Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission meeting held February 14, 2022 at 7 p.m.

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, February 14, 2022, at 7:01 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Officer Darryl Johns was introduced as the City’s newest Police Officer and sworn in by Chief of Police Lauria.

Removed Item #11 from 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 24, 2022, as amended.

(9) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held January 24, 2022.

(10) Received recommended text change to Section 154.414 of the City of Mt. Pleasant Zoning Ordinances to update band sign standards and delete reference to downtown Mt. Pleasant signage design guidelines and set a public hearing for Monday, March 14, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. on same.

(11) Removed from the agenda.

(12) Bid of Insight Pipe Contracting of Harmony, PA for the 2022 Sewer Relining Project and budget amendment for same.

(13) Warrants and Payrolls.

Held a public hearing on Special Assessment District 1-22, reconstruct the alley in the block between Michigan, Main, Broadway & University in the City and adopted Resolution #5 as presented.

Held a public hearing on Special Assessment District 2-22, reconstruct the alley between Broadway and Michigan from University to 115.5 feet east of Franklin in the City and adopted Resolution #5 as presented.

Held a Work Session discussion on the City’s Medical Marihuana Facilities and Adult-Use Marihuana Establishments ordinances.

Held a Work Session discussion on Childcare Stabilization Grant expenses.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:13 p.m.

Zoning Ordinance Variance Information

Ordinance History and Statistics

Lately there has been a significant amount of conversation regarding the City of Mt. Pleasant’s restaurant drive through vehicle stacking requirements. Therefore, what better time to review and share the history and process of zoning ordinance and variance information. The City’s zoning ordinance requires 200 feet of stacking space to enable safe traffic flow and avoid any backups on City streets and sidewalks. This standard, adopted by the City Commission in 1984, applies to all restaurant drive throughs established since that time. There are currently 22 drive through restaurants in the City averaging 227 stacking feet. The average amount of stacking plus additional on-site overflow is 319 feet.

The Process

Businesses wishing to establish a drive through must:

Apply to the Planning Commission and receive approval of a special use permit. This process includes a review ensuring all ordinance requirements are met and a public hearing is held. In general, special use permits are established to address potential impacts on neighboring properties and the general public.
If a business does not believe they can meet one or more of the requirements for a drive through they can apply to the City’s Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) and request a variance (a modification of requirement).

Per the State of Michigan’s Zoning Enabling Act, the ZBA acts as a quasi-judicial body reviewing local zoning ordinance cases. The ZBA is a separate entity from the Planning Commission, City Commission and City staff. The ZBA must review a request for variance against criteria related to practical hardship (that is, the need for a variance arises from a circumstance unique to the property which is not the result of actions taken by the applicant.) A variance cannot be granted in situations where the standards of the ordinance can be met.

Variances require the approval of a majority of the members of the ZBA, which for the City of Mt. Pleasant’s ZBA is three affirmative votes. As specified by the State of Michigan’s Zoning Enabling Act, applicants who wish to appeal a ZBA decision may do so at Circuit Court. ZBA decisions are not appealable to any other board or public body under state law.

Recent Variance Request

On December 15, 2021 the ZBA reviewed a request for two variances from the City’s standards for drive through restaurants. One was a variance related to screening, which was approved. The second was a reduction of the required vehicle stacking from 200 feet to 120 feet which failed to receive the three votes required for approval.

The City Commission discussed this specific case at its January 24, 2022 meeting. Per State of Michigan law, the City Commission is unable to hear an appeal of any ZBA decision, nor is it able to refer the ZBA to review the same issue again. However, the City Commission did direct the Planning Commission to review the City’s drive through stacking requirement standard and provide options, if any, for the City Commission to consider. This review will occur at the Planning Commission’s March 3, 2022 meeting.

The City has not issued any tickets or halted drive-through operation through this process, and the City Commission has directed City staff to continue to stay enforcement related to the drive through stacking requirement while this ordinance is being reviewed.

Topics to Watch at the Virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – August 9, 2021

Here are the topics to watch at the next virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, August 9, 2021 at 7 p.m.

Public hearing on an ordinance 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 and consider approval of the same.

Public hearing on an ordinance 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 and consider approval of the same.

Public hearing on an ordinance 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 and consider approval of the same.

Consider resolutions #1 and #2 to commence the proceedings for special assessment, tentatively determine the necessity, and set a public hearing for August 23, 2021, regarding the necessity of Special Assessment District #1-21 for pedestrian lighting.

Consider resolutions #1 and #2 to commence the proceedings for special assessment, tentatively determine the necessity, and set a public hearing for August 23, 2021, regarding the necessity of Special Assessment District #2-21 for Principal Shopping District special assessment.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/board/city.commission/agendas/2021/8-9-21_Packet_Revised.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/88092167180?pwd=ZS9CN1BGMFpoQU5YMHBJZEVrOHNIQT09

Passcode: 816143

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.

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.

Topics to Watch at the Virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – July 12, 2021

Here are the topics to watch at the next virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, July 12, 2021 at 7 p.m.

Receive an ordinance 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 and set a public hearing for August 9, 2021 on the same.

Receive an ordinance 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 and set a public hearing for August 9, 2021 on the same.

Receive an ordinance 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 and set a public hearing for August 9, 2021 on the same.

Consider resolution regarding Charter Amendment for changing the City Commission term of office.

Consider setting a special meeting for August 21, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. for City Manager interviews.

Consider approval of an ordinance to amend Chapter 10.05 and Chapter 91 Animals of the Code of Ordinances as postponed from the June 28, 2021 meeting.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/board/city.commission/agendas/2021/7-12-21.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/82199053797?pwd=alVuL2pzNFdGbXhrK3ZncFVIVThJZz09

Passcode: 628352

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 – June 28, 2021

Summary of Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, June 28, 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 June 14, 2021.

2) Minutes of the electronically conducted closed session of the City Commission held June 14, 2021.

3) MDOT Resolution authorizing approval of a contract for reimbursement of funds for approach slope clearing project for the Mt. Pleasant Airport.

4) Professional Services Agreement with Mead & Hunt for the Airport Tree Abatement Project.

5) Warrants and Payrolls.

Held a Public Hearing on proposed ordinance to amend Chapter 10: GENERAL PROVISIONS, §10.05 DEFINITIONS and Chapter 91: ANIMALS of the Mt. Pleasant City Code of Ordinances. The matter was tabled.

Approved contract extension with Isabella County for the Material Recovery Facility (MRF).

Approved budget amendment for Material Recovery Facility (MRF).

Changed use of funds for Broadway Central.

The Commission conducted a work session discussion with Walsh Municipal Services (Frank Walsh) regarding City Manager search.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:28 p.m.

Topics to Watch at the VIRTUAL Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – June 28, 2021

Here are the topics to watch at the next virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, June 28, 2021 at 7 p.m.

-Public hearing on an ordinance to amend Chapter 10.05 and Chapter 91 Animals of the Code of Ordinances and consider approval of the same.

-Consider contract extension with Isabella County for the Material Recovery Facility (MRF).

-Consider Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) resolution authorizing approval of a contract for reimbursement of funds for approach slope clearing project for the Mt. Pleasant Municipal Airport.

-Consider change in use of funds for Broadway Central.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/board/city.commission/agendas/2021/6-28-21.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/81080038553?pwd=eFVKTHJyU1p3K1pxczFUTXNjcHVGUT09

Passcode: 926374

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@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.

City of Mt. Pleasant Holiday Hours and Firework Reminders

CITY OF MT. PLEASANT HOLIDAY HOURS

City offices will be closed on Monday, July 5, 2021. Refuse and recycling pick-up will be delayed one day all week.

FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORK REMINDERS FOR THE CITY OF MT. PLEASANT

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.

Summary of Minutes of the Virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – June 14, 2021

Summary of Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, June 14, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.

Mayor Joseph read a proclamation recognizing June 19, 2021 as Juneteenth Celebration Day.

Introduced recently hired City employee Leanne Walker, Office Professional 1, PEAK.

Presentation by Lieutenant Don Sytsema on Recovery, Independence, Safety & Empowerment (RISE) partnership.

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 May 24, 2021.

2) Resolution in support of Temporary Traffic Control Order #2-2021.

3) 2022-2027 Capital Improvement Plan.

4) Received a proposed ordinance to amend Chapter 10 GENERAL PROVISIONS, §10.5 DEFINITIONS and Chapter 91 ANIMALS of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Mt. Pleasant and set a public hearing for Monday, June 28, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. on the same.

5) Authorized the Mayor and Clerk to execute a three-year assessing contract with Sunrise Assessing Services from July 1, 2021 to March 31, 2024 as presented.

6) Appointed Ruth Scott, MMAO Assessor of Record in accordance with State law and City Charter and appointed Heather Bouck Deputy Assessor.

7) Authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to sign each of the five agreements as presented and further provide authority to the City Manager to sign future annual agreements provided the terms and conditions are the same.

8) Rescinded the Residential Alley Paving, Reconstruction and Resurfacing Financing Policy of April 9, 2018 and approved the Capital Projects Special Assessment Policy as presented.

9) Warrants and Payrolls.

Awarded contract for the 2021 City Manager Search to Walsh Municipal Services of East Lansing, MI.

Approved the resolution as presented for the one-time reduction in the payment from Charter Township of Union for fire protection costs.

Approved and conducted a closed session pursuant to subsection 8(c) of the Open Meetings Act for strategy and negotiation session connected with the negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement.

Conducted a Work Session to have preliminary discussion on American Rescue Plan funding.

Adjourned the meeting at 8:53 p.m.

Summary of Minutes of the VIRTUAL Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – May 10, 2021

Summary of Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, May 10, 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 26, 2021.

2) Set a public hearing for Monday, May 24, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. on the CDBG Water Related Infrastructure Grant for the Water Resource Recovery Facility.

3) Set a public hearing for Monday, May 24, 2021 at 7:00 to consider revocation of the Dayco Industrial Facilities Tax (IFT) abatement effective January 1, 2022.

4) Authorized the Mayor to sign a contract extension with RBS for custodial services at the current rates, retroactive to January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2022.

5) Warrants and Payrolls.

-Held a Public Hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1068, an Ordinance to amend Chapter 97: PARKS and RECREATION, of the Mt. Pleasant City Code of Ordinances to make various changes which include: 1) Bicycle use in Parks and Cemetery; 2) Removal of wording referring to the Nelson Park Zoo; 3) Prohibition of animals in the cemetery and designated sports fields; 4) Use of unmanned aircraft in parks (drones) and various minor updates.

-Appointed members to the ad hoc committee for preliminary review of executive search firm proposals.

-Approved a budget amendment of $7,200 for a Neighborhood Enhancement Program intern.

-Approved and conducted a closed session pursuant to subsection 8(e) of the Open Meetings Act to consult with counsel regarding pending litigation.

-Conducted a Work Session discussion on 2022-2027 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).

-Adjourned the meeting without objection at 10:11 p.m.

Recreational (adult-use) Marihuana Information

Under the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act (MRTMA), it is legal for adults, 21 years of age or older, to grow, possess and use marihuana within certain limitations. This act also creates a commercial market for recreational (adult-use) marihuana. Local regulations related to the commercial market for recreational marihuana were adopted by the City Commission (City Commission Approved Marihuana Establishments Ordinance). A citizen initiative ordinance has also been approved for the November 5, 2019 ballot (Citizen Initiative Recreational Marihuana Establishments Ordinance).

A timeline and detailed information about the two ordinances are described below in the document below.

Recreational Marihuana Background Flyer