Two new administrative positions considered by MV City Council

Mount Vernon City Council established one position and took a closer look at another during its meeting Monday.

Council passed an ordinance establishing compensation and benefits for an executive administrator for public utilities and code enforcement.

The position would provide needed administrative assistance to both departments. The ordinance sets the minimum per hour pay of $24.70 and the maximum at $34.57. It would also add annual longevity increments of at least $400 for the first five years.

Council also gave a first reading on an ordinance establishing compensation and benefits for the position of community development/public information officer.

During a committee meeting prior to council, Safety-Service Director Tanner Salyers explained the need for this position in the city. He said they learned that most cities the size of Mount Vernon need two positions to be successful in the future — a community development director and an economic director. The city has neither at the moment.

After looking at the skill sets needed and much discussion, the administration decided on creating a combined community development director and public information officer position. The community development director would be responsible for recruiting businesses, including industry and retail, while the PIO would help tell the city’s story through press releases and other ways, and be trained to help in emergency situations.

The city would pay for this position through utilities, which has a pay range of $30.25 to $42.36 per hour.

In other news, council:

•Passed an amended ordinance authorizing the safety-service director to advertise for bids for design services for the construction of pedestrian safety improvements in the south end of the city.

•Authorized the purchase of a Bobcat compact track loader for various needs in the public works department.

•Authorized the city to trade in two older lawn mowers to purchase two new ones for the public works department.

•Expressed its support and formally requesting consideration for $5 million from federal funding for enhancements to the Mount Vernon Wastewater Treatment Plant and supporting infrastructural improvements.

•Authorized the auditor to pay bills and make supplemental appropriations.

•Gave a second reading on an ordinance authorizing the issuance of notes, not to exceed $29 million, for the construction of the new police station on Sychar Road.

•Gave a first reading on an ordinance amending section 755.04 of the codified ordinances regarding curb-side recycling.

The next council meeting will be Monday, March 23, at 7:30 p.m. in council chambers.