MOUNT VERNON — Mount Vernon City Council gave permission on Monday for the safety-service director to bid and contract for a new maintenance facility at Mound View Cemetery.
Council budgeted $452,711 toward the project. The updated cost estimate, submitted on July 11 by Green Valley Design, is $566,934.56. Architect, engineering, and permit fees add another $30,500 to the price.
Public Works Director Tom Hinkle said only the work needed to get the building under roof and weather-tight will be done this year. That includes excavation, framing, and radiant heat in the floor and slab.
The remaining work will be done in 2023 and paid for through the 2023 budget.
Other business
Council gave a second reading to legislation approving Ohio Eastern Star Home’s PND (Planned Neighborhood Development). The Municipal Planning Commission approved the development plan in June with the expectation that OESH would address neighbors’ concerns.
Speaking on behalf of OESH, attorney Kim Rose told council the OESH team “tweaked” the plan originally submitted to the commission. OESH increased the road setback; lowered the elevation, reducing the steepness of the slope; and will leave most of the pine trees intact.
These modifications will address neighbors’ concerns regarding lighting, stormwater runoff, and headlights shining into homes on New Gambier Road.
A public hearing is scheduled at 6:45 p.m. at council’s July 26 meeting.
Council took the following additional actions:
•Approved two pieces of legislation authorizing repairs at the water treatment plant
•Gave a first reading to legislation waiving the $75 fee to apply for a conditional use permit for homeowners living in an Office/Institutional zoning district
•Passed as an emergency a modified tax budget for 2023 for the general fund and police and fire pension funds. Auditor Terry Scott said he anticipates 2023 revenue growth to be a modest 1.5%.
Developer Joel Mazza updated council on his plans for the former school at 301 N. Mulberry St. He is interested in rehabbing the front portion of the property under the city’s CRA (Community Reinvestment Area) historic guidelines. He asked the city to revise the guidelines to allow a 100% abatement for 20 years for historical properties vs the current 75% abatement.
