City Council:
AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A ONE-YEAR LEAVE
OF ABSENCE TO ALLEN AYERS IV, PARKS
MAINTENANCE WORKER, TO SERVE AS A
PROBATIONARY FIREFIGHTER WITH THE
MOUNT VERNON FIRE DEPARTMENT
Whereas, in correspondence dated September 2, 2026, the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Public Works formally requested that the City Council authorize a one (1) year leave of absence for Mr. Allen Ayers IV, Parks Maintenance Worker, to permit him to fulfill his appointment and serve as a probationary firefighter with the City of Mount Vernon Fire Department; and
Whereas, Mr. Allen Ayers IV has been appointed to serve as a probationary firefighter with the City of Mount Vernon Fire Department; and
Whereas, Mr. Ayers has requested a one (1) year leave of absence from his position as Parks Maintenance Worker to fulfill his appointment and duties as a probationary firefighter with the Mount Vernon Fire Department; and
Whereas, the requested leave of absence is consistent with the applicable collective bargaining agreement between the City of Mount Vernon and Local 456; and
Whereas, the requested leave shall commence on August 21, 2026, and shall continue through August 20, 2027; and
Whereas, the City Council finds that granting the requested leave of absence is in the best interests of the City and is appropriate to facilitate Mr. Ayers' service with the Mount Vernon Fire Department while preserving his employment rights in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement; now, therefore, be it
ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON, NEW YORK, AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Grant of Leave of Absence. The City Council of the City of Mount Vernon hereby grants Mr. Allen Ayers IV, Parks Maintenance Worker, a leave of absence from his position for a period of one (1) year for the purpose of fulfilling his appointment and serving as a probationary firefighter with the City of Mount Vernon Fire Department.
Section 2. Term of Leave. The leave of absence authorized pursuant to this Ordinance shall be effective commencing August 21, 2026, and shall continue through August 20, 2027, unless otherwise modified or terminated in accordance with applicable law or the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.
Section 3. Collective Bargaining Agreement. The leave of absence authorized herein shall be administered in accordance with the applicable provisions of the collective bargaining agreement between the City of Mount Vernon and Local 456, including any provisions governing leaves of absence, seniority, benefits, reinstatement, and other applicable employment rights and obligations.
Section 4. Status and Return to Position. Upon expiration of the authorized leave of absence, Mr. Allen Ayers IV shall return to his position as Parks Maintenance Worker, subject to applicable law, the collective bargaining agreement, and any rights or obligations arising from his appointment and service as a probationary firefighter.
Section 5. Authorization of City Officials. The Mayor, the Commissioner of Human Resources, and all other appropriate City officials and department heads are hereby authorized and directed to take all actions necessary and appropriate to implement the leave of absence granted by this Ordinance.
Section 6. No Waiver of Rights. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as a waiver, modification, or impairment of any rights or obligations of the City of Mount Vernon or Mr. Allen Ayers IV under applicable law, civil service rules, or the collective bargaining agreement with Local 456.
Section 7. Severability. If any provision of this Ordinance or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect any other provision or application of this Ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this Ordinance are declared severable.
Section 8. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council and shall be deemed effective with respect to the leave of absence commencing August 21, 2026, as authorized herein.