2024

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, April 22, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Mayor Perschbacher read and presented a proclamation recognizing Workers Memorial Day April 28, 2024.

Planning & Community Development Director Manuela Powidayko and Mayor Perschbacher presented Certificates of Completion to the 2024 Mt. Pleasant Citizens’ Academy participants.

Approved the agenda as presented.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

6) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held April 8, 2024.

7) Resolution authorizing a 2024 Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation (MPACF) grant application for Town Center civic space amenities.

8) Resolution in support of final approval of TCO #1-2024.

9) Set a public hearing for May 13, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. for Development District (DDA) License for Narrativality Artisan Coffee Roasters, LLC..

10) Contract with Bornor Restoration, Inc. of Lansing, MI for DPS – Masonry Screen Wall project.

11) Warrants and payrolls.

Approved a contract with Placer.ai for one year of access and a budget amendment for the same and a budget amendment for the internship program.

Adopted the 2025 Goals and Objectives.

Director Lauria provided an overview of suggested changes to the current draft Managed Natural Landscaping Ordinance. Commissioner consensus ruled against any form of registration and the term “Managed” versus “Planned.”

Appointed Mayor Perschbacher as the City representative to the County Tax Allocation Board.

Conducted work session discussions on 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Plan and on Refuse and Recycling Pickup Services.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:42 p.m.

City of Mt. Pleasant Receives MSHDA Grant for Home Exterior Improvement Projects

The City has been awarded a $50,000 Neighborhood Enhancement Program (NEP) grant through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA). The purpose of this grant is to boost neighborhood aesthetics, improve property values, and enhance safety and quality of life for residents. The City has also committed up to $50,000 to this program, resulting in a possible total of $100,000 available for home exterior projects.

Since the program’s inception in 2020, 37 exterior household improvement projects, totaling $388,885.84, have been completed. Finished projects include roof repairs, porch and deck replacements, as well as window and door installations.

Project selection criteria includes:

Homes must be located within the boundaries of Pickard, Main, High and Isabella Street.
Single-family, owner-occupied homes whose taxes are up to date.
Exterior projects only.
Household income at or below 120% median income.
No outstanding code violations.
No prior tax foreclosure on property within the city limits.
Properties who were awarded funds in the past are not eligible.
Minimum funding for a project is $1,000.
Maximum funding for a project is $15,000.
Any project costing $10,000 or above, requires the homeowner to make a $250 contribution, or file a lien on the property for a period of five years for the full amount of the project.
If the property is sold during the five-year lien period, the owner of the home at the time of project completion is required to pay the full amount of the project back.

The deadline for homeowners to apply is March 26, 2024. Grant funding applications can be found at www.mt-pleasant.org/neighborhoods.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 1/8/2024

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, January 8, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

City Clerk Bouck administered the Oath of Office to Bryan Chapman and Grace Rollins for the term January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2026.

Commissioner Perschbacher was elected Mayor for 2024.

Commissioner Alsager was elected Vice Mayor for 2024.

Approved Resolution Setting Time and Day of Regular Meetings.

Mayor Perschbacher read and presented a proclamation in support of Peacemaking Recognition Day “January 15, 2024” to Laura Gourlay of Mount Pleasant Public Schools.

Accepted the agenda as presented.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

9) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held December 11, 2023.

10) Set public hearing for Monday, January 22, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. on CHILL Grant Application as required by MSHDA.

Adjourned the meeting at 7:19 p.m.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – January 8, 2024

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, January 8, 2024, at 7 p.m.

Administer Oath of Office to Commissioners Chapman and Rollins

Election of Mayor and Vice Mayor

Consider setting a public hearing for January 22, 2024, on a Community Development Block Grant Housing Improving Local Livability (CHILL) Grant Application as required by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA).

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

Click to access E-Packet%20for%20Monday,%20January%208,%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 comments@mt-pleasant.org.

To participate via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83245133239?pwd=VGlMVmQvQ0R4eklMVk5rZEtvSUU5Zz09

Meeting ID: 832 4513 3239

Passcode: 952681

Phone dial-in: (312) 626-6799

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 at (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.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – August 14, 2023

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, August 14, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Approved the agenda as presented.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

7) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held July 24, 2023.

8) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held July 24, 2023.

9) Payrolls and Warrants.

Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1089, an Ordinance to adopt the 2021 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) and amend Title IX: GENERAL REGULATIONS; Chapter 96. NUISANCES; Title XV: LAND USAGE, Chapter 150. BUILDING REGULATIONS and Chapter 152. HOUSING LICENSING CODE of the Mt. Pleasant City Code to align with the new property maintenance standards.

Appointed Mayor Perschbacher as the voting delegate and Vice Mayor Alsager as alternate for the MML 2023 Annual Convention.

Approved the MI-LEO Michigan Community Center Grant Resolution and directed staff to sign all grant documentation as necessary.

Directed staff to negotiate terms of the proposed PILOT at 410 Mill St. and 200 Walnut St.

Adjourned the meeting at 8:31 p.m.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – July 24, 2023

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, July 24, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Approved the agenda as presented.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

6) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held July 10, 2023.

7) Three-year contract renewal with Brown & Brown of Central MI, Inc. for insurance broker services.

8) Trade-in of a Ford F-250 and purchase a 2023 Ford Edge for MPPD.

9) Resolution in support of Michigan Arts & Culture Council 2024 Arts Project Mini-Grant-Paint the Pavement application.

10) Received proposed Ordinance to adopt the 2021 IPMC and amend Chapter 96. NUISANCES; Chapter 150. BUILDING REGULATIONS, §150.30 Property Standards and Chapter 152. HOUSING LICENSING CODE of the Mt. Pleasant City Code to align with the new property maintenance standards and set public hearing on same for Monday, August 14, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.

11) Payrolls and Warrants.

Held a public hearing on Application for DDA License for JCB Entertainment (Valhalla Indoor Axe Throwing) at 1711 S. Mission St. and adopted the Resolution in support as presented.

Held a Work Session discussion on Payment in lieu of Taxes (PILOT) program.

Approved and conducted a closed session pursuant to subsection 8(c) of the Open Meetings Act to discuss the strategy and negotiation sessions connected with negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:19 p.m.

City of Mt. Pleasant Receives $1 Million MEDC Grant for Town Center Civic Space Project

The City of Mt. Pleasant has recently been awarded a $1 million grant through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Revitalization and Placemaking Grant (RAP) program.

This funding will support the Town Center Civic Space Project, a $2,278,462 initiative aimed at revitalizing Town Center located at Broadway and Main Street. Additional funding is provided by the City’s General Fund.

The Town Center Civic Space Project will create a versatile space for public gatherings, events and recreational activities and include the following amenities:

Expansive Green Space: A significant increase in green space contributing to improved air quality and biodiversity.
Universal Accessibility Design: Ensures easy navigation for all community members.
Installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Upgraded Electrical Infrastructure: A modernized power system to better support a range of events and activities.
Additional Parking Spaces: Gain of (18) total parking lot and on-street parking spaces.
Traffic Calming: Removal of the portion of Mosher Street between Main and Broadway Street to increase pedestrian safety.
New Accessible Public Restrooms
Increased Pedestrian Lighting
Site Added Features: Benches, trash cans, bike racks, universally accessible pathways.

“We are thankful for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s support of our Town Center Civic Space Project,” said Downtown Development Director Michelle Sponseller. “This grant will enable us to create a dynamic, accessible, and sustainable public space which fosters both social interaction and economic development.”

Engineering plans for this project will be completed in the near future, followed by a formal bid process. Construction is slated to begin in Spring 2024, with an anticipated December 2024 completion date.

The State of Michigan’s Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program provides access to gap financing for real estate rehabilitation and development, as well as public space improvements associated with traditional downtowns, social-zones, and outdoor dining initiatives. The state received $500 million in applications for the $100 million available.

Tree Inventory to Begin

A certified arborist from PlanIT Geo will be conducting an inventory and determining the health status of approximately 7,700 trees in city right-of-ways, parking lots, Riverside Cemetery, as well as Nelson and Island Parks. The right-of-way trees and parking lots will be inventoried first.

It is not necessary for residents to be home during the inventory, since all work will be completed within the street right-of-way and on city property.

2023 Inventory Dates:

May 23 – June 2

June 20-29

July dates – TBD

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources awarded a $15,000 Community Forestry Grant to the City of Mt. Pleasant to conduct this tree inventory. Over time, the City will have a comprehensive method to track plantings, removals, species, and the overall health of its right-of-way trees.

City Receives MSHDA Grant for Home Exterior Improvement Projects

The City has been awarded a $75,000 Neighborhood Enhancement Program (NEP) grant through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA). The purpose of this grant is to boost neighborhood aesthetics, improve property values, and enhance safety and quality of life for residents. The City has also contributed $45,000 to this program, resulting in a total of $120,000 available for home exterior projects.

Since the program’s inception in 2020; 27 household improvement projects, totaling $233,511.41, have been completed. Finished projects include roof repairs, porch and deck replacements, as well as window and door installations.

Project selection criteria includes:

Homes must be located within the boundaries of Pickard, Bradley High and Mission Street.
Single-family, owner-occupied homes whose taxes are up to date.
Exterior projects only.
Household income at or below 120% median income.
No outstanding code violations.
No prior tax foreclosure on property within the city limits.
Properties who were awarded funds in 2022 are not eligible.
Minimum funding for a project is $1,000.
City funding, increasing the project cost to $10,000 or above, will require the homeowner to make a $250 contribution, or file a lien.

Deadline for homeowners to apply is April 25, 2023. Grant funding applications can be found at

www.mt-pleasant.org/neighborhoods.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission – February 27, 2023

Here are the topics to watch at the next in-person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, February 27, 2023 at 7 p.m.

Consider acceptance of $75,000 from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) for a neighborhood enhancement grant, authorize the Mayor to execute the necessary documents and approve the allocation of additional funds.

Consider approval of budget amendments for projects carried forward from 2022.

Discussion on downtown parking. (Work Session)

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

Click to access 2-27-23_Agenda.pdf

How to follow public meetings:

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 comments@mt-pleasant.org.

To participate via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86289429646?pwd=T2pxRGhSbXM1clRZaVNGV1BYV2FXUT09

Meeting ID: 862 8942 9646

Passcode: 957710

Phone dial-in: (312) 626-6799

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

Brian Assmann bassmann@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

Boomer Wingard bwingard@mt-pleasant.org

Persons with disabilities needing assistance to participate may call the Human Resources office at (989) 779-5314. Persons requiring speech or hearing assistance may contact the City through the Michigan Relay Center at 711. A 48-hour advance notice is necessary for accommodation.