City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE
DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION TO
CO-SPONSOR THE ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL ASSOCIATION
(ABICA) INTERNATIONAL FOOD FESTIVAL
Whereas, in correspondence dated February 11, 2026, the Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Recreation formally requested authorization to co-sponsor the ABICA International Food Festival at Hartley Park on Saturday, May 23, 2026, and on the fourth Saturday in May annually thereafter; and
Whereas, the Antigua and Barbuda International Cultural Association (ABICA) is a community-based organization composed of Mount Vernon residents of Antiguan and Barbudan heritage, dedicated to promoting cultural and educational events that strengthen the community; and
Whereas, ABICA has requested that the City of Mount Vernon, through its Department of Recreation, co-sponsor the ABICA International Food Festival to be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, and subsequently on the fourth Saturday of May each year; and
Whereas, the event will take place at Hartley Park and is intended to celebrate cultural heritage while providing opportunities for local food and craft vendors; and
Whereas, ABICA has requested authorization to use Hartley Park from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the day of the event, including set-up and clean-up times, at no cost to the City; and
Whereas, ABICA will be responsible for the cost of Mount Vernon Police Department (MVPD) or Auxiliary Officers, vendor permits, and any necessary fire inspections by the Mount Vernon Fire Department (MVFD) for vendors using grills, propane, or other open flames; and
Whereas, the Department of Recreation will be responsible for general cleanup of the park following the event;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON, NEW YORK, AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Authorization of Event. The City of Mount Vernon, through its Department of Recreation, is hereby authorized to co-sponsor the ABICA International Food Festival at Hartley Park on Saturday, May 23, 2026, and on the fourth Saturday in May annually thereafter.
Section 2. Use of Park. The Department of Recreation is authorized to provide ABICA the use of Hartley Park from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., which shall include:
1. Set-Up: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon;
2. Event Time: 12:00 noon to 7:00 p.m.;
3. Clean-Up: 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The use of Hartley Park for this purpose shall be at no cost to the City.
Section 3. Public Safety and Vendor Regulations.
1. ABICA shall be responsible for the cost of providing MVPD or Auxiliary Officers for the event.
2. All vendors shall obtain a one-day vendor permit through the ABICA vendor package.
3. Mount Vernon Fire Department (MVFD):
• All fire extinguishers appropriate to the type of cooking equipment shall be inspected prior to the event. Any vendor utilizing propane, grills, or open flames must obtain a pre-event inspection from the Mount Vernon Fire Department (MVFD).
• The MVFD shall conduct mandatory pre-event safety inspections for all vendors using propane, grills, or open flames.
• All food trucks participating in the event must be inspected and approved no later than May 16, 2026, in accordance with the Fire Department of Mount Vernon (FDMV) Mobile Food Preparation Safety requirements.
• All vendors shall comply with applicable fire safety regulations and standards.
• Vendors are required to contact the Fire Prevention Office at (914) 665-2611 to schedule inspections at least one (1) week prior to the event to ensure timely compliance and a safe event environment.
Section 4. Cleanup. The Department of Recreation shall be responsible for all post-event cleanup to restore Hartley Park to its original condition.
Section 5. Severability. If any clause, sentence, paragraph, or part of this ordinance shall be adjudged by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such judgment shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the remainder thereof, but shall be confined in its operation to the clause, sentence, paragraph, or part thereof directly involved in the controversy in which such judgment shall have been rendered.
Section 6. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council and subsequent approval by the Board of Estimate & Contract.