City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE
TRANSFER OF ONE (1) CODE ENFORCEMENT
OFFICER POSITION TO THE TITLE OF CODE
ENFORCEMENT COORDINATOR WITHIN
THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS,
APPROVING A BUDGET TRANSFER, AMENDING
THE 2026 FISCAL YEAR SALARY SCHEDULE,
AND GRANTING A LEAVE OF ABSENCE
Whereas, in correspondence dated February 5, 2026, the Commissioner of the Department of Public Works formally requested authorization of the transfer of one (1) Code Enforcement Officer position within the Department of Public Works to the title of Code Enforcement Coordinator, effective February 9, 2026, subject to approval by the Board of Estimate; and
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon employs Code Enforcement Officers within the Department of Public Works to enforce local laws, ordinances, and public-safety regulations; and
Whereas, during the most recent enforcement period, the City’s Code Enforcement process issued in excess of $1.6 million in summonses and violations, representing an unprecedented level of compliance enforcement, revenue generation, and public-safety impact; and
Whereas, this volume and complexity of enforcement activity substantially exceeds the customary scope of an individual enforcement role and reflects responsibilities consistent with a program-level coordination position; and
Whereas, the Code Enforcement function now requires significant coordination among multiple intergovernmental and municipal entities, including the Department of Buildings, Police Department, Fire Department, Law Department, and the New York State Courts System; and
Whereas, the Commissioner of Public Works has determined that the transfer of one (1) Code Enforcement Officer position to the title of Code Enforcement Coordinator is necessary to ensure effective oversight, coordination, and accountability of enforcement operations; and
Whereas, funding for this action is available within the 2026 Fiscal Year adopted budget through a budget transfer within the Sanitation Department; and
Whereas, the current salary of $73,818 for the Code Enforcement Officer is already budgeted within Account A8160.101 - Sanitation (Salaries and Wages); and
Whereas, an additional transfer of funds in the amount of $1,586.25 is required to fully fund the Code Enforcement Coordinator position; and
Whereas, Mr. Jawwad Abdul-Halim is currently employed as a Code Enforcement Officer, is qualified to serve as Code Enforcement Coordinator, and is a member of Teamsters Local 456; and
Whereas, pursuant to the applicable collective bargaining agreement, Mr. Abdul-Halim is eligible for a leave of absence to serve in a higher title; and
Whereas, the requested transfer and promotion are proposed to be effective February 9, 2026, subject to approval by the City Council and authorization by the Board of Estimate;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON:
Section 1. Authorization of Position Transfer. The City Council hereby authorizes the transfer of one (1) Code Enforcement Officer position within the Department of Public Works to the title of Code Enforcement Coordinator, effective February 9, 2026, subject to approval by the Board of Estimate.
Section 2. Budget Transfer Authorization. The City Council hereby authorizes the following 2026 Fiscal Year budget transfer:
• From: A8160.203 - Sanitation (Equipment)
• To: A8160.101 - Sanitation (Salaries and Wages)
• Amount: $1,586.25
Section 3. Salary Amendment. The City Council hereby amends the 2026 Fiscal Year salary schedule as follows:
• Code Enforcement Officer - New Salary: $1.00
• Code Enforcement Coordinator - New Salary: $75,069.64
Section 4. Leave of Absence. The City Council hereby grants Mr. Jawwad Abdul-Halim a one (1) year leave of absence from the civil service title of Code Enforcement Officer in order to serve as Code Enforcement Coordinator, effective February 9, 2026, through February 8, 2027, in accordance with the Teamsters Local 456 collective bargaining agreement.
Section 5. Board of Estimate Authorization. This Ordinance shall be submitted to the Board of Estimate for approval and authorization as required by law.
Section 6. Severability. If any provision of this Ordinance is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions.
Section 7. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption by the City Council and subsequent approval by the Board of Estimate and Contract.