City Council:
AN AMENDMENT AMENDING THE ORDINANCE
NO. 19, ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON
DECEMBER 27, 2023, ENTITLED “AN ORDINANCE
AUTHORIZING THE CITY COUNCIL TO ADOPT
AND ESTABLISH THE MOUNT VERNON ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT TASK FORCE”
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain and enact:
Section 1. The first decretal paragraph and additional Sections of Ordinance No. 19, adopted by the City Council on December 27, 2023, entitled “AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY COUNCIL TO ADOPT AND ESTABLISH THE MOUNT VERNON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TASK FORCE” is hereby amended as follows:
Whereas, by letter dated December 22, 2023, the City Council President has requested legislation authorizing the City Council to adopt the “Mount Vernon Economic Development Task Force Establishment Ordinance”; and
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon recognizes the need for economic diversification to alleviate the financial pressure on taxpayers; and, to ensure a more stable economic future for the city; and
[Whereas, the current reliance on property taxes as the primary source of municipal revenue is becoming increasingly unsustainable and burdensome for the residents; and]
[Whereas, the current reliance on property taxes as the primary source of municipal revenue is becoming increasingly unsustainable and burdensome for the residents; and]
Whereas, the establishment of the Mount Vernon Economic Development Task Force is deemed a proactive step in fostering economic growth, creating job opportunities, attracting, and retaining businesses, and improving the overall economic quality of life in Mount Vernon; and
Whereas, the establishment of the Mount Vernon Economic Task Force is proposed to unite the collective expertise of City Council members, the Mayor’s office, local business leaders, educational representatives, non-profit organizations, and citizens to advise on economic policies, develop strategic plans, promote business growth, and identify new revenue opportunities; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain, and enact.
Section 1. Purpose.
The purpose of this ordinance is to establish the Mount Vernon Economic Development Task Force (MV-EDTF), aimed at promoting economic growth, creating job opportunities, attracting, and retaining businesses, and improving the overall economic quality of life in the City of Mount Vernon.
Section 2. Definitions.
For this ordinance, the following terms shall be defined as follows:
1. “Task Force” refers to the Mount Vernon Economic Development Task Force.
2. “Member” refers to an appointed individual serving on the Task Force.
[Section 2. Composition of the Task Force. The Task Force shall consist of members appointed by City Council members, the mayor’s office, local business leaders, educational representatives, non-profit organizations, and our citizens. The composition is intentionally structured with staggered appointments to foster continuity and sustained progress.
(a) The Task Force shall advise on economic policies, develop strategic plans, promote business growth, and identify new revenue opportunities to diminish the reliance on property taxes.]
Section 3. Composition.
The Task Force shall consist of the following members, with staggered terms to
ensure continuity:
1. Two (2) members of the City Council, appointed by the City Council
for terms of two (2) years; one (1) member's term will expire on even years, and the other on odd years.
2. The Mayor or a designated representative, appointed by the Mayor
for a term of two (2) years.
3. One (1) Board Member of the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce, appointed by the City Council for a term of three (3)
years.
4. Four (4) business leaders from the Mount Vernon business community, with two (2) appointed by the Mayor for terms of three (3) years, one of whom must be an owner of a manufacturing or industrial business. The remaining two (2) business leaders will be appointed by the City Council for terms of two (2) years each.
5. Two (2) representatives from local educational institutions or workforce development organizations, appointed by the Mayor for
terms of two (2) years.
6. One (1) representative from a local non-profit organization with economic development expertise, appointed by the Mayor for a term
of three (3) years.
7. Two (2) residents of the City of Mount Vernon, with one (1)
appointed by the Mayor for a term of three (3) years and one (1)
appointed by the City Council for a term of two (2) years.
The initial appointment may be of a shorter duration to establish a staggered schedule. Thereafter, appointments shall be for the full term as specified or until successors are appointed.
Section 4. Responsibilities. The Task Force shall:
1. Advise the City Council on economic development policies and
strategies.
2. Develop and recommend a strategic plan for economic development.
3. Foster partnerships with local businesses, educational institutions,
and community organizations.
4. Promote business development and retention.
5. Identify and recommend potential funding sources for economic
development projects.
6. Provide an annual report to the City Council on its activities and
progress.
Section 5. Meetings.
The Task Force shall meet at least quarterly or as needed. Meetings shall be open to the public in accordance with local government transparency guidelines.
Section 6. Duration.
The Task Force shall exist for five (5) years from the date of its establishment, after which its continuation will be reviewed by the City Council.
Section 7. Severability.
If any part of this ordinance is declared invalid or unconstitutional, such declaration shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions.
Section 8. Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon passage and approval.
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