(MT. VERNON, IL) — The Mt. Vernon City Council met Monday evening. Among items on the agenda, the Council heard a request from the City Manager to waive bidding requirements for new industrial park signage, which was approved. The City Attorney gave second readings of an ordinance annexing real estate to the City of Mt. Vernon, which was tabled, of an ordinance authorizing the sale of municipal property located adjacent to S. 42nd Street, which was approved, and the approval of a resolution for the naming of the new industrial park to honor outgoing mayor, Mary Jane Chesley. The Council swore in the newly elected mayor, John Lewis, and new city council members James Rippy and Mike Young. They read and approved a resolution requesting IDOT approval for a temporary closure of Illinois Route 15 for the Salute To Freedom Fireworks on July 4, 2017. The mayor appointed Shirilyn Holt to the Mt. Vernon City Housing Authority Board to replace Brad Henson and appointed a blue ribbon committee for the study of public utilities system. Finally, the Council made motions directing the city manager to draft an ordinance amending public forum rules of participation, amending the open burning ordinance, and necessary measures for opening the South 7th Street rail crossing.