MOUNT VERNON — City Engineer Cameron Keaton reported on the progress of several projects at the mayor’s weekly press briefing Friday.
Keaton said the preconstruction meeting with Small’s Paving was held this week and the paving program, which mostly consists of Mount Vernon Avenue, should get under way by mid-September. The completion date is Oct. 14.
Keaton said the wastewater treatment plant improvement project is moving along and should be completed in September, although delays in receiving some materials could delay that until October. The plant is receiving an electrical system upgrade, including new motors and computerized control systems, as well as a new septic receiving station. The new receiving station will allow the city to test sewage brought in by the haulers for toxic substances. That will allow the city to treat unexpected or hazardous substances.
Workers are nearing completion of the storm sewer phase of the Coshocton Avenue widening. Progress on the project should get more visible soon, he said.
Keaton said the city has not yet awarded a contract for the demolition of two houses near the intersection of Sandusky and High streets. The city is seeking funding from Knox County’s share of money awarded in a lawsuit against mortgage lenders that is being used in a fund for the demolition of abandoned and dilapidated housing.
The city’s application for funds is at the county prosecutor’s office and the county is waiting for some final paperwork from the state. Keaton said they hope to have a final answer soon, but the city has about another month before they have to award the demolition contract for the project, which is about $47,000.
Keaton and Mayor Richard Mavis said the demolition should qualify for the funds because they were residential properties, are no longer in use and the projects are ready to go.
