City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE
DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION TO
CO-SPONSOR THE YUSUF SHAH ISLAMIC
CENTER JUNETEENTH HEALTH FAIR AT
HARTLEY PARK
Whereas, in correspondence dated February 13, 2026, the Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Recreation formally requested authorization to co-sponsor the Yusuf Shah Islamic Center Juneteenth Health Fair to be held at Hartley Park on Saturday, June 6, 2026, and annually thereafter on the first Saturday in June, subject to compliance with all applicable laws, rules, permits, and regulations of the City of Mount Vernon; and
Whereas, the Yusuf Shah Islamic Center has requested that the City of Mount Vernon authorize the Department of Recreation to co-sponsor the “Juneteenth Health Fair” to be held at Hartley Park on Saturday, June 6, 2026, and annually thereafter on the first Saturday in June; and
Whereas, the Yusuf Shah Islamic Center’s mission is to promote a stronger sense of community, educate the public regarding Islam, its teachings, ideology, philosophy, and culture, and foster civic responsibility among members and non-members alike; and
Whereas, the proposed Juneteenth Health Fair is intended to provide community engagement, health awareness resources, educational opportunities, and family-oriented activities for residents of the City of Mount Vernon; and
Whereas, the Yusuf Shah Islamic Center has requested authorization for the use of Hartley Park from 8:00 a.m. through 8:00 p.m., including designated periods for event setup, event operations, and cleanup; and
Whereas, the Yusuf Shah Islamic Center has further requested the presence of Auxiliary Police Officers to assist with public safety during the event; and
Whereas, vendor spaces will be made available to local food and craft merchants, and all vendors shall be required to obtain any necessary one-day vendor permits and comply with all applicable City regulations; and
Whereas, all vendors utilizing propane, grills, or open flames shall obtain pre-inspections from the Mount Vernon Fire Department prior to operation; and
Whereas, all cleanup activities associated with the event shall be jointly conducted by the Yusuf Shah Islamic Center and the Department of Recreation; and
Whereas, the City Council finds that sponsoring community-based cultural and health-related events serves a valid public purpose and promotes the general welfare of the residents of the City of Mount Vernon.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Mount Vernon as follows:
Section 1. Authorization of Co-Sponsorship. The Department of Recreation is hereby authorized to co-sponsor the Yusuf Shah Islamic Center Juneteenth Health Fair to be held at Hartley Park on Saturday, June 6, 2026, and annually thereafter on the first Saturday in June, subject to compliance with all applicable laws, rules, permits, and regulations of the City of Mount Vernon.
Section 2. Use of Hartley Park. Authorization is hereby granted for the use of Hartley Park from 8:00 a.m. through 8:00 p.m. on the date of the event, including:
1. Setup activities from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.;
2. Event operations from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.; and
3. Cleanup activities from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The use of the park shall be provided as part of the City’s co-sponsorship at no cost to the Yusuf Shah Islamic Center.
Section 3. Public Safety Support. The City hereby authorizes the presence of Auxiliary Police Officers during the event, subject to scheduling and operational approval by the appropriate City departments.
Section 4. Vendor Requirements. All vendors participating in the event shall be required to:
1. Submit a completed one-day vendor permit application;
2. Comply with all City licensing and permitting requirements; and
3. Obtain any required approvals from the Mount Vernon Fire Department for the use of propane, grills, or any open-flame equipment.
No vendor shall operate without the required approvals and inspections.
Section 5. Cleanup Responsibilities. The Yusuf Shah Islamic Center and the Department of Recreation shall be jointly responsible for ensuring that Hartley Park is properly cleaned and restored following the event.
Section 6. Severability. If any clause, sentence, paragraph, section, 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, section, or part thereof directly involved in the controversy in which such judgment shall have been rendered
Section 8. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption by the City Council.