At the July 28 City Commission meeting, commissioners adopted changes to the city’s bicycle ordinance (Chapter 72) which includes both traditional and electric bicycles. For easy reference, updates to this ordinance will be posted at https://www.mt-pleasant.org/departments/city_clerk/index.php after August 28.
Changes include:
Clear definitions of electric bike classifications (1, 2 and 3).
Updates on where e-bikes can be operated.
Speed limit for both bikes and e-bikes not to exceed 10 mph on a sidewalk or paved trail/pathway.
Violations are civil infractions, with fines of up to $50.
Traffic violations of bikes and e-bikes on public roadways could be subject to points on your driver’s license.
As always, trail safety is extremely important. Please review guidelines at www.mt-pleasant.org/parks and keep the trails safe and fun for everyone.
The 24th Youth Police Academy is scheduled for July 14 – 31, 2025, (Monday – Thursday) from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. This free, fun, and interactive program offers youth going into grades 6-8, an up-close view of the skills and necessary training needed for law enforcement officials.
Mt. Pleasant Police Officers conduct the program in the manner of a real police academy with values such as teamwork, integrity, compassion, and discipline being stressed. Cadets are required to participate in physical training and complete the same agility tests given to recruits during a standard police academy.
In addition to physical training, the daily curriculum includes hands-on learning, field trips and demonstrations by specialized units such as the SWAT Team, K-9 and DNR. Classroom topics encompass crime scene investigations, traffic stops, marine patrol activities, firearms safety, first aid and CPR, and much more.
Applications are now available at Mt. Pleasant Public Schools and the Division of Public Safety, 804 E. High Street, from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The application deadline is June 6, 2025.
Paul Lauria, Director of Public Safety for the City of Mt. Pleasant, announced the appointment of Doug Lobsinger to Fire Chief of the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department. Doug has served in this leadership role in an interim capacity since the retirement of Rick Beltinck in December 2022.
Close to 30 years ago, Doug joined the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department as a Paid On Call Firefighter. He has since risen through the ranks serving as an Equipment Operator, Sergeant and Assistant Fire Chief, before his recent interim Fire Chief assignment.
Director Lauria shared, “Through the decades, Doug has been an EMS Coordinator and Instructor, NFPA Fire Inspector, a member of the Hazmat and Technical Rescue Team, and a member of the Isabella County Medical Control Board.” He added, “Throughout his tenure, Doug has steered the Neighborhood Resource Unit, as well as administered the MHSDA housing grant program. This home exterior improvement program has completed 27 projects to date.”
Director Lauria concluded, “Doug’s enthusiasm for fire safety and code enforcement will continue to serve our fire department and community well.”
Economic development, infrastructure upgrades, neighborhood beautification, enhanced public safety services and outreach, recreational offerings and more are highlighted in the City of Mt. Pleasant’s 2022 Annual Report. To view the detailed report, visit: https://issuu.com/mtpleasantmi/docs/annual_report_2022_2
Here are the topics to watch at the next in-person, as well asvirtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, March 13, 2023 at 7 p.m.
Receive City requests for Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe 2% allocations.
Consider waiver of audit requirement for Mid-Michigan Aquatic Recreation Authority.
Consider approval of a proposal for comprehensive analysis of fire services from the Center for Public Safety Management and budget amendment for the same.
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.
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:
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.
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.
After 25 years of service, Fire Chief Rick Beltinck will retire on December 16. Rick rose through the fire ranks, starting as a Fire Equipment Operator. He then advanced to Sergeant, Lieutenant and ultimately Chief in 2015.
In reflecting on his career with the MPFD, Rick observed, “I have had the opportunity to work with great people within our organization, and the community as a whole. It was truly an honor to be a member of a team which fostered learning and growth.”
“Rick’s dedication and hard work is evident through the numerous roles he filled within the fire department and the many initiatives he spearheaded,” said Director Paul Lauria. “Rick worked diligently on the 800Mhz statewide radio system implementation, the SCBA firefighter pack transition, successfully obtained grant funding, and developed a process for updating policy and procedures. Rick also served as the City’s Emergency Manager,” Lauria added, “and chaired the area fire chief’s board which fosters communication among the regional fire departments. Rick’s commitment to the community, the Division of Public Safety, and his invaluable institutional knowledge will be sorely missed.”
Rick’s retirement plans include spending time with family and enjoying life.
At the March 28, 2022 Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting, Public Safety Director Paul Lauria introduced Social Crisis Advocate, Krysta Carabelli.
Krysta Carabelli recently joined the Mt. Pleasant Division of Public Safety as a social crisis advocate. This is a new position resulting from an expanded partnership between the City and RISE, an agency which provides support services for survivors of both domestic violence and sexual assault.
With an overwhelming need for mental health support services, RISE and the City have entered into a one-year pilot program agreement. The purpose of this agreement is to offer networking services to individuals suffering from mental health and temporary crisis issues, as well as substance abuse and drug overdose situations.
Director of Public Safety Lauria stated, “An innovative concept for a public safety division of our size, this new position will provide further guidance to first responders in dealing with these specific types of encountered incidents.” He added, “It will also connect individuals to additional resources in obtaining specialized help. The Division of Public Safety is excited to see where this pilot program takes us as we continue to serve with pride, integrity and compassion.”
Krysta, a two-time graduate of Central Michigan University, earned her master’s degree in Clinical Professional Counseling. Previous work experience includes service as a social worker, domestic violence counselor, and a sexual assault counselor. For the past year Krysta has worked for RISE, specializing in trauma and crisis counseling.
Krysta shared, “I went into counseling to help people, and while completing my degree I decided to concentrate on trauma and crisis counseling. Trauma work is difficult, but I am honored to be a support when needed.” She continued, “You can make a drastic difference in someone’s life by being present and genuine. This integrated approach with first responders can make a noticeable difference.”
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
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