City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE DEPARTMENT
OF MANAGEMENT SERVICES TO ISSUE A REQUEST
FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR THE SELECTION OF A
VENDOR TO IMPLEMENT A MUNICIPAL BROADBAND
SOLUTION, INCLUDING FREE PUBLIC WI-FI
IN SELECT LOCATIONS
Whereas, by letter dated September 19, the Commissioner of the Department of Management Services has requested legislation to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the selection of a qualified vendor to propose and implement a comprehensive Municipal Broadband solution, including the installation of Free Public Wi-Fi at the following city locations; and
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon recognizes the growing need for reliable and accessible internet services for its residents, businesses, and visitors, especially in public areas; and
Whereas, implementing a Municipal Broadband solution and providing Free Public Wi-Fi will support the City’s goals to enhance digital connectivity, promote economic development, and provide equitable internet access to all members of the community; and
Whereas, the Office/Department of Management Services has identified an initial set of public locations, including two parking structures, nine city parks, and three locations in the business district, as optimal sites for the installation of Free Public Wi-Fi; and
Whereas, the funding for this project will be provided through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) broadband and connectivity budget funds, specifically allocated for investments in broadband infrastructure; and
Whereas, issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) is necessary to identify a qualified vendor capable of designing, implementing, and maintaining a sustainable, reliable, and flexible Municipal Broadband solution; and
Whereas, the City aims to initiate the RFP process on or before October 8, 2024, to finalize a contract by October 31, 2024, to ensure prompt utilization of ARPA funds and timely execution of the project; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain and enact:
Section 1. Authorization to Issue Request for Proposals (RFP). The Department of Management Services is authorized to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to select a vendor to propose and implement a comprehensive Municipal Broadband solution for the City of Mount Vernon. The RFP will focus on implementing a Free Public Wi-Fi system at select public locations, as Section 2 of this Ordinance outlines.
Section 2. Selected Locations for Free Public Wi-Fi Implementation. The Free Public Wi-Fi system shall be implemented at the following locations:
Parking Lots:
1. Lot #8 - North 3rd Avenue between Sidney and Prospect Avenues
o Approximate total floor area: 1,400 sq ft - (four (4) floors)
o Latitude: - 40.91330398
o Longitude: -73.83706393
2. Lot #9 - Stevens Avenue between 5th Avenue and Wilson Place
o Approximate total floor area: 1,000 sq ft - (three (3) floors)
o Latitude: - 40.91188831
o Longitude: -73.83870361
City-Owned Parks - Locations):
1. Brush Park
o Latitude: - 40.89882164
o Longitude: -73.82944748
2. Fleetwood Playground
o Latitude: - 40.92658371
o Longitude: -73.83665848
3. Howard Street Playground
o Latitude: - 40.91687584
o Longitude: -73.84350261
4. 4th Street Park
o Latitude: - 40.90385378
o Longitude: -73.8376792
5. Hartley Park
o Latitude: - 40.91684964
o Longitude: -73.83639036
6. Heavy D Playground
o Latitude: - 40.91238388
o Longitude: - 73.82242857
7. Leo Man Playground
o Latitude: - 40.920269
o Longitude: -73.81891252
8. Chester Heights
o Latitude: - 40.92386502
o Longitude: -73.81260616
9. Oakwood Heights
o Latitude: - 40.91463168
o Longitude: -73.81725561
Business District Locations:
|
Street |
Latitude |
Longitude |
|
4th Avenue |
TBD (Based on site survey) |
TBD (Based on site survey) |
|
Sanford Boulevard |
TBD (Based on site survey) |
TBD (Based on site survey) |
|
Gramatan Avenue |
TBD (Based on site survey) |
TBD (Based on site survey) |
Section 3. Scope of the RFP. The RFP shall seek to identify a vendor that can:
1. Propose a comprehensive Municipal Broadband solution focusing on long-term sustainability, reliability, and scalability.
2. Design and implement a Free Public Wi-Fi system at the selected locations, ensuring sufficient bandwidth, security, and ease of access for users.
3. Provide ongoing maintenance and support for the system.
4. Work with the City of Mount Vernon to ensure that the project complies with state and federal regulations and that all funding deadlines are met.
5. Meet the project timeline, starting with the finalization of a contract by October 31, 2024.
Section 4. Funding. The project will be funded through ARPA broadband and connectivity budget funds, specifically allocated to enhance broadband infrastructure in the City of Mount Vernon. No additional city funds will be required for this phase of the project.
Section 5. Timeline. The RFP process shall be initiated on or before October 8, 2024, to select a vendor and finalize a contract by October 31, 2024. This timeline ensures that the project is executed promptly and that ARPA funds are utilized within the designated timeframe.
Section 6. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon passage and approval by the City Council.