Community Newsletter Fall / Winter 2015

City Mount Pleasant

of

New code enforcement officer to serve M-2 district Residents in the M-2 zoning area will see a fresh face around their neighborhoods this fall. Kris Crawford, former dispatcher and corrections officer for the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Police Department, joins the City of Mount Pleasant as the new code enforcement officer for the M-2 district.

While his primary responsibility will be enforcing ordinances, Crawford will also be charged with the vital task of developing partnerships with both renters and property owners, as well as establishing neighborhood groups.

“Achieving code compliance through cooperation and collaboration is usually more impactful and enduring than solely enforcing the ordinances,” said Fire Lt. Mike Dunham. “Kris will be working diligently to foster these relationships. As they strengthen, he will gain a greater understanding of the issues facing neighborhoods in the M-2 area and therefore be better equipped to effectively correct the problems.”

Previously, the two current officers were responsible for serving the entire City (more than 5,000 parcels), but the increasing instances of ordinance violations and conflict between owner-occupied properties and students living in the M-2 area revealed the need for additional code enforcement support. With Crawford joining the team, residents throughout the City can expect each officer to dedicate more time to their respective areas. Although circumstances have led code enforcement processes in a more stringent direction, Lt. Dunham is optimistic that Crawford’s role will encourage residents to work together, ultimately increasing ordinance compliance in the M-2 area and improving the City as a whole.

community partnershipsPromoting code compliance through

“Achieving code compliance through cooperation and collaboration

is usually more impactful and enduring than solely enforcing the ordinances.”

-Fire Lt. Mike Dunham

M-2 District Code Enforcement Officer Schedule: Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. • Contact: (989) 779 - 5302

Kris Crawford (left), the City’s new code enforcement officer for the M-2 district, works with current Code Enforcement Officer Jeff Pickler to become familiar with the area.

Recent News Mt. Pleasant saves millions with new sidewalk repair processThroughout the City, there are sidewalks in need of attention. The Division of Public Works recently started utilizing the mudjacking process to repair damaged sidewalks, eventually saving both time and more than $2 million. “Cost is the biggest factor in mudjacking versus replacement in areas where the process is applicable,” said City Engineering Technician Jennifer Flachs. Mudjacking is a two-hour process that repairs trip hazards by lifting concrete slabs that have settled over time. During those two hours, four holes are drilled in the area of uneven sidewalk. Lime from the Water Department is used to make a grout mixture to fill the holes, which then lifts the concrete. Once the sidewalk has been leveled, the holes are plugged with concrete.

Research from the Engineering Department revealed the City has more than 110,000 linear feet (LFT) of sidewalk that can be improved through mudjacking. With sidewalk replacement costing $25/ LFT, replacing 110,000 LFT of sidewalk would result in a $2.75 million price tag. At $3/LFT, mudjacking would total $330,000, saving the City approximately $2.4 million.

Additionally, “We get all the materials needed from the water plant,” said Flachs. “The lime is a waste product from the water process.”

According to Flachs, a large portion of the 2016 sidewalk budget will be spent on mudjacking. The monies saved as a result will be used for other City infrastructure projects.

Your Connection to the

• Keith Cotter• Lisa Ferden• Lori Gillis• Nicholas Madaj

• Allison Quast-Lents• Rick Rautanen• Petro J. Tolas

November 3 Election

City Commission approves M-2 zoning ordinance revisionsOn Sept. 28, the City Commission adopted the proposed text changes to the ordinance related to the M-2 zoning district and non-conforming redevelopment projects.

The ordinance revision has formalized the process for the redevelopment of non-conforming properties in the M-2 district, as well as amended the required standards for any future project in the area.

Mt. Pleasant City Planner Jacob Kain thanked community members, and present and past commissioners for dedicating their time to this matter.

Potter Playground conversations continueAt the City Commission meeting on Sept. 28, Director of Parks and Public Spaces Chris Bundy, along with team member Josh Wozniak, updated commissioners on the recent upgrades and repairs made at Potter Playground.

Bundy and Wozniak also proposed future plans for the space, reviewed the potential costs and identified funding options. Decisions on how to proceed will be specified on a later date.

Charter Amendment ProposalA Charter Amendment proposal will appear on the ballot for the Nov. 3 election. If passed, this amendment will enable the City Commission to reappoint individuals with reputations of quality service, allowing them to serve for longer periods of time.

The City has 22 boards and commissions that are staffed by nearly 100 volunteers which the City Commission appoints.

The Charter Amendment will extend the number of terms appointed members of any City agency, board or committee can serve, from two (2) consecutive terms to four (4) consecutive terms. This amendment would apply only to appointed boards and commissions and would not affect the elected positions.

Voting InformationPolls will be open 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Election Day. (For precinct locations, visit www.mt-pleasant.org/departments).

If you are unable to attend the polls on Election Day, you can access an absent voter ballot if you are age 60 or older, unable to vote without assistance at the polls, expecting to be out of town, in jail awaiting arraignment or trial, unable to attend the polls due to religious reasons or appointed to work as an election inspector in a precinct outside of your precinct of residence. Absent voter ballots must be returned to the City Clerk’s office prior to 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Commissioner Candidates and Upcoming DebatesThere are seven candidates running for three full-term City Commission seats in the upcoming election. The City Commission candidates are:

The terms of current Commissioners Jon Joslin, Rick Rautanen and Matthew Sous expire Dec. 31, 2015.

The City Commission candidates will be participating in the following local debate events:

Thursday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m.First Presbyterian Church, 1250 Watson Rd. Presented by: Southwest Area Neighborhood Association (SWAN)

Thursday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m.Mt. Pleasant City Hall, 320 West Broadway Presented by: The League of Women Voters

2016 Man vs. Mountain registration now openRegister before Nov. 1 for a discounted rate! Man vs. Mountain challenges its brave participants to a unique 5K winter obstacle in

Michigan’s brutal elements. Going beyond your typical course, this thrill seeking 5K

dares participants to run, climb and jump their way through every obstacle that’s strategically placed through the Mt. Pleasant City Parks. The race begins at 9 a.m. on Feb. 6, 2016 at Nelson Park.

For registration and more information, visit www.mt-pleasant.org/mvm.

Overnight ParkingOvernight parking regulations go into effect Dec. 1, 2015 - April 1, 2016. On-street and City lot parking will be prohibited in non-downtown areas from 2 - 5 a.m.

Snow RemovalThe Street Department is responsible for snow removal and ice control on City streets. Please help us expedite snowplowing by:

• Avoiding parking on streets when inclement weather is predicted.

• Clearing sidewalks of snow within 24 hours, including your mailbox approach.

• Checking your mailbox posts. If the post is worn, rotted, or too close to the roadway, it may be damaged from the weight of the snow being plowed. Please check with the U.S. Postal Service requirements if you wish to move your mailbox post.

Leaf Pick-upResidents who live within City limits have from Oct. 19 - Nov. 22 to rake their leaves into the street to be collected in a citywide sweep. Please rake leaves in low piles into the gutter (please avoid covering catch basins). On High, Pickard and Main Streets, leaves may be raked between the curb and sidewalk. In uncurbed areas, leaves should be raked into the streets along the street shoulders. Leaves will be collected during the following weeks:

• Oct. 26 - 30• Nov. 9 - 13• Nov. 23 is the final collection day

Refuse and RecyclingListed below are the City’s ordinance requirements related to refuse and recycling. Refuse and recycling will not be collected if these requirements are not met.

• Residential cans must be 5-34 gallons in size, and its contents may not exceed 50 pounds.

• Residents living in a single family home must use the City’s bag/tag system for trash disposal.

• City bag system and recycling must be out on collection day by 7:30 a.m., but no earlier than 5 p.m. the night before collection. Everything must be removed from the street view and alley right-of-way by midnight on collection day.

Christmas Tree CollectionThe Street Department picks up Christmas trees during the first two weeks of January. Place your tree at the curb with the stump facing the street and remove any plastic bags from the tree. Wreaths will not be collected.

Restroom Closure, Water Shutdown at ParksStarting mid-October, the public restrooms in Mt. Pleasant City parks will be closed for the winter months. Island Park restrooms will remain open daily until 3 p.m.

When visiting Hannah’s Bark Park, please be sure to bring water for your dog as the water fountains will not be in service November - May (weather dependent).

October is Fire Prevention MonthThe U.S. Fire Administration reports that fire departments across the country respond to nearly 2 million fires each year. This month, make sure your home is protected and prepared for a fire. • Test smoke alarm batteries• Don’t overload circuits or extension cords• Ensure there is ample space around portable heating units• Create and practice an escape route• Clean dryer vents• Keep holiday lights away from things that easily catch fire

Trick-or-Treating Safety TipsTrick-or-treating in the City of Mount Pleasant is scheduled for Oct. 31 from 6 - 8 p.m. Before you head down the trick-or-treat trail, please remember these tips to keep your family safe: • Remain on well-lit

streets and always use the sidewalks• Always cross the street at established crosswalks and look both

ways before crossing the road• A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young

children on their neighborhood rounds• Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home

or car for a treat• Notify law enforcement of any suspicious or unlawful activities

About the Neighborhood Resource Unit (NRU): The NRU is a team comprised of many City departments that works diligently with the community to increase the safety and upkeep of neighborhoods. Contact the NRU at 989-779-5123.

Community Reminders

Notes from yourNeighborhood Resource Unit

City Mount Pleasant

of PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID EDDM RETAIL

*****************ECRWSS****

Local Postal Customer

www.facebook.com/mtpleasantMI

@MtpleasantMI

@mtpleasantmichigan

OCTOBER

Oct. 12: Columbus Day - No Delay in Refuse/Recycling Collection Oct. 12: City Commission 7 p.m. City Hall Oct. 26: City Commission 7 p.m. City HallOct. 27: Parks and Recreation Commission 7 p.m. City HallOct. 28: Zoning Board of Appeals 7 p.m. City Hall Oct. 30: Pumpkin Promenade 4 - 6 p.m. throughout Downtown Oct. 31: Final Farmers’ Market of the season 7:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.Oct. 31: Halloween Trick-or-Treating 6 - 8 p.m.

NOVEMBER

Nov. 5: Planning Commission 7 p.m. City HallNov. 9: City Commission 7 p.m. City HallNov. 11: City Offices Closed to Public - Veterans Day - No Delay in Refuse/ Recycling Collection Nov. 14: Ladies’ Night Out throughout DowntownNov. 18: Zoning Board of Appeals 7 p.m. City HallNov. 23: City Commission 7 p.m. City Hall Nov. 24: Parks and Recreation Commission 7 p.m. City HallNov. 25: Schools Out Day Camp 7:30 a.m. Fancher Elementary School Nov. 26: City Offices Closed - Thanksgiving Day - Refuse/Recycling Collection delayed until Nov. 27 Nov. 27: City Offices ClosedNov. 28: Small Business Saturday throughout Downtown

DECEMBER

Dec. 3: Planning Commission 7 p.m. City HallDec. 4 - 5: Christmas Celebration throughout DowntownDec. 14: City Commission 7 p.m. City HallDec. 16: Zoning Board of Appeals 7 p.m. City HallDec. 24: City Offices Closed - Christmas Eve - No Delay in Refuse/Recycling CollectionDec. 25: City Offices Closed - Christmas DayDec. 28: City Commission 7 p.m. City Hall (if needed)Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve - No Delay in Refuse/Recycling Collection

See the full City calendar at www.mt-pleasant.org.

Stay Connected...

Sign up for public hearing noticesIf you would like to receive email notices of public hearings, please send a request to news@mt-pleasant.org. Hearing notices are also published in the Morning Sun and online at www.mt-pleasant.org/notices.

Pumpkin Promenade Friday, Oct. 30; 4 - 6 p.m.You’re invited to participate in the fourth annual Pumpkin Promenade. Children 12 years and under are welcome to dress in their Halloween costumes, trick-or-treat at local downtown businesses and enjoy all the planned Halloween themed activities.

Ladies’ Night Out Saturday, Nov. 14The City partners with the Women’s Initiative and Women’s Aid Service to party with a purpose. Start this fun-filled day with a trip to your favorite salon or spa, take a restorative yoga class or a mini photo session with your favorite photographer to capture the memories! Small Business Saturday Saturday, Nov. 28This nationally recognized event encourages community members to ‘Shop Small.’ Small Business Saturday will include shopping events, family-oriented activities and more.

Christmas CelebrationsFriday and Saturday, Dec. 4-5Wander the streets of Downtown Mt. Pleasant as the glow of the holiday lights reminds you of what the Holiday Season is all about - spending time with friends and families!

What’s Up Downtown Upcoming Activities and Events

City of Mount Pleasant • 320 W. Broadway • Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 • (989) 779 - 5300