MOUNT VERNON — Mount Vernon citizens have another chance to gain insight into how a police department operates and the law enforcement profession.
Assistant Chief Andy Burns said the department is starting its second Citizens Police Academy class. It will start in April and run through July; classes are on the first and last Thursday.
Community members interested in participating can contact Sgt. Nicholas Myrda, the department’s community engagement officer.
“He’s put it together and has done a great job. Even the first one out of the gate, I think was just really excellent and had some good feedback,” Burns said.
“We’ve tweaked it, improved it, and so we’re coming back for round two.”
Burns reminded motorists to be on the lookout for bicycles as the weather warms.
“Be a little more aware and understand you maybe weren’t used to seeing bikes for a little while,” the chief said. “You’ve had a cold long winter, and now it’s going to be a surprise to some people seeing those on the road again. Just be aware they’re out there. You want everyone to be safe.”
February calls reached 1,292.
High school firefighter/EMT program starts off well
Chief Chad Christopher is seeing success from a high school firefighter/EMT program established this year through the Knox County Career Center and Knox Technical Center.
“When they’re done at 18, they’ll be graduating with their Fire 2 and EMT certification,” he explained. “They’ll be able to join the workforce in our part-time program, which is a feeder system into a full-time program.
“So we could very well see a transition from that. It’s kind of exciting to kind of see that take place.”
Assistant Capt. Josh Lester accepted a position with the Westerville Division of Fire. His last day with MVFD was Feb.
“It’s sad to see Josh leave, but we’re excited to see who’s going to step into that new role and help lead the Mount Vernon Fire Department,” Christopher said.
“We’ve got some great officers there that are looking to battle it out for that position.”
An assessment is set for April 7.
Lester’s departure will cause a trickle-down effect in filling positions as others move up the ranks. Eventually, Christopher said, the department will hire a line firefighter.
Burn ban in effect
The March-to-May burn ban is in effect for the townships. That means no open burning between 6 am and 6 pm.
Christopher acknowledged that it is tough because residents want to clean up their yards after the winter.
“Even though we had 12 inches, 14 inches of snow there at one point in time, and it’s raining right now, everyone things things are soaked. But all winter long that [debris] is drying out. We’ve already had, especially in the county, three or four grass fires.”
The burn ban is not in effect within the city limits. However, Christopher said residents must follow the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s burn regulations.
Residents can take tree limbs to the compost facility on Thayer Road.
Christopher said the department is aware that the compost pile on Thayer Road is smoking. However, he said that it is not an issue until it becomes an active flame.
“We’ve identified the issue and we’re working toward resolving that issue, but it’s going to take a little bit of time,” he said.
Christopher urged residents to exercise caution around ponds now that most of the ice is gone.
“Even though we want to get out there and play around, we’ve got to think about some cold-water emergencies. It’s a very serious hazard,” he said.
•Final inspection on the new medic is slated for March 25 in Orlando, FL.
•February runs totaled 472, down slightly from January’s 563. The ear-to-date count is 1,046.
•Crews completed interior painting and computer upgrades at the station. Installing new flooring starts this month.
City leadership meets with retail consultant
Mayor Matt Starr reported that he and the safety-service director met with Retail Strategies.
He said the company will not tell Mount Vernon what it needs. Instead, it will guide the city through planning, inventorying, data studies related to AM/PM traffic, where the main arteries and commercial real estate are, and ask what the city would like to see happen.
Some departments have moved to the new municipal center at 236 S. Main St.
The administration is close to completing the design documents for the new police station on Sychar Road. The next stage is the construction document. Starr anticipates breaking ground in the second or third quarter of 2027.
•City crews have started using hot mix for patching asphalt
•Waterline repairs are underway.
•Some departments moved into the municipal center at 236 S. Main St. Renovations are underway.
•Legislation to sell bonds for the police station is up for a second reading at Monday’s council meeting.
•Starr will deliver a State of the City address on March 25 at 8:30 am at the Ramser 4-H Center. Attendance is free, but registration is requested due to limited seating.
Code enforcement
City Inspector Scott Zimmerman said that with the warmer weather, calls to his office have increased.
Zimmerman cautioned residents who receive a letter about a recreational vehicle not to become alarmed.
“We are working on that legislation. … I see a need there to clean that up a little bit to, open it up a little bit more,” he said.
When the department launches OpenGov, restaurants and facilities with grease traps or interceptors for fats, oils, and grease will be able to submit their information online.
•Tire Takeback Day at Ariel-Foundation Park: March 28, 8 am to noon. Charge: $2 per tire, no semi or tractor tires accepted.
•Citywide Yard Sale Trail: May 1 and 2.
•Spring cleanup is May 9 from 8 a.m. to noon at Ariel-Foundation Park. SHARP CUTOFF AT NOON.
•DKMM has an income-based grant program that helps cover the cost of a dumpster. Email Zimmerman or call him at 740-393-9577.
•Remember that many spring projects need a permit. Contact Zimmerman or engineering (740-393-9528, email) to learn what’s required.
