City Council:
AN ORDINANCE DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
AT CITY HALL AND AUTHORIZING IMMEDIATE
ACTION TO ADDRESS HEALTH, SAFETY, AND
BUILDING INTEGRITY ISSUES
Whereas, by letter dated November 20, 2024, the Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Public Works has requested legislation authorizing them to declare an emergency at City Hall due to the immediate health, safety, and operational risks posed by water damage, structural deficiencies, and compliance violations; and
Whereas, the Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Public Works has identified an emergency situation at City Hall due to significant water damage, structural deterioration, and compliance violations that pose risks to public health, safety, and operational functionality; and
Whereas, the roof and building envelope of City Hall has suffered extensive neglect over an extended period, leading to ongoing water infiltration that has impacted all physical levels of the structure and disrupted operations; and
Whereas, numerous investigations by the New York State Department of Labor have resulted in citations, including two "serious" violations under 29 CFR 1910.28(c) and 29 CFR 1910.305(b)(2)(i), one of which has been abated, and one "non-serious" violation under 29 CFR 1910.22(a)(3), which remains unresolved, along with additional hazards identified in subsequent inspections; and
Whereas, these conditions have created an unsafe work environment, hindered daily municipal operations, and present a significant risk of further damage if left unaddressed, particularly in light of recent adverse weather events and deteriorating structural conditions; and
Whereas, the forthcoming Environetics Engineering Report, previously authorized by the City Council, is expected to provide detailed recommendations for the critical repairs and abatement actions necessary to address these urgent issues; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain and enact:
Section 1. Declaration of Emergency. The City Council authorizes the Department of Public Works to declare an emergency at City Hall due to the immediate health, safety, and operational risks posed by water damage, structural deficiencies, and compliance violations.
Section 2. Authorization to Solicit Contractors. The Mayor is authorized to direct the Department of Public Works to solicit proposals from qualified contractors to perform the necessary construction, repair, and abatement work as identified in the forthcoming Environetics Engineering Report and in consultation with relevant regulatory agencies.
Section 3. Compliance with Regulatory Standards. All repair and construction activities shall comply with applicable federal, state, and local safety and regulatory standards, with priority given to abating violations cited under 29 CFR 1910.28(c), 29 CFR 1910.305(b)(2)(i), and 29 CFR 1910.22(a)(3).
Section 4. Funding Allocation. The City Comptroller is authorized to allocate funds from the appropriate accounts, including any emergency reserves or federal funding sources, to expedite the necessary work at City Hall.
Section 5. Oversight and Progress Reporting. The Department of Public Works shall oversee the execution of the repair and reduction work and provide regular updates to the City Council on project status, expenditures, and any additional funding requirements.
Section 6. Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its adoption and approval by the City Council.