Board of Estimate and Contract:
RESOLVED, that an Ordinance adopted by the City Council on April 22, 2026, and signed by the Mayor on April 23, 2026, authorizing the Mayor to enter into a Land Lease Agreement with Max Johl of Positive Pup Playgroup for Use of a Portion of City-Owned Property Located at 600 Garden Avenue - (the agreed rental rate shall be $1,200.00 per month, payable on the first day of each month during the term of the lease and will be recorded under Revenue Code A2410 - Rental of Real Property); be, and the same is hereby approved.
City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE
MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A LAND LEASE
AGREEMENT WITH MAX JOHL OF POSITIVE
PUP PLAYGROUP FOR USE OF A PORTION
OF CITY-OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT
600 GARDEN AVENUE
Whereas, in correspondence dated March 25, 2026, the Commissioner of the Department of Public Works formally requested authorization for the Mayor to enter into and execute a land lease agreement with Max Johl of Positive Pup Playgroup for the use of the external area of the Animal Shelter located at 600 Garden Avenue, Mount Vernon, New York, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein and such other terms as deemed necessary and appropriate by the Corporation Counsel; and
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon owns real property located at 600 Garden Avenue, Mount Vernon, New York, which includes the external area of the City’s Animal Shelter; and
Whereas, the Department of Public Works has identified an opportunity to utilize a portion of said property for community-serving purposes through a land lease agreement; and
Whereas, Mr. Max Johl, operator of Positive Pup Playgroup, has requested to lease the external area of the Animal Shelter to provide a safe, structured environment for dogs to play, socialize, and receive light training; and
Whereas, the proposed use of the property will be limited exclusively to activities associated with Positive Pup Playgroup and as further defined within the lease agreement; and
Whereas, the Department of Public Works has determined that entering into such an agreement will promote responsible use of City-owned property, ensure maintenance of the premises, and provide a beneficial service to the community; and
Whereas, the lease agreement shall be for a term of three (3) years, commencing on May 15, 2026, and terminating on May 14, 2029; and
Whereas, the agreed rental rate shall be One Thousand Two Hundred Dollars ($1,200.00) per month, payable on the first day of each month during the term of the lease; and
Whereas, the execution of this lease will generate revenue for the City of Mount Vernon to be recorded under Revenue Code A2410 - Rental of Real Property; and
Whereas, the City Council finds that authorizing this lease agreement is in the best interests of the City of Mount Vernon and its residents.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Authorization. The Mayor is hereby authorized to enter into and execute a land lease agreement with Max Johl of Positive Pup Playgroup for the use of the external area of the Animal Shelter located at 600 Garden Avenue, Mount Vernon, New York, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein and such other terms as deemed necessary and appropriate by the Corporation Counsel.
Section 2. Purpose and Use. The leased premises shall be used solely for the operation of Positive Pup Playgroup, including activities related to dog play, socialization, and light training, and for no other purpose unless expressly authorized in writing by the City.
Section 3. Term. The term of the lease agreement shall be for three (3) years, commencing on May 15, 2026, and expiring on May 14, 2029, unless earlier terminated in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
Section 4. Rental Payments. The lessee shall pay rent in the amount of One Thousand Two Hundred Dollars ($1,200.00) per month, due on the first day of each month throughout the term of the lease. All payments shall be made to the City of Mount Vernon and recorded under Revenue Code A2410 - Rental of Real Property.
Section 5. Maintenance and Responsibilities. The lessee shall be responsible for maintaining the leased premises in a clean, safe, and orderly condition in accordance with the terms of the lease agreement and all applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
Section 6. Legal Review. The lease agreement shall be subject to review and approval by the Office of the Corporation Counsel prior to execution to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and City policies.
Section 7. Severability. If any clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, section, or part of this Ordinance shall be adjudged by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such judgment shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the remainder thereof.
Section 8. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption by the City Council and subsequent approval by the Board of Estimate and Contract.