Phase 2 improvements to MV wastewater treatment plant move forward

The City of Mount Vernon approved moving forward with a bid from V and K for the phase 2 improvements of the wastewater treatment plant’s nutrient reduction plans.

The contract for $79,000 is the first step in the roughly $4 to $5 million project, outlining the needed improvements and finding a contractor for the project.

The project will align with the requests from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

City administrator Chris Nosbisch said he has delayed the project as long as possible and work needs to begin moving forward on the project.

Request for no parking extension

Jacqueline Mostaff spoke in citizen’s opportunity to address the council to request the no parking zone be extended further along Second Street in Mount Vernon.

Mostaff lives in the 400 block of Second Street and said that extending the no parking zone 25 feet more to the east would help with getting vehicles in and out of access from the home, as well as help with traffic exiting from Brackett House.

“It would also give easier access to the alley for emergency equipment,” Mostaff said.

She says she gets worried during community events, especially, as it contributes to parking congestion.

She has noticed parking also contributes to issues for city crews in removing snow during weather events. Public works director Eldon Downs did agree with that assessment.

City staff are reviewing the request and will revisit the issue at a future council meeting.