Show All Answers

1. What are the parking do's and don'ts?

Don'ts
- Please do not park on city streets between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. This ordinance is strictly enforced year round and is particularly important during the snow removal season.
- Do not park across the sidewalk or in the front yard on unimproved surface.
- Please do not leave your vehicle running while unattended.

Do's
- Do park your vehicle in the direction of traffic flow. It is illegal to park your vehicle facing opposing traffic.

2. What rules apply to bicycles, skateboards, and roller skates?

In the interest of pedestrian safety, bicycles, skateboards and roller skates are prohibited in the public parking lots and sidewalk areas of the downtown business district (Section 430.02 of the Code of Ordinances).

Skating (roller blades and roller skates - no skateboards) is permitted on residential streets where there is a speed limit of 25 miles per hour or less between the hours of sunrise and sunset. Persons who are skating shall do so in a prudent manner and not interfere with normal traffic flow.

To facilitate recovery in the event of theft, register your bicycle at no charge the Police Department.

3. What requires a permit?

Cleaning out that garage or basement? Well, you don't need a permit, but there are a few rules to remember, Garage sales are allowed up to three times per year for no longer than three days at a time. Please limit posting of signs to private property. Do not post signs on utility poles.

Real estate, garage sale, political and other permitted residential signs must be located on private property (behind the sidewalk or similar distance behind the curb in areas without sidewalk).

Sheds, signs, fences and swimming pools require a building permit. For permit information, please contact the
Neighborhood Services Department.

4. What rules apply to animals?

State, county and city regulations require that all dogs over the age of six (6) months must be licensed. Animals must be maintained under control at all times, they must not be allowed to run free.

No more than three pets may be boarded for remuneration without a kennel permit.

Farm animals may not be housed in the city without a permit and no farm or non-domesticated animal may stray beyond the premises of the owner.

5. What is the city curfew?

The curfew for youth 14 and under is 10 p.m. and for ages 15 through 17, the curfew is midnight.

6. How should sidewalks be kept up in the city?

Sidewalks must be kept clear of leaves, trash and all protruding branches or overhanging shrubbery.

7. How should vegetation be maintained?

Vegetation such as grass and weeds must be mowed to less than 6 inches in height.

8. What rules apply to garbage and open burning?

Open burning (leaves, vegetation, trash) is not allowed within the city limits. Building materials and vegetation, including yard and garden debris, are not permitted in residential trash containers. Please contact the Department of Municipal Services regarding disposal of these materials. 

The City provides residential trash pickup on a weekly schedule. The garbage container, or toter, holds approximately 90 gallons.

9. What are the rental housing policies?

All rental units must be registered and inspected on a periodic basis. The City's rental housing program is administered through the Neighborhood Services Department.

Appeals taken from a determination of a City housing official may be taken to the Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals for consideration.

Learn more about rental housing on our Neighborhood Services Department page.

10. What are the city's grievance procedures?

The City has several appeals boards. Procedures have been developed to assist in appeals taken from a decision of a City inspector or other municipal official. For further information please contact the Neighborhood Services Department.

11. What rules apply to sound systems in motor vehicles?

No person operating or in control of a parked or moving motor vehicle, including a motorcycle or moped, shall operate or permit the operation of an electronically-amplified sound system in or about the vehicle so as to provide sound that is clearly audible at a distance of 50 feet from the vehicle between the hours of 7 a.m. and 11 p.m., or clearly audible at a distance of 25 feet from the vehicle between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.

A person who violates this section may be issued a Municipal Civil Infraction Citation with a fine as follows:
- First Violation - $25 Plus Costs
- Second Violation - $50 Plus Costs
- Third or Subsequent Violation - $75 Plus Costs

Show All Answers

1. Who is the Clemens family?

The Clemens family is a sixth-generation, family-owned integrated pork production operation including farming, processing, transportation and logistics. The company’s heritage is deeply rooted in strong family values and a commitment to being responsible and contributing members of the communities where they operate, always with the highest degree of integrity and ethics.

2. Who are Clemens family’s partners on this project?

Clemens has brought together a group of family-owned pork producers, who share Clemens’ commitment to integrity and quality, to partner with the company as shareholders to develop and operate this new facility. These family farms are located in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana.

3. Who are Clemens public partners on this project?

Clemens’ public partners have been instrumental in the company’s decision to build in Coldwater. Government partners include:

- State of Michigan / Office of the Governor

- Michigan Economic Development Corporation

- Michigan Department of Agriculture

- City of Coldwater

- Coldwater Township

4. What is the anticipated time line for the new plant?

Clemens will spend the next 12-15 months finalizing all of the plans and securing the appropriate permits, working in close partnership with local officials. Clemens anticipates breaking ground for construction in 2015, with plant operations beginning in late 2017 or early 2018.

5. What is the total investment for the project?

The total investment for the project will be approximately $250 million in state-of-the-art facilities.

6. What specific products will be processed in the facility? Where will they be sold?

Clemens expects the product line to include bulk, fresh pork items. The goal will be to have a balance of customers across retail, food service, business-to-business, and export customers throughout the region.

7. What makes Clemens’ pork products unique from what is currently on the market?

Producing high-quality foods requires strict focus and control throughout the entire process. Clemens believes that this facility will benefit from a partnership that begins at the family farms, and extends all the way through a modern processing facility. It is Clemens’ expectations that customers will see unmatched quality and consistency across the product line.

8. Why did Clemens decide to build this facility?

Clemens’ year-long work to research this project, coupled with the results of a feasibility study, confirmed that a fresh pork processing facility in Michigan is viable and a competitive option for growth.

9. Why did Clemens choose the state of Michigan for the location of the plant?

Michigan is located in the Eastern Corn Belt and is a central point for available hog supply. Clemens’ Michigan partners made a strong case for Michigan as a viable plant location, and Clemens agreed with that assessment.

Clemens also valued the insights and partnership with various government and economic development entities involved in the preliminary discussions in the state. Further, Clemens’ producer partners have operations in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana, which made SW Michigan an ideal and easily accessible location for everyone involved.

10. What incentives were offered from the State of Michigan to build this plant?

The Michigan Strategic Fund approved $12.5 million in Community Development Block Grant funds for the City of Coldwater for infrastructure improvements, land acquisition, workforce development and on-the-job training for the new development. Additionally, a land transfer agreement between the city of Coldwater and Coldwater Township will allow Coldwater to contribute $4.5 million toward the project for infrastructure improvements at the site, including water and sewer main extensions and a new municipal electric overhead distribution line. That support is part of an overall package of local and state support that will total $55 million. This also includes nearly $16 million in tax savings as a result of the recently approved personal property tax reform.

11. How did Clemens choose Coldwater, Michigan?

Geographically, Coldwater is an ideal location for Clemens’ group of partners and it has a regional employee base to pull from. But it was the Coldwater community and elected officials who welcomed Clemens and made it clear they wanted the facility there. Their eagerness to work with Clemens on site selection and site requirements is what solidified Coldwater as the home for the future fresh pork plant.

12. What kind of jobs can people in and around Coldwater expect?

There will be a mix of job opportunities available at the plant in Coldwater ranging from managerial and highly skilled roles to hourly positions all with comprehensive health benefits.

13. Will the plant be a good neighbor?

The Clemens family is committed to being a good neighbor in the communities where it operates. The company has demonstrated that commitment in its Pennsylvania plant, which is surrounded by housing and retail developments. Operating the plant responsibly is a top priority for the Clemens family, and that means ensuring there the plant has no negative impact on the surrounding community and that the land, air and water are preserved for residents and for future generations.

14. Where exactly will this facility be located?

The facility will be located on the southeast corner of I-69 and Jonesville Road.

15. What is Clemens’ commitment to animal care?

The care of hogs – from when they are raised on the farm to when they arrive at our plant – is always of the utmost importance to the Clemens family. Clemens Food Group has a full-time veterinarian on staff to administer our animal care programs. The company has been a leader in the pork industry in animal well-being initiatives and participates in annual audits to ensure the welfare of the hogs raised for the company.

16. What kind of role will Clemens play in the Coldwater community?

Building and maintaining strong, mutually beneficial relationships in plant communities where the companies operate is essential to the Clemens family and to its partners in this plant. Together, they are committed to engaging in the local community, being a responsible employer and preserving the land, air and water around the plant.

Show All Answers

1. When do the different Boards and Commissions meet?

The City Council meets every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month at 5:30 p.m. The Planning Commission meets the first Monday of the month at 5:30 p.m. The Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals meets the 3rd Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m. The Zoning Board of Appeals meets the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 4:15 p.m. All Boards and Commissions meet in the Council Chamber located on the 2nd floor of the Henry L. Brown Municipal Building, One Grand Street.

Learn more on our Boards and Commissions page.

2. Is the public allowed to attend these meetings?

Yes. The general public is welcome to attend any of these meetings. Should you wish to attend, please call the City Manager's office or the City Clerk's Office at 517-279-9501 to verify that the meetings have not been canceled.

3. Why doesn't the City provide a "citywide trash pickup"?

Because residents that pay for refuse service can dispose of one (1) bulk item per household per week, the City was able to eliminate the costly one time a year mass pickup. To schedule a pickup, contact 279-9531.

4. Do I need a permit for a sign or fence?

Yes. Persons installing signs or fences should first get a zoning permit through the Zoning Administrator's office at the Henry L. Brown Municipal Building. Find more information on our Applications, Documents, Forms and Maps page.

5. Do I need a permit to build a shed?

Any shed under 200 square feet does not require a building permit. A permit is required if the shed is over 200 square feet Also, any shed over 400 square feet requires 42 inch footings, and all sheds must be three feet from the property lines and ten feet from another building.

6. Does the City survey property?

No. The City does not have a surveyor available to respond to citizen requests. Property owners are responsible for knowing the boundaries of their property or, if necessary, hiring a private land surveyor to survey their land.

7. Do I need a permit to have a garage sale?

No, but residents are limited to sales of three days or less and no more than three times per year.

8. When is brush picked up?

Pickup starts on the first Monday of each month from April through October. It may take several days before the City gets to your location, as they are picking up on all streets in the City.

9. How much does a building permit cost?

Building permit fees are calculated on the cost of the project, except for roofing, siding, and fences, which are $10 each.

10. Is parking on City streets overnight permitted?

Parking on City streets is prohibited from 2 - 6 a.m.

11. Is there a curfew in Coldwater?

Yes. Children age 14 and under from 10 p.m. - 5 a.m. The curfew for children aged 15-17 from midnight to 5 a.m.

12. Is there a limit of the number of dogs a person may have in town?

No, as long as the owner is not keeping the dogs for payment, such as a kennel, etc.

13. Why does the fire department go to medical calls with their large fire truck?

They respond to medical calls with the fire engine / rescue truck in case they receive a fire call while they are out attending to the medical call. It makes for a quicker response to a fire if they have the fire truck with them at all times.

14. How do I contact the Better Business Bureau?

To check on a business, call 313-644-1012. For complaints, call 517-373-1140.

15. How do I go about starting a new business?

Call the Downtown Development Authority at 517-279-6929 and they will refer you to the right group. Find more information on our Downtown Development Authority page.

Show All Answers

1. How long does it take for my payment to post to my account?

Payments are made before 8 p.m. will post to your account the next business day. Payments made after 8 p.m. will post in two business days. Payments can be viewed real time by CBPU personnel, but a direct contact to our office will be needed. Contact CBPU Customer Service at 517-279-9531.

2. What do I do if I am having difficulty registering my profile or logging in to my account?

Contact Payment Service Network at 1-877-885-7968 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Live Agents are available to assist you.

3. I use the same password for everything, why won't this site won’t accept it?

Account passwords must be a minimum of seven characters to be considered valid.

4. Can I use a debit card?

Any Visa, Master Card or Discover debit card can be used.

5. If I make a payment online after being disconnected for nonpayment, will my services be automatically turned back on?

No. Once you have been disconnected for nonpayment, you must call or stop into our office during business hours to get your services reconnected. Contact CBPU Customer Service at 517-279-9531.

6. Why can't I view the attachment with my billing statement?

You will either need to disable your pop-up blocker or change your security settings to allow downloads from this site.

7. Why does my December electric bill seem as high as my summer electric bill even though I should be using less since I am not running my air conditioning?

The usages and amounts shown are by billing cycle. Not every billing cycle has the same number of days between meter readings. The CBPU tries to maintain meter reads between 28 and 32 days, but that is not always possible. So, some billing periods may include a larger number of billing days than others. If you have questions please contact our office and we can provide you with the number of billing days in each billing cycle. Contact CBPU Customer Service at 517-279-9531.