City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE
DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION TO CO-SPONSOR
THE BACK-TO-SCHOOL BACKPACK EVENT WITH
HENRY ALLEN AND THE BUDDY WHITE PROJECT
Whereas, in correspondence dated June 30, 2025, the Commissioner of the Department of Recreation formally requested authorization to co-sponsor the 2025 Back-to-School Backpack Event with Mr. Henry Allen and the Buddy White Project on Saturday, August 2, 2025; and
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon recognizes the importance of supporting youth and families through educational initiatives and community partnerships; and
Whereas, the Buddy White Project, founded by Mr. Henry Allen, is committed to investing time and resources in early childhood education, positively impacting the City's youth, particularly students in kindergarten through 8th grade; and
Whereas, the Department of Recreation seeks to co-sponsor a Back-to-School Backpack Event with Mr. Henry Allen and the Buddy White Project to distribute school supplies and resources to local children; and
Whereas, the event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with setup beginning at 8:00 a.m. and cleanup to follow, primarily at The Doles Recreation Center with additional activities at 4th Street Park; and
Whereas, the Department of Public Works has no objections to the Buddy White Back-to-School Backpack Event scheduled for Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., being held at The Doles Center / 4th Street Park, and will place “No Parking Signs” 72 hours in advance and drop barricades for street closures on 7th Avenue between 3rd and 4th Streets; and
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon Fire Department has no objections to the Back-to-School Backpack Event on Saturday, August 2, 2025; and
Whereas, it is further understood that South Seventh Avenue between West Third Street and West Fourth Street will be closed due to the event; and
Whereas, the City recognizes the need for these road closures to ensure the safety of participants; and
Whereas, in the event of inclement weather, the event will be held solely at The Doles Recreation Center at the same scheduled time; and
Whereas, the cost for this event will be allocated from Budget Code A 7620.457 and is not expected to exceed Three Thousand Dollars ($3,000.00) for minimal staff support; and
Whereas, the City requests that the Mount Vernon Auxiliary Police provide patrol and support to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain and enact:
Section 1. Authorization. The Mayor and the Department of Recreation are hereby authorized to co-sponsor the 2025 Back-to-School Backpack Event with Mr. Henry Allen and the Buddy White Project on Saturday, August 2, 2025.
Section 2. Event Location and Time. The event shall primarily be held at The Doles Recreation Center and 4th Street Park from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with setup commencing at 8:00 a.m. and cleanup to follow. In the event of inclement weather, the event shall be held solely at The Doles Recreation Center at the same scheduled time.
Section 3. Street Closure. The Department of Public Works shall place “No Parking Signs” at least 72 hours in advance and drop barricades for street closures. The Department of Public Works and the Mount Vernon Police Department shall take necessary actions to close South Seventh Avenue between West Third Street and West Fourth Street for the duration of the event to ensure public safety.
Section 4. Funding. Funding for the City’s portion of staffing and support services shall not exceed Three Thousand Dollars ($3,000.00) and shall be allocated from Budget Code A 7620.457.
Section 5. Auxiliary Police Support. The Mount Vernon Auxiliary Police are hereby authorized and requested to provide patrol and crowd control support during the event.
Section 6. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon approval by the Board of Estimate & Contract.