City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR
TO APPROVE TRAVEL AND EXPENSES FOR
MOUNT VERNON YOUTH BUREAU
REPRESENTATIVES AND STUDENTS TO
ATTEND AND PRESENT AT THE 2026 YOUTH
JUSTICE CONFERENCE
Whereas, in correspondence dated April 10, 2026, the Executive Director of the Youth Bureau formally requested authorization for the Mayor to approve travel for four (4) representatives consisting of two (2) Mount Vernon Youth Bureau staff members, including the Executive Director, and two (2) high school students affiliated with the Youth Empowerment Advisory Council (YEAC), to attend and present at the 2026 Youth Justice Conference on May 20, 2026, in Albany, New York.; and
Whereas, the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau (MVYB) is committed to empowering youth through civic engagement, leadership development, and innovative programming; and
Whereas, the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services is hosting the 2026 Youth Justice Conference entitled “Reimagining Justice” on May 20, 2026, at the Albany Capital Center in Albany, New York; and
Whereas, the conference will focus on restorative justice practices, youth voice, community-based solutions, and addressing the root causes of inequality, all of which align with the mission and initiatives of the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau; and
Whereas, participation in this conference will provide an opportunity for two (2) Mount Vernon Youth Bureau staff members, including the Executive Director, and two (2) high school students affiliated with the Youth Empowerment Advisory Council (YEAC), to present on the City’s innovative and transformative approaches to youth engagement in government; and
Whereas, such participation will enhance the City’s visibility as a leader in youth development and foster collaboration with other municipalities and organizations; and
Whereas, the total estimated cost associated with attendance at the conference is One Thousand Five Hundred Forty-Four Dollars ($1,544.00), itemized as follows:
• Meals per diem for four (4) attendees at $86.00 per person: $344.00; and
• Transportation (train and rideshare, round trip) for four (4) attendees: $1,200.00; and
Whereas, the registration fee for the conference is waived for all four (4) attendees; and
Whereas, funding for this expenditure is available under Revenue Code A2229.8, with budget codes A7330.402 and A7330.423;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Authorization of Travel. The Mayor is hereby authorized to approve travel for four (4) representatives consisting of two (2) Mount Vernon Youth Bureau staff members, including the Executive Director, and two (2) high school students affiliated with the Youth Empowerment Advisory Council (YEAC), to attend and present at the 2026 Youth Justice Conference on May 20, 2026, in Albany, New York.
Section 2. Purpose. The purpose of such travel is to participate in and present at the conference titled “Reimagining Justice,” sharing the City of Mount Vernon’s youth engagement strategies and participating in professional development and collaborative dialogue on youth justice initiatives.
Section 3. Authorization of Expenditures. The total expenditure for said travel shall not exceed One Thousand Five Hundred Forty-Four Dollars ($1,544.00), allocated as follows:
• Meals per diem: $344.00
• Transportation: $1,200.00
Section 5. Source of Funding. Such expenditures shall be charged to the conference registration, travel, lodging, and meals in accordance with applicable City policies and shall be paid from the Austerity Budget Code A1030.402 upon submission of proper documentation, subject to the availability of funds and the Comptroller's approval.
Section 5. Administrative Authority. The Mayor, Comptroller, and any other appropriate City officials are hereby authorized to take all actions necessary to effectuate the provisions of this Ordinance.
Section 6. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council, subject to prior approval by the Board of Estimate and Contract.
.A REQUEST AUTHORIZING THE
ATTACHED TRAVEL AND
TRAINING REQUEST FORM AND
APPROVING THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS
FOR:
Debbie Burrell-Butler, Executive Director
Emelyn Infante, YEAC Program Director & Executive Assistant
Student & Presenter
Student & Presenter
IN THE
YOUTH BUREAU
TO ATTEND THE
DCJS YOUTH JUSTICE
FROM:
MAY 20, 2026