Mount Vernon City Council approves 11 measures, advances parking and infrastructure plans

Monday was a busy day for the Mount Vernon City Council.

Council members approved 11 pieces of legislation during their meeting and discussed several others.

A request from residents along Mallard Pointe for the restriction of on-street parking was discussed. Safety-Service Director Tanner Salyers reported he had signed a 60-day temporary trial on eliminating parking on the side of the street that includes the mailboxes and that the Mount Vernon Police had seen just a few cars still parked on that side. He said until the ordinance passes and the city can put up signs and paint the curbs, police can’t write tickets for those who park on the mailbox side.

He also said the fire department reported it would be very difficult to get a ladder truck down the street if vehicles were parked on both sides of the street. No one has opposed this request, but Salyers said several residents have been calling his office to let them know of people not obeying the order.

Council gave this ordinance a second reading and will discuss and vote on it at the next meeting.

Council also gave a second reading on an ordinance authorizing the city to enter into a three-year contract with Knox County for information tech services, and a first reading on entering into a qualifications-based CMR contract with Kokosing Industrial for the wastewater treatment plant’s phosphorus and solids improvement project.

In other news, council:

• Authorized the application for an Ohio Public Works Commission Capital Improvement program grant for funding assistance for phase one of the west end sanitary renovation project.

•Confirmed LeNan Hager to the Shade Tree and Beautification Commission for a three-year term.

•Agreed to extend the contract between Mount Vernon and Knox Public Health. The contract was originally executed in 1983 and the city agrees to contribute $93,000 for 2026 to KPH for health services.

•Authorized the sale of six vehicles from the Mount Vernon Police Department’s impound lot.

•Authorized the auditor to make supplemental appropriations for the proposed move of city offices to the COTC building on South Main Street, as well as transfer funds for the painting of water slides at the water park and pay bills.

•Adopted a cybersecurity policy for the city.

• Set the salary schedule for council president and council members for the next four years. Each will receive $9,710 in 2026; $9,880 in 2027; $10,053 in 2028; and $10,229 in 2029.

•Set the salary for the city treasurer for the next four years. That position will receive $15,000 in 2026; $15,262.50 in 2027; $15,529.59 in 2028; and $15,801.36 in 2029.

•Finalized the creation of the Community Risk Reduction Inspector and Educator at the Mount Vernon Fire Department.

The next meeting of council will be Monday, Oct. 27, at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall.