Mount Vernon pursues Brownfield remediation and SR‑13 work; city to apply for state grant and proceed with municipal‑center renovation

City staff told council they will apply to the Ohio Department of Development’s Brownfield remediation program to fund demolition and contaminated‑soil remediation tied to the State Route 13 corridor and the Mount Vernon Justice Center site.

Brian Ball and other staff said the grant would allow the city to bundle multiple demolition tasks and remediation needs (including asbestos and contaminated soils from former coal, oil and gas works) into a single application. Staff said the city has budgeted local contributions for core elements of the State Route 13 project and that the Brownfield grant would reduce the city’s capital outlay if awarded.

Staff also updated council on the North Sandusky Street/Upper Fredericktown Road safety planning work (SR‑13 North). The presentation reviewed crash data, multi‑jurisdictional partners and grant application history; staff said ODOT and federal programs evaluate benefits for additional design and construction funding. ‘‘This intersection has multiple crashes. We've had a fatality at that intersection,’’ a city official said, explaining why ODOT supported the planning request.

Separately, council approved resolution 2026‑05 to advertise bids and enter into contract for renovation of two floors at 236 South Main Street to house city hall. Members noted committee review and expressed support for moving ahead so space can be readied.

Staff said if internal candidates do not fill new positions tied to the municipal center moves, the city will post jobs externally and follow usual hiring procedures.