Board of Estimate and Contract:
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING FOUR (4)
MEMBERS OF SERVICE OF THE DEPARTMENT
OF PUBLIC SAFETY TO ATTEND THE 2026
EXCELSIOR CHALLENGE COURSE AND
AUTHORIZING REIMBURSEMENT OF RELATED
TRAVEL AND MEAL EXPENSES
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Safety respectfully requests authorization for four (4) Members of Service to attend the 2026 Excelsior Challenge Course, to be held at the State Preparedness Training Center, located at 5900 Airport Road, Oriskany, New York, from September 28, 2026, through October 2, 2026; and
WHEREAS, the Excelsior Challenge is a specialized, scenario-based training program hosted by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (“DHSES”); and
WHEREAS, the Excelsior Challenge brings together law enforcement professionals to enhance operational coordination, communication, and response capabilities while preparing participants to address current and emerging public safety threats through realistic, hands-on training scenarios; and
WHEREAS, participation in this specialized training will provide the participating Members of Service with valuable operational experience and enhance their ability to effectively respond to complex and evolving public safety incidents; and
WHEREAS, attendance at the 2026 Excelsior Challenge Course is provided at no cost to the City; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Safety has requested authorization for the use of a department vehicle for transportation to and from the State Preparedness Training Center, together with reimbursement for allowable gasoline and toll expenses incurred in connection with attendance at the training; and
WHEREAS, reimbursement for gasoline and toll expenses shall not exceed Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00) per person, for a maximum aggregate amount of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) for the four (4) participating Members of Service; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Safety has also requested reimbursement for allowable meal expenses incurred in connection with attendance at the training, subject to applicable City travel policies and reimbursement requirements; and
WHEREAS, all expenses authorized herein shall be satisfied from budget line A3120.452 (Training), subject to the availability of appropriated funds; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Estimate and Contract has reviewed and approved this request prior to its submission to the City Council;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON, NEW YORK, AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Authorization to Attend Training. The City Council hereby authorizes four (4) Members of Service of the Department of Public Safety to attend the 2026 Excelsior Challenge Course, scheduled for September 28, 2026, through October 2, 2026, at the State Preparedness Training Center, 5900 Airport Road, Oriskany, New York.
Section 2. Training Cost. The City Council acknowledges that attendance at the 2026 Excelsior Challenge Course is provided at no cost to the City, and no registration or tuition fee shall be incurred by the City in connection with attendance at the course.
Section 3. Department Vehicle. The Department of Public Safety is hereby authorized to utilize a department vehicle for transportation of the participating Members of Service to and from the State Preparedness Training Center in Oriskany, New York, subject to all applicable City policies and requirements governing the use of City vehicles.
Section 4. Reimbursement of Gasoline and Tolls. The City Council hereby authorizes reimbursement to each participating Member of Service for allowable gasoline and toll expenses incurred in connection with attendance at the training course, in an amount not to exceed Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00) per person, subject to the submission of appropriate receipts and supporting documentation.
Section 5. Reimbursement of Meals. The City Council hereby authorizes reimbursement for allowable meal expenses incurred by the participating Members of Service during the authorized training period, subject to applicable City travel policies, per diem limitations, submission of required documentation, and the availability of funds within the authorized budget line.
Section 6. Funding. All expenses authorized pursuant to this Resolution shall be charged to Budget Line A3120.452 (Training). The total gasoline and toll reimbursement authorized herein shall not exceed One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) for the four (4) participating Members of Service.
Section 7. Compliance with Applicable Policies. All reimbursements and expenditures authorized herein shall be subject to the Charter of the City of Mount Vernon, applicable laws, rules and regulations, and all City policies and procedures governing employee training, travel, meals, vehicle use, and reimbursement of expenses.
Section 8. Authorization to Execute Necessary Documents. The Mayor, Comptroller, Commissioner of Public Safety, and/or their duly authorized designees are hereby authorized to execute any documents and take such actions as may be necessary and appropriate to effectuate the purposes of this Resolution.
Section 9. Effective Date. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon approval by the Board of Estimate and Contract and subsequent adoption by the City Council.
BOARD OF ESTIMATE AND CONTRACT
A REQUEST AUTHORIZING THE
ATTACHED TRAVEL AND
TRAINING REQUEST FORM AND
APPROVING THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS
FOR
FOUR (4) MEMBERS OF SERVICE
IN THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
TO ATTEND
THE 2026 EXCELSIOR CHALLENGE COURSE
FROM
SEPTEMBER 28 TO OCTOBER 2, 2026