MOUNT VERNON — Details on the progress of the former school on North Mulberry were light as developer Joel Mazza could not attend Monday’s council meeting.
Councilman Mike Hillier, Planning and Zoning Committee chair, said crews have been working. Concrete is poured, and windows are in.
Mazza sent photos to several council members showing drywall work and lighting installed on the third floor.
According to Safety-service Director Tanner Salyers, Mazza will start taking apartment applications on Jan. 15, 2024. Mazza plans to open for occupancy on May 1.
The construction, however, has left mud flowing down Mulberry Street and into the stormwater system. Salyers and Law Director Rob Broeren agreed that violates Mazza’s stormwater permit.
Councilman Mel Severns said the same situation is occurring on North Sandusky Street with the infrastructure work on Stump and Northview streets.
Salyers also noted that to accommodate traffic flow, Hamtramck Street was designated as two-way for a period of 90 days. The 90 days expired and cannot be extended.
The city will take down the temporary signs, and Hamtramck Street will revert back to one way.
Legislative action
After three readings, council members approved an ordinance amending how the city distributes the lodging tax.
The Ariel Foundation Park Conservancy will no longer receive 5%. Instead, the conservancy is invited to apply for the same amount of money through the available petition fund.
Auditor Terry Scott said the conservancy agrees with the new method of funding.
Council members took the following additions actions:
•Waived the three readings and approved legislation authorizing Salyers to bid and contract for equipment, supplies, and fuel in the water/wastewater department
•Gave first reading to legislation supporting a grant application for paving Kokosing Gap Trail and contracting with Road to Finish
•Suspended the rules and passed on first reading supplemental appropriations and fund transfers; transfers include $28,455 to park development
•Approved the annexation of 4.325 acres belonging to the historical society
•Gave first readings to ordinances changing the number of hourly employees in the water/wastewater department and creating the positions of assistant director of utilities and assistant director of maintenance
Council will hold a utilities committee meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 27, to discuss the water/wastewater personnel requests. Hillier requested the discussion include a report on the union’s position on the proposed realignment.
Street lights
Hillier noted the high number of nonfunctioning street lights around the city. Homeowners are required to call American Electric Power if a street light goes out.
Severns said that after talking with AEP, the city will send a crew throughout the city in the evening to get addresses of the burned-out lights. AEP has agreed to fix the lights en masse.
He noted it will take some time to collect the addresses and for AEP to begin repairs.
