[PAGE 1]
City Council January 12, 2026
Legislative Session Agenda 7:30 PM
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Mount Vernon City Council
Committee Meeting Schedule
January 12, 2026
Meeting Time Item Under Consideration Committee
7:00 - 7:15 p.m. 2026-27 Organizational Meeting Council as a Whole
(see attached agenda)
M EETING WILL RECESS UNTIL 7:30 P.M.
C ALL TO ORDER
INVOCATION
Invocation to be given by Rev. Gene McBride
P LEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
A CCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
12/22/2025 Minutes
R ECEIVE PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
R ECEIVE COMMITTEE REPORTS
P ROCLAMATION
PERSONS SPEAKING ON MATTERS OF CITY CONCERN
Rev. Justin Meier
R ESOLUTIONS FOR THIRD READING
R ESOLUTIONS FOR SECOND READING
R ESOLUTIONS FOR FIRST READING
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-01
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SALE, BY INTERNET AUCTION
DURING CALENDAR YEAR 2026, OF CITY-OWNED PERSONAL
PROPERTY WHICH IS NOT NEEDED FOR PUBLIC USE OR WHICH IS
OBSOLETE OR UNFIT FOR THE USE FOR WHICH IT WAS ACQUIRED;
City of Mount Vernon page 1 City Council
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[PAGE 2]
AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Finance & Budget: Mahan, Severns
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-02
A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE MAYOR'S APPOINTMENT OF BARB
BLAZER TO THE RECREATION BOARD; AND DECLARING AN
EMERGENCY.
Employee & Community Relations: Keener, Ruckman
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-03
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO
ADVERTISE FOR BIDS AND ENTER INTO CONTRACT FOR THE 2026
STREET CHIP SEAL PROJECT.
Streets & Public Buildings: Severns, Mahan
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-04
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING RULES FOR THE CONDUCT OF CITY
COUNCIL MEETINGS FOR THE 2026-2027 BIENNIUM.
Land Use & Development: Jacklin, Keener
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-05
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO
ADVERTISE FOR BIDS AND ENTER INTO CONTRACT FOR THE
RENOVATION OF TWO FLOORS OF THE 236 SOUTH MAIN STREET,
MOUNT VERNON MUNICIPAL CENTER; AND DECLARING AN
EMERGENCY.
Streets & Public Buildings: Severns, Mahan
O RDINANCES FOR THIRD READING
O RDINANCES FOR SECOND READING
O RDINANCES FOR FIRST READING
R EMARKS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION
R EMARKS FROM COUNCIL
A DJOURN AT THE CALL OF THE PRESIDENT
City of Mount Vernon page 2 City Council
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[PAGE 3]
City Council January 12, 2026
Organizational Meeting Agenda 7:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER
WELCOME
POLICIES
Council Meetings - Ref. Ordinance No. 2019-01
- Ord. 2019-01
Council Committee Structure - Ref. Ordinance No. 2006-01 & 2024-07
- Ord. 2006-01
- Ord. 2024-07
Council Committees
- Committee Structure 26-27 (full)
- Council Committee Support Documents
President Pro-Tem Election Policy
- Elect President Pro-Tem
President and Pro-Tem (Absence Policy)
- Policy in the Absence of President and Pro-Tem
Council Service Dates
- Seniority List 2026
City Officials
- City Officials and Council Roster
Meeting Dates & Holiday Schedule
- Meeting Dates and Holidays
Page 3 of 39

[PAGE 4]
Agenda City Council January 12, 2026
Council Do's & Dont's
- Council Do's and Dont's
Public Participation
- Request to Speak at Council/Public Hearing
City Council Minutes
- City Council Minutes Policy
Council Committee Minutes Policy
- Committee Meeting Minutes
Committee Meeting Forms
- SAMPLE Committee Meeting Form
Summer Casual Dress Policy
- Council Casual Dress Policy
APPOINTMENTS
President Pro-Tem
Clerk of Council
Assistant Clerk of Council
Audit Review Committee - President Bruce Hawkins
City Data Board - President
Experience Mount Vernon – Appoint Council Member (1 year term)
Foundation Park Conservancy Board – Appoint Council Member (2 year term)
Knox County Convention and Visitor's Bureau – Appoint Council Member (1 year
term)
OTHER BUSINESS
ADJOURN
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[PAGE 5]
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[PAGE 6]
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[PAGE 7]
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[PAGE 8]
City Council Meeting: 02/26/24 7:30 PM
City of Mount Vernon Dept: Land Use and Development
Mount Vernon, OH 43050 Keener, Mahan
Category: Planning and Zoning
ADOPTED Prepared By: Rob Broeren
Initiator: Todd Hill
ORDINANCE 2024-07 DOC ID: 3963
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SECTION 111.08 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE
CITY OF MOUNT VERNON REGARDING STANDING COMMITTEES OF COUNCIL; AND
DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Mount Vernon,
Ohio, that:
SECTION 1: That Section 111.08(a) of the Codified Ordinances be amended to read as
follows (additions are in bold, deletions are in strikethrough):
(a) There shall be seven standing committees of Council, namely:
(1) Utilities Committee.
(2) Police, Fire and Civil Defense Committee.
(3) Finance and Budget Committee.
(4) Parks and Lands Recreation Committee.
(5) Streets and Public Buildings Committee.
(6) Planning and Zoning Land Use and Development Committee.
(7) Employee and Community Relations Committee.
SECTION 2: This Ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure necessary
for the immediate preservation of the public, peace, health and safety, and for the further reason
to align the names of Council’s committees with their areas of responsibility, and said Ordinance
shall, therefore, become effective upon its date of passage and approval by the Mayor, provided
that it receives the affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the members elected to the Council of
the City of Mount Vernon; otherwise, it shall take effect and be in force from and after the
earliest period allowed by law.
COMMENTS - Current Meeting:
Keener made a motion to suspend the rule requiring three separate readings of Ordinance No.
2024-07, with a second by Mahan. Motion to amend passed by a roll-call vote of 7-0. Keener
made a motion to adopt Ordinance No. 2024-07, with a second by Mahan. Motion to adopt
passed by a roll-call vote of 7-0.
Updated: 2/21/2024 11:17 AM by Todd Hill Page 1
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[PAGE 9]
Ordinance 2024-7 Meeting of February 26, 2024
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Amber Keener, At Large
SECONDER: James Mahan, First Ward
AYES: Seavolt, Woods, Keener, Severns, Miller, Mahan, Ruckman
________________________________
Bruce E. Hawkins, President of Council
PASSED: ____________________, 2024
ATTEST: _______________________________
Zachary Sherman, Clerk of Council
APPROVED: _________________, 2024
____________________________
Matthew T. Starr, Mayor
Updated: 2/21/2024 11:17 AM by Todd Hill Page 2
Page 9 of 39

[PAGE 10]
City Council Committee Structure
January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2027
Committee Chair Ranking Chair Member Member
Employee &
Amber Keener Ruckman Hager Mahan
Community Relations
Finance & Budget Jay Mahan Severns Ruckman Miller
Land Use &
Taylor Jacklin Keener Mahan Hager
Development
Parks & Recreation LeNan Hager Jacklin Miller Keener
Police, Fire, & Civil
Dale Miller Hager Jacklin Ruckman
Defense
Streets & Public
Mel Severns Mahan Severns Jacklin
Buildings
Utilities John Ruckman Miller Keener Severns
Updated 12/16/2025
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[PAGE 11]
Council Organizational Meeting Support Documents January 12, 2026
111.01 MEETINGS OF COUNCIL.
(a) Regular Public Meetings. Regular public meetings of Council shall be at the Council
Room at the City Building on the second and fourth Monday of each month. The time of the meeting
shall be 7:30 p.m. If the second or fourth Monday of each month falls on either a state or federal
holiday, the regular public meetings of Council shall then be held at the Council Room on the second or
fourth Tuesday of that month. The time of the meeting shall be at 7:30 p.m. (Ord. 2019-01. Passed 1-
14-19.)
111.08 STANDING COMMITTEES.
(a) There shall be seven standing committees of Council, namely:
(1) Utilities Committee.
(2) Police, Fire and Civil Defense Committee.
(3) Finance and Budget Committee.
(4) Parks and Recreation Committee.
(5) Streets and Public Buildings Committee.
(6) Land Use and Development Committee.
(7) Employee and Community Relations Committee.
(b) Each committee shall be composed of four members. A chairman, a ranking member,
and two supporting members. The chairman and ranking member shall review and research all items
referred to the committee, and shall consult with the officer, department head, or interested citizens
and make their recommendations to the entire committee. The committee shall make disposition of
the matter and prepare and report and/or make a recommendation to be presented to Council.
(c) Each member of Council shall be chairman of one standing committee. The chairman
and ranking member of the committee shall be determined by seniority. Seniority shall be established
by:
(1) Length of service on Council;
(2) Length of service as chairman of a committee;
(3) When two or more claim seniority for any given position, the President of
Council shall make the appointment;
(4) Supporting members of the committees shall be appointed by the President of
Council;
(5) Each member of Council shall be placed on four committees.
(d) In the event of a vacancy occurring on a committee, the seniority rule shall be in effect
for filling said vacancy. When a vacancy occurs in the chairmanship of a committee the ranking member
of that committee may, at his opinion, become the chairman of said committee. Provided, however, no
member of Council shall be chairman of more than one committee, and in such event, such ranking
member shall be required to resign as chairman of the committee of original appointment before
assuming the chairmanship wherein the vacancy occurred.
(e) The standing committees shall meet on the call of the chairman unless otherwise
provided for by Council. (Ord. 2006-01. Passed 1-9-06.)
1
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[PAGE 12]
Committee Names and Responsibilities
The committees were established 20 some years ago and rewritten in 1997. The changes were made
because through the years some committees have become more involved with increased work and
committee activity. Zoning has the major portion of the workload; while Police, Fire and Employee
Relations, Cemetery and Civil Defense have very little activity. Therefore, the following changes were
made in 1997 of the following:
1. Finance and Budget - all legislation and matters of finance including appropriations, budget and
capital improvements.
2. Utilities - all legislation and matters pertaining to water, wastewater, electric power, natural gas,
TV, etc.
3. Streets and Public Buildings - all legislation and matters pertaining to all streets including
vacations of streets and alleys, and city buildings.
4. Police, Fire and Civil Defense - all matters and legislation pertaining to police, fire and civil
defense.
5. Parks and Recreation - all legislation and matters pertaining to all city lands, parks and cemetery.
6. Land Use and Development - all matters pertaining to zoning, annexation and modifications to
codified ordinances.
7. Employee and Community Relations - all legislation pertaining to pay ordinances and employee-
related matters, negotiations, civil service, all legislation regarding proclamations,
commendations, recognition of city employees or citizens, and liquor permit transfers.
8. If there is a dispute on an item to be referred to committee the President of Council will make
the assignment.
These assignments help to even out the workload of Council and to help the Council Clerk and the
President of Council with deciding committee assignments by having clearer definitions of committee
assignments. These rules were adopted January 1998 by Council.
2
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[PAGE 13]
POLICY IN THE ABSENCE OF PRESIDENT AND PRO-TEM
There is no rule establishing who would preside over the Council during the
absence of the President and the President Pro-Tem. In past years the senior
Council member present assumed the responsibility. All members of Council
agreed that in the event the President and the President Pro-Tem would both be
absent from a meeting the senior member present will conduct the meeting.
(Excerpt from the minutes of Council Organization Meeting January 3, 2000)
Approved by Council January 12, 2026.
______________________________________ ____________________________________
Bruce E. Hawkins, President of Council Zac Sherman, Clerk of Council
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[PAGE 14]
Council Seniority List 2026
Bruce Hawkins – President – 2000
Amber Keener – 2021
Mel Severns – 2022
James Mahan – 2022
John Ruckman – 2023
LeNan Hager – 2025
Taylor Jacklin – 2026
Dale Miller – 2026
Date of Service on Council
January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2027
1 Keener June 2021
2 Severns January 2022
3 Mahan November 2022
4 Ruckman July 2023
5 Hager March 2025
6 Jacklin January 2026
7 Miller January 2026
Council Seating – 2026
Facing seating – left to right
Hager Mahan Keener Severns Hawkins Jacklin Ruckman Miller
12/02/2025
S:\Zac Sherman\Council\Docs for New Council Terms\Council Seniority List and Dates of Service 2026-01-01.doc
Page 14 of 39

[PAGE 15]
2026-2027 Elected Officials Roster
City Council Administration
Bruce E. Hawkins (12-27) President Matthew T. Starr Mayor
102 N. Concord St. 40 Public Square 740-393-9517
bhawkins@mtvernonoh.gov mtvmayor@@mtvernonoh.gov
James Mahan (22-27) First Ward *Tanner S. Salyers Safety-Service Director
226 Delano St. 740-324-7229 40 Public Square 740-393-9520
jmahan@mtvernonoh.gov mtvssd@mtvernonoh.gov
John Ruckman (23-27) Second Ward P. Robert Broeren, Jr. Law Director
812 W. Gambier St. 740-398-6522 5 North Gay Street 740-393-9562
jruckman@mtvernonoh.gov probertbroeren@mtvernonoh.gov
Taylor Jacklin (26-27) Third Ward John Thatcher Judge
tjacklin@mtvernonoh.gov 5 North Gay Street 740-393-9510
judgethatcher@rrohio.com
LeNan Hager (25-27) Fourth Ward
200 North Park St. 740-263-7077 David Stuller Treasurer
lhager@mtvernonoh.gov 40 Public Square
mtvtreasurer@mtvernonoh.gov
Amber Keener (21-27) At-Large
702 E. High St. 740-326-1888 Dan Brinkman Auditor
akeener@mtvernonoh.gov 40 Public Square 740-393-9521
dbrinkman@mtvernonoh.gov
Dale Miller (26-27) At Large
damiller@mtvernonoh.gov *Zac Sherman Clerk of Council
40 Public Square
Mel Severns (22-27) At-Large zsherman@mtvernonoh.gov
21 Longitude Drive 740-358-0058
mseverns@mtvernonoh.gov *Todd Hill Asst. to the Mayor
40 Public Square 740-393-9517
thill@mtvernonoh.gov
* Appointed (not elected)
The Codified Ordinances of the City of Mount Vernon are located at www.mtvernonoh.gov
Also, on the home page select “Have a problem to report?”
It is a link for citizen correspondence to the City departments.
updated: December 5, 2025
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[PAGE 16]
Council Committees
City Council Scheduled Meetings 2026 - 2027
For 2026
All meetings begin at 7:30 p.m.
January 12 26 Employee & Community Relations
February 9 23 Keener, Ruckman
March 9 23
April 13 27 Finance & Budget
May 11 26* Mahan, Severns
June 8 22
July 13 27 Land Use & Development
August 10 24 Jacklin, Keener
September 14 28
October 12 26 Parks & Recreation
November 9 23 Hager, Jacklin
December 14 28
* Not a Monday meeting date Police, Fire, and Civil Defense
**1 School Board Combined Meeting TBA Miller, Hager
**2 Commissioner Combined Meeting TBA
Streets & Public Buildings
Severns, Mahan
Holidays Observed
For 2026 Utilities
Ruckman, Miller
By City Offices
January 1 - New Year’s Day
January 19 - M. Luther King Jr. Day
February 16 – Presidents’ Day
*****
May 25 - Memorial Day
June 19 – Juneteenth
July 4 - Independence Day
September 7 - Labor Day
November 11 - Veterans Day
November 26 - Thanksgiving Day
November 27 - Thanksgiving Holiday
December 24 – Christmas Eve
December 25 – Christmas Day
Prepared: 12/15/25
Page 16 of 39

[PAGE 17]
MEMO
TO All Council Members
FROM Bruce E. Hawkins, President of Council
DATE January 12, 2026
RE Council Do’s and Don’ts
LIST OF DO’S
1. Set aside every Monday evening of the year for Regular Council Sessions, Special
Council Meetings and Committee Meetings.
2. Make every effort to attend all scheduled meetings.
3. If you cannot attend a scheduled meeting for any reason, please notify me or the Clerk of
Council.
4. Notify me of your committee meetings.
5. Notify me in advance, if possible, of any news releases you plan to make.
6. Observe the rules of confidentiality concerning all Executive Sessions of Council.
7. Correspond with other members of Council and the Administration on matters you feel
are important to the smooth operation of the Council and the City.
8. Have legislation that you want to present to Council ready for a committee meeting so it
can be discussed in anticipation of being prepared in legislative form for the regular
Council meeting. Only in cases of emergencies should legislation that has not have been
discussed at a committee meeting be presented at a regular session.
9. Treat members of Council, the Administration and visitors with courtesy.
10. Notify the Mayor, Safety-Service Director, Law Director or Auditor of problems or
information needed prior to the meeting whenever possible to allow for research and
better response.
11. Do your homework, whether it concerns pending legislation or a problem that may
require future legislation. You can’t vote or talk intelligently on any subject until you
know the facts.
12. Remember at all times we are working for the betterment of the City and the majority of
the citizens of Mount Vernon, and not to further on own beliefs and/or ideals.
13. Enjoy your work as a Council person doing at all times what you think is right and best
for Mount Vernon and its citizens you represent.
14. Contact me if you have a problem concerning Council business or wish to discuss
Council’s work.
15. Be positive.
-- Page 1 of 2
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[PAGE 18]
LIST OF DON’TS
1. Miss meetings without a good or valid reason.
2. Be a loner. Council can only work efficiently if it works as a team and works with the
Administration.
3. Be afraid to admit you have been wrong in your thinking on a subject, or want to change
your vote.
4. Schedule a committee meeting without notifying the ranking member of your committee
and your full committee of the time and date of the meeting. Also, members of Council
not on your committee should also be notified of the meeting so they can attend if they so
choose.
5. Discuss any matters that were discussed during an Executive Session outside
Council Chambers. These discussions are privileged information that should be left
in the Council Chambers when you leave the room.
6. Be tricked into making promises that something will be taken care of or done without
knowing the feelings of the other members of Council.
7. Introduce legislation at a Legislative Meeting without first understanding the legislation
and being prepared to explain and answer questions concerning the legislation.
As President of Council, I reserve the right to discuss with you matters of importance during
Council Sessions and may on occasion enter into discussion during Regular or Special Meetings
for points of clarification, information, or if requested to do so.
Remember, only through the efforts of all of us working together can we achieve the goals we set
for this Council and Administration.
BEH/zs
-- Page 2 of 2
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[PAGE 19]
Request to Speak at Mount Vernon City Council
on Matters of Public Concern
Date ___________________________
Name _______________________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________________________
Telephone _______________________________________________________________
Subject of concern:__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Subject of concern must be an issue that Council can actually deal with or has control
over. Speaking time will be limited to 4 minutes and must be directed to the subject of
concern. Personal attacks on Council, elected officials, administration or other citizens
will not be tolerated. Anyone doing so will be considered disruptive, gaveled out of
order and shall waive their right to speak and/or remain at such meeting.
Prepared documents and illustration documents must be submitted with this form to the Clerk
for public record. City matters brought to Council’s attention will be referred to committee
for study and discussion at a later date.
Prior arrangements should be made as early as possible with the Clerk of Council at City
Hall. Requests are reviewed prior to the meeting, so please submit to the Clerk your written
request by noon on the Friday prior to the Monday meeting. If this is not possible the latest
this form can be submitted is not later than 15 minutes prior to the beginning of the meeting.
___________________________________________________________________________
Contact information for Clerk of Council:
City Hall - Suite 206
40 Public Square
Mount Vernon, OH 43050
Office phone: 740-393-9517 Office Hours: Monday-
Office fax: 740-397-6595 Friday 8 am – 4 pm
Email: clerkofcouncil@mountvernonohio.org
Web Site: www.mountvernonohio.org
Your concerns are important. Thank you for your cooperation.
Approved by the City Law Director and Council – January 8, 2024.
Page 19 of 39

[PAGE 20]
Request to Speak at Mount Vernon City Council
Public Hearings
Date ___________________________
Name ___________________________________________________________
Address ___________________________________________________________
Telephone ___________________________________________________________
Public Hearing subject: __________________________________________________
Mount Vernon City Council Public Hearing Procedure
Council President, or President Pro-Tem in absence of the President, will conduct all public
hearings. The format will be as follows:
All persons addressing this hearing must state their name and address for the record.
Persons that have requested to address Council will be given 4 minutes in which to state
their position on the issue and must direct their remarks to the public hearing subject.
Personal attacks on Council, elected officials, the administration or other citizens will
not be tolerated. Anyone doing so will be considered disruptive, gaveled out of order
and shall waive their right to speak and/or remain at such meeting.
If a group is present for the same issue Council requests that they have a spokesperson for
the group. Petitions or prepared materials presented to Council must also be presented to
the Clerk of Council to be entered into the record. The Chair will recognize someone in
favor of the request, then someone against the request, etc., until all wishing to speak on the
matter have had the opportunity to do so or until the debate becomes redundant.
__________________________________________________________________________
Contact information for Clerk of Council:
City Hall - Suite 206
40 Public Square
Mount Vernon, OH 43050
Office phone: 740-393-9517 Office Hours: Monday-
Office fax: 740-397-6595 Friday
Email: clerkofcouncil@mountvernonohio.org 8 am – 4 pm
Web Site: www.mountvernonohio.org
Your concerns are important. Thank you for your cooperation.
Approved the City Law Director and Council – January 8, 2024
Req-Spk at PH2026
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[PAGE 21]
Dear All Council Members:
I respectfully request that Council re-adopt the following public participation procedure
for City Council Committee Meetings, Public Hearings and Matters of Public Concern
effective January 12, 2026.
Legislative Meetings:
Public participation will be encouraged at Committee Meetings of Council. The
public has the right to attend meetings of Council but does not have the right to
participate. This is a privilege granted by Council. Citizens attending Council
Meetings cannot participate unless requested to do so by a majority of Council
members present.
Citizens may complete an application to speak on matters of public concern
during a Legislate Meeting. Such persons shall be granted four (4) minutes to
speak. At the end of that time, the speaker may request an additional four (4)
minutes, whether the additional time is granted is dependent on City Council.
Citizens attending meetings of City Council have the right to tape record,
videotape or take pictures as long as they do not disrupt, or intrude into, the
business of the Council Meetings.
Matter Not Covered by Legislation:
Request to speak procedure letter is attached.
Public Hearings:
Request to speak procedure letter is attached.
Please review this request, and consider adoption at the Organizational Meeting on
January 12, 2026.
Sincerely,
______________________________ ______________________________
Bruce E. Hawkins Zac Sherman
President of Council Clerk of Council
BEH/zs
Copies: Law Director
Mayor
File
Page 21 of 39

[PAGE 22]
TO: Zac Sherman
Clerk of Council
Mount Vernon City Council
FROM: Bruce E. Hawkins
President of Council
Mount Vernon City Council
DATE January 12, 2026
RE: Minutes of Mount Vernon City Council Meetings
In 2010 it was decided that the minutes of previous council meetings would not be read at
council meetings.
The format is: “the President of Council states, members you have received copies of the
previous meeting’s minutes. Are there any additions or corrections to these minutes? If
no corrections are needed, do we have a motion to approve, do we have a motion to
second, all in favor reply aye, and all those opposed reply nay.” The minutes are either
approved or not approved by voice vote.
If corrections are needed, the minutes will be presented at the next meeting for the same
voice vote procedure.
Therefore, it is the policy of City Council that we not read the minutes of the previous
meeting at regular meetings of Council and adoption of the minutes will require a voice
vote to determine the status of the minutes.
______________________________________
Bruce E. Hawkins, President of Council
_______________________________ ________________________________
Date Approved Zac Sherman, Clerk of Council
Copies to: Members of Council
Rob Broeren, City Law Director
File
Page 22 of 39

[PAGE 23]
MEMO
TO All Council Members
FROM President of Council
DATE January 12, 2026
RE Committee Meeting Minutes
A reminder that all Council Committees must take minutes at all meetings including executive
sessions, and that it is the chairperson’s responsibility to see that these minutes are taken and
turned over to the Council Clerk to be typed, distributed and filed as City permanent records.
This must be done!
The Ohio Revised Code Sunshine Law – These minutes need to indicate date, time and place of
the meeting, who was present, what subject or subjects were discussed, and what action was taken
if any. If the minutes are taped, they must be retained in accordance with the Municipal Records
Commission retention schedule. If you have any questions, please contact the City Law Director
or me.
The Clerk of Council is not responsible for the committee minutes but does do the minutes for the
public hearings.
The attached forms are available for your convenience which the Clerk of Council will supply
upon request.
________________________________
Bruce E. Hawkins, President of Council
Copy to: Rob Broeren, Law Director
Matthew T. Starr, Mayor
File
Page 23 of 39

[PAGE 24]
TO: All Council Members
FROM: President of Council
DATE: January 8, 2024
RE: Council Casual Dress Policy
Thank you for your support of the casual dress policy during the summer months of June,
July and August.
We will return to regular attire at the September meeting.
Thank you again for your support and cooperation.
_______________________________________
Bruce E. Hawkins
President of Council
Copy: Procedure Manual
Page 24 of 39

[PAGE 25]
Legislative Session Minutes
December 22, 2025
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Committee Meeting Schedule
December 22, 2025
6:05 - 6:20 p.m. Executive Session on Acquiring Property Land Use & Development - Keener
6:20 - 6:32 p.m. Lodging Tax (Res. 136) Finance - Seavolt
6:32 - 6:51 p.m. Sufficiency of Petition to add Founders Grove to the NCA Public Hearing
6:51 - 7:05 p.m. Flood Plain Land Use & Development - Keener
7:05 -7:15 p.m. Ohio Natural Gas Aggregation (Res. 131) Utilities - Ruckman
- Council Committee Meeting 12-22-2025
RESULT: ANNOUNCED
- Flooplain Levee Status
7:15 P.M. SWEARING IN OF 2026 ELECTED OFFICIALS
MEETING WILL RECESS UNTIL 7:30 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER
Attendee Title Status
Janis Seavolt At Large Present
Tammy Woods Third Ward Present
Amber Keener At Large Present
Mel Severns Councilman Present
James Mahan First Ward Present
John Ruckman Second Ward Present
LeNan Hager Present
Bruce Hawkins President Present
<RollCallList Status=”Absent”>
{Attendee(*):First {Attendee(*):Title} Absent
Last}
INVOCATION
Invocation given by Rev. Justin Meier, Grace Baptist Church.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
All recited in unison.
City of Mount Vernon Page 1 Updated 12/23/2025 2:27 PM
Page 25 of 39

[PAGE 26]
Minutes City Council December 22, 2025
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
- City Council - Legislative Session - Dec 8, 2025 7:30 PM
Seavolt made a motion to accept the minutes of the Dec. 8, 2025 legislative session. Woods seconded. Accepted
by unanimous voice vote.
RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Janis Seavolt, At Large
SECONDER: Tammy Woods, Third Ward
AYES: Seavolt, Woods, Keener, Severns, Mahan, Ruckman, Hager
RECEIVE PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
RECEIVE COMMITTEE REPORTS
LIQUOR CONTROL LICENSE
Application for liquor license:
JBS Flappers Inc.
15 W High St.
1st Floor & Basement & Patio
Mount Vernon, OH 43050
Mrs. Woods said that if there are any questions regarding the liquor license, to direct them to the Clerk of Council,
Zac Sherman.
PROCLAMATION
Two proclamations were given at the end of the evening. See the note under remarks from the administration.
PERSONS SPEAKING ON MATTERS OF CITY CONCERN
RESOLUTIONS FOR THIRD READING
R ES OLUTION NO. 2025 -131
A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY OF
MOUNT VERNON, KNOX COUNTY, OHIO NATURAL GAS
AGGREGATION PLAN OF OPERATION AND GOVERNANCE; AND
DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Utilities: Ruckman, Hager
Ruckman made a motion to adopt Resolution 2025-131. Hager seconded. Safety-Service Director Salyers noted
that the amendments take effect at the conclusion of the current contract. Adopted by unanimous roll call vote.
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[PAGE 27]
Minutes City Council December 22, 2025
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: John Ruckman, Second Ward
SECONDER: LeNan Hager
AYES: Seavolt, Woods, Keener, Severns, Mahan, Ruckman, Hager
RESOLUTIONS FOR SECOND READING
RESOLUTIONS FOR FIRST READING
R ES OLUTION NO. 2025 -135
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR OF
THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT TO
ACQUIRE IN WHOLE OR IN PART PARCELS OF PROPERTY LOCATED
WITHIN THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON; AND DECLARING AN
EMERGENCY.
Land Use and Development: Keener, Mahan
Keener made a motion to suspend the rules and take Resolution 2025-135 to its third and final reading. Mahan
seconded. Rules suspended by unanimous roll call vote. Keener made a motion to adopt Resolution 2025-135.
Mahan seconded. Keener noted that there had been an executive committee meeting to discuss this item earlier.
Adopted by unanimous roll call vote.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Amber Keener, At Large
SECONDER: James Mahan, First Ward
AYES: Seavolt, Woods, Keener, Severns, Mahan, Ruckman, Hager
R ES OLUTION NO. 2025 -136
A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE DISTRIBUTION OF DESIGNATED
PROGRAM FUNDS FROM THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON LODGING
EXCISE TAX FOR THE 2026–2027 CONTRACT CYCLE; AND DECLARING
AN EMERGENCY.
Finance and Budget: Seavolt, Woods
Seavolt made a motion to table Resolution 2025-136. Woods seconded. tabled by unanimous roll call vote.
Following the conclusion of the ordinances, Seavolt made a motion to remove Resolution 2025-136 from the
table and bring it back to the floor for consideration. Woods seconded. Resolution 2025-136 brought back to the
floor by unanimous roll call vote. Seavolt made a motion to suspend the rules and take Resolution 2025-136 to
its third and final reading. Woods seconded. Rules suspended by unanimous roll call vote. Seavolt made a
motion to adopt Resolution 2025-136. Woods seconded. Keener clarified that the submission of performance
reports go to GDMC and auditor. Adopted by unanimous roll call vote.
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[PAGE 28]
Minutes City Council December 22, 2025
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Janis Seavolt, At Large
SECONDER: Tammy Woods, Third Ward
AYES: Seavolt, Woods, Keener, Severns, Mahan, Ruckman, Hager
R ES OLUTION NO. 2025 -137
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO
DISPOSE OF BUILDINGS OWNED BY THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON
NOT NEEDED FOR PUBLIC USE BY THE CITY; AND DECLARING AN
EMERGENCY.
Finance and Budget: Seavolt, Woods
Seavolt made a motion to suspend the rules and take Resolution 2025-137 to its third and final reading. Woods
seconded. Rules suspended by unanimous roll call vote. Seavolt made a motion to adopt Resolution 2025-137.
Woods seconded. Engineer Brian Ball noted that the city has a property with a home and garage on it. The city
wishes to sell the house and garage. The buyer(s) will then pick up the structure(s) and move them to a new
location. Adopted by unanimous roll call vote.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Janis Seavolt, At Large
SECONDER: Tammy Woods, Third Ward
AYES: Seavolt, Woods, Keener, Severns, Mahan, Ruckman, Hager
R ES OLUTION NO. 2025 -138
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE AUDITOR OF THE
CITY OF MOUNT VERNON TO TRANSFER CERTAIN FUNDS.
Finance and Budget: Seavolt, Woods
Seavolt made a motion to suspend the rules and take Resolution 2025-138 to its third and final reading. Woods
seconded. Rules suspended by unanimous roll call vote. Seavolt made a motion to amend Resolution 2025-138
as submitted in writing. Woods seconded. Amended by unanimous roll call vote. Seavolt made a motion to
adopt Resolution 2025-138. Woods seconded. Auditor Brinkman noted that the resolution is to balance budget
lines across the city for the end of the year. It is not adding money, but rather, rearranging it. Adopted by
unanimous roll call vote.
RESULT: ADOPTED AS AMENDED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Janis Seavolt, At Large
SECONDER: Tammy Woods, Third Ward
AYES: Seavolt, Woods, Keener, Severns, Mahan, Ruckman, Hager
R ES OLUTION NO. 2025 -139
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE AUDITOR OF THE
CITY OF MOUNT VERNON TO MAKE SUPPLEMENTAL
APPROPRIATIONS.
Finance and Budget: Seavolt, Woods
Seavolt made a motion to suspend the rules and take Resolution 2025-139 to its third and final reading. Woods
seconded. Rules suspended by unanimous roll call vote. Seavolt made a motion to adopt Resolution 2025-139.
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[PAGE 29]
Minutes City Council December 22, 2025
Woods seconded. Auditor Brinkman noted that this appropriation is for grant reimbursement. And that the city
is close to closing on properties for the Route 13 realignment. Adopted by unanimous roll call vote.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Janis Seavolt, At Large
SECONDER: Tammy Woods, Third Ward
AYES: Seavolt, Woods, Keener, Severns, Mahan, Ruckman, Hager
R ES OLUTION NO. 2025 -140
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE AUDITOR OF THE
CITY OF MOUNT VERNON TO PAY BILLS PURSUANT TO SECTION
5705.41 (D), THEN AND NOW CERTIFICATION.
Finance and Budget: Seavolt, Woods
Seavolt made a motion to suspend the rules and take Resolution 2025-140 to its third and final reading. Woods
seconded. Rules suspended by unanimous roll call vote. Seavolt made a motion to adopt Resolution 2025-140.
Woods seconded. Auditor Brinkman noted many of the lines on the resolution were for items planned for, but
not assigned lines. The Civica system is one that the city hoped to retire in October, but will continue until April
1, 2026 due to implementation delays. Adopted by unanimous roll call vote.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Janis Seavolt, At Large
SECONDER: Tammy Woods, Third Ward
AYES: Seavolt, Woods, Keener, Severns, Mahan, Ruckman, Hager
ORDINANCES FOR THIRD READING
ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING
OR DINANC E N O. 2025 -38
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 187 OF THE CODIFIED
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON, OHIO; AND
DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Finance and Budget: Seavolt, Woods
Seavolt made a motion to suspend the rules and take Ordinance 2025-38 to its third and final reading. Woods
seconded. Rules suspended by unanimous roll call vote. Seavolt made a motion to amend Ordinance 2025-38 as
submitted in writing. Woods seconded. Adopted by unanimous roll call vote. Seavolt made a motion to adopt
Ordinance 2025-38. Woods seconded. Adopted by unanimous roll call vote.
RESULT: ADOPTED AS AMENDED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Janis Seavolt, At Large
SECONDER: Tammy Woods, Third Ward
AYES: Seavolt, Woods, Keener, Severns, Mahan, Ruckman, Hager
ORDINANCES FOR FIRST READING
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[PAGE 30]
Minutes City Council December 22, 2025
OR DINANC E N O. 2025 -39
APPROVING THE APPLICATION TO ADD CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY TO
THE MOUNT VERNON NEW COMMUNITY AUTHORITY DISTRICT AND
TO AMEND THE PETITION FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF THE MOUNT
VERNON NEW COMMUNITY AUTHORITY AS A NEW COMMUNITY
AUTHORITY UNDER CHAPTER 349 OF THE OHIO REVISED CODE; AND
DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Land Use and Development: Keener, Mahan
Keener made a motion to suspend the rules and take Ordinance 2025-39 to its third and final reading. Mahan
seconded. Rules suspended by unanimous roll call vote. Keener made a motion to adopt Ordinance 2025-39.
Mahan seconded. Adopted by unanimous roll call vote.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Amber Keener, At Large
SECONDER: James Mahan, First Ward
AYES: Seavolt, Woods, Keener, Severns, Mahan, Ruckman, Hager
OR DINANC E N O. 2025 -40
CONSENTING TO THE SECOND SUPPLEMENTAL DECLARATION OF
COVENANTS AND RESTRICTIONS FOR THE MOUNT VERNON NEW
COMMUNITY AUTHORITY AND PROVIDING RELATED
AUTHORIZATIONS; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Land Use and Development: Keener, Mahan
Keener made a motion to suspend the rules and take Ordinance 2025-40 to its third and final reading. Mahan
seconded. Rules suspended by unanimous roll call vote. Keener made a motion to adopt Ordinance 2025-40.
Mahan seconded. Adopted by unanimous roll call vote.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Amber Keener, At Large
SECONDER: James Mahan, First Ward
AYES: Seavolt, Woods, Keener, Severns, Mahan, Ruckman, Hager
REMARKS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION
Mayor Matt Starr congratulated council on leaning into tough decisions and doing the work that needed to be done
throughout the year. He welcomed the two incoming council members. He issued two proclamations. One for
Tammy Woods, for her six years of service on Mount Vernon City Council. And for Janis Seavolt, for her fourteen
years of service on Mount Vernon City Council. Both were gifted their proclamations and a retired city flag.
Safety-Service Director Salyers thanked Council, particularly Woods and Seavolt. He announced that the city is
working with Kenyon's Center for the Study of American Democracy on the Washington Forum. This will be a year
of programming in 2026, with the first event on January 28 at the Woodward Opera House, with guest speaker Prof.
Yerxa from Ashland University's Ashbrook Center.
Treasurer Stuller wished all a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukah. He bade farewell to Woods and Seavolt.
Auditor Brinkman wished Woods and Seavolt the best. Wished all a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukah.
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[PAGE 31]
Minutes City Council December 22, 2025
Law Director Broeren thanked Council for an interesting year. He bade farewell to Woods and Seavolt, noting that
he would miss them both.
REMARKS FROM COUNCIL
Hager thanked everyone for an excellent year. Wished happy holidays to all.
Severns wished Seavolt and Woods well, and wished all a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukah. He encouraged
fellow council members to consider participating in the police academy.
Ruckman gave his best to Woods and Seavolt. Expressed gratitude for the update on the flood plain. Looks forward
to the work to be done in 2026. Wished all a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukah.
Keener wished all a Merry Christmas.
Mahan thanked Seavolt and Woods for their service. Wished all safe travels.
Woods thanked the small group that encouraged her to run seven years ago for office. She thanked her husband for
his support. She noted her encouragement at the number of people who wish to be involved in Council. And
encouraged others who are not involved, to connect with the city.
Seavolt noted that she has throughout enjoyed working with such wonderful people over the past fourteen years.
Council members leaving was always sad, but it was exciting to see the new people come in, or to see those who
were once on Council move into administrative roles in the city, like Safety-Service Director Salyers and Mayor
Starr. She wished all a Merry Christmas.
Hawkins noted his appreciation for the combined twenty years of service that Seavolt and Woods have rendered to
the city. He noted that for the new Council Members there is a training on Jan. 5 at 7 p.m. And, on Dec. 23, SPI Spot
will be open in the afternoon and playing Christmas music.
ADJOURN AT THE CALL OF THE PRESIDENT
Woods made a motion to adjourn sine die. Seavolt seconded. Adjourned at 8:16 p.m. by unanimous voice vote.
____________________________________ __________________________________
Bruce E. Hawkins, President of Council Zachary Sherman, Clerk of Council
CD on file/th
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[PAGE 32]
City Council Meeting: 01/12/26 7:30 PM
City of Mount Vernon Dept: Finance and Budget
Mount Vernon, OH 43050 Mahan, Severns
Category: Agreement
SCHEDULED Prepared By: Zac Sherman
Initiator: Zac Sherman
RESOLUTION 2026-01
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SALE, BY INTERNET AUCTION DURING
CALENDAR YEAR 2026, OF CITY-OWNED PERSONAL PROPERTY WHICH IS NOT
NEEDED FOR PUBLIC USE OR WHICH IS OBSOLETE OR UNFIT FOR THE USE FOR
WHICH IT WAS ACQUIRED; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
WHEREAS, pursuant to R.C. 721.15(D), Council for the City of Mount Vernon, Ohio
may adopt, during each calendar year, a resolution expressing its intent to sell municipally
owned property, regardless of the property's value, by Internet auction. This Resolution must
include a description of how auctions will be conducted, specifying the number of days for
bidding, and stating the general terms and conditions of sale; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Mount Vernon,
State of Ohio, that:
SECTION 1: During calendar year 2026, City-owned personal property that is not
needed for public use, or which is obsolete or unfit for the use for which it was acquired, may be
sold at Internet auction.
SECTION 2: All Internet auction sales shall be conducted under the authority and
direction of the Safety-Service Director or his designee(s).
SECTION 3: All Internet auction sales shall be conducted by the GovDeals.com
Internet auction service, or a similar website.
SECTION 4: All Internet auction sales shall be conducted pursuant to the rules and
regulations promulgated and in effect for the Internet auction site. For each Internet auction sale,
bidding shall remain open for not less than ten (10) days, including Saturdays, Sundays and legal
holidays.
SECTION 5: The City of Mount Vernon shall give notice of the sale by publication on
the City's website and social media accounts, or as provided in R.C. 7.16, notice of its intent to
sell all unneeded, obsolete or unfit municipal personal property by Internet auction. This notice
shall include a summary of the information provided herein and shall be published twice. The
second notice shall be published not less than ten (10) nor more than twenty (20) days after the
previous notice. A similar notice also shall be posted continually throughout the calendar year in
a conspicuous place in the office of the Assistant to the Mayor. The notice also shall be posted
continually throughout the calendar year on the City's website.
SECTION 6: All prior legislation, or any parts thereof, which is/are consistent with this
Resolution is/are hereby repealed as to the inconsistent parts thereof.
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[PAGE 33]
Resolution 2026-1 Meeting of January 12, 2026
SECTION 7: This Resolution is hereby declared to be an emergency measure necessary
for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety, and expedite the sale of
unneeded municipal personal property, and said Resolution shall, therefore, become effective
upon its date of passage and approval by the Mayor, provided that it receives the affirmative vote
of two-thirds (2/3) of the members elected to the Council of the City of Mount Vernon;
otherwise, it shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.
________________________________
Bruce E. Hawkins, President of Council
PASSED: ____________________, 2026
ATTEST: _______________________________
Zachary Sherman, Clerk of Council
APPROVED: _________________, 2026
____________________________
Matthew T. Starr, Mayor
Updated: 1/7/2026 10:50 AM by Zac Sherman Page 2
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[PAGE 34]
City Council Meeting: 1/12/2026 7:30 PM
City of Mount Vernon Dept: Employee and Community Rel.
Mount Vernon, OH 43050 Keener, Ruckman
Category: Appointment
SCHEDULED Prepared By: Zac Sherman
Initiator: Zac Sherman
RESOLUTION 2026-02
A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE MAYOR'S APPOINTMENT OF BARB BLAZER TO
THE RECREATION BOARD; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Mount Vernon,
State of Ohio:
SECTION 1: That the Council for the City of Mount Vernon confirms the Mayor’s
appointment of Barb Blazer, 401 N. Main St., Mount Vernon, Ohio to the Recreation Board,
commencing on February 20, 2026 and expiring on February 20, 2031.
SECTION 2: This Resolution is hereby declared to be an emergency measure necessary
for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety, and for the further reason
that an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the various departments of the municipal
government and said Resolution shall, therefore, become effective upon its date of passage and
approval by the Mayor, provided that it receives the affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the
members elected to the Council of the City of Mount Vernon; otherwise it shall take effect and
be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.
________________________________
Bruce E. Hawkins, President of Council
PASSED: ____________________, 2026
ATTEST: _______________________________
Zachary Sherman, Clerk of Council
APPROVED: _________________, 2026
____________________________
Matthew T. Starr, Mayor
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[PAGE 35]
City Council Meeting: 1/12/2026 7:30 PM
City of Mount Vernon Dept: Streets & Public Buildings
Mount Vernon, OH 43050 Severns, Mahan
Category: Contract
SCHEDULED Prepared By: Zac Sherman
Initiator: Zac Sherman
RESOLUTION 2026-03
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO ADVERTISE FOR
BIDS AND ENTER INTO CONTRACT FOR THE 2026 STREET CHIP SEAL PROJECT.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Mount Vernon,
State of Ohio:
SECTION 1: That the Safety-Service Director for the City of Mount Vernon is hereby
authorized and directed to advertise for bids and enter into a contract for the 2026 street chip seal
project.
________________________________
Bruce E. Hawkins, President of Council
PASSED: ____________________, 2026
ATTEST: _______________________________
Zachary Sherman, Clerk of Council
APPROVED: _________________, 2026
____________________________
Matthew T. Starr, Mayor
Updated: 1/7/2026 1:10 PM by Zac Sherman Page 1
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[PAGE 36]
City Council Meeting: 01/12/26 7:30 PM
City of Mount Vernon Dept: Land Use and Development
Mount Vernon, OH 43050 Jacklin, Keener
Category: Planning and Zoning
SCHEDULED Prepared By: Zac Sherman
Initiator: Zac Sherman
RESOLUTION 2026-04
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING RULES FOR THE CONDUCT OF CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
FOR THE 2026-2027 BIENNIUM.
WHEREAS, the Codified Ordinances of the City of Mount Vernon establish certain
requirements for the conduct of City Council business; and
WHEREAS, the Codified Ordinances are not exhaustive in their provisions governing
Council meetings; and
WHEREAS, Council has, over the years, adopted a number of policies for the conduct of
Council meetings; and
WHEREAS, Ohio Revised Code Section 731.45 empowers the legislative authorities of
municipal corporations to adopt rules for the conduct of their business,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Mount Vernon,
State of Ohio:
SECTION 1: That Council hereby adopts the following rules for the conduct of its
sessions during the 2026-2027 term:
1. Conducting Business in the Absence of the President or President Pro-Tempore.
In the absence of the Council President or Council President Pro-Tempore, the most
senior member present shall preside over the meeting.
2. Public Participation
(a.) Public participation is encouraged at Committee meetings of Council.
(b.) The public has the right to attend Council meetings, but does not have the
right to participate. A majority of Council members present may request that a
member of the public participate in a Council meeting.
(c.) Citizens attending meetings of City Council have the right to tape record,
videotape, or take pictures, as long as they do not disrupt, or intrude into the
business of Council.
3. Public Comments on Matters of City Concern. Members of the public may address
Council on matters of City concern at Council meetings, after completing a form
available to them through the Clerk of Council. The subject of these remarks must be an
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[PAGE 37]
Resolution 2026-4 Meeting of January 12, 2026
issue that is within Council's jurisdiction. Speaking time will be limited to four (4)
minutes, and must be directed to the issue of concern. Personal attacks on Council,
elected officials, City administrators or other citizens will not be tolerated. Anyone who
makes personal attacks will be gaveled out of order, and shall forfeit their right to
continue to speak and remain at the meeting.
Requests to speak must be made prior to the meeting. These requests are reviewed prior
to the meeting and written requests should be made by noon on the Friday prior to the
Monday Council meeting. If this is impossible, the latest acceptable time for the
submission of the form is 15 minutes prior to the beginning of the Council meeting.
Prepared documents and illustration documents must be submitted with the Clerk's form
and become public record.
4. Requests to Speak at Public Hearings of Council. From time to time, Council will
hold public hearings on legislation and other topics within the jurisdiction of Council
Committees. Persons wishing to make comments at public hearings will be asked to
complete a request-to-speak form available from the Clerk of Council.
All persons addressing public hearings must state their names and addresses for the
record. Remarks will be limited to four (4) minutes, and speakers must confine their
remarks to the subject of the hearing. Personal attacks on Council, elected officials, City
administrators or other citizens will not be tolerated. Anyone who makes personal attacks
will be gaveled out of order, and shall forfeit their right to continue to speak and remain
at the meeting.
If a group is present to speak on the same issue, Council requests that they appoint a
spokesperson for the group. Petitions or prepared materials presented to Council must
also be presented to the Clerk for inclusion in the Council record.
At public hearings, the Chair will recognize a party in favor, followed by a party in
opposition, in succession, until all persons wishing to speak on the matter have had the
opportunity to do so or until the debate becomes redundant.
5. Minutes of Council Meetings. Minutes of all meetings shall be maintained by the
Clerk of Council. Meeting minutes shall be submitted for approval by Council at the next
succeeding meeting. Council members shall have an opportunity to review the minutes of
the previous meeting before moving to adopt them, but the minutes shall not be read by
the Clerk in their entirety. The President of Council shall ask members whether additions
or corrections to the minutes are necessary. If no corrections are needed, the President
shall call for a motion and second to approve the minutes which shall be approved or not
approved by voice vote. If corrections are needed, the minutes shall be presented at the
next meeting for approval by the same procedure.
6. Minutes of Committee Meetings. Minutes of Council committees shall be maintained
by the Chair of the committee, including executive sessions. They shall be taken and
turned over to the Clerk of Council on the form supplied by the Clerk for inclusion in the
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[PAGE 38]
Resolution 2026-4 Meeting of January 12, 2026
record. If the meeting is recorded, the recording must also be submitted to the Clerk as a
public record.
7. Order of Meeting Agenda Items. Council may, by majority vote, adjust the order of
items on a Council meeting agenda.
8. Casual Dress During the Summer Months. Council shall adhere to a policy of
business dress at Council meetings, except during the months of June, July and August,
when there shall be a casual dress policy.
9. Procedures not Covered by Ordinance or These Rules. For any procedure not
addressed by Codified Ordinance or these Rules, Council will use Robert's Rules of
Order to resolve disputes as to the procedure to be used.
SECTION 2: This Resolution shall take immediate effect upon passage.
________________________________
Bruce E. Hawkins, President of Council
PASSED: ____________________, 2026
ATTEST: _______________________________
Zachary Sherman, Clerk of Council
APPROVED: _________________, 2026
____________________________
Matthew T. Starr, Mayor
Updated: 1/7/2026 1:31 PM by Zac Sherman Page 3
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[PAGE 39]
City Council Meeting: 1/12/2026 7:30 PM
City of Mount Vernon Dept: Streets & Public Buildings
Mount Vernon, OH 43050 Severns, Mahan
Category: Contract
SCHEDULED Prepared By: Zac Sherman
Initiator: Zac Sherman
RESOLUTION 2026-05
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO ADVERTISE FOR
BIDS AND ENTER INTO CONTRACT FOR THE RENOVATION OF TWO FLOORS OF THE
236 SOUTH MAIN STREET, MOUNT VERNON MUNICIPAL CENTER; AND DECLARING
AN EMERGENCY.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Mount Vernon,
State of Ohio:
SECTION 1: That the Safety-Service Director for the City of Mount Vernon is hereby
authorized and directed to advertise for bids and enter into a contract for the renovation of two
floors of the 236 South Main Street, Mount Vernon Municipal Center (AKA, Central Ohio
Technical College).
SECTION 2: This Resolution is hereby declared to be an emergency measure necessary
for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety, and for the further reason
that it is necessary for the usual daily operation of the various departments of the municipal
government, the said Resolution shall, therefore, become effective upon its date of passage and
approval by the Mayor, provided that it receives the affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the
members elected to the Council of the City of Mount Vernon; otherwise, it shall take effect and
be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.
________________________________
Bruce E. Hawkins, President of Council
PASSED: ____________________, 2026
ATTEST: _______________________________
Zachary Sherman, Clerk of Council
APPROVED: _________________, 2026
____________________________
Matthew T. Starr, Mayor
Updated: 1/8/2026 2:58 PM by Zac Sherman Page 1
Page 39 of 39