MT. VERNON (WMIX) – The Mt. Vernon City Council will meet tonight for their regularly scheduled meeting, and will enter executive session at the end of the night, and a public hearing will be held that will mark the first step in the application process for CDAP Housing Grant.

City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel and Mayor John Lewis are urging all residents of Mt. Vernon to attend this crucial hearing.

Lewis emphasizes the importance of community involvement stating the City values the input of its residents as they are the heart and soul of the city. He says their attendance at this public hearing will demonstrate their commitment to improving the quality of housing in Mt. Vernon.

The City of Mt. Vernon looks to secure the maximum grant amount of $650,000, which will be matched by $20,000 in local funds.

Bechtel explains the funds will enable the City to address critical housing issues and enhance the overall living conditions for its residents.

If awarded, the CDAP Housing Grant funds will be utilized for a variety of essential improvements, including siding, windows, roofs, floor coverings, bathroom rehabilitation, furnaces, water heaters, and more. The specific upgrades will be determined based on the unique needs of each housing unit.

Then before entering executive session, the council will be asked to approve the closure of North Street between 10th Street and 11th Street from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Thanksgiving Dinner Thursday.

The council will also be asked to approve an ordinance granting conditional use for the purpose of a solar farm, and also an ordinance rezoning property at 705 Meadowbrook from R-2 to R-M2.

The council will address these items and others before entering executive session to discuss the sale of City property.

The meeting will begin at 6:30 tonight in the City Council Chambers of City Hall, located at 1100 Main St. in Mt. Vernon.