Council approves cooperation with ODOT for SR 13/Mount Vernon Road improvements, declares emergency

The Newark City Council voted unanimously to authorize cooperation with the Ohio Department of Transportation for roadway improvements on State Route 13 (Mount Vernon Road) from West Channel Street to the north corporate limit and declared the measure an emergency.

Resolution 25-53, introduced by Council member Rapp and seconded during the meeting, authorizes the director of public service to cooperate with ODOT on the described roadway improvements and declares an emergency. The motion passed on a roll-call vote with all council members present voting yes.

During the meeting the mover offered a brief statement on the reason for the emergency designation. No additional funding details or construction timelines were provided during the session; the resolution was presented for adoption and passed that night.

Related resolutions on the agenda — including a revitalization district measure (25-51) and a sewer separation construction authorization (25-52) — were held for a subsequent meeting. The action on 25-53 authorizes the city's public-service director to accept bids and enter contingent contracts as needed subject to future appropriations and is tied to coordination with state-level transportation officials.