Board of Estimate & Contract:
RESOLVED, that an ordinance adopted by the City Council on February 11, 2025, and signed by the Mayor on February 11, 2025, authorizing the Selection of Woodard and Curran for the South Third & South Columbus Avenues Flood Mitigation Project Under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Project #4615-0004 CMVNY - under FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program); be, and the same is hereby approved.
City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SELECTION
OF WOODWARD & CURRAN FOR THE SOUTH
THIRD & SOUTH COLUMBUS AVENUES FLOOD
MITIGATION PROJECT UNDER THE HAZARD
MITIGATION GRANT PROGRAM (HMGP)
PROJECT #4615-0004 CMVNY
Whereas, by letter dated February 6, 2025, the Commissioner of the Department of Public Works has requested legislation authorizing the City of Mount Vernon to engage Woodward & Curran to study and plan the South Third & South Columbus Avenues Flood Mitigation Project under FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program; and
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon has identified a critical need to mitigate persistent flooding issues at the intersection of South Third and South Columbus Avenues; and
Whereas, a significant flood event caused an explosion due to water pressure in a manhole, leading to ongoing safety and infrastructure concerns in the affected area; and
Whereas, subsequent mitigation efforts, including the addition of a retention area and new sump structures, have not sufficiently alleviated the risk of road closures during severe storm events; and
Whereas, the City has been awarded Nine Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($950,000) in federal funding under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) to conduct a comprehensive study and develop solutions for the intersection, outfall, structures, substructures, surrounding areas, and watersheds; and
Whereas, the Department of Public Works has conducted a thorough evaluation of potential firms based on their understanding of the scope of work, experience with similar projects, quality of proposed staff, familiarity with state and federal requirements, organizational and financial responsibility, and logistical familiarity with the area; and
Whereas, based on this evaluation, the Department of Public Works has determined that Woodward & Curran is the most qualified firm to execute the necessary study and mitigation planning; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain and enact:
Section 1. Purpose. This ordinance authorizes the City of Mount Vernon to engage Woodward & Curran to study and plan the South Third & South Columbus Avenues Flood Mitigation Project under FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
Section 2. Project Scope. The selected firm, Woodward & Curran, shall comprehensively assess the flooding issues at South Third and South Columbus Avenues, including but not limited to: a. Evaluating the intersection’s drainage capacity and structural integrity; b. Analyzing the outfall system and the impact of tidal changes on drainage efficiency; c. Studying stormwater volume and impact under changing climate conditions; d. Assessing potential mitigation strategies, including infrastructure improvements, e. Providing recommendations for long-term flood prevention measures.
Section 3. Authorization to Enter into Agreement. The Mayor and the Commissioner of the Department of Public Works are hereby authorized to enter into an agreement with Woodward & Curran to execute the study mentioned above, with funding provided by the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
Section 4. Implementation. The Department of Public Works shall oversee the study's implementation and ensure compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
Section 5. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its approval by the Board of Estimate.