A discussion about the February 24th meeting with Mount Vernon City Council in which two positions were on. The Mayor speaks on the steps moving forward after the Communication Director position was voted down 4-3.
A discussion about current construction and maintenance projects for the city.
Mayor Starr gives updates on the Asphalt Resurfacing Program.
Mayor Starr Mayor Starr gives an update on other city departments.
Mayor Starr talks about the listening tours for the new facilities.
Mayor Starr talks about change and shifting departments and the challenges we are facing. He also reports that the city is in excellent financial shape, and he is excited for the future.
Mayor Starr shares his perspective on the development of the old Mount Vernon News building in downtown Mount Vernon and the plans for opening Founder Food Hall.
Mayor Starr shares an update from the Mount Vernon Police Department
Details about a Citizen’s Police Academy.
Updates from the Mount Vernon Fire Department
Mayor Starr speaks on the city’s ability to oversee potholes and cracks int eh roads on the properties of other businesses.
Immediate goals for March
Selecting a design team for the new Police Station
Wrapping up the public comment period for the City Hall Annex
Mayor Starr gives some calendar events for March.
Discussion on Intel and their internal issues and how those issues could affect the city.
Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Friday, 1/31/25. Click HERE to hear the full conversation.
Topics included: A discussion about current construction and maintenance projects for the city. He shares the progress of these projects: – the Splashpad. – the Mansfield Avenue Shared Use Path – the Dan Emmett Community Development Block Grant area. – Fairgrounds Water Line and resurfacing project.
Mayor Starr gives updates on the Wastewater Treatment Plant project: He says that other mandated upgrades will have a price tag of $45 million. He says they are trying to find various sources of funding to help with the cost.
Mayor Starr says that City Auditor Pay Mayville has resigned effective February 14. The Republican Central Committee will be tasked with finding a replacement once he officially leaves office.
Mayor Starr Mayor Starr gives an update on other city departments. – He gives an update on the city filling potholes and if someone sees a pothole to report it to the street department at 393-9501. – He gives kudos to the plow drivers for going above and beyond their normal duties during snow events. Park and Pavilion reservations are now available online at the city’s website at (currently) mountvernonohio-dot-com – They will also be launching a new website soon and re-doing the city’s business videos on their website.
Mayor Starr talks about the listening tours for the new facilities. – There has been concern about how the facilities will look. – He says the public comment period for the new police department will end February 23. – More listening tour dates are planned in February and March. – He adds that there is an online survey for the public to see if they would like to give input.
Mayor Starr talks about the happenings of Liberty Crossing, the major development on Newark Road. – Result in 230 apartments, 90 townhouses and 43 patio homes and 93 traditional homes. – He says that this project has been in the works for quite a while.
Mayor Starr shares updates from Mount Vernon City Council: – Oppose an ATT tariff revision that shifts the cost of relocating lines to the city. – He says if the revision would have been approved, the city and taxpayers would have had to pay for the re-location. – He says they have 80 volunteers to serve on committees and boards for the city. – They had a second reading for re-zoning at 0 Parrot Street. He says the decision could be precedent setting in the state of Ohio. – The city received permission from the council to apply to the Federal Community Project Funding program to find funding for buildings and other pieces of infrastructure.
Mayor Starr shares an update from the Mount Vernon Police Department – He says they are updating information regarding the public comments for the new facility. – He says the police department is fully staffed. – He says the Police Department’s award ceremony is tomorrow.
Mayor Starr shares an update from the Mount Vernon Fire Department. – He says that they are constantly working on training including completing ice rescue training. – He adds that the entire department is fully staffed. – He also gives award recipients from the Fire Department Award Ceremony.
Mayor Starr shares his immediate goals for February: – He is proud that they did not use an interim budget. They passed the budget which allows decisions to be made now as opposed to waiting for an interim budget to be finalized. – He wants to have the design team picked for planning the new buildings – He says they also will be releasing an employee handbook and handbook for board members for the first time in the city’s history.
Mayor Starr shares his goals for 2025: – He wants to make sure that the auditor’s office runs smoothly – He says they are in the process of property acquisition for the South Sandusky Street Corridor Project. – He says the buildings in Memorial Park are being replaced.
Mayor Starr gives some calendar events for February. – Groundbreaking on Liberty Crossing on February 5. – The Mount Vernon Arts Consortium will give an update on the season February 8. – There will also be a joint meeting of Mount Vernon Council, Knox County Commissioners and regional planning commission meeting to talk about the comprehensive plan.
He also shares the way you can pray for him and the city.
To stay in touch with the City, go to: Website – http://www.mountvernonohio.org Facebook – The City of Mount Vernon X – CityMV1805 YouTube – The City of Mount Vernon LinkedIn – City of Mount Vernon, Ohio
On the Morning Thing today (Friday, December 27), Mayor Matt Starr talks about several things that residents in Mount Vernon can look forward to in the new year.
Mayor Starr starts with infrastructure updates including sidewalks on the south side of town which will make school zones safer, the State Route 13 relocation that is in progress and improvements to the Splash Pad.
One of the biggest items on the city’s agenda surrounds the upcoming Listening Tour to discuss the development of new municipal facilities—including a police station, a city hall annex, and a municipal court building.
Mayor Starr also gives an update on what the City Council, Police and Fire Departments are up to in 2025.
Click HERE to visit the City of Mount Vernon’s website.
A discussion about current construction and maintenance projects for the city. He shares the progress of these projects:
Northend culverts on Old Mansfield Rd, storm water problems as well.
East Vine St sidewalk project
Catherine St. project
New Court House Design
Mayor Starr gives updates from City Departments:
Engineering – entered into a contract with the county for the Knox Cattle Company dam
Streets and Parks – preparing for winter, leaf pickup, snowplow names and installation of new LED bulbs for streetlights
Public Buildings and Lands – construction update, water hydrants, and replacing sidewalks on the public square
Revamping of the Auditor’s office
Sidewalks on public square – 1260 square feet have been replaced so that it is safer for people to walk
Public Utilities – update on the Water and Wastewater Plant (concerning Ohio EPA-mandated phosphorus reduction in the outflow).
Parks Department – park bathrooms are being *winterized*. Getting downtown ready for CHRISTMAS!! Update on the Splash Pad project
Mayor Starr shares his thoughts about the election results over the two referendums that failed. He shares the plan for those areas. We also talk about voter turnout.
Mayor Starr talks about the city’s electric aggregation program. There was some recent concern after residents received a letter from AEP. Energy Harbor sold to Dynegy (new company).
Mayor Starr shares updates from Mount Vernon City Council:
Wastewater Treatment Plant update
Latest news on the new police station and municipal courthouse. The City Council has authorized the design phase. Legislation is approved that is allowing requests for qualifications. Courthouse RFQ’s have come in.
Reserve balance account. Rainy day fund.
Camping in parks for educational community events.
Columbus Delano fields. Pollinator gardens.
Mayor Starr shares an update from the Mount Vernon Police Department.
New tasers
Welcome to new Officer Brookhunter.
Mayor Starr shares an update from the Mount Vernon Fire Department.
Update on Training
Grant from Homeland Security for hazmat equipment
Jeff Gottke, Area Development Director went on a trip with Knox Pages to Sherwood, Oregon. Their goal was to gather information about how an Intel plant impacted an area that is similar to Mount Vernon. The project is called “Intel – Beyond the Chip”. Mayor Starr shares some important findings that Jeff brought back to him and his administration. A full report is coming next week. Growth can happen to us or with us.
Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shares a list of events on the December Calendar including the new budgeting process for 2025.
Mayor Starr shares his immediate goals for December and how we can pray for him and his team.
Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Friday, 10/25/24. We also talked with special guest Jeff Gottke, President of the Area Development Foundation.
A discussion about current construction and maintenance projects for the city. He shares the progress of these projects:
Mansfield Road
Moving Lime, making it available for farmers
Mayor Starr gives updates on other projects for the City:
Demolition Work has begun on the Splash Pad for Riverside Park
Harmony Playground
Water Meter and Flood Plane Elevation Study on the West End
Water Line inventory for EPA compliance
Courthouse and Police Station Design Requests
Mayor Starr shares an update in the City Auditor’s in the City Auditor’s Position and the appointment of a permanent auditor. Paul Mayville has been sworn in and is working hard with his team to find the best systems for the city.
Mayor Starr shares updates from Mount Vernon City Council:
The dedication of “Liberty Plaza” at American Heritage Park, 10/28 at 10am
Collective Bargaining Agreement with Ohio Civil Service Employees Association
Training and certifications for city employees
Pay Grades for the workforce
Servitus Event
Mayor Starr shares an update from the Mount Vernon Police Department.
Recognition for Lieutenant Rex Young from the Ohio Attorney General’s office for scenario-based training
Service Call Stats for September
Community Advocate stats for September
Mayor Starr shares an update from the Mount Vernon Fire Department.
Swearing In Ceremony
Fire Prevention Week Annual Open House
Daylight Savings Time ends 11/3. It is a good time to check the batteries in your smoke detectors.
Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr is joined by Jeff Gottke, President of the Area Development Foundation for our Spotlight. Jeff talks about several businesses that have recently closed in Mount Vernon – Big Lots and Ride Aid Pharmacy. These are corporate chain stores.
Jeff Gottke, President of the Area Development Foundation talks about a projected decline in Ohio’s population. He shares the trends that we are seeing in the city of Mount Vernon. He shares stats on our aging population and birth rates.
He shares that we should focus on 3 things: 1. keep building housing that is a mix of types and price points 2. quality of life issues (parks, restaurants, retails, downtown attractions, outdoor activities) 3. attracting and retaining young people and young families
Jeff Gottke, President of the Area Development Foundation talks about his trip with Knox Pages to Sherwood, Oregon to gather information about how an Intel plant impacted an area that is similar to Mount Vernon. The project is called “Intel – Beyond the Chip”.
He talks about the main goals of this trip.
He shares what the group has discovered so far and who they have been talking to in this community.
He also shares the information that the group wants to share with our city administration and also with the residents of our community.
Mayor Starr and Jeff Gottke, President of the Area Development Foundation talk about the upcoming Comprehensive Plan update on 10/29 at 5:30pm at The Woodward Opera House.
The public was asked to provide feedback on things they treasure about Knox County and identify specific spots around the county that need to be replicated or improved.
1,200 participants
10,000 different pieces of data
They have a robust data set.
This data will be presented to the public with 10 principles with goals under each principle.
A panel discussion with experts on rural growth will happen at 6pm.
After the panel, stations will be setup around the Woodward Theater in the hallway where the public can view the data and provide their feedback.
The next step will be to put all feedback into a draft plan that will then be presented to the public.
There will be 4 different opportunities for residents to public input.
Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shares a list of events on the November Calendar: – Leaf Pickup for the City (and instructions) – Trick or Treating is October 31, 5:30pm – 7pm
Mayor Starr shares his immediate goals for November: – Comprehensive Plan Engagement – go to togetherknox.org and participate in sharing feedback – City Budget Process – Ironing out issues in the Auditor’s Office, updating software and simplifying the bill paying and payroll procedures – Election Day is Tuesday, 11/5 – Mayor Starr encourages everyone to vote
A discussion about current construction and maintenance projects for the city. He shares the progress of these projects:
Mansfield Road
North End Bike Path
Update on the $500,000 critical infrastructure grant that is being used for a street improvement project for West Burgess Street and West Hamtramck Street
Mayor Starr gives updates on other projects for the City:
Update from the Engineering Department on the Water Meter and Flood Plain Inventory Study.
Mayor Starr shares information about another grant for the City – a $750,000 Neighborhood Revitalization Grant.
Mayor Starr shares an update in the City Auditor’s Position and the appointment of an interim auditor. Samantha Ramsier has been appointed to take over for Terry Scott who has retired.
Mayor Starr shares updates from Mount Vernon City Council:
Tax Levy Rates
Permission to dispose of some police vehicles and other various equipment
One Time Community Improvement Funds through the Ohio General Assembly (surplus from the State Budget) – $2 million dollars for design and construction of the new Mount Vernon Police Station
Created a new TIF (Tax Increment Financing) District
Change of traffic direction on West Hamtramck and West Burgess Streets
Mayor Starr shares an update from the Mount Vernon Police Department.
Calls for service
Recognition for Lieutenant Rex Young from the Ohio Attorney General’s office for scenario-based training
Mayor Starr shares an update from the Mount Vernon Fire Department.
Calls for service
Fire Hydrant flushing
Swearing in 3 new full-time officers and promoting 3 officers
Mayor Starr talks about two referendums on the November ballot for voters. Both referendums are citizen-driven referendums based on opposition to City Council approvals earlier this year. He discusses the Edgewood Road proposed project and the rezoning project on Vernonview Drive. He shares the administration’s perspective on both issues and what has made them so controversial.
Mayor Starr shares a list of events planned for the City in October. 10/7 – Early Voting begins, and absentee ballots will be mailed out 10/10 – Open House at the Mount Vernon Fire Department in honor of Fire Prevention Week 10/12 – Servitas – Event hosted by the Knox County Career Center Junior ROTC Challenge. All members of the military will be represented. 29 teams will be competing in different physical challenges. 10/29 – Comprehensive Plan Update 10/31 – Trick or Treating for Mount Vernon, 5:30pm – 7pm
He shares goals for October and shares how we can pray for him and his team. – Splash Pad at Riverside Park – New year-round restroom at Harmony Park Playground – C A & C Depot work on the Liberty Plaza and American Heritage Park – Projects in West Foundation Park and on North Catherine Street – West End Flood Plain Elevation Study
A discussion about current construction and maintenance projects for the city. He shared an update and timeline for construction near Dan Emmett Elementary School.
An update on other Mount Vernon City Departments
Updates from Mount Vernon City Council
Updates from the Mount Vernon Police Department
Updates from the Mount Vernon Fire Department
Update on the Together Knox Community-Driven Project
Discussion on the special awards given out during the 2024 Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival
Upcoming events on the City’s calendar in September
Immediate goals for September
The retirement of Mount Vernon City Auditor Terry Scott
Insight into projects on the horizon for Mount Vernon
A discussion about current construction and maintenance projects for the city. He shares the progress of these projects:
Catherine Street Community Development Block Grant
Center Street
North End Project near Dan Emmett Elementary School
The City has 9 active projects going on now. They are close to closing out 3 of those projects.
Mayor Starr gives a reminder to have patience during the summer cycle for current construction and maintenance projects.
He also talks about his philosophy of working in residential areas around the city.
Mayor Starr shares information and updates from the Mount Vernon Street Department. He shares updates on these projects:
Brick Street Reconstruction and Rehabilitation
Catch Basin Repairs on the south end of town
Street Sweeping
Spraying for Weeds
Bee City USA Program for Mount Vernon
Tree Trimming
Pothole Patching – You can call 740-393-9501 to report a pothole
Mayor Starr shares information and updates from other City Departments. He shares updates on these projects:
The Mount Vernon Public Buildings and Lands Department
Maintenance and cleaning of the fountain on the Public Square
Flags on the graves of veterans
Work on City Offices – HVAC system, deep cleaning of floors and carpeting and putting up blood-borne pathogen kits.
Mayor Starr shares information and updates from other City Departments. He shares updates on these projects:
The Mount Vernon Utilities/Water and Wastewater Department
They are working with a new Communications System that helps control the city’s water and wastewater capabilities. It is a computer based that monitors all devices and greatly assists the gathering of information.
The Water Plant Clarifier Tank is now up and running.
Lime Treatment System
Having redundancy systems in place in case of a water emergency
Utilities Technician Test is being offered in July
Working with Ohio Means Jobs for a fire hydrant painting program
Hauling Lime
Mayor Starr shares an update on the upgrades that are being made to the public parks, including the Hiawatha Water Park and Pool. He also addresses the problem of vandalism at the parks and how the city is managing this issue.
Mayor Starr shares an update from the Mount Vernon Municipal Planning Commission.
Earlier this month, they voted unanimously to recommend that Mount Vernon City Council adopt the updated zoning code as presented.
Mayor Starr shares the background on the need to update our current zoning code and the process of the update.
He also shares the timeline of future readings with City Council and the upcoming hearing for public comment.
Mayor Starr shares updates from Mount Vernon City Council:
City Council gave approval to proceed with a grant application for USEPA funding. The Mayor tells us more about this process and how these funds will help the community.
City Council’s decision on recreational marijuana
City Council’s adoption of legislation to construct a new salt barn. The Mayor shares more details on this project and how it will help the City face winter weather.
Mayor Starr shares an update from the Mount Vernon Police Department.
State Senator Andrew Brenner’s announcement that funding will be coming to our city. The Police Department will receive $2 million dollars from the One Time Strategic Community Investment Fund.
PAK (Police and Kids) United is having some fun events this summer
Assistant Chief Andy Burns will be sworn in soon.
Mayor Starr shares an update from the Mount Vernon Fire Department.
A new Assistant Fire Chief has been sworn in – Josh Lester.
Contract negotiations for the next 3 years.
Mayor Starr shares an update and details about the 4th of July Celebration at Ariel Foundation Park. He talks about parking, times of the celebration, when streets will close, location of restrooms, food trucks and the best exit plan for families. The Mayor promises that the fireworks will start at 10pm this year!
Mayor Starr shares a list of events planned for the City in July.
July First Friday
Sundays on the Public Square
Farmers Markets
Blues, Brews and BBQ Event
He will put a lot of his efforts into the budgeting process. It will start in July this year. They will be looking at 2025, 2026 and 2027.
Goals for July:
Close out some active projects
Finalize the grant for the inflation reduction act
Get the new neo-gov software in place to help with the city’s human resources and payroll systems
Writing the ballot language for the Edgewood Road improvement project
He also shares how we can pray for him and his team.
A discussion about current construction and maintenance projects for the city.
Details on current water projects
Update on the rehabilitation and improvement project for Edgewood Road
Updates from the City Water and Sewer Departments
Update on the Columbia Gas Pipeline Replacement Project
Updates from Mount Vernon City Council
Update on City Council’s adoption of the industrial solar resolution
Recent changes with city employees, including name changes and new positions
Update on the Mount Vernon Police Department
Update on the Mount Vernon Fire Department
Highlights of April events on the City’s Calendar
Immediate goals for April
Mayor Starr will share his State of the City Address at the next Knox Network of Christian Ministries meeting – Thursday, May 9, 9:30am – 10:30am at MVNU’s Gathering Place (lower level). Please send questions to ContactKNCM@gmail.com
Plans for Easter
He also shares how we can pray for him and his team.
Rise and Shine 