MOUNT VERNON — Although the problem of clothing discoloration experienced by some city residents has not made news of late, the issue has not been forgotten by city officials.
According to Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Mavis, city officials are continuing to work with Arcadis, an engineering and design firm based in Akron, to resolve the problem. Phase 1 of the process was having Arcadis review the prior studies.
“Their water people reviewed all of the studies we had done over the last several years, and did a synopsis of the information,” said Mavis. “The end result was, they felt that about every study imaginable had been conducted, and it wasn’t the water itself. So in Phase 2, we’re going to look at our piping.
“We are going to look at our delivery system, especially in the older part of the city,” he continued. “The responses [from residents about the problem] indicated the frequency is much higher in the older, core part of the city.”
Mavis said some of the pipes in that area are 50 or more years old.
“There’s a possibility there’s some buildup in the pipes that break off,” he said.
Mavis said Arcadis is going to put together a final draft with results from Phase 1, and provide a preliminary cost estimate for Phase 2.
“We feel we need to get some information together for the people,” he said.
Following some of the recent snowstorms, residents may have seen a brown residue on city streets. Mavis said the residue is small pea gravel, which is being mixed with salt in order to extend the salt supply. The city’s salt reserve is lower than usual because the supplier has low supplies, and is selling salt as it is mined.
“The trucks carry a 50/50 load,” said Mavis. “When it melts, is looks like sand.”
Mavis said the city used to use the pea gravel, but problems arose when it had to be swept from the road. A vacuum had to then be used to clean out the catch basins.
The mayor also wanted to let the community know that applications are now being accepted for summer employees at the water park. Applications can be obtained at the Mount Vernon High School guidance office or at City Hall.
He encouraged those interested to apply quickly, as it’s not too long before the water park will be opening.
Mavis also said the process of filling the position of city engineer is ongoing.
