MOUNT VERNON — The return of the parking enforcement officer has created a buzz around downtown Mount Vernon.
Larry Fogle took on the part-time position recently, and according to Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Mavis, has issued some tickets for illegal parking and for parking longer than two hours in one spot.
“When we began enforcing [after a period of non-enforcement] it brought up a great deal of complaints and a concerns,” Mavis said. “Some have been upset because of the enforcement, but we’re working with the community and the Heritage Centre Association to meet their needs.”
Fogle is issuing $10 tickets for vehicles parked over the white lines or for too much time, but officials have decided to change things on the issue of how close a vehicle should be to the curb. Previously, a vehicle had to be parked within 12 inches of the curb and within the lined parking spot. But, Mavis said many smaller vehicles can be farther from the curb and still within the lined spot.
“We had a change made. We will no longer be issuing tickets for vehicles more than 12 inches from the curb and still within the parking spot. Over the line or over two hours are still subject to the $10 ticket, though,” Mavis said.
Mavis said the city attempted to sell the nearly 700 parking meters that were removed, but received no bids. The city did receive a bid on the timers in the meters and for the red boxes the city used to collect tickets and are considering whether to accept it. Mavis also said the city will probably sell the meters for scrap, but will save a few back for individuals who might be interested in purchasing them.
“We will make available some meters for people who want to buy a piece of Mount Vernon history,” he said.
In other news, Mavis said City Council will be discussing the results of the inspection of the old middle school building on North Mulberry Street. A committee meeting has been scheduled for Monday at 7 p.m., prior to the regular council meeting, to discuss the results and building owner John Bechtel’s new request for an abatement for the property.
Several things are on tap for the city. The new educational walkway at Riverside Park will be dedicated today at 10 a.m. with activities lasting until 1 p.m. Mavis will also be involved in the judging for the Monster BBQ Pit Build Off & Cooking Competition tonight.
The city has also signed the contracts for the demolition of the old Connell’s building on South Sandusky Street. The building will be demolished in approximately three weeks and the Sandusky Street curve will be closed during part of the demolition.
Work will begin soon on moving the crosswalk on West High Street to the other side of Fountain Street. Handicap-accessible approaches will be put in as well as new striping and signage.
The brick street repair crew has been working on North Mulberry Street. They will continue there for approximately three weeks before moving to Sugar Street, where they will repair bumpy areas from Park Street to North Sandusky Street.
