Kelley chosen to succeed Springer as Mt. Vernon city administrator

New Spirit of ‘76 Park bathrooms to get roll up door to prevent further vandalism at recently upgraded park
 
The Mt. Vernon Board of Aldermen announced during its meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 14 that Joe Kelley, the city’s Public Works Department director was chosen to succeed Max Springer as city administrator, pending his satisfactory completion of a Gold Class. Springer will retire from the position on Dec. 31 of this year.
During the meeting, the board announced that Kelley, if he accepted the position, would be paid $68,000 per year, get three weeks of vacation and receive standard benefits. Kelley did not immediately accept the position at the meeting; he told the board he needed to speak with his “significant other” before he made a decision. A media inquiry seeking comment from Kelley had no response as of press time.
Springer said he believed Kelley is a good choice to take over his job as administrator.
“Joe has been with the city for nearly five years as Public Works director, which has provided him with the opportunity to be involved with the community, to understand some of the needs, issues and desires of our community,” Springer said. “I think he will do fine.”

In other business
The board approved a bid from Monett Door Commercial, LLC to install a roll-up door at the entrance to the new Spirit of ’76 restrooms for $1,660. The door will be installed in order to curb any more vandalism that was inflicted on the restrooms in August. There were two other bids for the project: Renner Door of Springfield for $1,640 and Overheard Door of Springfield for $6,542.
The board also voted to end the city’s contract with Infinity/Jana-King to clean the Mt. Vernon City Hall and Police Department after the contract expires in December and hire a part-time person instead. Springer said this person would also be available to work at the MARC on an as-needed basis. The part-time employee, when hired, will be paid about $18,720 per year.

Springer report
In his report, Springer told the board that Kurt Higgins, an engineer with Allgeier Martin, had submitted an updated study on the Shafer/Pattern Street storm water issues. He said the study showed how stormwater could be re-routed, and the project would cost $306,000, which he told the board he would look at including in the city’s budget for next year.
Finally, Springer also told the board that the city would close on a land sale of 19.56 acres with Wilmoth Oil on Wednesday, Sept. 15.