Mount Vernon council approves rezoning, approves sale of surplus tractor; holds first reading on homeless shelter ordinance

The Mount Vernon City Council unanimously approved an ordinance rezoning property at 14040 Link Lane from R-1 to A-G on Feb. 6. City Attorney David Leggans said Planning and Zoning recommended the change 3–0 and staff supported the rezoning; Council Member Donte Moore moved for adoption and Council Member Mike Young seconded.

Also on the agenda, the council approved Ordinance #2023-06 authorizing the sale of a surplus 2006 John Deere 5303 tractor after a motion to suspend the rules and take action. Council Member Ray Botch moved to suspend the rules; Donte Moore seconded; the subsequent motion to approve the sale passed unanimously.

City Attorney Leggans presented for first reading a proposed amendment to the Residential Facility for Homeless Persons ordinance. City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel said the amendment would allow Life Boat Alliance to offer on-site counseling to individuals who were previously clients but no longer residents, and would establish minimum distance limits between homeless shelters. The measure was read for first reading only; no final vote occurred.