City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING ATTENDANCE
AT THE NEW YORK CONFERENCE OF MAYORS
(NYCOM) FALL TRAINING SCHOOL,
SEPTEMBER 13-18, 2026, LAKE PLACID, NEW YORK
Whereas, in correspondence dated January 13, 2026, the City Clerk formally requested authorization for the City Clerk and Executive Assistant Kimberly Joshua to attend the New York Conference of Mayors (NYCOM) Fall Training School to be held in Lake Placid from September 13 through September 18, 2026; and
Whereas, the NYCOM Fall Training School is conducted in collaboration with the New York State Office of the State Comptroller, the New York State Society of Municipal Finance Officers, and the New York State Association of City and Village Clerks; and
Whereas, the NYCOM Fall Training School is recognized as one of the most comprehensive and authoritative training programs available to municipal officials and staff within the State of New York, offering more than sixty instructional sessions addressing local government operations, statutory compliance, fiscal oversight, and municipal administration; and
Whereas, the conference agenda includes sessions directly aligned with the statutory duties and operational responsibilities of the Office of the City Clerk, including but not limited to Open Meetings Law compliance, records management and retention requirements, vital records administration, special event permitting, clerks’ legal responsibilities, and the drafting and implementation of local laws; and
Whereas, attendance at the prior year’s NYCOM Fall Training School provided measurable benefit to the City of Mount Vernon by delivering updates on legislative and regulatory changes, clarifying best practices issued by the Office of the State Comptroller, and strengthening internal procedures within the Clerk’s Office; and
Whereas, continued participation in professional municipal training ensures that the Clerk’s Office remains informed, proactive, and compliant with evolving state mandates and administrative requirements, thereby minimizing legal risk and improving operational efficiency; and
Whereas, attendance by Executive Assistant Kimberly Joshua will allow for comprehensive coverage of concurrent sessions, enhance knowledge-sharing upon return, and maximize the City’s return on investment through coordinated training participation and internal dissemination of materials; and
Whereas, it is recommended that City Clerk Nicole Bonilla and Executive Assistant Kimberly Joshua attend the 2026 NYCOM Fall Training School in order to maximize session coverage, divide concurrent instructional tracks, and ensure comprehensive dissemination of information and best practices upon return; and
Whereas, the estimated travel and related expenses for Nicole Bonilla are as follows:
• Registration/Tuition: $600
• Transportation (Air/Rail/Auto): $400
• Lodging: $1,000
• Meals & Incidentals: $300
Total Estimated Cost: $2,300; and
Whereas, the estimated travel and related expenses for Kimberly Joshua are as follows:
• Registration/Tuition: $600
• Transportation (Air/Rail/Auto): $-0-
• Lodging: $1,000
• Meals & Incidentals: $300
Total Estimated Cost: $2,000; and
Whereas, funds for said expenditures are to be charged to the appropriate budget lines designated for professional development and travel within the Office of the City Clerk; and
Whereas, the City Council finds that attendance at the NYCOM Fall Training School serves a valid municipal purpose and promotes transparent governance, accurate recordkeeping, and sound legislative administration;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED:
Section 1. Authorization. The City Council hereby authorizes the City Clerk and Executive Assistant Kimberly Joshua to attend the New York Conference of Mayors (NYCOM) Fall Training School to be held in Lake Placid from September 13 through September 18, 2026.
Section 2. Expenses. The reasonable and necessary expenses associated with conference registration, travel, lodging, and meals, in accordance with applicable City policies, shall be paid from the Austerity Budget Code A1030.402 upon submission of proper documentation and in accordance.
Section 3. Municipal Purpose. The City Council hereby determines that attendance at said training program constitutes a proper and necessary municipal purpose, directly related to the statutory duties of the Office of the City Clerk and supportive of the City’s commitment to compliance, transparency, and effective governance.
Section 4. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council and approval by the Board of Estimate and Contract.