Winter storms keep Mount Vernon Street Department busy

Mother Nature has been forcing the city of Mount Vernon Street Department to work overtime.

Tom Hinkle, director of Public Works, reported during a news conference Tuesday the city has used more road salt than it ordered for the winter. Following this past weekend’s storms, the city has now used 1,600 tons of salt to help keep the city streets passable. Hinkle said they ordered 1,500 tons in March through a Ohio Department of Transportation’s contract.

The city is still sitting on approximately 400 tons of salt, which was left over from the previous winter, and have already ordered another 300 tons to help get through this winter. Hinkle said if Mother Nature does not cooperate and there are several more weather events this winter, they can still order more, but it may not be at the same price as what was contracted back in March.

This past weekend’s storms forced the department to send out five trucks for approximately four hours beginning early Sunday morning. They then were called back in for another five hours on Monday at 4 a.m. for another snowfall.

“So far this year, we have responded to 16 measurable snowfall events. That’s quite a bit more than the last few years,” Hinkle said.

He did mention the city was able to use its new road pre-treatment system for the first time on Friday. They were able to cover bridges, brick streets and some of the hillier areas with the treatment.

Hinkle also reported the street department has purchased more than six tons of hot mix to help repair larger potholes in the city’s streets. Anyone who would like to report a pothole on their street can call 740-393-9501.

The Parks, Buildings and Land Department has been busy prepping the new municipal center for occupancy. The city will be moving a good portion of its department offices to the COTC facility on South Main Street once the building is ready.

Director of Utilities Aaron Reinhart reported five firms have applied to be the design engineer on the water treatment plant projects. The city will grade them this week before deciding on a winner.

Reinhart also noted his department has started changing up water meters in parts of the city. Residents will notice blue paint on the road and curbs, marking where a meter pit is located. He requested anyone who had a blue or white flag planted in their yard to leave it there, as it also marks meter pits.

With the freezing weather returning this weekend, Reinhart reminded residents to crack their faucets at night, allowing a small amount to run through the system to help keep pipes from freezing. Those who do that can apply for a freeze credit through the city’s website — www.mtvernonoh.gov.

Mayor Matt Starr reported on three engineering projects in the city.

He said bids will be opened for the pickleball courts project in Riverside Park and for the West Hamtramck and West Burgess streets brick restructuring project will be opened on Feb. 19. He also noted that two pond designs have been received for the Knox Cattleman’s Dam on the east end of the city.

Starr also reminded residents that they need to have the house number prominently displayed on their homes. The city’s ordinance requires four-inch-high numbers on the structure so that emergency personnel can reach the correct address in an emergency.

The Mount Vernon Fire Department recently honored its best for 2025. Kayla Carr received the Dr. Tracy Schermer EMS Provider of the Year award, while Jordan Crabtree was named Firefighter of the Year and Nate Hines was named Officer of the Year.

City Council will host a "Coffee With Council" event on Saturday, Feb. 7, from 9-10 a.m. at Happy Bean Coffee Shop, 221 S. Main St., Mount Vernon. The public is invited to attend and discuss matters of city concern.