On the agenda: Mount Vernon City Council Meeting — ALPR (Oct 26)

City Council Minutes
Legislative Session
October 26, 2026
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COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Mount Vernon City Council
Committee Meeting Schedule
October 26, 2026
Time
7:05 – 7:10 p.m.

Topic Under Discussion
Resolution 2026-100 Purchasing Hydroexcavator

7:10 – 7:15 p.m.

Resolution 2026-105 Comprehensive Development
Plan for 301-303 N Norton St

Committee
Finance & Budget
- Mahan
Land Use & Development
- Jacklin

MEETING WILL RECESS UNTIL 7:30 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER
Present

Excused

Council President Bruce Hawkins
Fourth Ward LeNan Hager
At-Large Amber Keener
First Ward James Mahan
At-Large Mel Severns
At-Large Dale Miller
3rd Ward Taylor Jacklin
Others in Attendance: Mayor Matt Starr, Safety Service Director Tanner Salyers, Auditor Dan Brinkman, Treasurer David Stuller,
Law Director Rob Broeren, City Clerk Zac Sherman, City Inspector Scott Zimmerman, Public Utilities Director Aaron Reinhart,
Mayor's Assistant Emily Engel, Zach Green, Cheryl Splain, Greg Yashnyk, Joshua Morrison, Vicki Fitzgerald, Myron Scott, four
others.

INVOCATION
Pastor Christopher Liberati
Liberati gave an update on Winter Sanctuary, noting that a new facility is being remodeled, which
will allow for housing for men, women, and families. Winter Sanctuary starts its season on Nov. 1.
Feb. 28 will be the "Coldest Night of the Year" (the annual fundraising event for the organizaton).
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
All recited in unison.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES

City Council Minutes October 12, 2026
Keener made a motion to approve the minutes of the October 12, 2026 meeting of City Council.
Hager seconded. Approved by unanimous voice vote.
RECEIVE PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Ohio Division of Liquor Control
Economic Development Transfer Form TREX Vernon View Golf Course
Broeren noted that the Economic Development Transfer Form should be filed under Liquor Control Licenses rather than Petitions and
Communications.
Keener noted that any resident with questions or concerns may reach out to the City Clerk between now and Nov. 25.

RECEIVE COMMITTEE REPORTS
LIQUOR CONTROL LICENSE
PROCLAMATION
PERSONS SPEAKING ON MATTERS OF CITY CONCERN
Vicki Fitzgerald noted that she would like to address some of the remarks made at the last Council meeting. To those who stated they
care about history: words are not actions, and the City needs action. If we do not do something about the downtown we will lose one
building after another and the area will become parking lots and water fountains. A good City plan is one that finds and protects
unique City businesses. The glut of oil change places do not do this, but devalue the work of local mechanics and grease monkeys. It
is embarrassing that there was a meth lab next to the police station. Halloween events on E High St. are a burden to the residents. The
City directs too many people to trick-or-treat in that area, and it has led to participants not even wanting to decorate. If the City is
going to direct people to that street specifically, it should contribute financially.

Zach Green, Knox County Health Commissioner
Zach Green, Knox County Health Commissioner provided quarterly update, including handout (attached). Two co-sleeping infant
deaths have occurred this year. HB 988 eliminates County subsidy through CMH, but does not fill it in through other means. Will
begin developing three strategies in 2027 to guide the following three years. Shout-out to KCH for responding to the potential
Measles case rapidly and effectively. He gave a shout-out to Brian Marvin and Scott Zimmerman for their work. It is necessary and
builds trust, even though it is not always popular. Vaccines are available, particularly for influenza. Lyme cases are slightly up.

RESOLUTIONS FOR THIRD READING
RESOLUTIONS FOR SECOND READING
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-100
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE SAFETY-SERVICE
DIRECTOR OF THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON, OHIO TO ACQUIRE BY
ANY MEANS AUTHORIZED BY RC 735.05 EQUIPMENT FOR THE PUBLIC
UTILITIES DEPARTMENT; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Finance & Budget: Mahan, Severns
James Mahan made a motion to suspend the rules and take RESOLUTION 2026-100 to its third and final reading. Mel Severns
seconded. Rules suspended by unanimous roll call vote. James Mahan made a motion to adopt. Mel Severns seconded. Adopted by
unanimous roll call vote

ROLL CALL VOTE
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
NAYS:

Motion to Adopt
Adopted [6 TO 0]
First Ward James Mahan
At-Large Mel Severns
LeNan Hager, Amber Keener, James Mahan, Mel Severns, Dale Miller, Taylor Jacklin
None

RESOLUTION NO. 2026-105
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PD COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT
PLAN AS SUBMITTED BY BLUE DOOR DEVELOPMENT ON BEHALF OF
AREA AGENCY ON AGING AND APPROVED BY THE MOUNT VERNON
MUNICIPAL PLANNING COMMISSION FOR PARCELS #66-05329.000 AND
#66-02335.000 ON N NORTON ST.
Land Use & Development: Jacklin, Keener
Jacklin gave Resolution 2026-105 to its second reading.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-106
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE SAFETY-SERVICE
DIRECTOR OF THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON TO SIGN A PARK
MAINTENANCE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT WITH ARIEL-FOUNDATION
PARK CONSERVANCY FOR RIVERVIEW PARK UNDER THE TERMS,
OBLIGATIONS AND CONDITIONS AS SET FORTH AND IDENTIFIED IN
"EXHIBIT A" ATTACHED HERETO; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Parks & Recreation: Hager, Jacklin
Hager gave Resolution 2026-106 to its second reading, and requested a 5-minute committee meeting
on November 9.
RESOLUTIONS FOR FIRST READING
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-107
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PLACING A HISTORIC MARKER AT
GAMBIER STREET PARK IN HONOR OF BEATTY B. WILLIAMS.
Parks & Recreation: Hager, Jacklin
Hager gave Resolution 2026-107 its first reading.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-108
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO
DISPOSE OF ITEMS OWNED BY THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON NOT
NEEDED FOR PUBLIC USE.
Finance & Budget: Mahan, Severns
Mahan gave Resolution 2026-108 its first reading. He noted that he intends to take action on the
legislation at the next Council meeting.
ORDINANCES FOR THIRD READING

ORDINANCE NO. 2026-35
AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE, ADOPT AND ENACT THE AUGUST 2026
REPLACEMENT PAGES TO THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES; TO REPEAL
ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT THEREWITH; TO PUBLISH THE ENACTMENT
OF NEW MATTER; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Employee & Community Relations: Keener, Severns
ROLL CALL VOTE
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
NAYS:

Motion to Adopt
Adopted [6 TO 0]
At-Large Amber Keener
At-Large Mel Severns
LeNan Hager, Amber Keener, James Mahan, Mel Severns, Dale Miller, Taylor Jacklin
None

ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING
ORDINANCES FOR FIRST READING
REMARKS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION
Mayor Starr: Introduced his new assistant, Emily Engel, and welcomed her on board.
Safety Service Director Salyers: Noted that the City’s ALPR cameras have been unplugged, disconnected, and bagged.
The City has not received notice from FLOCK on when the cameras will be removed. The Washington Forum is on Oct.
28th at 6 p.m. in the Banquet Room at the Grand Hotel. It features Bridget Brink, former Ambassador to the Ukraine.
Scare on the Square is coming back. 2 p.m. at Ariel Foundation Park is Hocus Pocus. The Scare on the Square costume
parade is at 4:30. At 5:30 p.m. Trick-or-Treat begins. A headless horseman will lead the way from Scare on the Square
onto E High to kick off trick-or-treat.
Law Director Broeren: Ambassador Brink is Kenyon class of ‘91, Broeren’s classmate. During leaf pickup, please put
leaves in the tree lawn, not in the street. Signs do not belong in tree lawns or right of ways.
Treasurer David Stuller: Noted that the City has collected $90,000 in delinquent taxes this year.

REMARKS FROM COUNCIL
LeNan Hager: Listed all the amazing events happening around Halloween. Wished all a great Halloween.
Amber Keener: Noted that Scare on the Square will be led by a Headless Horseman after 4:30 p.m. and noted her excitement for
Halloween.
Taylor Jacklin: Encouraged everyone to get out and vote.
Dale Miller: Noted that he had the privilege to visit the homeless shelter today and was impressed, as well as the new facility under
construction. Encouraged everyone to participate in one way or another with the shelter. There are fourteen beds for men and eight for
the women, at the moment, with more to come. This is not only housing, but the facility works to transition people back into a more
stable situation.
Mel Severns: Nov. 2 is leaf pickup. Keep signs where they belong. Please, vote. He noted that trick-or-treat costs money, but every
person has the opportunity to choose whether they participate or not.
Jay Mahan: Noted that the upcoming Washington Forum is particularly exciting. Encouraged Mr. Miller to relay more as he learns
about Winter Sanctuary. Reminded Council that budget discussions are coming up. Asked for an update on the Urban Hunting
program at next Council Meeting. Urged all to be safe this holiday weekend, and don’t lose your head.

President Hawkins: Requested that Mr. Miller help the administration with both Utilities and Police, Fire, & Civil Defense during
budget discussions. Encouraged all to get out and vote.

ADJOURN AT THE CALL OF THE PRESIDENT
Keener made a motion to adjourn. Severns seconded. Adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

________________________________
Bruce E. Hawkins, President of Council

_________________________________
Zac Sherman, Clerk of Council