City Council

' al, i,i, F- n. CITY CLERK MOUl'%'Tl'l/'LaFa"11!-'U"'IJia'i4Y l013tiav 2 ! r:> 2: 23 CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2023 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS - ROOM 206 CITY HALL. MOUNT VERNON. NEW YORK VIA FACEBOOK.COM/MOUNTVERNONNY LEGISLATION AND PUBLIC WORKS s. ' An authorizing a budget line transfer to TRANSFER I ordinance negative balances within the Office of the OF FUNDS cover Mayor - ($5,000 from A1210.405 {Contracted Outside Services} to A1201.403 {Membership Dues}). I 2. authorizing the rental of a front-end ' EXECUTE An ordinance loader for the Department of Public Works ($8,563.80 DOCUMENTS for the period October 23, 2023, to December 31, per month, will be sourced from the Motor Vehicle Control - 2023. Funds Equipment Line A1620.203). An ordinance of the City of Mount Vernon, New LEAVE OF 3. York granting a leave of absence without pay to ABSENCE Gears, in the Board of Water Supply Clerk - Khelley (December 4, 2023, through December 4, 2024 - Administrative I Aide with the Office of the City Clerk). HUMAN RESOURCES An ordinance of the City of Mount Vernon, New EXECUTE l' York authorizing the Mayor to enter into an DOCUMENTS agreement the Westchester with Community Health Health and Wellness Services - Center for Mental I ' (December 15, 2023, through May 3, 2024, annual cost: Code I I ' $50,000.00, funds are to be accounted for in Budget A7318-458 0CFS {misc. expenses}). I City Council Meeting Agenda November 21, 2023 PUBLIC SAFETY AND CODES AMENDMENT 5. An ordinance amending Ordinance No. 34, adopted by the City Council on September 13, 2023, entitled "AN ORDINANCE REQUESTING PERMISSION TO PARTNER WITH THE AMERICAN RED CROSS GREATER NY (GNY) CHAPTER FOR A "PREPARE MO{JNT VERNON" DAY-LONG COMM{JNITY EVENT" - (the total costs for OEM associated with the logistical arrangements are not expected to exceed $1,500.00 and are available in Budget Line A3640.401. [October 7, 2023, rain, or shine from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.J Saturday. December 2, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Doles Center, 250 South Sixth Avenue). PER_MISSION 6. An ordinance authorizing Fire Officer training for two (2) firefighters - (New York State Fire Academy from November 27, 2023, through December 7, 2023. The cost to attend this training is $900.00 to be satisfied from Budget Line A3410.45 1, Traiiiing). REPEAI_, 7. An ordinance repealing § 147-2 from the City of Mount Vernon, N.Y. Municipal Code entitled "Determination of Guilt." EXECUTE 8. Aa'i ordinance authorizing the renewal of the contract DOCUMENTS with the Humane Society of Westchester at New Rochelle for animal control services. (The first-quarter payment for the contract renewal, in the amount of $33,750.00, shall be satisfied from the Department of Public Safety's budget line A3510.445). EXECUTE 9. An ordinance of the City of Mount Vernon, New York DOCUMENTS authorizing the Mayor to enter into a payment agreement with InVeris for repairs and upgrades to the Shooting Range. RESOLUTION 10. A resolution of the City Council of Mount Vernon, New York on the consecration and elevation of Reverend Troy P. DeCohen to the sacred office of Bishop. FINANCE AND PLANNING EXECUTE 11. An ordinance the Mayor to execute an authorizing DOCUMENTS Intermunicipal Agreement with Westchester County to operate the Mount Vernon Financial Empowerment Center within the Mount Vernon One-Stop Career Center - (contract period: December 2025 - December 2025, security personnel cost of $28,651 per year to be paid by the City). EXECUTE 12. An ordinance the Mayor to accept a grant authorizing DOCUMENTS/ from Cities Financial Empowerment for Fund and ACCEPT execute a technical assistance service agreement with A GRANT said organization to establish the Mount Vernon Financial Empowerment Center within the City of Mount Vemon - ($150,000.00). Page 2 NOV2 1 ZliZ3 f AN LINE ORDINANCE TRANSFER AUTHORIZING TO COVER A BUDGET NEGATIVE BALANCES WITHIN THE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR WHEREAS, by letter dated November 7, 2023, the Mayor has requested legislation authorizing the transfer of $5,000.00 from A1210.405 (Contracted Outside Services) to A1201.403 (Membership Dues). Tis transfer is necessary to cover a negative balance in the said office; and WHEREAS, the Mayor's office requires a budget line transfer to cover a negative balance; and WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that such a budget line transfer is in the best interest of the City; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain and enact: Section 1: Budget Line Transfer. Transfer the sum of $5,000.00 firom A1210.405 (Contracted Outside Services) to A1201.403 (Membership Dues). Section 2: Purpose. This budget line transfer is necessary to address the negative balance in the Mayor's office budget line. Section 3: Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect upon its approval by the Board of Estimate & Contract. Councilperson P VED AS TO FORM Corporation Counsel i 0 -O O Q) E .C City Clerk ) oL o co "= APPROVED OCLCO Dept. Mayor JL3  NOV 2 I AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE RENT AL OF A FRONT-END LOADER FOR THE DEP ARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS WHEREAS, by letter dated October 26, 2023, the Commissioner of the Department of Public Works has requested legislation authorizing the rental of a front- end loader from Sunbelt Rentals, at a cost of $8,563.80 per month, forthe period October 23, 2023, to December 31, 2023; and WHEREAS, the Department of Public Works requires a front-end loader for the transportation and distribution of gravel, sand, and construction equipment at the Department's garage; and WHEREAS, the front-end loader will also be used for site cleanup to ensure the area is safe and visually appealing; and WHEREAS, Sunbelt Rentals, a preferred local vendor, has provided a rental proposal at a reasonable cost for the period from October 23, 2023, to December 31, 2023; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT The City of Mount Vemon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain, and enact: Section l: Authorization to Rent Front-End Loader. The City Council hereby authorizes the Department of Public Works to rent a front-end loader from Sunbelt Rentals, at a cost of $8,563.80 per month, for the period from October 23, 2023, to December 31, 2023. Section 2: Funding Source. The fiinds for this front-end loader rental shall be sourced from the Motor Vehicle Control - Equipment Line A1620.203. Section 3: Execution of Rental Agreement. The Commissioner of the Department of Public Works is authorized to execute the necessary rental agreement with Stu'ibelt Rentals, and any other related documents, to effectuate the rental of the front-end loader. Section 4: Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect upon its approval by the Board of Estimate & Contract. & AS TO FORM COUNCIL 0 Corporation Counsel o a) o 27 c t'o a) E City Clerk 'O o APPROVED NOV 2 ai APPROVED ; !!D =-, 3: o 000 CO Dept. Mayor NOV 2 1 2fl23 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON, NEW YORK GRANTING A LEAVE OF ABSENCE WITHOUT PAY TO KHELLEY GEARS, CLERK IN THE BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY WHEREAS, by letter dated November 17, 2023, the Commissioner of the Board of Water Supply has requested legislation be enacted authorizing a one-year leave of absence without pay forKhelley Gears from her position as Clerk inthe Board of Water Supply effective from December 4, 2023, through December 4, 2024; and WHEREAS, Khelley Gears, an employee of the Board of Water Supply, has requested a one-year leave of absence without pay; and WHEREAS, Ms. Gears has accepted employment with the City as an Administrative Aide with the Office of the City Clerk during the period of her requested leave; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT The City of Moiu'it Vernon, in City Council, convened, hereby ordains, and enacts: Section l: Leave of Absence Granted. Khelley Gears is hereby granted a one-year leave of absence without pay from her position as Clerk in the Board of Water Supply. The leave will be effective from December 4, 2023, through December 4, 2024. Section 2: Employment with the City Clerk's Office. During the period of the leave of absence, Ms. Gears is authorized to accept employment as an Administrative Aide with the Office of the City Clerk. Section 3: Terms and Conditions. Ms. Gears shall comply with all applicable niles, regulations, and policies governing leaves of absence. Her return to the Board of Water Supply shall be subject to the conditions specified in the relevant employment policies. Section 4: Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon approval. Counci VED AS TO FORM NCIL Corporation Counsel o City Clerk o APPROVED CLCCI Dept. Mayor NOV 2 1 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON, NEW YORK AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE WESTCHESTER COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER FOR MENT AL HEALTH AND WELLNESS SERVICES WHEREAS, by letter dated November 14, 2023, the Deputy Cornrnissioner of the Youth Bureau has requested legislation authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with Westchester Community Health Center to provide mental health and wellness services for the participants of Safe Places for Our Girls for the contract period effective from December 15, 2023, through May 3, 2024; and WHEREAS, the City of Mount Vernon, through the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau, has accepted a grant from the Department of Health & Human Services and the Administration for Children and Families for the Safe Places for Our Girls program; and WHEREAS, it is deemed necessary and beneficial to introduce mental health and wellness skills for the participants of Safe Places for Our Girls to enhance their overall well-being; and WHEREAS, Westchester Community Health Center is well-equipped to provide mental health and wellness services; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, dehereby ordains, and enacts: Section l: Authorization to Enter into Agreement. The Mayor is hereby authorized to enter into an agreement with Westchester Community Health to Center provide mental health and wellness services for the participants of Safe Places for Our Girls. Section 2: Contract Period. The contract with Westchester Community Health Center shall be effective from December 15, 2023, through May 3, 2024. Section 3: Scope of Services. Participants will engage in movement, music, and mindfulness activities, including discussions on nahire walks, gardening, and other healthy coping aids. The program will enhance communication skills, social skills, and coping skills. Participants, upon completion, will be able to build a robustmental health and wellness self-care plan and assist their peers in doing the same. Section 4: Funding. The total annual cost of the service shall not exceed $50,000. Funds for this program shall be accounted for in Budget Code A7318-458 OCFS (miscellaneous expenses). Section 5: Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect upon its approval by the Board of Estimate & Contract. AS TO FORM Counsel i/)/') 0 -("i 0 7 (l) E .5 ; ,:O APPROVED 000 OCLa:l Dept. Mayor NOV2 1 5 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE N0. 34, ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON SEPTE:MBER 13, 2023, ENTITLED "AN ORDINANCE REQUESTING PERMISSION TO PARTNER WITH THE AMERICAN RED CROSS GREATER NY (GNY) CHAPTER FOR A "PREPAREMOUNT VERNON" DAY-LONG COMMUNITY EVENT The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain and enact: Section 1. The first decretal paragraph and Section 1 of Ordinance No. 34, adopted by the City Council on September 13, 2023, entitled "AN ORDINANCE REQUESTING PERMISSION TO PAR'INER WITH THE AMERICAN RED CROSS GREATER NY (GNY) CHAJ'TER FOR A "PREPARE MOUNT VERNOM' DAY-LONG COMMUNITY EVENT is hereby amended as follows: Whereas by letter dated November 15 [August 301, 2023, the Director for the Office of Emergency Management ("OEM") has requested an amendment to the legislation for a collaborative co-sponsorship "Prepare Mount Vernon," a day-long commiu'iity event with the American Red Cross GNY Chapter, which is scheduled to take place on [Saturday, October 7, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.] December 2, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a 7:00 a.m. set up time (rain or shine), at the Doles Center located at 250 South Sixth Avenue; and Whereas the Prepare Mount Vernon day-long community is a perfect way to start our fall and fire seasons mission as we educate the public on preparedness and create a whole community sense of resilience. During the event, the American Red Cross GNY Chapter will help our residents and organizations become more resilient to any emergency by offering many of their services and giving educational workshops and drills. Some of the services and gifts sponsors will provide patrons include hands-on CPR training (for those 13 years and older), International Humanitarian Law training, free smoke alarms, same-day home visits, and Pedro the Preparedness Penguin. Light refreshments, giveaways, and music will also be at the event to help engage residents of all ages; and Whereas other reputable agencies and organizations will participate in the event to provide support and resources for our residents. All city organizations are invited to create and enhance a spirit of community resilience. City organizations are also invited to offer our residents information and resources. This collaborative effort will strengthen the impact and reach of our collective initiatives, helping to support the relationship between the residents and our city; and Whereas to ensure a safe and successful event, the Office of Emergency Management Director requires the support of Mount Department, Vernon's Police Fire Department, Department of Public Works, Youth Bureau, and the Department of Recreation (to be confirmed) in implementing precise logistical arrangements. Specifically, the Office of Emergency Management requires assistance from the respective departments in securing tables for the setup, crowd control, and arranging for the placement of barricades and no parking signs to ensure the safety of attendees. To accommodate large-sized demonstrational first responder vehicles, OEM will need the West side of 6th Avenue between 4th and 3rd Streets reserved for NO PARKING; two (2) handicapped spaces will be exempted from this restriction; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That NOV2 1 5 The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, hereby ordains, and enacts: Section 1. Granting permission to the Office of Emergency Management for a collaborative co-sponsorship of the "Prepare Mount Vernon," a day-long community event with the American Red Cross GNY Chapter, scheduled to take place on [Saturday, October 7, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.] December 2, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a 7:00 a.m. set up time (rain or shine), at the Doles Center located at 250 South Sixth Avenue. Section 2. The City Council permits the Department of Public Works to collect bundled trash at the end of each event. Section 3. The City Council approves using the Department of Public Safety, Department of Public Works, Water Depent, Fire Department, Youth Bureau, and Department of Recreation personnel to assist with the event, as required. Section 4. Authorizing and directing the Department of Public Works to close the West side of 6'h Avenue between 4" and 3rd Streets to vehicular traffic by providing and removing barricades for street closure twenty-four (24) hours before the event on the dates mentioned above during the holding of the event. The Parking Bureau will place "No Parking Signs" at least seventy-two (72) hours before the event. Section 5. Funds for this event will not exceed $1,500.00 and will be charged to Budget Code A3640.401 (Office Expense) 2023 Budget. Section 6. This ordinance shall take effect upon its approval by the Board of Estimate & Contract. New matters underlined. Deleted matter in brackets [ ] Councilperson P VED AS TO FORM CQ C%I 0 (%J Corporation Counsel ATTEST: c mO o 3B o a) City Clerk o O APP APPFIOVED jo (X jo 000 Dept. Mayor Page 2 NOV2 1 2023 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING FIRE OFFICER TRAINING FOR TWO (2) FIREFIGHTERS WHEREAS, by letter dated November 13, 2023, the Fire Commissioner has requested legislation authorizing two (2) Firefighters to the New York State Fire Academy to attend the Fire Officer I (NFPA IO2I-2020 Edition) training course, scheduled from November 27, 2023, through December 7, 2023, and is part of the State Preparedness Training for Fire Officers; and WHEREAS, the department also requests authorization for the usage of a city vehicle to and from the training and reimbursement costs associated with fuel, tolls, and any miscellaneous charges; and WHEREAS, the cost to attend this training is $327.00 per member, totaling $654.00, and the total cost for fuel, tolls, and meals is not to exceed $900.00; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain and enact: Sectionl:AuthorizationforFireOfficerTraining. TheCityCouncilhereby authorizes the Fire Administration to send two (2) Firefighters to the New York State Fire Academy to attend the Fire Officer l (NFPA 1021-2020 Edition) training course, scheduled from November 27, 2023, through December 7, 2023. Section 2: Usage of City Vehicle. The Fire Administration is authorized to use a city vehicle for transportation to and from the training. Section 3: Reimbursement Authorization. The Firefighters attending the training are authorized for reimbursement of costs associated with fuel, tolls, and any miscellaneous charges, not to exceed a total of $900.00. Section 4: Budget Code for Training Costs. The total cost for the training, including reimbursement for fuel tolls, and miscellaneous charges, shall be satisfied from Budget Code A3410.451 (Training). Section 5: Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect upon its approval by the Board of Estimate & Contract. VED AS TO FORM C%I 0 (N Counsel o C%I a) '!'! criO City Clerk ) APPFIOVED o 000 Dept. Mayor NgV 2 1 2023 AN ORDINANCE REPEALING SECTION 147-2 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE ENTITLED "DETERMINATION OF GUILT" Whereas by letter dated November 6, 2023, the Corporation Counsel has requested legislation authorizing the repeal of €3 147-2 from the Mount Vernon, N.Y. Code; and Whereas Section 147-2 of the City of Mount Vernon Municipal Code, titled "Determination of Guilt," addresses harassment of a police officer; and Whereas the City Council acknowledges that § 147-2 was declared unconstitutional in the case of People v. Autieri in 1982; and Whereas it is in the best interest of the City of Mount Veron to officially repeal § 147-2 and render it unenforceable; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain and enact: Section l: Repeal of Section 147-2. Section 147-2 of the City of Mount Vernon Municipal Code, entitled "Determination of Guilt," is hereby repealed in its entirety. Section 2: Aclaiowledgement of Unconstitutionality. The City Council hereby acknowledges that § 147-2 was declared unconstitutional in the case of v. Autieri in 1982, and it shall be rendered unenforceable. Section 3: Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its passage and approval. AS TO FORM 0 Corporation Counsel o coO City Clerk APPROVED CLal Dept. Mayor 7 NgV 2 1 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE RENEWAL OF THE CONTRACT WITH THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF WESTCHESTER AT NEW ROCHELLE FOR ANIMAL CONTROL SERVICES WHEREAS, by letter dated November 13, 2023, the Interim Cornmissioner of the Department of Public Safety has requested legislation authorizing the Mayor to renew the contract with The Hutnane Society of Westchester at New Rochelle for Animal Control Services from January 1, 2024, to March 31, 2024; and WHEREAS the first-quarter payment due for the contract renewal is $33,750.00; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordains, and enacts: Section 1: Authorization to Renew Contract. The City Council hereby authorizes the Mayor to renew the contract with The Humane Society of Westchester at New Rochelle for Animal Control Services for the period from January 1, 2024, to March 31, 2024. Section 2: Contract Renewal Payment. The first-quarter payment for the contract renewal, in the amount of $33,750.00, shall be satisfied from the Department of Public Safety's A3510.445 budget line. Section 3: Execution of Contract Renewal. The Mayor is hereby authorized to execute the necessary contract renewal with The Humane Society of Westchester at New Rochelle, and any other related documents, to effectuate the renewal of Animal Control Services. Section 4: Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect upon its approval by the Board of Estimate & Contract. AS TO FORM NANC NCIL Corporation Counsel a)0 00 3.o tnmmO City Clerk a) E O00 LL r Date APPROVED CLCC) Dept. Mayor NOV 2 i 2fl23 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON, NEW YORK AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A PAYMENT AGREEMENT WITH INVERIS FOR REP AIRS AND UPGRAJ)ES TO THE SHOOTING RANGE WHEREAS, by letter dated November 15, 2023, the Interim Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety has requested legislation be enacted authorizing the Mayor to enter into a payment agreement with InVeris for the repairs and upgrades to the shooting range at the Department of Public Safety; and WHEREAS, the Department of Public Safety requires repairs and upgrades to the sliooting range housed at department headquarters; and WHEREAS, InVeris is the sole source procurement for the required repair services; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council, convened, hereby ordains, and enacts: Section l: Authorization to Enter into Payment Agreement. The Mayor is hereby authorized to enter into a payment agreement with InVeris for the repairs and upgrades to the shooting range at the Department of Public Safety. Section 2: Sole Source Procurement. InVeris is designated as tlie sole source of procrirement for the required repair services. Section 3: Purpose of Repairs and Upgrades. The repairs and upgrades to the shooting range aim to ensure compliance with New York State and local law enforcement training requirements. It will also facilitate the Department of Public Safety in conducting in-house training for Members of Services. Section 4: Funding. The cost for repairs and upgrades is $141,656.41 and the funds necessary for the repairs and upgrades shall be allocated from the budget lixie A3120.203ARP GOV-003. Section 5: Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect upon its approval by the Board of Estimate & Contract. AS TO FORM Counsel o City Clerk E o u APPROVED cr5 C APPFIOVED o Dept. Mayor NoV 2 1 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF MOUNT VERNON, NEW YORK ON THE yQ CONSECRATION TO REVEREND THE SACRED AND TROY OFFICE ELEVATION P. DECOHEN OF BISHOP OF '0@%ake2 Reverend Troy P. DeCohen has served as the Senior Pastor of the Mount Vernon Heights Congregational Church in Mount Vernon, NY, since the year 2000, demonstrating unwavering commitment and dedication to the spiritual well-being of the congregation; and Th%e%e Reverend Troy P. DeCohen has shown exceptional leadership and pastoral care as the Pastor of St. Michael's Methodist Church in Jersey City, NJ, since May of 2022, fostering spiritual growth and community engagement; and \0@%eke2 Reverend Troy P. DeCohen has played a vital role in supporting the REVELATORS for more than 20 years, providing a safe and nurturing space for the organization to rehearse and perform, and ensuring the active participation of Mount Vernon Heights Congregational Church members in REVELATORS events; and Th%e3aefflh, Reverend Troy P. DeCohen answered the call to ministry in 1988 and has served in various capacities, including as Assistant Pastor under the mentorship of the late Reverend Dr. Ralph E. Brower, demonstrating a commitment to the spiritual well-being of the community; and 14(ei(e,Reverend Troy P. DeCohen holds advanced degrees, including a Master ofArts from Fordham University in Religion and Religious Education, a Master of Science from Mercy College in Organizational Leadership, and ongoing doctoral studies focused on leadership; and 1%(!Ei(e!nf5),Reverend Troy P. DeCohen has utilized his background in conflict resolution and mental health to serve as the Director of Housing for the Westchester County Department of Social Services, contributing to the well-being of the broader comtnunity; and W4(eR(e!n6,Reverend Troy P. DeCohen has been honored to present the Invocation for the New York State of the State by the Honorable Governor Andrew Cuomo, co- chaired the Transition Team for Westchester County Executive George Latimer and District Attorney Anthony Scarpino, Jr., and served as the Co- Founder and Chair of the Interfaith Clergy for Social Action of Westchester County; and !@%ai(e!,Reverend Troy P. DeCohen has been a leader in various community roles, including Vice President of Mount Vernon Hospital, former President former of the United Church of Christ, and a proud husband, father, and grandfather of nine grandchildren; :@dB)'ffl, 'Q0e%e$@Re, It 35% %(th@)4L'43e7B, that the City Council of Mount Vernon, New York, hereby congratulates and celebrates the consecration and elevation of Reverend Troy P. DeCohen to the sacred office of Bishop; '4 € 35%$N%%%([% o o City Clerk E APPROVED aal Dept. Mayor ]0 NOV 2 I 2023 i) AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AN INTERMUNICIPAL AGREEMENT WITH WESTCHESTER CO{JNTY TO OPERATE THE MOUNT VERNON FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT CENTER WITHIN THE MOUNT VERNON ONE-STOP CAREER CENTER WHEREAS, by letter dated November 14, 2023, the Coini'nissioner of the Department of Planning and Community Development has requested legislation be enacted authorizing the Mayor to execute an Intermunicipal Agreement witl'i Westchester County to operate the Mount Vernon Financial Empowerment Center within the Mount Vemon One-Stop Career Center located at 130 Mount Vernon Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY 10550; and WHEREAS, the City of Mount Vernon, New York, is corni'nitted to empowering its residents and enhancing their financial well-being and through collaborative efforts, the Department of Planning and Community Development has been working with Westchester County, Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFEF), and Mercy University to establish the Mount Vernon Financial Empowerment Center; and WHEREAS, the City's FEC staff will be co-located at the Mount Vernon One- Stop Career Center to provide financial literacy and assistance to individuals in need, many of whom may be eligible for Career Center workforce services and DSS supportive services; and WHEREAS, financial support and in-kind contributions will be provided as follows: Westchester County will provide in-kind support for office space, office equipment, and supplies for two years starting in December 2023. * Mercy University will hire three full-time FEC dedicated staff members to run the program. * The city will cover the cost of security persoru'iel at the career center at a cost of $28,651 per year. WHEREAS, the Department of Planning and Community Development will provide oversight for this initiative and collaborate with community and nonprofit partners to promote the services to Mount Venion residents, with these organizations also serving as referring partners to connect their clients with FEC services; and WHEREAS, the FEC will enhance the financial counseling services with additional support in various areas, including housing, foreclosure prevention, workforce development, prisoner reentry, benefits access, and more; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council, convened, hereby ordains, and enacts: Section 1: Execution The City Council authorizes the of Service Contract. Mayor to execute an Intermunicipal Westchester County to operate the Agreement with Mount Vemon Financial Empowerment Center within the Mount Vernon One-Stop Career Center located at 130 Mount Vernon Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY 10550. Section 2: Term of Agreement. The agreement shall have a ten'n of two (2) years, commencing in December 2023 and continuing through December 2025. The exact execution date of the contract shall be deteimined following review by the Coiporation Counsel. NOV 2 1 2fl23 li Section for two (2) years will 3: Funding be funded for Operational through Budget. a combination The FEC's of sources: operational budget * $400,000 in federal funds from the City's American Rescue Plan Act budget. * A $150,000 grant from the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund. * $30,000 from the African American Mayors Association. Section 4: Scope of Services: * The FEC will provide free, professional, one-on-one financial counseling and coaching to residents. * The Department of Planning and Community Development will oversee the initiative and collaborate with comtnunity and nonprofit partners to promote services and referrals. Section 5: Comprehensive Support Services. The FEC will supplement financial counseling with additional social services, including housing, foreclosure prevention, workforce development, prisoner reentry, benefits access, and more. Section 6: Oversight and Promotion. The Department of Planning and Cornrnunity Development shall provide oversight for this initiative and collaborate with cornrnunity and nonprofit partners to promote the services to Mount Vernon residents, with these organizations serving as refening partners to connect tlieir clients witli FEC services. Section 7: Additional Support Sei'avices. The FEC shall offer supplementary support services in areas such as housing, foreclosure prevention, workforce development, prisoner reentry, benefits access, and more. Section 8: Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect upon its approval by the Board of Estimate & Contract. AS TO FORM COUNCIL 0 Corporation Counsel ATTEST: 0 0- 0 t/)%C m a ('[) a) E ;, City Clerk APP !'! V 2 APPROVED OCLCC) Dept. Mayor Page 2 h' NOV 2 1 2fl23 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT GRANTS FROM CITIES AND EXECUTE A TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE SERVICE AGREEMENT FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE MOUNT VERNON FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT CENTER WH:EREAS, by letter dated November 14, 2023, the Commissioner of tlie Deparlment of Planning and Community Development has requested legislation be enacted authorizing the Mayor to accept a grant from Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund in tlie amounts of $150,000 and execute a technical assistance service agreement with said organization to establish the Mount Vernon Financial Empowerment Center within the City of Mount Vernon; and WHF,REAS, the City of Mount Vernon has prepared an implementation proposal to establish and operate a Financial Empowen'nent Center (FEC) in collaboration witli Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFEF) and Mercy University; and WHEREAS, the City has participated in a year-long process to prepare the FEC implementation proposal, requesting a grant of $150,000 from Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund to support the operation of the FEC; and WHF,REAS, in anticipation of receiving the grant, the City requests approval to enact legislation authorizingthe Mayorto acceptthe grantand execute atechnical assistance service agreement with Cities for Financial Empowen'nent Fund; and WHEREAS, the FEC will provide free, professional, one-on-one financial counseling and coaching to residents, managed by Mercy University with support from federal funds, the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund grant, and the African American Mayors Association; NOW, THEREFORF,, BE IT RESOLVED THAT The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council, convened, hereby ordains, and enacts: Section 1: Authorization to Accept Grant and Execute Agreement. The City Council hereby authorizes the Mayor to accept grants from Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund in the amount of $150,000 and execute a technical assistance service agreement witli said organization to establish the Mount Veriion Financial Empowerment Center within the City of Mount Vernon. Section 2: FEC Operational Budget. The FEC's operational budget for two years, totaling $580,000, shall be funded through $400,000 in federal funds from the City's American Rescue Plan Act budget, $150,000 grant from Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund, and $30,000 from the African American Mayors Association. Section 3: FEC Management. Mercy University is authorized to manage the FEC and hire and train three full-time employees. The FEC will become operational in February 2023 after staff training and facilities are set up. Section 4: Oversight and Promotion. The Department of Planning and Community Development will oversee the initiative, work with community and nonprofit partners to promote services, and establish partnerships with local service providers. Section 5: Effective Date. This ordinance sha41-takeeffect up$ its approval by the Board of Estimate & Contract. VED AS TO FORM A ; YBY COUNCIL Assistant Corporation Counsel o c o C/) a City Clerk o APPROVED OCLa:l Dept. Mayor