City Council
Regular MeetingMount Vernon, NY · April 27, 2022
Minutes
A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON CITY COUNCIL HELD
ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 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 (Acting Mayor for this meeting), Danielle Browne, Esq., Lisa A.
Copeland, Cathlin Gleason and Edward Poteat
ABSENT: None
PRESIDING: Danielle Browne, Acting President
OTHERS: Tanesia M. Walters, City Clerk, Elias Gootzeit, Legislative Assistant and Brian G.
Johnson, Corporation Counsel, Timothy Allen, Director of Communications
Acting Council President Danielle Browne called the meeting to order and provided house-
keeping rules, including in case of emergency. She asked corporation council Brian Johnson to
lead the council in the Pledge of Allegiance. Acting Council President then proceeded to the
Public Speakers session of the evening (listed below as public comment).
PUBLIC COMMENT
Geoff Monroe – Did not wish to state his residence, Mount Vernon, NY, appeared via zoom.
Spoke on his interpretation of the way the council body addressed the request for legislation for a
documentary from the police department. He commended the council on their act of proper
resistance, then he proceeded in stating on the way he believes the council body should have
appropriately responded in showing their authority as the legislative body. He believed there was
a strong demand form the executive branch and he viewed the council’s response as cajoling and
somewhat acquiesce or asking permission to regulate, which is their job. and he was a He also
spoke on his ask for the cable advisory board term extension where he was met by a negative
response from the council. He wants to see an active community media, because the school
media is no longer active. He wished the council would take this seriously.
Wilma Frank – 239 S. Columbus Ave., Mount Vernon, NY, appeared in person. She requested
that the council reform all the taxes that is placed on the residents of Mount Vernon, she laments
that there should be no taxes as people are suffering and crying out for help. She stated that she
received a county tax so high she had never received a county tax this high. She is being charged
for garbage and refuse tax and that doesn’t make any sense. Isn’t the refuse tax for the garbage.
Taxes are on everything. She believes the City is trying to force the homeowners out of their
houses so the developers can get it.
Patricia Richards –137 S. Fulton Ave., Mount Vernon, NY, appeared via zoom. Concerns about
zombie houses and the homeless, the homeless are living in the abandoned houses and it is not
safe for then nor for other residents.
Thomas Keller –12 Pasadena Place Mount Vernon, NY, appeared via zoom. Concerns about
refuses fee and power leaf blower. He proceeded to read the legislation that was passed then
stated that it has not be regulated. The decibel machines are to be purchased to measure the
decibel level; the devices cost around $100-200 dollars. $1000 can be used to purchase a few of
these devices to start implementing the ordinance. Landscapers are using power leaf blower, and
no one is checking them. The ordinance must be enforced.
Mary Harris –222 West 2nd. Street, Mount Vernon, NY, appeared via zoom. Need information
about the broadband that should be available to the citizens of Mount Vernon, the information
was not shared to the citizens and she would like to know the reason why. Also, what is the
status on the cannabis dispensary, and what is the procedure for the implementation of the
comprehensive plan and how can one be a part of it. She had a few more concerns and questions
that were addressed by the council.
Nicola Sanders – Mount Vernon, NY, appeared via zoom. She stated that her understanding of
government is that the government is working for the citizens and is to do what’s best for the
citizens. She stated that before a politician is elected most politicians appear like a “kitten” they
present positive things they are going to do and after they are elected the total opposite evolves.
She addressed the councilperson who bowed when Ms. Frank stated her disapproval of their
actions, Ms. Sanders state that she was disgusted with the response of the council members. The
taxes are high, the garbage and refuse tax is not fair and the garbage men tosses the garbage bins
oftentimes damaging them. She feels so discourage and feels the best thing to do is go on welfare
and the people who are placed in office to help the people are doing nothing. The acts of the new
administration and council is shameful. The council should try harder to fight for us.
Brian Johnson – Corporation Counsel, Mount Vernon, NY, appeared in person. He spoke with
regards the law department budget and reiterated that the law department is burden by outside
council fees and settlement fees due to legislation that predates his leadership.
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 granting permission for the Westchester County Legislator, Tyrae
Woodson Samuels to conduct an Autism Awareness Walk - (Saturday, April 23,
2022).
Item No. 2 Resolution appointing a member to the Taxicab Commission as Taxi Industry
Representative of the City of Mount Vernon - (Neville Gibson)
Item No. 3 An ordinance authorizing the Mayor to enter into a Memorandum of
Understanding ("MOU") with the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation ("DEC"), and County of Westchester ("County") to rehabilitate the
sewer system - ($150M)
Respectfully submitted,
Danielle Browne, Esq., Chair (Absent)
Cathlin Gleason, Co-Chair
Received, passed and filed.
Passed by the following vote:
Ayes: Acting President Browne, councilmembers; Gleason, Poteat, Copeland
Nays: None
Absent: None
To the Council:
The HUMAN RESOURCES Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled
legislation:
Item No. 4 An ordinance granting permission to the Department of Recreation to host an
inter-faith "National Day of Prayer" "Save our Streets" (("S.O.S.") - (Thursday,
May 5, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
Item No. 5 An ordinance proclaiming May 1-7, 2022 as the City of Mount Vernon Emotional
Wellness Week
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Copeland, Chair
Edward Poteat, Co-Chair
Received, passed and filed.
Passed by the following vote:
Ayes: Acting President Browne, 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. 6 An ordinance granting permission for one (1) member of the Police Department to
attend an internal Investigation course (no cost to the City - April 18" to April 29,
2022)
Item No. 7 An ordinance authorizing the Mayor to renew an agreement for a maintenance
contract with Interaction Insight Corporation. ($7,032.00 - Budget Code:
A3120.414, Repairs to Plant and Equipment).
Item No. 8 An ordinance authorizing the Mayor to renew an agreement for a maintenance
contract with CI Technologies / IA Pro (2,164.86 - Budget Code: A3 120.449,
Investigations & Trials).
Item No. 9 An ordinance authorizing the Police Department to write-off parking
summonses/tickets 10 years and older
Item No. 10 An ordinance authorizing the Police Department to increase the fee for the
application and removal of the automobile restraining device (boot).
Respectfully submitted,
Cathlin Gleason, Chair
Danielle Browne, Esq., Co-Chair (Absent)
Received, passed and filed.
Passed by the following vote:
Ayes: Acting President Browne, councilmembers; Gleason, Poteat, Copeland
Nays: None
Absent: None
To the Council:
The FINANCE AND PLANNING recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled
legislation:
No recommendation for this agenda
Respectfully submitted,
Edward Poteat, Chair
Lisa Copeland, Co-Chair
Received, passed and filed.
Passed by the following vote:
Ayes: Acting President Browne, councilmembers; Gleason, Poteat, Copeland
Nays: None
Absent: None
OTHER BUSINESS/CLOSING COMMENTS
Councilman Poteat reminded everyone of the girl scot troops. Acting President Danielle Browne
stated that the Auxiliary police is hiring, Arbor day will be this Saturday and Also Kayla
Greene’s funeral this Saturday at 10 am.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:38 p.m.
Tanesia M. Walters, J.D., M.P.A
City Clerk
Agenda
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING ii,
AGENDA I
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2022 ;)
7:00PM ]
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS - CITY HALL '
MOUNT VERNON, NEW YORK
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LEGISLATION AND PUBLIC WORKS
1. An ordinance granting permission for the
PERMISSION
Westchester County Legislator, Tyrae Woodson-
Samuels to conduct an Autism Awareness Walk -
(Saturday, April 23, 2022).
2. Resolution appointing a member to the Taxicab
RESOLUTION
Commission as Taxi Industry Representative of the
City of Mount Vernon - (Neville Gibson).
3. An ordinance authorizing the Mayor to enter into a
PERMISSION
Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") with the
New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation ("DEC"), and County of Westchester
("County") to rehabilitate the sewer system - ($150M)
HUMAN RESOURCES
4. An ordinance granting permission to the Department
PERMISSION
of Recreation to host an inter-faith "National Day of
Prayer" "Save our Streets" (("S.O.S.") - (Thursday,
May 5, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
5. An ordinance proclaiming May 1-7, 2022 as the City
RESOLUTION
of Mount Vernon Emotional Wellness Week.
City Council Meeting Agenda Page 2 April 27, 2022
PUBLIC SAFETY AND CODES
PERMISSION An ordinance granting permission for one (1) member
of the Police Department to attend an internal
!nves(!ga(lons COurSe. (no cost to the City - April 18" to
April 29, 2022)
EXECUTE DOCUMENTS An ordinance authorizing the Mayor to renew an
agreement for a maintenance contract with
Interaction Insight Corporation. ($7,032.00 - Budget
Code: A3120.414, Repairs to Plant and Equipment).
EXECUTE DOCUMENTS An ordinance authorizing the Mayor to renew an
agreement for a maintenance contract with CI
Technologies / IA Pro (2,164.86 - Budget Code:
A3 120.449, Investigations & Trials)
PERMISSION An ordinance authorizing the Police Department to
write-off parking summonses/tickets 10 years and
older.
10. An ordinance authorizing the Police Department to
increase the fee for the application and removal ofthe
automobile restraining device (boot).
APR 2 7
l AN ORDINANCE
TO WESTCHESTER
GRANTING
COUNTY
PERMISSION
LEGISLATOR,
TYRAE WOODSON-SAMUELS TO CONDUCT
AN AUTISM AWARENESS -WALK
WHEREAS, by letter dated April 20, 2022, Westchester County Legislator,
Tyrae Woodson-Sarnuels has requested authorization to conduct an Autism
Awareness Walk on Saturday, April 23, 2022, from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. (rain
date: April 30, 2022); and
WHEREAS, it is further requested to use the following procession route:
starting at City Hall, eastbound on Prospect Avenue, northbound onNorth 3rd Avenue
into Hartley Park where refreshments will be served upon completion of the Autism
procession; NOW, THEREFORE,
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain and
enact:
Section 1. Permission is hereby granted to Westchester County Legislator,
Tyrae Woodson-Samuels to conduct an Autism Awareness Walk on Saturday, April
23, 2022, from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. (rain date: April 30, 2022).
Section 2. The Department of Public Safety is hereby authorized and
directed to provide a front and rear escort to assist with the traffic during the
procession. It is recommended that the participants of this procession always utilize
the sidewalk. A patrol supervisor and a sector car will also be assigned to monitor
this event. Auxiliary police will be assigned to Hartley Park for the duration of the
event. If additional manpower is needed, the supervisor will be authorized to hire the
necessary number of officers, on an overtime basis, at the expense of the applicant.
Section 3. The Department of Public Works is hereby authorized and
directed to collect biu'idled trash at the end of the event, power to be provided and the
use of sidewalks as needed. Set-up at City Hall and Hartley Park are aIso authorized
as well as the use of barricades and other equipment for traffic control for the purpose
of the aforesaid event.
Section 4. This ordinance shall take effect upon its approval by the Board
of Estimate and Contract.
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Dept.
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APR2 7 20,22
RESOLUTION APPOINTING A MEMBER TO
THE TAXICAB COMMISSION AS TAXI INDUSTRY
REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON
WHEREAS, pursuant to Chapter 238, Section 238-2 of the Mount Vernon
City Code, entitled "Members", ffltial members of the Taxicab Cornrnission shall
be appointed by this City Council and the Mayor; and
WHEREAS, it is the intention of this City Council to appoint NEVILLE
GIBSON to the Taxicab Commission as my Taxi Industry Representative; and
WHEREAS, it is the intention of the Mayor to appoint NEVILLE GIBSON
as a member of said Taxicab Commission; and
WHEREAS, the ex officio members of the Taxicab Cornrnission are the
Police Commissioner or the Deputy Police Cornrnissioner or his designee, the City
Clerk and the City Director of Weights and Measures; NOW, THEREFORE, be it
RESOLVED, that the Mayor does hereby appoint NEVILLE GIBSON to
serve as a member of the Taxicab Commission as my Taxi Industry Representative,
for the term of two (2) years cornmencing April 28, 2022 through April 26, 2024:
and be it further
RESOLVED, that this resolution shall take effect irnrnediately.
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Dept. By
Mayor
APR 2 7 2022
3 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO
ENTER INTO A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ("MOU")
WITH THE NEW YORK ST ATE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL
CONSERV ATION ("DEC"), AND COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER
("COtJNTY") TO REHABILIT ATE THE SEWER SYSTEM
WHEREAS, by letter dated April 25, 2022, the Mayor has requested that the
City Council enact legislation which will enable the Mayor to enter into a
Memorandum of Understanding ("Mat!') (copy attached) on behalf of the City of
Mount Vernon ("City"); with the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation ("DEC"), and the County of Westchester ("County") to rehabilitate
the sewer system; and
WHEREAS, on April 15, 2022 NYS Governor Kathy Hochul announced a
historic $150 million investment and precedent-setting three-way partnership
between the DEC, the City, and the County to immediately advance the planning,
mapping, engineering, design, and construction of the City's sewer systems. The
attached MOU formalizes the partnership, outlines roles, responsibilities, and
available fiu'iding for the Citywide project; NOW, THEREFORE,
The City of Moiu'it Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain
and enact:
Section 1. The Mayor is hereby authorized to enter into a Memorandum of
Understanding ("MOU") (copy attached) on behalf of the City of Mount Vernon
("City"); with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
("DEC"), and the County of Westchester ("County") to rehabilitate the sewer
system.
Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect upon its approval by the Board
of Estimate and Contract.
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APPROVED
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APR 2 7 2a22
Date
APPROVED
Dept. BIB,J 7-
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APR2 7
#TrendingOverTragedy; NOW, THEREFORE,
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain
and enact:
Section 1. Permission is hereby granted to the Department of Recreation
to host an inter-faith "National Day of Prayer" "Save our Streets" ("s.o.s."). The
event is scheduled to take place at City Hall Plaza on Thursday, May 5, 2022, from
3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect immediately.
Councilperson
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!)IPR2 7 20u
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AN ORDINANCE Pn('aAIMING MAY 1-7. 2022 'Zja
AS THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON
EMOTIONAL WELLNESS WEEK
WHEREAS- Delia M. Farquharson ff:asrequested legislation proclaiming '.
May 1-7, 202,[as the CITY OF MOUNT VEON EMOTIONAL WELLNESS
WEEK, in order to increase:acc(iss to the social, emotional and mental health '.
resources that exist within the City and to address overall wellness; and a
WHEREAS, May '6. '2022 is specifically identified as MIND
WELLNESS DAY in the City ofMount Veriion; and
WHEREAS, the foregoing pertnlsslon is granted ripon the express
condition tliat tlie banner must be properly secured, may not be suspended from
poles wliich support traffic lights, streetlaii'ips or utilities, and said installation
and removal to be rinder the supervision and to the satisfaction of the
Commissioners of the Depaitment of Public Works and Department of Public
Safety; NOW, THEREFORE,
Tlie City of Morint Vernon, in City Coui'icil convened, does hereby
ordain and enact:
Section 1. The City of Mount Vernon hereby proclaims May 1-7. 2022
as tlie CITY OF MOUNT VERNON EMOTIONAL WELLNESS WEEK, in
order to increase access to the social, emotional and mental health resources
that exist within the City, and to address overall wellness.
Section 2. The City of Mount Vernon hereby proclaims May 6, 2022 as
MIND WELLNESS DAY.
Section 3. Permission is hereby granted to participate in the ribbon
campaign to display ribbons on trees and poles throughout the City.
Section 4. Tliis ordinance shall take effect imi'nediately.
APPROVED A-S TOFORM
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Assistant Corporat.ion Counsel
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APR2 7 2022
ANORDINANCE:G'RANTINGPERMISSIONFOR a":
ONE (l) MEMnER:Or THE POLICE DEPARTMENT ' =
TO ATTEND AN INTERNAL INVESTIGATIONS COURSE " a
WHEREAS, by letter dated April 8, 2022, the Commissioner of the. . '.'l .-j.
Department of Public Safety has requested(permission for one (I) Member of
Service of said department. to attend an Iriternal Investigations Course, to be
conducted at the New York City Police Department Academy, in Queens, NY
from April 18" to April 29, 2022:; and
WHEREAS, the Member 6f Service will utilize a Department vehicle to ' 1
and from the course daily; NOW-, THEREFORE,
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain
and enact:
Sectionl. Permission is hereby granted for one (l) member of the
Department of Public Safety to attend an Internal Investigations Course, to be
conducted at the New York City Police Department Academy, in Queens, NY
from April 18" to April 29, 2022.
Section 2. There will be no cost for this course. Reimbursement for
travel expenses, meals, incidentals, and miscellaneous expenses is further
authorized upon presentment of receipts.
Section 3. This ordinance shall take effect upon its approval by
the Board of Estimate and ContracttJ" t=
Councilperson
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Dept. By
APR 2 7
WHEREAS, by letter dateed April 8, 2022, the Cornrnissioner of the
Department of Public Safety has requested legislation authorizing the Mayor to
renew an agreement for a maintenance contract with Interaction Insight
Corporation at the annual cost of $7,032.00; and
WHEREAS, Interaction Insight Corporation is responsible for
providing a 911 recording system to the Department of Public Safety from
February 1, 2022, through January 3;1,2023; NOW, THEREFORE,
The City of Mount Vejnon, in City Council convened, does hereby
ordain and enact:
Section 1. The Mayor is hereby authorized to renew an agreement for a
maintenance contract with Interaction Insight Corporation at the annual cost of
$7,032.00.
Section 2. Cost for the aforesaid in an amount not to exceed $7,032.00
and is available in Budget Code A3120.414 (Repairs to Plant & Equipment),
Police Department 2022 Budget.
Section 3. This ordinance shall take effect upon its approval by the
Board of Estimate & Contract.
Councilperson
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Assistant Corpopf!on C6unsel
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APPROVED
APR 2 7 2022
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APPROVED
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Dept. BY
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APR 2 7
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR
TO RENEW AN AGREEMENT WITH
CI TECHNOLOGIES / IA PRO
WHEREAS, by letter dated April 8, 2022, the Commissioner of ' ,::
the Department of Public Safety:has requested legislation authorizing the - .
Mayor to renew an agreement with CI Technologies / IA Pro - the
Computer Software Progr uttlized by the Internal Affairs Unit at the
annual cost of $2,164.86; NOW THEREFORE,
The City of Mount gernon, in City Council convened, does
hereby ordain and enact: '
Sectionl. The Mayor is hereby authorized to renew the
agreement entered with CI Technologies / IA Pro - the Computer
Software Program utilized by the Internal Affairs Unit at the annual cost
of$2,164.86. TherenewalofsaidagreementwillcomrnenceonFebruary
1, 2022, through January 31, 2023.
Section 2. Cost for the aforesaid in an amount not to exceed
$2,164.86 is available in Budget Code A3120.449 (Investigations and
Trials), Police Department 2022 Budget.
Section 3. This ordinance shall take effect upon its approval by
the Board of Estimate & Contract.
Councilperson
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Colrjioratiqri Counsel
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APPROVED
APR 2 7 2022
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APPROVED
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Dept.
PR 2 7 2022
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE POLICE ; o
DEPARTMENT TO WRITE-OFF PARKING ':' %
SUMMONSES/TICKETS 10 YEARS AND OLDER , ' f.
. '.'.-'t"
WHEREAS, by lettet. dated January 18, 2022 the Commissioner of the
Department of Public Safety has 'requested that the City Council enact legislation '
authorizing them to write off Moiu'it Vernon Parking Surnrnonses/Tickets that are
over ten (10) years old as conditional- discharges; NOW, THEREFORE,
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened does hereby ordain a
and enact:
Section 1. The Police D;epartment is hereby authorized to write off
Mount Vernon Parking Surnrnonses/Tickets that are over ten (10) years old as
conditional discharges.
Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect upon its approval by the
Board of Estimate and Contract.
Councilperson
APPROVED ASyTO FORM
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Assistant Corporatidff,Counsel
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Dept. By
Mayor
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APR 2 7
WHEREAS, by letter dated, January 18, 2022 the Cornrnissioner of the
Department of Public Safety has requested legislation authorizing said Department
to increase the fee for the ajpli6atNori-and removal of the automobile restraining
device (boot) placed on a vehicle jr6m the current amount of Fifty Dollars ($50.00)
to One Hundred Dollars ($-100.00) under the MVCC 256-12.1C(1)(c); NOW,
THEREFORE
The City of Moiu'it Vernon,:in City Council convened does hereby ordain
and enact:
Section 1. The Police Department is hereby authorized to increase the
fee for the application and removal of the automobile restrairung device (boot)
placed on a vehicle from the current amount of Fifty Dollars ($50.00) to One
Hundred Dollars ($100.00) under the MVCC 256-12.1C(1)(c).
Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect upon its approval by the
Board of Estimate and Contract.
Councilperson
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o City Clerk
APPROVED
APR 2 7 2022
Date
APPROVED
Dept.
Acting Mayor
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