City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE HOSTING
OF THE HILLTOP GIVE BACK COOKOUT
COMMUNITY EVENT ON AUGUST 2, 2025
Whereas, the organizers of the Founder of the Hilltop Give Back Cookout have formally requested permission from the City Council of the City of Mount Vernon to host a community event on Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., with a rain date of Saturday, August 9, 2025, closing 4th Avenue between 3rd Street and 4th Street for the duration of the event; and
Whereas, the Hilltop Give Back Cookout is an annual grassroots initiative celebrating the spirit of Mount Vernon while uplifting local youth and families through food, music, and youth-focused back-to-school supply giveaways; and
Whereas, this event has served the community for the past four years and continues to foster a positive, safe, and unifying atmosphere for residents; and
Whereas, the event will require the closure of 4th Avenue between 3rd Street and 4th Street for the duration of the event; and
Whereas, the Department of Public Works has no objections to the event and shall place “No Parking Signs” seventy-two (72) hours in advance and erect barricades twenty-four (24) hours in advance; and
Whereas, the Fire Department has no objections provided that open flame cooking complies with all safety regulations and that fire extinguishers appropriate for grills, propane, and oil are on-site, and that roadways remain accessible for emergency vehicles; and
Whereas, the Department of Public Safety recommends that one (1) Sergeant and four (4) officers be hired on an overtime basis for the street closure and event security, with additional officers authorized at the discretion of the patrol supervisor at the expense of the event organizers; and
Whereas, the organizers must submit the necessary documents, including payment of a $100 administrative fee, a $500 money order payable to the City of Mount Vernon, a site setup diagram, a Certificate of Insurance for $1,000,000 listing the City of Mount Vernon as an additional insured and certificate holder, and have agreed to obtain any necessary certificates from the Mount Vernon Fire Department for the use of generators and domestic tents; and
Whereas, the organizers agree to comply with all additional guidelines regarding sidewalk access, security, prohibition of alcohol, vendor placement, and sound permit requirements; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain and enact:
Section 1. Authorization. Permission is hereby granted to the organizers of the Hilltop Give Back Cookout to hold a community event on Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., with a rain date of Saturday, August 9, 2025, closing 4th Avenue between 3rd Street and 4th Street for the duration of the event.
Section 2. Conditions. This authorization is granted subject to the following conditions:
1. Sidewalk Access: Sidewalks must remain open to pedestrians with clear and visible signage.
2. Police Presence: One (1) Sergeant and four (4) officers shall be hired on an overtime basis for street closure and event safety, with additional officers authorized at the patrol supervisor’s discretion. All costs for police services shall be paid in full by the organizers at least seventy-two (72) hours before the event.
3. Private Security: If private security is procured, all personnel must hold a valid New York State Security License, provide proof of bonding, and submit all documentation seventy-two (72) hours before the event.
4. Alcohol Prohibition: No alcohol shall be used, served, or sold on City property in accordance with City Code §191-1.
5. Vendors: Vendors, if present in residential areas, must set up only on one (1) side of the street and must not obstruct driveways.
6. Sound Equipment: If sound equipment will be used, the organizers must apply for and obtain a sound permit before the event.
7. Fire Safety: The use of open flame cooking must comply with Fire Department guidelines, including:
o Roadways must remain passable for Fire and EMS vehicles.
o Required fire extinguishers shall be on site: one (1) 2.5-gallon water extinguisher per grill or charcoal unit, one (1) 5 lb. ABC extinguisher for propane, and a “K” type extinguisher for oil cooking.
Section 3. Public Works. The Department of Public Works shall place “No Parking Signs” seventy-two (72) hours in advance and erect barricades twenty-four (24) hours before the event to ensure public safety and proper traffic control.
Section 4. Fees and Insurance. The organizers shall pay the administrative fee and submit a money order payable to the City of Mount Vernon. A Certificate of Insurance for $1,000,000, listing the City of Mount Vernon as an additional insured and certificate holder, shall be submitted before the event.
Section 5. Enforcement. Failure to comply with any of the above conditions may result in immediate revocation of the event authorization and any applicable fines or penalties under City law.
Section 6. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council and filing of the necessary documents in the office of the City Clerk.