High Flying News from the Mt. Pleasant Municipal Airport

Capital Improvements, Regional Airport Designation, Manager Brickner elected to board

Capital Improvements

After more than a year of planning and securing grant funding, the Mt. Pleasant Municipal Airport’s (KMOP) taxiway and lighting project has been completed well below the projected $2.7 million cost. The project was fully funded through grants.

  • 90% Federal Grants
  • 5% State Grants
  • 5% Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Local Match Funds

Improvements included a reconstructed 35-foot-wide taxiway, LED lighting and updated signage.

To bring the layout of the airfield into compliance, modifications were made resulting in one mid-field taxiway connector. This change was slated for 2025, but federal money was made available to complete the project alongside the taxiway upgrade.

Regional Airport Designation

Due to its traffic counts, the Mt. Pleasant Municipal Airport is now considered a regional airport. This designation enables the airport to be eligible for an additional $100,000 in grant funding.

Airport Manager Brickner Elected to MAAE

Bill Brickner, airport manager was elected to the Michigan Association of Airport Executives (MAAE) Board of Directors. The MAAE’s mission is to promote Michigan airports through aviation leader forums, while strengthening relationships with legislative, regulatory and community partners. Bill will serve a five-year term on this statewide board.

City of Mt. Pleasant shoot 08/08/2019. Photos by Steve Jessmore, Steve Jessmore Photography, Steve@stevejessmore.com, 616-606-3451

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held January 24, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.

Item #29 “Waiver of Conflict” was added to the agenda.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

7) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held January 10, 2022.

8) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held January 10, 2022.

9) Resolution in support of final approval of TCO #2- 2022.

10) Resolution for final approval of TCO #3-2022.

11) Resolution for final approval of TCO #4-2022.

12) Resolution for final approval of TCO #5-2022.

13) Resolution authorizing MDOT Contract Number 21-5404 (maintenance of new sidewalk at US-127BR/Mission Street and Corporate Drive).

14) Resolution in support of a Redevelopment Liquor License for Pleasant City Coffee and Books.

15) Set special meeting of the City Commission for Wednesday, March 9, 2022 at 5:45 p.m.

16) Set special meeting of the City Commission for Monday, April 18, 2022 at 5:30 p.m.

17) MDOT Resolution contract amendment for Phase II of the Runway 9 Approach Slope Clearing Project and budget amendment.

18) Contract with Alpine Tree Service of Newaygo, MI for Phase II of the Runway 9 Approach Slope Clearing Project.

19) Mayor Perschbacher made appointments of City administrative officials to various boards and commissions.

20) Warrants and Payrolls.

Held a public hearing and adopted resolution #3 to proceed with improvements; and resolution #4 to accept the special assessment roll and set a public hearing for Monday, February 14, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. regarding said roll for Special Assessment District #1-22.

Held a public hearing and adopted resolution #3 to proceed with improvements; and resolution #4 to accept the special assessment roll and set a public hearing for Monday, February 14, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. regarding said roll for Special Assessment District #2-22.

Authorized the purchase of 800 MHz (megahertz) radios from ProComm Inc; radio programming by MPSCS as well as approved a budget amendment for the project cost and Capital Improvement Fund Transfer.

Authorized a contract extension with The Mannick & Smith Group of Canton, MI to perform environmental consulting services at the former city landfill and budget amendment.

Approved airport staffing and fee changes and budget amendment.

Appointed City Commissioners to City standing and special committees.

Appointed City Commissioners to City boards and commissions.

Referred drive-thru stacking requirements to the Planning Commission for review and options.

Denied the Waiver of Conflict from Clark Hill.

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.

Adjourned the meeting at 8:25 p.m.