MOUNT VERNON — Between committee meetings and the legislative session, city council members had a long night on Monday. Topics covered during the three-and-a-half hours ranged from workforce recognition to zoning to utility infrastructure.
Matters relating to employee relations included a salary discussion for a new human resources director. Council waived the required three readings and raised the salary from $75,600 to $77,868 but decreased the first-year vacation time from 128 hours to 40 hours.
Council cut short a discussion on an ordinance fixing the number of employees in the water, wastewater, and engineering departments due to confusion over the number listed vs the current number.
Council adopted two infrastructure resolutions, approving the bidding for the Mansfield Avenue water line project and application of a $150,000 OPWC (Ohio Public Works Commission) grant for the Stump/Northview project.
It postponed a third infrastructure resolution approving the purchase of a lime silo and slaker system from Integrity Municipal Systems.
Council members passed emergency legislation contracting with the Ohio Department of Transportation for the rehabilitation of Ohio 13. The $10.4 million project involves rerouting traffic off of Gay Street and making Phillips Drive two-way traffic.
The project was first proposed in 2019; since then, the city has purchased most of the land needed and will ask ODOT for an additional $3 million in funding on Oct. 12.
ODOT will pay 80% of the cost. Surveying and field work will begin this year on the multi-year project.
Relating to zoning, council waived the third reading and approved the development plan for Cooper Progress Park. It also gave a first reading to rezoning 12 acres on Newark Road. A public hearing will be held on Oct. 24 at 6:45.
Council also took the following actions:
•Adopted on third reading legislation authorizing Requests for Proposals for outside management of Hiawatha Water Park, creation of an Energy Special Improvement District, and participation in ODNR’s forestry grant program for tree planting
•Waived the third reading and approved the reappointments of Myra Wilson to the Civil Service Commission and Todd Hawkins to the Library Board of Trustees and Local Board of Tax Review; and contracting with the Director of Transportation for bridge inspection
•Waived the required three readings and approved supplemental appropriations, bill payment, and fund transfers
During public participation, Vicki Fitzgerald, East High Street, spoke about changes coming to the city. Touching on the decision to locate a new courthouse on Public Square and the possible use of reclaimed bricks from Coshocton Avenue as filler in a levee embankment, she questioned whether the city was interested in hearing the public’s views and opinions.
She called on the city to seek input from those who elect city and council officials, noting that residents have vast expertise and knowledge and can add insight that city officials might not have thought of.
