Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – February 13, 2023

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, February 13, 2023 at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Director Jason Moore introduced Water Distribution Supervisor Andy Keehbauch and Water Distribution Operator Travis McAllister.

Approved the Agenda as amended.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

(6) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held January 23, 2023.

(7) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held January 23, 2023.

(8) Resolution in support of final approval of Temporary Traffic Control Order #3-2023.

(9) Resolution authorizing Deputy Public Works Director Tim Middleton to execute Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) contract documents.

(10) Resolution authorizing City Manager to sign grant agreement with the Michigan Department of Transportation.

(11) Warrants and payrolls.

Held a public hearing and adopted a Resolution To Establish An Obsolete Property Rehabilitation District.

Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1086, an Ordinance to amend Chapter 116 Subsection 03(B)(12) of Title XI: Business Regulations of the City of Mt. Pleasant Code of Ordinances entitled “Electric Scooters/Skateboards”.

Appointed Kristin LaLonde to the Parks and Recreation Commission.

Conducted a work session on Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (NEZ).

Approved and conducted a closed session to consult with City Attorney regarding trial or settlement strategy in connection with pending litigation and to discuss the strategy and negotiation sessions connected with negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement.

Approved labor agreement between the City of Mt. Pleasant and POLC.

Adjourned the meeting at 8:39 p.m.

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.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – January 23, 2023

Here are the topics to watch at the next in-person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, January 23, 2023 at 7 p.m.

Presentation by City Manager on 2022 Goals and Objectives.
Receive request to create an Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act (OPRA) District to include the Mission-Pickard DDA boundary and set a public hearing for February 13, 2023 on the same.
Receive an ordinance to amend Chapter 116 Subsection 03(B)(12) of Title XI: Business Regulations of the City’s Code Entitled, “Electric Scooters/Skateboards” and set a public hearing for February 13, 2023.
Presentation and discussion on Property Standards.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

Click to access 1-23-23.pdf

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/82176923890?pwd=cVJLdGdtYS9KN3dmZTY3NmkyL2lUUT09

Meeting ID: 821 7692 3890

Passcode: 697577

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 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.

Topics to Watch at the VIRTUAL Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – May 24, 2021

Here are the topics to watch at the next virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, May 24, 2021 at 7 p.m.

Public hearing on proposed 2022-2027 Capital Improvement Plan.
Public hearing (additional) on rezoning request from CD-3 (Sub-Urban) to CD-4 (General Urban) for 1024 & 1026 S. University and consider confirmation of approval of the same.
Public hearing on revocation of the Dayco Industrial Facilities Tax (IFT) abatement effective with the 2022 tax year and consider resolution on the same.
Public hearing on Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act (OPRA) District to include the Central Business District TIFA boundaries and consider resolution of the same.
Public hearing on Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) and consider resolution on the same.
Consider financial support for Hannah’s Bark Park/Mission Creek Park lighting project as recommended by the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Consider sale of City-owned land as recommended by the Property Committee.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/board/city.commission/agendas/2021/5-24-21.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:

Zoom Meeting information

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84827621962?pwd=bjdtbjN0RGQyK290VmhwbHpPUzV2dz09

Passcode: 183783

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 – April 26, 2021

Summary of Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, April 26, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.

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 April 12, 2021.

2) Bid of Pro Surfaces of Harrison, MI for the Island Park Pickle Ball Courts project.

3) Bid of Smart Homes/Offices, Inc. of Mason, MI for the Commission Chamber Audio/Visual Replacement project.

4) Authorized the Mayor to sign a contract extension with Brown and Brown for all broker services to December 31, 2023.

5) Resolution in support of final approval of Traffic Control Order #1-2021.

6) Resolution authorizing the City Manager to digitally sign the contract with MDOT for funding for airport crack sealing.

7) Received proposed Ordinance to amend Chapter 97: PARKS AND RECREATION and set a public hearing for May 10, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. on same.

8) Warrants and Payrolls.

Received Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act (OPRA) Policy and approved same as presented. (CC Exh. 4-2021)

Received the request to create an Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act (OPRA) District to include the Central Business District TIFA boundaries and set a public hearing for May 24, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. on same.

Set an additional public hearing on proposed 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).

Confirmed support of the recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Commission to decommission the Horizon Park softball field to allow for future additional uses.

Approved the Resolution Extending Conditional Authorization for Class C Medical Marihuana Grower License for Stash Ventures at 210 W. Pickard as presented.

Referred the proposed request for contributing funds for lighting at Hannah’s Bark Park to the Parks and Recreation Commission for review and recommendation.

Conducted work sessions on

1) Potential 2021 millage adjustment.

2) Presentation on the 2022-2027 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).

3) Discussion on 2022-20227 Capital Improvement Plan.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:44 p.m.

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

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

Receive request to create an Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act (OPRA) District to include the Central Business District TIFA boundaries and set a public hearing for May 24, 2021 on the same.
Set an additional public hearing for May 24, 2021 on rezoning request from CD-3 (Sub-Urban) to CD-4 (General Urban) for 1024 & 1026 S. University due to insufficient public notice for the prior public hearing.
Consider approval of recommended re-use of Horizon Park ball field.
Consider resolution extending conditional approval of a Class C medical marihuana grow operation for Stash Ventures at 210 W. Pickard.
Receive an ordinance to amend Chapter 97: Parks and Recreation and set a public hearing for May 10, 2021 on the same.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/board/city.commission/agendas/2021/4-26-21.pdf

How to follow public meetings during social distancing:

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

Zoom Meeting information

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87890827954?pwd=aHEzUXBxaGdheGFYS09WSGZvYUIvZz09

Passcode: 529697

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.

Summary of Minutes of the Virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – April 12, 2021

Summary of Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, April 12, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.

Introduced recently hired City employees Christina Parrish, Reice Hart and Heather Bouck to the Commission.

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 March 22, 2021.

2) Bid of Spartan Distributors of Sparta, MI for the purchase of a Toro Groundsmaster mower and attachments.

3) Bid of ATI Group of Flushing, MI for the City Hall HVAC ductwork and both City Hall and DPS HVAC control systems and appropriate budget amendments.

4) Purchase of a plow truck cab and chassis through the MIDeal extended purchasing program.

5) Bid of Denali Construction of Mt. Pleasant, MI for the Mill Pond Park Fishing Deck Replacements.

6) Resolution to amend the water meter installation kit fee.

7) Received the 2022-2027 proposed Capital Improvement Plan and set a public hearing for May 24, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. on same.

8) Authorized the City Manager to sign the sub-recipient agreement with Northern Initiatives and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation allowing the use of loan funds through June 30, 2024.

9) Resolution Extending Conditional Authorization for Recreational Marihuana Class C Grower License for Absolute Royale, Inc. at 801 Industrial Dr.

10) Authorized the Mayor and Clerk to sign the license agreements with CMU for two additional wayfinding signs placed in the right-of-way.

11) Authorized the Mayor and Clerk to sign the release of easement for land at Industrial Park North as presented.

12) Authorized the City Manager to sign MDOT contract #2021-0560 for reimbursement for the easement purchases and the related engineering work for the slope clearing project.

13) Allocation of funds from the WRRF to complete the carryover projects in 2021.

14) Warrants and Payrolls.

Held a Public Hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published 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 CD3 (Sub-Urban) To CD-4 (General Urban).

Held a Public Hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1067, an Ordinance to amend Chapter 154: ZONING ORDINANCES, Table 154.410.A of the Mt. Pleasant City Code of Ordinances, to permit music, art and dance studios in the SD-1 District.

Authorized a contract with Green Tech Systems LLC for the 2021 Parking Lots #6 and #8 Reconstruction Project, and appropriate budget amendments.

Authorized a contract extension with MSG of Lansing, MI for environmental consulting services at the former landfill and the appropriate budget amendments.

Approved the Resolution as drafted in support of final approval for traffic control order #2-2020.

Approved a budget amendment from the Economic Initiatives Fund for Broadway Street closure appearance and activity improvements as presented.

Authorized staff to contact property owners with projects greater than $7,500 with an offer of not filing the lien if a 25% owner contribution is paid on the project portion over $7,500 within one month of the contract.

Approved adding a program parameter for the current Neighborhood Enhancement Program which would indicate that properties funded in the first-round of grant awards would not be eligible to apply in the second round.

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

Conducted Work Session discussion on

Water Resource Recovery Facility bonding next steps; and 2) OPRA District and Policy.

Adjourned the meeting at 10:06 p.m.