City Council

A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON CITY COUNCIL HELD ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2022. Scheduled for 7:00 pm. In the City Council Chambers City Hall, Mount Vernon, New York. *** Due to the ongoing pandemic this meeting was held in the council chambers, with virtual participation via ZOOM and CMVNY Facebook. The meeting was not closed to the public however, the maximum number of in-person occupant was limited *** PRESENT: Derrick Thompson, Lisa A. Copeland, Cathlin Gleason and Edward Poteat ABSENT: Councilwoman Danielle Browne, Esq. PRESIDING: Derrick Thompson, President OTHERS: Tanesia M. Walters, City Clerk, Elias Gootzeit, Legislative Assistant and Brian G. Johnson, Corporation Counsel, Timothy Allen, Director of Communications Council President Derrick Thompson called the meeting to order and provided house-keeping rules, including in case of emergency. He then asked councilwoman Gleason to lead the council in the Pledge of Allegiance. Council President then proceeded to the Public Speakers session of the evening (listed below as public comment). SWEARING IN CEREMONY The ceremonial swearing in of the City Clerk, Tanesia M. Walters THE STATE OF THE CITY REPORT The Mayor presented the state of the city report for 2022 and invited the City to the State of the City Address to beheld on May 3, 2022 at 7pm. PUBLIC COMMENT Lauren S. Carter - residing at 120 Archer Ave, Mount Vernon, NY, appeared via zoom. She stated that at the last meeting a comment was made to a resident advising her that she could send in an email with her concerns if she could not make the meeting, she wanted to know if the resident felt discourage with regards to the comment and wanted the resident to know that they could attend any council meeting if they are able to do so, she hoped there was no spite behind the comment that was made to the resident. Ms. Carter also commented on the resignation of the former city clerk and said she did not recall hearing legislation on the removal of the former city clerk. She wanted to make sure the council body are aware of the legislative process in removing and replacing an employee. The council body responded to the speakers’ concerns REFERRAL SESSION Roll Call administered by City Clerk Tanesia M. Walters REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES AND ACTION THEREON To the Council: The LEGISLATION AND PUBLIC WORKS recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled legislation: Item No. 1 An ordinance authorizing purchase of new equipment using ARPA funds - wheel loader. ($15,000.00) Item No. 2 An ordinance authorizing the Department of Public Works to purchase new City trash cans. ($38,072.00) Item No. 3 An ordinance authorizing payment to Basilicata Plumbing & Heating, LLC for emergency HVAC repairs - City-owned facilities. ($44,697.87) Item No. 4 An ordinance authorizing the Police Department to purchase new vehicles using ARPA funds - 2022 Ford Escapes for Code Enforcement. ($291,325.00 Item No. 5 An ordinance granting the permission to the department of recreation to cosponsor a citywide carnival-ACE Amusement. Amendment Item No. 15 An ordinance amending ordinance No. 7 adopted on August 11, 2021, entitled an Ordinance authorizing Retirement Plan Pension Plan 674 for Senior members of the Mount Vernon Fire Department. Respectfully submitted, Danielle Browne, Esq., Chair (Absent) Cathlin Gleason, Co-Chair Received, passed and filed. Passed by the following vote: Ayes: President Thompson, councilmembers; Browne, Gleason, Poteat, Copeland Nays: None Absent: None To the Council: The HUMAN RESOURCES Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled legislation: Item No. 6 An ordinance authorizing the Mayor to enter into an Agreement with Music Team LLC. ($10,000.00). Item No. 7 An ordinance granting the Mayor to enter into an agreement with Just Inspire ($10,000.00) Item No. 8 An ordinance the Mayor to enter into an intermunicipal agreement with Westchester County Youth Bureau ($20,576.00) Respectfully submitted, Lisa Copeland, Chair Edward Poteat, Co-Chair Received, passed and filed. Passed by the following vote: Ayes: President Thompson, councilmembers; Gleason, Poteat, Copeland Nays: None Absent: None To the Council: The PUBLIC SAFETY AND CODES recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled legislation: Item No. 9 An ordinance authorizing the transfer of funds within the Department of Buildings ($15,000.00) Item No. 10 An ordinance authorizing the Mayor to enter into an extension agreement with AXXON Enterprise Inc., an expansion of the current contract. Item No. 11 An ordinance authorizing the Mayor to enter into a use an occupancy permit No. 81459 contract for the purpose of renting two parking lots from the New York State Department of Transportation. Item No. 12 An ordinance authorizing the Mayor to enter into a renewal agreement with Citizen Observer LLC for TIP 411 Software. Respectfully submitted, Cathlin Gleason, Chair Danielle Browne, Esq., Co-Chair (Absent) Received, passed and filed. Passed by the following vote: Ayes: President Thompson, councilmembers; Gleason, Poteat, Copeland Nays: None Absent: None To the Council: The FINANCE AND PLANNING recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled legislation: Item. No. 13 An ordinance authorizing the Mayor to enter into a Payment Plan Agreement with State Comptroller's Office, New York State and Local Retirement System. Item No. 14 A resolution declaring "Type II" SEQRA Determinations regarding New York State Environment Facilities Corporation Wastewater Infrastructure Engineering Planning Grant Application Nos. 105463 & 110559. Respectfully submitted, Edward Poteat, Chair Lisa Copeland, Co-Chair Received, passed and filed. Passed by the following vote: Ayes: President Thompson, councilmembers; Gleason, Poteat, Copeland Nays: None Absent: None OTHER BUSINESS/CLOSING COMMENTS Council President Thompson asked that we keep councilwoman Browne in our prayers as she is mourning the loss of a loved one. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:09 p.m. Tanesia M. Walters, J.D., M.P.A City Clerk