City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE
DIRECTOR OF SUSTAINABILITY TO
PARTICIPATE IN THE DISTRICT ENERGY
DELEGATION TO COPENHAGEN, DENMARK
Whereas, by letter dated September 23, 2024, the Director of Sustainability has requested legislation authorizing him to accept the invitation from The Consulate General of Denmark to participate in the District Energy Delegation to Copenhagen, Denmark, from October 26, 2024, to November 1, 2024; and
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon is committed to sustainability, environmental justice, and the advancement of green infrastructure; and
Whereas, the Director of Sustainability has been invited by The Consulate General of Denmark to participate in their District Energy Delegation from October 26, 2024, to November 1, 2024; and
Whereas, the purpose of this delegation is to gain valuable knowledge of Denmark's pioneering district heating and thermal energy systems, which are globally recognized as energy-efficient, environmentally sustainable, and a model for equitable green infrastructure; and
Whereas, the entire cost of the trip, including travel, lodging, and other associated expenses, will be fully funded by The Consulate General of Denmark at no cost to the City of Mount Vernon; and
Whereas, this trip will provide direct benefits to the City of Mount Vernon, including advancing the Utility Thermal Energy Network (UTEN) project, supporting the City’s sustainability goals, fostering equitable access to clean energy solutions, and strengthening partnerships to attract additional funding and resources; and
Whereas, the insights and knowledge gained from Denmark’s best practices will be crucial in helping Mount Vernon develop progressive policies that promote sustainability and address the needs of the City’s most vulnerable populations; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain and enact:
Section 1. Authorization to Accept Invitation. The City Council of Mount Vernon hereby authorizes the Director of Sustainability to accept the invitation from The Consulate General of Denmark to participate in the District Energy Delegation to Copenhagen, Denmark, from October 26, 2024, to November 1, 2024.
Section 2. No Cost to the City. This ordinance acknowledges that the Consulate General of Denmark will fully fund the trip, including travel, lodging, and associated expenses, and the City of Mount Vernon will not be charged.
Section 3. Benefits to the City of Mount Vernon. The City Council recognizes that the knowledge and experience gained by the Director of Sustainability from this trip will directly benefit Mount Vernon’s ongoing sustainability initiatives, including the advancement of the UTEN project, the development of progressive energy policies, and efforts to ensure equitable access to clean energy solutions for all residents.
Section 4. Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its passage and approval by the City Council.