MOUNT VERNON — A short delay has been encountered in the demolition of the old Bonded station at the intersection of Sandusky and Chestnut streets. Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Mavis said reports of asbestos in the old building sent the workers away while the U.S. EPA has been contacted to check out the building.
If they find anything, a special contractor will be hired to remove the asbestos. The situation will probably cause about a 10-day delay in clearing the lot, Mavis said.
The demolition of the building is actually being done by a crew working for Mark Ramser, who bought the lot with the understanding he would resell it to the city.
Mavis reported that interviews he has been involved in as part of the update of the Regional Planning Commission’s Comprehensive Plan have been interesting.
He and Area Foundation for Development Director Steve Waers this week conducted two interviews with local plant managers and have two more to conduct.
He said the interviews have been a good opportunity to talk to local business leaders and get feedback on the city’s relationships with those businesses. He said he’s been getting positive reports on people’s dealing with city agencies.
He said they’re also finding “Knox County is a good place to do business” with a good work ethic.
Mavis also reported that drivers in some areas may have noticed that gravel was added to salt applied to the streets in some areas last weekend.
He said the snows that came in depleted salt supplies more than expected, so they decided to extend the supply with gravel until the new shipments came in this week.
Mavis and City Auditor Terry Scott reported the city’s contract talks have been proceeding with the police, fire and civil service employees, but they can’t predict when they will be concluded.
The contracts with all three unions expired in December. Talks have been on hiatus this week with city Service-Safety Director Dave Glass on vacation.
Mavis also reported that the city budget is coming together and will be sent to city council in early February. Council will have a work day on Feb. 11 to go over the budget in detail and, if no further sessions are needed, will act on the budget by the end of February.
