MOUNT VERNON — Mount Vernon City Council members approved various resolutions when they met at City Hall on Monday evening following a full schedule of committee meetings.
In a report for the Fire, Police & Civil Defense Committee, councilwoman Rebecca Jordan introduced Mount Vernon Fire Department Chief Shawn Christy who told of the department’s need to replace a vehicle, a 1997 Ford Explorer, currently driven by Assistant Chief Chris Menapace. Christy said the vehicle is in need of repairs estimated at $8,000. The vehicle is valued at $4,200.
“We don’t want to spend money on something that won’t give us a return,” said Christy. “We may look at something in an open bid process or maybe something local.”
As funds for the vehicle would come from the EMS equipment account, council member Chuck Dice asked, “Is this going to short the department on something they need just to get the vehicle?” Christy assured him that it would not be the case in this situation. “I like the idea of looking locally,” said council member Jay Maners, while Nancy Vail suggested seeking a 2010 model since some 2011 models have already come out.
Reporting for the Finance Committee, council member Bruce Hawkins said the five-year bed tax contract will expire at the end of 2010. The contract includes agreements with the Mount Vernon Parking Co., the Heritage Centre Association and the Woodward Foundation. The Woodward agreement is carried until it reaches a level of $500,000. “We hope the Woodward gets developed,” said Mayor Richard Mavis, giving his recommendation to extend the contract for the parking company and the HCA and wait until the Woodward fulfills its requirement.
