Summary of minutes of the City Commission meeting held July 8, 2019

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, July 8, 2019 at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room.

Director Lauria introduced and swore in new Mt. Pleasant Police Officer Shane Waskevich.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held June 24, 2019.

2) Bid of Bell Equipment of Lake Orion, MI for a municipal tractor and snow plow with a budget amendment.

3) Appoint IT Director/Assistant Finance Director Chris Saladine as Employer Delegate to represent the City of Mt. Pleasant at the MERS annual meeting.

4) Warrants and Payrolls.

Held a public hearing and approved Resolution #5 to confirm the special assessment roll and set payment terms for Special Assessment #2-19 as presented.

Directed staff to bring back information to the Commission on market comps and market sales used to determine the assessors report regarding assessed values.

Held a public hearing and approved the resolution regarding the application by Gursky Limited, LLC for a CDBG RLF application.

Approved Amendment #3 to the Purchase and Development Agreement with Michigan Community Capital for 410 W. Broadway.

Approved and conducted a closed session pursuant to subsection 8(h) of the Open Meetings Act to consider material exempt from discussion or disclosure by state or federal statute.

Conducted a work session discussion on recreational marijuana.

Adjourned at 10:26 p.m.

Three Mt. Pleasant Police Officers Promoted to Sergeant

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department (MPPD) is proud to announce the promotion of three officers to the rank of Sergeant. Director Paul Lauria shared, “The MPPD is fortunate to have officers who devote their entire law enforcement career to our department. This wealth of experience enables us to promote quality law enforcement professionals into supervisory roles resulting in seamless transitions despite the retirement of experienced Sergeants such as Sarah Cuthbertson, Dan Gaffka and Cary Murch.” Captain Andy Latham added, “We are grateful for the service these three retiring sergeants have given to our department. The impact made on their shifts is noticeable with these recent promotions.”

Officer Dave VanDyke, has been with the department for 22 years and has recently served as the Public Information Officer (PIO) where he interfaces with the community and media. In addition to his PIO duties, Dave is an assistant team leader on the Emergency Services Team, and has been a member of that team for 19 years. Dave will begin his role as Sergeant on June 23 due to Sergeant Sarah Cuthbertson recently retiring after 26 years of service to the MPPD. Dave Vandyke will be following in the footsteps of his father, Wayne VanDyke who retired from MPPD as a Sergeant.

Officer Dale Hawks has served the MPPD for 23 years. Dale was one of the first officers assigned to YSU when that unit formed and he laid the groundwork for the Unit’s success. Dale served as President of POAM for several years. Officer Hawks will take on the Sergeant’s role July 21 due to the retirement of Sergeant Dan Gaffka who has been with the department for 27 years.

Officer Brandon Bliss, has been with the department for 11 years and has recently served as the Youth Services Unit Officer. Brandon has been responsible for all Youth Services Unit activities which include the Coneys for a Cause fundraiser and the Youth Police Academy, as well as being the onsite officer for Mt. Pleasant Public Schools. Brandon is the current Police Officers Association of Michigan (POAM) President. Officer Bliss will begin his new role this fall due to the retirement of Sergeant Cary Murch who has served the MPPD for 25 years.

Accepting Applications for 19th Annual Youth Services Academy

The 19^th Annual Youth Services Academy is scheduled for July 8 – 25, 2019 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. This free program offers youth, grades 6-8, who have an interest in law enforcement, an up close view of the skills and necessary training needed for law enforcement officials.

Mt. Pleasant Police Officers conduct the academy in the manner of a real police academy, with values such as teamwork, integrity and discipline being stressed. Cadets are required to participate in physical training and complete the same agility testing given to recruits during a standard police academy. In addition to physical training, the daily curriculum includes hands-on learning and demonstrations by specialized units, such as the SWAT Team, K-9 and DNR. Classroom topics encompass crime scene investigations, traffic stops, marine patrol activities, defensive driving techniques, firearms safety and much more.

Applications are now available at the Department of Public Safety. The application deadline is June 17, 2019.

Funds for the Youth Services Academy are provided in part by the Kellogg Youth Fund and the Morning Sun Community Fund of the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation.

Coneys for a Cause scheduled for June 12

The community is invited to enjoy $1.19 coney dogs while helping the youth of Isabella County at the 14^th annual Coneys for a Cause from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12 at the Pixie Restaurant (302 N. Mission Street). All net proceeds will benefit the Mt. Pleasant Police Youth Services Unit (YSU) and Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region.

Customers can purchase individual coney dogs for $1.19 at the restaurant, or they can pre-order to have the coney dogs delivered by a YSU officer, or a representative of Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Delivery pre-orders must total $18 or more. Pre-orders will be taken until 3 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11 and must be emailed to ysu@mt-pleasant.org. Order forms can be found at www.mt-pleasant.org, under Quick Links.

The day will also feature the annual “Pixie Pig Out” contest at 7 p.m. Stop by to cheer on local law enforcement officers as they compete to consume the most coney dogs.

Mt. Pleasant Police Department Hosting Self Defense Tactics Class

Mt. Pleasant Mich. – The Mt. Pleasant Police Department is offering a free self-defense tactics class on Saturday, June 29 from 9 a.m. – 12 noon in the Public Safety Building’s Training Room, 804 E. High Street. This course, led by the Mt. Pleasant Police Department’s defensive tactics instructors, is designed specifically for women and will cover the many aspects of self-defense.

Participants must be 18 years old or older; or accompanied by an adult if under 18. To register, email Christy Dush at cdush@mt-pleasant.org or call (989) 779-5148. Deadline to register is June 21, 2019.

This class has a maximum capacity of 30 people.

Division of Public Safety Video Reveal and Department Highlights

The Mt. Pleasant Police and Fire Departments are committed to serving with pride, integrity and compassion as highlighted in this video produced by Drone the News. Click on the link below to view the video.

Division of Public Safety Video

In addition to responding to more than 25,000 service calls, and completing more than 100 hours of training a year, the Mt. Pleasant Division of Public Safety (DPS) sponsors a variety of events and programs. Below is a snapshot of these offerings.

14^th Annual Coney’s for a Cause – June 12, 2019 from 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. Stop by the Pixie Restaurant (302 N. Mission Street) and enjoy $1.19 coney dogs while helping the Mt. Pleasant Youth Services Unit (YSU) and Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region. Pre-orders will be taken until 3 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11 and can be emailed to ysu@mt-pleasant.org. Order forms can be found at www.mt-pleasant.org. YSU officers will deliver pre-orders of $18 or more.

Vacation Security Checks – The Mt. Pleasant Police Department will check your house while you are away on vacation. Those individuals interested in this no fee service should fill out the Vacation/Security Check Application and submit it to the Police Department.

Prescription Drug Drop Off – The Mt. Pleasant Department of Public Safety offers a Prescription Drug Drop Box for the City of Mt. Pleasant and surrounding area. A secure mail slot is located in the Mt. Pleasant Department of Public Safety lobby located at 804 E. High Street. Individuals can walk in and anonymously deposit unused or expired prescription medications twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

Neighborhood Resource Unit – This unit, housed within the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department, investigates new community-oriented programs, revamps existing programs, and works closely with neighborhood associations to assure neighborhoods remain desirable.

Annual Free Smoke Alarm Campaign – To help reduce the number of home fire-related injuries and fatalities, the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department, partners with the American Red Cross for their annual free smoke alarm installation drive.

Home invasion and burglary arrest made

On April 27, 2019 at approximately 10:41 a.m., officers from the Mt. Pleasant Police Department (MPPD) were dispatched to a residence in the 900 block of Appian Way for a home invasion in progress.

MPPD officers made contact with a 32-year-old victim and a 25-year-old witness. The 25-year-old witness observed several people running out of his neighbor’s apartment and getting into a red minivan. The witness stated the subjects appeared to be “in a hurry,” and he felt the situation was very strange. The witness was able to provide officers with the license plate to the red minivan.

The victim, was home but asleep at the time of the burglary, and was awaken by noises inside the apartment. When the victim exited his apartment, he was informed by the witness on what had occurred.

The victim stated he returned to his apartment and discovered the subject(s) had taken his television, Xbox gaming system, other games and controllers. Property was valued at approximately $1,400.

Officers from the MPPD proceeded to canvass the area for the red minivan which was later located at the Millennium Pawn Shop, just outside the city limits.

Three females from Flint; ages 31, 22, and 14 were taken into custody. A 46-year-old male from Flint was also arrested.

Statements from the suspects indicated one of the females met a subject on Facebook who claimed to have won $2,000 dollars at the casino. The plan was to drive to Mt. Pleasant and rob the subject.

The address given to the suspects was incorrect. However, once inside the residence the suspects decided to take several items and flee.

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department was assisted by the Isabella County Sheriff’s Department.

UPDATE 2/7/2019: “The Store” Robbery

Mt. Pleasant, Mich., – On January 22, 2019 at approximately 12:36 a.m. “The Store” located at 2128 S. Mission Street in the City of Mt. Pleasant was the victim of a robbery.

The suspect, a black male, believed to be in his late 20’s, entered “The Store” and engaged in a conversation with the lone clerk.

The suspect suddenly jumped over the counter knocking the cash register to the floor and verbally threatened the clerk as he removed an undetermined amount of cash from the register. The suspect then threatened the clerk with a bottle before fleeing the store in an unknown direction.

Using various investigative tools, Mt. Pleasant Police Detectives were able to identify the suspect and on February 5, 2019 obtained an arrest warrant for Leonardo Bernard Parker III.

Parker was believed to be traveling between Mt. Pleasant and Saginaw on a regular basis.

Mt. Pleasant Detectives worked closely with surrounding law enforcement agencies surveilling several locations in both Mt. Pleasant and Saginaw.

Parker was located in Saginaw and arrested on the robbery warrant. Parker was transported from Saginaw to the Isabella County Jail where he is currently lodged.

Parker is scheduled for arraignment later this afternoon (02/07/19).

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department was assisted by the Isabella County Sheriff Department, Michigan State Police, Michigan State Police Tech. Services, Saginaw Township Police, and the Bay Area Narcotic Enforcement Team.

Video from the robbery can be viewed at www.facebook.com/mtppublicsafety/

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Wayside Bar Assault – Request for public assistance in identifying person of interest

Mt. Pleasant, MI – The Mt. Pleasant Police Department (MPPD) is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying a person of interest in an assault case.

On February 2, 2019 the MPPD received information of an assault which occurred at 2000 S. Mission Street. (The Wayside Bar).

The victim in this complaint reported being assaulted inside The Wayside Bar between the hours of 12:30 a.m. and 1:00 a.m. on February 2, 2019.

After viewing surveillance video from inside the bar, Mt. Pleasant Police Officers determined the person of interest is a white male, medium build with short dark hair, between the ages of 18 and 24.

There is no safety risk to the public and no further details of the assault will be released at this time.

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department is requesting anyone who can help identify the subject in the attached photographs to please call the Anonymous TIP Line at (989) 779-9111.

Robbery at “The Store” in the City of Mt. Pleasant, MI

On January 22, 2019 at approximately 12:36 a.m. “The Store” located at 2128 S. Mission Street in the city of Mt. Pleasant was the victim of a robbery.

A black male, believed to be in his late 20’s, entered The Store and engaged in a conversation with the lone clerk.

The suspect suddenly jumped over the counter knocking the cash register to the floor. The suspect verbally threatened the clerk as he removed an undetermined amount of cash from the register.

The suspect then threatened the clerk with a bottle before fleeing the store in an unknown direction.

This incident was reported to the Mt. Pleasant Police at approximately 1:00 p.m. on January 22, 2019.

The suspect is described as a black male in his late 20’s, over 6’ tall, with a thin beard. The suspect was last seen wearing a black hat with the #1 or #7 on the front, a black and gray hooded sweatshirt, dark gray “Nike” sweat pants, and gray and red basketball shoes.

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department is asking anyone with information about this incident, or the identity of the subject, to call the Anonymous Tip Line at 989-779-9111.

Surveillance video from the robbery can be viewed at facebook.com/mtppublicsafety

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