City Council

JANUARY 13, 2021 CITY COUNCIL MEETING WAS CANCELLED TO TO A COVID-19 INCIDENT. ALL ITEMS WILL BE Pg /lCFn QN THE JANUARY 27, 2021 AGENDA.  1892 -- '-'---'-"'-'-"""" '-"'-'------'-'-' I CITY COUNCIL AGENDA WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021 7:00P.M. l CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL I MOUNTVERNON, NEWYORK II LEGISLATION AND PUBLIC WORKS RESOLUTION A resolution appointing William H. Holmes as City Clerk for the City of Mount Vernon. DECLARING An ordinance declaring June 19', also recognized as JUNETEENTH 'Uuneteenth Independence Day" or "Juneteenth" an A HOLIDAY official public paid holiday for the City of Mount Vernon employees a RESOURCES EXECUTE An ordinance authorizing the Mayor to enter an DOCUMENTS agreement with Soulful Synergy, LLC. (WDAYEmployment Service Program) EXECUTE An ordinance authorizing the Mayor to enter an DOCUMENTS agreement with One World United & Virtuous. (Safe Haven & Step Up Program) FINANCE AND PLANNING AMENDMENT An ordinance amending Ordinance No. 9, adopted March 11, 2020, entitled "AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT A GRANT FROM THE MOUNT VERNON URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY." (204,465.96) [$200,000.00] AMENDMENT An ordinance amending Ordinance No. 10, adopted March 11, 2020, entitled "AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT A GRANT FROM THE MOUNT VERNON URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY." ($73,747.66) [$65,000.00] ACCEPT An ordinance authorizing the Mayor to accept a grant GRANT from the Mount Vernon Urban Renewal Agency. ($85,103.00) NEG DECLARATION/ 8. An ordinance adopting a Negative Declaration for a CODE AMENDMENT proposed rezoning of the Wartburg property and Amending Chapter 267 of the City Code of the City of Mount Vern on, entitled "Zoning," and amending the City of Mount Vernon Zoning Map.  RESOLUTION APPOINTING WILLIAM H. HOLMES AS CITY C.LERK FOR THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON. under Section 34 of the City Charter, as amended by Local Law WHEREAS, Coiu'icil shall appoint to hold office during its pleasure a No. 4 of 2008, the City City Clerk for the City of Mount Vernon; and it is the intention of this City Council to appoint WILLIAM H. WHEREAS, HOLMES, as City Clerk; NOW, THEREFORE, be it that this City Council does hereby appoint to serve as City RESOLVED, January 1, 2021, WILLIAM H. HOLMES to hold office during Clerk, commencing its pleasure; and be it further RESOLVED, that this resolution shall take effect immediately. Councilperson THIS ORDINANCE ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL Assistant Corporation Couffel President ATTEST: City Clerk APPFIOVED Date APPROVED Dept. Mayor 4 AN ORDINANCE DECLARING JUNE 19"', ALSO RECOGNIZED AS "JUNETEENTH INDEPENDENCE DAY" OR "JUNETEENTH" AN OFFICIAL PUBLIC PAID HOLIDAY FOR THE CITY OF MOtJNT VERNON EMPLOYEES WHEREAS, this Ordinance serves to designate June 19, 2021, as "Juneteenth Independence Day" in recognition of June 19, 1865, the date on which slavery legally came to an end in the United States; and WHEREAS, on June 19, 1865, Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news that the Civil War had ended and that the enslaved were free; and WHEREAS, slavery was not officially abolished until the ratification of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States in December 1865; and WHEREAS, Juneteenth Independence Day celebrations have been held to honor African American freedom while encouraging self-development and respect for all cultures; and WHEREAS, the faith and strength of character demonstrated by former slaves and the descendants of former slaves remain an example for all people of the United States, regardless of background, religion, or race; and WHEREAS, this observance is a reminder of the hardships and loSses suffered by African Americans in their struggle to attain freedom, and we pay tribute to the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in this quest; through their experiences and those of others who were successful in achieving victory, we find among the most poignant and valuable lessons of humankind that continue to resonate with people of all backgrounds; and WHEREAS, the observance of Juneteenth honors the history, perseverance, and achievements of African Aanericans, and celebrates America's progress and continuing commitment to realizing the principles of liberty and equality upon which our nation was founded; and WHEREAS, New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on October 14, 2020, signed into law Iegislation (S.8598/A. 10628) designating Juneteenth as an official public holiday in New York State; and WHEREAS, as the City of Mount Vernon it is our duty to recognize and celebrate June Nineteenth not only by passing legislations, but by pausing citywide to acknowledge and reflect on a day that changed the trajectoiy of the lives of most Blacks and African Americans being held as slaves in the U.S: NOW THEREFORE, The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain and enact: Section 1. The City Council designates June 19, 2021, as 'Uuneteenth Independence Day". Section 2. The City Council recognizes the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day and declares it an official paid public holiday for all Mount Vernon City employees. Section 3. This ordinance shall take effect upon its approval by the Board of Estimate & Contract. Councilperson FORM THIS ORDINANCE ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL President ATTEST: City Clerk APPROVED Date APPROVED Dept. By Mayor  AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH SOULFUL SYNERGY, LLC. WHEREAS, by letter dated December 22, 2020, the Deputy Director of the has requested legislation authorizing the Mayor to enter into an Youth Bureau with Soulful Synergy, LLC in the amount of $2,195.00 per student for agreement Vernon Youth Bureau's WDAY Employment Service Program to the Mount OSHA 30 Constniction Safety Training, 8-Hour Fall Protection course, 2- provide Drug and Alcohol Awareness and Fundamentals of Clean Energy etc. for the hour students for the contract period of January 18, 2021 to June 30, 2021; and WDAY WHEREAS, the aforesaid agreement is part of an award accepted by the City through legislation dated August 12, 2020 in the amount of $281,000.00 from Westchester - Putnam Workforce Development Board/Workforce Innovation the and Opportiu'iity Act for the period of July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021; and WHEREAS, Soulful Synergy was created out of a desire to connect people, and organizations with optimal services that positively impact our buildings & planet. They offer a wide range of consulting services, including cornrnunity workforce, community, and business development consulting, Section 3 consulting, development & networking and M/WBE certification assistance; NOW, partnership THEREFORE, The City of Mount Vemon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain and enact: Section 1. The Mayor is hereby authorized to enter into an agreement with Soulful Synergy, LLC in the amount of $2,195.00 per student for the Mount Youth Bureau's WDAY Employment Service Program to provide OSHA 30 Vernon Safety Training, 8-Hour Fall Protection course, 2-hour Drug and Construction Awareness and Fundamentals of Clean Energy etc. for the WDAY students Alcohol for the contract period of January 18, 2021 to June 30, 2021. 2. The aforesaid funds in an amount not to exceed $21,950.00 Section are to be accounted for in Budget Code A6295-458, Youth Bureau 2021 Budget. 3. This ordinance shall take effect upon its approval by the Section Board of Estimate and Contract. Councilperson FORM THIS ORDINANCE ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL Assistant Corporation Counsel President ATTEST: City Clerk APPROVED Date APPROVED Dept. By Mayor 3  AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH ONE WORLD UNITED & VIRTUOUS. WHEREAS, by letter dated January 5, 2021, the Deputy Director of the Youth Bureau has requested legislation authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with One World United & Virtuous in the amount of $3,500.00 for the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau's Safe Haven and Step Up Programs to provide Global Competence, Financial Literacy and Technology readiness training for the contract period ofNovember 23, 2020 to June 30, 2021; and WHEREAS, the aforesaid agreement is part of an award accepted by the City tbrough legislation dated October 14, 2020 in the amount of $70,392.00 from the Westchester County Youth Bureau for the Safe Haven and Step Up Programs for the period of April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021 ; and WHEREAS, One World United & Virhious will provide curriculum guidebooks, teacher training, on-going program support and program evaluation. Their goal is to help students to be as comfortable in the world around them as they are in their home communities in part by connecting students in their classrooms with other One World classrooms around the world; NOW, THEREFORE, The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain and engct: Section 1. The Mayor is hereby authorized to enter into an agreement with One World United & Virtuous in the amount of $3,500.00 for the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau's Safe Haven and Step Up Programs to provide Global Competence, Financial Literacy and Technology readiness training for the contract period of November 23, 2020 to June 30, 2021. Section 2. The aforesaid fiinds in an amount not to exceed $3,500.00 for both programs are to be accounted for and split equally in Budget Codes A7326.458 and A7336.458 Youth Bureau 2021 Budget. Section 3. This ordinance shall take effect upon its approval by the Board of Estimate and Contract. Councilperson PRO D FORM THIS ORDINANCE ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL Assistant Corporation Counsel President ATTEST: City Clerk APPROVED APPROVED Date Dept. By Mayor i"4  AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE N0. 9, ADOPTED MARCH 11, 2020, ENTITLED "AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT A GRANT FROM THE MO{JNT VERNON URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY." ($204.465.961 [($200,000.00)] The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain and enact: Section 1. The first and third decretal paragraph and Section I of Ordinance No. 9, adopted March 11, 2020, entitled "AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT A GRANT FROM T:E-IE MOUNT VERNON URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY" ($204.465.96i r($200,000.00)] is hereby amended as follows: WHEREAS, by letter dated February 25, 2020, the Commissioner of the Department of Planning & Community Development has requested legislation authorizing the Mayor to accept a grant from the Mount Vernon Urban Renewal Agency in the amount of [$200,000.00] for the fiscal years 2021 & 2022 jyear 2020] and the creation of two new grant funded positions; and WHEREAS, the Mount Vernon Urban Renewal Agency administers the Community Development Block Grant program (CDBG) on behalf of the City of Mount Vernon. CDBG funds will be utilized to increase the City's ability to provide more equitable housing code enforcement in low-to-moderate income areas; and WHEREAS, the Housing Code Enforcement Officers will report to the Commissioner of the Building's Department. The grant specifically provides funds for the City to hire two [Housing] Code Enforcement Officers at [$50,000.00J $50,074.64 each for fiscal year 2021 and $52,248.34 each for fiscal year 2022 jper year for a 2 year periodl; and WHEREAS, it is further requested that the City match this investment in code enforcement by covering the fringe benefits for the aforesaid positions. These funds are available under code range 9010 through 9070 for fringe benefits; and WHEREAS, it is further requested that the Comptroller be authorized & directed to establish a Revenue Code for acceptance and disbursement of funds ($204,645.96 for salaries) via Expenditure Code A8020.101;NOW, TH[EREFORE The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain and enact: Section 1. The Mayor is hereby authorized to accept a grant from the Mount Vernon Urban Renewal Agency in the amount of $204,645.96 j$200,000.00] for the fiscal ygB 2021 & 2022 jyear 2020] and for the creation of two new grant funded positions. Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect upon its approval by the Board of Estimate and Contract. New Matter Underlined Deleted Matter in Brackets [] Councilperson P VE A TO FORM THIS OFIDINANCE -l ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL Assistant Corporation President ATTEST: City Clerk APPROVED APPROVED Date Dept. By Mayor  AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE N0. 10, ADOPTED MARCH 11, 2020, ENTITLED "AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT A GRANT FROM THE MOUNT VERNON URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY." ($73,747.66'5 [($65,000.00)] The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain and enact: Section 1. The first and third decretal paragraph and Section l of Ordinance No. 10, adopted March 11, 2020, entitled "AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT A GRANT FROM THE MO{JNT VERNON URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY." ($73,747.66i r($65,000.00)] is hereby amended as follows: WHEREAS, by letter dated February 25, 2020, the Commissioner of the Department of Planning & Community Development has requested legislation authorizing the Mayor to accept a grant from the Mount Vernon Urban Renewal Agency in the amount of $73 747.66 [$65,000.001for the fiscal year 2021 [2020] and the creation of one new grant funded position; and WHEREAS, the Mount Vei'non Urban Renewal Agency administers the Community Development Block Grant program (CDBG) on behalf of the City of Mount Vernon. CDBG funds will be utilized to increase the City's ability to promote commurrity and economic development initiative; and WHEREAS, the grant specifically provides funds for the Department of Planning & Community Development to hire a Community Development Specialist at $73 747.66 [$65,000.00] for a 12-month period. The Community Development Specialist will report to the Commissioner of the Department of Planning & Community Development; and WHEREAS, it is further requested that the City match this investment in community and economic development by covering the fringe benefits for the aforesaid position. These funds are available under code range 9010 through 9070 for fringe benefits; NOW, THEREFORE The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain and enact: Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect upon its approval by the Board of Estimate and Contract. New Matter Underlined Deleted Matter in Brackets [ ] Councilperson (-APP OVED STOFORM THIS ORDINANCE ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL Assistant Corporation Counsel President ATTEST: City Clerk APPROVED Date APPROVED Dept. By Mayor  AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACCEPT A GRANT FROM THE MOUNT VERNON URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY. ($85,103.00) WHEREAS, by letter dated January 6, 2021, the Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Planning & Community Development has requested legislation authorizing the Mayor to accept a grant from the Mount Vernon Urban Renewal Agency in the amount of $85,103.00 for the fiscal years 2021 & 2022 and the creation of one (1) new grant-funded position; and WHEREAS, the Mount Vernon Urban Renewal Agency administers the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program and the Continuurn of Care (CoC) program on behalf of the City of Mount Vernon. ESG and CoC funds will be utilized to hire a "Director of Homeless Services" to develop and maintain the compliance and monitoring plan for the portfolio of homeless programs in compliance with federal and local government requirements; and WHEREAS, the two (2) grants (ESG and CoC) specifically provide funds for the Department of Planning and Community Development to hire a "Director of Homeless Services" at the rate of $85,103.00 for a 24-month period. The term will end on December 2022; and WHEREAS, it is requested that the Comptroller be authorized and directed to establish a Revenue Code for acceptance and disbursement of the funds ($170,206.00- total salary for two (2) years) from Expenditure Code A8020.101; and WHEREAS, it is further requested that the City supplement this investment tn homeless services by providing the fringe benefits for the position of "Director of Homeless Services"; NOW, THEREFORE The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain and enact: Section 1. The Mayor is hereby authorized to accept a grant from the Mount Vernon Urban Renewal Agency in the amount of $85,103.00 for the fiscal years 2021 & 2022 and the creation of one (1) new grant-fiinded position. Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect upon its approval by the Board of Estimate and Contract. Councilperson APPRO THIS ORDINANCE ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL Coaporation Counsel President ATTEST: City Clerk APPFIOVED APPROVED Date Dept. By Mayor 7  A NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR A AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING OF THE WARTBURG PROPERTY AND PROPOSED REZONING 267 0F THE CITY CODE OF THE CITY MOUNT AMENDING CHAPTER "ZONING," AND AMENDING THF, CITY OF MOUNT VERNON, ENTITLED VERNON ZONING MAP has established the RMF-SC Senior Citizen Housing WHEREAS, the City Council ("RMF-SC Zoning District") to accommodate the Floating Overlay Zoning District senior population in the City of Mount Vernon; and growing Home of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Wartburg WHEREAS, The Wartburg Wartburg Senior Housing, Inc., Lohman Village Housing Residential Cornmiu'iity, Inc., and Friedrichs Supportive Housing, LLC (collectively, Development Fund Corporation, of Mount Vernon to place the RMF-SC Zoning "Petitioner") have petitioned the City 165.50-2194-4, and 165.51-2194-5 (collectively, the District on tax lots 165.42-2160-1, "Property"); and Review Board and the City Planning Board have WHEREAS, the City Architectural regarding the requested rezoning to the City Council; issued positive Recornrnendations and the City Council held a Public Hearing that was WHEREAS, on December 9, 2020, 267-23(L) of the Zoning Code, to receive comments properly noticed pursuant to Section Concept Plan for the Property; and on the proposed rezoning and the Petitioner's Quality Review Act ("SEQRA"), the WHEREAS, to the State Environmental pursuant as Lead Agency, has reviewed and considered the entire Record of the City Council, submitted by or on behalf of the Petitioner as requested Petition, including all materials Plan, the Environmental Assessment by the Lead Agency and other parties, the Concept Review Board's Recornrnendations; and Form, and the Planning Board and Architectural Agency under SEQRA, has conducted a WHEREAS, the City Council, as Lead pursuant to 6 NYCRR 617.6(b)(3) and taken the coordinated review of said action impacts of the requested rezoning and requisite hard look at the potential environmental related Concept Plan; and Petition, Concept Plan, traffic report, historic WHEREAS, a review of the that the rezoning documents and Concept illustrates documentation, and other submitted massing, are consistent with the current Plan, including the proposed uses and building are present between the proposed project and use of the site, that sufficient buffers impact on traffic or historic surrounding areas, and that there will be no significant related Concept Plan will not have a resources, and therefore the requested rezoning and significant adverse environmental impact; and has determined, based on its review of the Record, that the WHEREAS, the City Council in the RMF-SC Zoning District is appropriate from a planning placement of the Property perspective, and is consistent with the objectives and intent of-the RMF-SC and policy Zoning District, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: of Mount Vernon, as convened, does hereby ordain and The City Council of the City enact: reviewed the Petition, the Record, the Concept including Section 1. Having thoroughly Assessment Form, and the Recommendations of the Planning Plan, the Environmental Board, the City Council has determined that the Board and Architectural Review adverse environmental impacts, and, as proposed rezoning will not have any significant issues a Negative Declaration for tbis Type I Action. Lead Agency under SEQRA, (also enumerated as Article V, Section 9) of Chapter 267 of Section 2. Section 267-23.C the City Code of the City of Mount Vernon ("Zoning") shall be amended as follows, with new text underlined. Senior Citizen Housing Floating Overlay Zone C. The RMF-SC Multifarnily floating overlay zone. Parcels eligible for is an established, District unmapped by the City Council shall be currently zoned RMF-10, RMF-SC designation  on RMF-15, R17 , CB, DB, OB, NB or H and located within the area delineated Designation Map" found in Attachments of the "Areas Eligible for RMF-SC Chapter 267 of this Code. (l ) Residential Area. site wherethe RMF-SC Multifamily Senior (a) Definition. A development Citizen Housing Floating Overlay Zone may be applied to any parcel currentlyzoned R17 , RMF-10orRMF-15. character preservation. In an effort to retain the existing (b) Residential character of the development site designated with the RMF-SC residential Senior Citizen Housing Floating Overlay Zone and located Multifamily the R17 , RMF-10 within or RMF-15 , underlying on any parcel the accessory uses zoning may occupy only the ground floor with one of in § 267-21B(2). In the event the developer elects to do so, as permitted accessory use shall not exceed the ground floor total area. the permitted of Mount Vernon shall be amended, as follows: . The Zoning Map of the City 165.50-2194-4, and 165.51i-2194-5 shall be placed Tax Lots 165.42-2160-1, Senior Citizen Housing Floating Overlay Zoning under the RMF-SC Multifamily District. Review Board shall continue to Section 4. The Planning Board and the Architectural by the Petitioner for Site Plan and Certificate of reviesv the Concept Plan submitted with the procedures set forth under Article VII Appropriateness approvai in accordance 10 of the City Code, respectively. As a part of this of the Zoning Code and Chapter requests that both Boards continue to consider, reviesv, the City Council specifically during the December 9, 2020 Public Hearing, the based on the comments received following: appearance and impacts from the proposed building heights as * The visual articulated in the Concept Plan. * Access for fire safety and other emergency vehicles. e ThePetitioner'splansforpropertymaintenance,Iandscaping,theremovalofdead trees, and tree replacemerit. Traffic patterns, and the provision of sufficient parking. * Construction procedures so as to minimize disturbance to neighbors. * shall take effect upon its approval by the Board of Section 5. This ordinance Estimate and C'ontract. Councilperson APPROVED AS TO FORM THIS ORDINANCE ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL Assistant Corporation Counsel President ATTEST: City Clerk APPROVED Date APPROVED Dept. By Mayor