Tag: Town Center

Public Safety Expo Brings Live Demonstrations and Family Activities Downtown

Residents are invited to attend the 2nd Annual Public Safety Expo on May 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Town Center (Main/Broadway) for a free, family-friendly event showcasing the agencies, equipment and partnerships that help keep the Mt. Pleasant community safe every day.

As part of the event setup, an overturned vehicle used for an accident reconstruction demonstration will be placed in the City Hall parking lot prior to the start of the expo, including overnight before the event. The vehicle display is intentional and part of the planned educational programming for the Public Safety Expo. The Mt. Pleasant Police Department is aware of the setup as part of the planned event.

Hosted in partnership with ServPro and Discount Towing, the event will feature live demonstrations, emergency vehicles, educational displays and opportunities to meet first responders and public safety professionals from across the region.

Participating agencies and organizations include:

  • Michigan State Police
  • Mt. Pleasant Police Department
  • Mt. Pleasant Fire Department
  • Isabella County Central Dispatch
  • Isabella County Sheriff’s Office
  • Michigan Independent Search & Rescue
  • Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Police Department
  • Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Fire Department
  • Mobile Medical Response
  • Isabella Bank
  • Green’s Towing

Opening ceremonies will begin at 11:15 a.m. with the National Anthem performed by Brian Eldred and a flag presentation by the Central Michigan University Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC).

Scheduled demonstrations throughout the event include:

  • 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – K-9 demonstration
  • 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Vehicle extrication (“car cutting”) demonstration
  • 12:30 to 1:00 p.m. – K-9 demonstration
  • 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. – Accident reconstruction demonstration

A medical helicopter is also expected to visit the event, weather and emergency response conditions permitting.

Several local food vendors and community partners will be providing complimentary and discounted refreshments during the expo, including:

  • Pisanello’s Pizza featuring $2.50 pizza slices
  • GreenTree Co-op offering free assorted bakery items
  • Dunkin’ providing free donuts and coffee
  • I Scream Ice Cream Truck serving free ice cream, root beer floats and Boston coolers

Community members of all ages are encouraged to attend to learn more about public safety services, emergency response operations and the collaborative partnerships that support the Mt. Pleasant community.

Mt. Pleasant Farmers’ Market Returns with New Saturday Evening Hours

For more than 50 years, the Mt. Pleasant Farmers’ Market has brought fresh in-season fruits and vegetables while creating a welcoming space to gather, connect, and support local farmers. The 2026 season brings exciting changes, including a new Saturday evening market, while continuing the traditions that residents have counted on for decades.

The Mt. Pleasant Farmers’ Market kicks off the 2026 season on Thursday, May 7, at Island Park’s South Shelter. The Thursday Market will run from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. through October 29, offering fresh produce, live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, and an unforgettable experience for customers of all ages.

New This Year: Saturday Evening Market

The Saturday Farmers’ Market is moving to evenings in 2026, running from 4 to 8 p.m. at Town Center (Main & Broadway), June 13 through September 26.

This change follows feedback gathered from vendors, shoppers, and community stakeholders. The updated hours reflect that input and are designed to better fit residents’ schedules, while creating a lively downtown atmosphere on Saturday evenings.

2026 Market Hours at a Glance

  • Thursday Market:
    Island Park’s South Shelter
    7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
    May 7 – October 29
  • Saturday Market
    Town Center (Main & Broadway)
    4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
    June 13 – September 26

Making Healthy Food Accessible for All

The Mt. Pleasant Farmers’ Market is committed to making healthy, locally grown food accessible to residents of all incomes. In 2025, the market processed more than $34,000 in food assistance transactions, and 171 residents used food assistance programs for the first time.

The market accepts a wide range of assistance programs:

  • SNAP/EBT
  • Double Up Food Bucks
  • Prescription for Health
  • Credit/debit market tokens for vendors unable to process card payments

Community Programming and Partnerships

Cooking demonstrations and nutrition-focused programming will be offered throughout the season, with support from local and regional partners.

In 2025, partnerships with the Chippewa River District Library and McLaren Health Plan helped distribute 840 Cook the Kit meal kits, providing families with fresh ingredients and simple, healthy recipes.

For more information about the Mt. Pleasant Farmers’ Market, visit www.mt-pleasant.org/farmersmarket or follow the market on Facebook.

Trick-or-Treat Hours and Safety Tips for Halloween

Get ready for a spooktacular Halloween! The City of Mt. Pleasant invites families to enjoy a safe and fun evening at the Pumpkin Promenade and citywide Trick-or-Treating.

Pumpkin Promenade

The Pumpkin Promenade will take place on Friday, October 31, from 4 – 6 p.m. in downtown Mt. Pleasant. Children 12 and under are invited to wear their Halloween costumes, trick-or-treat at downtown businesses, and enjoy kid-friendly outdoor activities.

More details about the Pumpkin Promenade will be available soon.
Visit www.mt-pleasant/pumpkinpromenade for the latest information.

Mt. Pleasant Trick-or-Treating

The City of Mt. Pleasant’s official Trick-or-Treat hours are 6 – 8 p.m. on October 31. To have a safe and enjoyable experience, please remember these tips:

  • Stay on well-lit streets, and use sidewalks.
  • Young children should be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult.
  • Look both ways before crossing streets and use crosswalks.
  • Carry a flashlight and/or wear reflective clothing.
  • Always stay in front of a residence, and never enter a house when Trick or Treating.
  • Inspect all treats collected, and discard any item that is not sealed.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – August 12, 2024

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, August 12, 2024, at 7 p.m.

  • Presentation from Downtown Development Director Michelle Sponseller on the Town Center Civic Space project.
  • Presentation on Climate Change Vulnerability Survey results.
  • Consider Extension of Month-to-Month Agreement Lease with Robert Lee Ervin.
  • Consider a Per Hour Contract with Blystone & Bailey CPAs for Third Party Accounting Services.
  • Consider approval of Storm Sewer Fund Deficit Elimination Plan.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

Click to access E-packet%20for%20Monday,%20August%2012,%202024.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/87821490422?pwd=XqGcRBmkvMXa1NPbRPulndw3psbsoU.1

Meeting ID: 878 2149 0422

Passcode: 185294

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

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 at (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 Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 4/22/2024

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, April 22, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Mayor Perschbacher read and presented a proclamation recognizing Workers Memorial Day April 28, 2024.

Planning & Community Development Director Manuela Powidayko and Mayor Perschbacher presented Certificates of Completion to the 2024 Mt. Pleasant Citizens’ Academy participants.

Approved the agenda as presented.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

6) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held April 8, 2024.

7) Resolution authorizing a 2024 Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation (MPACF) grant application for Town Center civic space amenities.

8) Resolution in support of final approval of TCO #1-2024.

9) Set a public hearing for May 13, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. for Development District (DDA) License for Narrativality Artisan Coffee Roasters, LLC..

10) Contract with Bornor Restoration, Inc. of Lansing, MI for DPS – Masonry Screen Wall project.

11) Warrants and payrolls.

Approved a contract with Placer.ai for one year of access and a budget amendment for the same and a budget amendment for the internship program.

Adopted the 2025 Goals and Objectives.

Director Lauria provided an overview of suggested changes to the current draft Managed Natural Landscaping Ordinance. Commissioner consensus ruled against any form of registration and the term “Managed” versus “Planned.”

Appointed Mayor Perschbacher as the City representative to the County Tax Allocation Board.

Conducted work session discussions on 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Plan and on Refuse and Recycling Pickup Services.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:42 p.m.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 2/26/2024

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, February 26, 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 the following items on the Consent Calendar:

6) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held February 12, 2024.

7) Authorized the Mayor to sign an acceptance contract for the grant from MSHDA, approved allocation of $50,000 HODAG funds, and confirmed the program parameters as presented.

8) Bid of Monchilov Sewer Service, LLC of Fairgrove, MI for 2024 Sewer Relining and a portion of the alternate bid work.

9) Bid of M&M Pavement Marking of Grand Blanc, MI for 2024 Pavement Marking Project.

10) Bid of Hutch Paving, Inc. of Warren, MI for 2024 Milling & Resurfacing Project and budget amendment.

11) Bid of Lakeshore Construction of Mt. Pleasant, MI for the 2024 Sidewalk Replacement Project, and budget amendment.

12) Bid of Block Farm Operations, LLC of Weidman, MI for 2024 Lime Residuals Removal Project.

13) Contract with Metron Farnier of Boulder, CO for authorization to purchase AMI-equipped residential water meters.

14) Contract with Mead and Hunt for the Airport Feasibility Study and budget amendment.

15) Warrants and payrolls.

16) Contract with Lakeshore Construction of Mt. Pleasant, MI for the 2024 Chipp-A-Waters Sidewalk Project.

17) Correspondence to CMU Board of Trustees regarding the upcoming CMU President search.

Held a public hearing and approved resolution #5 to accept the special assessment roll and set payment terms for Special Assessment District #1-2024.

Approved a contract with Malley Construction Inc. of Mt. Pleasant, MI for the 2024 Parking Lot #3, Town Center Reconstruction Project; and a contract with Three Rivers Corporation of Midland, MI for the Town Center Restroom Building Construction Project.

Approved contract with Progressive AE of Grand Rapids, MI for Mission Street Corridor Plan, and budget amendment.

Approved Resolution in Support of Ceasefire in Gaza and Israel.

Held a Work Session Discussion on Climate Change Action Plan.

Adjourned the meeting at 9 p.m.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 2/26/2024

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, February 26, 2024, at 7 p.m.

  • Public hearing on Special Assessment District #1-2024 roll and consider approval of resolution #5 to approve the roll and set the payment terms for Special Assessment District #1-2024.
  • Consider approval of a contract with Malley Construction Inc. for the 2024 Parking Lot #3, Town Center Reconstruction Project and consider approval of a contract with Three Rivers Corporation for the Town Center Restroom Building Construction Project.
  • Consider approval of a contract with Progressive AE for the Mission Street Corridor Plan and approve a budget amendment for the same.
  • Discussion on Climate Change Action Plan.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

Click to access E-Packet%20for%20February%2026,%202024.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/88929142176?pwd=L0ZNdHphNW5HVEhmT3I3TFB4S042Zz09

Meeting ID: 889 2914 2176

Passcode: 120497

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

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 at (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.

Topics to Watch at the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – November 13, 2023

Here are the topics to watch at the next in person, as well as virtual Mt. Pleasant City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, November 13, 2023 at 7 p.m.

  • Presentation on Town Center by Downtown Development Director Michelle Sponseller.
  • Public hearing on the proposed 2024 Annual Operating Budget.
  • Receive and consider recommendation from Local Officers Compensation Commission regarding compensation for elected city officials.
  • Consider resolution approving the final 2024 Operating Budget and set the millage rate for 2024.
  • Consider resolution supporting amended rates, fees, and charges.
  • Review 2023 Broadway Central and consider recommendation for 2024 and beyond.
  • Discussion on TNR Program.

To view the entire meeting packet visit: 

Click to access E-Packet%20for%20November%2013,%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/85384088427?pwd=bnZnaHZ2bmZmZTdpQWZUUlEva0F4Zz09

Meeting ID: 853 8408 8427

Passcode: 855156

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.

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.

Pumpkin Promenade and Trick or Treating Information

The Pumpkin Promenade is scheduled for Monday, October 31 from 4-6 p.m. in downtown Mt. Pleasant. Children 12 years and under are invited to dress in their Halloween costumes, trick-or-treat at downtown businesses, and enjoy kid-friendly outdoor activities at Town Center.

The City of Mt. Pleasant’s Trick-or-Treating hours are 6 – 8 p.m. on October 31. Please remember the following safety tips.

  • Remain on well-lit streets, and use sidewalks.
  • A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children.
  • Look both ways before crossing the street, and use crosswalks.
  • Carry a flashlight and/or wear reflective clothing.
  • Always stay in front of a residence, and never enter a house when Trick or Treating.
  • Inspect all treats collected, and discard any item that is not sealed.