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: 

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: 

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.

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

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.

Mt. Pleasant Farmers’ Market Receives Grant for Food Safety Educational Programming

The Mt. Pleasant Farmers’ Market is one of ten markets statewide to receive a food safety programming grant from the Michigan Farmers Market Association.

This summer staff from the Mt. Pleasant Farmers’ Market and the MSU Extension Office will host three educational food safety sessions. These programs occur once a month at both the Thursday and Saturday markets during June, July and August.

The programming schedule is as follows:

Thursday, June 2         Time and Temperature                       Island Park

Saturday, June 18       Time and Temperature                       Town Center/Downtown

Thursday, July 14        Food Preservation                              Island Park

Saturday, July 16         Food Preservation                              Town Center/Downtown

Thursday, August 4     Preventing Cross-Contamination       Island Park

Saturday, August 6     Preventing Cross-Contamination       Town Center/Downtown

Sessions run continuously from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. and feature cooking demonstrations, recipes, and a variety of food safety educational resources. All sessions are free and are conducted under the Parks & Recreation and MSU-Extension tents. Pre-registration is not required.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 4/25/2022

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, April 25, 2022, at 7:00 p.m.

Approved the agenda with the cancellation of Item #23, “Public hearing on the CDBG Water Related Infrastructure Program; Postponement of Item #24 “Consideration of Broadway Central” to May 9, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.; addition of Item #21a to the Consent Calendar “Set a public hearing for Monday, May 9, 2022 for the CDBG Water Related Infrastructure Grant”.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

9) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held April 11, 2022.

10) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held April 11, 2022.

11) MDOT performance resolution for governmental agencies for the purpose of representing the City in transactions. (CC Exh 2-2022).

12) Bid of Fisher Transportation of Mt. Pleasant, MI for the 2022-2023 Street Sweepings Disposal Project.

13) Bid of McGuirk Sand & Gravel of Mt. Pleasant, MI with budget amendment for the Crapo Street Reconstruction Project.

14) Resolution Establishing Fee for Minor Site Plan Review.

15) Received proposed ordinance to amend Chapter 110. GENERAL LICENSING to add a new Section 110.30 PEDICABS to allow for and regulate the operation of pedicabs within the City and set a public hearing on same for May 9, 2022.

16) Set a public hearing for May 9, 2022 to obtain public input on the MEDC Revitalization and Placemaking Grant proposal.

17) Received proposed amendment to Chapter 112. Medical Marihuana Facilities of the Mt. Pleasant Code of Ordinances and set a public hearing for May 9, 2022 on same.

18) Received proposed amendment to Chapter 115 Recreational Marihuana Establishments of the Mt. Pleasant Code of Ordinances and set a public hearing for May 9, 2022 on same.

19) Received proposed ordinance to amend Chapter 154.410.B.4. of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances and set a public hearing for May 23, 2022 on the same.

20) Budget amendment in Major Street fund and Water fund for the 2022 Brown Street Reconstruction project.

21) Warrants and Payrolls

21a) Set a Public hearing for Monday, May 9, 2022 on the CDBG Water Related Infrastructure Grant.

Held a public hearing and approved the resolution approving a redevelopment liquor license to Jib-Bob, LLC at 214 N. Franklin St.

Work session presentation and discussion on 2023-2028 Capital Improvement Plan.

Work session discussion on Housing Study next steps.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:09 p.m.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – March 28, 2022

Here are the topics to watch at the next in-person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, March 28, 2022 at 7 p.m.

  • Introduction of Social Crisis Advocate Krysta Carabelli.
  • Public hearing on the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant application and consider approval of resolution on the same.
  • Consider approval of Broadway Central for the 2022 season and consider budget amendment for the same.
  • Consider approval of street closure with conditions.
  • Receive an ordinance to amend Chapter 115 of the Mt. Pleasant Code of Ordinances to update standards for adult-use marihuana establishments and set a public hearing for April 11 on the same.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/board/city.commission/agendas/2022/E-Packet%20for%20March%2028,%202022_reduced.pdf

How to follow public meetings:

In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, 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.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88283075778?pwd=VjlQaEJCMSs2Tyt6ZHRyQ1J3ZXpWZz09

Meeting ID: 882 8307 5778

Passcode: 410939

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

Brian Assmann            bassmann@mt-pleasant.org

Elizabeth Busch          ebusch@mt-pleasant.org

Olivia Cyman              ocyman@mt-pleasant.org

Maureen Eke              meke@mt-pleasant.org

Amy Perschbacher      aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org

George Ronan            gronan@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.