Tag: Island Park

What to Watch at the 3/10/2025 Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, March 10, 2025, at 7 p.m.

  • Administer Oath of Office to Commissioner Zang.
  • 2024 Community Improvement Awards
  • Presentation on Events and Planning Organizational Support.
  • Presentation on the Island Park POW/MIA Memorial.
  • Request for Fire Suppression and Façade Improvement Funding Allocation for TyJorMac, LLC (120 South University) and Request for Work Session.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

Click to access E-Packet%20for%20Monday,%20March%2010,%202025..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/84516608752?pwd=eTqmRbbDhbVfOCEHHIZB2l4SdiVbPT.1

Meeting ID: 845 1660 8752

Passcode: 207483

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

Maureen Eke              meke@mt-pleasant.org

Amy Perschbacher      aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org

Grace Rollins               grollins@mt-pleasant.org

Boomer Wingard        bwingard@mt-pleasant.org

John Zang jzang@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.

Island Park Ice Rink Now Open

The new Island Park Ice Rink is now open to skaters. Located on the south softball field this 54’ x 95’ rink is open daily from 8 a.m. – 11 p.m., weather permitting. There is no charge to use this facility, which is maintained by the City of Mt. Pleasant Parks Department.

As you are gathering up your skates, please review the outdoor ice rink rules before you hit the ice.

Island Park Outdoor Ice Rink Rules

Hours of Operation:

The Island Park Ice Rink is open daily from 8 a.m. to 11p.m., conditions permitting.

The City of Mount Pleasant reserves the right to close the Ice Rink at any time in its sole discretion by posting a sign on the rink which states, “Rink Closed – No Skating.” Skaters shall not enter the Ice Rink area when the sign is posted.

Code of Conduct:

All Ice Rink participants, including skaters and bystanders, will be required to follow the general rules of conduct established in the City’s Parks and Recreation Ordinance (Section 97.01 – 97.21 of the City Code of Ordinances) while at the Ice Rink.

Further, all Ice Rink participants will be required to adhere to the following Ice Rink specific rules and regulations:

  1. Skaters shall be courteous and cautious of other skaters and bystanders while using the skating area. Skaters shall not push, shove, or otherwise engage in raucous behavior while using the skating area.
  2. Skaters shall not dig, spray, chip, throw, or otherwise expel ice or snow within the skating area.
  3. The following shall be prohibited in the skating area:
    1. Food and beverage items.
    2. Tobacco products.
    3. Hockey equipment, including hockey sticks, pucks, and nets.
    4. Street shoes.
    5. Animals
  4. Skaters under the age of five shall be under adult supervision while in the skating area. The Ice Rink does not have designated supervisors. Skaters shall skate at their own risk.

Failure to abide by the rules and regulations of the Ice Rink could result in enforcement actions against you.

Lost Items and Reporting Misconduct:

The City of Mt. Pleasant is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items.

Report damage or acts of abuse to Mt. Pleasant Parks and Recreation at (989) 779-5331 or Police Anonymous T.I.P. Line at (989) 779-9111. In case of emergency call 911.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – August 14, 2023

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, August 14, 2023 at 7 p.m.

  • Public hearing on an ordinance to amend City Code regarding International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) and consider approval on the same.
  • Consider approval of Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity resolution approving the submittal of a grant application for the replacement of the Island Park South/Farmers’ Market Pavilion.
  • Consider PILOT proposal at 410 Mill Street and 200 Walnut Street from SPIRE Development.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

Click to access E-Packet%20for%20Monday,%20August%2014,%202023….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/83136629946?pwd=ZmY5R1dUTDhUVUo0RFZSbW9HUTVpdz09

Meeting ID: 831 3662 9946

Passcode: 625091

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.

Island Park Ice Rink Now Open

The new Island Park Ice Rink is now open to skaters. Located on the south softball field this 54’ x 95’ rink is open daily from 8 a.m. – 11 p.m., weather permitting. There is no charge to use this facility, which is maintained by the City of Mt. Pleasant Parks Department. 

As you are gathering up your skates, please review the outdoor ice rink rules before you hit the ice. 

Island Park Outdoor Ice Rink Rules

Hours of Operation:

The Island Park Ice Rink is open daily from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm conditions permitting. 

The City of Mount Pleasant reserves the right to close the Ice Rink at any time in its sole discretion by posting a sign on the rink which states, “Rink Closed – No Skating.” Skaters shall not enter the Ice Rink area when the sign is posted.

Code of Conduct:

All Ice Rink participants, including skaters and bystanders, will be required to follow the general rules of conduct established in the City’s Parks and Recreation Ordinance (Section 97.01 – 97.21 of the City Code of Ordinances) while at the Ice Rink.

Further, all Ice Rink participants will be required to adhere to the following Ice Rink specific rules and regulations:

  1. Skaters shall be courteous and cautious of other skaters and bystanders while using the skating area. Skaters shall not push, shove, or otherwise engage in raucous behavior while using the skating area.
  2. Skaters shall not dig, spray, chip, throw, or otherwise expel ice or snow within the skating area.
  3. The following shall be prohibited in the skating area:
    • Food and beverage items;
    • Tobacco products;
    • Hockey equipment, including hockey sticks, pucks, and nets;
    • Street shoes; and
    • Animals.
  4. Skaters under the age of 5 shall be under adult supervision while in the skating area. The Ice Rink does not have designated supervisors. Skaters shall skate at their own risk.

Failure to abide by the rules and regulations of the Ice Rink could result in enforcement actions against you.

Lost Items and Reporting Misconduct:

The City of Mt. Pleasant is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items. 

Report damage or acts of abuse to Mt. Pleasant Parks and Recreation at (989) 779-5331 or Police Anonymous T.I.P. Line at (989) 779-9111.  In case of emergency call 911. 

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – July 25, 2022

Chief of Police Lauria introduced and swore in Police Officer Mike Williams.

Mt. Pleasant Schools Superintendent Jennifer Verleger gave a presentation regarding the school resource officer program and additional services needed.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

5) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held July 11, 2022.

6) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held July 11, 2022.

7) Awarded contract to Denali Construction of Mt. Pleasant, MI and budget amendment for the Nelson Park shop renovation project.

8) Awarded contract to Denali Construction of Mt. Pleasant, MI for Island Park Restroom addition.

9) Received proposed ordinance amendment to §154.410.B.4 of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances regarding registered student organization dwellings and set a public hearing for August 22, 2022.

10) Received proposed ordinance amendment to §154.410.C.2.B and Table 154.410.A of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances regarding group “B” special regulated uses and set a public hearing for August 22, 2022.

11) Warrants and Payrolls.

Approved a budget amendment for the purchase, setup and installation of Microsoft Office 365 and Barracuda SPAM and web filtering services.

Condolence letter which has been sent to Sister City Okaya, Japan was read aloud.

Approved and conducted a closed session.

Adjourned the meeting at 8:25 p.m.

Island Park Ice Rink Now Open

The new Island Park Ice Rink is now open to skaters. Located on the south softball field this 54’ x 95’ rink is open daily during the months of January and February from 8 a.m. – 11 p.m., weather permitting. There is no charge to use this facility, which is maintained by the City of Mt. Pleasant Parks Department. 

As you are gathering up your skates, please review the outdoor ice rink rules before you hit the ice. 

Island Park Outdoor Ice Rink Rules

Hours of Operation:

The Island Park Ice Rink is open daily from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm conditions permitting. 

The City of Mount Pleasant reserves the right to close the Ice Rink at any time in its sole discretion by posting a sign on the rink which states, “Rink Closed – No Skating.” Skaters shall not enter the Ice Rink area when the sign is posted.

Code of Conduct:

All Ice Rink participants, including skaters and bystanders, will be required to follow the general rules of conduct established in the City’s Parks and Recreation Ordinance (Section 97.01 – 97.21 of the City Code of Ordinances) while at the Ice Rink.

Further, all Ice Rink participants will be required to adhere to the following Ice Rink specific rules and regulations:

  1. Skaters shall be courteous and cautious of other skaters and bystanders while using the skating area. Skaters shall not push, shove, or otherwise engage in raucous behavior while using the skating area.
  2. Skaters shall not dig, spray, chip, throw, or otherwise expel ice or snow within the skating area.
  3. The following shall be prohibited in the skating area:
    1. Food and beverage items;
    2. Tobacco products;
    3. Hockey equipment, including hockey sticks, pucks, and nets;
    4. Street shoes; and
    5. Animals.
  4. Skaters under the age of 5 shall be under adult supervision while in the skating area. The Ice Rink does not have designated supervisors. Skaters shall skate at their own risk.

Failure to abide by the rules and regulations of the Ice Rink could result in enforcement actions against you.

Lost Items and Reporting Misconduct:

The City of Mt. Pleasant is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items. 

Report damage or acts of abuse to Mt. Pleasant Parks and Recreation at (989) 779-5331 or Police Anonymous T.I.P. Line at (989) 779-9111.  In case of emergency call 911.  

Update from City Manager, Nancy Ridley – July 2020

The past several months challenged us in ways we never thought possible. We found ourselves battling, and continuing to battle, a virus that knows no boundaries. Once only a news story from across the globe, COVID-19 quickly made its presence known in our state and in our community.

Throughout our City we were required to temporarily close many of our businesses and schools and halted our daily activities. As we start to reopen, like the rest of the nation, we are trying to find the delicate balance of getting our society up and running while staying socially distanced and safe. To accomplish this, City Commissioners and City staff are finding creative ways to conduct City business and assist our local businesses and residents in this financially challenging time.

Outdoor Business Activity Options

To make the transition of doing business in a COVID-19 landscape a little easier, the City Commission adopted a resolution temporarily authorizing outdoor business activities for all businesses within the City limits.These activities include waiving certain standards and fees for outdoor dining, tent and merchandise display permits. 

To allow for proper social distancing, businesses are able to utilize the space directly in front of their establishment and possibly adjacent frontage of service providers who will not be using their outdoor space. Although license fees are being waived, businesses must still apply for an outdoor dining license or merchandise display license if using public space. Expedited approvals are in place for use of privately-owned outdoor space.

In the downtown business district, Broadway Street between Main and University Street is closed for restaurant, merchant and public use. Even though this street closure has the possibility to last until September 30, staff is reviewing it every two weeks.

Summer Tax Payments

Due to financial hardships the COVID-19 pandemic may have caused to City taxpayers, the City Commission also approved waiving late charges which accrue on unpaid taxes from August 1 to September 14. This waiver is for tax payers who do not escrow their tax payments with financial institutions. Based on state law, interest will be applied at the rate of 1% on any unpaid balance on September 15, 2020 and the rate shall increase by 1% each month thereafter until paid. 

Additionally, some taxpayers may qualify for deferment of Summer Taxes to February 2021. Taxpayers who meet certain eligibility requirements can file for deferment of Summer 2020 taxes to February 14, 2021. This deferment only applies to a principal residence property. Details can be found at: https://mpcityblog.com/2020/06/30/city-of-mt-pleasant-summer-property-tax-bill-information/

Past Due Utility Bill Payment Plans

If you are having difficulty paying a past due utility bill, please contact the Utility Billing Department to discuss payment plan options. The City Commission authorized staff to approve payment plans within certain parameters during this time. (989) 779-5387.

Island Park Improvement Projects

Even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic City staff are working on the following Island Park improvement projects.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Pedestrian Bridge leading to Pickens Field is being replaced. This includes adding a half mile trail to Island Park’s existing paved trail. Once completed, the one-mile trail will circle the island and feature outdoor fitness equipment along the route. This project, partially funded by a Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant and Tribal 2% funds should be completed by the end of August. 

The Island Park Amphitheater’s decorative concrete walls, stone pillars and wood ceiling will be seal coated. During this process the amphitheater will not be available for use. This project is expected to be complete by the end of July.

Street Construction

City staff worked with construction contractors to complete three projects while traffic volumes were low. The Michigan and Pickard Street projects were completed ahead of schedule.

  • Michigan Street from Oak to Washington was reconstructed.
  • Pickard Street from Mission and Bradley was milled and overlaid.
  • The alley west of Mission, bordered by Bellows, Arnold and Gaylord Streets was reconstructed and completed on schedule.

Currently, work is occurring to reconstruct Brown Street from North Drive to Broadway, as well as the parking lot at University and Illinois.

Stay safe.

We hope some of these programs and improvement projects make this transition period a bit easier for our residents. Thank you for following the recommended guidelines from our health officials, as well as wearing a face mask when out in public. Stay safe and be well.

Island Park improvement projects to begin on July 6, 2020

The following Island Park construction projects are scheduled to begin on Monday, July 6, 2020, please be aware of occasional disruptions to vehicle and foot traffic in the park.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Pedestrian Bridge leading to Pickens Field will be replaced. This project also includes adding a half mile trail to Island Park’s existing paved trail. Once completed, the one-mile trail will circle the island and feature outdoor fitness equipment along the route. This project, partially funded by a Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant, should be completed by the end of August. 

The Island Park Amphitheater’s decorative concrete walls, stone pillars and wood ceiling will be seal coated. During this process the amphitheater will not be available for use. This project is expected to be complete by the end of July.

Island Park Arts Pavilion inaugural concert and ribbon cutting slated for August 5

Music lovers.  Meet here.  Music lovers now have a place to gather to enjoy free concerts in the park thanks to the vision of Taylor Idema, a 2019 Mt. Pleasant High School graduate.  The Island Park Arts Pavilion project, in the works for four years, is the end result of Idema’s Girl Scout Gold Award Project. The Gold Award is the highest honor a Girl Scout can earn. In 2016 Idema pitched the arts pavilion idea at the United Way’s Pitch-Er event and won first place honors along with the $5,000 seed money to launch her project.

For the past few years Idema has been working with Chris Bundy, Mt. Pleasant Parks and Public Spaces Director to make her vision a reality. More than $200,000 was raised through grants from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe 2% Distribution, and generous donations from the Morey Foundation, W.E. Martin Fund of the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation, Isabella Bank, Rotary Club of Mt. Pleasant, Isabella Community Credit Union, Doug and Melissa LaBelle Family Foundation, Mercantile Bank of Michigan, City of Mt. Pleasant Parks Partnership Fund, United Way of Gratiot & Isabella Counties, Mt. Pleasant Jaycees, Mt. Pleasant Agency, Inc. – Central Insurance.

Idema shared, “Mt. Pleasant is an active community with many talented citizens interested in not only attending fine arts events, but performing in them as well. The Island Park Arts Pavilion provides a venue for local citizens of all ages to perform, and enjoy a myriad of events close to home.” Idema continued, “Potential pavilion events include; concerts, theater and dance performances, art exhibits, ceremonies, public speeches, holiday celebrations, auctions, reunions, weddings and more.”

The public is invited to celebrate the opening of the Island Parks Arts Pavilion on Monday, August 5, 2019.  This free event will begin at 6 p.m. with a short program and ribbon cutting ceremony. At 6:30 p.m. Jim McKeith, a one-man acoustic rock band, sponsored by the Mt. Pleasant Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, will perform.  At 7:15 p.m. the Central Michigan Area Concert Band will take to the stage to perform a full concert.  Food will also be available for purchase from the Cruisin’ Chef Food Truck.

For information on how to reserve the Island Park Arts Pavilion contact the Mt. Pleasant Parks & Recreation Office at (989) 779-5331.

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