AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE USE OF
MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT NO. 11 FOR THE
JAMAICAN 64TH INDEPENDENCE DAY FESTIVAL
AND AUTHORIZING MUNICIPAL SUPPORT SERVICES
Whereas, by correspondence dated June 8, 2026, Councilman André Wallace requested that the City Council authorize the use of Municipal Parking Lot No. 11 on Prospect Avenue for the celebration of the 64th Jamaican Independence Day Festival on Thursday, August 6, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., together with reasonable access for setup and cleanup activities as approved by the appropriate City departments; and
Whereas, the proposed festival is intended to celebrate the rich culture, heritage, music, traditions, and contributions of the Jamaican community and is expected to attract residents and visitors from throughout the City and surrounding region; and
Whereas, Jamaica attained independence from the United Kingdom on August 6, 1962, following centuries of colonial rule and decades of political advocacy for self-governance, becoming a sovereign nation within the Commonwealth; and
Whereas, Jamaica's journey to independence was shaped by the leadership and vision of national figures such as Sir Alexander Bustamante and Norman Manley, whose efforts advanced democratic governance, social progress, and national self-determination; and
Whereas, Jamaican Independence Day is commemorated annually through cultural celebrations, educational programs, and community events that honor the nation's history, achievements, and enduring spirit; and
Whereas, the observance of Jamaican Independence Day provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the significant cultural, economic, civic, and social contributions made by Jamaican-Americans and members of the Jamaican diaspora to the City of Mount Vernon and communities throughout the United States; and
Whereas, the event organizer has requested the assistance of auxiliary police officers and other appropriate public safety personnel to assist with crowd management, traffic control, public safety, and the orderly operation of the event; and
Whereas, the City Council finds that the celebration of the 64th Jamaican Independence Day Festival serves a valid public purpose by fostering cultural awareness, community engagement, diversity, and civic pride among the residents of the City of Mount Vernon.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Authorization of Event. The City Council hereby authorizes the use of Municipal Parking Lot No. 11 on Prospect Avenue for the 64th Jamaican Independence Day Festival on Thursday, August 6, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with reasonable access for setup and cleanup activities as approved by the appropriate City departments.
Section 2. Public Safety Support. The Department of Public Safety is authorized to provide auxiliary police assistance for the event and to coordinate public safety operations as deemed necessary. The street supervisor and sector patrol unit shall pay special attention to the event area during the event period.
Section 3. Overtime Authorization. The Department of Public Safety is authorized to assign overtime personnel, as deemed necessary by the supervising officer, to ensure public safety, traffic control, crowd management, and emergency response capabilities during the event.
Section 4. Permits, Insurance, and Licenses. The event organizer shall obtain and maintain all permits, approvals, licenses, and insurance coverage required by federal, state, county, and local laws, rules, and regulations. Certificates of insurance naming the City of Mount Vernon as an additional insured shall be submitted to the appropriate City departments prior to the event.
Section 5. Alcoholic Beverages. No alcoholic beverages shall be sold, served, distributed, or consumed at the event unless the organizer has first obtained all required permits and licenses, including any required authorization from the New York State Liquor Authority and any approvals required by the City of Mount Vernon.
Section 6. Indemnification. The event organizer shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the City of Mount Vernon, its officers, employees, agents, and representatives from any and all claims, damages, liabilities, losses, costs, and expenses arising out of or relating to the event.
Section 7. Compliance with Law. The event organizer shall comply with all applicable federal, state, county, and local laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, and directives issued by the City of Mount Vernon and its departments.
Section 8. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect upon adoption by the City Council and filing of the above-described documents in the office of the City Clerk of Mount Vernon.