Board of Estimate & Contract:
RESOLVED, that an ordinance adopted by the City Council on January 8, 2025, and signed by the Mayor on January 9, 2025, authorizing the Department of Recreation to Co-Sponsor the Antigua and Barbuda International Cultural Association (ABICA) Food Festival on May 24, 2025 - (anticipated cost of $2,500. Funds are to be allocated from Budget Code 7620.458); be, and the same is hereby approved.
City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE DEPARTMENT
OF RECREATION TO CO-SPONSOR THE ANTIGUA
AND BARBUDA INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL
ASSOCIATION (ABICA) FOOD FESTIVAL
ON MAY 24, 2025
Whereas, by letter dated October 29, 2024, the Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Recreation has requested legislation authorizing the Department of Recreation to co-sponsor the 2025 International Food Festival at Hartley Park on Saturday, May 24, 2025; and
Whereas, the Antigua and Barbuda International Cultural Association (ABICA) has requested the City of Mount Vernon’s co-sponsorship of the 2025 International Food Festival to promote cultural and educational enrichment for residents; and
Whereas, ABICA is a community-based organization composed of Mount Vernon residents of Antiguan and Barbudan heritage, dedicated to uplifting the community through events that foster cultural awareness; and
Whereas, the International Food Festival will take place at Hartley Park on Saturday, May 24, 2025, and will require specific City resources, including park access, street closures, and support from various municipal departments; and
Whereas, the Fire Department, Department of Public Works, and Mount Vernon Police Department have reviewed the logistical requirements for the event and support its implementation, subject to compliance with applicable safety and permitting regulations; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain and enact:
Section 1 Definitions.
1. ABICA: Antigua and Barbuda International Cultural Association, the event organizer.
2. International Food Festival: This cultural and educational event features local food and craft vendors, cultural activities, and family-friendly amusements.
3. Co-sponsorship: The City of Mount Vernon provides financial and logistical support as described in this Ordinance.
Section 2. Event Authorization. The City Council authorizes the Department of Recreation to co-sponsor the 2025 International Food Festival at Hartley Park on Saturday, May 24, 2025.
Section 3. Permitted Use of City Resources.
1. Park Access: Hartley Park will be available to ABICA from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., set up from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the event from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and cleanup from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
2. Street Closures: Oakley Avenue (at the Senior Pavilion) to Crary Avenue will be closed from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on May 24, 2025.
Section 4. Support Services.
1. Recreation Department:
o Provide chairs, tables, a bouncy house, and other amusement activities at an anticipated cost of $2,500.
o Funds to be allocated from Budget Code 7620.458.
2. Mount Vernon Police Department:
o Auxiliary Officers to provide security. ABICA will bear the cost for officers.
3. Mount Vernon Fire Department (MVFD):
o Conduct pre-event safety inspections for vendors using propane, grills, or open flames.
o Ensure vendor compliance with fire safety regulations.
o Vendors must contact the Fire Prevention Office at (914) 665-2611 or 665-2612 at least one week before the event.
4. Department of Public Works (DPW):
o Post “No Parking” signs 72 hours before the event.
o Deliver barricades 24 hours before the event.
o Collect and dispose of all bagged trash after the event cleanup.
Section 5. Vendor Requirements.
1. Vendors must submit a one-day vendor permit application through ABICA’s vendor package.
2. Vendors utilizing grills, propane, or open flames must obtain pre-approval from the MVFD.
Section 6. Compliance and Liability. ABICA shall ensure compliance with all City ordinances and coordinate with City departments for required permits, inspections, and approvals.
Section 7. Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its approval by the Board of Estimate & Contract.