Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – February 27, 2023

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, February 27, 2023, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Public Works Director Jason Moore gave a presentation on DWSRF.

Approved the Agenda as presented.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

2) Minutes of the special meeting of the City Commission held February 6, 2023.

3) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held February 13, 2023.

4) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held February 13, 2023.

5) Re-appointed Corey Friedrich as the representative of the Planning Commission to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

6) Bid of Central Asphalt, Inc. of Mt. Pleasant, MI for the 2023 Thin Overlay Project.

7) Bid of M & M Pavement Marking of Grand Blanc, MI for the 2023 Pavement Marking Project as well as a budget amendment.

8) Acceptance of $75,000 from the MSHDA for a neighborhood enhancement grant, authorized the Mayor to execute the necessary documents, approved program guidelines and allocation of additional funds.

9) Purchase of AMI-equipped residential water meters from Metron-Farnier, LLC of Boulder, CO.

10) Amended the Professional Services Contract with Fishbeck Engineering of Grand Rapids, MI as part of the DWSRF program application and budget amendment.

11) Contract extension with The Mannik Smith Group of Canton, MI for Professional Environmental Consulting Services and Groundwater Analysis.

12) Warrants and payrolls.

Approved contract with F & M Concrete of Dimondale, MI for the 2023 Sidewalk Project to include the base bid and bid alternate and approved a budget amendment.

Approved budget amendments for projects carried forward from 2022.

Held a work session discussion on Downtown parking.

Adjourned the meeting at 8:14 p.m.

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.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – January 23, 2023

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, January 23, 2023, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Interim Fire Chief Doug Lobsinger introduced Code Enforcement Officer Michael Lopez.

City Manager Desentz provided a review of the 2022 Goals and Objectives.

Item #15b – Hazard Mitigation Plan Adoption Resolution was added to the Consent Calendar; and Item #20 – Consider closed session pursuant to subsection 8(1)(h) of the Open Meetings Act to discuss a written confidential legal opinion with the City Attorney was removed from the Agenda.

Approved the Agenda.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

8) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held January 9, 2023.

9) Resolution in support of final approval of TCO #1-2023.

10) Resolution in support of final approval of TCO #2-2023.

11) Received request to create an OPRA District to include the Mission-Pickard DDA boundary and set a public hearing for February 13, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.

12) Received proposed ordinance to amend Chapter 116 Subsection 03(B)(12) of Title XI of the City’s Code of Ordinances entitled “Electric Scooters/Skateboards” and set a public hearing for February 13, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.

13) Set a special meeting for discussion on goals and objectives for February 6, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at the Public Safety Bldg., 804 E. High St.

14) Set a special meeting for follow-up discussion on goals and objectives for March 6, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at the Public Safety Bldg., 804 E. High St.

15) Warrants and Payrolls.

15b) Resolution adopting the Isabella County Hazard Mitigation Plan.

Approved the updated guidelines/criteria for Neighborhood Enhancement Grants as part of the MSHDA and increased the project cap to $11,000; waived the requirement for 25% homeowner match on the projects, and issue refunds to those that paid the 25% match to ensure fair treatment among participants in Round 6.

Made appointments of City administrative officials to boards and commissions.

Made appointments of City Commissioners to boards and commissions.

Made appointments of City Commissioners to City standing and special committees.

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.

Conducted a Work Session discussion regarding the International Property Management Code.

Adjourned the meeting at 8:40 p.m.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 11/28/2022

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, November 28, 2022, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

8) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held November 14, 2022.

9) Purchase of 2023 model Caterpillar backhoe from Michigan CAT.

10) Bid of RBS of Grand Rapids, MI for 2023-2025 Custodial Services.

11) Purchase of a police administration replacement vehicle as part of the Krapohl Buy Back Program.

12) Authorized the purchase of 3 Lucas devices from Stryker Medical of Chicago, IL.

13) Authorized the Mayor to sign a letter of support for MSHDA NEP application.

14) Budget amendment to purchase water treatment chemicals.

15) Warrants and Payrolls.

Held a public hearing and approved DDA License for China Master at their 1216 South Mission St. location.

Approved the final 2023 Annual Operating Budget as presented.

Adopted Resolution amending rates, fees and charges for sewer and water demand effective January 1, 2023.

Reappointments to various boards and commissions as recommended by the Appointments Committee.

Held a Work Session on Property Maintenance Code.

Held a Work Session on MML Annual Convention learning.

Adjourned at 8:12 p.m.

Summary of Minutes from the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – May 23, 2022

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, May 23, 2022, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Item #15 “Board and Commission Appointments as recommended by the Appointments Committee” was added to the agenda under New Business.

Approved the Agenda with the addition of Item #15.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

5) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held May 9, 2022.

6) Bid of Krapohl Ford of Mt. Pleasant, MI for the purchase of two Utility Vehicles.

7) Resolution in support of pedicab business licensing fees.

8) Renewal of Facility Agreement with Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan for cabin located in Chipp-A-Waters Park.

10) Budget amendment from carryover funds for groundskeeping and signage for the downtown parking lots.

11) Acceptance of $40,000 from the MSHDA for a neighborhood enhancement grant; authorized the Mayor to execute the necessary documents and allocated an additional $30,000 from the HODAG funds.

12) Warrants and Payrolls.

Held a public hearing on the proposed 2023-2028 CIP. No action required at this time.

Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1081, an Ordinance to amend §154.410.B.4. of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances to reference numeric limits for adult-use marihuana establishments and medical marihuana facilities.

Held a public hearing on Phase II Project Plan for upgrades at the Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) and approved Resolution adopting a final project plan for water and wastewater system improvements and designated an authorized project representative for the CWSRF application.

Made appointments to the Planning Commission and the Parks and Recreation Commission as recommended by the Appointments Committee.

Adjourned the meeting at 8:09 p.m.

Topics to Watch at the Hybrid Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – May 23, 2022

Here are the topics to watch at the next in-person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, May 23, 2022 at 7 p.m.

  • Consider resolution in support of recommended pedicab business licensing fees.
  • Consider acceptance of $40,000 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.
  • Public hearing on proposed 2023-2028 Capital Improvement Plan.
  • Public hearing on an ordinance to amend section 154.410.B.4. of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances to reference numeric limits for recreational marihuana establishments and medical marihuana facilities and consider approval of the same.
  • Public hearing on Phase II Project Plan for upgrades at the Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) and consider resolution adopting a final project plan for water and wastewater system improvements and designating an authorized project representative for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) application.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

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.

To participate via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81490009639?pwd=S3ZrYzNkUkFqbGp0Qk5CQ0RYYkJxZz09

Meeting ID: 814 9000 9639

Passcode: 185618

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.

City Receives Grant and High Achiever Bonus Funds for Home Exterior Improvements

In 2021, the city had $100,000 available for home exterior improvement projects. Of this sum, $60,000 was provided by the city and $30,000 was funded by a Michigan State Housing Development (MSHDA) grant.  Due to the city’s previous success with this program, a ‘high achiever’ bonus of $10,000 was also awarded by MSHDA so additional projects could be completed. 

Since the program’s inception in 2020, ten household improvement projects have been completed. Six in the city’s west side neighborhood bordered by the Chippewa River, Pickard Street, High Street/M-20 and the western city limits, and four in other areas of the city. An additional 2-3 projects are expected to be added due to the high-achiever bonus. Finished projects include roof repairs, porch and deck replacements, as well as window and door installations.

Before
After

City of Mt. Pleasant offering home exterior improvement funding for second year

The City of Mt. Pleasant currently has $90,000 available for home exterior improvement projects. $60,000 is available to owner-occupied homes located in the city’s West Side Neighborhood which is bordered by the Chippewa River, Pickard Street, High Street/M-20 and the western city limits. The remaining $30,000 is available to all other neighborhoods located within the city limits.

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) recently awarded the City of Mt. Pleasant a grant totaling $30,000 to specifically assist homeowners in the city’s West Side Neighborhood. MSHDA provides financial and technical assistance through public and private partnerships to create and preserve safe and decent affordable housing, engage in community economic development activities, develop vibrant cities, towns and villages, and address homeless issues. The remaining $60,000 of funding is being provided by the City of Mt. Pleasant.

Selection criteria includes:

  • 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 2020 are not eligible.
  • Minimum funding for a project is $1,000. 
  • Maximum funding with no monetary contribution by owner is $7,499.
  • Maximum funding of $10,000 with 25% of monetary contribution by owner above $7500.

Deadline to apply is May 19, 2021.  Grant funding applications can be found at www.mt-pleasant.org/neighborhoods

Summary of minutes of the virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting – March 22, 2021

Summary of Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, March 22, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Minutes of the Special meetings of the City Commission held Tuesday, March 2, 2021 and Thursday, March 4, 2021.

2) Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held March 8, 2021.

3) Authorized the purchase of two police patrol vehicles from Krapohl Ford.

4) Bid of The Isabella Corporation of Mt. Pleasant, MI for the 2021 Gaylord Street Reconstruction project and approved a budget amendment for the same.

5) Bid of K & B Asphalt Sealcoating, Inc. of Adrian, MI for the Crack Sealing Project.

6) Bid of The Isabella Corporation of Mt. Pleasant, MI for the 2021 Sidewalk Project and the appropriate budget amendment.

7) Authorized an advanced commitment of 500 tons of road salt for 2022 through the State of Michigan MiDeal Purchasing Program.

8) Received recommended rezoning request from CD-3 (Sub Urban) to CD-4 (General Urban) for 1024 & 1026 S. University and consider setting a public hearing for Monday, April 12, 2021.

9) Received recommended text change to Table 154.410.A to permit music, art and dance studios in the SD-1 District and consider setting a public hearing for Monday, April 12, 2021.

10) Warrants and Payrolls.

Held a Public Hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1065, an Ordinance to amend Chapter 154: ZONING ORDINANCES, §154.203.F Residential/Dwelling Use Only and §154.410.B Special Uses and Table 154.410.A Building and Lot Principal Use of the Mt. Pleasant City Code of Ordinances to permit residential/dwelling uses under certain circumstances as presented.

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

Rescinded the October 2015 Fair Housing Policy for the Central Business District since the Human Rights Ordinance provides appropriate guidance.

Approved the Economic Opportunity Policy for Section 3 covered contracts as presented. (CC Exh. 2-2021)

Approved the resolution defining slum and blighted areas for CDBG activities as presented.

Authorized the Mayor to sign the Agreement for Annexation and Detachment of Property with Charter Township of Union as presented.

Authorized the Mayor to sign the appropriate MSHDA documents for the acceptance of the $30,000 Neighborhood Enhancement Program Grant, approved the allocation of $60,000 of HODAG Funds and endorsed the program parameters as presented.

Approved the resolution extending conditional authorization for MI Operations LLC Medical Marihuana Class A grower license at 1110 N. Fancher as presented.

The Commission recessed at 8:11 p.m. and went into a work session at 8:15 p.m.

Conducted a Work Session discussion on Closure ideas for Broadway Street from Main to University.

Adjourned the meeting at 8:39 p.m.

City of Mt. Pleasant offering home exterior improvement funding

The City of Mt. Pleasant currently has $90,000 available for home exterior improvement projects. $60,000 is available to owner-occupied homes located in the city’s West Side Neighborhood which is bordered by the Chippewa River, Pickard Street, High Street/M-20 and the western city limits. The remaining $30,000 is available to all other neighborhoods located within the city limits.

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) recently awarded the City of Mt. Pleasant a grant totaling $30,000 to specifically assist homeowners in the city’s West Side Neighborhood. MSHDA provides financial and technical assistance through public and private partnerships to create and preserve safe and decent affordable housing, engage in community economic development activities, develop vibrant cities, towns and villages, and address homeless issues.  The remaining $60,000 of funding is being provided by the City of Mt. Pleasant.

Selection criteria includes:

  • 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.

Minimum funding for a project is $1,000.  Deadline to apply is August 15, 2020.  Grant funding applications can be found at www.mt-pleasant.org/neighborhoods.