City Council;
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE RELEASE
OF A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR
THE DEVELOPMENT AND MANUFACTURE
OF NEW UNIFORM ATTIRE FOR THE
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS EMPLOYEES
Whereas, by letter dated July 16, 2024, the Commissioner of the Department of Public Works (DPW) has requested legislation authorizing the City of Mount Vernon to release a Request for Proposal (RFP) to solicit proposals from qualified companies to develop and manufacture new uniform attire for DPW employees.; and
Whereas, DPW is instrumental in maintaining and improving the infrastructure of the City of Mount Vernon; and
Whereas, the appearance of DPW employees is a direct reflection of the City’s commitment to professionalism, excellence, and community service; and
Whereas, there is a need to update the uniform attire of DPW employees to enhance public image, improve employee morale, and ensure that employees have access to functional and comfortable clothing; and
Whereas, it is in the best interest of the City of Mount Vernon to establish a centralized vendor for purchasing uniforms, as opposed to allowing individual selections from various vendors, thereby promoting uniformity and consistency; and
Whereas, the proposed collaboration for the development of new uniform attire will involve local designers and companies with expertise in creating functional, stylish, and durable clothing, thereby supporting local businesses and ensuring the specific needs and preferences of DPW employees are met; and
Whereas, the Teamsters 456 Union Agreement provides specific provisions for protective and safety equipment and uniform allowances that must be adhered to in this initiative; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain, and enact:
Section 1. Definitions:
A. “Department of Public Works (DPW)” shall refer to the Department of Public Works of the City of Mount Vernon.
B. “Request for Proposal (RFP)” shall refer to the formal request issued by the City of Mount Vernon to solicit proposals from qualified companies to develop and manufacture new uniform attire for DPW employees.
C. “Teamsters 456 Union Agreement” shall refer to the collective bargaining agreement between the City of Mount Vernon and the Teamsters Local 456.
Section 2. Authorization to Release RFP. The City of Mount Vernon is authorized to release a Request for Proposal (RFP) to solicit proposals from qualified companies to develop and manufacture new uniform attire for DPW employees.
Section 3. RFP Scope and Process. The RFP process shall include, but not be limited to, the following steps:
1. Needs Assessment and Design Consultation: Conduct surveys and focus groups with DPW employees to gather input on their needs and preferences for the new uniforms.
2. Design Development: The selected company shall create several design prototypes based on the feedback received from DPW employees.
3. Pilot Testing: Selected DPW employees shall wear the prototypes to assess their functionality, comfort, and durability.
4. Finalization and Production: Based on feedback from the pilot testing, the final designs will be submitted for approval by the DPW Commissioner, after which production will commence. Uniforms will be available for purchase by all DPW employees utilizing the annual uniform allowance stipend as per the Teamsters 456 Union Agreement.
5. Unit Pricing (Design and Production) - for approximately 150 Employees: Unit Pricing (Design and Production) shown in Table below:
Teamsters 456 Union Members:
|
Item |
Quantity Per Employee |
Unit Item Cost(s) |
|
Short Sleeve T-Shirt |
3 |
|
|
Crew Neck Pullover Sweater |
2 |
|
|
Hoodie (Zip Up or Pullover) |
2 |
|
|
Beanie Hat |
1 |
|
|
Snapback Hat |
1 |
|
|
All-Weather Safety Vest |
2 |
|
|
Winter Coat |
1 |
|
|
Cargo Pants (Navy Blue) |
3 |
|
CSEA (Supervisor / Foremen)
Design and Production) for approximately 10 Employees:
|
Item |
Quantity Per Employee |
Unit Item Cost(s) |
|
Short Sleeve Polo Shirt |
3 |
|
|
Long Sleeve Button-Down Shirt |
2 |
|
|
Light Spring Jacket |
1 |
|
|
Beanie Hat |
1 |
|
|
Snapback Hat |
1 |
|
|
Winter Coat |
1 |
|
|
Cargo Pants (Black) |
3 |
|
Section 4. Compliance with Teamsters 456 Union Agreement. All actions taken under this ordinance shall comply with the relevant provisions of the Teamsters 456 Union Agreement, including but not limited to:
Article XI: Protective and Safety Equipment and Tool Allowance
• Effective January 1, 2024, the annual allowance for the purchase of protective and safety equipment shall be $450.00, disbursed in the first payroll period in July.
Article XII: Uniform Allowance. Effective January 1, 2024, Unit employees, excluding those in the Water Department, shall receive an annual uniform allowance of $850.00, disbursed in the first payroll period in July. Employees must wear the uniform designated by the City, and newly hired employees shall receive their allowance within thirty (30) workdays of employment.
Section 5. Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its passage and approval.