Mount Pleasant city commissioners have several priorities, including Campus Connector
Every academic year brings thousands of new faces to Mount Pleasant — unaware of many of the off-campus leaders who represent them.
The Mount Pleasant City Commission makes frequent decisions that impact student life, both on and off-campus. Its plan with the most student impact recently is the Campus Connector, which would connect downtown and Central Michigan University, this fall to make downtown more accessible.
The connector is a network of wide pathways and lighting, said Vice Mayor Bruce Kilmer. The first phase of the connector is expected to be done by November.
Phase II of the Campus Connector will consist of changing Washington and Main street from one way streets back into two way streets and adding bike lanes. Phase II has been tabled indefinitely due to the price tag that came with wanting to complete it, said Commissioner Jon Joslin.
“We are going to wait until the budget improves,” he said.
This year the City Commission is discussing putting art on the sidewalks to liven up the city of Mount Pleasant. Joslin said the city commission would like to partner with art programs to have this project come to life.
Some ideas for the art include paint, tiles, etchings and more.
“We are keeping the downtown vibrant,” Kilmer said.
Joslin said for now the bigger projects such as redoing streets or adding to parks are done or in the final steps.
The City Commission is looking for ways to get students engaged and involved in the community, Commissioner Nancy English said.
“We’re working on land development and even quality of life issues — pathways and downtown,” she said.
They are also are focusing on maintaining current services, such as police and firefighters, Joslin said. With the decreasing budget they are working to maintain adequate services.
Kilmer said the City Commission will be working on economic development and trying to attract business to the city of Mount Pleasant, while keeping a close eye on the budget.
One of the big goals before the end of the year is to generate a balanced budget, English said.
MEET THE MEMBERS (B.O.B)
Mayor Jim Holton has been a member of the City Commission since May of 2006, and is term expires on December 31, 2011.
Holton is also the Owner of Mountain Town Station Brewing Company and Restaurant.
Vice Mayor Bruce Kilmer has been a member of the City Commission since January of 2007. His term expires on December 31, 2012.
Kilmer is the regional administrator for the Michigan Supreme Court.
Commissioner Nancy English has been a member of the City Commission since June 2010 with her term expiring on December 31, 2010.
English is a business development liason at Central Michigan Community Hospital.
Commissioner Jon Joslin has been a member of the City Commission since January 2001, and his term expires on December 31, 2012.
Joslin is a bookkeeper at Mount Pleasant Supply and Co-Owner of Heart Strings and Fun Things.
Commissioner Kathleen L. Ling has been a member of the City Commission since January 2008. Her term expires on December 31, 2010.
Ling is a retired teacher.
Commissioner David F. McGuire has been a member of the City Commission since January 2007 with his term expiring on December 31, 2012.
McGuire is president of The McGuire Companies.
Commissioner Sharon Tilmann had been a member of the City Commission since January 2009. Her term expires on December 31, 2011.
She is has served on the Mount Pleasant Commission.
