Mount Vernon will need four maintenance worker positions filled, raising the importance of the Civil Service examination scheduled on Dec. 17 at the Knox County Career Center.
Interested local residents can find out more about the positions in public works and the utilities division online at www.mountvernonohio.org, or by visiting City Hall at 40 Public Square from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Wi-Fi downtown
The city’s downtown Wi-Fi devices have been installed and will be hooked up this week, Mayor Matt Starr said. The goal is to keep people connected who conduct commerce downtown, and even enable students to complete homework downtown.
Festival of Lights
The city’s Festival of Lights Christmas Decorating Contest starts on Dec. 3. Information can be found on the city’s website homepage.
“That's important because it's going to allow people to be able to get out and about, and you can socially distance and stay safe while doing that,” Starr said.
An award will be presented for each of the city’s 10 precincts, with a “Best of Show” and others.
Car crash caused boil advisory
The boil-water advisory that centered on Snowden Drive and extended approximately five blocks out was caused by a vehicle that struck a fire hydrant at 4 p.m. on Nov. 25, which caused a break in the line.
“The car was actually on top of the hydrant,” Starr said. “There was no way we were going to be able to repair it under pressure. So we had to shut off the water at both ends.”
The repairs were completed, and the boil water advisory ended at 2 p.m. on Nov. 26.
Pandemic precautions
Mount Vernon city offices remain open as public health officials nationwide warn of possible surges in COVID-19 cases following Thanksgiving. Some city staff have been working remotely, which Starr said is working well.
Residents who need to work out anything with their utilities, water or wastewater bills are asked to call to make an appointment.
“If they don't want to get in their car and drive downtown, they can just call the office and then take care of that,” Starr said.
Masks and social distancing are required in city offices. Touchless toilets, faucets and towel dispensers are helping to mitigate risks.
