Mount Vernon approves beginning wetland, walk of honor projects

Mount Vernon City Council said yes to two different construction projects at its meeting Monday.

Council approved advertising for bids for a construction company to complete the Blackjack Wetland project and for a construction company to complete the Veterans’ Walk of Honor project.

The wetland project will develop the 53-acre parcel near Industrial Drive into a public nature preserve. It aims to restore the ecosystem, provide a natural area for recreation and create a native prairie. It will include walking trails, boardwalk crossings and be managed by Owl Creek Conservancy. It will connect with nearby trails in the Liberty Crossing development.

The project includes a $185,000 grant for the trails and boardwalks.

The second project will be the relocation of the Veterans Walk of Honor from Public Square to American Heritage Park near the historic CA&C Depot. The park was created in 2024 and includes a 9-foot-tall replica of the Statue of Liberty.

The new walk of honor will provide more space for visitors and memorial bricks honoring veterans than its current location.

The walk will be surrounding the Silent Battle Monument, which is being donated by the Schnormeier Gardens Foundation. The foundation also donated money for its installation.

The bronze sculpture represents caring and support for veterans, first responders and all who suffer from issues of mental health. It will offer a place for the community to come together, grieve and support each other.

In other news, council:

•Authorized the safety-service director to enter into a contract with College Township and Kenyon College to provide fire and EMS services.

•Confirmed the mayor’s re-appointments of Michael Percy to the Board of Zoning Appeals; Doug Brenneman to the New Community Authority; and Jessi Busenburg to the Utilities Commission.

•Confirmed the mayor’s appointments of Julia Suggs and Lyndsey Krownapple as alternates to the Civil Service Commission.

•Indefinitely postponed two legislative items – a resolution to sell property located at 69 Sychar Road and an ordinance establishing compensation, benefits and terms of employment for a Services and Resource Coordinator.

•Gave a first reading to a resolution approving a written post-issuance compliance policy.

•Gave a first reading to a resolution accepting a proposal with Medical Mutual for the 2026-27 medical health insurance coverage.

•Authorized the auditor to pay bills, create a new line for payroll for a new position and make supplemental appropriations.

•Accepted the donation of property from the Mount Vernon Developmental Company. The property is the former car wash on South Gay Street that was redeveloped into a park by the MVDC.

•Supported submitting an application for a federal grant through the American Trails’ Capacity program for maintenance projects on the Kokosing Gap Trail.

•Gave second readings on amending two portions of the codified ordinances.

•Gave first readings on ordinances amending the zoning classifications of property on Coshocton Avenue and on accepting the vacation of an undeveloped, platted alley.

The next meeting will be Monday, May 11, at 7:30 p.m. at the Mount Vernon Municipal Center.