On the agenda: Mount Vernon City Council Meeting — Flock Camera (Sep 14)

City Council Minutes
Legislative Session
September 14, 2026
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COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Mount Vernon City Council
Committee Meeting Schedule
September 14, 2026
Time
6:35 – 6:45 p.m.

Topic Under Discussion
Annexation Process

6:45 – 6:55 p.m.

Ordinance 2026-30 Enterprise Fleet Management

6:55 – 7:00 p.m.

Resolution 2026-90 Supplemental Appropriations

7:00 – 7:15 p.m.

Center Run Creek Footbridge on E Chestnut

Committee
Land Use & Development
- Jacklin
Finance & Budget
- Mahan
Finance & Budget
- Mahan
Parks & Recreation
- Hager

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
Second Ward John Ruckman
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,
Maureen Hall, David Hall, Lydia Grimes, Nathan Hines, Fire Chief Christopher, Joshua Morrison, Bret Yutzy, Cheryl Splain, Myron
Scott, Pastor Ben Driver, 9 others.

INVOCATION
Pastor Ben Driver, Mount Vernon Church of Christ
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
All recited in unison.

ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
City Council Minutes August 24, 2026
City Council Special Meeting Minutes September 7, 2026
Keener made a motion to approve the Minutes of the August 24 and September 7 meetings of City
Council. Severns seconded. Approved by unanimous voice vote.
RECEIVE PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Petition to Add Sidewalks Along Teryl Drive and Eastwood Drive, Received on August 24,
2026
RECEIVE COMMITTEE REPORTS
Finance and Budget Committee Report August 24, 2026
E-Bike Survey and Report August 24, 2026
Employee & Community Relations COmmittee Report August 24, 2026
Received without comment.
LIQUOR CONTROL LICENSE
PROCLAMATION
PERSONS SPEAKING ON MATTERS OF CITY CONCERN
Sallie Bowen (Flock Contract Termination)
Noted that she was happy to read that the City’s Flock Contract may not be renewed. With regards to the contract, she put in a record
request for the Flock Contract. Based on her reading of the contract, the City still has 9 months left on the contract. In Columbus, there
are discussions about either bagging or taking down the cameras. In other towns where contracts have been terminated, Flock
continues to record through the previously installed cameras. How will the City ensure that private information that has been collected
since 2023 will be addressed? She put in a request for audit logs for the Flock Cameras. The request was denied for being overly
proud. Will the public ever see the audit logs so that they know no malfeasance was done? Can police access information from private
cameras?
Dave Serrino (ALPRs & Road Resurfacing)
Asked what can Law Enforcement do now with the cameras that they couldn't do before? Who funded the grants that funded the
cameras in Mount Vernon. The issue of privacy cuts across party lines. Road maintenance: Venture Drive and E Chestnut were
resurfaced. Yauger and Upper Gilchrist seem like they have never been resurfaced. Does the City have a resurfacing plan for the
City’s roads? If there is a plan, is it publicly available?
Aaron Stepp (Flock Cameras)
Asked if citizens are allowed to put trash bags on the Flock Cameras, noting that privacy is very important. Privacy is each person’s
right.
Mark Bowen (Public Service Reminder)
Noted that the speed limit on South Gay St. is 25 mph. At the last Council Meeting, someone pulled out of the parking lot, after
Council, going far too fast.

RESOLUTIONS FOR THIRD READING
RESOLUTIONS FOR SECOND READING

RESOLUTION NO. 2026-90
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE AUDITOR OF THE
CITY OF MOUNT VERNON TO MAKE SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS.
Finance & Budget: Mahan, Severns
Mahan made a motion to amend RESOLUTION 2026-90 as presented in writing. Severns seconded. Amended by unanimous roll call
vote. Mahan made a motion to suspend the rules and take RESOLUTION 2026-90 to its third and final reading. Severns seconded.
Rules suspended by unanimous roll call vote. James Mahan made a motion to adopt as amended. Mel Severns seconded. Mahan noted
that there had been a committee meeting earlier that day. He asked if there were any lingering questions. There were not. Adopted by
unanimous roll call vote.
ROLL CALL VOTE
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
NAYS:

Motion to Adopt as Amended
Adopted [7 TO 0]
First Ward James Mahan
At-Large Mel Severns
LeNan Hager, Amber Keener, James Mahan, Mel Severns, John Ruckman, Dale Miller, Taylor Jacklin
None

RESOLUTIONS FOR FIRST READING
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-93
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE SAFETY-SERVICE
DIRECTOR OF THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON, OHIO TO ENTER INTO
CONTRACT WITH HOLISTICALLY YOURZ LLC TO LEASE THE PROPERTY
WITH THE STREET ADDRESS OF 46 PUBLIC SQUARE; AND DECLARING
AN EMERGENCY.
Streets & Public Buildings: Severns, Mahan
Mel Severns made a motion to suspend the rules and take RESOLUTION 2026-93 to its third and final reading. James Mahan
seconded. Severns noted that this is a lease that can be signed and start bringing in revenue, so it does not make sense to wait to
approve it. Rules suspended by unanimous roll call vote. Mel Severns made a motion to adopt. James Mahan seconded. Adopted by
unanimous roll call vote.
ROLL CALL VOTE
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
NAYS:

Motion to Adopt
Adopted [7 TO 0]
At-Large Mel Severns
First Ward James Mahan
LeNan Hager, Amber Keener, James Mahan, Mel Severns, John Ruckman, Dale Miller, Taylor Jacklin
None

RESOLUTION NO. 2026-94
A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE MAYOR'S APPOINTMENT OF
MAXWELL LEANING AS AN ALTERNATE TO THE CIVIL SERVICE
COMMISSION; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Employee & Community Relations: Keener, Ruckman
Amber Keener made a motion to suspend the rules and take RESOLUTION 2026-94 to its third and final reading. John Ruckman
seconded. Rules suspended by unanimous roll call vote. Amber Keener made a motion to adopt. John Ruckman seconded. Mayor
Starr noted that Maxwell Leaning is the newest member of the Area Development Foundation, and will fulfill the unexpired term of
Julia Suggs from the Area Development Foundation. Adopted by unanimous roll call vote.
ROLL CALL VOTE

Motion to Adopt

RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
NAYS:

Adopted [7 TO 0]
At-Large Amber Keener
Second Ward John Ruckman
LeNan Hager, Amber Keener, James Mahan, Mel Severns, John Ruckman, Dale Miller, Taylor Jacklin
None

RESOLUTION NO. 2026-95
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
James Mahan made a motion to suspend the rules and take RESOLUTION 2026-95 to its third and final reading. Mel Severns
seconded. Mahan noted that it is wise to dispose of these vehicles and bring in revenue. 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:

Motion to Adopt
Adopted [7 TO 0]

MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
NAYS:

First Ward James Mahan
At-Large Mel Severns
LeNan Hager, Amber Keener, James Mahan, Mel Severns, John Ruckman, Dale Miller, Taylor Jacklin
None

RESOLUTION NO. 2026-96
A RESOLUTION REGARDING THE CITY’S USE OF AUTOMATED LICENSE
PLATE READER TECHNOLOGY; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Police, Fire, and Civil Defense: Miller, Hager
Miller gave Resolution 2026-96 its first reading, and requested a 10-minute committee meeting on
September 28.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-97
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE AUDITOR OF THE
CITY OF MOUNT VERNON TO TRANSFER FUNDS.
Finance & Budget: Mahan, Severns
James Mahan made a motion to suspend the rules and take RESOLUTION 2026-97 to its third and final reading. Mel Severns
seconded. Brinkman noted that these transfers are connected to a Then & Now, and a vendor who is waiting to be paid. 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 [7 TO 0]
First Ward James Mahan
At-Large Mel Severns
LeNan Hager, Amber Keener, James Mahan, Mel Severns, John Ruckman, Dale Miller, Taylor Jacklin
None

RESOLUTION NO. 2026-98

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
James Mahan made a motion to suspend the rules and take RESOLUTION 2026-98 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. Brinkman
noted that these funds were discussed during last budget's planning cycle, but weren't encumbered at that time. Adopted by unanimous
roll call vote.
ROLL CALL VOTE
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
NAYS:

Motion to Adopt
Adopted [7 TO 0]
First Ward James Mahan
At-Large Mel Severns
LeNan Hager, Amber Keener, James Mahan, Mel Severns, John Ruckman, Dale Miller, Taylor Jacklin
None

ORDINANCES FOR THIRD READING
ORDINANCE NO. 2026-26
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING TWO INCENTIVE DISTRICTS AND
DECLARING IMPROVEMENTS TO CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY WITHIN
THE INCENTIVE DISTRICTS TO BE A PUBLIC PURPOSE, AND EXEMPT
FROM REAL PROPERTY TAXATION; IDENTIFYING CERTAIN PUBLIC
INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS MADE, TO BE MADE, OR IN THE
PROCESS OF BEING MADE, THAT WILL BENEFIT OR SERVE THE
PARCELS IN THE INCENTIVE DISTRICTS; REQUIRING THE OWNERS OF
THOSE PARCELS TO MAKE SERVICE PAYMENTS IN LIEU OF REAL
PROPERTY TAXES; ESTABLISHING A MUNICIPAL PUBLIC
IMPROVEMENT TAX INCREMENT EQUIVALENT FUND FOR THE DEPOSIT
OF SUCH SERVICE PAYMENTS IN LIEU OF REAL PROPERTY TAXES;
APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF A
TAX INCREMENT FINANCING AGREEMENT WITH ARISTA VILLAS
MOUNT VERNON, LLC AND OTHER AGREEMENTS; AND APPROVING
RELATED MATTERS.
Land Use & Development: Jacklin, Keener
Jacklin made a motion to adopt. Keener seconded. Jacklin noted that he did contact County organizations that would lose funds should
this TIF go into effect. The Veterans' Association said that their funding is sufficient, even with the TIF going into effect. However, if
every future development implements a TIF, it would negatively impact them. The Mayor noted that every project is different. One of
these reasons to use these different financial incentive tools is to prevent the City from paying for unexpected infrastructure needs in
the future and burdening the tax payers at large. Adopted by a roll call vote of 6-1, with Miller voting no.
ROLL CALL VOTE
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
NAYS:

Motion to Adopt
Adopted [6 TO 1]
3rd Ward Taylor Jacklin
At-Large Amber Keener
LeNan Hager, Amber Keener, James Mahan, Mel Severns, John Ruckman, Taylor Jacklin
Dale Miller

ORDINANCE NO. 2026-29
AN ORDINANCE FIXING THE NUMBER OF HOURLY EMPLOYEES IN THE
CITY OF MOUNT VERNON IN THE FIRE DEPARTMENT; AND DECLARING
AN EMERGENCY.
Employee & Community Relations: Keener, Ruckman
Keener made a motion to adopt. Ruckman seconded. Adopted by unanimous roll call vote.
ROLL CALL VOTE
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
NAYS:

Motion to Adopt
Adopted [7 TO 0]
At-Large Amber Keener
Second Ward John Ruckman
LeNan Hager, Amber Keener, James Mahan, Mel Severns, John Ruckman, Dale Miller, Taylor Jacklin
None

ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING
ORDINANCE NO. 2026-30
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO
EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH ENTERPRISE FLEET MANAGEMENT FOR
THE LEASING OF CITY VEHICLES.
Finance & Budget: Mahan, Severns
Reading corrected from second to third.
Mahan made a motion to postpone Ordinance 2026-30 to September 28. Severns seconded.
Postponed by unanimous roll call vote.
ORDINANCE NO. 2026-31
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 1305 OF THE CODIFIED
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON; AND DECLARING AN
EMERGENCY.
Utilities: Ruckman, Miller
Ruckman gave Ordinance 2026-31 its second reading, and requested a 10-minute committee meeting
on September 28.
ORDINANCES FOR FIRST READING
ORDINANCE NO. 2026-32
AN ORDINANCE REPEALING CHAPTER 511 OF THE CODIFIED
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON, STATE OF OHIO.
Police, Fire, and Civil Defense: Miller, Hager
Miller gave Ordinance 2026-32 its first reading, and requested a 5-minute committee meeting on
September 28.
ORDINANCE NO. 2026-33
AN ORDINANCE FIXING THE NUMBER OF HOURLY EMPLOYEES IN THE

CITY OF MOUNT VERNON IN THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS;
AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Employee & Community Relations: Keener, Ruckman
Keener gave Ordinance 2026-33 its first reading, and requested a 10-minute committee meeting on
September 28.
ORDINANCE NO. 2026-34
AN ORDINANCE CONSENTING TO THE ANNEXATION OF 1.519 ACRES,
PARCEL NUMBER 49-00510.000, FROM MONROE TOWNSHIP INTO THE
CITY OF MOUNT VERNON; PROVIDING FOR CERTAIN CITY SERVICES
TO THE ANNEXED PARCEL AND PROVIDING PROTECTIONS AGAINST
INCOMPATIBLE USES UNDER EXISTING TOWNSHIP ZONING; AND
DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Land Use & Development: Jacklin, Keener
Taylor Jacklin made a motion to suspend the rules and take to its third and final reading. Amber Keener seconded. Rules suspended by
unanimous roll call vote. Jacklin noted that the reason for the suspension was due to ORC deadlines and regulations. Taylor Jacklin
made a motion to adopt. Amber Keener seconded. Adopted by unanimous roll call vote.
ROLL CALL VOTE
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
NAYS:

Motion to Adopt
Adopted [7 TO 0]
3rd Ward Taylor Jacklin
At-Large Amber Keener
LeNan Hager, Amber Keener, James Mahan, Mel Severns, John Ruckman, Dale Miller, Taylor Jacklin
None

REMARKS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION
Mayor Starr noted that the Pickleball Courts are under way at Riverside Park. Construction will start in 2027. The City has a salt
contract for the year that is significantly more expensive than last year. The salt barn is also underway. Next Wednesday, at the
Woodward, is a special screening of “Our Story: 200 Years,” a film from 2005, celebrating the history of Mount Vernon City. A free
event. United Way kickoff is coming up. He would like to increase City participation in this. The United Way supports numerous
programs in the City. The sustainability summit through MORPC is in October and there are seats available.
Safety Service Director Salyers noted that the City has taken into account feedback from the public on ALPR Technology. The City
seeks to hold two things at the same time: tools for public safety, and the constitutional rights of the City’s citizens. Some of the larger
questions regarding ALPR will need to be settled in larger courts and legislators. This piece of legislation allows the initial contract
with Flock to expire on October 25th. There will then be a twelve-month moratorium on the technology. Both candidates for Governor
of Ohio have expressed willingness to sign a ban on ALPRs. It is likely that the new assembly will address ALPRs, in some way. The
City did explore additional guardrails for ALPR use, but that did not seem prudent given the work involved and the uncertain future of
ALPRs. Original funding for the Flock grant came from the federal government. Renewal of such funding at the federal level is
unlikely.
Treasurer David Stuller noted that he attended the 9/11 tribute last Friday. It was well done and meaningful.

REMARKS FROM COUNCIL
Mel Severns: The City has a street plan. Yauger Rd. and Mansfield are on it. Repaving streets is expensive, and sometimes comes
down to funding.
LeNan Hager: Thank you to everyone who participated in the 9/11 memorial service last Friday. It was beautiful, humbling, and
extraordinary. We will never forget heroes and victims. Thank you to First Responders who offer their lives every day.
Taylor Jacklin: Yauger Rd. is on the list to get repaved. It was pushed back because of the issues with the Cattle Dam. The work

should be done next year. There is a publicly available plan for redoing the streets. Also, thank you to everyone who has made their
opinions known. When local government hears you, they respond. He encouraged all citizens to continue to make their voices heard.
Jay Mahan: Budget season is approaching. Council, get with your departments, as needed. Massive projects are coming up, buildings
need to be emptied and demolished, and capital expenditures will be thin. Sidewalks in multiple areas are needed, Yauger Rd. needs to
be repaved. This is not an easy conversation, but a necessary one.
President Hawkins: The Wizard of Oz is phenomenal. He encouraged any who have not seen it, to go do so. Middle Earth March on
Saturday. Graham Nash concert is coming up, as well, on October 8th.

ADJOURN AT THE CALL OF THE PRESIDENT
Keener made a motion to adjourn. Severns seconded. Adjourned at 8:26 p.m.
________________________________
Bruce E. Hawkins, President of Council

_________________________________
Zac Sherman, Clerk of Council