Topics to Watch at the VIRTUAL Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – August 23, 2021

Here are the topics to watch at the next virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, August 23, 2021 at 7 p.m.

Public hearing on an ordinance to amend Chapter 97: Parks and Recreation and consider approval of the same.
Public hearing on the necessity of public improvement; and set a public hearing for September 13, 2021 for Special Assessment District #1-21 regarding pedestrian lighting, and Special Assessment District #2-21 regarding Principal Shopping special assessment.
Receipt of application for transfer of Industrial Facilities Tax from MAC Liquid Truck Trailer and set a public hearing for September 13, 2021 on the same.
Receipt of amendments to sewer ordinance and set a public hearing for September 27, 2021 on the same.
Consider approval of lighting agreement with the Friends of the Dog Park for lighting at Hannah’s Bark Park.
Review and discuss City Manager candidates and consider entering into contract negotiations with the top candidate.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/board/city.commission/agendas/2021/8-23-21_Regular_Meeting.pdf

How to follow public meetings during social distancing:

In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, as allowed under the Open Meetings Act and consistent with the Isabella County Declaration of a State of Emergency (Resolution No. 20-12-03 effective 12-15-20), the City Commission Meeting will be held virtually. The public 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.

Zoom Meeting instructions via computer, phone, or dial-in number are as follows:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81270999914?pwd=dzh0NU5yd1BqVjVnL3ZUSTExWTE1UT09

Passcode: 465806

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. Any citizen desiring to make a public comment on an agenda item may email their comments.

Attendance to the meeting and participation during public comment periods will be conducted as follows:

• Members of the public must provide their name and address with their comments.

• Comments/Questions may be sent ahead of the meeting in writing or emailed to comment@mt-pleasant.org.

• Individual commissioners can be contacted at the following email addresses:

Mary Alsager malsager@mt-pleasant.org

Olivia Cyman ocyman@mt-pleasant.org

Lori Gillis lgillis@mt-pleasant.org

William Joseph wjoseph@mt-pleasant.org

Amy Perschbacher aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org

George Ronan gronan@mt-pleasant.org

Pete Tolas ptolas@mt-pleasant.org

• Comments/Questions can be emailed to comment@mt-pleasant.org during the meeting and during normal public comment sections of the agenda.

• Comments sent via email will be read aloud to the Commission during the public comment periods.

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.

Summary of Minutes of the Virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – May 24, 2021

Summary of the Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, May 24, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.

Peter Haefner, Partner with Vredeveld Haefner LLC presented a video on the 2020 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held May 10, 2021.

2) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held May 10, 2021.

3) Amendments to the Demand Response Agreement with Consumers Energy and authorized the Mayor to sign the appropriate documents.

4) Budget allocation of $15,000 from Mission/Pickard DDA Assigned for Pedestrian and Traffic Safety for 2021.

5) Authorized award of municipal advising services to Bendzinski & Co. of Detroit, MI for water resource recovery bonds.

6) Proposal of Dickinson Wright of Detroit, MI for bond counsel services for water resource recovery bond issues.

7) Appointment of City Clerk Heather Bouck as the Interim City Assessor.

8) Warrants and Payrolls.

Held a public hearing on proposed 2022-2027 Capital Improvement Plan. No action required by the Commission at this time.

Held a Public Hearing and confirmed approval of Ordinance 1066, an Ordinance to amend Chapter 154: ZONING ORDINANCES of the Mt. Pleasant City Code of Ordinances, to rezone 1024 & 1026 S. University from CD-3 (Sub-Urban) To CD-4 (General Urban).

Held a Public Hearing and approved the resolution recommending revocation of the Dayco Industrial Facilities Tax (IFT) Abatement effective January 1, 2022.

Held a Public Hearing and approved the Authorizing Resolution and Community Development Plan as part of the application for the CDBG Infrastructure and Resiliency grant as presented. (CC Exh. 5-2021)

Held a Public Hearing and approved the Resolution in support of creating an Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act (OPRA) District to include the Central Business District TIFA boundaries.

Approved a contribution of $1,500 towards the lighting project at Mission Creek/Hannah’s Bark Park and a budget amendment for the same from the Unassigned Fund Balance.

Authorized the Mayor to sign the appropriate documents to sell the two parcels of land at the southeast corner of Isabella Road and Airport Road to International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 876 for $4,000 as recommended.

Held work session discussions on: 1) 2022-2027 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP); and 2) possible amendments to Chapters 10 and 91 regarding harboring of animals.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:04 p.m.

Topics to Watch at the VIRTUAL Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – May 24, 2021

Here are the topics to watch at the next virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, May 24, 2021 at 7 p.m.

Public hearing on proposed 2022-2027 Capital Improvement Plan.
Public hearing (additional) on rezoning request from CD-3 (Sub-Urban) to CD-4 (General Urban) for 1024 & 1026 S. University and consider confirmation of approval of the same.
Public hearing on revocation of the Dayco Industrial Facilities Tax (IFT) abatement effective with the 2022 tax year and consider resolution on the same.
Public hearing on Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act (OPRA) District to include the Central Business District TIFA boundaries and consider resolution of the same.
Public hearing on Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) and consider resolution on the same.
Consider financial support for Hannah’s Bark Park/Mission Creek Park lighting project as recommended by the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Consider sale of City-owned land as recommended by the Property Committee.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/board/city.commission/agendas/2021/5-24-21.pdf

How to follow public meetings during social distancing:

Zoom Meeting instructions via computer, phone, or dial-in number are as follows:

Zoom Meeting information

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84827621962?pwd=bjdtbjN0RGQyK290VmhwbHpPUzV2dz09

Passcode: 183783

Phone dial-in: (301) 715-8592

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. Any citizen desiring to make a public comment on an agenda item may email their comments.

Attendance to the meeting and participation during public comment periods will be conducted as follows:

• Members of the public must provide their name and address with their comments.

• Comments/Questions may be sent ahead of the meeting in writing or emailed to comment@mt-pleasant.org.

• Individual commissioners can be contacted at the following email addresses:

Mary Alsager malsager@mt-pleasant.org

Olivia Cyman ocyman@mt-pleasant.org

Lori Gillis lgillis@mt-pleasant.org

William Joseph wjoseph@mt-pleasant.org

Amy Perschbacher aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org

George Ronan gronan@mt-pleasant.org

Pete Tolas ptolas@mt-pleasant.org

• Comments/Questions can be emailed to comment@mt-pleasant.org during the meeting and during normal public comment sections of the agenda.

• Comments sent via email will be read aloud to the Commission during the public comment periods.

Summary of Minutes of the Virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – April 26, 2021

Summary of Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, April 26, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held April 12, 2021.

2) Bid of Pro Surfaces of Harrison, MI for the Island Park Pickle Ball Courts project.

3) Bid of Smart Homes/Offices, Inc. of Mason, MI for the Commission Chamber Audio/Visual Replacement project.

4) Authorized the Mayor to sign a contract extension with Brown and Brown for all broker services to December 31, 2023.

5) Resolution in support of final approval of Traffic Control Order #1-2021.

6) Resolution authorizing the City Manager to digitally sign the contract with MDOT for funding for airport crack sealing.

7) Received proposed Ordinance to amend Chapter 97: PARKS AND RECREATION and set a public hearing for May 10, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. on same.

8) Warrants and Payrolls.

Received Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act (OPRA) Policy and approved same as presented. (CC Exh. 4-2021)

Received the request to create an Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act (OPRA) District to include the Central Business District TIFA boundaries and set a public hearing for May 24, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. on same.

Set an additional public hearing on proposed ordinance to amend Chapter 154: ZONING ORDINANCES of the Mt. Pleasant City Code of Ordinances, to rezone 1024 & 1026 S. University from CD-3 (Sub-Urban) to CD-4 (General Urban).

Confirmed support of the recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Commission to decommission the Horizon Park softball field to allow for future additional uses.

Approved the Resolution Extending Conditional Authorization for Class C Medical Marihuana Grower License for Stash Ventures at 210 W. Pickard as presented.

Referred the proposed request for contributing funds for lighting at Hannah’s Bark Park to the Parks and Recreation Commission for review and recommendation.

Conducted work sessions on

1) Potential 2021 millage adjustment.

2) Presentation on the 2022-2027 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).

3) Discussion on 2022-20227 Capital Improvement Plan.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:44 p.m.

City of Mt. Pleasant Park and Outdoor Facilities Update

As has been done during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Mt. Pleasant continues to follow recommendations of federal state and county health officials as we navigate through the reopening process. Below is the current reopen schedule for City parks and outdoor facilities.

This timeline is subject to change based on updated information from health officials. Failure to follow social distancing protocols and posted occupancy levels may lead to facility closures.

June 11, 2020: Island Park Skate Park and Hannah’s Bark Park will reopen. Both parks will have capacity limits and visitors must adhere to social distancing guidelines.

June 22, 2020: Island Park Spray Park and the following park restrooms and ballfields to open.

Island Park Spray Park: Capacity limits will be posted and visitors must adhere to social distancing guidelines.

Park Restrooms: Island Park South, Pickens, Yost

Ballfields: Pickens, Yost

July 1, 2020: Opening of additional park restrooms and limited park shelter reservations.

Park Restrooms: Island Park North, Nelson, Chipp-A-Waters

Park Shelters Available for Reservations: Island Park, Chipp-A-Waters, Yost, Nelson Park Gazebo open with limited occupancy and seating capacity. Visitors must adhere to social distancing and occupancy guidelines.

Facilities Currently Closed:

Lower Pickens Field closed due to Spring flooding.

Island Park Softball fields closed due to Spring flooding.

Restrooms at Horizon, Mill Pond, Mission Creek and Sunnyside Parks.

Shelters at Horizon, Mill Pond, Mission Creek Park and Sunnyside Parks.

Information Updates

Information regarding facilities reopening 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.

Notice to Hannah’s Bark Park Members

We hope you and yours are in good health during this fight against COVID-19. We understand the importance of exercise and fresh air for you and your pets – especially under our current circumstances. However, the health and safety of the public, and the dog park membership, is always our priority.

In order to protect the health and safety of our members, and following the guidelines and recommendations from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (see link below), the decision has been made to close the dog park beginning Saturday, May 2, 2020 until further notice. At this time, we are uncertain as to when the park will resume operation, but we will continue to monitor the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and share any updates.

Membership fees may be extended for the period of the park closure, or you may request a refund for the number of months not used due to the park’s closure. Questions regarding refunds can be sent to Ryan Longoria at rlongoria@mt-pleasant.org

Please note that Mission Creek Park and all other City parks and trails remain open, although park restroom facilities and the Island Park Skate Park are closed. While enjoying these park offerings please practice social distancing and keep dogs on their leashes, in accordance with park rules.

For detailed information from the CDC related to best practices for pets and their owners during the current pandemic, visit:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/animals.html

Thank you for your continued support and understanding during these difficult times. We very much look forward to seeing you and your dogs at the park in the near future.

Sincerely,

City of Mt. Pleasant Parks and Recreation Department

Summary of Minutes from City Commission Meeting – March 25, 2019

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, March 25, 2019, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room.

–Public Relations Director Orlik gave a departmental presentation including new promotional videos.

-Received petitions and communications.

-Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held March 11, 2019.

2) Bid of Garber Contracting of Mt. Pleasant, MI for the Island Park Arts Pavilion Site Work.

3) Bid of McGuirk Sand and Gravel of Mt. Pleasant, MI for the 2019 Broadway Street Reconstruction Project.

4) Authorized a contract with Fleis and Vandenbrink of Grand Rapids, MI for Professional Engineering Services for Industrial Pretreatment Program.

5) Authorized the Friends of the Dog Park to fundraise and install lighting for Hannah’s Bark Park and authorized staff to establish a Use Agreement on same.

6) Set Special Meetings for March 30, 2019 at 8:00 a.m. and May 11, 2019 at 8:00 a.m. for goal setting discussion.

7) Received proposed ordinance to amend Chapter 113 of the City Code regarding telecommunications companies within the public right-of-way and set a public hearing for Monday, April 8, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. on same.

8) Warrants and Payrolls.

-Approved submission of City requests for Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe two percent allocations with a summary of the Commission’s top priorities.

-Authorized the Mt. Pleasant Little League and the Mt. Pleasant Girls Youth Softball to construct a 16’ x 40’ addition to the storage building at Pickens Field and authorized staff to establish a Use Agreement on same.

-Approved Resolution Supporting Amended Rates, Fees and Charges at the Airport as recommended by the Airport Advisory Board.

-Authorized the City Manager to sign the sub-recipient agreement with Northern Initiatives and the MEDC allowing the use of loan funds through June 30, 2021.

-Conducted a work session discussion on priority topics.

Adjourned at 9:15 p.m.

Topics to watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for March 25, 2019

Here are the topics to watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. on March 25, 2019 at City Hall, 320 W. Broadway Street.

-Consider bids for Island Park Arts Pavilion, Broadway Street reconstruction, and engineering services for industrial pre-treatment program.

-Consider approval of area lighting installation at Hannah’s Bark Park by Friends of the Dog Park and a use agreement on the same.

-Consider approval of construction of an addition to Lions Club building at Pickens Field by Mt. Pleasant Area Girls Youth Softball and Mt. Pleasant Little League and a use agreement on the same.

-Consider resolution supporting amended rates, fees and charges at the airport as recommended by the Airport Advisory Board.

-Introduce an ordinance to amend Chapter 113 of the City Code regarding telecommunications companies within the public right-of-way and set a public hearing for April 8, 2019.

To view the entire meeting agenda packet visit http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/board/agenda/city/2019/E-Packet%20for%20March%2025,%202019-reduced.pdf

Canine College planned for Oct. 1; RSVP today!

The City of Mt. Pleasant Parks & Recreation invites all members of Hannah’s Bark Park, as well as the general public, to attend “Canine College” on Oct. 1 at City Hall.

Beginning at 6:30 p.m., Kelley Moss, a veterinarian technician and Mt. Pleasant Kennel Club instructor, will offer her expertise on several topics, including:

Are all dogs (and humans) good candidates for a dog park?
How to prepare your dog for a dog park visit
How to read a dog’s body language
How to handle dog-to-dog conflicts
Behavior tendencies of different breeds

This session is free of charge and open to the public (this event is for humans only, please!). Participants are encouraged to RSVP to Ryan Longoria, director of recreation and sports at (989) 779-5329 or rlongoria@mt-pleasant.org.

2017 Canine College Flyer color