Mount Vernon Departments were prepared for snow

By Lois Mittino Gray

Mount Vernon Mayor Steve Loehr and his department heads discussed the spate of severe winter weather predicted for the week ahead at the January 22, Mount Vernon Board of Works meeting. “I’ve sent out texts to all departments concerning the upcoming weather into the week and all have responded and are prepared, so thank you. We have a great group of individuals working for the city, and I hope all the extra personnel are bored this weekend from not having as much to do as expected,” he joked.

Mount Vernon Fire Chief Robert Wilson told Board members he is going to closely watch the weather forecast throughout the day today and if the forecast models hold, he is going to increase manpower at the station for predicted snow days. “Keep an eye on neighbors and the elderly and see if they need help with lack of heat and food supplies. I’d like to remind everyone that with the very cold temps coming and the possible snowfall, please keep plenty of blankets and warm clothes in your cars. Also, use extreme caution when using space heaters in homes.”

During department reports, Wilson reported since the last meeting, there were 70 calls for service for his department. This includes one structure fire; one vehicle fire; two fire alarms; three fire investigations; two illegal burns; and two gas leaks. They offered 81 hours of training.

The firemen have been active doing community service. Last Saturday, the fire department hosted the Special Olympics Power Lifting Competition at the station. There were around 60 people in attendance, including 17 athletes, coming from Posey, Vanderburgh, and Gibson Counties. “Today we are teaching the men’s breakfast club the proper way to use an AED and this Friday and Saturday, until the bad weather moves in, we will be providing first aid for the Lady Wildcats Basketball Tournament at the High School and Junior High School,” he announced.

Assistant Police Chief Corbin Sellers stated for the period of January 8 through January 21, there were 259 total calls for service. Of those, 93 traffic stops were conducted and four traffic collisions investigated. There were three individuals arrested on seven different charges, including four drug/alcohol charges, two OWI, and one traffic/license crime. As a reminder, he and Chief Justin Rutledge will be in Indianapolis on January 26-30 for the Chief’s Conference and will be using the city credit card.

Utilities Superintendent Chuck Gray will be attending training in French Lick March 17-19 and using the city credit card. He reported 2,532 feet of main were cleaned with the VacCon since the last meeting, and 315 feet were televised for obstructions. Sewage Plant Superintendent Curtis Prather gave a very thorough end of the year report for the group.

Street Commissioner Jim Kilgore stated, since the last meeting, there were nine extra trash pickups generating $450; and limb removal fees of $200. There were also six violation letters sent to homeowners for their property being in violation for trash.

Code Enforcement Officer Clay Clifford told Board members that for the period January 7 through January 22, there were three tall grass and weed cases opened, none closed, and no work orders issued. There were 12 abandoned vehicle cases opened, seven closed, and one towed. A private abandoned vehicle is considered operable, not moved in twenty days, and over three model years old. There were two Area Plan Cases opened, none closed, and none forwarded. He concluded by stating there were also 12 animal calls.

During the Legals portion of the agenda, City Attorney Beth Higgins updated Board members about a change since the last meeting. At that time, the Board opened quotes on the demolition of a property located on 903 W. Fifth Street. “That lot has now been privately purchased by an adjoining neighbor and the city has recouped its costs. The new owner plans to demo on their own dime,” she noted. Board member David Dodd moved the Board reject all quotes opened at the last meeting on the demolition of 903 W. 5th Street and the motion carried.

Board member Andy Hoehn reported he and Superintendent Gray talked about Locates, a service provided by 811. He asked why they have to pay for the service. Gray replied it is a State law they have to pay and he added, the city needs a permit system for boring as well. Curtis Prater added if someone digs and doesn’t contact 811, and hits a line, the city can act, so there is some protection there. Mayor Loehr stated he agrees with a permit system. “We need some kind of system to get at least some control. Right now, the city has no say,” he observed.

Under New Business, Commissioner Kilgore said the asbestos has been removed from the roof of the barn located at 406 Old Hwy 69, so at this point, they really need to go out and get bids on demolition.

Kilgore then stated he would like to discuss permits for underground boring. “I have examples of what Vanderburgh County uses, and they have a permit for everything. We really need to look into this, Mainstream Fiber was asking about it,” he urged. He also feels a bond should be required, like it is in contracts. “Some companies do really good work, and others do shoddy work,” he reminded them.

Hoehn stated he feels they should emulate what Vanderburgh County has and adjust down the road if need be. “It seems to be the quickest way.” Attorney Higgins stated the Board of Works would authorize this, and they can definitely take the Vanderburgh County permit as a guide and adjust to read for Mount Vernon and its utilities. The Board would be the entity to approve the permit application, but if there is to be a fee involved, the Common Council would need to approve that in the form of an ordinance. Hoehn also agrees that bonding is a good idea. Higgins added a Certificate of Insurance should also be on file. “Sounds good, we need to be on top of this!” the Mayor said.