MOUNT VERNON — The city has been notified that hot mix will finally be available next week, so the street department will be able to begin making permanent repairs, Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Mavis reported. The news also means the widening of the Mount Vernon Avenue and South Division Street intersection can proceed.
Mavis reported that the Solid Waste Management District has completed its solid waste plan and now has to have it ratified by the leadership of at least 60 percent of the district’s population. The ratified plan has to be filed with the Environmental Protection Agency by Nov. 20.
Public hearings on the plan will be held in each county, with the Knox County hearing scheduled for May 20. The dates for Marion, Delaware and Morrow counties are still to be scheduled.
A copy of the plan is on file at the Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County, where it can be viewed by the public. Copies have also been sent to all the political subdivisions of the district.
‘New’ bucket truck
Mavis said the street department had requested a new bucket truck in the 2012 budget, but since a new one would cost between $95,000 and $100,000, the department has been looking for a suitable used vehicle.
A 2008 model truck was found for $58,264 from Magnam Truck and Auto in Lima The city will get the truck in two weeks.
The truck is used by the street department for work on signals and such, and is also borrowed by other departments.
Lot improvements
Mavis said the city has reached a lease agreement with Rolls-Royce for the lot at the corner of Chestnut and Sandusky streets and contractors hired by Rolls have begun work to turn it into a parking lot.
The lot will replace much of the parking lost when Rolls begins work on its new building across the street.
CleanOhio application
The city’s application for money from the CleanOhio fund to help with the cleanup of the old American National Can site has been scored, Mavis said, and it seems to be in the middle of projects seeking funds.
Mavis said the city will have two minutes on May 18 to support its application and swing the review panel behind the project. The city should be notified by the end of the day if it will have the grant approved.
