MOUNT VERNON — Mount Vernon City Council members passed three pieces of legislation on Monday relating to a proposed subdivision on Vernonview Drive.

But residents weren’t privy to the council’s discussion prior to passage, thanks to a House Bill that became effective in March.

A provision in Ohio House Bill 184 amended Ohio Revised Code 966.6 (D) relating to economic development.

Specifically, the bill reclassified records related to economic development projects as confidential, limiting public access.

As a result, council members adjourned into an executive session on Monday to discuss legislation related to the following:

•An overlay and development plan for proposed incentive districts for Arista Villas on Vernonview Drive.

•Adding Arista Villas to the city’s New Community Authority.

•Legislation attesting that the petition to add Arista Villas to the NCA is sufficient.

•Creating a TIF district for Founders Grove on Upper Gilchrist Road.

All three pieces of legislation for Arista Villas were up for a second reading on Monday. Council members suspended the rules for a third hearing and adopted the legislation.

Law Director Rob Broeren said that passing the legislation brings future discussions into the public.

Council members set a public hearing for July 27 to discuss the sufficiency of Arista Villas’ application to join the NCA.

They also set a public hearing for Aug. 10 to discuss the overlay and development plan for the subdivision.

Council members gave the Founders Grove TIF a second reading.

According to the Ohio Municipal League, the Ohio Senate passed a substitute bill on June 10. HB 479 limits the confidentiality requirement to individualized compensation and payroll information.

The Ohio House previously passed an earlier version of the bill. HB 479 was sent to Gov. Mike DeWine on June 12 for signature.

Council members take additional legislative action

In addition to the economic development legislation, the council took the following actions:

•Approved a lease for Advocates for Children at 9 ½ E. High St.

•Adopted a resolution supporting the abolishment of the Clinton Water and Sewer District.

•Waived the three readings and approved disposing of police department vehicles and paying Then and Now bills.

•Gave first readings to legislation renaming a fund and adding lines for the new police station, approving supplemental appropriations, acknowledging the city’s cost-share for the State Route 13 realignment, and seeking a construction manager at risk for the new justice center.

•Approved after three readings, pay adjustments for the administrative assistant for the mayor and safety-service director, recreation coordinator, and custodian.

•Gave a first reading to an ordinance establishing two incentive districts for Arista Villas.

•Approved adding another police officer to serve as the school resource officer to St. Vincent de Paul School.

•Created an Urban Renewal Area encompassing 5 N. Gay St., 46-51 Public Square, 1-9 E. High St., and 3 N. Gay St.