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Mount Vernon council approves $7.58 million in vouchers, website contract, water change order and TIF inducement
Summary
The Mount Vernon City Council on Dec. 16, 2024 approved consolidated vouchers totaling $7,577,048.32, a $29,340 tourism website contract, a $193,903.84 water project change order, and a TIF inducement for a proposed hotel; all votes were unanimous among members present (Council Member Ray Botch absent).
The Mount Vernon City Council approved a series of motions on Dec. 16, 2024 that included two consolidated vouchers totaling $7,577,048.32, a contract amendment for a new tourism website, a change order for a water-line replacement project and a resolution to induce redevelopment in a TIF district.
Council Member Donte Moore moved to approve the Journal for the Dec. 2 meeting and then moved approval of consolidated vouchers for Accounts Payable of $5,035,798.92 (Dec. 2) and $2,541,249.40 (Dec. 16); Council Members Joe Gliosci, Donte Moore, Mike Young and Mayor John Lewis voted yes and Council Member Ray Botch was recorded absent.
The council also approved a resolution to amend an existing contract with GHD Digital to create a separate Tourism Department website and a business directory solution at a cost of $29,340 to be paid from the Tourism budget. City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel said the change will allow Tourism staff to maintain content and promote vendors and sponsors.
On the Cast Iron Pipe Replacement Phase 3 project the council approved a change order with JK Trotter and Sons, Inc. adding work on S. 22nd Street, N. 7th Street and S. 18th Street and applying a credit related to Old Centralia Lane; the change order amount is $193,903.84.
The council approved a resolution to induce redevelopment of property within the Route 15/Interstate 57 TIF District after meetings with developer SK Mt. Vernon, LLC, which has said it intends to build a hotel and retail on South 44th Street and is working with Home2Suites by Hilton. The resolution sets a date after which eligible expenses could be considered for reimbursement if the project proceeds and a development agreement is later executed; the resolution does not obligate the city to enter an agreement.
Votes at a glance: the journal approval, consolidated vouchers ($5,035,798.92 and $2,541,249.40), the GHD Digital website agreement ($29,340.00), the Personnel Policy Manual amendments, the JK Trotter change order ($193,903.84), and the TIF inducement each passed with four affirmative votes (Gliosci, Moore, Young and Lewis). Council Member Ray Botch was absent for roll call. Specific motion text and mover/second details are recorded in the meeting minutes.
The council also approved a resolution amending the City of Mount Vernon Personnel Policy Manual to align city policies with current employment law on topics including reasonable accommodations, record retention, discrimination and harassment, complaint and disciplinary procedures, absences and paid leave for employees in their first year. City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel presented the changes.
The meeting reconvened after an executive session and adjourned at 7:28 p.m.
