City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE DEPARTMENT
OF BUILDINGS TO SOLICIT A REQUEST FOR
PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR OUTSIDE CONTRACT
SERVICES FOR FIRE SAFETY AND PROPERTY
MAINTENANCE INSPECTIONS OF MULTI-
DWELLING AND NONRESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES
Whereas, by letter dated August 30, 2024, the Commissioner of the Department of Buildings has requested legislation authorizing and directing said Department to solicit a Request for Proposal (RFP) for outside contract services to commence in 2025 to conduct fire safety and property maintenance inspections of multi-dwelling and nonresidential properties, effective January 1, 2025; and
Whereas, the State of New York mandates the City of Mount Vernon to conduct fire safety and property maintenance inspections of multi-dwelling and nonresidential properties; and
Whereas, these inspections are critical to ensuring the safety, health, and welfare of the residents and property owners by addressing occupancy, structural, and safety issues in compliance with the Uniform Code; and
Whereas, the current contract with LaBella Associates, D.P.C. for fire safety and property maintenance inspections is in effect until December 31, 2024; and
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon is experiencing significant population growth and increased demand for services, making it imperative to expand its capacity to meet safety obligations and maintain necessary infrastructure; and
Whereas, the City Council recognizes the need to ensure the highest quality of inspection services and the importance of conducting an open and competitive RFP process for the selection of an outside contractor to provide these services beyond 2024; and
Whereas, the current budget line item A3620.405 (Buildings Department: Contracted Outside Services) is designated for the payment of contracted fire safety inspection services and will be used for the new contract resulting from the RFP process; and
Whereas, it is in the best interest of the City of Mount Vernon and its residents to secure the services of an experienced and qualified contractor to perform these inspections starting in 2025, thereby protecting the city's economy, infrastructure, and public safety; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain, and enact:
Section 1. Authorization to Solicit Request for Proposal (RFP). The City of Mount Vernon is authorized and directed to solicit a Request for Proposal (RFP) for outside contract services to commence in 2025 to conduct fire safety and property maintenance inspections of multi-dwelling and nonresidential properties.
Section 2: Purpose of RFP. The purpose of the RFP is to solicit qualified and experienced contractors to provide inspection services in accordance with the Uniform Code of the State of New York, ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of Mount Vernon's residents and property owners.
Section 3. Use of Existing Contract and Funds. Payments for the current contract with LaBella Associates, D.P.C. shall continue to be processed under expense account A3620.405 (Buildings Department: Contracted Outside Services) until December 31, 2024. The funds allocated under this same budget line shall be utilized for the new contractor selected through the RFP process beginning in 2025.
Section 4. Expiration of Current Contract. The current contract with LaBella Associates, D.P.C. will remain in effect until its natural expiration on December 31, 2024. During this time, the City shall prepare for a smooth transition to the new contractor selected through the RFP process.
Section 5. Timeline for RFP Process. The RFP process shall commence immediately upon passage of this ordinance, allowing sufficient time for selecting a new contractor, contract negotiation, and approval to ensure continuous and uninterrupted fire safety and property maintenance inspection services to commence in 2025.
Section 6. Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council.