Fire engine for MV wait long, costly

By Lois Mittino Gray

Mount Vernon Fire Chief Robert Wilson told members of the Mount Vernon Board of Works that a new fire engine order now requires prepayment and a long wait time, so they should get this run started out the station soon. He asked Board members to approve his request at their March 5, meeting for the new million dollar plus emergency vehicle which would be delivered in a few years. With their blessing given, he will now bring the details before the Common Council at their meeting in two weeks.

There is a 27 to 36 month lead time necessary for the new engine to be built for the city. The build requires prepayment. City Attorney Beth Higgins stated that recent law changes now allow for the prepayment, as long as there is a prepayment agreement and a performance bond posted. The cost of the engine is $1,102,895, but the city will be entitled to a $71,000 discount with the prepayment, making it about $1,031,895.

Wilson has the loan terms from two local banks, United Fidelity and Old National Bank, and the engine manufacturers partner bank PNC. He said United Fidelity Bank came in with the best terms at 4.5 percent interest. They are looking at a first payment due in April 2027, with a seven year term. Attorney Higgins said there was to be a change in Local Income Tax starting in 2027, but that has now been pushed back to 2029, which is a help.

Mount Vernon Mayor Steve Loehr moved they move forward with the purchase from the Public Safety Fund. It was seconded by Board Member Andy Hoehn.

Wilson also reported that since the last meeting, his department responded to 37 calls for service, and they have had 475 hours of fire training and 157 hours of medical training to date. He has been working for some time now on an Automatic Aid Agreement with Fire Chief Jay Price of Black Township Fire & Rescue. After many hours of research and discussion, they have finalized the plan and put it in place on Monday, March 2. They hope to lower insurance rates with the mutual coverage and enhanced manpower.

Mount Vernon Police Chief Justin Rutledge stated for the period from February 19 to March 4, there were 220 total calls for service. Of those, 102 traffic stops were conducted; and three traffic collisions were investigated. There were nine individuals arrested on 19 different charges including 11 drug, three traffic/license crimes, two battery, two criminal mischief, and one false reporting.

Board member Hoehn brought up once again that there is still a problem with the flashing lights at crosswalks. “Kids can be in the crosswalk and the lights are flashing and people are just not stopping. Someone is going to get hit. Can we make the law stronger or more enforceable?” he wondered.

Rutledge asked if the city can look at an ordinance that would be tighter than State law. “According to State law, someone has to be actually in the crosswalk before drivers have to stop. Can we have an ordinance that says if the lights are flashing people need to stop?”

Assistant Street Commissioner Jim Miller reported since the last meeting, there were 20 extra trash pick-ups generating $1,020; and two violation letters were sent to homeowners whose property was in violation for trash.

Code Enforcement Officer Clay Clifford stated for the period of February 5 to March 5 there were no tall grass/weed cases opened; none closed, and no work orders were issued. There were two abandoned vehicle cases opened; seven closed; and none towed. Area Plan had no cases opened, closed, or forwarded; and he took 18 animal calls.

During Legals, three quotes received on the demolition of the old barn located at 406 S Old Hwy 69 were opened by Clerk-Treasurer Cristi Sitzman in the order received. Russell’s Excavating quoted $18,900.00; Naas & Son, LLC. quoted $13,890.00; and Chastain Excavating quoted $14,900.00. Loehr moved the low quote be accepted, pending legal review, and the motion carried.

Higgins prepared a right-of-waypermit application that will need Board approval since it was approved the night before at Council. Board member Hoehn moved the permit application be approved and the motion carried.

The Tree Board requested approval for their arborist, Donnarae Woolston, to be a voting member on the Tree Board. Patty Hacker, speaking from the audience, added thatWoolston is a certified arborist, a Master Gardener, among other things, and she will also be testing next week for risk assessment. She has a ton of knowledge. Mayor Loehr stated the Board will keep Tom Guggenheim as the County Arborist, and Woolston as the arborist for the Tree Board. He then asked if Patty Hacker would accept the appointment of being on the Tree Board once again and she wholeheartedly replied in the affirmative.