Board of Estimate & Contract:
RESOLVED, that an ordinance adopted by the City Council on February 14, 2024, and signed by the Mayor on February 15, 2024, authorizing the co-sponsorship of the Antigua and Barbuda International Cultural Association (ABICA) International Food Festival on:
Friday, May 24, 2024, - the Doles Community Center
Saturday, May 25, 2024 - Hartley Park from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.,
be and the same is hereby approved.
City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CO-
SPONSORSHIP OF THE ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL ASSOCIATION
(ABICA) INTERNATIONAL FOOD FESTIVAL
Whereas, by letter dated December 6, 2023, the Commissioner of the Department of Recreation has requested legislation authorizing the co-sponsorship of the Antigua and Barbuda International Cultural Association (“ABICA”) International Food Festival; and
Whereas, the ABICA has requested co-sponsorship from the Department of Recreation for their International Food Festival; and
Whereas, ABICA is a community-based organization aiming to promote and uplift the community through cultural and educational events; and
Whereas, the International Food Festival will be celebrated by two events over a two day period: (i) on Friday, May 24, 2024 there will be a lecture on the role of the Steel Pan in the cultural development of the Caribbean Islands held at the Doles Community Center from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm; (ii) and on Saturday, May 25, 2024, there will be an International food festival held in the Hartley Park; and
Whereas, ABICA requests the use of city facilities and services for the event; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain, and enact:
Section 1. Co-sponsorship Authorization. The City of Mount Vernon, through the Department of Recreation, is authorized to co-sponsor the Antigua and Barbuda International Cultural Association (ABICA) International Food Festival scheduled for Saturday, May 25, 2024.
Section 2. Friday Evening Event at Doles Community Center. ABICA is authorized to utilize the Doles Community Center on Friday, May 24, 2024, for a lecture on the role of the Steel Pan in the cultural development of the Caribbean Islands.
Section 3. Entrance Fee Authorization. ABICA is authorized to charge an entrance fee for the Friday evening event, with a negotiated 60/40 compensation share with the city. The proceeds shall be deposited in Budget Code A2705.2.
Section 4. Saturday Event at Hartley Park. ABICA is authorized to utilize Hartley Park on Saturday, May 25, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The associated costs of using Hartley Park will be the responsibility of ABICA.
Section 5. Street Closures Authorization. ABICA is authorized to request street closures on Oakley Avenue from Crary to Gramatan Avenue and on North 3rd Avenue from Sidney to Oakley Avenue. This will not affect bus routes or main thoroughfares. The Department of Public Safety is hereby authorized and directed to close Oakley Avenue from Crary to Gramatan Avenue and on North 3rd Avenue from Sidney to Oakley Avenue as requested for the purpose of the aforesaid event. The permission hereby granted is always conditioned upon the maintenance of access to such street for emergency services in the event of necessity.
Section 6. Vendor Spaces. Vendor spaces will be made available to local food and craft merchants. All vendors must submit a one-day vendor permit application for food and beverage services from the City Clerk’s Office. Vendors must also receive a approval for open flames or warming units from the Fire Department before an approval is granted by the Recreations Department.
Section 7. Requirements from the Fire Department. (i) Fire Prevention Bureau (“FPB”) must inspect the site one day before the event. Inspectors may inspect the site as the need arises during the event. Grills under tents are strictly prohibited. Barbeque grills or charcoal grills must be set up fifteen (15) feet or more away from tents and buildings. There must be at least three (3) ABC 5lb extinguishers as approved by a Fire Prevention Bureau Officer.
Section 8. Utilization of MVPD/Police and Auxiliary Officers. ABICA is authorized to use four (4) Police Officers and four (4) Auxiliary Officers to each event for crowd control purposes. The Patrol Division of the Mount Vernon Police Department must give special attention to each event on the stipulated days.
Section 9. Notice. The Department of Public Works is authorized to provide and remove barricades for the closure of Oakley Avenue and the Parking Bureau is authorized to place “No Parking” signs at least seventy-two (72) hours before each event.
Section 10. Recreational Support. The Department of Recreation is authorized to co-sponsor the Saturday event by providing chairs, tables, a bouncy house, and any other amusement activities that may be needed. After the initial clean-up by the Department of Recreation, the Department of Public Works is authorized to pick up all trash after the event.
Section 11. Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect only upon the filing of the above-described documents in the office of the City Clerk of Mount Vernon.