2009 Annual Report

City of Mt. Pleasant

Presented to the

Mt. Pleasant City Commission

The Charter of the City of Mt. Pleasant requires that the City Manager “make available to the public

a complete report on the finances and administrative activities of the City … as of the end of the fiscal year.”

An audit is conducted of the City’s fiscal conditions and practices

and is delivered to the public and the City Commission by an independent firm and a committee. The City Manager produces a

second document looking back over the prior 12 months and recounting the administrative activities of the organization.

2009 Annual Report

Dear Residents:In the midst of one of

Michigan’s worst economic downturns, the City of Mt. Pleasant set upon an ambitious and slightly unorthodox course.

During this last year, communities in other parts of the state were sometimes forced to slash services, layoff police officers and firefighters and neglect expensive infrastructure.

We, on the other hand, adjusted our priorities and carefully invested resources to “get a leg-up” in making Mt. Pleasant an even more attractive place to live, raise a family, and conduct business.

In 2009, the City Commission strategically increased capital spending to more than $2.5 million, keeping local contractors working and adding signature amenities to improve our quality of life. We increased pedestrian safety by replacing more than 12,000 feet of damaged sidewalk and added 500 new feet. The airport terminal was refurbished through donated funds. We built a spray park, added downtown parking, and built a beautifully landscaped roundabout at Main and Mosher streets.

We are convinced this is not the time to hide our light under a basket or to lose sight of what makes us special. Tough times require creativity, innovation and a re-invigorated competitive spirit.

Instead of waiting for the state to recover and replenish the equivalent of nearly 2 mills in state-shared revenue they kept for themselves, we are investing to grow our own tax base. We created incentives to jump-start the re-development of Mission Street and to encourage entrepreneurs and start-up businesses. After all, the best time to invest is often during the worst time.

When the 2009 Operating Budget was presented in October 2008, we made a public commitment to you. We agreed to spend our time and your money in ways that would add value to the community and continue moving us forward. To assure we are heading in the right direction, we rely on the community strategic plan. The City Commission summarized the strategy is eight statements that outline Mt. Pleasant’s future. These include:

Each page in the City of Mt. Pleasant 2009 Annual Report highlights some of last year’s projects or programs that were intended to move us closer to our target. Due to the sheer volume, this report does not attempt to list all accomplishments for 2009 nor does it relay day-to-day responsibilities. The report is intended to provide you with a way to look back over the last twelve months, monitor our progress and grade our performance.

Sometimes unforeseen challenges crop up or unexpected opportunities present themselves. When that happens, plans are altered; some projects are scrapped while others move up the priority list. When you see this notation () you will know the item was listed in the 2009 budget as expected to be completed in 2009.

In 2010 and 2011, we will confront a continuously constricting economy and declining revenues. We welcome your comments, suggestions and help in assuring that we don’t just survive this decade, but emerge better for having been tested. Please contact us through our website at www.mt-pleasant.org.

Sincerely,

Kathie GrinzingerMt. Pleasant City Manager

Forward Thinking,Forward Progress

From the desk of the Mt. Pleasant City Manager ...

Kathie Grinzinger, Mt. Pleasant City Manager

We will work together toward being a community…

• Of safe and clean neighborhoods with low crime rates and low vacancy rates that are inhabited by multi-generational owner-occupants. See pages 3-4. • Where economic opportunity for businesses offering

good wages for employees is readily available. See page 5. • With varied recreational opportunities funded by

several sources and targeting children and teens. See page 6. • With stable funding from a diverse tax base to finance

the governmental services citizens need. See page 7. • Where commercial and retail sectors providing varied

shopping opportunities thrive. See page 8. • That finds logical solutions to the problems of traffic

congestion. See pages 9-10. • Where regionalized solutions are sought for

governmental issues. See page 11. • With an involved citizenry. See page 12.

Of Safe and Clean Neighborhoods

• Infused “walkability” (urban design, “safe streets for everyone”) concepts into all forms of public design and private development.

• Hired consultant to conduct s h a r e h o l d e r meetings and design process of Main Street corridor. Drafted D o w n t o w n to Campus Connection plan was introduced to the public in December 2009. Final design is still pending. Construction is hoped to take place in 2010.

• Commission “mini-stimulus” increased funds for sidewalk repair. Roughly 500 feet of new sidewalk was installed on the north side of Pickard Street, east of the Citgo to the railroad tracks.

• Mosher/Main intersection reconstructed to include roundabout and add street parking.

• Fire Department bike/foot medic program integrated with Police bike/foot patrol and has been very successful. Each year medics treat numerous serious illnesses and injuries, ranging from heart attacks, unconscious persons from alcohol poisoning, and relatively serious injuries from cycling accidents. Positive feedback from the public has been received.

• Changed traffic patrol approach. Concentrated on “teaching” to prevent crashes (speeding and red light, left turn and turn lane violations) on Mission. In January through November officers had contact with 3463 drivers on Mission side streets. Seventy-two percent of those drivers received education warnings rather then enforcement action.

• Partnerships between Park Rangers, Youth Service Unit, Police Patrol Officers, and Parks Deptartment allowed for new intervention methods within the park system. Undesirable activity markedly decreased. Funding from various sources, including donations, allowed for the installation of cameras to record activities at the Island Park memorials.

• Responding to increased vacancies/neighborhood upkeep issues, two amendments to City Code were introduced: solid waste ordinance and weeds.

• E x p a n d e d b o u n d a r i e s of owner-o c c u p i e d i n c e n t i v e p r o g r a m to increase n u m b e r of eligible p r o p e r t i e s . Three rental properties were sold in 2009 and converted back to single family r e s i d e n c e s . Staff provided area realtors with updated information on the program following the expansion.

• Reducing risk of sewer back-ups by executing Phase II of grease trap compliance plan.

• Twenty fire pagers were replaced with funds provided in the operating budget. The remaining ten pagers were replaced with 2007 Department of Homeland Security grant monies, through Region 6. This completed the fire pager replacement program and made us narrow band compliant.

We Will Work Together Toward Being A Community…

Dan Burden, a walkability expert, visited with Mt. Pleasant stakeholders in October 2009.

Applicants will need to contact a mortgage lender of their choice for pre-qualification of a home loan prior to making application at the City.

Applicants will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. Funds will be reserved for up to 60 days following delivery of a Purchase Agreement to the City and will be distributed at closing as follows:

• 5% of the purchase price up to $10,000 per applicant for the purchase of a licensed “family” rental.

• 8% of the purchase price up to $16,000 per applicant for the purchase of a licensed “rooming and boarding” rental.

Following the City’s receipt of the lender’s pre-approval letter, the applicant will find an existing rental property for sale in the target area. The applicant and their realtor will handle all negotiations related to the purchase of the property.

Existing duplexes may qualify, provided at least 50% of the property is converted to an owner-occupied state. Funding will be based

Please do not call City Hall for assistance in locating a property or assistance in listing a property.

Instead, please contact your local Central Michigan Association Realtor Member.

The target area chosen for the Owner Occupied Residential Incentive Program (outlined above) was based on the goals stated in the HyettPalma Plan for downtown to increase the quality of the housing stock and the mixture of owner and rental housing in that area.

Program Implementation Target Area

The goal of the Owner Occupied Residential Incentive Program is to reduce the number of rental units in a target area of the city and encourage neighborhood stability by increasing the number of owner occupied properties.

on the percentage of floor area in the rental portion of the duplex to the overall building area. Mixed residential, commercial and office structures may not be included in this program.

The City will be notified of the acceptance of the Purchase Agreement by receipt of a copy of the document, along with notification of the closing date.

Prior to closing, the City will prepare a check for up to the program limit, along with a document in which the purchaser agrees to:

a. Surrender the property’s rental license.

b. Eliminate any nonconforming uses, such as a rooming dwelling or multi-unit structure.

c. Own and occupy the property for at least 5 years, or sell to another owner-occupant.

The Owner Occupied Residential Incentive program boundaries expanded to include 343 additional

properties.

Surrounded by friends and city employees,

the Baderschneider family gathered in honor of a man whose influence and passion is evident in the pristine parks of Mt. Pleasant – Gregory K. Baderschneider.

Baderschneider, who passed away suddenly Oct. 12, 2008, was integral to creating the parks and trails system. Although he put his dedication and tenacity toward the many projects that he oversaw, including the development of Horizon Park, the Island Skate Park and the Borden Building, Baderschneider’s true vision was the creation of a river walk trail system - a system which

now bears the name of the man responsible for its fruition.

During an outdoor ceremony held on July 27, 2009, the city’s trail system was renamed the Gregory K. Baderschneider River Walk Trail. City employees also unveiled the honorary plaque that will mark the trail.

In addition to the ceremony, the City Commission unanimously adopted a resolution to rename the City’s River Walk Trail System during their meeting that evening. Mayor Holton presented family members, who packed the Commission Chambers, with a copy of the resolution. It read:

“Greg’s vision of

c o n n e c t i n g the local community, the Chippewa River and public Parks became the River Walk Trail, which will forever remain a testament to his love for c o m m u n i t y parks and the great outdoors.

“It is clearly recognized, due to public use and comment, that the City Parks trails have been a substantial quality of life addition to the Mt. Pleasant Parks system and to the residents of the community.”

B a d e r s c h n e i d e r began his career with the City of Mt. Pleasant as a buildings and grounds supervisor in 1990. In 1998, he was named Director of Parks, Buildings and Grounds.

• Security measures at unmanned water system sites completed in September.

• Increased emphasis on neighborhood health by encouraging formation of new neighborhood associations and increased activity of existing groups. Promoted Mini-Grant Program through a letter campaign. Generated 11 applications overall; up from the previous year. The group awarded six mini-grants for various projects in addition to sponsoring a brush pickup program in the west side south of Broadway.

• Rental property survey, focusing on area north of High, was mailed to track market changes. The data obtained from the survey instrument was insufficient and did not yield valuable results. Alternative means to gather necessary data will need to be identified.

• The Street Department crew completed a septage receiving station at the Wastewater Plant. The newly constructed station features a wide concrete drive and a permanent access pipe that allows haulers to make a stable, direct connection to the wastewater plant and eliminates the possibility for accidental spills.

Trails emphasize Baderschneider’s passion

Chris Bundy, Director of Parks and Public Spaces, unveils the new plaque that honors

the late Greg Baderschneider.

Of Safe and Clean Neighborhoods


Where Economic Opportunity is Available

• Economic development boards (EDC, TIFA, DDA, and LDFA) reorganized, processes streamlined. New management contracts renegotiated with MMDC to establish performance expectations. Process began in 2008, completed in 2009.

• Appointed new LDFA board.

• DDA/TIFA Board retained the services of an architect to provide design assistance to Mission Street business owners interested in improving building facades.

• DDA/TIFA Board finalized parameters for new low interest loan programs on Mission Street. Mt. Pleasant Automotive was the first to apply for the program.

• Increased City’s involvement with CMU Reserach Corporation.

• Used Economic Development Fund to provide incentive packages for new developments.

• Used several Mission Street DDA incentive tools and parameters of Overlay Zoning to promote design of Firstbank on Mission Street.

• EDC and CBD-TIFA purchased adjoining properties on Main Street to create future development potential.

• The rental unit on the upper floor of 315 N. Main Street was relicensed during the last quarter. The unit is currently being advertised for lease for residential purposes until a new development presents itself. The property will produce $1,100 in monthly income.

• Increased involvement in the strategic planning for MMDC’s future. Partnered in restructuring, defining and job search for President.

• Police Officers attended training in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. This training will be utilized to assist in the planning and development phase of new commercial structures for the purpose of crime prevention.


City of Mt. Pleasant Open for Business

These businesses have recently opened doors or expanded their services in the City of Mt. Pleasant:• Mt. Pleasant

Brewing company opened its doors in August 2009 with a Tap Room for customers to enjoy a selection of beers while watching the ales being made.

• Travola Gigi’s – an Italian restaurant and bakery - opened on Mission St.

• Pizza King re-opened in November 2009 after a fire destroyed its location three years earlier.

• Robin Hood’s BBQ on West Broadway Street opens near downtown in late December 2009.

• Roundabout Cafe moved into The Daily Grind’s former downtown location to offer coffee and baked goods.

• Emma’s Basement Boutique expanded to a new location. The shop opened its doors to its larger downtown storefront in March 2010.

• Midori Sushi & Lounge in downtown began renovations in late 2009.

The Mt. Pleasant Economic Development Department works with property owners and developers interested in positive growth opportunities. The department also strives to diversify and enhance the city’s tax base to provide additional resources.

Various opportunities are available to business owners to assist them with opening or expanding their dreams in Mt. Pleasant. Opportunities can include grant funds, low-interest loans, down-payment or equity assistance, and much more.

For information on how local entrepreneurs can take advantage of these opportunities, visit www.mt-pleasant.org or contact our Economic Development Department at 989-779-5303.

• Increased commitment to teen focused activities.

• Utilized increased budget allocation to target programming for youth ages 12 – 16.

• 27 programs were added to the Recreation schedule of events for the 2009 calendar year. Low participation experienced, which is expected during the first year of a new programming venture.

• Partnered with Young Teen Network and local school districts (middle & high) to develop, advertise and target teen students and understand their needs for leisure time activities

• Used technology, such as Facebook, e-mails, and on-line program guides to advertise and draw interest from teen audiences

• For families with young children:

• Spray Park opened August 25.

• After evaluation of Spray Park traffic, installation of more slides in Island Park’s Slide Land was determined not needed.

• Tennis Court milling and repaving complete. Fencing nets and final amenities to be complete spring/summer 2010

• Major construction completed on the Access Adventure Trail and lookout bridge over the Chippewa River, set in December. Paving and final amenities to be completed before its grand opening held in summer 2010.

• Downtown music offerings revamped by partnering with local businesses to bring in prestigious musicians such as Brian VanderArk and Larry McCray. Allowed for funds to be shifted into other events to attract greater attendance.

With Varied Recreational Opportunities


Parks and Rec Adds Spray to Your Play

The Spray Park, which opened in Island Park 2009, is a water-loving kid’s dream come true. The 2,095-square-foot facility offers an exciting world of unpredictable sprayers, oversized water cannons and other above and below ground water features. In all, there are 12 separate types of water features.

Control of the water is put into the children’s hands via an activator at the aquatic playground. When touched, the activator sequences events to start at different times for an impressive water show. The aquatic playground only operates when children press the activator, resulting in less water usage, evaporation, and reduced power demand.

The park opened with the help of dozens of neighborhood kids and PEAK members, who enjoyed free beach balls, snow cones, popcorn and lots of fun. The spray park will open this spring as the weather continues to improve.

Free snow cones and beach balls were handed out at the

grand opening of the Spray Park.

A bubble dance party, held during Mardi Gras,

drew crowds of kids.

With Stable Funding

• Energy reduction measures:

• Seven Variable Frequency Drives (VFD) installed on four of the City’s most used deep wells (well 6, 16, 17, and 20). Purchase partially funded by energy grants from Consumers Energy. Electrical energy savings of 10-15 percent expected at the well fields.

• Partnered with Consumers on lighting plan for motor pool and DPW Administration Building.

• Waste Water Treatment Plant power usage down 7 percent for the first six months of 2009.

• Changed bidding and purchasing methods to reduce chemical costs to below anticipated levels in Waste Water Treatment.

• Use of eBay to sell depreciated vehicles and heavy equipment netted $61,400 in 2009.


Increased Efficiencies for Improved ServicesIn addition to being responsible for moving the community ever closer to the preferred future, every

employee in each department is accountable to continuously improve the processes and programs used to serve the citizens and manage the organization as proscribed by our corporate mission and vision. The following are a few of the most notable process oriented successes achieved in 2009.

Administrative and Financial Services Division • In 2009, ten full-time employees who are committed to the organizational ideals have been recruited or

promoted. Positions of Director of Recreation and Wastewater Treatment Operator are vacant. • A five-year contract with FAOM (full-time firefighters union) has been negotiated with unique shared risk/

benefit language and introduction of a new classification. Three-year contracts with both police units were negotiated, which limited the City’s future long-term liability by eliminating City-paid retiree health insurance upon retirement for any new hires.

• Changes in cost sharing and insurance plans, including prevention incentives coupled with negotiations with third party administrators; doctor and hospital networks, influenced the zero growth year in insurance costs experienced from 2006 to 2008.

• Employee participation in direct deposit of paychecks increased. Pay stubs were also sent out electronically via e-mail to decrease distribution time and paper.

• Partnered with CMU mailing services to reduce staff time and mailing costs for utility billing, tax bills, and assessment notices.

• Did considerable research into document imaging system. Concluded that the large up-front cost wouldn’t result in commensurate benefits. Focus has been shifted to improve record retention methods.

Economic Development and Community Services • Operating by-laws and procedures have been developed for the Building, Fire and Sanitary Sewer Board

of Appeals.

Public Works • ncreased focus on preventive maintenance and decreased down time in field through installation of

laptop and connected GPS units in DPW trucks to better access GIS data in real time.

Where Commercial and Retail Sectors Thrive

• New zoning overlay ordinance drafted to allow for negotiations and incentives in redevelopment of Mission Street. Includes parameters for preferred street signage.

• Capital planning processes adjusted to tie public work projects to downtown design goals and priorities. Public Works projects now reflect the underlying tenets of walkability (bike paths, sidewalks, lighting, etc.) and urban design esthetics through strong partnerships between the Community Services Division and Public Works.

• Partnered with Art Reach of Mid Michigan in creation of downtown banners. Roughly 160 artists, including elementary and high school

students, contributed. This widely enjoyed visual art project will be expanded to 250 banners in 2010 to cover more of downtown and parts of CMU’s campus. In 2010, excess banners will be painted with Christmas designs and will be hung after the Festival of Banners has ended. By utilizing excess banners, no downtown banners will need to be purchased for the holiday season.

• Commercial Property Survey was mailed to collect market and vacancy data. The data obtained from the survey instrument was insufficient and did not yield valuable results.

• Introduced new signature event (Mt. Pleasant Blues Festival) drawing hundreds of new community members and visitors. As part of this new event, partnerships were formed to reduce costs and increase marketing capabilities culminating in a successfully attended event creating a base for event expansion in 2010.

• Creation of Downtown Work Plan initiated in coordination with Main Street Center. Work plans prove to be a valuable tool in planning events and promotions and have allowed for streamlined p a r t i c i p a t i o n by volunteers. Detailed road maps to conduct events without relying solely on the Downtown Development Director for planning purposes created.

• Airport terminal building remodeling/improvements were highlighted during the Airport Open House, held on Thursday, May 21. Improvements to the airport include construction of the security fence project, installation of a closed circuit television security system in the terminal building, and a new airport sign.


More than 250 banners will be hung in Mt. Pleasant after last year’s

successful “Festival of Banners.”

Local businesses, such as Max & Emily’s Eatery, provide valuable volunteering

efforts during event planning.

With Logical Solutions to Traffic Congestion

• Infusing “walkability” (urban design, “safe streets for everyone”) concepts into all forms of public design and private development.

• New cross teams established to review all capital improvement plans

• Discussions continue with the Michigan Department of Transportation and Mission Street business and property owners to explore improvements that will enhance safety of all users and support commercial investment. Funding has been set aside by Mission Street DDA to support project costs if a mutually accepted plan can be developed. Have received preliminary support from several business owners and Central Michigan University to explore the development of additional grid streets along Mission Street.

• Construction of right-turn lane at Preston and Mission streets delayed in order to coordinate with other campus area roadway redevelopment.

• Used Access Management Plan (and related financial incentives) to add to street grid through redevelopment of property on Mission with help of Firstbank and adjacent property owners.

• Forged strong partnership with CMU to rewrite campus Transportation Master Plan with emphasis on “walkability” design, which will have a significant impact on traffic congestion and safety in campus area and on South Mission Street.

• Motorcycle patrol activated for special events and traffic management.

• Solution on Oak Street Bridge access to Island Park decided in early September. Temporary repair allowed by DNR and completed to ensure pedestrian access.

• Reconstruction of Island Park Drive South completed August 2009.

• Construction of a 30-space parking lot at Sunnyside Park completed August 2009.


A crane hoisted the 125-foot bridge across the Chippewa.

With completion estimated for summer 2010, the Access Adventure Trail made progress

with the placement of a pedestrian bridge connecting Chipp-A-Waters park with a wetlands area on the east side of the Chippewa River.

The Access Adventure Trail project is a cooperative effort between the City of Mt. Pleasant and the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation focused on universal accessibility. With much of the funding coming from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, through an initiative called Access to Recreation, the project strives to provide recreational opportunities and facilities that accommodate individuals of varying abilities.

The eight-foot wide, 125-foot long pedestrian bridge, which was placed in December 2009, features a scenic turnout at its midpoint that will allow individuals in wheelchairs and children in strollers to enjoy the views of the river.

The initial phase of pathways has been constructed. Paving is still needed before the trail is complete.

Further enhancements to the Access Adventure program will include wheelchair accessible picnic tables and benches; navigational aids to help people of all ages and abilities; and a downloadable audio file for people who want to learn about their natural surroundings as they use the trail.

The grand opening of the trail is expected during the Mt. Pleasant Annual Summer festival June 23-25.

Access Adventure Bridge Placed On Chippewa

With Logical Solutions to Traffic Congestion


• Sidewalk repair completed in 18 locations around the city. Approximately 12,000 feet of damaged sidewalk was replaced. Another 35 jobs were completed by request of residents. Project increased from $100,000 to $240,000.

• Police officers continue to participate in traffic initiatives with other local police agencies. During 2009, these included enforcement activities for both Operating Under the Influence and Safety Belt Violations.

• Roughly 500 feet of new sidewalk was installed on the north side of Pickard Street, east of the Citgo to the railroad tracks, completing the sidewalk in that area.

• Construction of Mosher/Main Street roundabout and additional parking on Mosher and Lincoln Streets completed in September 2009.

• During 2009, the City’s GIS (Geographic Information System) program was updated extensively. This computer-based graphics program is used to store, create, and analyze spatial data and assorted attributes such as roads, trees, and sanitary sewer lines. Using handheld GPS and/or manual measurements, existing feature locations were refined and new features placed. New maps were created from the GIS for projects throughout the year and upgrades made to the GIS interface and database. Spatial information is now stored directly in the database.

The Main and Mosher intersection was transformed last year to include a roundabout, which is touted

as being safer than traffic lights or four-way stops.Funding for this project, as well as for numerous

other street and sidewalk projects, was first approved during the regular meeting of the City Commission held April 27, 2009. Mt. Pleasant’s own mini-stimulus project was designed to enhance our city’s infrastructure as well as provide business to local companies during these economic times.

C o n s t r u c t i o n finished on schedule for the Sept. 25, 2009, opening. Project included an addition of on-street parking along Mosher, in front of the County Building, and on Lincoln Stret, north of the County lot.

The roundabout was designed

to calm the flow of traffic and create a more efficient and safe intersection.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, roundabouts can:

Improve Safety• 90% reduction in

fatalities• 76% reduction in

injuries• 35% reduction in

all crashesReduce Congestion• Efficient for all

amounts of traffic• Typically less

delayReduce Pollution • Less stops and accelerations reduce fuel use• No signal equipment to power and maintain

Vice Mayor Bruce Kilmer was one of the first drivers and bicyclists to use the intersection. The roundabout is the second in mid-Michigan.

Mosher/Main Redesigned with Roundabout

Main/Mosher reopened after its transformation.

Vice Mayor Bruce Kilmer rides though the intersection, becoming the first

bicyclist to use the roundabout.

City Manager Kathie Grinzinger gives Mt. Pleasant’s presentation for the Community Excellence award.

Since the Borden Building’s grand opening on Dec. 5, 2008, the efforts to preserve the historic structure have not gone unnoticed. In 2009, the Borden Building received the Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation. The project was also honored with a Presidential Plaque from Keep Michigan Beautiful. In May, the project was recognized by surrounding municipalities when it was nominated to be a finalist for the Michigan Municipal League’s Community Excellence Award.

According to the MML, this award highlights the seven finalists’ efforts to increase the visibility of entrepreneurial and innovative solutions in Michigan. Although the Borden Building did not take first, Mt. Pleasant was still honored to be nominated.

With Regionalized Solutions for Governmental Issues

• The contract to provide fire protection service to Union Township was renewed for five years with provisions to address plan review and inspections of new commercial buildings.

• Partnered with Shepherd Tri-Township for increased numbers of responders to high-rise buildings and standardized rapid intervention team. Survival and rapid intervention training completed.

• Partnered with Union Township, Vision 20/20, CMU and MSU to create landscape plans for 127 entrances.

• Several meetings conducted with officials from Union Township to discuss their needs for Police Services. As a result, Union Township commissioned a study from Ferris State University, and a customer survey, to determine the Township’s need for Police services. The City participated in the cost of the Ferris study. The outcome of that study was made public at a Jan. 13, 2010 Union Township meeting. One recommendation from the study was to look at efficiencies through regionalized solutions.

• The Police Department participated in a Records Management Workgroup, including all law enforcement agencies within Isabella County. The workgroup envisions a common records management system to provide interoperability at public safety providers. Several systems have been previewed and meetings are scheduled to review several others in 2010.

• Partnerships with area Law Enforcement Agencies continue to be a primary goal of the Police Department. These include hosting weekly area Detectives’ meetings and monthly meetings for Financial Institutions and Fraud Investigators. Due to these partnerships, several agencies assisted in the surveillance of two persons responsible for home invasions in Mt. Pleasant during November and December. The extra resources allowed for continued surveillance of the suspects, who were arrested while breaking into another home.

• Partnered with local law enforcement agencies to provide shared training opportunities.

• Combined staffing with area law enforcement agencies for special events include CMU Welcome Back Weekend, CMU football games, CMU Student Housing Orientation, and Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunge.

• Partnership continued with local businesses and organizations for YSU Youth Academy, YSU Shop with a Cop, MPPD Shop with a Hero, YSU Big Brothers Big Sisters Fundraiser, and Summer Festival Public Safety Day.


Award-Winning Borden Honored by MML

With An Involved Citizenry

• Access to timely information by targeted audiences increased through launch of social networking profiles by City, downtown, Recreation Department, PEAK, and the Police Department.

• City departments have large presence on Facebook, Twitter, Flicker, and YouTube. These social media outlets have proved extremely effective in communicating with residents regarding events, activities, and even public safety and snow emergency issues.

• Downtown Development Director has assisted more than 30 businesses and associations located downtown in creating their own social media networks so they can better communicate with current customers and reach out to potential new ones.

• Police officers have begun using social networking forms of communication to provide information to the public.

• Began efforts to raise citizen awareness of the importance of the 2010 Census, including creation of Web site, outreach to community groups and creation of media materials. F o r m u l a t e d an intensive a d v e r t i s i n g campaign taking place in March 2010.

• Community Information Coordinator hired to assure delivery of information to citizens, media and markets become an organizational priority.

• Increasing access points and services available through the Web site.

• Availability of utility information and credit card payment on Web site, along with option of receiving e-mailed bill were all implemented in December 2009.

• Interactive on-line building permit application process made available for citizens.

• Applications for zoning approval and applications for installing new signage were added. Staff completed an interactive Zoning Board of Appeals application, now available on the City’s Web site.

• DPW permits now available on-line.

• Registration process for Recreation events and activities has been expanded via the implementation of on-line registration and credit card payment system.

• Parks and Recreation Master Plan update with help from citizens and shareholders. Final document approved March 22, 2010 by City Commission.


Stay Connected with Your Community

Find City updates, upcoming events, photos and video online! The following sites offer current information about

our community.

Web sites: www.mt-pleasant.org

www.downtownmp.com

Facebook:www.facebook.com/mtpleasantmiwww.facebook.com/downtownmp

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

YouTube: www.youtube.com/mtpleasantmi

Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/mtpleasantmi

CMU organizations were tapped to assist with promoting the 2010

census to college students.

2009 Annual Report

Documents

Transcript of 2009 Annual Report