MOUNT VERNON – Freeze warnings have not helped City contractors in finishing the North Main Street-Chestnut Street intersection project that is causing traffic problems, and this week’s forecast does not look promising.
Mayor Matt Starr told the Mount Vernon News that the concrete work is done. Smith Paving was spreading topsoil and seeding while Perram Electric installed poles, lights and a traffic signal cabinet. Small’s Asphalt Paving installed the base asphalt in the repair areas and milled the existing asphalt so they can overlay the intersection.
“We cannot do the final paving until we get at least 65-degree weather or above for the surface paving,” he said. “That’s the thing that’s holding us up, so we’re praying that weather cooperates and warms up here quickly so we can get that intersection open.”
Work continues on Phases 1 and 2 of the Kokosing River Restoration. Crews are working on streambank stabilization at Norton Street. This part of the project is expected to finish approximately June 15.
“They’re really doing a great job on that restoration project,” Starr said.
Both 6-inch fire line and 4-inch FDC (fire department connection) lines have been installed into the Schnormeier Event Center building at Ariel-Foundation Park. A fire suppression contractor needs to complete the installation to bring it into compliance for fire safety.
Public Buildings and Lands
Seasonal workers have joined the staff to prepare for the city’s Memorial Day events. The probation department is also providing help. Students from St. Vincent de Paul School will place flags in the veterans’ flag holders at the cemetery on May 20 or 21, depending on the weather.
The city’s Memorial Day Parade is scheduled for Monday, May 31, followed by a memorial service at the Knox Memorial.
The City swapped out two large rooftop HVAC units at the Station Break Senior Citizens Center at 160 Howard St., which has been a longtime need for the senior center, Starr said.
Meredith Lowther, director of the senior center, will apply for a grant to cover the cost. Mount Vernon will put some money into the project for the City building.
Street Department
The 12-inch traffic light at the intersection of Nuce Road, Nash Street and Mansfield Avenue was replaced with an 8-inch light to avoid damage from oversized vehicles.
“The trucks that shouldn’t be there necessarily would break off the bottom,” Starr said.
A catch basin on Gambier Street was rebuilt, and the Dike Road guardrail was repaired.
Residents are encouraged to call the City at 740-393-9501 to report potholes.
Utilities
The Village of Fredericktown sent its vac truck with a crew to Mount Vernon to help with sewer backups on Elm Street and Marma Drive last week.
“A brand-new truck is half a million dollars, so we’ve got to find a way to make the repairs and get (it) back in working order,” he said.
Strategic planning
Starr took strategic planning sessions back to school last week, asking students in Mary Lou Jacklin’s fourth-grade class at Pleasant Street Elementary School what they thought city priorities should be over the next 10 years. This week he will meet with some fifth-graders at Dan Emmett Elementary School.
