Mount Pleasant council approves ADU and commercial‑zone ordinances, raises sewer rates and okays $8,443 equipment purchase

Mount Pleasant City Council voted on several agenda items Jan. 27, adopting two zoning ordinances, approving a sewer‑rate resolution and authorizing an equipment purchase to address a hydro unit issue.

Lede: Council approved ordinance 2026‑01 to establish regulations for detached accessory dwelling units, adopted ordinance 2026‑02 to modernize commercial zone regulations, passed resolution 2026‑01 setting new sewer service rates to help meet loan and headworks costs, and approved purchase requisition 012604 to Apsco Sales & Service for $8,443 to replace an actuator on Unit 3.

Nut graf: The measures passed by roll call. Council members discussed technical and financial details during each item: the ADU ordinance drew one member’s hesitation but ultimately passed; the sewer resolution was framed as a necessary step to cover loan repayment; staff explained the actuator purchase was required because outdated equipment prevented proper control of the local hydro system.

Details: For the Apsco requisition, staff described prior problems with the hydro installation, voltage regulation and the inability to close a wicket gate; council moved and approved the $8,443 purchase to restore control. Ordinance 2026‑01 adds a new section to chapter 18 of title 10 governing detached accessory dwelling units; a motion to adopt passed after roll call. Ordinance 2026‑02 amended chapter 10 of title 10 to update permitted uses, remove outdated references and modernize terms; that ordinance also passed.

Votes at a glance:
• Requisition 012604 — Apsco Sales & Service — $8,443 — Motion moved and seconded and approved by roll call (no recorded nay).
• Ordinance 2026‑01 — Detached accessory dwelling units — Adopted by roll call; one member noted hesitation during discussion.
• Ordinance 2026‑02 — Commercial zone amendments — Adopted by roll call.
• Resolution 2026‑01 — Amending 2017‑09 to set new sewer rates — Approved by roll call; staff said the rate change is intended to better cover loan repayment and headworks expenses.

What it means: The zoning changes alter how detached ADUs and several commercial uses are regulated in Mount Pleasant; the sewer rate change is a financial measure intended to meet the city’s loan obligations. The requisition is a capital maintenance purchase intended to restore hydro system control.

Next steps: Ordinances take effect per the city code timelines; staff will implement the sewer rate changes and complete the equipment replacement work following purchase approval.