MOUNT VERNON — City Safety-Service Director Dave Glass told Council members Monday night a letter recently sent by AEP Energy regarding the electricity aggregate program has caused some confusion. He anticipates that information explaining the situation will go on the city’s website on Tuesday. Here is a link to that website, http://www.mountvernonohio.org
An award honoring City Auditor Terry Scott highlighted an otherwise routine City Council meeting on Monday evening. Timothy Kraft of the Ohio Auditor of State’s office presented the award to Scott.
For the 16th year, Scott received the Auditor of State Award with Distinction for outstanding record keeping. The award, the highest presented by the auditor’s office, is given to local governments and school districts upon completion of a clean financial audit. Kraft said the state auditor’s office conducts more than 5,700 audits every year. “This [Auditor of State Award with Distinction] is hard to attain, especially 19 years in a row,” said Kraft.
Council members adopted resolutions that authorized Safety-Service Director Dave Glass to enter into a contract with the Ohio Department of Transportation for resurfacing work on Main, Gay, Chestnut and Sandusky streets and Newark Road and for painting the steel bridge over Dry Creek. Council also adopted a resolution appointing Todd Hawkins to the Board of Trustees of the Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County.
Council waived the third reading of and adopted an ordinance that brings part of the city’s code into compliance with state law. State law requires those convicted of certain drug offenses to have their driver’s license suspended for a minimum of six months. The city’s current language is permissive and states the license may be suspended for six months.
Waiving the required three readings, council authorized Glass to advertise for bids and purchase three new police cruisers. The city will take delivery of the new cruisers after the first of the year. The old cruisers will be used by other city departments and personnel. Council also authorized Glass to advertise for bids and enter into a contract for the purchase of equipment, materials, supplies and services for 2014. The authorization includes items such as fuel and water meters.
Council waived the required three readings and authorized Scott to make appropriations, transfer funds and pay bills. Appropriations include $46,345.17 in revenue from property tax liens; this exceeds the estimated amount. The bill to be paid is $4,570.37 to Small’s Asphalt Paving Inc. for paving the city’s portion of New Gambier Road; the paving has already been completed.
An ordinance limiting parking on the south side of West High Street between West and Norton streets to two hours received its second reading. Council members Mike Hillier and Susan Kahrl agreed two-hour parking ordinances were good only if they were enforced. Hillier requested the police department monitor the section on West High Street; Kahrl said she is aware of time limit violations on North Main Street. Hillier also said he has received complaints of drivers not being able to see when they are at the intersection of Norton and High streets; specifically, the line of sight eastward to Public Square. He requested Glass to check into the possibility of limiting the parking spaces or the type of vehicles that can park in those spaces so as to improve visibility.
The final piece of legislation, which authorized Glass to advertise for bids and enter into a contract for sludge removal for 2014-16, received its first reading. Council adjourned into executive session to discuss pending litigation and possible land acquisition. Council took no further action.
Miscellaneous Remarks:
*City Engineer Cameron Keaton is working with County Engineer Jim Henry on a grant application for paving the city’s portion of Columbus Road. Paving will be done the second half of 2014 or in 2015; the city’s cost will be about $25,000.
*Scott Zimmerman of the Parks and Recreation Department thanked United Way volunteers for helping mulch, rake leaves and do other clean-up activities in the city’s parks.
*Councilman Sam Barone suggested that because the city is not liable for damages incurred as the result of a sewer backup, except in egregious situations, homeowners might want to check with their insurance carrier about sewer backup insurance.
*Referring to the recent acquisition of the Curtis Hotel, Councilwoman Nancy thanked Karen Buchwald Wright for her continued support of the city and its programs. Vail also challenged residents to be a prototype of a caring community, visiting neighbors and extending a helping hand or lending an ear.
*The men’s homeless shelter, the Winter Sanctuary, will open this week. For information call 263-4182.
