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City Council Minutes
Legislative Session
February 9, 2026
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COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Mount Vernon City Council
Committee Meeting Schedule
February 9, 2026
Time Topic Under Discussion Committee
6:15 – 6:30 p.m. Ordinance 2026-01 City Clerk Position Employee & Community Relations
- Keener
6:30 – 6:45 p.m. Resolution 2026-07 Hazard Mitigation Plan Police, Fire, & Civil Defense
- Miller
6:45 - 6:55 p.m. Res 2026-08 Brownfield Remediation Program Streets & Public Buildings
- Severns
6:55 – 7:05 p.m. Resolutions 10 & 12 State Route 13 Projects Streets & Public Buildings
- Severns
7:05 –7:15 p.m. Ord 2026-02 Amend Section 911.04 of Codified Utilities - Ruckman
Ordinances
M EETING WILL RECESS UNTIL 7:30 P.M.
C ALL TO ORDER
Present Absent Excused
Council President Bruce Hawkins
Fourth Ward LeNan Hager
At-Large Amber Keener
First Ward James Mahan
At-Large Mel Severns
Second Ward John Ruckman
At-Large Dale Miller
3rd Ward Taylor Jacklin
INVOCATION
Invocation given by Rev. Christopher Liberati, Gay St. United Methodist Church
Rev. Liberati noted that Feb. 28 is a fundraising event at Gay St. United Methodist Church, called "Coldest Night of the Year." The
event seeks to raise funds for the Winter Sanctuary Homeless Shelter. Liberati encouraged residents to consider walking in the event or
sponsoring someone who is.
P LEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
All recited in unison.
A CCEPTANCE OF MINUTES

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City Council Minutes 1/27/2026
Keener made a motion to accept the minutes. Hager seconded. Accepted by unanimous voice vote.
R ECEIVE PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
R ECEIVE COMMITTEE REPORTS
Utilities Committee Minutes 1/27/2026
Streets & Public Buildings Minutes 1/27/2026
P ROCLAMATION
A Proclamation Designating the Week of April 13-19, 2026 as International Dark-Sky Week in
the City of Mount Vernon, Ohio.
Mrs. Hager requested to table the Proclamation until April 13, 2026.
L IQUOR CONTROL LICENSE
Divalessa Inc.
661 N Sandusky St.
Mount Vernon, OH 43050
Permit Class: D-1
If there are any questions or concerns regarding this liquor license, please let the Clerk of Council know by Feb. 14.
PERSONS SPEAKING ON MATTERS OF CITY CONCERN
Zach Green, Knox County Health Commissioner
Zach Green, Knox County Health Commissioner, provided an update to Council. Lyme cases at the end of 2025 were at 195 for the
year (they had been 124 in 2024). RSV peaked on Dec. 9. Influenza A peaked on Dec. 23. Influenza B is expected to peak at the end of
February. He noted that Patient Care Coordinators are available, particularly for individuals who have gone off Medicaid.
Jacklin and Miller asked if there were mitigating steps that could be taken for Lyme Disease.
Green said that deer population control is one, but otherwise, there are no vaccines available for Lyme disease (for humans) yet. Lyme
disease tests are available at the Health Department.
R ESOLUTIONS FOR THIRD READING
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
Severns made a motion to adopt Resolution 2026-03. Mahan seconded. Mahan voiced concerns/questions from a resident, with
Engineer Brian Ball providing answers:
1. Will Newark Rd. be chip sealed.
A. No. The chip seal isn't for main roads, but for side streets only.
2. Concerns about dust from the chip sealing.
A. The city will use limestone for its chip sealing, which is less prone to fragmentation and dust. There will be some dust, but
should not be excessive.
3. Is there a significant safety difference between chip seal and other methods of road pavement/repair?

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A. At the speed limit listed for the roads being chip sealed, there should be no difference (or a negligible one).
Mahan clarified that chip sealing gets harder the longer it is down.
Adopted by unanimous roll call vote.
Motion to Adopt
RESULT: Adopted [7 TO 0]
MOVER: At-Large Mel Severns
SECONDER: First Ward James Mahan
AYES: LeNan Hager, Amber Keener, James Mahan, Mel Severns, John Ruckman, Dale Miller, Taylor Jacklin
NAYS: None
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
Severns made a motion to adopt. Mahan seconded. Adopted by unanimous roll call vote.
Motion to Adopt
RESULT: Adopted [7 TO 0]
MOVER: At-Large Mel Severns
SECONDER: First Ward James Mahan
AYES: LeNan Hager, Amber Keener, James Mahan, Mel Severns, John Ruckman, Dale Miller, Taylor Jacklin
NAYS: None
R ESOLUTIONS FOR SECOND READING
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-07
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE KNOX COUNTY MULTIJURISDICTIONAL
NATURAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN; AND DECLARING AN
EMERGENCY.
Police, Fire, and Civil Defense: Miller, Hager
Miller made a motion to suspend the rules and take Resolution 2026-07 to its final reading. Hager seconded. Rules suspended by
unanimous roll call vote.
Miller made a motion to adopt. Hager seconded. Miller noted that the mitigation plan had been discussed earlier that day in committee
meeting. It is important to adopt the plan, particularly because any municipality that does not adopt will be ineligible for FEMA funds.
Adopted by unanimous roll call vote.
Motion to Adopt
RESULT: Adopted [7 TO 0]
MOVER: At-Large Dale Miller
SECONDER: Fourth Ward LeNan Hager
AYES: LeNan Hager, Amber Keener, James Mahan, Mel Severns, John Ruckman, Dale Miller, Taylor Jacklin
NAYS: None
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-08
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE SAFETY-SERVICE

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DIRECTOR TO FILE AN APPLICATION TO THE STATE OF OHIO TO
PARTICIPATE IN THE BROWNFIELD REMEDIATION PROGRAM FOR THE
MOUNT VERNON JUSTICE CENTER AND STATE ROUTE 13 PROJECTS.
Streets & Public Buildings: Severns, Mahan
Severns gave Resolution 2026-08 its second reading.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-10
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE SAFETY-SERVICE
DIRECTOR TO ENTER INTO CONTRACT WITH THE OHIO DEPARTMENT
OF TRANSPORTATION FOR THE KNO-125040 SR-13 CORPO PROJECT; AND
DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Streets & Public Buildings: Severns, Mahan
Severns gave Resolution 2026-10 its second reading.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-12
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO
ADVERTISE FOR BIDS AND AWARD A QUALIFICATION-BASED
SELECTION FOR DESIGN SERVICES RELATED TO THE NORTH
SANDUSKY STREET & UPPER FREDERICKTOWN ROAD IMPROVEMENTS
PROJECT (KNO-125040 SR-13 CORPO); AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Streets & Public Buildings: Severns, Mahan
Severns gave Resolution 2026-12 its second reading.
R ESOLUTIONS FOR FIRST READING
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-15
A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE MAYOR'S REAPPOINTMENT OF
KATHRYN BRECHLER TO THE KNOX COUNTY HEALTH DISTRICT
BOARD, AND REAPPOINTMENTS OF LORRAINE BOSS, JORDAN
SHREMSHOCK AND AARON MORELAND TO THE LIBRARY BOARD OF
TRUSTEES; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Employee & Community Relations: Keener, Ruckman
Keener made a motion to suspend the rules and take Resolution 2026-15 to its final reading. Ruckman seconded. Rules suspended by
unanimous roll call vote. Keener made a motion to adopt Resolution 2026-15. Ruckman seconded.
Mayor Starr noted that all appointees have already served and are willing to serve again. The library board meets once a year, and is
largely tasked with making decisions surrounding the endowment funds. Adopted by unanimous roll call vote.
Motion to Adopt
RESULT: Adopted [7 TO 0]
MOVER: At-Large Amber Keener
SECONDER: Second Ward John Ruckman
AYES: LeNan Hager, Amber Keener, James Mahan, Mel Severns, John Ruckman, Dale Miller, Taylor Jacklin
NAYS: None

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RESOLUTION NO. 2026-16
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE SAFETY-SERVICE
DIRECTOR TO FILE A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE OHIO DEPARTMENT
OF TRANSPORTATION FOR THE SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL PROJECT,
PHASE TWO; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Streets & Public Buildings: Severns, Mahan
Severns gave Resolution 2026-16 its first reading. He requested a 10-minute committee meeting to
discuss Res. 2026-16 & 2026-17.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-17
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO
ADVERTISE FOR BIDS AND AWARD A QUALIFICATION-BASED SELECTION
FOR DESIGN SERVICES RELATED TO THE SOUTH END PEDESTRIAN SAFETY
IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT, PHASE 1 (KNO-122162 SRTS (SR 586), PID
2411301).
Streets & Public Buildings: Severns, Mahan
Severns gave Resolution 2026-17 its first reading.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-18
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO
DISPOSE OF VEHICLES IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT NOT NEEDED FOR
PUBLIC USE BY THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON; AND DECLARING AN
EMERGENCY.
Finance & Budget: Mahan, Severns
Mahan made a motion to suspend the rules and take Resolution 2026-18 to its final reading. Severns seconded. Rules suspended by
unanimous roll call vote. Mahan made a motion to adopt Resolution 2026-18. Severns seconded.
Chief Morgan noted that the disposal of vehicles is standard fare. Adopted by unanimous roll call vote.
Motion to Adopt
RESULT: Adopted [7 TO 0]
MOVER: First Ward James Mahan
SECONDER: At-Large Mel Severns
AYES: LeNan Hager, Amber Keener, James Mahan, Mel Severns, John Ruckman, Dale Miller, Taylor Jacklin
NAYS: None
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-19
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 & Budget: Mahan, Severns
Mahan made a motion to suspend the rules and take Resolution 2026-19 to its final reading. Severns seconded. Rules suspended by
unanimous roll call vote. Mahan made a motion to adopt Resolution 2026-19. Severns seconded.
Adutior Brinkman noted that one expense is for Civica, which the Auditor uses to track physical assets. The other is for Stryker, which
provides power cots and power lifts that are used by emergency responders. An expense carried over from the previous year. Adopted
by unanimous roll call vote.

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Motion to Adopt
RESULT: Adopted [7 TO 0]
MOVER: First Ward James Mahan
SECONDER: At-Large Mel Severns
AYES: LeNan Hager, Amber Keener, James Mahan, Mel Severns, John Ruckman, Dale Miller, Taylor Jacklin
NAYS: None
O RDINANCES FOR THIRD READING
O RDINANCES FOR SECOND READING
ORDINANCE NO. 2026-01
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND TERMS
OF EMPLOYMENT FOR THE CITY CLERK; AND DECLARING AN
EMERGENCY.
Employee & Community Relations: Keener, Ruckman
Keener gave Ordinance 2026-01 its second reading.
ORDINANCE NO. 2026-02
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SECTION 911.04 OF THE CODIFIED
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON.
Utilities: Ruckman, Miller
Ruckman gave Ordinance 2026-02 its second reading.
O RDINANCES FOR FIRST READING
ORDINANCE NO. 2026-03
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND TERMS
OF EMPLOYMENT FOR THE EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR FOR PUBLIC
UTILITIES AND CODE ENFORCEMENT; AND DECLARING AN
EMERGENCY.
Employee & Community Relations:
Ordinance 2026-03 was added to the agenda. Keener gave a first reading, and requested a 15-min
committee meeting on Feb. 23.
R EMARKS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION
Mayor Starr applauded Public Works on the amount of hours they have put into snow removal and maintenance. There are 92 miles of
city streets and 50 miles of alleys that require attention, and crews have been working consistently. The Washington Forum was a
wonderful event and hopeful. Looking forward to the next on Feb. 24 at the Woodward Theater, it will be on Ohio Presidents. The
Mayor is starting a City Sustainability Advisory Group to help advise how Mount Vernon City can leave an inheritance worth
inheriting. If any Councilmember is interested in being a representative on that board, please let the mayor know.
Safety Service Director Salyers noted that deer season is over. There will be a report and recommendation regarding the season coming
to Council soon. He echoed the Mayor's remarks on the Washington Forum. He noted that citizens have remarked on there being too
many gas stations and oil change business in the city. This is not the purview of the administration. However, he was glad to announce
that the city has signed a 3-year contract with Retail Strategies, LLC to help target and bring business to Mount Venron. More details
to follow.

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R EMARKS FROM COUNCIL
Hager noted that the past Saturday, there was a Coffee with Council event at Happy Bean Coffee Shop. She thanked all who attended,
and encouraged residents to attend the next event and bring their questions.
Mahan noted that the Washington Forum was excellent. In regards to the MVPD Banquet, he congratulated all award winners.
Founders Hall will be opening at the end of March.
Hawkins noted that Saturday from 1-4 p.m. there will be a repair event at the Gay St. Parish House. If any resident is skilled at repair
(various kinds) or needs something repaired, please attend.
A DJOURN AT THE CALL OF THE PRESIDENT
Keener made a motion to adjourn. Severns seconded. Adjourned at 8:23 p.m.
________________________________ _________________________________
Bruce E. Hawkins, President of Council Zac Sherman, Clerk of Council

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City Council Meeting: 2/09/2026 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: Rob Broeren
Ordinance 2026-03
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND TERMS OF
EMPLOYMENT FOR THE EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR FOR PUBLIC UTILITIES AND
CODE ENFORCEMENT; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Mount Vernon, State of Ohio:
SECTION 1: That the following exempt professional position is hereby authorized within
the salary range and upon the appropriation times listed below:
Pay Grade Min Mid Max
Executive Administrator 3 $24.70 $29.64 $34.57 (per hour)
for Public Utilities and Code Enforcement
The salary authorized by this Ordinance shall be payable bi-weekly.
SECTION 2: The salary range listed is the base salary range for the position. The position
is eligible for annual longevity increments:
For the first five (5) years, $400.00.
Annual Longevity Increments after five (5) years:
Year 6 Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10
$500.00 $550.00 $600.00 $650.00 $700.00
The effective date of eligibility for an annual longevity increment shall be the anniversary date of
employment with the City in a non-bargaining unit position.
SECTION 3: Exempt employees are expected to work as necessary, including outside of
normal business hours, in the completion of their duties. Exempt employees will work with their
supervisor in establishing their work schedule.
SECTION 4: This position shall be entitled to the benefits outlined in the Mount Vernon
Employee Handbook effective August 2021, as amended.
SECTION 5: This Ordinance is declared to be an emergency measure necessary for the
immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety and for the further reason to
provide needed administrative assistance to two city departments, and 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
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Ordinance 2026-03
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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