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:

Click to access E-Packet%20for%20September%2025,%202023—-.pdf

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.

Welcome Students

Helpful information can be found in the City’s ‘home away from home’ guide composed specifically for college students.

See what Mt. Pleasant has to offer: recreation, an historic downtown, parks, trails, a rolling river and more.

The City is thrilled to see Central Michigan University and Mid Michigan College students ‘coming home’ to the Mt. Pleasant area for the 2023-2024 academic year.

As part-year residents, students have the opportunity to explore the City while immersing themselves in college life. To make that transition easier, a ‘home away from home guide’ was created.

Useful information can be found at www.mt-pleasant.org/students or the “CMU & MMC Student Resident” page of the City’s blog (www.mpcityblog.com/studentresidents).

Topics include:

Things to do in Mt. Pleasant
Utility set up and billing
Parking Regulations
Parties
Property Appearance
Refuse and Recycling
Voter Registration
Safety tips and more.
Sign up for Smart911, a free emergency notification system. Download the Smart911 App, or visit www.smart911.com

City of Mt. Pleasant Receives $1 Million MEDC Grant for Town Center Civic Space Project

The City of Mt. Pleasant has recently been awarded a $1 million grant through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Revitalization and Placemaking Grant (RAP) program.

This funding will support the Town Center Civic Space Project, a $2,278,462 initiative aimed at revitalizing Town Center located at Broadway and Main Street. Additional funding is provided by the City’s General Fund.

The Town Center Civic Space Project will create a versatile space for public gatherings, events and recreational activities and include the following amenities:

Expansive Green Space: A significant increase in green space contributing to improved air quality and biodiversity.
Universal Accessibility Design: Ensures easy navigation for all community members.
Installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Upgraded Electrical Infrastructure: A modernized power system to better support a range of events and activities.
Additional Parking Spaces: Gain of (18) total parking lot and on-street parking spaces.
Traffic Calming: Removal of the portion of Mosher Street between Main and Broadway Street to increase pedestrian safety.
New Accessible Public Restrooms
Increased Pedestrian Lighting
Site Added Features: Benches, trash cans, bike racks, universally accessible pathways.

“We are thankful for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s support of our Town Center Civic Space Project,” said Downtown Development Director Michelle Sponseller. “This grant will enable us to create a dynamic, accessible, and sustainable public space which fosters both social interaction and economic development.”

Engineering plans for this project will be completed in the near future, followed by a formal bid process. Construction is slated to begin in Spring 2024, with an anticipated December 2024 completion date.

The State of Michigan’s Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program provides access to gap financing for real estate rehabilitation and development, as well as public space improvements associated with traditional downtowns, social-zones, and outdoor dining initiatives. The state received $500 million in applications for the $100 million available.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission – February 27, 2023

Here are the topics to watch at the next in-person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, February 27, 2023 at 7 p.m.

Consider acceptance of $75,000 from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) for a neighborhood enhancement grant, authorize the Mayor to execute the necessary documents and approve the allocation of additional funds.

Consider approval of budget amendments for projects carried forward from 2022.

Discussion on downtown parking. (Work Session)

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

Click to access 2-27-23_Agenda.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.

To participate via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86289429646?pwd=T2pxRGhSbXM1clRZaVNGV1BYV2FXUT09

Meeting ID: 862 8942 9646

Passcode: 957710

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.

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

Downtown Mt. Pleasant Customer Parking Enforcement Survey

As you are aware, the City of Mt. Pleasant has not enforced downtown parking since September 2019 due to the 6^th District, U.S. Court of Appeals ruling that chalking of tires was unconstitutional. A survey conducted at that time indicated the overwhelming majority of downtown businesses preferred the following:

Free (3) hour on-street parking.
Free, no time limit parking in all lots; with the exception of permit only Lots 7 and 8.

Recently, several business owners stated they would like the City to reconsider parking enforcement. Therefore, the City Commission is requesting downtown customers complete the survey found in the link below. This valuable input will help identify current views on parking enforcement.

Please submit your completed survey by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, February 3, 2023.

Thank you in advance for sharing your thoughts on this important matter.

Customer Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/89L6FPL

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – November 14, 2022

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, November 14, 2022, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Mayor Perschbacher recited the Proclamation recognizing the Elimination of Violence Against Women Day on November 25, 2022.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

7) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held October 24, 2022.

8) Contract with Adams & Associates of Grand Rapids, MI for appraisal services.

9) Bid of GreenScene Landscaping of Mt. Pleasant, MI for Downtown Sidewalk Snow Removal 2022-2023.

10) Set a public hearing for Monday, November 28, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. on China Master’s request for a Development District (DDA) License at 1216 South Mission St.

11) Resolution approving the submittal of an application for the 2022 TAP Grant.

12) MDOT resolution authorizing the approval of a contract for the reimbursement of funds for M-20 Reconstruction Project.

13) Appointments to the 9-1-1 Governing Board.

14) Bid of Tokio Marine HCC for 2023 stop loss coverage insurance.

15) Warrants and Payrolls

Held a public hearing on S.A. #3-22 roll and adopted Resolution #5 to approve the roll and set the payment terms.

Held a public hearing on proposed 2023 Annual Operating Budget. There is no action required at this time.

Approved the Resolution to dissolve the LDFA. (CC Exh. 2-22)

Adopted the final amended budget for the LDFA.

Adopted the proposed PILOT policy and authorized staff to solicit proposals for affordable housing projects during the first quarter of 2023.

Approved revised Resolution #5 for S.A. #2-22.

Approved Agreement on Restrictive Covenants associated with City property with Valero contingent on final review of the City Attorney and the City Manager and the change from Texas to Michigan in which the Guaranty shall be governed by.

Held a Work Session Discussion on Parking Enforcement.

Adjourned the meeting at 8:52 p.m.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – October 12, 2020

Here are the topics to watch at the next virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, October 12, 2020 at 7 p.m.

Public hearing on an ordinance for Mt. Pleasant Housing Commission Payment In lieu of Taxes (PILOT) and Municipal Services Agreement and consider approval of the same.

Consider approval of an ordinance to amend section 71.27 and 71.45 of City Code regarding parking and snow emergencies as postponed from September 28, 2020.

Receive proposed 2050 Master Plan as recommended by the Planning Commission and Parks and Recreation Commission and set a public hearing for November 9, 2020 on the same.

Consider resolution approving charter amendment ballot language to change the term of office for commission members.

Consider resolution approving charter amendment ballot language to increase the term of office for the mayor and vice mayor.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

Click to access 10.12.20.pdf

How to follow public meetings during social distancing:

In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, the City of Mt. Pleasant is following federal, state and county health officials’ recommendations while still providing valuable City services.

Even though the City Commission meeting will take place as scheduled, it will be an electronically conducted meeting as allowed by the Governor’s Executive Order and the City Commission Chambers will be closed to the public.

Citizens can watch the City Commission meeting live on Spectrum Charter Channel 188, web streamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/MtPleasantMi/ or via Zoom.

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

Zoom Meeting information

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85049577042?pwd=bThLZjk0dHdCSitGZU1SYXM5eWJ1UT09

Passcode: 644394

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 must email their comments.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – September 14, 2020

Summary of Minutes of the electronically conducted regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, September 14, 2020, at 7:00 p.m.

James McBryde, President of MMDC gave a quarterly update on MMDC activities.

City Planner Kain gave an update on the 2020 Census progress.

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 August 24, 2020.

2) Minutes of the electronically conducted Closed session held August 24, 2020.

3) Authorized the purchase of an unmarked (non-patrol) vehicle through the MiDeal program.

4) Received proposed amendment to Article VII: TRAFFIC CODE, Chapter 71 PARKING REGULATIONS, Sections 71.27 and 71.45 of the City Code of the City of Mt. Pleasant Code regarding parking and snow emergencies and set a public hearing for Monday, September 28, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. on same.

5) Set a public hearing for September 28, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. for Gursky Limited, LLC (Motorless Motion) as required through the CDBG program.

6) Authorized a three-year agreement with Consumers Energy for continued participation in their demand response program.

7) Received proposed 2021 Annual Operating Budget and set a public hearing for Monday, November 9, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. on same.

8) Resolution to amend 2020 Operating Budget.

9) Received Fall 2020 Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribal 2% funding requests from City Departments.

10) Warrants and Payrolls.

Approved service contract at 0% PILOT with 5% service fee for first five years and reset to 10% PILOT after five years in regard to the Mt. Pleasant Housing Commission’s potential purchase of property at 1414 West Broomfield.

Approved the contract amendment with Fleis and Vandenbrink for $20,600 for the multi-jurisdictional storm water study and the appropriate budget amendment.

Approved the resolution as presented authorizing the Mayor to sign the easements for the Isabella County Drain Commissioner for the Mission Creek Drain and the supplemental agreement as presented. (CC Exh. 11-2020)

Approved a contract amendment with L.D. Cocsa for the 1MG Reservoir Bypass Project and the appropriate budget amendment.

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.

Postponed the work session discussion on Potential Property Maintenance Ordinance.

Adjourned the meeting at 10:08 p.m.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – September 14, 2020

Here are the topics to watch at the next virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, September 14, 2020 at 7 p.m.

Introduce an ordinance to amend section 71.27 and 71.45 of City Code regarding parking and snow emergencies and set a public hearing for September 28, 2020 on the same.

Consider request from Housing Commission Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT).

Receive proposed 2021 Annual Operating Budget and set a public hearing for November 9, 2020 on the same.

Consider approval of resolution to amend 2020 Operating Budget.

Consider approval of Mission Creek Dam easement to the Isabella County Drain Commissioner.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

Click to access 9.14.20.pdf

How to follow public meetings during social distancing:

In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, the City of Mt. Pleasant is following federal, state and county health officials’ recommendations while still providing valuable City services.

Citizens can watch the City Commission meeting live on Spectrum Charter Channel 188, web streamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/MtPleasantMi/ or via Zoom.

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

Zoom Meeting information

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82437771093?pwd=WjZJNUphb0xPbmZ3U1U3Q0ttaVUzQT09

Meeting ID: 824 3777 1093

Passcode: 745152

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 must email their comments.

Broadway Street reconstruction

The Broadway Street reconstruction project is currently slated to begin on May 13^th and conclude by June 28^th. During this time the road, portions of the storm sewer, sidewalk and curbing will be replaced between Main Street and the Grand Central Railroad (west of Mountain Town Station.)

Street and Sidewalk Closure Information

Broadway Street will be closed to all through traffic. A detour will route vehicular traffic from Main Street to Pickard Street to Harris Street. Access to businesses and City Hall along this route will be maintained the majority of the time. Sidewalk removal will take place along both sides of Broadway Street near the railroad crossing as well as the area between Main and Washington Streets. Pedestrian traffic will be limited.

Parking

Access to parking in the City Hall parking lot will be sporadic during construction. All other city parking lots will be open.

Alternative Parking Options

Island Park (Gate opens at 7 a.m. Please note the Farmers’ Market takes place every Thursday beginning June 6.)

Lot 12: South side of Broadway Street, access from Oak Street.

Lot 3: Town Center, access from Main Street.

Lot 10: In front of Riverview Apartments, access from Mosher Street.

Oak Street: Parallel parking on the west side of the street.

Pine Street: Parallel parking from Broadway to Michigan Street.

Washington Street: Parallel parking on both sides of the street.

Lot 2: Jockey Alley

City Hall

City Hall will remain open during construction and will always be accessible via Island Park and the Oak Street pedestrian bridge.

Utility Billing

During construction, city residents are encouraged to pay their utility bills online at http://www.mt-pleasant.org/residents/online_service_center/ or by mail.

Project Updates

Updated information will be provided on the City’s social media channels, newsletters, blog (mpcityblog.com,) as well as the Community Information Phone Line (989) 779-5320.