City Council:
LOCAL LAW NO. ___ OF 2025
A LOCAL LAW AMENDING ARTICLE VII-A, § 86-b
OF THE MOUNT VERNON CITY CHARTER REGARDING
THE COMPOSITION OF THE CAPITAL PROJECTS BOARD
BE IT ENACTED by the City Council of the City of Mount Vernon, in the County of Westchester, State of New York, as follows:
Section 1. Legislative Findings and Intent. The City Council finds that the efficient and transparent management of capital projects is essential to the health, safety, and economic vitality of the City of Mount Vernon. The Capital Projects Board plays a central role in reviewing, prioritizing, and coordinating the City’s capital investments.
To enhance oversight, broaden representation, and strengthen coordination across departments and branches of City government, it is the intent of this Local Law to amend Article VII-A, § 86-b of the City Charter to restructure the composition of the Capital Projects Board.
This amendment ensures that key City departments and elected officials are represented in the capital planning process, thereby fostering improved collaboration, accountability, and alignment of infrastructure priorities.
Section 2. Amendment to the Mount Vernon City Charter, Article VII-A, § 86-b
Section 86-b. Capital Projects Board (Amended Composition)
The existing text of § 86-b of the Mount Vernon City Charter is hereby amended to read as follows:
§ 86-b. Capital Projects Board.
1. Composition. The Capital Projects Board shall consist of seven (7) voting members appointed by the Mayor in the following manner:
(a) Two (2) members of the City Council (both appointed by the Mayor);
(b) The Commissioner of Public Works;
(c) The Commissioner of Buildings;
(d) The Commissioner of Planning;
(e) The Commissioner of Water; and
(f) One (1) member from the Land Use Boards (Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, or Architectural Review Board).
2. Ex Officio Members. The Comptroller and the City Engineer shall serve as ex officio, non-voting members of the Board.
3. Chairperson. The Mayor shall designate one of the voting members to serve as Chairperson of the Board.
4. Terms of Office. The terms of appointment for voting members shall expire concurrently with the term of the Mayor. Vacancies occurring other than by expiration shall be filled for the unexpired term by the Mayor.
5. Voting Powers. The voting powers of the Board shall be exercised by a majority of the voting members in office, excluding ex officio members.
6. Compensation. Ex officio members shall serve without additional compensation. Other members shall serve without pay but may receive actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.
Section 3. Purpose and Rationale.
This amendment shall:
• Broaden representation and expertise by including departmental commissioners and a land use representative whose areas of responsibility directly inform the City’s infrastructure and capital planning.
• Enhance accountability and legislative oversight through the inclusion of two members of the City Council as voting participants.
• Preserve financial and technical review through the participation of the Comptroller and City Engineer as ex officio members.
• Promote strategic alignment and interdepartmental collaboration in the planning and prioritization of capital projects.
• Ensure effective governance by maintaining clear voting procedures, leadership designation, and term alignment with the Mayor’s administration.
Section 4. Effective Date. This Local Law shall take effect immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State in accordance with the Municipal Home Rule Law.
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