MOUNT VERNON — Before approving an agreement with IGS Energy for natural gas aggregation, Mount Vernon City Council members took a few minutes to review the program.
Mayor Matt Starr explained that city residents voted on gas aggregation in 2008. Council chose an opt out program, which means residents are automatically enrolled and have to exercise their option to withdraw.
Buckeye Energy Brokers researches rates and advises the city on which company is offering the best deal. Historically, contracts have run for three years; the new contract is for one year and has a variable rate.
“We liked IGS because of the customer service reviews as well as it seemed to be the best rate when we looked at the mild winters we were getting,” he said. “The variable rate will fluctuate, but it is projected to still be less than what the fixed rate would be.”
The deadline to opt out of the aggregation program is April 3. However, Councilwoman Tammy Woods noted that she, along with other residents, did not receive the letter notifying customers of the deadline.
Clerk of Council Todd Hill verified with Buckeye Energy Brokers on Tuesday that while the deadline cannot be pushed back because it is set by Columbia Gas, there is no cost for individuals who opt out after the April 3 deadline.
Anyone wishing to permanently opt out of the gas or electric aggregation programs, or both, can call the city at 740-393-9517.
Council waived the three readings and passed the resolution as an emergency.
CA&C Depot
Council passed on its second reading a resolution authorizing the safety-service director to bid and contract for $200,000 worth of parking lot improvements at the CA&C Depot, 501 S. Main St.
Total project plans include the following:
•Replacing the parking lot on the north side of the depot and aligning the driveway with the south parking lot driveway
•Placing a Statue of Liberty donated by Ariel Foundation: The statue will replace the Ariel Park Conservancy’s digital sign, which has reached the end of its life expectancy. Councilwoman Amber Keener said the conservancy board approved removing the sign and replacing it with the statue.
•Installing hook-ups for food trucks and potential RV campsites: Keener said the city is working through the permitting process to allow camping. Her goal is to use some of the campsite fees to bump up the parking meter attendant’s wage to make it a more attractive position. The attendant would also check campers’ permits. Councilman Mike Hillier questioned whether campsites is the vision the city wants motorists to have as they enter the city via South Main. Food trucks could also use the hook-ups during special events.
•Installing outdoor bathrooms that would be available more hours than the current facilities in the chamber building
•A first responders’ memorial
The estimated cost for all work is $421,445.
Council appropriated $200,000 for 2023 depot improvements, and the city plans to apply for a $19,000 NatureWorks grant through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. That leaves the city $202,445 shy, which is why the city will complete the work in phases.
Ariel Foundation donated $100,000 to cover the cost of a pedestal to secure and support the statue, a plaque, and site beautification.
Council members took the following additional actions:
•Suspended the three readings and increased the number of hourly employees in the fire department from 30 to 33 to include the three firefighters the city will hire through the $1 million SAFER grant
•Suspended the three readings and adopted legislation to participate in the Ohio Department of Transportation’s salt purchase program, carry out the Ohio EPA’s final findings regarding drinking water treatment material, identify and select a company to do camera inspection of the stormwater and sanitary sewer systems, and dispose of an impound vehicle
•Approved supplemental appropriations (including $24,189.44 in excess permissive auto tax revenue) and fund transfers (including $305,775 from pool-related accounts to a special line item account for Columbus Pool Management, the company that will oversee daily operations at Hiawatha Water Park)
•Approved buying a pipe fitter truck for the water department: The cost is $95,000, higher than the estimated $70,000. The city will defer plans to buy another vehicle to accommodate the higher price on the pipe fitter truck.
•Gave a first reading to legislation changing the number of employees in the Mount Vernon Police Department
•Gave first readings to legislation to bid and contract for the Elliott Street sewer project, granting an easement at 301 Boynton St., updating the city’s codified ordinances, and establishing an intern position in the engineering department
Ohio Means Jobs
Connie Oliver of Ohio Means Jobs gave an overview of the resources and services OMJ offers. Services include youth programs such as credit recovery, GED, and paid work experience. Resources include resume writing, mock interviews, and helping individuals with job searches, classes, and second-chance employers.
MVFD
Fire Chief Chad Christopher gave a first-quarter report on the activities of the department.
Volume: Of the 1,353 runs thus far, 86% are EMS and 14% fire. Volume is 105 runs less compared to 2022, but the breakdown percentage is the same.
Personnel: Eric Fisher was promoted to lieutenant, Brian Conant will retire May 1 after 32 years of service, and Jimmy Morey will retire on July 8 after 25 years.
The department is at full staffing although two are out on injury leave. Five new employees accepted positions, three of which are the firefighters covered under the $1 million SAFER grant.
The part-time program has 15; two will be transferring to full time.
Grants: The exhaust removal system paid for through a FEMA grant will be installed April 10; the bid packet opening for the hose and appliance FEMA grant is April 20. The department submitted a $20,000 EMS grant to fund two personnel through medic school and a Shriners grant for two thermal imaging systems. It received a $4,000 Energy Cooperative Roundup grant for physical fitness equipment at the Gambier station.
