City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE
OF A REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) FOR
PROFESSIONAL CONSULTING SERVICES FOR THE
4TH STREET PARK GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
PROJECT (RFQ #2025-RFQ-001)
Whereas, in correspondence dated December 17, 2025, the Commissioner of the Department of Public Works formally requested authorization to issue and advertise a Request for Qualifications, designated as RFQ #2025-RFQ-001, for professional consulting services to prepare design and contract documents for the 4th Street Park Green Infrastructure Project; and
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon is the owner of Fourth Street Park, a public recreational facility of approximately 0.7 acres located within an Environmental Justice Area; and
Whereas, Fourth Street Park experiences persistent drainage and ponding conditions resulting from poor site grading and extensive impervious surfaces, which negatively impact park usability and overall site conditions; and
Whereas, the Department of Public Works (“DPW”) has completed a Green Infrastructure Feasibility Study and a community-supported schematic design identifying improvements to address stormwater management, enhance water quality, and improve park functionality while preserving existing mature trees; and
Whereas, the proposed improvements include, but are not limited to, bioretention areas, rain gardens, porous pavement, and related green infrastructure elements, and anticipate coordination with Con Edison’s planned geothermal project at the site; and
Whereas, the City seeks to retain a qualified professional consulting team to prepare final design and contract documents suitable for public bidding, including surveying, geotechnical and environmental investigations, permit coordination, phased design submissions, bid assistance, and construction-phase services; and
Whereas, the project is anticipated to be funded through a combination of New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) Green Infrastructure Project Grant (GIGP) funding and New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) funding, and must comply with all applicable State grant and procurement requirements; and
Whereas, issuance of a Request for Qualifications does not obligate the City to award a contract, and any future award shall be subject to City Council approval and funding availability; and
Whereas, the Mount Vernon City Council finds that authorizing the issuance of an RFQ is in the best interests of the City and its residents and is necessary to advance a critical infrastructure and park improvement project;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON:
Section 1. Authorization to Issue Request for Qualifications. The City Council hereby authorizes the Department of Public Works to issue and advertise a Request for Qualifications, designated as RFQ #2025-RFQ-001, for professional consulting services to prepare design and contract documents for the 4th Street Park Green Infrastructure Project.
Section 2. Evaluation of Submissions. The Commissioner of Public Works, in coordination with the Purchasing Department and any other appropriate City departments, is hereby authorized to evaluate all RFQ submissions in accordance with applicable procurement laws, rules, and grant requirements.
Section 3. Future Contract Award. Upon completion of the evaluation process, the Department of Public Works shall return to the City Council with a recommendation for contract award and authorization to enter into a professional services agreement, subject to funding availability and City Council approval.
Section 4. No Obligation to Award. Issuance of the RFQ authorized herein shall not obligate the City to award a contract or expend funds unless and until authorized by subsequent action of the City Council.
Section 5. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council.