City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND
MEMORIALIZING THE ANNUAL MOUNT VERNON
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
TRUNK-OR-TREAT EVENT
Whereas, by correspondence dated October 7, 2026, the Acting Commissioner/Chief of Operations of the Department of Public Safety has requested authorization for the Department of Public Safety, in coordination with the Mount Vernon Police Department (“MVPD”) and other appropriate City departments, to host the Annual MVPD Trunk-or-Treat Event on Friday, October 30, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., for the benefit and enjoyment of the residents and families of the City of Mount Vernon
Whereas, the Department of Public Safety of the City of Mount Vernon respectfully requests that the City Council enact legislation authorizing the Department to host its Annual Mount Vernon Police Department (“MVPD”) Trunk-or-Treat Event for the benefit and enjoyment of the residents and families of the City of Mount Vernon; and
Whereas, the Annual MVPD Trunk-or-Treat Event is intended to provide a safe, family-friendly, and community-oriented Halloween celebration for children, families, residents, and members of the Mount Vernon community; and
Whereas, the event will take place in the area in front of Mount Vernon Police Headquarters, including the portion of the street that will be closed to vehicular traffic for the event, as well as a portion of City Hall Plaza; and
Whereas, the City's Police Department is responsible for providing police services and maintaining public safety within the City, and the Department's community-oriented activities promote positive engagement and partnerships between law enforcement and the residents they serve; and
Whereas, the Annual MVPD Trunk-or-Treat Event will provide an opportunity for members of the Department of Public Safety and the Mount Vernon Police Department to interact with residents in a positive, welcoming, and family-centered environment; and
Whereas, the Department of Public Safety has requested assistance from the Department of Public Works with the cleanup of the street and City Hall Plaza following the conclusion of the event; and
Whereas, the City Council desires to memorialize and establish the Annual MVPD Trunk-or-Treat Event as a recurring community event to be celebrated annually during the last week of October, subject to appropriate public safety, operational, scheduling, and logistical considerations; and
Whereas, the City Council finds that the establishment of an annual Trunk-or-Treat event is in the best interests of the residents of the City of Mount Vernon and will promote community engagement, positive relationships between the community and the Department of Public Safety, and a safe and enjoyable Halloween experience for City.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the City Council of the City of Mount Vernon, New York, as follows:
Section 1. Authorization of 2026 Annual Trunk-or-Treat Event. The City Council of the City of Mount Vernon hereby authorizes the Department of Public Safety, in coordination with the Mount Vernon Police Department and other appropriate City departments, to host the Annual MVPD Trunk-or-Treat Event on Friday, October 30, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Section 2. Location and Street Closure. The 2026 Annual MVPD Trunk-or-Treat Event shall be held in front of Mount Vernon Police Headquarters, including the designated portion of the street closed to vehicular traffic for the event, as well as a portion of City Hall Plaza.
The Department of Public Safety, in coordination with the Mount Vernon Police Department and the appropriate City departments, shall determine the specific area to be utilized and implement such traffic-control, pedestrian-safety, barricading, and other measures as may be necessary to safely conduct the event.
Section 3. Department of Public Works Assistance. The Department of Public Works is hereby authorized and directed, to the extent practicable and consistent with its operational responsibilities, to provide cleanup assistance following the event, including the removal of event-related debris and the cleaning of the affected street and portion of City Hall Plaza.
Section 4. Establishment of Annual Community Event. The City Council hereby establishes and memorializes the Annual MVPD Trunk-or-Treat Event as an annual City community event to be held during the last week of October for the benefit and enjoyment of the residents of the City of Mount Vernon.
The event shall be recognized as an annual community tradition. It may be conducted each year by the Department of Public Safety, in coordination with the Mount Vernon Police Department and other appropriate City departments.
Section 5. Annual Scheduling and Operational Authority. Each year, the Department of Public Safety, in consultation with the Mayor and appropriate City departments, shall establish the specific date, time, location, street-closure boundaries, and operational requirements for the Annual MVPD Trunk-or-Treat Event, provided the event is generally scheduled during the last week of October.
The Department may modify the date or other event details, when necessary, due to public safety concerns, weather, emergency conditions, City operations, scheduling conflicts, or other circumstances affecting the safe and orderly conduct of the event.
Section 6. Public Safety and Coordination. The Department of Public Safety and the Mount Vernon Police Department shall coordinate with the Department of Public Works and any other appropriate City departments to ensure the safe and orderly operation of the event, including traffic control, pedestrian safety, street closures, emergency access, sanitation, cleanup, and restoration of the affected public areas.
Nothing contained herein shall limit the authority of the Commissioner of Public Safety, Chief of Police, or other appropriate City officials to modify, suspend, postpone, or terminate the event when necessary to protect public health, safety, or welfare.
Section 7. Funding and Expenditures. Any expenditures associated with the Annual MVPD Trunk-or-Treat Event shall be made in accordance with the City's adopted budget, applicable procurement requirements, and all other applicable laws, rules, regulations, and policies of the City of Mount Vernon.
Section 8. No Private Right Created. Nothing in this Ordinance shall be construed to create a private right of action, entitlement, or guarantee that the Annual MVPD Trunk-or-Treat Event will occur on any particular date or in any particular location in any given year. The continued annual event shall remain subject to applicable law, public safety requirements, available resources, and the operational needs of the City.
Section 9. Severability. If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, provision, or portion of this Ordinance, or its application to any person or circumstance, is adjudged invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such adjudication shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance, which shall remain in full force and effect.
Section 10. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption by the City Council.