Board of Estimate & Contract:
RESOLVED, that an ordinance adopted by the City Council on September 25, 2024, and signed by the Mayor on September 26, 2024, the Attendance of Monica Hughes and Milton Vann at the 2024 Catalyst Experience Hosted by Rogue Water Lab - (San Antonio, Texas, from October 16 to October 18, 2024; the Environmental Policy Innovation Center (EPIC) has generously agreed to cover expenses for one attendee, including travel, lodging, and meals, and the registration fee for a second attendee is $225.00, with additional travel and accommodation costs for this attendee not to exceed $1,275.00, for a total not exceeding $1,500.00, funding provided by the Board of Water Supply Budget Code 001-5 81-581001 (Staff Development & Training), be and the same is hereby approved.
City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE
ATTENDANCE OF MONICA HUGHES AND
MILTON VANN AT THE 2024 CATALYST
EXPERIENCE HOSTED BY ROGUE WATER LAB
Whereas, by letter dated September 17, 2024, the Commissioner of the Board of Water Supply has requested legislation authorizing Monica Hughes, Lead Administrator, and Milton Vann, Lead Service Line Field Coordinator, to attend the 2024 Catalyst Experience hosted by Rogue Water Lab in San Antonio, Texas, from October 16 to October 18, 2024; and
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon is committed to maintaining a vital leadership role in environmental justice, public health, and water management through its participation in national initiatives such as the Lead Service Line Replacement Initiative, awarded to the City on May 19, 2023, by the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative; and
Whereas, Monica Hughes, Lead Administrator, and Milton Vann, Lead Service Line Field Coordinator, have been invited to represent Mount Vernon at the 2024 Catalyst Experience, hosted by Rogue Water Lab in San Antonio, Texas, from October 16th to October 18th, 2024; and
Whereas, the 2024 Catalyst Experience will focus on interactive experiences that foster real-world impacts and elevate visibility in strategic communications within the water sector, with conference tracks including:
• How to Build Trust
• The Spectrum of Engagement
• Navigating Difficult Conversations with Communities Through Transparency
• Storytelling and Community Engagement; and
Whereas, this invitation is an acknowledgment of Mount Vernon’s leadership and continued commitment to clean water, environmental justice, equity, and improving the quality of life for all residents, particularly in BIPOC communities; and
Whereas, the Environmental Policy Innovation Center (EPIC) has generously agreed to cover expenses for one attendee, including travel, lodging, and meals, and the registration fee for a second attendee is $225.00, with additional travel and accommodation costs for this attendee not to exceed $1,275.00, for a total not exceeding $1,500.00; and
Whereas, funding for these expenses is available in the Board of Water Supply budget code 001-5 81-581001 (Staff Development & Trainings), ensuring no financial burden on the city’s general fund; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain, and enact:
Section 1. Authorization to Attend Conference. The City Council authorizes Monica Hughes, Lead Administrator, and Milton Vann, Lead Service Line Field Coordinator, to attend the 2024 Catalyst Experience hosted by Rogue Water Lab in San Antonio, Texas, from October 16 to October 18, 2024.
Section 2. Costs and Funding. Expenses for one attendee, including travel, lodging, and meals, will be fully covered by the Environmental Policy Innovation Center (EPIC).
• The City will incur costs for the second attendee not to exceed $1,500.00, covering the registration fee of $225.00, airline transportation, and hotel accommodations, with funding provided by the Board of Water Supply Budget Code 001-5 81-581001 (Staff Development & Training).
Section 3. Impact and Representation. By attending this conference, Monica Hughes and Milton Vann will represent the City of Mount Vernon, share the city’s experiences and achievements in water management and environmental justice, and bring back innovative strategies and insights to benefit the city’s continued efforts in these critical areas.
Section 4. Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its approval by the Board of Estimate & Contract.