City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AN EMERGENCY
DECLARATION AND RELATED ACTIONS FOR THE DOLES
CENTER SENIOR PROGRAM AND COOLING STATION
Whereas, in correspondence dated July 25, 2025, the Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Public Works formally requested authorization to declare an emergency at the Doles Center, citing an immediate threat to the health, safety, and welfare of City residents-particularly seniors and individuals dependent on the facility's designated Cooling Station; and
Whereas, the Doles Center serves as a critical facility for the City of Mount Vernon, housing the Senior Programs and functioning as a designated "Cooling Station" during extreme weather conditions; and
Whereas, the HVAC system at the Doles Center-specifically the 25-year-old rooftop unit serving the Senior Programs-is no longer functioning reliably, having exceeded its service life and undergone numerous failed repairs; and
Whereas, this failure coincides with an ongoing extreme heat wave, posing an imminent threat to the health, safety, and welfare of vulnerable populations, including seniors and residents seeking refuge from the heat; and
Whereas, in accordance with the City of Mount Vernon Procurement Policy, Section 6.B-Emergency Purchases-an emergency declaration is warranted when immediate threats to health and safety require urgent procurement of goods or services without delay; and
Whereas, the City seeks to (1) authorize emergency rental of a portable cooling unit and generator to provide temporary relief, and (2) proceed with immediate procurement for the partial repair and partial replacement of the Doles Center HVAC system; and
Whereas, funding in the total amount of $111,993.63 has been identified across multiple budget codes, including A1620.203 and A1620.414, with budget transfers to be approved concurrently; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does her...
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