[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6487791,"mediaKeyId","5532502-ab65201c61ebb8923e056905168ef369","parentId",5532502,"title","Mayor proclaims June 2025 Pride Month; Great Lakes Bay Pride and Mount Pleasant Pride Center accept proclamation","audioSeconds",353,"startMs",721000,"endMs",1074000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5532502-ab65201c61ebb8923e056905168ef369&start=721&end=1074","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5532502-ab65201c61ebb8923e056905168ef369/thumbnail_721000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6487791/Mount-Pleasant/Isabella-County/Michigan/Mayor-proclaims-June-2025-Pride-Month-Great-Lakes-Bay-Pride-and-Mount-Pleasant-Pride-Center-accept-proclamation","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6487791-8492b3bf66b5e11d3bc7380e5d73d492/orig.mp4?Expires=1776167846&Signature=EN~SmTd0R9erKXXwNlZg4LvhKRb8MrvMhex3~fREwlb2k~IdqkDtsAzecZLJiPVn-5HAdo39wLcNSxpjAvmuFLV0GNgha5N51yS60eMPSqzGBPDkQbc8x8CQPwzz90uHAVjXSwgaXaJGBfaUpyrfa5IrY3BuYD1xhCCR49skoKBXGSF~LGqbxv0bKuMq6ENOOnSgx359H51kZeXSWtcIjPiMhgqTLx1WAs8CcK7ck1acpko6atQzri7Ob4W98Afso71Lc4mULGCPgFgP5Y~LHptHRAwQRIXzmBOLiVfx1zqFp4aNoy2qVSCUr75tPb61hqhWvEEGtwsdV1mp9-I9UA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-08-05T17:12:53.377Z","article","Mount Pleasant — Mayor Boomer Wingard on May 27 signed a proclamation recognizing June 2025 as Pride Month in Mount Pleasant and urging residents to celebrate and support members of the Two‑Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

The proclamation text cited the Stonewall riots of June 28, 1969, as a historic turning point in the movement for equal rights for LGBTQ+ people and described Pride as a month when communities remember struggles and celebrate gains in civil rights. Mayor Wingard concluded the proclamation by urging residents to “celebrate with our members of the LGBTQ+ community” and signed the document in the city’s mayoral seal.

Representatives of local LGBTQ+ organizations accepted the proclamation. Katie Mandelka, prevention and education manager for Great Lakes Bay Pride, and Ibe Merlin, president of the Mount Pleasant Pride Center, told the commission the proclamation is “more than a symbolic gesture” and represents continued commitment to visibility and equality. Mandelka said raising rainbow flags in June is “not only a celebration but it's a reflection and a responsibility” and thanked the commission and mayor for the recognition.

The proclamation will be entered into the city’s official records.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","5/27/2025 Mt. Pleasant City Commission","oneSentenceSummary","Mayor Boomer Wingard signed a proclamation recognizing June 2025 as Pride Month in Mount Pleasant. Representatives from Great Lakes Bay Pride and the Mount Pleasant Pride Center addressed the commission and accepted the proclamation.","taxTitle","Mount Pleasant, Isabella County, Michigan","taxId",70260,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6487795,"Votes at a glance: May 27 Mount Pleasant commission",7203,1691000,8894000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5532502-ab65201c61ebb8923e056905168ef369&start=1691&end=8894","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5532502-ab65201c61ebb8923e056905168ef369/thumbnail_1691000.jpg","/articles/6487795/Mount-Pleasant/Isabella-County/Michigan/Votes-at-a-glance-May-27-Mount-Pleasant-commission","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6487795-9ddb529e898e04c07027b90a2d4efb66/orig.mp4?Expires=1776167846&Signature=H7xxcgJkE239hymQykt3AcS4kCFIB3QhnAkHUCYjNHHPXMIAYUCOtLkV1pAiEJn73~Wvth9Ty~zBH0lDelXzc-jGZcFrHnFi3cLw1njSkftZC-vBxpxtaSvdBVGJ8Wevd2jQDpGVvQGhTT2SinHpvG5haVNLq0ssQ8bua6Rfww28tNU2VP~zXE76ZNCKtBBxMO9w77gBT~2~Zd-shh0nMh0xvpCXAWPN1A69xnu4Tv7G4cJ3iksTrrpmMwhgBOWXpHz~CJdaJ~kUJ07Xv4m41ssydC799GjDUIwLe0RqkdiJskkIIOg9DKTzvHe0iATi2O0~DI5WK1gnkMBaPIeBdw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mount Pleasant — At its May 27 meeting the Mount Pleasant City Commission took several discrete votes after public hearings and consent agenda actions. Key outcomes:

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) — water‑related infrastructure: The commission approved a resolution to submit an application for the CDBG water‑related infrastructure program to replace sludge drying beds and a biosolids holding tank at the Water Resource Recovery Facility. If awarded, the requested grant would cover $2,500,000 and the city would provide a $275,000 match. The motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote.

Hayes MP LLC — six‑month extension request: The commission approved a six‑month extension allowing Hayes MP LLC more time to secure a state operating license and come into compliance to operate an adult‑use recreational marijuana retail establishment at 914 E. Pickard St. The item was moved from the consent agenda for separate consideration; commissioners divided in discussion but the extension passed by voice vote.

Emergency services van purchase and budget amendment: The commission authorized a purchase of a replacement emergency services van (2024 Chevrolet Express) and upfitting not to exceed $80,640. A portion of the purchase — $58,000 — will come from a 2% grant from the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan; the commission approved the purchase and a subsequent budget amendment. The motion passed.

Votes and notes: The CDBG resolution and the van purchase were recorded by roll call or voice vote as required by the meeting for budget and contract matters; the Hayes MP LLC extension was decided by a voice vote. No ordinance adoptions occurred as part of these items.

Actions recorded at the meeting appear in the commission minutes and packet; interested readers should consult the packet for motion language and the staff reports attached to each item.","The commission approved a CDBG grant application for wastewater infrastructure, granted a six‑month extension to a marijuana retailer seeking a state license, and authorized purchase of an emergency services van; vote tallies and brief details below.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6487800,"Mount Pleasant commission orders edits to capital plan; removes explicit Weitz Woods map references",3014,4802000,7816000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5532502-ab65201c61ebb8923e056905168ef369&start=4802&end=7816","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5532502-ab65201c61ebb8923e056905168ef369/thumbnail_4802000.jpg","/articles/6487800/Mount-Pleasant/Isabella-County/Michigan/Mount-Pleasant-commission-orders-edits-to-capital-plan-removes-explicit-Weitz-Woods-map-references","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6487800-8fbcaea733ff45f7ba95fa9751fd5b85/orig.mp4?Expires=1776167846&Signature=AO33OMTCxTYs-7RTZsRAcrOsrTjshOWTinkEmJvsvtdg4ni0B5Km57vewYgu6n1K1qrIXcLxwLPwUShLN0Ys8XPGWFErVZuAKiI-GEt5DfdtHSbDXuAfitADdpYTw7bdVV2ALe4UU3XI8Jee4gBr65hsjuEDv0pHMExfxqR5pzfAQ6yOGbDWSccb3uT1~ZqMd7YIClVGZKrS~3vwo3Eh87JJduq3gtE-MtG4R-aC32UViRVlwBA1W2HWVU07y4Ni9J~yO8yMvm9dEvu0pk6RZmmzKQYG0haRd2CG05DiP6SW7jYskpH5CTP~NTaqHf-WJZTrRNkaN6E8it1w6ze9hg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mount Pleasant — Following a long public hearing on the proposed 2026–2031 Capital Improvement Plan on May 27, the City Commission directed staff to revise three pages of the draft CIP to remove references and an explicit map showing a proposed pathway through Weitz Woods and return the edited plan for consideration on June 9.

The CIP presentation by Director Lauren Pavoloski outlined projects across multiple funds, with a focus on 2026 work and future years. Among the projects listed in the parks fund was a potential $2.1 million item described in the packet as “GKB pathway connections.” Pavoloski told the commission that the GKB pathway entry currently in the CIP is a possible plan and that staff planned further work sessions and alternative routes later in the year.

The public comment period on the CIP was dominated by Weitz Woods. Dozens of residents said the woods are a designated nature preserve and urged the commission to remove any plan for an asphalt path through the forest. Speakers described the woods as a sanctuary used for birding, student field trips and quiet recreation and said paving would disturb wildlife, cause erosion and introduce invasive species. Several residents proposed alternative routes that use existing streets and sidewalks to connect to island parks and the Mid‑Michigan Pathway.

Commissioners debated whether leaving a map or language in the CIP that showed the southern route would create public expectation that the city had committed to constructing a trail through Weitz Woods. Commissioner concerns centered on clarity of communication and the CIP’s role as a planning and budgeting document. Several commissioners noted that staff had already been asked to develop alternative routes and that including an explicit Weitz Woods map in the CIP could be misleading.

Commissioner [motion sponsor not specified] moved to direct staff to revisit the CIP and edit pages 38, 39 and 41 to remove references to the proposed pathway through Weitz Woods; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. The commission confirmed staff will bring the revised CIP back for formal consideration on June 9, the statutory adoption deadline.

What the motion does: The commission did not cancel or reallocate funding in the CIP; instead it removed specific references and a map that members said could suggest a fixed plan to construct a pathway through Weitz Woods. Staff said the GKB pathway project remains in the CIP in a general form and that the specific routing will be developed via the alternative‑route work the commission requested.

What comes next: Staff will prepare an edited CIP packet with the referenced pages revised and present it for formal adoption at the June 9 commission meeting. Staff also will continue to develop alternative pathways and bring those options to the commission for review later in the year.

Residents and the commission agreed on one point during the meeting: the issue will return to public view for additional review and public comment before any construction would be approved or funded.","After a lengthy public hearing dominated by concerns about a proposed path through Weitz Woods, the commission directed staff to remove or edit specific pages of the 2026–2031 capital improvement plan that showed a southern pathway through the woods and return a revised CIP for adoption.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6487805,"Mount Pleasant delays e‑bike, scooter ordinance after public hearing; commission orders work session",2276,1821000,4097000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5532502-ab65201c61ebb8923e056905168ef369&start=1821&end=4097","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5532502-ab65201c61ebb8923e056905168ef369/thumbnail_1821000.jpg","/articles/6487805/Mount-Pleasant/Isabella-County/Michigan/Mount-Pleasant-delays-ebike-scooter-ordinance-after-public-hearing-commission-orders-work-session","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6487805-68377287e132e176567955ee263fab35/orig.mp4?Expires=1776167846&Signature=dLPckGoPH8dKGEVs6f0iujvbB8Ymh1sq9yFCMpAK6egQpKQj6MjsQJG3l80R0WDg1Yc6FpPcxjVISixMoFPRYIZCJu2VUhf1mf7PzNh8HcYJJsHPPTOBBowVkCxNjio2VXUFxdM9AvoKluvmFeXQTyJERQsxFZVau7yeFmrkVzIsgNJCZLz3o-LGN2mW9mTo31KtZHn~PXLyXg-K0nedaFB3vsER2AqiwXZD2ueyq9EvvgEaBlzccKcYi-0jt77nQVtlNXdFfi-1s4O~XcwhnDbKJ2PJUQtoIJsjjjns4J9b7XWOfukZyIQLNw-sIB~zYFp9pkVHMrROxP44QoV29g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mount Pleasant — The city commission voted May 27 to decline the proposed amendment to Chapter 72 of the city code that would have updated rules for bicycles and electric bicycles on city trails, and directed staff to schedule another work session to rewrite the measure.

The proposed ordinance would have updated the city’s traffic code to define e‑bike classes and where each may be ridden, added safety requirements (lights, brakes, signals), allowed the director of public safety or a designee to post prohibitory signs on sidewalks or paths, and made violations civil infractions with fines up to $50. The draft explicitly would have prohibited class 2 and class 3 e‑bikes on certain trails while permitting class 1 e‑bikes in some locations.

Commissioners and staff framed the hearing as an opportunity to resolve competing goals: preserving parks and trails for walkers and naturalists while keeping connections for nonmotorized travel. Public Safety Director Paul Lauria explained the draft’s technical approach and answered questions about class definitions and enforcement. “Class 1 requires the rider to pedal for the motor assist to operate,” Lauria said during the hearing, adding class 1 and class 2 are limited to 20 mph and class 3 to 28 mph under the draft’s definitions.

Public comment at the hearing was substantial and sharply split. Several residents urged the commission to restrict motorized vehicles in parks and on softer, natural trails. Lori Gills, a lifelong Mount Pleasant resident and former commissioner, told the commission corporate scooter services and motorized bikes create litter, block sidewalks and paths, and disproportionately affect lower‑income neighborhoods. “Scooters and electric bicycles should be prohibited in our local parks,” she said. Tim Bechtel and other speakers urged keeping motorized bikes out of Weitz Woods, arguing paving and motorized traffic would damage habitat and increase erosion.

Other speakers raised enforcement concerns. Joseph Carion, a nearby resident, asked how police would distinguish class 1, 2 and 3 bikes and whether officers would be trained to enforce the ordinance. Commissioners also questioned how speed would be measured and where signs would be posted. Several commissioners suggested simplifying the signage language to read “no motorized bikes” or to add a clear definition separating sidewalks from park paths.

After discussion, a majority of commissioners supported a motion to not adopt the ordinance as written and to hold another work session to address the points raised by residents and commissioners. The motion passed on a roll call vote. The commission did not adopt the ordinance at this meeting and will return the draft to staff for revision and a future work session.

The decision leaves the current Chapter 72 provisions in place while staff and commissioners work to revise definitions, signage authority, and enforcement language. Commissioners indicated they want clearer definitions of “sidewalk” versus “path,” clearer signage language that would be visible and enforceable, and explicit policies about where class 2 and class 3 e‑bikes will be prohibited.

What happens next: staff will schedule a work session to review a rewritten draft that incorporates clearer definitions and enforcement tools. The commission did not set a date for the next work session at the meeting.

Additional context: The proposed ordinance grew out of multiple previous work sessions and public discussion earlier in the year. Supporters of limiting motorized devices cited trail safety and environmental protection; supporters of more permissive rules cited connectivity and accessibility for users who depend on electric assist for mobility.","After a public hearing with extensive public comment and commissioner debate, Mount Pleasant commissioners voted to not adopt the proposed Chapter 72 amendments governing bicycles and electric bicycles and directed staff to schedule another work session to revise the language and definitions.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Mayor proclaims June 2025 Pride Month; Great Lakes Bay Pride and Mount Pleasant Pride Center accept proclamation

Votes at a glance: May 27 Mount Pleasant commission

Mount Pleasant commission orders edits to capital plan; removes explicit Weitz Woods map references

Mount Pleasant delays e‑bike, scooter ordinance after public hearing; commission orders work session