'Complete street' concepts, 2010 budget discussed Monday at City Commission meeting
The city of Mount Pleasant approved “complete street” concepts for Michigan Street’s reconstruction and the city’s 2010 Operating Budget at Monday's City Commission meeting.
Elements in the “complete street” design include specifically-marked bicycle paths on either side of the street, narrower driving lanes and “bump-out” parking to better protect pedestrians.
Reconstruction for Michigan Street, occurring from Mission Street to Fancher Street, is scheduled for this summer.
Vice Mayor Bruce Kilmer said the design aligns with the city’s master plan, and will help the city become more bikeable and pedestrian friendly.
“I think this is a great way to go,” Kilmer said. “(It’s been) part of our vision all along.”
New designs
Several elements of the street’s design came from a previous presentation to the city by Dan Burden, the founder of “Walkable Communities.”
Concerns regarding the Michigan Street design included the potential loss of on-street parking, snow removal in the bump-out areas and issues of parking with local businesses and homeowners.
Commissioner Jon Joslin voiced concerns regarding the narrower streets. Larger vehicles such as semi trucks may have complications making turns, he said, as well as potential issues with snow removal.
“I have mixed feelings,” Joslin said. “I am hung up on the bump-outs, and what it creates.”
The design will remove one parking space on the block of Michigan Street from Mission Street to Arnold Street. The design is also meant to slow vehicle speeds on the road.
Designs for Michigan Street can be found at mt-pleasant.org.
2010 Operating Budget
After months of work sessions and solicitations for public opinion, the city’s Operating Budget requires a transfer of $201,000 from the city’s surplus savings account.
The budget initially expected a transfer of $615,000 from the fund.
The city did an excellent job reducing funds needed for the budget, said Kilmer.
“I think this is a good start for 2010,” Kilmer said.
Funding for the city’s rehabilitation of the Oak Street Bridge and for “gap” sidewalks to be built on Sweeney Street were approved.
The city removed funding for a Neighborhood Signature signage project and approved a 1.8 percent increase in city water rates, effective in January.
The city was also able to eliminate $4,000 for thermal imaging cameras because of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe’s 2 percent grants.
Other business
The Commission extended the deadline for city board and commission appointment applications until the end of December.
Commissioner Kathleen Ling called for an extension so anyone interested may still apply.
Vacancies include positions on the Parks and Recreation Commission, Planning Commission and Downtown Development Board.
Information regarding board and commission vacancies can be found on the city’s Web site.
