Tag: local government

City to hold Citizens’ Academy; accepting applications now

The seventh Citizens’ Academy is now accepting applications. Presented by the City of Mt. Pleasant, the academy is designed to engage members of the community and to expand their knowledge of the structure and functions of local government.

Participants will attend seven, weekly sessions beginning Tuesday, February 21.  Each session will offer an in-depth look at the fundamentals of the City’s administration and budget; public works and utilities; parks and recreation; public safety; and community development. Additional topics covered include the basics of local government, elections and more.

The Citizens’ Academy is open to anyone living, working, owning property or attending school in the City of Mt. Pleasant.  Director of Planning & Community Development Manuela Powidayko shared, “The Citizens’ Academy is an opportunity for residents to capture a close up view of how a municipality operates and the many services the city provides on a daily basis.”

Registration for the academy is free and space is limited. Sessions will occur on the following Tuesdays from 6 – 8:30 p.m.: February 21, February 28, March 14, March 21, April 4, April 11, and April 18. Graduates of the academy will be recognized at the April 24 City Commission meeting.

Applications are available at City Hall or online, and are accepted until January 17, 2023. Find the application and learn more at www.mt-pleasant.org/citizensacademy.

City to hold Citizens’ Academy of Mt. Pleasant; now accepting applications

The sixth Citizens’ Academy is now accepting applications. Presented by the City of Mt. Pleasant, the academy is designed to engage members of the community and to expand their knowledge of the structure and functions of local government.

Participants will attend seven, weekly sessions beginning Tuesday, February 15.  Each session will offer an in-depth look at the fundamentals of the City’s administration and budget; public works and utilities; parks and recreation; public safety; and community development. Additional topics covered include the basics of local government, elections and more.

The Citizens’ Academy is open to anyone living, working, owning property or attending school in the City.  “The Citizens’ Academy is an opportunity for residents to capture a close up view of how a municipality operates,” said Mt. Pleasant City Planner Jacob Kain. “Past participants have indicated the program is informative, enjoyable and has broadened their insight into local government.”

Registration for the academy is free and space is limited. Sessions will occur on the following Tuesdays from 6 – 8:30 p.m.: February 15, February 22, March 15, March 22, April 5, April 12, and April 19. Graduates of the academy will be recognized at the April 25 City Commission meeting.

Applications are available at City Hall or online, and are accepted until January 31, 2022. Find the application and learn more at www.mt-pleasant.org/citizensacademy.

Fourth annual Citizens’ Academy wraps up

Participants of the fourth annual Citizens’ Academy of Mt. Pleasant were celebrated for their completion of the program at the April 22 City Commission meeting.

Designed to engage members of the community to expand their knowledge of the structure and functions of local government, community members attended seven sessions throughout February, March and April which explored the City’s day-to-day operations.

For more information about the Citizens’ Academy, visit www.mtpleasant.org/citizensacademy.  To receive email notifications regarding future academies, contact City Planner, Jacob Kain at (989) 779-5346 or jkain@mt-pleasant.org.

Congratulations to the 2019 Citizens’ Academy participants:

Joshua Adams

Melanie Duke

Maureen Eke

Jerell Erves

Joe Fleming

Erick Fredendall

Gregory Hanley

Yannis Haveles

Erica Hopcraft

Azharul Islam

Blaine Long

Jim McBryde

Matt Mertz

Brian Mitchell

Amy Motz

Christy Onstott

Darcy Orlik

Amy Perschbacher

Allan Riggs

Martha Riggs

George Ronan

Melinda Stacer

5 things to watch at the next City Commission meeting

Here are 5 things to watch at the June 11, 2018 City Commission meeting:

  1. Medical Marihuana Facilities Ordinances: The City Commission will consider adopting the medical marihuana facilities ordinances. These ordinances would “opt in” to the state law allowing medical marihuana facilities to operate within the City subject to certain limitations. Public hearings were held at the Planning Commission meeting on May 3, 2018, and City Commission meeting on May 29, 2018. The City Commission discussed the ordinances at a work session on June 4, 2018. To see the updated versions of the draft ordinances, click here.
  2. Zoning Ordinance Amendment: A public hearing will be held on an amendment to the zoning ordinance that adds a definition of “façade area” to the Definitions section. In conjunction with this updated definition, the proposed ordinance would also modify the facade glazing standards for the CD-3L and CD-3 character districts so it is consistent with the new definition of “façade area.” The City Commission will consider approving the amendment following the public hearing.   
  3. Painting of High Street Bridge Abutments: In September 2017, a grassroots citizens group requested the City to once again partner and serve as a governmental unit needed to contract for the painting of the High Street bridge abutments and pump house owned by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). The funds for this project have been raised and the agreement to contract for the painting is in place. To complete the final step, the City Commission will consider approving the MDOT Office of Rail resolution authorizing the Mayor and Clerk to sign the required MDOT Rail Permit and maintenance agreement for the project.
  4. Joint Water Systems Study Grant Funding: The City Commission will consider approving the resolution to formally accept grant funds awarded to the City and Charter Township of Union from the Competitive Grant Assistance Program (CGAP). The funds will support the City and Township’s Joint Water Systems Study Project.
  5. Pickens Field Scoreboards: The Mt. Pleasant Little League Organization has requested the installation of two new scoreboards to replace the old scoreboards at the upper ball diamonds at Pickens Field. Isabella Bank has committed to donating the cost to purchase the scoreboards, and Mt. Pleasant Little League will donate the cost of installation. The City Commission will consider approving the installation and authorizing City staff to update the scoreboard agreement with Mt. Pleasant Little League.

To see the full City Commission agenda and packet for June 11, 2018, click here.

Mt. Pleasant City Commission meetings are held at City Hall on the second and fourth Monday of the month at 7 p.m., and at 6:30 p.m. from May 28-September 3.

5 things to watch at the next City Commission meeting

Here are five things to watch at the April 23, 2018 City Commission meeting:

  1. Greeks Clean the Streets: A proclamation will be read to recognize the Greeks Clean the Streets program. Greeks Clean the Streets is a partnership between the City of Mt. Pleasant and the Central Michigan University fraternities and sororities in which students volunteer to pick up trash in neighborhoods north of CMU’s campus several times each year. Since inception in 2012, close to 741 students have volunteered their time during 25 events to beautify and better the residential student neighborhoods by removing nearly 470 bags of trash.
  2. Citizens’ Academy 2018: Mayor Lents will present certificates to the 22 participants of the third annual Citizens’ Academy of Mt. Pleasant. Designed to engage members of the community to expand their knowledge of the structure and functions of local government, community members attended seven 2.5-hour sessions throughout February, March and April to explore the City’s day-to-day operations.
  3. Community Improvement Awards: Since 1979, the Planning Commission has presented a Community Improvement Award for a rebuilt or renovated residential and/or commercial property. These awards are a way for the Planning Commission to thank and acknowledge the property owners for investment in our community and making our neighborhoods better places to live. Properties on which construction was finalized prior to December 2017 were considered for recognition this year. Three properties were selected, and the owners of each property will be presented with awards produced by the students from the Graphic Arts program at Gratiot-Isabella Technical Education Center.
  4. Capital Improvement Plan: Assistant Finance Director Chris Saladine will give a presentation on the proposed 2019-2023 Capital Improvement Plan. See the plan here.
  5. Medical Marihuana Facilities Ordinances: Zoning and regulatory ordinances regarding the Michigan Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act will be introduced and the City Commission will consider setting a public hearing for May 29, 2018.  See the draft ordinances here.

To see the full City Commission agenda and packet for April 23, 2018, click here.

Mt. Pleasant City Commission meetings are held at City Hall on the second and fourth Monday of every month. Meetings begin at 7 p.m.

5 things to watch at the next City Commission meeting

Here are five things to watch at the April 9 City Commission meeting:

  1. Proclamation recognizing the Central Michigan University Women’s Basketball Team: City Mayor Allison Quast-Lents will read a proclamation recognizing the accomplishments of the Central Michigan University Women’s Basketball Team. Team 50 and Coach Guevara finished their season with a 30-5 record and an NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament run that led to the Sweet Sixteen. These achievements brought nationwide recognition to the community and Coach Guevara generated immense community spirit and pride, continuing to foster the valuable partnership between CMU and Mt. Pleasant.
  2. 2017 Annual Report: The City Commission will receive the 2017 Annual Report. See the report here.
  3. Residential Alley Paving, Reconstruction and Resurfacing Policy: The City Commission will consider approval of the Residential Alley Paving, Reconstruction and Resurfacing Policy. This policy recommends that reconstruction of all residential alleys be funded 70 percent by property owners and 30 percent from the Capital Improvement millage. The limitation is that $50,000 would be set aside annually and any alleys petitioned for reconstruction would be scheduled on a first come basis. The policy also outlines the evaluation, notification, timing and repayment terms for alleys so that all policy matters related to residential alleys are addressed in one document.
  4. Capital Improvement Plant: The City Commission will receive the 2019-2023 proposed Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and set a public hearing for May 29, 2018.
  5. Engineering Analysis for Joint water systems study: The City Commission will consider proposals received for an engineering study that would evaluate the potential costs and opportunities related to sharing water infrastructure between the City and Charter Township of Union compared to upgrading the independent facilities.

To see the full City Commission agenda and packet for April 9, 2018, click here.

Mt. Pleasant City Commission meetings are held at City Hall on the second and fourth Monday of every month. Meetings begin at 7 p.m.

5 things to watch at the next City Commission meeting

Here are five things to watch at the March 26, 2018 City Commission meeting:

  1. Proclamation of National Barbershop Quartet Day: Mayor Lents will proclaim April 11, 2018 as National Barbershop Quartet Day in Mt. Pleasant, and recognize the MountainTown Singers for their charitable work, service to the community and efforts to preserve and share this unique American musical art form.
  2. Special Assessment Roll for Alley Reconstruction: A public hearing will be held on the special assessment roll for Special Assessment District #1-18 to support the reconstruction of the alley between Fancher and Kinney, from Locust to Wisconsin. After the public hearing, the City Commission will consider the resolution to approve the roll and set payment terms for the Special Assessment District.
  3. I-Ride Bus Shelter: The City Commission will consider the recommendation of the CBD TIFA and PSD boards to keep the I-Ride bus shelter at its current location at the intersection of Main and Broadway streets.
  4. Pedestrian Lighting Project: Based on updated cost allocations, the City Commission will consider prioritizing Broadway Street from Maxwell to Bradley for the pedestrian lighting project in 2018, and postpone May, Clayton and Gaylord streets to a future year.
  5. Passport Grant for Island Park Amphitheater Project: In April of 2017 the City Commission approved an application to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Recreation Passport Grant Program for the construction of a community amphitheater at Island Park. The project was proposed by Taylor Idema, a student at Mt. Pleasant High School. The state selected the amphitheater project and has awarded the City of Mt. Pleasant $75,000 towards its completion. In order to receive the grant funds, the City is required to adopt a resolution and have the Mayor and City Clerk sign the Project Agreement accepting the grant.

To see the full City Commission agenda and packet for March 26, 2018, click here.

Mt. Pleasant City Commission meetings are held at City Hall on the second and fourth Monday of every month. Meetings begin at 7 p.m.

5 things to watch at the next City Commission meeting

Here are five things to watch at the Jan. 22 City Commission meeting:

  1. Material collection licenses and penalties: In January 2017, the City Commission approved ordinance changes that restricted the hours of operation for refuse collection in certain zones, as well as provided penalties and allowed for an exception process. As part of the approval, a one-year sunset clause was added to the ordinance. Since then, the changes have had the desired positive impacts on the adjacent residential neighborhoods. The sunset clause must be removed in order for the law to remain in effect. The City Commission will hold a public hearing on the removal of the sunset clause and consider its approval.
  2. Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) bottles: A sole source purchase for 44 SCBA bottles will be considered.  This purchase will replace the carbon fiber bottles used by the fire department, which have a March 2018 expiration date, with new aluminum bottles that do not have expiration dates.
  3. Tree trimming and removal: A bid recommendation for F & K Tree Services to complete the necessary tree trimming and removals within City Right-of-ways during 2018 will be considered.
  4. Proposed character-based zoning code and map: The City Commission will consider the approval of the proposed zoning ordinance and related zoning map. To see more information about the draft character-based zoning code, click here.
  5. Patrol vehicle camera systems: Several years ago, the City purchased and installed cameras in the Police Department’s patrol vehicles. Central Michigan University Police Department (CMUPD) was using the same equipment vendor, so the City entered into an agreement with CMUPD to share one system. As part of the agreement, the cost of future hardware replacements would be split evenly between MPPD and CMUPD. The hardware is now in need of replacement and the City Commission will consider the recommendation to approve the cost of the shared purchase.

 

To see the full City Commission agenda and packet for Jan. 22, 2018, click here.

Mt. Pleasant City Commission meetings are held at City Hall on the second and fourth Monday of every month. Meetings begin at 7 p.m.

5 things to watch at the next City Commission meeting

Here are five things to watch at the Jan. 8 City Commission meeting:

  1. Oath of Office Administration and Mayor/Vice Mayor Election: As the meeting begins, City Clerk Jeremy Howard will administer the oath of office to newly-elected members William Joseph and Kristin LaLonde. The City Commission will then conduct an election of the mayor and vice mayor.
  2. Material Collection Licenses and Penalties: In January 2017, the City Commission approved ordinance changes that restricted the hours of operation for refuse collection in certain zones, as well as provided penalties and allowed for an exception process. As part of the approval, a one-year sunset clause was added to the ordinance. Since then, the changes have had the desired positive impacts on the adjacent residential neighborhoods. The sunset clause must be removed in order for the law to remain in effect. The City Commission will consider setting a public hearing on the removal of the sunset clause for Jan. 22, 2018
  3. Temporary Traffic Control Order: An “Electric Vehicle Only” sign was placed at the electric car charging station parking space in Lot #2 (Jockey Alley) 90 days ago as a temporary traffic control order. With no comments received during the 90-day time period, the City Commission will consider the approving the order as final.
  4. Reimbursement of Airport Tree Abatement Project Costs: In 2017 the City Commission approved contracts related to the approach slope clearing project for the Mt. Pleasant Municipal Airport. The next step in the process is to approve the grant agreement with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to fund 95 percent of these costs. The City Commission will consider the resolution authorizing the mayor to sign the agreement.
  5. Michigan Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act (MMMFLA): The City Commission will consider directing City Attorney and City staff to begin drafting ordinance to opt-in to the Michigan Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act (MMMFLA).

To see the full City Commission agenda and packet for Jan. 8, 2018, click here.

Mt. Pleasant City Commission meetings are held at City Hall on the second and fourth Monday of every month. Meetings begin at 7 p.m.

City to hold third Citizens’ Academy of Mt. Pleasant; now accepting applications

The third Citizens’ Academy of Mt. Pleasant (CAMP) is now accepting applications.

Presented by the City of Mt. Pleasant, the academy is designed to engage members of the community motivated to expand their knowledge of the structure and functions of the local government.

Participants will attend seven three-hour sessions over seven weeks beginning on Tuesday, Feb.  20.  Each session will offer an in-depth look at the fundamentals of the City’s administration and budget; public works and utilities; parks and recreation; public safety; and community development. Additional topics covered include the basics of local government, elections and more. Graduates of the academy will be honored at a City Commission meeting following the completion of the program.

The Citizens’ Academy is open to anyone living, working or attending school in the City.

“Citizens’ Academy is the best way to learn who, what, where, why and how behind the operations of our local government,” said Mt. Pleasant City Planner Jacob Kain. “Past participants have indicated that the program is not only fun, but has also increased their level of knowledge about the City.”

Registration for the academy is free and space is limited. CAMP sessions will occur on the following Tuesdays:

  • Feb. 20
  • Feb. 27
  • Mar. 13
  • Mar. 20
  • Apr. 3
  • Apr. 10
  • Apr. 17

Recognition of the program participants will take place at the April 23 City Commission meeting.

Applications are accepted until all spaces are filled. Applications are available at City Hall and online. Find the application and learn more at www.mt-pleasant.org/citizensacademy.

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