Potential Mt. Vernon skatepark faces big obstacle; suggestions requested, welcome

Cost of a new skatepark far outweighs amount of funds
Despite all their hard work, the Mt. Vernon skaters and those working with them face a new obstacle in creating a new skatepark at the site of Gibbs Park. Max Springer, city administrator, reported during the Mt. Vernon Board of Aldermen meeting on Tuesday, July 23, that the skaters have raised $12,000-$13,000 towards the construction of the skatepark, but the cost to build one could range from $57,000 for a 6,320 square-foot slab of concrete or $316,000 for a slab with four or five obstacles.
“The kids have worked hard to raise $12,000-$13,000 for a skatepark, but we’re a long way from seeing that reality,” Springer said. He asked the board for suggestions, emphasizing no decisions were being made yet.
“I know there are grants available, but they are not able to apply for the grants yet,” said one board member, “until we have an established spot for it and a budget.”
“But, they also (have) to be concrete,” Springer said.
Further discussing grants, Springer said the Tony Hawk Foundation had a grant, but it was only $25,000.
“We’re looking at other (grants),” Springer continued. “There might be some other grants available through the Federal Park Program.” He again asked the board for their advice on how to proceed.
One board member said she believed the effort for the skate park should continue.
“I can’t look those kids in the eye with ‘we scrap this,’” she said.
After further discussion, Springer said he would be looking for the board’s “wisdom” on the matter.
“You should be looking for our money,” joked Mayor David Eden, “because I think we’ve exhausted the wisdom.”
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“The kids have worked really hard,” Springer continued. “I mean, $12,000 may not sound like a lot; it’s a lot of money for (them to raise). I think it’s been a valiant effort, so I’d like to somehow reward them for that, but we’ll figure it out.”
In other business, Springer reported the FTA Audit of the city’s taxi service was conducted on Thursday, July 11. There were no deficiencies, but there were four recommendations made: 1. Lock the file cabinet to prevent unauthorized access to employee’s confidential drug and alcohol testing information; 2. Conduct refresher training courses for transportation employees on the effects and consequences of prohibited drug use; 3. Conduct refresher course of supervisors on “Reasonable Suspicion.” Must be completed at least every three years; and 4. Two people be present when the fares are counted. Springer said the taxi service would comply with all four recommendations.
The board also approved five pay requests: $2,502.44 for the Main Street Sidewalk project, $2,001.95 of which would be reimbursed by MoDOT; $22,586.74 for items completed in the Sewer Plant Maintenance Project; $107,660.59 for work completed on the City Hall renovation project; $156,706.76 for roof repairs at 600 N. Main Street. The total cost of the repairs was $216,706.76, and the city has already paid $60,000 towards the repairs. Springer said the city’s insurance company would reimburse the city for all costs, minus the $1,000 deductible. Finally, the board also approved a payment of $54,170.08 for work completed on the Gibbs Park Storm Water Project.
Springer also announced that Silgan will be closing in Mt. Vernon on Oct. 4; the closure will affect 19 to 20 jobs.