Board of Estimate & Contract:
RESOLVED, that an ordinance adopted by the City Council on May 28, 2025, and signed by the Acting Mayor on May 28, 2025, authorizing Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement between the City of Mount Vernon and LaBella Associates, DPC, to add Consulting Services for Planning Board Review; be, and the same is hereby approved.
City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON AND
LABELLA ASSOCIATES, DPC, TO ADD CONSULTING
SERVICES FOR PLANNING BOARD REVIEW
Whereas, by letter dated May 20, 2025, the Commissioner of the Department of Planning & Community Development has requested authorization for Mayor to execute an amendment to the existing Professional Services Agreement between the City of Mount Vernon and LaBella Associates, DPC, to include consulting services for Planning Board review, in accordance with Article XVII of the Rules of Procedure for the Planning Board; and
Whereas,
the City of Mount Vernon has entered into a Professional Services Agreement with LaBella Associates, DPC (“LaBella”) for various planning, engineering, and environmental services; and
Whereas, Article XVII of the Rules of Procedure for the City of Mount Vernon Planning Board authorizes the Board to retain consultants and/or experts necessary to assist in the review and evaluation of land use applications; and
Whereas, the same Rules of Procedure provide a framework for the funding of such consulting services through escrow accounts established by applicants; and
Whereas, the Planning Board is currently reviewing a subdivision application for 55 Pondfield Parkway and has determined that the assistance of a professional planning consultant is necessary to ensure a thorough and timely review of the application; and
Whereas, the Department of Planning and Community Development has requested that LaBella provide a change order to include such services, which will be reviewed by the Law Department and submitted for approval by the Mayor and City Council; and
Whereas, it is in the best interest of the City of Mount Vernon to amend the existing Professional Services Agreement with LaBella to include such consulting services to avoid delays and facilitate responsible development and land use planning; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain and enact:
Section 1. Amendment to Professional Services Agreement. The City Council hereby authorizes and directs the Mayor to execute an amendment to the existing Professional Services Agreement between the City of Mount Vernon and LaBella Associates, DPC, to include consulting services for Planning Board review, in accordance with Article XVII of the Rules of Procedure for the Planning Board.
Section 2. Consulting Scope and Funding. Said consulting services shall include, but not be limited to, technical review of land use applications, preparation of reports or recommendations to the Planning Board, attendance at meetings when necessary, and related services. All costs for said consulting services shall be reimbursed by project applicants through escrow accounts established in accordance with Planning Board procedures.
Section 3. Immediate Need - 55 Pondfield Parkway. LaBella Associates, DPC shall be authorized, upon execution of the amendment and establishment of the required escrow account, to proceed with the scope of work prepared for the current subdivision application for 55 Pondfield Parkway, as well as for future applications requiring Planning Board review assistance.
Section 4. Severability. If any section, clause, or provision of this Ordinance shall be deemed invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect any other section, clause, or provision of this Ordinance.
Section 5. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its approval by the Board of Estimate & Contract.