5 Things to watch at the next City Commission meeting

Here are the five things to watch at the August 27, 2018 City Commission meeting.

To see the full City Commission agenda and packet for August 27, 2018 click here.

Consider approval of amended Sanitary Sewer House Lead Reconnection Policy.
Introduce an ordinance to repeal Chapter 53 Section 53.01-Storm Sewer District No. 1 of the Mt. Pleasant Code of Ordinances, in its entirety and set a public hearing for September 10, 2018 on the same.
Consider confirmation of sale of land in Industrial Park South by the Economic Development Corporation (EDC).
Consider approval of 2019 downtown budget request for 2019 Back to the Bricks Promo Tour.
Consider closed session pursuant to subsection 8(h) of the Open Meetings Act for material exempt from discussion or disclosure by state or federal statue.

5 things to watch at the next City Commission meeting

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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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:

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.
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.
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.
Capital Improvement Plan: Assistant Finance Director Chris Saladine will give a presentation on the proposed 2019-2023 Capital Improvement Plan. See the plan here.
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:

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.
2017 Annual Report: The City Commission will receive the 2017 Annual Report. See the report here.
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.
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.
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.

Summary of the March 26 City Commission meeting

See the video of the March 26 City Commission meeting here.

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, March 26, 2018, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room.

1. Mayor Lents read and presented a Proclamation recognizing National Barbershop Quartet Day, April 11, 2018. Four members of the local Barbershop Quartet sang.

2. City Assessor Chris Coucke gave a department presentation.

3. Received petitions and communications.

4. Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held March 12, 2018
Bid of Peerless Midwest of Ionia, MI for Well #16 rehabilitation and the appropriate budget amendment
Bid of Malley Construction of Mt. Pleasant, MI for 2018 local streets reconstruction project
Bid of Bay Landscaping of Essexville, MI for 2018 Spring Tree project
Recreation Budget amendments for replacement of flood damaged supplies
Budget amendments from the building reserve accounts to fund security upgrades to City buildings as presented
Resolution to accept $75,000 from the MDNR for the Island Park Amphitheater Project Recreation Passport Grant and authorize the Mayor and Clerk to sign the project agreement
Warrants and Payrolls

5. Held a public hearing and postponed the final decision on resolution #5 for approval of the roll and setting of payment terms for the Special Assessment District 1-18.

6. Supported TIFA/PSD Board recommendation to retain the bus shelter at the Main and Broadway Streets location.

7. Prioritized Broadway Street from Maxwell to Bradley for the pedestrian lighting project in 2018 and postponed May, Clayton and Gaylord Streets to a future year.

8. Postponed action on Item 1 to purchasing policy revisions.

9. Approved changes to the purchasing policy as outlined in Item 3 to expand equipment disposal options to include any auction advertised and available to the general public.

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

11. Appointments to various City Boards and commissions as recommended by the Appointments Committee.

12. The Commission conducted a work session discussion on 2019 goals.

13. Adjourned at 8:50 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:

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Summary of the Feb. 26 City Commission meeting

The video of the Feb. 26 City Commission meeting is available here.

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday,
February 26, 2018, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room.

1. Director Mrdeza presented Parks & Public Spaces Director Bundy with the Parks Resource Leadership Award.

2. Assistant Fire Chief Dunham gave a presentation on the City’s Neighborhood Resource
Unit (NRU).

3. Received petitions and communications.

4. Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held February 12, 2018
Minutes of the special meeting of the City Commission held February 13, 2018
Bid of Spartan Distributors of Sparta, MI for the purchase of a Toro Groundmaster 7200 Mower and appropriate budget amendment
Bid of Krapohl Ford of Mt. Pleasant, MI for the purchase of a Ford F-350 cab and chassis
Resolution in support of MDOT Contract 2018-0227 for Replacement of AWOS Ceilometer and budget amendment
Budget amendments from the assigned fund balance of the PSD Board
Warrants and Payrolls.

5. Received proposed amendment to Title XV, Chapter 150, §150.02 of the Mount Pleasant City Code regarding private swimming pools and set a public hearing for March 12, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. on same.

6. Approved the adoption of Resolution Nos. 1 and 2 to commence the proceedings for
Special Assessment District 1-18.

7. Approved the adoption of the Resolution to approve the Fifth Amendment to the Central Business District Improvements Development Plan and Tax Increment Financing Plan proposed by the City of Mt. Pleasant Tax Increment Financing Authority and to provide for the collection of tax increment revenues as presented. (CC Exh. 2-2018)
Appointed Tim Driessnack to City/CMU Student Liaison Committee.

8. Held a work session to discuss a potential property maintenance/blight ordinance.

9. Adjourned at 9:17 p.m.

Special Meeting – Feb. 27, 2018

A special meeting of the City Commission was held Monday, February 27, 2018, at 9:02
a.m., at Veterans Memorial Library, 301 S. University Ave., Mt. Pleasant. to discuss goal
setting. The meeting adjourned at 3:52 p.m.