Mount Vernon Council approves owner’s rep contract, water park repairs, ordinance updates

Mount Vernon City Council held a special meeting Nov. 17, but because there were only five members in attendance, only items on their third reading could be approved.

Two resolutions and one ordinance were approved at the meeting.

The first resolution was for the city to enter into a contract with Pizzuti Solutions LLC for owner’s representative services related to the construction of the new municipal buildings. The city is looking at building a new police station on Sychar Road, as well as rehabbing City Hall into a new justice center and the former COTC building on South Main into the new municipal center.

“The challenge is to understand what you need and what you can afford. We can help you find that balance,” said Jim Russell of Pizzuti Solutions. “It helps us to help you design and plan the correct building and then come up with the money instead of starting with a number and backing into what you need. It’s not about replacing staff, it’s about understanding. Your staff is busy running the government. When you are trying to manage two, three or more projects, it’s very easy push back the timeframe.”

The second resolution was to advertise for bids for the reconditioning and restoration of aquatic features at Hiawatha Water Park. The hope is to get the work started and completed in time for the opening of the water park in 2026.

The ordinance passed was to approve and adopt the replacement pages to the codified ordinances. It is the annual revision of the ordinances to comply with current state law.

Council also had second readings on several pieces of legislation. Three resolutions authorizing the use of a portion of the proceeds from bonds that will be issued for the renovation/construction of the municipal center, justice center and police station.

A resolution authorizing the purchase of a new fire engine was also given a second reading, but will have its third reading at a special meeting that was set for Wednesday evening. That was one of four items on the agenda Wednesday, including two ordinances on adding territory to the New Community Authority district that were also given second readings Monday.

A second reading was also given to a resolution authorizing the advertising of bids for sludge removal for 2026-28.

Council will hold its next regular meeting on Monday at 7:30 p.m. in council chambers.