuing our social distancing practices of keeping a 6ft. physical distance between ourselves and others, all individuals must now wear a cloth face mask which covers their nose and mouth when they are out in enclosed public spaces which includes stores and workplaces. Surgical and N95 masks must be reserved for healthcare workers and first responders. It is also imperative to keep up the practice of going to the store alone, which mitigates the spread of the virus.

Recreational activities such as walking, hiking, running, cycling, and now boating and golfing without a cart are encouraged as long as social distancing is practiced.

With the change in season, landscape and lawn care companies may now operate and plant nurseries and garden centers along with bike repair shops can be open. Shopping for non-essential items may be done by curbside pickup or delivery.

This fight against COVID-19 is unlike any other. But, by staying home, practicing social distancing, and wearing a cloth face mask when we do go out in public, we can mitigate the spread of this virus and successfully keep our family and friends healthy. Thank you for the vital role you play in beating COVID-19.

COVID-19 and City of Mt. Pleasant Services Update (Posted: 4/27/2020; Updated 5/1/2020)

In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, the City of Mt. Pleasant continues to follow recommendations of federal, state and county health officials while still providing vital City services.

Therefore, through May 15, 2020 the City is following Governor Whitmer’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order 2020-59, and is continuing its level of building closure and only providing critical services at this time. This includes: police, fire, airport operations, water, wastewater and limited street services. Other City staff will be monitoring emails and phone calls and will attempt to answer urgent inquiries.

City Parks

City parks are currently open, but park restroom facilities are closed as well as Island Park’s Skate Park and Hannah’s Bark Park. (Updated 5/1/2020)

Trash/Recycling

City trash pick-up is still taking place.

Curbside recycling is currently suspended due to the Materials Recovery Facility being closed. Recycling fees will be waived on the next utility bill.

As a result of building closures, the City has temporarily suspended the direct sale of recycling bins, City trash bags and tags. City trash bags and tags are available at Meijer and Ric’s. Individual tags are available at GreenTree Grocery.

Large Item Pick Up

Large item pick-up is now reinstated. Tags can be ordered online. Once payment is received your tag will be delivered to your door.

Spring Leaf Collection

Since landscaping companies are now operating, a second leaf pick-up will be scheduled in the near future.

No Fee Brush Pick Up – UPDATE: 4/27/2020 – All 150 reservations have been filled.

The City is offering up to 150 households within the City limits 30 minutes of no fee brush chipping during the week of May 11. Brush chipping will be completed at curbside only, no alleys. Reservations will be accepted beginning April 27 at 8:00 a.m. until May 7 at 4:30 p.m. Reservations can be made online, emailing publicworks@mt-pleasant.org, or by calling and leaving a message at the Division of Public Works, 989-779-5401.

Public Meetings

The City of Mt. Pleasant will host its public meetings virtually as allowed by the Governor’s Stay at Home Executive Order. Citizens may watch these meetings live on Spectrum Charter Channel 188 or webstreamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/MtPleasantMi/. Any citizen desiring to make a public comment must email their comments on agenda items to comment@mt-pleasant.org.

-Virtual City Commission meeting will take place on April 27, 2020 at 7 p.m.

-Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting (April 28) is cancelled due to lack of action items.

-Virtual Planning Commission meeting will take place on May 7, 2020 at 7 p.m.

-Virtual City Commission meeting will take place on May 11, 2020 at 7 p.m.

-May 12 Historic District Commission is cancelled.

-May 14 DDA meeting is cancelled.

-May 14 Airport Advisory Board meeting is cancelled.

Event Cancellations

Federal and state health officials are mandating all events be cancelled or postponed to stop the gathering of people, of any size. This guidance has caused the cancellation of the following to date:

-PEAK activities cancelled until at least June.

-Farmers’ Market cancelled through the month of May.

-City of Mt. Pleasant park shelter rental reservations are cancelled for the duration of Governor Whitmer’s Stay at Home Executive Order.

Payments and Building 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 Permits can also be electronically submitted by visiting www.mt-pleasant.org.

COVID-19 Resources

The City will continue to monitor this situation and 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.

Information Updates

Information will 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.

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 these links for more information.

https://www.michigan.gov/Coronavirus

https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options

Island Park Skate Park to close at 1 p.m. on April 6, 2020

In an effort to keep our residents safe and healthy in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Island Park Skate Park will be closed starting at 1 p.m. on Monday, April 6. A reopen date will be made at a later date as more information regarding COVID-19 becomes available.

Information will be updated and shared via the City’s website (www.mt-pleasant.org), Blog (mpcityblog.com), Facebook and Twitter accounts and the Community Information Phone Line (989) 779-5320. You may also contact your City Commissioners at commission@mt-pleasant.org.

A Message from Mayor Will Joseph (April 5, 2020)

Dear City of Mt. Pleasant Residents,

Our daily lives have recently taken a dramatic turn. COVID-19 and the rapid rate of new information has altered our familiar schedules and has forced us to adapt quickly over the past several weeks. But what has remained constant is the City of Mt. Pleasant’s dedication to taking proactive steps to follow state and county health officials’ recommendations while still providing vital City services.

City staff has been working tirelessly to stay ahead of the ever-changing COVID-19 landscape while making sure the needs of our residents are met. These services include, but are not limited to, Public Safety, Water and Wastewater Treatment Services, airport operations, City trash pick-up and park operations.

City Commissioners and staff have also determined a way to conduct our City Commission meetings virtually so our residents can still participate in local government during this time of social distancing. On Monday, April 13 at 7 p.m., our City Commission meeting will take place virtually. Citizens may watch the meeting live on Spectrum Charter Channel 188 or livestream on the City’s YouTube Channel. Citizens who wish to comment during the public comment portions of the meeting must email their comments to COMMENT@mt-pleasant.org.

We realize many residents may have specific questions regarding COVID-19. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has launched several statewide platforms to answer your questions. You may call the COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136, seven days a week from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. or email your specific questions to COVID19@michigan.gov24/7.

Are you a small business impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak? If so, you may be eligible for some relief. Refer to this website https://www.michiganbusiness.org/covid19/ provided by the Middle Michigan Development Corporation.

Specific City of Mt. Pleasant information will be updated and shared via the City’s website (www.mt-pleasant.org), Blog (mpcityblog.com), Facebook and Twitter accounts and the Community Information Phone Line (989) 779-5320. You may also contact your City Commissioners at commission@mt-pleasant.org.

We all play a role in this fight against COVID-19. Please adhere to Governor Whitmer’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order 2020-42 (Updated 4/13/2020) which states you may leave the house to take a walk or run as well as visit the grocery store or pharmacy; but all other travel should be suspended. While you are getting exercise, feel free to enjoy our City’s park system but remember to keep a 6 ft. distance between you and others. Thank you for your understanding and flexibility as we navigate through this uncharted territory. Together we will make it through this.

Sincerely,

Will Joseph

Mayor, City of Mt. Pleasant

A Message from Director of Public Safety, Paul Lauria – (Updated 4/28/2020)

As we enter unchartered territory in our fight against COVID-19, we as a community must first and foremost take care of others. Each of us needs to be the first to respond effectively in exhibiting smart and responsible social distancing; projecting selflessness towards others even while our daily schedules are altered, and strictly adhering to Governor Whitmer’s Stay at Home Executive Order which continues through May 15. (This date was extended to May 15 on April 24 via Executive Order 2020-59.) None of this is easy, or convenient. But following these recommendations of health officials now will determine how well and how quickly we can resume our normal lives.

Committed to serving with pride and integrity; Mt Pleasant’s Division of Public Safety will be monitoring email and phone calls. Critical and emergency calls for service will continue to be done in person and follow CDC recommendations for first responder protocols.

We would like to thank our residents in advance for your cooperation and understanding as we navigate through these ever-changing times.

Governor Whitmer’s Stay at Home Executive Order 2020-21:

https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/