City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A CITY PERMIT
FOR THE PORTUGUESE AMERICAN CLUB’S
ANNUAL ST. ANTONIO FEAST / PORTUGAL DAY
BLOCK PARTY ON JUNE 8, 2025
Whereas, by letter dated April 30, 2025, the Portuguese American Club of Mount Vernon has requested authorization for the Portuguese American Club of Mount Vernon to conduct its Annual St. Antonio Feast / Portugal Day Block Party on Sunday, June 8, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., including time for setup and cleanup; and
Whereas, the Portuguese American Club of Mount Vernon has submitted a formal request to the City Council for authorization to host its annual celebration honoring St. Antonio and Portugal Day; and
Whereas, this cultural event serves to promote and preserve Portuguese traditions and is open to the wider Mount Vernon community, fostering diversity and community engagement; and
Whereas, the Portuguese American Club has hosted this annual celebration for over 30 years without issue, and has submitted all required applications, insurance documents, neighbor consents, and agreements; and
Whereas, the Mount Vernon Fire Department has reviewed the event setup, including tent placement and fire safety measures, and has raised no objections; and
Whereas, the Mount Vernon Department of Public Works has confirmed support for the event, including agreement to post “No Parking” signs 72 hours in advance and to place appropriate street closure banners; and
Whereas, the Police Department has reviewed the event and recommended approval with provisions for oversight by the sector car, patrol supervisor, and additional officers if needed, at the organizer’s expense; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain and enact:
Section 1. Event Authorization. The City of Mount Vernon hereby authorizes the Portuguese American Club of Mount Vernon to conduct its Annual St. Antonio Feast / Portugal Day Block Party on Sunday, June 8, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., including time for setup and cleanup.
Section 2. Street Closures. The following streets are authorized to be closed to vehicular traffic during the event period:
• Portugal Place between Elm Avenue and East Prospect Avenue
• 3rd Avenue between 1st Street and 2nd Street
Appropriate signage and barricades shall be placed by the Department of Public Works to indicate the closure.
Section 3. Public Works and Safety Support.
The Department of Public Works shall:
• Post “No Parking” signs 72 hours before the event.
• Place appropriate street closure banners at designated intersections.
The Mount Vernon Police Department shall:
• Provide special attention via the sector car and patrol supervisor.
• Authorize the hiring of additional officers on an overtime basis if needed, at the expense of the event organizer.
The Mount Vernon Fire Department shall oversee compliance with fire safety regulations and confirm that no open flames will be under the tent structure. The City of Mount Vernon Fire Department requests a site visit at least three (3) hours before the event opening. The purpose of this inspection is to inspect all of the fire extinguishers, electrical connections, egress paths, and any trip hazards that may be present. Also, a site plan (drawing) one week before the event opening. As per NYS 2020 Fire Code Section 403.I2.3.I, not fewer than two trained crowd managers and not fewer than one trained crowd manager for each 250 persons or portion thereof, shall be provided for the gathering. An inspection and permit are necessary for any open flames or warming units before the event. A 5lb ABC inspected fire extinguisher shall be required at all vendors stands and tents. In the case of gasoline, kerosene or diesel generator(s), an inspection and permit is necessary before the event. In the case of additional Emergency Ambulance services, notice in advance of 96 hours is required.
Section 4. Liability and Insurance. The Portuguese American Club has submitted a valid Certificate of Insurance naming the City of Mount Vernon as an additional insured. The Club assumes responsibility for ensuring all event activities comply with applicable safety and city codes.
Section 5. Event Cleanup. The Portuguese American Club shall ensure that the event area is cleaned before and after the event and that no debris or waste is left in the public right-of-way.
Section 6. Rain Date. In the event of inclement weather, the authorized rain date for the event is Sunday, June 15, 2025, during the same hours and under the same conditions outlined herein.
Section 7. Invitation to City Officials. The Portuguese American Club extends a formal invitation to all members of the City Council, City Hall Departments, and their families to attend the event as honored guests.
Section 8. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect upon the filing of the above-described documents in the office of the City Clerk of Mount Vernon.