MOUNT VERNON – Knox County and Mount Vernon are considered prepared for the economic impact the new Intel plant is likely to create, according to Mayor Matt Starr.
City officials met with the Area Development Foundation on Thursday to get an update for investors. Presentations also were made by the OneOhio Recovery Foundation and by Intel.
“Feedback generally was that Knox County is in good shape,” Starr said. “We're working together very well and doing everything we can to get ahead of the curve and prepare for what will be probably the largest economic development measure in Ohio for as far as I can tell. This is bigger than the Honda.”
“Honda” refers to a $3.5 billion battery plant for electric vehicles announced earlier this month, according to Reuters. The automaker’s joint effort with LG Energy Solution is slated for Fayette County.
The mayor indicated that Ohio is taking advantage of the fact that many technological jobs are being re-shored in the United States to meet manufacturing needs.
During Thursday night’s meeting, representatives from OneOhio Recovery Foundation discussed the state’s opioid settlement, stemming from Gov. Mike DeWine’s 2017 lawsuit against the drug’s distributors.
In July, the governor issued a press release stating that the first distribution of funds had begun with local governments across the state. Additional payments will be made over the next 18 years.
The funds are allocated geographically; Region 18 includes Knox, Licking, Fairfield, Delaware, Morrow, Marion and Union counties, Starr said.
At the meeting, representatives from the OneOhio Recovery Foundation gave organizational instructions and explained the rules that the region’s representatives must follow. The statewide foundation will oversee the disbursement of grant funding.
Starr said the city already received an allotment for its participation in the opioid settlement and should receive another installment of less than $10,000. He said that the foundation grants will enable the city to help primarily with education and treatment efforts, providing services for people with opioid addiction or preventing it.
City needs seasonal help with leaves
The Street Department began collecting leaves this week after testing equipment the week before.
Mount Vernon continues to need seasonal help for the Street Department. Interested people can get an application from the city’s website, MountVernonOhio.org.
Crews also did patch-up work for water digs on New Gambier Road and Edgewood Road last week. They also removed a tree and stump on North Road that blocked the view of a driveway.
Parks get rubber mulch
Rubber mulch was installed at additional locations by the Parks Department, including the playground enclosure at Phillips Park and at Arch Park.
“It's a work in progress, and we'll continue to make sure that we get the rubber mulch out there,” Starr said. “That should last for several years, as opposed to the wood mulch that we use.”
The wood mulch degrades to dirt and also leaves splinters. He said that Memorial Park and Riverside Park have received most of the rubber mulch so far.
“The last day the parks will officially be open will be Nov. 15. After that, the restrooms are going to be winterized,” Starr said.
The closure could come sooner depending on the weather, as the city doesn’t want pipes to freeze.
Fire Department trains, assesses fitness
The Mount Vernon Fire Department began its annual drivers' training. Crews also started their annual physical fitness assessment, Starr said.
Traffic island work continues
A concrete shortage has made completing work on the traffic island at the Columbus Road and South Main Street intersection more difficult. A city contractor has been doing that work and will perform more curb and gutter work this week.
The mayor said the stormwater inventory along Adams Run continues, with reports due soon.
Veterans Day memorial service planned
A memorial service will be held on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, at the Public Square.
Knox Veterans Service will coordinate the ceremony. The public is welcome to come and pay their respects.
