City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE DEPARTMENT
OF RECREATION TO CO-SPONSOR THE THIRD
LATINO FESTIVAL AT HARTLEY PARK IN PARTNERSHIP
WITH MIZTLI CULTURE ART & MUSIC INC.
Whereas, in correspondence dated May 27, 2026, the Commissioner of the Department of Recreation requested authorization to co-sponsor the Third Latino Festival in partnership with Miztli Culture Art & Music Inc., to be held at Hartley Park on Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; and
Whereas, the Third Latino Festival is scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and is intended to provide a family-friendly celebration of Latino culture through music, dance, art, food, educational activities, and community engagement; and
Whereas, the festival is designed to celebrate the diversity of the City of Mount Vernon by showcasing cultural traditions and fostering greater understanding, inclusion, and appreciation among residents and visitors of all ages and backgrounds; and
Whereas, the event will transform Hartley Park into a welcoming community gathering space that encourages civic participation, cultural awareness, and unity while highlighting the rich cultural heritage that contributes to the vitality of the City; and
Whereas, the Department of Recreation has agreed to assist with the event by providing tables and chairs and assigning Recreation staff to support event operations, including cleanup and garbage collection; and
Whereas, the City Council finds that co-sponsoring the Third Latino Festival serves a valid public purpose by promoting cultural enrichment, recreation, tourism, community engagement, and the general welfare of the residents of the City of Mount Vernon.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Mount Vernon, New York, as follows:
Section 1. Authorization to Co-Sponsor Event. The City Council hereby authorizes the Department of Recreation to co-sponsor the Third Latino Festival in partnership with Miztli Culture Art & Music Inc., to be held at Hartley Park on Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Section 2. Department of Recreation Responsibilities. The Department of Recreation is authorized to provide municipal support for the event, including, but not limited to:
1. Providing tables and chairs for event use;
2. Assigning Recreation staff to assist with event operations as needed;
3. Assisting with post-event cleanup and garbage collection; and
4. Coordinating with other City departments to facilitate the safe and orderly conduct of the festival.
Section 3. Compliance with Applicable Laws. The event organizers shall obtain all permits, licenses, approvals, and insurance required by federal, state, county, and local laws, rules, regulations, and City policies. The organizers shall comply with all applicable public safety, health, sanitation, and park regulations and shall coordinate with the appropriate City departments regarding event logistics.
Section 4. No Additional Financial Obligation. Except for the municipal services and assistance expressly authorized herein and provided within approved departmental budgets, nothing contained in this Ordinance shall be construed to obligate the City to incur any additional financial expenditures unless separately authorized by the City Council.
Section 5. Authority to Implement. The Mayor, the Commissioner of Recreation, and such other City officials as may be necessary are hereby authorized and directed to take all actions and execute all documents necessary to carry out the intent and purpose of this Ordinance.
Section 6. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or provision of this Ordinance is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, such determination shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance.
Section 7. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council and filing in accordance with the provisions of the laws of the State of New York and the Charter of the City of Mount Vernon.