Board of Estimate and Contract:
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CORPORATION
COUNSEL TO RETAIN SPECIAL ELECTION LAW
COUNSEL TO ADVISE THE CITY OF MOUNT
VERNON, REGARDING THE MOUNT VERNON
REFORM INITIATIVE PETITIONS AND
RELATED MATTERS
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 153 of the Charter of the City of Mount Vernon, the City Council may authorize the retention of special counsel whenever the interests of the City require specialized legal expertise; and
WHEREAS, the City of Mount Vernon has received petitions submitted by the Mount Vernon Reform Initiative proposing amendments to the Charter of the City of Mount Vernon; and
WHEREAS, issues have arisen concerning the validity and sufficiency of such petitions, the proposed Charter amendments, petition format and requirements, review and verification procedures, and the City’s obligations under applicable provisions of New York State Election Law; and
WHEREAS, the Corporation Counsel has determined that the City would benefit from the advice and representation of experienced election law counsel to assist in evaluating the petitions and advising the City and its officers regarding appropriate responses and procedures; and
WHEREAS, Jerry H. Goldfeder, Esq., of Cozen O’Connor LLP, is a nationally recognized election law attorney with more than forty (40) years of experience representing federal, state, and local elected officials and candidates, municipalities, labor organizations, political action committees, and not-for-profit organizations; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Goldfeder currently serves as Chair of the American Bar Association's Election Law Committee, directs Fordham Law School's Voting Rights and Democracy Project, serves on various legal task forces dedicated to democracy and the rule of law, has taught Election Law at Fordham University School of Law since 2003, and is the author of Goldfeder's Modern Election Law; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Goldfeder’s expertise will assist the City in ensuring that its petition review process is conducted in full compliance with New York State Election Law and in accordance with best practices that promote transparency, integrity, and protection against legal challenges; and
WHEREAS, the Corporation Counsel seeks authorization to retain Mr. Goldfeder and Cozen O'Connor LLP to advise the City regarding the validity of the Mount Vernon Reform Initiative petitions, petition format and statutory requirements, review and verification procedures, the proposed Charter amendments, and any litigation or related proceedings arising therefrom; and
WHEREAS, the hourly rate for Mr. Goldfeder and other attorneys of Cozen O'Connor LLP shall not exceed Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) per hour, and paralegal services shall be billed at lower applicable rates; and
WHEREAS, funding for such legal services is available within Budget Code A8020.405 (Contracted Outside Services) of the Law Department's 2026 Budget; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Mount Vernon hereby authorizes the Corporation Counsel, pursuant to Section 153 of the Charter of the City of Mount Vernon, to retain Jerry H. Goldfeder, Esq., and Cozen O'Connor LLP as Special Election Law Counsel; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the scope of such engagement shall include advising the City and its officers concerning the validity and sufficiency of the Mount Vernon Reform Initiative petitions, petition format and requirements, review and verification procedures, proposed Charter amendments, compliance with New York State Election Law, and any litigation, judicial proceedings, or related legal matters arising therefrom; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the hourly fees for Mr. Goldfeder and other attorneys of Cozen O'Connor LLP shall be capped at Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) per hour, with paralegal services billed at lower applicable rates; and be it further
RESOLVED, that all costs associated with this engagement shall be charged to Budget Code A8020.405 (Contracted Outside Services) of the Law Department's 2026 Budget, subject to the availability of appropriated funds; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Mayor, Corporation Counsel, Comptroller, and all other appropriate City officials are hereby authorized and directed to execute any documents and take any actions necessary to carry out the intent and purposes of this Resolution.
RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately upon approval by the Board of Estimate and Contract.