2025

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, May 12, 2025, at 7 p.m.

Consider approval of updates to the Municipal Employees’ Retirement System (MERS) Adoption Agreement & Plan Addendum documents.

Consider authorizing Director of Public Safety Paul Lauria to work with the City Attorney to draft a contract to provide limited police services to the Village of Lake Isabella.

Discussion on 2026 – 2031 Capital Improvement Plan

Discussion on Central Business District TIFA.

Discussion on EPIC MRA workplace climate survey.

To view the entire meeting packet visit:

Click to access E-Packet%20for%20Regular%20Meeting%20on%20Monday,%20May%2012,%202025..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 comment@mt-pleasant.org.

To participate via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83808845503?pwd=fLKosT50UiOOlU5BfaelFNVmFqRJdr.1

Meeting ID: 838 0884 5503

Passcode: 351424

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 at 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

Maureen Eke meke@mt-pleasant.org

Amy Perschbacher aperschbacher@mt-pleasant.org

Grace Rollins grollins@mt-pleasant.org

Boomer Wingard bwingard@mt-pleasant.org

John Zang jzang@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.

Mary Ann Kornexl Retiring After More Than 31 Years of Service to the City

Mary Ann Kornexl, Director of Finance/Treasurer for the City of Mt. Pleasant, is set to retire on June 15, 2023 after almost 32 years of service. Before joining city staff, Mary Ann was the city’s External Auditor in Charge. Mary Ann’s esteemed career as a city employee began in 1991 when she filled the role of Deputy City Clerk. Five years later, Mary Ann was promoted to Treasurer. She advanced to her current position in 2015.

During her tenure, Mary Ann’s work brought fruitful economic development initiatives, and a strong municipal balance sheet. As early as 1991, Mary Ann was tasked with handling the financial aspect of Project 2000, a residential and business development initiative. She assisted many developers throughout this project, resulting in the formation of Eastpointe subdivision, residential condominiums, offices, Horizon Park, retail offerings and a church in the surrounding area.

Mary Ann’s accomplishments also extended beyond the city limits and onto the statewide stage. She was elected by her financial peers across Michigan to serve on the Board of Directors for the Michigan Municipal Treasurers Association (MMTA), on which she served proudly for 11 years. Her dedication to this professional association led to functioning as President from 2013 – 2014, and resulted in her being awarded the Distinguished Service Award in 2016. “I have made wonderful connections and friendships from my MMTA affiliation,” Mary Ann said. “Serving on various committees and being a guest speaker at our numerous conferences was always very rewarding.”

Mary Ann’s accolades did not end with MMTA. During her external audit assignment, and in her following internal leadership role, the City has been awarded the Government Finance Officers Association’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the past 35 years. This certificate is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting. As Mary Ann stated, “It has been fulfilling to work together as a team, qualifying the city to receive this important accolade.”

Looking back on her city career, Mary Ann reflected, “I am grateful for the opportunity to work with colleagues who believed anything could be conquered if we were willing to assist, learn and communicate with each other. I look forward to seeing what is next for our community.”

Mt. Pleasant Fire Chief Beltinck to Retire

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.

Lieutenant Sytsema Retires After 26 Years; Sergeant Bliss Promoted

Lieutenant Don Sytsema will be retiring on October 8, after more than 26 years of service to the Mt. Pleasant Police Department (MPPD). Don began his career as an Officer, advanced to Detective in 2012, and was promoted to Lieutenant in 2017.

During his tenure, Don served as the Youth Services Unit officer, field training officer, evidence technician and forensic interviewer where he would interview children who were victims of physical abuse and sexual assault. Don also supervised the field training unit, road patrol, detective bureau and public information function.

Reflecting on his career with the MPPD, Don observed, “My fondest memory is not an isolated incident, time or place. Rather, it is more than 26 years of working together as a team and accomplishing a shared vision, goal and mission. That is what resonates with me most.”

Sergeant Brandon Bliss has been promoted to Lieutenant and will assume his new duties upon Don Sytsema’s retirement in early October.

Brandon possesses more than 16 years of law enforcement experience, with 13 of these years with the MPPD. During his time with the MPPD, Brandon has served as Youth Services Unit Officer, team leader for the Emergency Services Team, lead Sergeant for the Field Training Program and held union leadership roles with the Police Officers Association of Michigan and the Command Officers Association of Michigan.

Brandon obtained a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Saginaw Valley State University and a master’s degree in Public Administration from Central Michigan University. Throughout his career he has also completed Michigan State University’s First Line Supervision Program as well as attending various other supervisory and leadership schools.