City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE AMENDMENT
OF ORDINANCE NO. 4 ADOPTED BY THE CITY
COUNCIL ON APRIL 23, 2025, ENTITLED “AN ORDINANCE
AUTHORIZING AND SUPPORTING THE “HIV-AIDS
AWARENESS WALK - BREAKING STIGMAS ONE
STEP AT A TIME” TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY,
JUNE 21, 2025”
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain, and enact:
Section 1. The first decretal paragraph, and Section 1 of Ordinance No. 4, adopted by the City Council on April 23, 2025, entitled “AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND SUPPORTING THE “HIV-AIDS AWARENESS WALK - BREAKING STIGMAS ONE STEP AT A TIME” TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY, JUNE 21, 2025” is hereby amended as follows:
Whereas, in a letter dated April 11, 2025, the Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Recreation requested authorization for legislation to amend Ordinance No. 4, adopted by the City Council on April 23, 2025, for said Department to coordinate and host the “HIV-AIDS Awareness Walk - Breaking Stigmas One Step at a Time” on Saturday, June [21] 28, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; and
Whereas, in a letter dated June 5, 2025, the Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Recreation requested and obtained City Council authorization for the “HIV-AIDS Awareness Walk - Breaking Stigmas One Step at a Time,” to be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, in partnership with the City Council’s Human Resource Committee, the Westchester Community Health Center (WCHC), the Westchester Medical Center (WMC), and the Ally Care Center (ACC); and
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon recognizes the significance of fostering public awareness, education, and compassion surrounding HIV and AIDS; and
Whereas, the Department of Recreation, in partnership with the City Council’s Human Resource Committee and the Westchester Community Health Center (WCHC), seeks to host an HIV-AIDS Awareness Walk entitled “Breaking Stigmas One Step at a Time”; and
Whereas, the event is intended to promote community unity, raise awareness, foster empathy, and advocate for individuals and families affected by HIV and AIDS; and
Whereas, community-based organizations in collaboration with WCHC will provide access to vital resources, educational materials, and support services during the event; and
Whereas, this initiative reflects the City’s commitment to public health, equity, inclusion, and the dismantling of social stigmas that negatively impact the lives of residents; and
Whereas, the walk will begin at Mount Vernon City Hall, proceed to Stevens Avenue, turn left, continue along Gramatan Avenue (utilizing the sidewalks), and conclude at Hartley Park; and
Whereas, the City Council acknowledges the need for logistical and safety support to ensure the event is conducted efficiently and securely for all participants; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain and enact:
Section 1. Amendment of Ordinance No. 4. Ordinance No. 4 adopted by the City Council on April 23, 2025, is hereby amended solely to change the date of the “HIV-AIDS Awareness Walk - Breaking Stigmas One Step at a Time” event from Saturday, June 21, 2025, to Saturday, June 28, 2025.
Section [1] 2. Event Authorization. The City Council hereby authorizes the Department of Recreation to coordinate and host the “HIV-AIDS Awareness Walk - Breaking Stigmas One Step at a Time” on Saturday, June [21] 28, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Section [2] 3. Event Route. The approved walk route shall begin at Mount Vernon City Hall, proceed to Stevens Avenue, turn left, continue along Gramatan Avenue (on the sidewalk), and end at Hartley Park.
Section [3] 4. Collaborative Partnerships. The event shall be co-sponsored by the City Council’s Human Resource Committee and the Westchester Community Health Center, with additional involvement from local community-based organizations providing onsite resources and educational outreach.
Section [4] 5. Departmental Support. The following departments are hereby requested to provide support services for the event:
• Police Department: To provide a safety escort, manage pedestrian crossings, and ensure public safety throughout the walk.
• Department of Public Works (DPW): To provide necessary street barriers, manage logistical support, and oversee post-event cleanup services.
Section [5] 6. Public Engagement. The City of Mount Vernon encourages the participation of community members in the walk and supports ongoing efforts to promote HIV-AIDS awareness, reduce stigma, and enhance inclusivity and support for all residents.
Section [6] 7. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon passage and approval by the City Council.
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