A newsletter for City residents September/October 2013

Mt. PleasantCity of

ConnectionsConnections

The evolution of a new street First South Mission grid street complete

Mt. Pleasant parks staff “goes green”

Most people use bicycles for exercise or to get them from here to there. The City of Mt. Pleasant parks staff has stepped outside of the box to use bicycles for carrying out daily maintenance tasks in area parks.

The Green Maintenance Bike Initiative (GMBI) was initiated two years ago but has recently expanded with the help of a grant from the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation. The GMBI helps reduce noise and air pollution, preserves financial resources and makes park staff more approachable to those they encounter.

Working with the Mt. Pleasant Police Department, parks staff members refurbish former police bicycles and parts, equipping them with specialized trailers to enable the transportation of parks equipment. These bicycles are then used on the trail system that connects the City’s parks to perform daily tasks.

Prior to implementing the bike initiative, the Parks and Recreation Department relied solely on gas-powered, motorized utility vehicles for moving material, equipment and personnel, which used nearly 10 gallons of gasoline per day. The bicycles are now used in conjunction with the motorized vehicles, helping transition into a more environmentally-friendly maintenance program.

The grant of more than $1,700 provided safety, repair and specialized equipment for the bicycles and staff. This has made the initiative even more sustainable by allowing parks staff to make necessary repairs to the bikes.

The department continues to look for innovative ways to replace the use of motorized vehicles in daily maintenance tasks and adjust the initiative for future park growth.

Find a video about the program on the City’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/MtPleasantMI.

A major step has been taken in making one of our City’s busiest streets safer and more accessible.

The first of several proposed grid streets along South Mission St. has been constructed. The street, located between Sherwin Williams and Papa John’s, is an extension of Fairfield Drive and connects East Campus Dr. with Mission St. This is one of several recommended grid streets along South Mission St. These streets will help reduce congestion at the major intersections, along with providing better connectivity between Central Michigan University, Mission Street businesses and the adjacent neighborhoods.

The project began August 11 and the construction was finished by August 18. The street opened to traffic August 19.

The Mission St. redevelopment plan is part of the City’s master

with bicycle initiativeGrant helps to expand program

plan update, which began in the fall of 2012.

Find more information on the master plan update, including the planning for the redevelopment of South Mission St. at www. mt-pleasant.org/masterplan.

Construction of the new grid street connecting East Campus Dr. to S. Mission St. took place August 11 through 18.

Learn more and register: www.mt-pleasant.org/recreationHead into fall with Parks & Recreation

Art continues to engage and improve communityArt has become a staple of summer in Mt. Pleasant. From Chair Affair to Art Walk Central, the inspiration for and creation of art in our community brings out the artist in all of us. It lines the streets of downtown and welcomes many of us as we walk into work or small businesses throughout town. It attracts visitors, engages residents and makes our city even more beautiful.

Art Walk Central, run by Art Reach of Mid Michigan, was even bigger and better in its second year. One of the highlights included a new event, Community Art Day. The event allowed community members to grab a paintbrush and help paint the intersection of Main and Broadway Streets. The bright mosaic design will last up to two years, and adds yet another

beautiful element to Downtown Mt. Pleasant for visitors and residents to enjoy.

Also new to Art Walk Central this year was a “love art” installation, a Magnificant Mt. Pleasant community art project, and an expansion of the chalk art program. The event, which wrapped up August 28, truly included something for everyone.

November election to fill two City Commission positions

Five Mt. Pleasant residents will be on the ballot for the November 5 election as they run for two open City Commission positions. The positions will open when terms of Commissioner Nancy English and Mayor Kathleen Ling expire December 31. The two seats are available for the term January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2016.

City Commission candidates:• Liz Busch• Lisa M. Ferden• Tony Kulick• Mike Verleger• Kathleen Ling

Register to vote by October 7 to be eligible to vote in the November 5 election.

To learn more about the election, registering to vote, precinct information and more, visit www.mt-pleasant.org/election.

Register to vote by October 7

Parking remindersThere is NO parking along City streets from 2 to 5 a.m. between September 1 and May 1 (restricted hours in the Central Business District are 4 to 6 a.m.). Overnight parking is allowed in municipal parking lots only with a valid overnight parking permit and only in designated odd/even areas. Improperly parked vehicles will be subject to ticketing and/or towing at the owner’s expense.

Also, vehicles should only be parked on a prepared driveway. Parking is not allowed in yards, across sidewalks or between the sidewalk and curb.

Strut Your MuttBring your four-legged friend to the Island Park Spray Park on September 14. Let them splash, enjoy a Hot Dog Fetch Contest, the Dog & Owners Costume Parade and doggie treats. “Ask the Vet” micro chipping and much more. Visit www.crdl.org for more information.

Bokwa FitnessWhen: Tuesdays & Thursdays, September 10 through 26Who: Ages 18 and olderFee: Resident $30/Non-Resident $36Registration deadline: September 6

Bootcamp in the ParkWhen: Saturdays, October 5, 12, 19, 26Who: Ages 18 and olderFee: Resident $20/Non-Resident $25Registration deadline: October 2

Fall Youth Volleyball (coed; all games on Sundays)Grades K through 2 Grades 3 through 6Nov. 3 through Dec. 15 Mid-October through Dec. 15Resident $40/Non-Resident $50 Resident $50/Non-Resident $60Registration deadline: October 4Early discount: Save $5 when registered by September 20

Start SmartTM BasketballWhen: Tuesdays or Wednesdays, November 6 through December 18Who: Boys & girls ages 3 to 5Fee: Resident $40/Non-Resident $55Registration deadline: October 30Early discount: Save $10 when registered by October 9

Youth DodgeballWhen: Week of November 4 through December 19Who: Boys & girls ages 8 through 12Fee: Resident $35/Non-Resident $40Registration deadline: October 25

Lawncare do’s and don’tsThe Division of Public Works reminds residents that it is against City Ordinance to deposit dirt, litter, grass clippings, weeds, and twigs generated by lawn mowing, hand trimming or a wind event into any City street, boulevard or alleyway. These materials accumulate and block the storm water catch basins in the street, preventing rainwater from draining properly and causing street flooding. Grass clippings and general yard waste must be bagged and taken to the Material Recovery Facility, located at 4208 East River Road. If you have any questions, please contact the Division of Public Works office at 989-779-5401.

Brush chippingThe City of Mt. Pleasant’s brush chipping program operates year- round. It provides curbside or alley chipping of brush and branches that are not eligible for collection through the City’s weekly refuse collection. Brush must originate from the property.

Brush chipping will occur on the first Monday of the month, weather permitting. Brush may not be placed at the curbside or in the alley earlier than one week before the designated day of collection. City crews can only chip brush in the right of way, not on private property.

Application and payment of fees must be made in advance and will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. on the Thursday before the scheduled collection day. The initial $35 fee provides for 30 minutes of service. Work requiring additional time will be billed to the property owner. Application and payment can be made in person or mailed to one of the following:

Treasurer’s Office Division of Public Works City Hall 1303 North Franklin Street320 West Broadway Street Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858

Leaf collection Leaf collection will begin in late October. City residents may begin raking leaves over the curb on October 21, and pickup will continue until November 22. Leaves should be raked into small piles over the curb and should not cover the storm sewer catch basins.

Take caution so that leaves are not placed too far out in the street so as to cause a traffic obstruction, or are not piled too high so as to cause a sight obstruction. On major streets where heavy traffic prohibits leaves in the gutter, such as High, Broadway, Pickard and Main Streets, please rake leaves into low piles in the rights-of-way between the curb and the sidewalk.

Yard waste bags should not be used; bagged leaves, branches, grass clippings and garden cuttings will not be picked up.

Contact the Division of Public Works office at 989-779-5401 or visit www.mt-pleasant.org/publicworks for more information.

Brush chipping and leaf collection services

Take time and volunteerMt. Pleasant Parks & Recreation offers great ways to make a differenceVolunteers make Mt. Pleasant’s Parks and Recreation programs happen. Throughout the year, from helping to make and hand out popcorn at the Great Egg Scramble to coaching a youth soccer team, our volunteers make the wheels turn. They are essential for sustaining the success of youth

Serving on a board or commission gives you the opportunity to work with your fellow citizens to determine how to best shape the future of the community we call home. The City Commission is once again in search of volunteers to serve as appointed members of various boards and commissions. Applications for current vacant seats are due October 21 and appointments will be made prior to year-end to begin serving in 2014.

Citizen volunteers are appointed to serve on 21 City boards and commissions. Unless otherwise noted, appointments are made by the City Commission. The City Charter currently limits service to two full, consecutive terms. Most terms of appointment are for three years ending on December 31, staggered by year among the members.

Residents interested in serving on any of the boards or commissions can obtain information and an application under Boards and Commissions at www.mt-pleasant.org. There residents also can find a full list of boards and commissions, along with their functions and terms. For those without Internet access who would like more information or to obtain an application, contact the City Manager’s office at 989-779-5323.

City Commission seeking volunteers to serve on appointed boards and commissions

programs and providing quality experiences for our participants.

Donating your time is an excellent way to give back to the community. It also provides a positive environment for young people in Mt. Pleasant.

Mt. Pleasant Parks and Recreation always has something you can get involved with. Learn about upcoming volunteer opportunities with the City of Mt. Pleasant at www.mt-pleasant.org/volunteer.

City of Mt. Pleasant Activities and EventsFor full event details, visit www.mt-pleasant.org/calendar

Stay ConneCted with your CommunityFind the most current information about the City of mt. Pleasant online!

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/mtpleasantmiwww.facebook.com/downtownmpwww.facebook.com/ mtpleasantparksandrecreationwww.facebook.com/MYPEAK

Websites: www.mt-pleasant.org www.downtownmp.com

Twitter:http://twitter.com/mtpleasantmihttp://twitter.com/downtownmp

SEPTEMBER

5 Planning Commission meeting - 7 p.m. at City Hall7 CMU football vs. New Hampshire – Kelly/Shorts Stadium 9 City Commission meeting - 7 p.m. at City Hall13 Zombie Run! CMU campus to Downtown13 Island Park Spray Park closes for the season14 Strut Your Mutt – 1 to 4 p.m. at Island Park21 CMU football vs. Toledo – Kelly/Shorts Stadium23 City Commission meeting - 7 p.m. at City Hall24 Parks & Recreation Committee meeting - 7 p.m. at City Hall

OCTOBER

3 Planning Commission meeting - 7 p.m. at City Hall12 Mom & Son Golf Scramble - 8:30 a.m. at Riverwood14 City Commission meeting - 7 p.m. at City Hall19 CMU football vs. Northern Illinois – Kelly/Shorts Stadium21 Leaf collection begins 22 Parks & Recreation Committee meeting - 7 p.m. at City Hall28 City Commission meeting - 7 p.m. at City Hall31 Pumpkin Promenade - Downtown

7 Planning Commission meeting - 7 p.m. at City Hall11 City Commission meeting - 7 p.m. at City Hall16 Ladies Night Out – Downtown 21 CMU football vs. Toledo – Kelly/Shorts Stadium22 Leaf collection ends23 CMU football vs. UMass – Kelly/Shorts Stadium25 City Commission meeting - 7 p.m. at City Hall26 Parks & Recreation Committee meeting - 7 p.m. City Hall28-29 City offices closed in observance of Thanksgiving (Thursday trash/recycling delayed one day)

7 Dickens’ Christmas Festival - Downtown9 City Commission meeting - 7 p.m. at City Hall19 CMU football vs. Northern Illinois – Kelly/Shorts Stadium24-25 City offices closed in observance of Christmas (Thursday trash/recycling delayed one day)28 City Commission meeting - 7 p.m. at City Hall

DECEMBER

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NOVEMBER