Summary of Minutes from the 8/25/2025 Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, August 25, 2025, 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 as amended:

5) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held August 11, 2025.

6) Appointed voting delegate and alternate for MML annual conference.

7) Bid of Greenwald & B.C. General Contractors of Mt. Pleasant, MI for the 2025 Nelson Park/North Island Park Restroom Roof Replacement plus the additional restroom and pavilion at Chipp-A-Waters and budget amendment.

8) Budget amendment for completion of the women’s locker room and furnishing of the living quarters at DPS.

9) Resolution of Intent to Renew Mission-Pickard Downtown Development Authority TIFA and set a public hearing from Monday, September 22, 2025 on same.

10) Set a public hearing for Monday, September 8, 2025 to consider an OPRA Tax Abatement for 115 and 117 South University.

11) Payrolls and Warrants.

Appointed Luke Castle to the TIFA Board.

Conducted a Work Session on alternate routes for the Mid-Michigan/GKB Pathway South Connection Project.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:07 p.m.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 4/28/2025

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, April 28, 2025, 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:

13) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held April 14, 2025.

14) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held April 14, 2025.

15) Transferred Cash and Cash Equivalent funds from the Huntington Account into the Investments held by Meeder.

16) Appointed Melissa Garcia, City Treasurer.

17) Sole source purchase of four fire hydrants from East Jordan Company, formerly East Jordan Iron Works of East Jordan, MI.

18) Payrolls and Warrants dated April 17, 2025.

Approved the Resolution to purchase, acquire and construct improvements to the water supply system and to publish notice of intent to issue revenue bonds.

Approved the proposed 2025 Master Plan update to be released for a 63-day review and comment period.

Appointed Fabian Martinez to the Planning Commission.

Held a work session discussion on draft ordinance on usage of motorized bikes and scooters on City owned trails.

Held a work session discussion on 2026-2031 Capital Improvement Plan.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:52p.m.

Island Park Ice Rink Now Open

The Island Park Ice Rink is now open to skaters. Located on the south softball field this 54’ x 95’ rink is open daily, weather permitting. There is no charge to use this facility, which is maintained by the City of Mt. Pleasant Parks Department.

As you are gathering up your skates, please review the outdoor ice rink rules before you hit the ice.

Island Park Outdoor Ice Rink Rules

Hours of Operation:

The Island Park Ice Rink is open daily, weather permitting.

The City of Mount Pleasant reserves the right to close the Ice Rink at any time in its sole discretion by posting a sign on the rink which states, “Rink Closed – No Skating.” Skaters shall not enter the Ice Rink area when the sign is posted.

Code of Conduct:

All Ice Rink participants, including skaters and bystanders, will be required to follow the general rules of conduct established in the City’s Parks and Recreation Ordinance (Section 97.01 – 97.21 of the City Code of Ordinances) while at the Ice Rink.

Further, all Ice Rink participants will be required to adhere to the following Ice Rink specific rules and regulations:

  1. Skaters shall be courteous and cautious of other skaters and bystanders while using the skating area. Skaters shall not push, shove, or otherwise engage in raucous behavior while using the skating area.
  2. Skaters shall not dig, spray, chip, throw, or otherwise expel ice or snow within the skating area.
  3. The following shall be prohibited in the skating area:
    1. Food and beverage items;
    2. Tobacco products;
    3. Hockey equipment, including hockey sticks, pucks, and nets;
    4. Street shoes; and
    5. Animals.
  4. Skaters under the age of 5 shall be under adult supervision while in the skating area. The Ice Rink does not have designated supervisors. Skaters shall skate at their own risk.

Failure to abide by the rules and regulations of the Ice Rink could result in enforcement actions against you.

Lost Items and Reporting Misconduct:

The City of Mt. Pleasant is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items.

Report damage or acts of abuse to Mt. Pleasant Parks and Recreation at (989) 779-5331 or Police Anonymous T.I.P. Line at (989) 779-9111. In case of emergency call 911.

What to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 11/11/2024

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, November 11, 2024, at 7 p.m.

  • Presentation by Parks and Recreation Director Phil Biscorner on the GKB Pathway.
  • Consider Approval of 2025 Contract for Fire Department Services for Union Charter Township.
  • Consider setting a public hearing on December 9, 2024 on proposed rezoning of parcels 17-000-17-300-00, 17-000-17-303-00, 17-000-17-304-00, 17-000-17-305-00, 17-000-17-306-00, located southwest corner of Crawford and Broomfield, from PRD (Planned Residential Development) to CD-4 (General Urban Character District with the Residential/Dwelling Use Restriction), CD-4 (General Urban Character District), SD-U (Special District University), CD-4 (General Urban Character District with the Residential/Dwelling Use Restriction), and CZ (Civic Zone), respectively.
  • Consider setting a public hearing on December 9, 2024, on proposed ordinance amendment to Table 154.405.A of the zoning ordinance as it relates to SD-U University Special District rules.
  • Public hearing on the proposed 2025 Annual Operating Budget.
  • Request for Fire Suppression and Façade Improvement Funding Allocation for TyJorMac, LLC (120 South University) and Request for Work Session.
  • Work session discussion on usage of motorized bikes and scooters on City owned trails.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

How to follow public meetings:

The City Commission 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 comment@mt-pleasant.org.

To participate via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85385613172?pwd=rj3NJh8nO8OCxPII5LuohncZaqQFsc.1

Meeting ID: 853 8561 3172

Passcode: 319876

Phone dial-in: (312) 626-6799

The 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

Elizabeth Busch          ebusch@mt-pleasant.org

Bryan Chapman          bchapman@mt-pleasant.org

Maureen Eke              meke@mt-pleasant.org

Amy Perschbacher      aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org

Grace Rollins               grollins@mt-pleasant.org

Boomer Wingard        bwingard@mt-pleasant.org

Persons with disabilities needing assistance to participate may call the Human Resources office on (989) 779-5314. Persons requiring speech or hearing assistance may contact the city through the Michigan Relay Center at 711. 48-hour advance notice is necessary for accommodation.

Summary of Minutes of the 10/28/2024 City Commission Meeting

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, October 28, 2024, 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 items on the Consent Calendar:

6) Minutes of the regular session of the City Commission held on October 15, 2024.

7) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held October 15, 2024.

8) MDOT Contract 2024-0364 for State Trunkline Maintenance.

9) Contract with GameTime c/o Sinclair Recreation for the 2024 Horizon Park and Chipp-A-Waters Park Playground Replacement and 2025 Installation.

10) Warrants and payrolls.

Contract for Phase I DWSRF Design and Construction Engineering to Fishbeck Engineering of Grand Rapids, MI.

Approved Deer Cull as discussed.

Conducted a Work Session discussion on Proposed 2025 Operating Budget.

Approved and Conducted 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.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:53 p.m.

City to hold Citizens’ Academy; accepting applications now

The seventh Citizens’ Academy is now accepting applications. Presented by the City of Mt. Pleasant, the academy is designed to engage members of the community and to expand their knowledge of the structure and functions of local government.

Participants will attend seven, weekly sessions beginning Tuesday, February 21.  Each session will offer an in-depth look at the fundamentals of the City’s administration and budget; public works and utilities; parks and recreation; public safety; and community development. Additional topics covered include the basics of local government, elections and more.

The Citizens’ Academy is open to anyone living, working, owning property or attending school in the City of Mt. Pleasant.  Director of Planning & Community Development Manuela Powidayko shared, “The Citizens’ Academy is an opportunity for residents to capture a close up view of how a municipality operates and the many services the city provides on a daily basis.”

Registration for the academy is free and space is limited. Sessions will occur on the following Tuesdays from 6 – 8:30 p.m.: February 21, February 28, March 14, March 21, April 4, April 11, and April 18. Graduates of the academy will be recognized at the April 24 City Commission meeting.

Applications are available at City Hall or online, and are accepted until January 17, 2023. Find the application and learn more at www.mt-pleasant.org/citizensacademy.

City of Mt. Pleasant’s 2021 Annual Report

Enhanced services and partnerships, desirable neighborhoods, new housing options, public safety, sustainable infrastructure, recreational activities and more are highlighted in the City of Mt. Pleasant’s 2021 Annual Report. To view the detailed report visit: https://issuu.com/mtpleasantmi/docs/annual_report_2021_ae09cb3c5a079a

Topics to Watch at the VIRTUAL Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – February 8, 2021

Here are the topics to watch at the next virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, February 8, 2021 at 7 p.m.

  • Consider allocation of funds for 2021 Parks Projects.
  • Receipt of 2020 Tax Increment Finance Authority (TIFA) marketing incentives report and consider request for 2021 funding.
  • Receipt of information from City Attorney regarding scope of legal authority regarding recent social media post and consider next steps.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:  

http://www.mt-pleasant.org/docs/board/city.commission/agendas/2021/2.8.21.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 Public Act 254 of 2020, allowing public bodies to meet remotely. 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/83393590577?pwd=aVhHSXN4d0k1Zm9oY2VDM3JaVm9qQT09

Passcode: 054310

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.

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.

City of Mt. Pleasant Park and Outdoor Facilities Update

As has been done during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Mt. Pleasant continues to follow recommendations of federal state and county health officials as we navigate through the reopening process. Below is the current reopen schedule for City parks and outdoor facilities.

This timeline is subject to change based on updated information from health officials. Failure to follow social distancing protocols and posted occupancy levels may lead to facility closures.

June 11, 2020: Island Park Skate Park and Hannah’s Bark Park will reopen. Both parks will have capacity limits and visitors must adhere to social distancing guidelines.

June 22, 2020:  Island Park Spray Park and the following park restrooms and ballfields to open.

  • Island Park Spray Park: Capacity limits will be posted and visitors must adhere to social distancing guidelines.
  • Park Restrooms:  Island Park South, Pickens, Yost
  • Ballfields:  Pickens, Yost

July 1, 2020: Opening of additional park restrooms and limited park shelter reservations.

  • Park Restrooms:  Island Park North, Nelson, Chipp-A-Waters
  • Park Shelters Available for Reservations: Island Park, Chipp-A-Waters, Yost, Nelson Park Gazebo open with limited occupancy and seating capacity. Visitors must adhere to social distancing and occupancy guidelines.

Facilities Currently Closed:

  • Lower Pickens Field closed due to Spring flooding.
  • Island Park Softball fields closed due to Spring flooding.
  • Restrooms at Horizon, Mill Pond, Mission Creek and Sunnyside Parks.
  • Shelters at Horizon, Mill Pond, Mission Creek Park and Sunnyside Parks.

Information Updates

Information regarding facilities reopening will be updated and shared via the City’s website (www.mt-pleasant.org), Blog (mpcityblog.com), Facebook and Twitter accounts, MACTV Charter Spectrum Channel 188, and the Community Information Phone Line (989) 779-5320.

COVID-19 and City of Mt. Pleasant Services Update (4/10/2020)

In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, the City of Mt. Pleasant continues to follow recommendations of federal, state and county health officials while still providing vital City services.

Therefore, through April 30, the City is following Governor Whitmer’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order 2020-42, and is continuing its level of building closure and only providing critical services at this time. This includes: police, fire, airport operations, water, wastewater and limited street services. Other City staff will be monitoring emails and phone calls and will attempt to answer urgent inquiries.

City Parks

City parks are currently open, but park restroom facilities are closed as well as Island Park’s Skate Park.

Trash/Recycling

City trash pick-up is still taking place, although curbside recycling has been suspended through April 30, 2020 due to the Materials Recovery Facility being closed.

As a result of building closures, the City has temporarily suspended the direct sale of recycling bins, City trash bags and tags. City trash bags and tags are available at Meijer and Ric’s. Individual tags are available at GreenTree Grocery.

Large Item Pick Up

Large item pick-up is not taking place due to the contractor suspending pick up at this time,

Spring Leaf Collection

At this time, the Spring Leaf Collection is scheduled for the week of April 27, 2020.

Leaves should not be out for collection before April 18, but all leaves must be out and ready for pick up by 6 p.m. on April 26. There will be one collection through each neighborhood starting on April 27. High and Pickard Street residents should rake leaves into low piles in the right-of-way. All others should place leaves in low piles in the street gutter. Do not cover catch basins.   

Since landscaping companies are not operating at this time, a second leaf pick-up will be scheduled after the Stay at Home Executive Order has been lifted.

Public Meetings

The City of Mt. Pleasant will host its public meetings virtually as allowed by the Governor’s Stay at Home Executive Order. Citizens may watch these meetings live on Spectrum Charter Channel 188 or webstream at https://www.youtube.com/user/MtPleasantMi/. Any citizen desiring to make a public comment must email their comments on agenda items to comment@mt-pleasant.org.

-The Virtual City Commission meeting will take place on April 13, 2020 at 7 p.m.

-Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting (April 22) is cancelled due to lack of business.

-Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting (April 28) is cancelled due to lack of business.

Event Cancellations

Federal and state health officials are mandating all events be cancelled or postponed to stop the gathering of people, of any size. This guidance has caused the cancellation of the following:

-Master Plan Open House (April 23)

-PEAK activities cancelled until at least June.

-Youth Soccer Program (Registration refunds will be issued.)

-Start Smart Program (Registration refunds will be issued.)

-Youth Tee Ball (Registration refunds will be issued.)

-Farmers’ Market cancelled through the month of May.

Payments and Building Permits

Citizens can make payments via mail (320 W. Broadway Street), the City’s Drop Box located outside of City Hall, or online at www.mt-pleasant.org.

Building Permits can also be electronically submitted by visiting www.mt-pleasant.org.

COVID-19 Resources

The City will continue to monitor this situation and be guided by information provided by the Central Michigan District Health Department https://www.cmdhd.org/novel-coronavirus, the State of Michigan https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus, and the Center for Disease Control & Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

Information Updates

Information will be updated and shared via the City’s website (www.mt-pleasant.org), Blog (mpcityblog.com), Facebook and Twitter accounts, MACTV Charter Spectrum Channel 188, and the Community Information Phone Line (989) 779-5320.