Topics to Watch at the Virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – October 11, 2021

Here are the topics to watch at the next virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, October 11, 2021 at 7 p.m.

Public hearing on special assessment roll for Special Assessment District #1-2021 regarding pedestrian lighting and consider approval of Resolution #5 for approval of the roll and setting of payment terms for the Special Assessment District.

Receive amended Industrial Facilities Tax abatement application from MAC LTT and set public hearing for October 25, 2021 on the same.

Consider approval of startup funds for the Mid-Michigan Aquatic Recreational Authority and budget amendment for the same.

Consider budget reallocation for mental health services assistance.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/board/city.commission/agendas/2021/10-11-21_Agenda.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/86043997255?pwd=OVlWdGtFUVNCZnZqOEdiZ2NUcFl3QT09

Meeting ID: 860 4399 7255

Passcode: 501059

Phone dial-in: (929) 205-6099

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 – 9/27/2021

Summary of Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, September 27, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.

Mayor Joseph read a proclamation recognizing October 10, 2021 as Bowlers Hall of Fame Day.

Public Safety Director Paul Lauria introduced and swore in Mt. Pleasant Police Officer Brandon Crawford.

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 September 13, 2021 with corrections to recess of closed session and comment of Commissioner Tolas.

2) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held September 13, 2021.

3) Bid of Greenscene Landscaping of Mt. Pleasant, MI for Downtown Sidewalk Snow Removal 2021-2022 snow season.

4) Authorized the Mayor and Clerk to sign the contract with Consumers Energy for the Water Treatment Plant rate change as presented.

5) Accepted ownership of three properties designated on the quit claim deed from the Economic Development Corporation as presented.

6) Authorized the Mayor to sign the three-year contract extension for third party administration (TPA) with Trustmark.

7) Approved Resolution Extending Conditional Approval of a recreational marihuana microbusiness for Rio’s Happy Tree, LLC.

8) Warrants and Payrolls.

Held a public hearing and approved the Industrial Pretreatment Program (PPI) including Ordinance 1074, an Ordinance to amend Chapter 51: SEWERS of the Mt. Pleasant Code of Ordinances.

Approved Resolution to set fees related to the Industrial Pretreatment Program (PPI).

Approved amended Capital Project Special Assessment Policy.

Approved resolutions #3 and #4 for Special Assessment District #1-21 regarding pedestrian lighting and set a public hearing for October 11, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. on same.

Commissioners each identified their top 5 priorities for Fall 2021 Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe 2% funding requests from City Departments.

Authorized the Mayor and Clerk to sign the purchase agreement with Pat Jarman for land in Industrial Park South.

Held a work session discussion on report from Ad Hoc Committee regarding local businesses.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:03 p.m.

City Manager Interviews Scheduled for August 21

The City of Mt. Pleasant will be conducting public interviews for the City Manager position on Saturday, August 21, 2021 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the Commission Chambers at City Hall (320 W. Broadway Street). These interviews will not be live streamed, but recorded and available for viewing on the City’s YouTube channel.

COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed. Therefore, seating will be limited due to social distancing, and face masks must be worn per guidance from federal, state and local health departments.

The following candidates will be interviewed:

Justin Lakamper, Chief Administrative Officer, Village of Edmore, Michigan
John Hanifan, City Manager, City of Chelsea, Michigan
Susan Montenegro, City Manager, City of Leslie, Michigan
Aaron Desentz, City Manager, Eaton Rapids, Michigan

As a result of current City Manager Nancy Ridley’s scheduled retirement in October, the City Commission hired Walsh Municipal Services to conduct the City Manager recruitment process. Out of 63 applications received, 10 candidates were presented to the City Commission for review. The City Commission selected four candidates to interview.

The City Commission will determine which candidate will move forward in the hiring process at their regularly scheduled virtual commission meeting, slated for 7 p.m. on Monday, August 23, 2021. As with all virtual City Commission meetings, citizens can watch this meeting live on Spectrum Charter Channel 188, web streamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/MtPleasantMi/ or via Zoom.

Current City Manager Nancy Ridley, announced her plans to retire in April 2021. She has been employed with the City for 24 years.

Summary of Minutes of the Virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 8/9/2021

Summary of Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, August 9, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.

Item #18: “Consider action to be taken regarding Charter Amendment Ballot Language to Change the Term of Office for Commission Members.” was added to the agenda without objection.

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 August 26, 2021.

2) Bid of R&T Murphy of Mt. Pleasant, MI for 2021-2022 leaf hauling and 2021-2023 snow hauling.

3) Bid of Topcon Solutions Store of Niles, MI for the purchase of the robotic total station and approve a budget amendment.

4) Approved contract with Fishbeck of Grand Rapids, MI for design and construction engineering for WRRF upgrades and the appropriate budget amendment.

5) Received proposed ordinance to amend Chapter 97: Parks and Recreation and set a public hearing for Monday, August 23, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. on same.

6) Approved Resolutions #1 and #2 to commence proceedings for pedestrian lighting Special Assessment 1-2021, and set public hearing for August 23, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.

7) Approved Resolutions #1 and #2 to commence proceedings for PSD Special Assessment 2-2021, and set public hearing for August 23, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.

8) Warrants and Payrolls.

Held Public Hearings and passed, ordained and ordered published:

a) Ordinance 1070, to amend Section 154.410.B.4 of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances to update special use permit conditions and requirements for two-family dwellings;

b) Ordinance 1071, to amend Section 154.410.B.4 of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances to update special use permit conditions and requirements for accessory dwelling units;

c) Ordinance 1072, to amend section 154.410.B and table 154.410.A of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances to permit multiple-family dwellings as a special use in the CD-3-character district.

Approved prepayment of the full special assessment amount for the Mission Creek Drain.

Assessment and the appropriate 2021 budget amendments as recommended.

Approved the resolution as drafted in support of final approval of Traffic Control Order 7-2021.

Approved the appropriate budget amendment to accept the donation of the Morey Foundation and award the prizes to Battle of the Local Voices winners.

Approved and conducted closed session pursuant to subsection 8(f) of the Open Meetings Act to review and consider the contents of an application for employment or appointment to public office if the candidate requests their application remain confidential.

Approved the Resolution to Rescind July 12, 2021 Resolution to Approve Charter Amendment Ballot Language to Change the Term of Office for Commission Members. (CC Exh 11-2021)

Approved City Manager Candidates #40, #49, #55, and #56 to be offered public interviews, to be conducted on August 21, 2021.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:30 p.m.

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

Summary of Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, July 26, 2021, at 7:02 p.m.

Introduced recently hired City employees; Braxton Gomez Police Officer; Alan Mosher Parks and Public Spaces I; and Philip Biscorner Director of Parks and Public Spaces.

Public Safety Director Lauria swore in Officer Braxton.

MMDC President James McBryde gave a quarterly update for the Middle Michigan Development Corporation.

Marc Griffis, Isabella County Emergency Management Director, gave a presentation on the Isabella County Central Dispatch proposition for renewal of 9-1-1 surcharge.

Latherio Agoff gave a presentation on Limitless Outdoors, a non-profit organization with the mission to give outdoor opportunities to people with disabilities. They are looking for assistance and donations for the cause. You can contact Limitless Outdoors via email or by phone, LMK1211@aol.com or (989)506-5673 or follow them on Facebook at LimitlessOutdoors Foundation.

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 July 12, 2021.

2) Contract amendment with JCI Jones Chemicals of Riverview, MI, for caustic soda.

3) Authorized the Mayor to sign the 2020-2024 Mt. Pleasant Housing Commission Environmental Review for submission.

4) Resolution approving submittal of the grant application to the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs for the 2022 Paint the Pavement project.

5) Resolution for final approval for TCO #3-2021.

6) Resolution for final approval for TCO #4-2021.

7) Warrants and Payrolls.

Approved rescinding prior City liquor license polices, adopting two new liquor license policies, and approved the application fee resolution as presented. (CC Exh. 10-2021)

Authorized the Public Safety Director to represent the City in the State of Michigan pyrotechnic display application process. Fireworks display to be a part of the 2021 Christmas Celebration (December 4, 2021).

Moved to accept the initiative petition received under the MRTMA and approved the Resolution to Approve Ballot Language as presented for the November 2, 2021 election.

Approved resolution extending conditional authorization for LowKey Properties LLC medical marihuana Class A grower license at 1110 N. Fancher as presented.

Held a Work Session discussion on Principal Shopping District (PSD) Special Assessment.

Adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Topics to Watch at the VIRTUAL Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – July 26, 2021

Here are the topics to watch at the next virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, July 26, 2021 at 7 p.m.

Consider update to Liquor License Policy and applicable fee resolution as postponed from July 12, 2021.

Consider resolution authorizing 2022 Michigan Arts Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs mini-grant submission for Paint the Intersection Project.

Consider approval of a fireworks display as part of the 2021 Christmas Celebration (December 4, 2021) and authorize the Public Safety Director to represent the City in the State of Michigan pyrotechnic display application process.

Consider resolution regarding recreational marijuana petition to increase number of retailers.

Consider resolution extending conditional approval of a Class A medical marihuana grow operation for LowKey Properties LLC.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/board/city.commission/agendas/2021/7-26-21.pdf

How to follow public meetings during social distancing:

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

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83264306022?pwd=aitZSE9mYTU2RWVndFhXbDU5a3RjQT09

Passcode: 069764

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 – 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.

City Commissioners Take Oath of Office; Mayor and Vice Mayor Elected

At tonight’s City Commission meeting, newly elected commissioners, William Joseph and Olivia Cyman were given the oath of office by Interim City Clerk Chris Saladine. Immediately following, William Joseph was elected mayor and Amy Perschbacher was elected vice mayor.

2021 City Commission:

Mary Alsagar, Commissioner malsager@mt-pleasant.org

Olivia Cyman, Commissioner ocyman@mt-pleasant.org

Lori Gillis, Commissioner lgillis@mt-pleasant.org

William Joseph, Mayor wjoseph@mt-pleasant.org

Amy Perschbacher, Vice Mayor aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org

George Ronan, Commissioner gronan@mt-pleasant.org

Petro Tolas, Commissioner ptolas@mt-pleasant.org

City Commission meetings take place at 7 p.m. on the 2^nd and 4^th Monday’s of the month.

Due to COVID-19, City Commission meetings will take place as scheduled, but they will be electronically conducted meetings as allowed by Public Act 254 of 2020, allowing public bodies to meet remotely. City Commission Chambers will be closed to the public.

Citizens can watch the City Commission meeting live on Spectrum Charter Channel 188, web streamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/MtPleasantMi/ or via Zoom. What ‘topics to watch’ and Zoom sign-in information will be posted on the City of Mt. Pleasant Facebook Page, Twitter feed and blog (mpcityblog.com) the Friday before the City Commission meeting.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – January 11, 2021

Here are the topics to watch at the next virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, January 11, 2021 at 7 p.m.

Administer Oath of Office to Commissioners Olivia Cyman and Will Joseph.

Election of Mayor and Vice Mayor

Consider Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) performance resolution for governmental agencies for the purpose of representing the City in transactions.

Consider approval of Airport Joint Operations and Management Agreement.

Consider recommendation from Principal Shopping District Board (PSD) on waiving penalties.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

Click to access 1.11.21.pdf

How to follow public meetings during social distancing:

In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, the City of Mt. Pleasant is following federal, state and county health officials’ recommendations while still providing valuable City services.

Even though the City Commission meeting will take place as scheduled, it will be an electronically conducted meeting as allowed by Public Act 254 of 2020, allowing public bodies to meet remotely. City Commission Chambers will be closed to the public.

Citizens can watch the City Commission meeting live on Spectrum Charter Channel 188, web streamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/MtPleasantMi/ or via Zoom.

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

Zoom Meeting information

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81166411379?pwd=S2NFQldFay81OThxNE1TOXByUnB0dz09

Passcode: 511483

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@mtpleasant.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.

City of Mt. Pleasant Snow Emergency and On-Street Parking Updates

The Mt. Pleasant City Commission recently passed an ordinance allowing additional on-street parking and declaration of snow emergencies. If a snow emergency is declared by City staff, on-street parking will NOT be permitted.

During a snow emergency, failure to remove vehicles from the street will result in a ticket. Towing may be utilized if ticketing has proven ineffective and/or the vehicles parked on the street cause a delay in snow removal.

Notice of when a snow emergency is declared, and later lifted, will be provided through the city’s social media channels, blog https://mpcityblog.com/, community information phone line (989-779-5320), local media notification, and an email alert.

To receive an email notification, sign up to receive the city’s monthly eConnections newsletter by visiting http://www.mt-pleasant.org/news/e-news.asp.

Other parking ordinance guidelines are as follows:

Overnight street parking is allowed throughout the City of Mt. Pleasant year-round, except for the Downtown area.
Downtown street parking is prohibited from 4 – 6 a.m. year-round.
When a snow emergency is declared, all cars must be removed from the street.