Board of Estimate & Contract:
RESOLVED, that an ordinance adopted by the City Council on December 11, 2024, and signed by the Mayor on December 12, 2024, authorizing the Purchase of 400 Target® Gift Cards to Support the Public Safety Camera Program (“PSCP”) to Enhance Community Safety and Crime Prevention - (400 Target® gift cards, each valued at $150) - ($60,000 from Budget Line A3120.458 ARPA (Violence Prevention) to purchase 400 Target® gift cards, each valued at $150, for use in the Public Safety Camera Program (PSCP)); be, and the same is hereby approved.
City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF
400 TARGET® GIFT CARDS TO SUPPORT THE PUBLIC
SAFETY CAMERA PROGRAM (PSCP) TO ENHANCE
COMMUNITY SAFETY AND CRIME PREVENTION
Whereas, by letter dated December 6, 2024, the Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety has requested legislation authorizing the purchase of 400 Target® gift cards, each valued at $150, for use in the Public Safety Camera Program (PSCP); and
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon is committed to enhancing public safety and promoting community engagement through modern, proactive safety initiatives; and
Whereas, the Public Safety Camera Program (PSCP) is a key component of the City's comprehensive public safety strategy, working alongside other initiatives like red-light cameras, the Aware Room, License Plate Reader (LPR) systems, and the Protected Places Program; and
Whereas, the PSCP aims to foster stronger partnerships between the Mount Vernon Police Department (MVPD) and residents by providing affordable access to video surveillance technology, empowering residents to participate actively in crime prevention and neighborhood safety efforts; and
Whereas, to support this initiative, the City of Mount Vernon seeks to purchase 400 Target® gift cards, each valued at $150, for a total amount of $60,000, to enable residents to purchase security camera systems with street visibility; and
Whereas, these gift cards will be distributed to selected residents based on criteria that assess crime data, neighborhood visibility needs, and coverage gaps, with a focus on high-crime areas, commercial districts, and other strategic locations; and
Whereas, residents participating in the program must agree to grant the Mount Vernon Police Department access to their footage in the event of criminal activity near their property, enhancing investigative capabilities and fostering trust and collaboration; and
Whereas, the program will be managed by the Director of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, the Director of Constituent Services, and the Mount Vernon Police Department, ensuring a collaborative, community-centered approach to implementation and oversight; and
Whereas, funding for this initiative, totaling $60,000, will be sourced from budget line A3120.458 ARPA (Violence Prevention), underscoring the City's dedication to addressing violence prevention through innovative safety measures and community collaboration; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain and enact:
Section 1. Authorization of Purchase. The City Comptroller is authorized to allocate $60,000 from Budget Line A3120.458 ARPA (Violence Prevention) to purchase 400 Target® gift cards, each valued at $150, for use in the Public Safety Camera Program (PSCP).
Section 2. Purpose and Use of Funds.
1. The Target® gift cards shall be distributed to Mount Vernon residents selected to participate in the PSCP.
2. Each selected resident shall use the gift card to purchase an approved video door camera system that provides street visibility.
3. Participation in the PSCP requires residents to agree to grant the Mount Vernon Police Department access to their camera footage if a crime occurs near their property.
Section 3. Program Management.
1. The PSCP shall be managed collaboratively by the following parties:
o Director of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement
o Director of Constituent Services
o Mount Vernon Police Department (MVPD)
2. These entities shall be responsible for implementing the program, overseeing participant selection, and maintaining accountability and transparency in the program’s operations.
Section 4. Objectives of the Public Safety Camera Program (“PSCP”). The following objectives should guide the Public Safety Camera Program (PSCP):
1. Promote Community Safety - Empower Mount Vernon residents to participate actively in crime prevention.
2. Strengthen Law Enforcement Partnerships - Build trust and foster collaboration between residents and the Mount Vernon Police Department.
3. Encourage Using Modern Technology - Increase access to video surveillance technology as a proactive crime prevention tool.
Section 5. Funding. The initiative’s total cost, $60,000, will be fully funded by Budget Line A3120.458 ARPA (Violence Prevention), reflecting the City’s ongoing commitment to violence prevention and community safety enhancement.
Section 6. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its adoption and approval by the Board of Estimate & Contract.