[PAGE 1]
City Council Minutes
Legislative Session
January 27, 2026
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Mount Vernon City Council
Committee Meeting Schedule
January 27, 2026
Time Topic Under Discussion Committee
6:25 - 6:40 p.m. Drinking Water Treatment Material Report 2026 Utilities- Ruckman
6:40 - 6:50 p.m. Employment Positions Approved in Annual Budget Employee & Community Relations
- Keener
6:50 – 7:00 p.m. Resolution 2026-03 Street Chip Seal Project Streets & Public Buildings -
Severns
7:00 –7:15 p.m. Resolution 2026-05 Renovating Two Floors of the Streets & Public Buildings -
Mount Vernon Municipal Center Severns
M EETING WILL RECESS UNTIL 7:30 P.M.
C ALL TO ORDER
Present Absent Excused
Council President Bruce Hawkins 3rd Ward Taylor Jacklin
Fourth Ward LeNan Hager
At-Large Amber Keener
First Ward James Mahan
At-Large Mel Severns
Second Ward John Ruckman
At-Large Dale Miller
Keener made a motion to excuse Jacklin. Severns seconded. Jacklin excused by unanimous voice vote.
I NVOCATION
Invocation given by John Ruckman
P LEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
A CCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
Keener made a motion to accept the minutes of the 1/12/2026 meeting of Council. Severns seconded. Accepted by unanimous
voice vote.
City Council Minutes 1/12/2026
R ECEIVE PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
R ECEIVE COMMITTEE REPORTS
P ROCLAMATION

[PAGE 2]
L IQUOR CONTROL LICENSE
P ERSONS SPEAKING ON MATTERS OF CITY CONCERN
R ESOLUTIONS FOR THIRD READING
R ESOLUTIONS FOR SECOND 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 gave Resolution 2026-03 its second reading.
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 gave Resolution 2026-05 its second reading.
R ESOLUTIONS FOR FIRST READING
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-06
A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE MAYOR'S APPOINTMENT OF
GREGORY YASHNYK TO THE MOUNT VERNON PLANNING
COMMISSION, RE-APPOINTING AMBER KEENER TO THE BOARD OF
TRUSTEES OF THE KNOX COUNTY CONVENTION AND VISITORS’
BUREAU, RE-APPOINTING JOHN RUCKMAN TO THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS OF EXPERIENCE MOUNT VERNON OF MOUNT VERNON,
OHIO; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Employee & Community Relations: Keener, Ruckman
Keener made a motion to suspend the rules and take Resolution 2026-06 to its final reading. Ruckman seconded. Rules
suspended by unanimous roll call vote. Keener made a motion to adopt Resolution 2026-06. Ruckman seconded. Mayor Starr
noted that Mr. Yashnyk will be fulfilling the unexpired term of Austin Swallow, who served for 24 years. The appointment to the
planning commission also applies to the Historical Review Commission. Adopted by unanimous roll call vote.
Motion to Adopt
RESULT: Adopted [6 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
NAYS: None

[PAGE 3]
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 gave Resolution 2026-07 its first reading, and requested a 15-minute committee meeting
on Feb. 9.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-08
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE SAFETY-SERVICE
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 first reading, and requested a 10-minute committee meeting
on Feb. 9.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-09
A RESOLUTION APPOINTING COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES TO THE
VOLUNTEER PEACE OFFICERS' DEPENDENTS FUND BOARD; AND
DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Employee & Community Relations: Keener, Ruckman
Keener made a motion to suspend the rules and take Resolution 2026-09 to its final reading. Ruckman seconded. Rules
suspended by unanimous roll call vote. Keener made a motion to amend Resolution 2026-09. Ruckman seconded. Law Director
Broeren noted that the appointment should also apply to Firefighters' Dependents Funds Board. Hawkins noted that the
committee should be corrected to Police, Fire, and Civil Defense. Both amendments were proposed. Adopted by unanimous roll
call vote. Keener made a motion to adopt as amended. Ruckman seconded. Adopted as amended by unanimous roll call vote.
Motion to Adopt as Amended
RESULT: Adopted [6 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
NAYS: None
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 first reading, and requested a 10-minute committee meeting
on Feb. 9.

[PAGE 4]
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-11
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE SAFETY-
SERVICE DIRECTOR TO LEASE THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1 EAST
HIGH STREET; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Streets & Public Buildings: Severns, Mahan
Severns made a motion to suspend the rules and take Resolution 2026-11 to its final reading. Mahan seconded. Severns made a
motion to adopt Resolution 2026-11. Mahan seconded. Engineer Ball noted that Almost Famous has closed and will vacate 1 E
High St. at the end of January. This lease allows Sweet Street to move in on Feb.1, allowing for a seamless transition and keeping
the city from bearing the cost of maintaining a vacant space. Adopted by unanimous roll call vote.
Motion to Adopt
RESULT: Adopted [6 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
NAYS: None
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 2026-12its first reading, and requested it be combined with the 10-
minute committee meeting on Feb. 9 for Resolution 2026-10.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-13
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 2026-13 to its final reading. Severns seconded. Mahan made a
motion to amend Resolution 2026-13, changing Section One, Line Three from $9,890.00 to $4,945.00. Severns seconded. Mahan
made a motion to adopt as amended. Severns seconded. Auditor Brinkman noted that the amount for line three was reduced
because another party will be bearing the cost. He clarified that Then & Now legislation is for anything for which there is a
contract before availability of funds. Adopted by unanimous roll call vote.
Motion to Adopt as Amended
RESULT: Adopted [6 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
NAYS: None

[PAGE 5]
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-14
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE AUDITOR OF
THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON TO MAKE SUPPLEMENTAL
APPROPRIATIONS.
Finance & Budget: Mahan, Severns
Resolution 2026-14 was introduced in writing to Council. Mahan made a motion to suspend the rules and take Resolution 2026-
14 to its final reading. Severns seconded. Rules suspended by unanimous roll call vote. Mahan made a motion to adopt
Resolution 2026-14. Severns seconded. Auditor Brinkman noted that appropriations allows the city to pay for water and
wastewater meters immediately and move that project forward. Salyers noted that the Public Utilities Director was able to acquire
these pieces at $250,000 less than expected. Adopted by unanimous roll call vote.
Motion to Adopt
RESULT: Adopted [6 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
NAYS: None
O RDINANCES FOR THIRD READING
O RDINANCES FOR SECOND READING
O RDINANCES FOR FIRST 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 first reading, and requested a 15-minute committee meeting
on Feb. 9, as well as a job description for the position.
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 first reading, and requested a 10-minute committee
meeting on Feb. 9.
R EMARKS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION
Mayor Starr noted recent weather events and that crews have been working around the clock to address the snow. The city is in
process of snow removal in high traffic areas. He urged residents to remember to clean their sidewalks. There were some water
line issues from the extreme cold that have been addressed. Use space heaters and heating blankets responsibly.
Safety Service Director Salyers noted his appreciation for public workers. The Washington Forum is postponed until Feb. 4 at the
Gathering Place.

[PAGE 6]
Auditor Brinkman expressed his gratitude for snow removal crews.
R EMARKS FROM COUNCIL
Hager expressed her gratitude for snow removal crews.
Keener echoed, and thanked fire and police for helping people stuck in drifts and ditches.
Severns thanked public workers, and announced that, as of that morning, he was a grandfather.
Mahan thanked Council for passing the two pieces of legislation that allowed the city to pay bills. Urged everyone to stay safe.
Hawkins thanked all in attendance for moving from Jan. 26 to Jan. 27 for the legislative session.
A DJOURN AT THE CALL OF THE PRESIDENT
Keener made a motion to adjourn. Severns seconded. Adjourned by unanimous voice vote at
8:10 p.m.
________________________________ _________________________________
Bruce E. Hawkins, President of Council Zac Sherman, Clerk of Council

[PAGE 7]
City Council Meeting: 1/26/26 7:30 PM
City of Mount Vernon Dept: Police, Fire, and Civil Defense
Mount Vernon, OH 43050 Miller, Mahan
Category: Appointment
SCHEDULED Prepared By: Zac Sherman
Initiator: Zac Sherman
RESOLUTION 2026-09
A RESOLUTION APPOINTING COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES TO THE
VOLUNTEER PEACE OFFICERS' DEPENDENTS’ FUND BOARD AND THE
VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS’ DEPENDENTS’ FUND 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 Council members James Mahan and Dale Miller be appointed to the
Volunteer Peace Officers’ Dependents' Fund Board and the Volunteer Firefighters’ Dependents’
Fund Board, commencing immediately and expiring December 31, 2027.
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
of providing members as required by the authorizPing ordinance, 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: 1/22/2026 3:10 PM by Zac Sherman Page 1

[PAGE 8]
City Council Meeting: 1/27/2026 7:30 PM
City of Mount Vernon Dept: Finance and Budget
Mount Vernon, OH 43050 Mahan, Severns
Category: Finance
DRAFT Prepared By: Zac Sherman
Initiator: Zac Sherman
RESOLUTION 2026-13
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.
WHEREAS, the Safety-Service Director for the City of Mount Vernon did make the
necessary inquiries that these billed amounts as indicated are legitimate and proper and did
approve payment in the amounts shown; and
WHEREAS, at the time of the making of such contract or order and at the time of the
execution of such certificate a sufficient sum appropriated for the purpose of such contract or
order was in the treasury or in the process of collection to the credit of an appropriate fund free
from any previous encumbrances.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City of Mount Vernon, State of Ohio:
SECTION 1: That the Auditor for the City of Mount Vernon be, and he herewith is,
authorized and directed to pay bills as follows:
1. To American Electric Power in the amount of $3,446.96 from line
number 701.2720.54211, Water Fund - Plant Utilities.
2. To Ohio Water Development Authority in the amount of $8,181.00 from line
number 720.2820.53312, Waste Water - Plant Maintenance.
3. To Charles W. Kohler in the amount of $9,890.00 $4,945.00 from line number
101.2300.54111, Safety Service - Services Received.
4. To Ohio Water Development Authority in the amount of $202,000.00 from line
numbers:
$185,000.00 from line number 720.2860.56521, Waste Water - OWDA Principal; and
$17,000.00 from line number 720.2860.56522, Waste Water - OWDA Interest.
5. To Insight Public Sector in the amount of $8,642.45 from line number
101.3600.54494, General Fund - Networking Systems.
SECTION 2: This Resolution provides for appropriations for the current expenses of the
City, and therefore, pursuant to Revised Code Section 731.30, it shall become effective upon its
date of passage and approval by the Mayor.
Updated: 1/27/2026 2:13 PM by Zac Sherman Page 1

[PAGE 9]
Resolution 2026-13
________________________________
Bruce E. Hawkins, President of Council
PASSED: ____________________, 2026
ATTEST: _______________________________
Zachary Sherman, Clerk of Council
APPROVED: _________________, 2026
____________________________
Matthew T. Starr, Mayor
Updated: 1/27/2026 2:13 PM by Zac Sherman Page 2

[PAGE 10]
City Council Meeting: 1/27/26 7:30 PM
City of Mount Vernon Dept: Finance and Budget
Mount Vernon, OH 43050 Mahan, Severns
Category: Finance
SCHEDULED Prepared By: Zac Sherman
Initiator: Dan Brinkman
RESOLUTION 2026-14
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE AUDITOR OF THE CITY OF
MOUNT VERNON TO MAKE SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City of Mount Vernon, State of Ohio:
SECTION 1: That the Auditor for the City of Mount Vernon be, and he herewith is,
authorized and directed to make supplemental appropriations as follows:
1. To account 701.2700.54111, Services Received - Water Fund, in the amount of
$255,000.00 (H2Overhaul Bond Revenue).
2. To account 701.2700.55521, New Water / Wastewater Meters - Water Fund, in
the amount of $620,000.00 (H2Overhaul Bond Revenue).
3. To account 720.2800.54111, Services Received - Sewer System Revenue Fund in
the amount of $255,000.00 (H2Overhaul Bond Revenue).
4. To account 720.2800.55521, New Water / Wastewater Meters - Sewer System
Revenue Fund in the amount of $620,000.00 (H2Overhaul Bond Revenue).
SECTION 2: This Resolution provides for appropriations for the current expenses of the
City, and therefore, pursuant to Revised Code Section 731.20, it shall become effective upon its
date of passage and approval by the Mayor.
________________________________
Bruce E. Hawkins, President of Council
PASSED: ____________________, 2026
ATTEST: _______________________________
Zachary Sherman, Clerk of Council
APPROVED: _________________, 2026
____________________________
Matthew T. Starr, Mayor
Updated: 1/27/2026 2:29 PM by Zac Sherman Page 1