City Inspector aims to prevent grass issues

Spring is in the air in Mount Vernon. And that means one thing — the grass is starting to grow.

Mount Vernon City Inspector Scott Zimmerman reminded residents during a news conference Tuesday that his department will keeping an eye on properties that don’t mow their grass during the spring and summer.

“We need to mow our yards, keep on top of them. The trash, with this wind and all these storms we’ve been having, I know it’s been hard and people have been working hard trying to get their yards cleaned up. We understand that,” Zimmerman said. “If you get a letter, please do not hesitate to call (740) 393-9577. We will work with anyone. We’re not here to make things unbearable, but we are here to make sure things are kept up nice.”

The city recently completed a tire recycling day in an effort to help keep the city looking good. Zimmerman said they collected 1,450 tires (2 semi trailers full) on the day. He said people were pulling them out of their backyards and rivers around town.

The next clean up events will be the Yard Sale Trail on May 2-3, and then Dumpster Day on May 9, at Ariel-Foundation Park from 8 a.m. until noon. Zimmerman said those who have items that did not sell at their yard sale can get rid of them at Dumpster Day the following week.

Zimmerman also mentioned his office helped inspect the buildings on North Main Street that were condemned and will be demolished soon. He said there is currently scaffolding around the building to keep people safe while walking nearby.

Mount Vernon Assistant Police Chief Andy Burns said March was a normal month when it came to calls for his department. He noted there were 51 non-injury crashes and eight that involved an injury during March. There were 24 domestic violence calls, 34 calls about thefts and 56 warrants issued. He also said there was an increase in traffic stops, 451 for the month, and that drivers need to pay extra attention during the warmer months as there are more people walking and bikes on the streets.

Burns also said PAK United will be hosting a metal detecting program at Ariel-Foundation Park on April 15, from 4-6 p.m. Officers and professional guide will be on hand to assist using a metal detector to find treasures in the park.

Mount Vernon Fire Chief Chad Christopher also reported on runs for the month of March for his department. He said they had 622 calls for service, up mainly because of the storm damage.

He said storms knocked down a large amount of trees, which residents are still trying to clean up in their yards. Christopher reminded residents they can take their trees to the Thayer Road compost area.

Christopher also noted the assessment is nearly complete for candidates to replace assistant chief Josh Lester, who took a job with another department. He hopes to have the position filled soon, and will then work on filling the next position as two lieutenants both applied for the position of assistant chief.

The department’s new medic is nearly ready to go. Christopher said it is in Loudonville getting some of the final touches and they will have a push-in ceremony once it arrives and is ready for action.

Upgrades to security and work on the inside of the station on West Gambier Street is nearly complete.

Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr reported he and Tanner Salyers, the safety-service director, recently met with Kay Spergel and Emily McConville from the Mental Health & Recovery Board for Licking and Knox Counties. The MHRB has updated its 211 and 988 programs and have a ton of resources available for residents in need.