Summary of Minutes of the City Commission Meeting – October 23, 2023

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

Item #17 “Utility Billing” was added to the agenda.

Approved the agenda with the addition of Item #17.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

4) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held October 9, 2023.

5) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held October 9, 2023.

6) Copier Lease Agreement with CMU.

7) Letter of support for MSHDA Neighborhood Enhancement Program application.

8) Designation of Powers Hall as Early Voting Center for all State and Federal elections beginning in 2024.

9) Payrolls and Warrants.

Held a public hearing and approved the establishment of a PACE District.

Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1092, a PILOT Ordinance; Approved Resolution for Municipal Services Agreement and Approved Municipal Services Agreement.

Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1093, an Ordinance to amend Table 154.405.A District Standards of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances regarding driveway widths.

Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1094, an Ordinance to amend Table 154.405.A District Standards of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances regarding the ratio of houses versus garage at frontage.

Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1095, an Ordinance to amend Table 154.410.A Building and Lot Principal Use, Section 154.410.B Special Uses and Article VII of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances regarding institutional uses.

Approved contract with Fishbeck for professional services to update the City’s Wellhead Protection Plan and approved a budget amendment on same.

Reconsidered EV charging supplier recommendation and approved EV charging contract with EV Holdings.

Approved credit for the September late fee on the next utility bill.

Work Session discussion on 2024 Operating Budget.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:14 p.m.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – October 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, October 23, 2023 at 7 p.m.

  • Public hearing on the establishment of a Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) District and approve resolution on the same.
  • Public hearing on the proposed PILOT ordinance and consider adoption of the same and resolution for the Municipal Services Agreement.
  • Public hearing on an ordinance to amend Table 154.405.A District Standards: CD-4 General Urban and CD-5 Urban Center Character Districts of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances Regarding Driveway Widths and consider adoption of the same.
  • Public hearing on an ordinance to amend Table 154.410.A District Standards: CD-3L Sub-Urban Large, CD-3 Sub-Urban and CD-04 General Urban Character Districts of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances Regarding the Ratio of Houses Versus Garage at Frontage and consider adoption of the same.
  • Public hearing on an ordinance to amend Table 154.410.A Building and Lot Principal Use, Section 154.410.B Special Uses, and Article VII of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances Regarding Institutional Uses and consider adoption of the same.
  • Discussion on the proposed 2024 Operating Budget.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

How to follow public meetings:

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/83293612764?pwd=NGxyclZvMlRRN1lDMGd0Mys2dlhRUT09

Meeting ID: 832 9631 2764

Passcode: 601263

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 – 10/9/2023

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, October 9, 2023, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Approved the agenda as presented.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

7) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held September 25, 2023.

8) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held September 25, 2023.

9) Set a public hearing for Monday, October 23, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. on the establishment of a PACE District and approved a resolution of intent.

10) Received a proposed PILOT program and set a public hearing for Monday, October 23, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of receiving public comment on the matter.

11) Payrolls and Warrants.

Held a public hearing and read, passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1090, an Ordinance to amend Title IX: General Regulations, Chapter 98. Streets and Sidewalks §98.37 Snow and Ice Removal From Sidewalks of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Mt. Pleasant to require snow and ice removal from sidewalks 24 hours after a snow or ice event.

Held a public hearing and read, passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1091, an Ordinance to amend Title VII: Traffic Code, Chapter 71. Parking Regulations of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Mt. Pleasant to modify definitions, remove even/odd overnight parking system and establish a system for parking lot snow removal, provide reference to special parking arrangements for future ease of recall, and establish regulations for parking at electric car charging stations.

Approved a contract with T.H. Eifert to update the controls on the City Hall HVAC system and budget amendment for same.

Approved allocation of General Funds to continue to cover the costs for the Outdoor Ice Rink and approved a $2,000 budget amendment for a new liner.

Approved GM Dealer Community Charging Program Agreement as presented and direct staff to sign all necessary documents.

Conducted a Work Session discussion on weeds, tall grass and natural vegetation.

Approved and conducted a closed session pursuant to Section 8(1)(e) of the Open Meetings Act to consult with the City Attorney regarding trial or settlement strategy in connection with pending litigation.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:31 p.m.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 10/9/2023

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, October 9, 2023 at 7 p.m.

  • Public hearing on an ordinance to amend the City Snow and Ice Removal from Sidewalks ordinance and consider approval of the same.
  • Public hearing on an ordinance to amend the City Parking Ordinance and consider approval of the same.
  • Consider allocating General Funds to continue to cover the costs for the Outdoor Ice Rink and if so, approve a $2,000 budget amendment for the same.
  • Weed and tall grass ordinance discussion.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

How to follow public meetings:

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/81815623092?pwd=eDhOcDVSZ0Judi94ZDJYQVR2T2VZUT09

Meeting ID: 818 1562 3092

Passcode: 610004

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 – 9/25/2023

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, September 25, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Approved the agenda as presented.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

2) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held September 11, 2023.

3) Contract with Wonsey Tree Service of Alma, MI for 2024-2025 tree trimming and removal.

4) Authorized Grant Application Assurance form for Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation grant to replace thermal imaging units used in the Fire Department.

5) Resolution authorizing an amendment to the Standard Lighting Contract with Consumers Energy for the Pickard-Bradley intersection.

6) Resolution authorizing MI-DNR Urban and Community Forestry Program Grant Application – Town Center Civic Space Project.

7) Received proposed ordinance to amend Title IX: General Regulations, Chapter 98. Streets and Sidewalks §98.37 Snow and Ice Removal From Sidewalks of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Mt. Pleasant to require snow and ice removal from sidewalks 24 hours after a snow or ice event and set a public hearing on same for Monday, October 9, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.

8) Received proposed ordinance to amend Title VII: Traffic Code, Chapter 71. Parking Regulations of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Mt. Pleasant and set a public hearing on same for Monday, October 9, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.

9) Budget amendment to authorize the purchase of network firewall equipment in the current fiscal year.

10) Received proposed ordinance to amend Table 154.405.A District Standards: CD-4 General Urban and CD-5 Urban Center Character Districts of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances regarding driveway widths and set a public hearing for Monday, October 23, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. on same.

11) Received proposed ordinance to amend Table 154.410.A Building and Lot Principal Use, Section 154.410.B Special Uses and Article VII of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances regarding institutional uses and set a public hearing for October 23, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.

12) Received proposed ordinance to amend Table 154.405.A District Standards: CD-3L Sub-Urban Large, CD-3 Sub-Urban, CD-04 General Urban Character Districts regarding the ratio of houses versus garage at frontage and set a public hearing for October 23, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.

13) Payrolls and Warrants.

The City Commission prioritized and approved submission of City requests for Fall 2023 Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe 2% allocations.

Conducted a work session discussion on 2024 proposed Operating Budget.

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.

Terminated the third-party administrator contract with Trustmark Health Benefits.

Authorized staff to sign a sole source contract with Insight Benefit Administrators for the oversight, processing and administration of the City’s health insurance benefit plans.

Adjourned the meeting at 8:53 p.m.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – September 25, 2023

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, September 25, 2023 at 7 p.m.

  • Receive an ordinance to amend the City Snow and Ice Removal from Sidewalks ordinance and set a public hearing for October 9, 2023 on the same.
  • Receive an ordinance to amend the City Parking Ordinance and set a public hearing for October 9, 2023 on the same.
  • Receive an ordinance to amend Table 154.410.A Building and Lot Principal Use, Section 154.410.B Special Uses and Article VII of the Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances Regarding Institutional Uses and set a public hearing for October 23, 2023 on the same.
  • Consider prioritization and approval of submission of City requests for Fall 2023 Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe 2% allocation.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

How to follow public meetings:

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/83335395663?pwd=Sm1UUk15MGt0M2NiaXFlbUFUV1h6dz09

Meeting ID: 883 3539 5663

Passcode: 887060

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 – August 14, 2023

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, August 14, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Approved the agenda as presented.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

7) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held July 24, 2023.

8) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held July 24, 2023.

9) Payrolls and Warrants.

Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1089, an Ordinance to adopt the 2021 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) and amend Title IX: GENERAL REGULATIONS; Chapter 96. NUISANCES; Title XV: LAND USAGE, Chapter 150. BUILDING REGULATIONS and Chapter 152. HOUSING LICENSING CODE of the Mt. Pleasant City Code to align with the new property maintenance standards.

Appointed Mayor Perschbacher as the voting delegate and Vice Mayor Alsager as alternate for the MML 2023 Annual Convention.

Approved the MI-LEO Michigan Community Center Grant Resolution and directed staff to sign all grant documentation as necessary.

Directed staff to negotiate terms of the proposed PILOT at 410 Mill St. and 200 Walnut St.

Adjourned the meeting at 8:31 p.m.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – August 14, 2023

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, August 14, 2023 at 7 p.m.

  • Public hearing on an ordinance to amend City Code regarding International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) and consider approval on the same.
  • Consider approval of Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity resolution approving the submittal of a grant application for the replacement of the Island Park South/Farmers’ Market Pavilion.
  • Consider PILOT proposal at 410 Mill Street and 200 Walnut Street from SPIRE Development.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

How to follow public meetings:

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/83136629946?pwd=ZmY5R1dUTDhUVUo0RFZSbW9HUTVpdz09

Meeting ID: 831 3662 9946

Passcode: 625091

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 – July 24, 2023

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, July 24, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Approved the agenda as presented.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

6) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held July 10, 2023.

7) Three-year contract renewal with Brown & Brown of Central MI, Inc. for insurance broker services.

8) Trade-in of a Ford F-250 and purchase a 2023 Ford Edge for MPPD.

9) Resolution in support of Michigan Arts & Culture Council 2024 Arts Project Mini-Grant-Paint the Pavement application.

10) Received proposed Ordinance to adopt the 2021 IPMC and amend Chapter 96. NUISANCES; Chapter 150. BUILDING REGULATIONS, §150.30 Property Standards and Chapter 152. HOUSING LICENSING CODE of the Mt. Pleasant City Code to align with the new property maintenance standards and set public hearing on same for Monday, August 14, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.

11) Payrolls and Warrants.

Held a public hearing on Application for DDA License for JCB Entertainment (Valhalla Indoor Axe Throwing) at 1711 S. Mission St. and adopted the Resolution in support as presented.

Held a Work Session discussion on Payment in lieu of Taxes (PILOT) program.

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.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:19 p.m.

City of Mt. Pleasant 4th of July Holiday Hours and Firework Safety Reminders

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the Isabella County Material Recovery Facility being closed for asphalt repairs on July 7 and 8, there will be no city curbside recycling collection for residences on the regular Thursday route.

City Offices Closed

City offices will be closed on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. Refuse and recycling pick-up will be delayed one day all week.

Fourth of July Firework Safety and Ordinance Reminders

A person may only discharge or use consumer fireworks on private property on June 29 – July 4 from 11 a.m. – 11:45 p.m.

Individuals should not ignite, discharge, or use consumer fireworks, homemade fireworks, articles pyrotechnics or display fireworks on public property, school property, church property, or the property of another person without permission to do so.

Violations shall be punishable with fines of $500 up to $1,000.

Additionally, a minor shall not possess, ignite, discharge or use consumer fireworks. Fireworks shall not be used while a person is under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, or during times when a burning ban has been established by the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, MI. For a list of burning restrictions by county, visit http://www.dnr.state.mi.us/burnpermits/.

Safety Tips

For those planning on discharging fireworks this July Fourth holiday, please follow the City regulations as stated above, and practice these safety tips:

1.    Read and follow all warning and instructions.

2.    Never allow children to play with fireworks of any kind.

3.    Wear protective clothing, including eye wear.

4.    Only light devices on smooth, flat surfaces away from residential areas, dry leaves and flammable materials.

5.    Always keep a hose or bucket of water nearby in case of malfunction.

6.    Never try to re-light fireworks that have not fully functioned.

The best way to protect your family is to avoid the use of fireworks at home entirely.