Dog park proposed at Mt. Vernon Board of Aldermen meeting

A dog park could be on the way for citizens of Mt. Vernon, as potential plans were announced by President of the Mt. Vernon Community Betterment Council, Pam Dudley, at the Mt. Vernon Board of Aldermen meeting, Tuesday, March 24.

The organization, once semi-dismantled, has now reorganized and is committed to putting their leftover money to good use.

The meeting began with public participation, which saw Dudley take the podium to present her ideas to the council. The Mt. Vernon Community Betterment Council, which had been inactive for a long while, had now reformed and still had some money in the bank, said Dudley. With the estimated $10,000 they have in their reserves, they want to move forward with a new dog park in collaboration with the city. Dudley said, after being prompted by Mayor Jason Haymes with a question, that ideally, the dog park would be located in Spirit of ’76 Park.

“Mostly for parking access, and the majority of people go to that park,” said Dudley.

The committee is asking for the city of Mt. Vernon to take part in this project, providing some of the necessary funds, on top of the land that would be required to get started. The committee asked that the city provide fencing and gates, pet waste stations, and access to water. The committee would provide what Dudley described as “the fun stuff,” including play and agility equipment, a water station, seating, and ideally, a splash pad.

To come up with the required funds, the committee also plans to sell advertising on signage in the park, an idea they got from visiting neighboring dog parks in the area.

“We believe that the socialization aspect of dog ownership… really will bring those pet owners together,” said Dudley.

ABMD awarded

Brittni Bates, executive director of the Mt. Vernon Area Chamber of Commerce, also addressed the board regarding recent success with the city’s annual fall festival, Apple Butter Makin’ Days. The three-day affair was once again voted the best community event by Rural Missouri Magazine, making this most recent victory number four in the last four years.

“I think that’s a testament to our community, our chamber board, our Apple Butter Makin’ Days Committee, and of course our multiple partnerships, which include the city,” said Bates. “And we just want to express our appreciation for that partnership and the tourism that it brings to the area.”

City administrator report

The board of aldermen took a moment before the city administrator’s report to acknowledge that they have not yet promoted the recently hired administrator, Robert Harrington, from his probationary period, which was only set to last for 90 days. The city added the agenda item and promoted Harrington to full-time employee after about 120 days.

During the city administrator report, Harrington detailed his efforts to receive quotes on the modification of the new public works building. He identified Paragon Architecture as his first choice to undertake the work; this choice was accepted by the council.

Harrington also brought forward the idea to change the service used for the city’s police servers. The city made the change to a new service known as Hyper-V, which will save the city money in the long run, though it will cost an upfront installation fee of more than $5,000.

Public Works

Dustin Davis, public works director, presented his report to the board, which included a request to purchase operational items.

The first of these he presented for board approval was a chemical needed to clean the sand filter at the wastewater treatment plant. Davis asked the board for the $9,140 needed to purchase the chemicals. The board approved. Davis also requested to purchase chemicals to treat the golf course, this time, in the amount of $17,552. The board approved this motion, as well.