Category: Mount Vernon Spotlight

May 2023 Spotlight on Mount Vernon with Mayor Matt Starr

Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Friday, 5/26/23.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

Topics included:

  • A discussion about current construction projects for the city
  • Update on the State Route 13 project and how the grant received from the state of Ohio will impact what we can do locally
  • Details about the public hearing coming up on 6/26 to discuss changes around the property of Mount Vernon Farmers Co-Op
  • Updates from Mount Vernon City Council including recent discussion on DORA, signage for designated areas, and the vision shared by Experience Mount Vernon
  • Updates from the Mount Vernon Police Department including new hires and a grant for a community advocate liaison
  • Updates from the Mount Vernon Fire Department including new hires and visits to elementary schools
  • Goals for the month of June
    • Decrease vandalism
    • Making our parks safer
    • New equipment at parks 
  • Upcoming events on the city’s calendar
    • Memorial Day Parade and Service
    • June First Friday
  • The opening and summer operation of the Hiawatha Water Park and Pool
  • Mayor Starr tells us how we can pray for his team as they head into the month of June.
  • Residents can stay connected to the City of Mount Vernon on their brand new Linked In page, City of Mount Vernon, Ohio. You can find routine updates, job postings and more.
    Citizens can still check the City’s website and Facebook.

To stay in touch with the City, go to:

  • Website – http://www.mountvernonohio.org
  • Facebook – The City of Mount Vernon
  • Twitter – CityMV1805
  • YouTube – The City of Mount Vernon
  • LinkedIn – City of Mount Vernon, Ohio
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April 2023 Spotlight on Mount Vernon with Mayor Matt Starr

Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Friday, 4/28/23.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

Topics included:

  • A discussion about current construction and maintenance projects including a project to deal with storm water issues.
  • An update on city parks and the grounds maintenance.
  • Discussion on the 2023 cleanup that is coming soon in Mount Vernon
  • An update on the recommendation for senior housing from the Mount Vernon Planning Commission.
  • Information about the proposed plans for a housing development on Vernonview Drive, as housing is a huge need in the community.
  • Details on the opening day of Hiawatha Water Park. It will open on May 27th.
  • Updates from Mount Vernon City Council, including Mayor Starr’s thoughts on the legislation that passed on Monday for annexation in the city.
  • Discussion on what actions have been taken to improve the condition of Mount Vernon’s 12 ball fields.
  • Update on the City’s Police Department, including Mayor Starr’s thoughts on hiring a second community advocate.
  • An update from the Mount Vernon Fire Department.
  • Discussion on Mount Vernon’s adoption of residential ADA forms and how the forms benefit both citizens and first responders.
  • Mayor Matt Starr shares his goals for April, including:
    • Cleaning up the streets
    • Dealing with storm damage
    • Improving utility infrastructure
  • Mayor Starr shares about the events happening in the city in May, including the Mount Vernon Memorial Day Parade, which WNZR’s very own Joe Rinehart will MC!
  • Mayor Starr tells us how we can pray for his team as they head into the month of May.
  • Residents can stay connected to the City of Mount Vernon on their brand new YouTube page, The City of Mount Vernon. Public city meetings will be livestreamed and archived on this page. Citizens can still check the City’s website and Facebook.

To stay in touch with the City, go to:

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March 2023 Spotlight on Mount Vernon with Mayor Matt Starr

Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Friday, 3/24/23.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

Topics included:

  • Mount Vernon City Council’s approval for the development of Liberty Crossing on Newark Road. Mayor Starr shares his excitement for what this means for the future growth of Mount Vernon.
  • Updates on construction and street work projects
  • Important steps to take when reporting potholes throughout the city – report a pothole by calling the MV Street Department, (740) 393-9501
  • Efforts to ask the state to restore the Local Government Fund, and the City’s plans if those funds are granted back to the city
  • Investigation Update on the recent vandalism at Mound View Cemetery and the inclusive playground at Memorial Park
  • Update on the Mount Vernon Police Department,which includes some officers receiving national recognition
  • Important warning for residents involving a letter in the mail about an energy aggregation project
  • Exciting news for Hiawatha Water Park as the summer approaches
  • Goals for the month of April
  • Mayor Matt Starr gives us ways to be in prayer for him and his team as April approaches
  • Residents can stay connected to the City of Mount Vernon on their brand-new YouTube page, The City of Mount Vernon. Public city meetings will be will be livestreamed and archived on this page. Citizens can still check the City’s website and Facebook.

To stay in touch with the City, go to:

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February 2023 Spotlight on Mount Vernon with Mayor Matt Starr

Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Friday, 2/24/23.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

Topics included:

  • An update on current construction and maintenance projects including a project to deal with stormwater issues.
  • Discussion about the City’s Gas Aggregation program
  • Update on how the city has been recovering from the cyber-attack that occurred during the holidays.
  • Discussion on the new city-wide transportation plan and how it will help in our process for applying for grants.
  • Update on the City’s new contract for IT services with the Knox County Commissioners.
  • Updates from the Mount Vernon Water and Wastewater Department, including the increase in water rates coming March 1st.
  • Discussion on the changes coming to the Hiawatha Water Park and Pool for this upcoming season.
  • Updates from Mount Vernon City Council:
    • Approved budgets for 2023
    • Contract approvals for design services for the Dan Emmett Neighborhood Block Grant Project
    • Approval to purchase new dump trucks
  • Update on the City’s Police Department, including the lateral transfers happening, and good news on how their PAK United community outreach helped them to receive the 2022 Excellence in Community Engagement award.
  • Update from the Fire Department including how they were able to secure a safer grant (securing adequate fire and emergency response) of over a million dollars!
  • Mayor Matt Starr shares his goals for March.
    • He wants to finish the parking garage project
    • He continues to host State of the City addresses to groups that are interested in hearing from him.
  • Mayor Starr shared his thoughts about our growth in Mount Vernon and Central Ohio and how we need to plan for it.
  • Mayor Starr asks that we pray that his team has clarity of thought and respectful understanding as we face the growth in our community.
  • Residents can stay connected to the City of Mount Vernon on their brand new YouTube page, The City of Mount Vernon. Public city meetings will be live-streamed and archived on this page. Citizens can still check the City’s website and Facebook.

To stay in touch with the City, go to:

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January 2023 Spotlight on Mount Vernon with Mayor Matt Starr

Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Friday, 1/27/22.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

Topics included:

  • An update on the current state of Mount Vernon heading into this New Year.
  • An update on current construction and maintenance projects including a parking garage.
  • Discussion about a special event that was held to recognize members of the City’s Work Force, including members from the Fire Department, Judicial Area of Mount Vernon, and City Hall.
  • Discussion on one of Knox County Land Bank’s 2023 goals, a flood plan study for Mount Vernon’s West End. Mayor Matt Starr talks about how much money the city has set aside for this project, and how this project will create serious economic improvement.
  • Information about 2 building site clean-up projects that are coming to the city. Mayor Starr talks about how state support is helping clean up hazardous and underutilized sites.
  • Planned Neighborhood Development approved by the Mount Vernon Municipal Planning Commission. The site is called Liberty Crossing, which contains over 100 acres.
  • Update on the reorganization of the City’s Water and Wastewater Department.
  • Updates from Mount Vernon City Council:
    • Appropriations Resolution was approved. $63 million was appropriated.
    • Tax revenue is up from last year.
    • Looking at tools to offset costs for development and pay for infrastructure without impacting the taxpayer.
  • Update on the City’s Police Department, including their new home by Sychar Road.
  • Update from the Fire Department including the recent recognition for excellent service.
  • Mayor Matt Starr shares his goals for February.
    • He wants to fill some job openings in the city.
    • He also wants to see projects completed.
    • The Mayor’s Youth Leadership Council recently packed lunches for the Winter Sanctuary, and now they’ll be working with New Directions and the Teen Advisory Council.
    • Mayor Starr will be doing State of the City presentations.
  • Events happening this month, including city council meetings and the State of the City presentations.
  • Mayor Starr asks that we pray that his team has the wisdom and guidance in making good decisions to serve the community well.
  • Residents can stay connected to the City of Mount Vernon on their brand new YouTube page, The City of Mount Vernon. Public city meetings will be live-streamed and archived on this page. Citizens can still check the City’s website and Facebook.

To stay in touch with the City, go to:

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December 2022 Spotlight on Mount Vernon with Mayor Matt Starr

Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Thursday, 12/29/22.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

Topics included:

  • His overall thoughts on how the year of 2022 has gone for Mount Vernon
  • An overview of his experience with Food For The Hungry and the Kenyon Gala this year
  • An update on current construction and maintenance projects
    • Finishing the Municipal Parking Garage
    • State Route 13
    • Water Treatment Plant
  • Updates from Mount Vernon City Council
  • Updates on the City’s Police Department
  • Updates on the City’s Fire Department
  • Mayor Matt Starr shares his immediate and overall goals for the New Year
  • Mayor Matt Starr shares upcoming events for the City.
  • Mayor Matt Starr explains how residents can stay connected to City Hall and the Mayor’s Office by checking out the website and social media accounts.

To stay in touch with the City, go to:

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November 2022 Spotlight on Mount Vernon with Mayor Matt Starr

Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Friday, 11/25/22.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

Topics included:

  • An update on current construction and maintenance projects
    • Finishing the Municipal Parking Garage
    • The curbing and guttering work is wrapped up for the year
    • The island at South Main Street and Columbus Road is done!
    • The city is continuing to study the intersection at South Main and Columbus Road to see traffic patterns
  • Updates from Mount Vernon City Council:
    • It is budget season. A work session will take place in January with the City and City Council.- Police cruisers that were ordered in February 2022 have finally arrived. There was a delay because of the lack of micro-processing chips that were in high demand.- City Council is discussing the purchase of a new fire truck
    • – City Council has approved the position of an alternate voting member for the City Recreation Board
  • Mayor Matt Starr shares an update on the City’s Police Department.  He talks about the 6-month trial run of the traffic division. There is an assigned patrol officer to handle traffic-related incidents.
  • Mayor Matt Starr shares an update on the City’s Fire Department.
    • They just hired 3 new part-time firefighters.
    • They are also trying to get a new fire truck.
    • There will be a firefighter paramedic test on December 14. The deadline to apply is December 9. You can apply on the city’s website – Website: http://www.mountvernonohio.org
    • The fire department is also participating in Toys for Tots. You can drop them off at the MV Fire Department on West Gambier Street.
  • Mayor Matt Starr shares his goals for the month of December.
    • He wants to wrap up the budget meetings with all departments
    • He encourages taking time to be thankful this Thanksgiving – pause and realize that this is a remarkable community.
    • Finish the construction on the Municipal Parking Garage
  • Mayor Matt Starr shares upcoming events for the City.
    • Shop Small Saturday on 11/26The lighting of the Public Square, 11/26Mount Vernon Christmas Parade, 11/27, 2pmWinter Sanctuary fundraiser – A Christmas Carol presentation
    • Food For The Hungry, 12/9
  • Mayor Matt Starr shares what he is thankful for this Thanksgiving. He is thankful for your prayers and the amazing community.
  • Mayor Matt Starr explains how residents can stay connected to City Hall and the Mayor’s Office by checking out the website and social media accounts.
  • He tells us that as we go into this holiday season, and he asks that we pray for folks that have lost loved ones. He also shares how we can pray for him and his team as they get ready to go into 2023.

To stay in touch with the City, go to:

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October 2022 Spotlight on Mount Vernon with Mayor Matt Starr

Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Friday, 10/28/22.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Friday, 10/28/22.

Topics included:

  • An update on current construction and maintenance projects
    • Finishing the Municipal Parking Garage
    • Columbus Rd / South Main intersection curbing and guttering
  • Budgeting for projects in the upcoming 3 years
  • An update on the City’s plans for snow removal this winter.
  • The City is currently hiring seasonal workers to help with leaf removal.
  • An update about the funding the City received from the Ohio Department of Development to help with community improvements.
    • Mount Vernon is receiving a $500,000 critical infrastructure grant that will fund repairs to the brick streets and other improvements for North Catherine Street.
    • Mount Vernon is also receiving a $750,000 neighborhood revitalization grant that will be used to:
      • Solve water line problems around Dan Emmett Elementary School, Mansfield Avenue, Taylor Avenue, Nuce Road, and Nash Street.
      • Along with an ODOT grant, create a multi-use path on Mansfield Road to give Dan Emmett students a safe path to walk or bike to school.
  • Mayor Matt Starr gives us an update from the Mount Vernon Municipal Planning Commission regarding a preliminary plat for Heartland Commerce Park (formerly known as Cooper Progress Park) and the comprehensive development plan for the area. He shares that the site plan has allowed the real estate agents to sell or rent the sectioned-off parcels of property. He tells us that there is interest in the properties.
  • Updates from Mount Vernon City Council:
    • A public hearing was held regarding rezoning a parcel of real estate on State Route 13 for a developer who wants to put a housing development. In the next 60 days, a public presentation will be held by the developer to go over the site plan.
    • A committee meeting was held regarding the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) with the Parks and Public Lands committee
    • A reorganizational meeting was held by the Utilities Department as they said farewell to Brian McKeever, the pre-treatment coordinator and operator.
    • Mayor Matt Starr shares that the City Council approved $2,000 to be used on a workforce development and employee recognition program to honor those who’ve dedicated many years of their life to public service.
  • Mayor Matt Starr encourages Mount Vernon residents to give their opinions on the Zoning Code Survey. The survey can be accessed from the City’s website and social media accounts. They can rate different pictures of ideas for housing and design in Mount Vernon. This will help the City plan for various kinds of housing.
  • Update from the Mount Vernon Police Department.
    • Continued training for officers
    • The increase in speed violations was reported, and this is due to an officer dedicated to patrolling areas of the City, specifically in school zones and neighborhoods.
  • Update from the Mount Vernon Fire Department including updates on recent training.
    • October is Fire Prevention Month, and Mayor Starr shares fire safety advice regarding electricity.
    • The Fire Department has also been performing driver’s training and physical fitness tests.
  • Mount Vernon’s designation as an Official Bee City
  • Mayor Starr shares a list of events planned for the City in November.
    • Planning budgets for upcoming projects.
    • Trick or Treat on Oct. 31
    • Veteran’s Day ceremony on Public Square on 11/11 at 11am
    • Preparing for snow
  • Mayor Starr shares the immediate goals for October

To stay in touch with the City, go to:

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August 2022 Spotlight on Mount Vernon with Mayor Matt Starr

Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Friday, 8/26/22.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

Topics included:

  • An update on current construction and maintenance projects
    • the progress of the projects in the Sunset Street area, Columbus Road/South Main Street intersection
    • update on the paving in the Clinton Road/Fearn Avenue/Pearl Avenue/Grange Avenue area
  • Information about the BIG projects coming from Columbia Gas and AEP for the West side of the City. The plan is to replace pipelines and install new transmission lines.
  • News that the City Engineering Department has secured a federal grant for over $262,000 for design work on the South Sandusky Street Corridor.
  • Update on the project of removing and relocating the lime sludge from the city water treatment plant. Mayor Starr shares an update on the current status of the project and the EPA’s investigation. The City is working on a compliance plan.
  • Updates from Mount Vernon City Council:
    • Ariel Foundation grant of $7,700 for the design of a first responders memorial at CA & C Depot
    • PAK United received a donation from Working Class Roofing and Mr. Tax of Mount Vernon
    • Council is discussing the idea of contracting a pool management company for 2023
    • Requests for proposals are coming soon for the roofs at the CA & C Visitors Center and the B & O Railroad Station
    • Street Resurfacing projects in the North End
    • Historical Review Commission Update
    • Ohio Civil Service Employees Union Contract 
  • Update from the Mount Vernon Police Department.
    • They did assist the Knox County Sheriff’s Office with the recent shootings.
    • June statistics show 1,436 calls for service.
  • Update from the Mount Vernon Fire Department including updates on recent training.
    • The Fire Department beat the Police Department in the PAK United Softball Game last week, 11-9.
    • The Umpire Glenn Clark was presented with a Community Service Event for his countless hours in volunteering.
    • The Fire Department received a FEMA (Assistance to Firefighters) grant for $188,000 to purchase new hoses, nozzles and a vehicle exhaust removal system.  
  • Mayor Starr shares a list of events planned for the City in September.
    • Public meetings on the Mansfield Avenue shared youth path, to provide safe paths to school
    • September First Friday
    • Battle of the Badges Blood Drive for the American Red Cross
    • McCartney Experience at the Woodward Opera House
    • Clint Black Concert at the Knox Memorial
    • Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast is planned for September 21st with a focus on how we are dealing with trauma and the stories of hope that come from crisis.
    • Goal setting for the 2023 City Budget
    • Start of Phase 2 of the City’s Strategic Planning
  • Mayor Starr shares the immediate goals for September
    • finish the work on the City’s Parking Garage
    • work on plans for the new Courthouse, City Law Office and the Police Department
    • start nailing down the next paving schedule for the city

To stay in touch with the City, go to:

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July 2022 Spotlight on Mount Vernon with Mayor Matt Starr

Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Friday, 7/29/22.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

Topics included:

  • tax abatement for the old Mount Vernon Middle School  
  • update on the collapse of lights on Coshocton Avenue
  • Updates on current construction projects including the projects that will be worked on in August
  • Updates from City Council include:
    • Ohio Eastern Star Home Planned Development Site Plan approval
    • Grants from the Ariel Foundation to hire a consultant for Phase 2 of the City’s Strategic Plan
    • Update on tree planting regulations in the neighborhood development plan
    • Concerns from residents about the location of the new courthouse
  • Updates from the Police and Fire Departments
  • Mount Vernon’s calendar highlights for August
  • Goals for the Mayoral Office in August

To stay in touch with the City, go to:

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