City Council:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON,
NEW YORK, ESTABLISHING THE ANNUAL
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT COMMUNITY EVENT AND
DESIGNATING ITS OBSERVANCE IN PERPETUITY
Whereas, by correspondence dated July 22, 2026, the Acting Commissioner / Chief of Operations of the Department of Public Safety requested that the City Council authorize the establishment of National Night Out as an annual City-sponsored community event to be observed on the first Tuesday of August, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., unless otherwise modified pursuant to this Ordinance; and further requested that such annual observance be memorialized in perpetuity through the enactment of this Ordinance, to be known and cited as the “National Night Out Annual Community Event Ordinance”; and
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon recognizes the importance of fostering strong partnerships between law enforcement, residents, businesses, community organizations, and neighborhood groups to promote public safety and improve the quality of life for all citizens; and
Whereas, the Department of Public Safety has requested that the City Council authorize and memorialize the City's participation in the annual National Night Out program; and
Whereas, National Night Out is a nationwide community-building campaign designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for and participation in local anti-crime initiatives, strengthen neighborhood spirit, enhance police-community partnerships, and send a clear message that neighborhoods are united in preventing crime; and
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon has successfully hosted National Night Out through the generous support of community organizations, local businesses, volunteers, sponsors, and residents whose contributions have made the event a meaningful annual tradition; and
Whereas, the event provides an opportunity for residents to engage with members of the Department of Public Safety and other City departments in a positive and family-friendly environment that promotes education, trust, and community engagement; and
Whereas, the Department of Public Safety has designated Hartley Park, located at 215 Gramatan Avenue, Mount Vernon, New York 10550, as the official location for the City’s National Night Out celebration, with the event to be held annually on the first Tuesday in August from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and, in the event of inclement weather, on the following day; and
Whereas, the City Council finds that establishing National Night Out as an annual City observance in perpetuity will promote public safety, strengthen community relationships, and preserve an important civic tradition for future generations.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Mount Vernon, New York, as follows:
Section 1. Title. This Ordinance shall be known and may be cited as the “National Night Out Annual Community Event Ordinance.”
Section 2. Establishment of Annual National Night Out. The City of Mount Vernon hereby establishes National Night Out as an annual City-sponsored community event to be observed each year on the first Tuesday in August, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., unless otherwise modified pursuant to this Ordinance.
Section 3. Official Event Location. The official location for the City's National Night Out celebration shall be Hartley Park, located at 215 Gramatan Avenue, Mount Vernon, New York 10550, unless the Commissioner of Public Safety determines that another City-owned or City-approved location is necessary due to operational, safety, or other municipal considerations.
Section 4. Rain Date. In the event of inclement weather or other conditions that make the scheduled event impracticable, the National Night Out celebration shall be held on the following day, or on another date designated by the Commissioner of Public Safety if circumstances require.
Section 5. Administration. The Department of Public Safety is hereby authorized to organize, coordinate, and administer the annual National Night Out event and may collaborate with other City departments, community organizations, neighborhood associations, educational institutions, businesses, sponsors, and volunteers to facilitate the event and further its public safety and community engagement objectives.
Section 6. Acceptance of Donations and Sponsorships. The Department of Public Safety is authorized to solicit and accept voluntary donations, sponsorships, and in-kind contributions from businesses, nonprofit organizations, civic groups, and individuals, subject to applicable laws, policies, and financial procedures of the City of Mount Vernon.
Section 7. Annual Observance in Perpetuity. It is the intent of the City Council that National Night Out be recognized and celebrated annually in perpetuity as an official community event of the City of Mount Vernon, subject to the availability of appropriated funds, community support, and operational feasibility.
Section 8. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or provision of this Ordinance is declared invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, such determination shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance, which shall remain in full force and effect.
Section 9. Repealer. All ordinances, local laws, resolutions, or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistency.
Section 10. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council and filing in accordance with the applicable provisions of the laws of the State of New York and the Charter and Code of the City of Mount Vernon.