Board of Estimate & Contract:
RESOLVED, that an ordinance adopted by the City Council on October 10, 2024, and signed by the Mayor on October 11, 2024, authorizing the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau to Host the Annual National “Lights on After School” Event at City Hall Plaza - - (Thursday, October 24, 2024: the Youth Bureau and other supporting departments coordinate the event's logistics, including setting up equipment, arranging activities, and managing vendor participation. Any associated costs will be funded through the Youth Bureau’s budget), be and the same is hereby approved.
City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MOUNT
VERNON YOUTH BUREAU TO HOST THE ANNUAL
NATIONAL “LIGHTS ON AFTER-SCHOOL”
EVENT AT CITY HALL PLAZA
Whereas, by letter dated September 18, 2024, the Deputy Director of the Youth Bureau has requested legislation authorizing the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau to organize and host the annual National “Lights on After-School” event at City Hall Plaza on Thursday, October 24, 2024, from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.; and
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon recognizes the critical importance of positive youth development programs, particularly during the hours between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. when many children are unsupervised, and the need to provide safe and enriching activities to promote youth success; and
Whereas, the National “Lights On After-School” initiative is a nationwide event held at over 7,500 locations, celebrating after-school programs and their role in keeping youth engaged, safe, and inspired; and
Whereas, the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau, in collaboration with the Department of Recreation, the Boys & Girls Club, ECM School, YCOP, and other community-based organizations, will be participating in the annual “Lights on After-School” event to showcase the many positive youth programs available in the City; and
Whereas, the event will take place at City Hall Plaza on Thursday, October 24, 2024, from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and will serve as a platform to send a clear message that the City of Mount Vernon is committed to keeping the "lights on" and doors open for youth and their families; and
Whereas, hosting this event will provide the community with an opportunity to learn more about after-school programs, engage with local organizations, and demonstrate the City's ongoing support for children and families; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain, and enact:
Section 1. Definitions.
Youth Bureau: The Mount Vernon Youth Bureau is a city department responsible for providing services and programs that support youth development.
Lights On After-School Event: A national event organized by the Afterschool Alliance to celebrate and promote the importance of after-school programs.
City Hall Plaza: The public square in front of Mount Vernon City Hall, designated as the event location for the 2024 “Lights on After-School” celebration.
Section 2. Authorization to Host Event. The Mount Vernon Youth Bureau is authorized to organize and host the annual National “Lights on After-School” event at City Hall Plaza on Thursday, October 24, 2024, from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Section 3. Event Collaboration and Participation. The event will involve collaboration between the Youth Bureau, the Department of Recreation, and community-based organizations, including but not limited to the Boys & Girls Club, ECM School, and YCOP. These organizations will showcase the programs and resources available to Mount Vernon’s youth and families.
Section 4. Traffic Control and Public Safety. The City’s Department of Public Safety and Department of Public Works shall coordinate to ensure traffic control and public safety measures are in place for the duration of the event. This includes road closures, if necessary, and ensuring the safety of attendees at City Hall Plaza.
Section 5. Funding and Logistics. The Youth Bureau and other supporting departments coordinate the event's logistics, including setting up equipment, arranging activities, and managing vendor participation. Any associated costs will be funded through the Youth Bureau’s budget.
Section 6. Community Outreach and Public Engagement. The City encourages all residents, parents, and community organizations to participate in the "Lights On After-School" event and to engage with the many resources and programs that will be showcased.
Section 7. Effective Date of Ordinance. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its approval by the Board of Estimate & Contract.