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Mount Vernon council adopts series of resolutions and ordinances; supplemental grant funding and street improvements approved
Summary
At its May 26 meeting the Mount Vernon City Council adopted a post‑issuance compliance policy for tax‑exempt debt, approved a $425,000 federal grant supplemental appropriation for Route 13 work, authorized a Norton Street improvements contract with the county land bank, and passed multiple ordinances including backflow protection and vehicle‑storage changes.
Mount Vernon City Council adopted several resolutions and ordinances during its May 26 legislative session, approving financial and infrastructure measures the city said are time‑sensitive.
The council amended and adopted Resolution 2026‑44, a written post‑issuance compliance policy for tax‑exempt and tax‑preferred obligations, adding an emergency clause to meet bond‑issuance timing requirements. The amendment and adoption passed on roll call with affirmative responses from the council members present.
Councilors took final action on a package of items that included:
- Resolution 2026‑59: authorized the safety services director to apply for a Small City Program grant through the Ohio Department of Transportation; the council suspended the three‑reading rule and adopted the resolution to expedite the application process.
- Resolution 2026‑61: approved supplemental appropriations and transfers tied to a federal grant. City staff said the action increases the roads and bridges capital improvement fund by $425,000 to advance demolition and engineering work along Route 13.
- Resolution 2026‑62: authorized the city to enter a contract with the Knox County Land Reutilization Corporation to carry out North Norton Street improvements; the land bank will run the construction while the city funds and participates in inspection and design.
The council also adopted ordinances on third reading, including Ordinance 2026‑11 (amending the vehicle‑storage code) and Ordinance 2026‑13 (rezoning two parcels from R‑1 to GB, General Business). The council suspended rules and adopted Ordinance 2026‑17, replacing Section 919.11 of the codified ordinances regarding backflow protection. A city staff member explained that backflow devices prevent contaminants—such as herbicides or industrial fluids—from siphoning back into the public water system, and staff cited EPA compliance as a reason to move the ordinance promptly.
Several items received only first or second readings and will return for further consideration, including Resolution 2026‑60 (a lease with Advocates for Children at 9½ East High Street) and Ordinance 2026‑20 (compensation, hours and benefits for certain employees).
The meeting concluded with routine administration remarks and personnel announcements. The council adjourned following a voice vote.
