Board of Estimate & Contract:
RESOLVED, that an ordinance adopted by the City Council on May 28, 2025, and signed by the Acting Mayor on May 28, 2025, authorizing the Mayor to Execute a Letter of Commitment with ARUP in Support of a Natural Solutions Innovation Challenge Sponsored by NYSERDA - (the City’s participation in this initiative shall not require any financial contribution or expenditure of funds. The City’s role will be limited to providing relevant data, engaging in project-related workshops, and offering input to ensure local applicability of the tools developed); be, and the same is hereby approved.
City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR
TO EXECUTE A LETTER OF COMMITMENT
WITH ARUP IN SUPPORT OF A NATURAL
CARBON SOLUTIONS INNOVATION
CHALLENGE SPONSORED BY NYSERDA
Whereas, by letter dated May 20, 2025, the Commissioner of the Department of Planning & Community Development has requested authorization for Mayor to execute a Letter of Commitment with ARUP, in substantially the same form as presented to the Council, to support ARUP’s submission to NYSERDA’s Natural Carbon Solutions Innovation Challenge and participate in the Urban Heat Island Mitigation Study; and
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon recognizes the increasing challenges posed by climate change, including the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect that disproportionately affects urban areas with limited green space and higher average temperatures; and
Whereas, ARUP, an internationally recognized environmental and engineering consulting firm, is preparing a grant application to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) as part of its Natural Carbon Solutions Innovation Challenge; and
Whereas, the proposed project seeks to develop a web-based application capable of conducting cost-benefit analyses to support municipal infrastructure investments aimed at reducing the effects of UHI through strategies such as tree planting, green infrastructure, and cool roofing; and
Whereas, ARUP has invited the City of Mount Vernon to participate as a partner community, providing local data, engaging in stakeholder workshops, and helping to ensure that the proposed model reflects the unique conditions and needs of Mount Vernon; and
Whereas, participation in this project does not impose any financial obligation on the City of Mount Vernon, but offers valuable access to technical expertise, analytical tools, and actionable insights to support equitable and effective environmental decision-making; and
Whereas, the City’s Departments of Planning and Community Development and Public Works have reviewed the project proposal and expressed their support for the City’s involvement; and
Whereas, the City Council finds that this collaboration aligns with Mount Vernon’s climate resilience goals and supports current planning initiatives, including the Comprehensive Plan update and capital improvement efforts; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain and enact:
Section 1. Authorization. The City Council hereby authorizes the Mayor to execute a Letter of Commitment with ARUP, in substantially the same form as presented to the Council, to support ARUP’s submission to NYSERDA’s Natural Carbon Solutions Innovation Challenge and participate in the Urban Heat Island Mitigation Study.
Section 2. Non-Financial Participation. The City’s participation in this initiative shall not require any financial contribution or expenditure of funds. The City’s role will be limited to providing relevant data, engaging in project-related workshops, and offering input to ensure local applicability of the tools developed.
Section 3. Further Actions. The Mayor, or his designee, is authorized to undertake all administrative actions necessary and appropriate to effectuate the intent of this ordinance, including providing any documentation or cooperation required by ARUP or NYSERDA to facilitate the City’s participation.
Section 4. Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its approval by the Board of Estimate & Contract.