MOUNT VERNON — Members of Mount Vernon City Council and Mount Vernon Board of Education met Monday to discuss issues of mutual interest.

First up for discussion was the refurbishing of the tennis courts in Memorial Park. The courts, used by the school district for spring and fall tennis as well as by the community at large, need to be sealed, resurfaced and restriped. The work will be done after the spring tennis season and before the summer activities begin.

Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Mavis asked whether the board would help on a 50-50 basis with the refurbishing cost of $18,000. The work would be done this year. The city has one quote, and is seeking a second.

The consensus was the courts were extensively repaired about five years ago at a cost of $30,000 to $40,000. Because that was not so long ago, Dr. Margie Bennett asked whether there was any recourse to return to the contractor, as it was felt the repairs should have lasted more than five years. Superintendent Steve Short said exact dates of repair come into play with different funding streams. He will work with city Safety-Service Director Dave Glass on the issue, and report back to the board for further discussion.

Mavis asked for the board’s cooperation in once again allowing the school’s parking lots and green space to be used for visitors to the city’s Fourth of July fireworks and festivities in Memorial Park. Activities will take place July 2. Councilman Chuck Dice requested the use of an auxiliary police officer for traffic control be explored.