City Council

CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 2022 AT 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS – ROOM 206 CITY HALL, MOUNT VERNON, NEW YORK & VIA FACEBOOK.COM/MOUNTVERNONNY A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF THE MOUNT VERNON CITY COUNCIL HELD ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 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 occupants was limited *** PRESENT: Derrick Thompson, Council President, Danielle Browne, Esq., Lisa A. Copeland, Cathlin Gleason and Edward Poteat (ONLINE/REMOTE) ABSENT: PRESIDING: Derrick Thompson, Council President OTHERS: Tanesia M. Walters, City Clerk; Brian G. Johnson, Corporation Counsel CALL TO ORDER / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council President Thompson called the meeting to order at 7:15pm. He provided general house-keeping rules, including encouraging citizens to share the meeting on social media and what to do “in case of emergency”. Council President Thompson asked Corporation Counsel Johnson to lead the council in the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC PRESENTATION: 1. Irwin Billy, MVNY – He Spoke to DPW regarding the city sanitation workers allegedly picking up refuse on the north side when it is the schedule for the south side. He described refuse sitting out uncollected. . 2. Daniel Toone, Yonkers, NY-here on behalf of Reliable Taxi in Mt. Vernon. Looking to get a raise in rates for the taxi drivers. Discussed the cost-of-living increases and the struggles of drivers. He inquired about the Taxi Commission. Asked for the members to be sworn in and the meetings expedited. 3. Ruby Olisemeka, MVNY – She submitted a letter which she read into the record asking Block 014 Lot 3088 for a fresh food pantry and wellness garden on a year to year basis. She represents the Free People’s Market. 4. Wilma Frank, MVNY – discussed refuse fees and taxes. She noted it creates a struggle for citizens. . 5. Fabiola Bell, MVNY – Thanked the Council for being open ears to constituent concerns. She discussed alleged intimidation tactics in connection with the Wakanda Festival. Discussed commercial interests versus residential needs. 6. Sergio Rodriguez, MVNY – represents the Cochran Manor Neighborhood Association, and the members of the group who signed a petition asking for the Council to secure Traphagen School for the Wakanda event. He noted he found out an amended application was submitted. Asked for clarification on street  closures and how permits are granted. 7. Ann Hill, (appearing online), MVNY – Discussed how she has donated her home to Luangisa museum, a 501©3. She also has a nonprofit. The stage is in front of her home and her home is used to display museum items. She noted studies show block parties increase the camaraderie of residents. She expressed that the Wakanda Festival is a wonderful event. . 8. Dr. Deborah Diamond, MVNY – Noted she is a member of the Board of Directors for Wakanda. Wakanda is a federal and NYS nonprofit. Discussed the Wakanda Festival. 9. Rose Luangisa, MVNY – founder of Luangisa Museum. 10. Andre Lasso, MVNY – discussed the Wakanda Festival, and asked that his quality of life not be interrupted by the festival (“Don’t block my way of living”). 11. Michelle Purville, MVNY – Noted she is following the zoning board. She is concerned with the Zoning and Planning Boards. She notes her neighborhood is being changed, home by home, through variances. She is asking for the Council to intervene and halt applications until we get a handle on variances for homes being packed onto properties not large enough to house them. 12. Geoff Munroe, (refused to give his address) – Wants to change Route 22 and remove Christopher Columbus’ name. Secondly he is asking (with Ruby Olisemeka) to have a garden on 4th avenue. Lastly he encourages the complete empanelment of the Cable TV Advisory committee so we can deal with the Community Media infrastructure. 13. Sonya Murray, MVNY – Thanked the Council for the opportunity to honor the Mayor and Comptroller. She thanked DPW for their positivity, and for filling the potholes, and other issues. Council members responded to the constituents. Councilmembers took a 5 minutes break. LEGISLATION AND PUBLIC WORKS PERMISSION 1. An ordinance granting permission to Rose Luangisa, Founder of Luangisa African Gallery, permission to host the 5th Wakanda HELD Celebration on Hawthorne Terrace between Euclid Avenue and Lenox Avenue (Saturday, September 3, 2022 rain date: Sunday, 4, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 pm). Moved by Browne, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: Council President Thompson stated he worked with the organizers and the school to alleviate issues pertaining to street use. Councilmember Browne noted these requests need to go to the Department Commissioners to determine security. She is making a motion to amend the legislation to reflect the event will take place at Traphagen School. Councilwoman Gleason asked if the amendments have been discussed with organizers and departments. Councilwoman Copeland questioned the number of officers needed if the event will not be on the streets. Councilwoman Browne noted the amended application may not have been sent to the MVPD for review. Council President Thompson asked that the legislation be held to ensure the language is correct. Corporation Counsel noted the legislation should be held for clarification. Motions are withdrawn, Seconded by Gleason. HELD FROM THE FLOOR PERMISSION 2. An ordinance granting permission to the Mount Vernon Public Library to host a "Comic Expo," place banners and the Department of Public Safety to close South First Avenue (between First and Second Streets to vehicular traffic) - (Sunday, August 7, 2022, from 12:00 a.m. to 7:00 pm.) Moved by Browne, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: None. Response: None. Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Thompson, Poteat, Browne Nays: None OUTDOOR CONCERT 3. An ordinance granting permission to the Young Adult Ministry at Grace Baptist Church to host an "Outdoor Concert," on Saturday, July 30, 2022, at 52 South 6th Avenue (between 1st and 2nd Streets) - from 1:00 p.m. to 10:00pm. Moved by Browne, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: None.  Response: None. Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Thompson, Poteat, Browne Nays: None OUTDOOR WORSHIP 4. An ordinance granting permission to the Grace Baptist Church to host an "Outdoor Worship and Family Day," on Sunday, August 21, 2022, at 52 South Avenue (between 1st and 2nd Streets) - from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.). Moved by Browne, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: Councilwoman Gleason asked if items are added to the calendar when items are approved. Clerk Walters noted yes. Response: None. Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Thompson, Poteat, Browne Nays: None METRO NORTH DEBT 5. An ordinance authorizing the Mayor to affirm and acknowledge a debt of $5,000,000.00 to the Metro North Railroad). ITEM DOES NOT PASS Moved by Browne, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: Councilwoman Copeland noted that this item should be attributed to former Mayor Richard Thomas, and that the contract never came before the previous Council. Response: None. Ayes: Thompson, Poteat Nays: Browne, Copeland, Gleason EXECUTE 6. An ordinance authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with DOCUMENTS CGI Communications, Inc. dba CGI Digital ("CGI"). Moved by Browne, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: None. Response: None. Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Thompson, Poteat, Browne Nays: None EXECUTE 7. An ordinance authorizing the Mayor to enter into a Communications DOCUMENTS Consulting Contract with CauseWired Communications ("Contractor") (July 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022) - ($24,000.00, Expenditure Code Al210.405, (Contracted Outside Service. Moved by Browne, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: None. Response: None. Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Thompson, Browne Nays: Poteat PERMISSION 8. An ordinance granting permission to the Mayor to attend the National League of Cities 2nd Annual Mayoral Summit on Violence (Atlanta, GA from Monday, July 25th through Wednesday, July 27, 2022) - ($1,250.00, Expenditure Code: Al210.402 (Travel Expenses), Office of the Mayor 22 Budget. Moved by Browne, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: None. Response: None. Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Thompson, Poteat, Browne Nays: None PERMISSION 9. An ordinance granting permission to partial street closure and signage for the Westchester Black Women's Political Caucus Annual Event (Sunday, July 17, 2022 - 70 Lorraine Avenue to the intersection of Lorraine and Esplanade Avenues from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Moved by Browne, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: None. Response: None.  Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Thompson, Poteat, Browne Nays: None RELOCATIAON OF 10. An ordinance authorizing the relocation of the non­elected/appointed PORTRAITS Mayoral portraits. HELD FROM THE FLOOR HELD RESOLUTION 11. A resolution appointing a Deputy City Clerk for the City of Mount Vernon. Moved by Browne, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: None. Response: None. Ayes: Gleason, Thompson, Poteat, Browne, Copeland Nays: None LOCAL LAW READING 12. Local Law No. 4 of 2022 - Establishing Best Value Procurement. (FIRST READING) Moved None On the Question: Councilwoman Copeland noted we should waive our rules of order #6 regarding having a member read items into the record. HUMAN RESOURCES EXECUTE 13. An ordinance authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with DOCUMENTS Khalid Davis to provide financial literacy for Step Up Summer Academy (contract period: July 7, 2022 - August 12, 2022. $1,200.00, Budget Code A7336.405, Youth Bureau 2022 Budget. Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Poteat On the Question: None. Response: None. Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Thompson, Poteat, Browne Nays: None EXECUTE 14. An ordinance authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with the DOCUMENTS Westchester / Putnam Workforce Development Board ("WPWDB") for the MVYB's Summer Youth Employment Program; acceptance of grant funding ($94,720.00, retroactive to May 1, 2022, and concluding approximately September 30, 2022. Revenue Code A4790.6 for appropriations to be charged to Budget Code A6296.101 (Salaries), A6296.803 (Fringes), and A6296.458 (miscellaneous Expenses)). Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Poteat On the Question: None. Response: None. Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Thompson, Poteat, Browne Nays: None EXECUTE 15. An ordinance authorizing the Mayor to enter into a Service Agreement DOCUMENTS with Westchester County Executive; County Board of Legislators and the Westchester County Youth Bureau and accept funds in the amount of $71,428.00 (January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022. Revenue Code A2229.8 for appropriations to be charged to Budget Code A7319.458 (miscellaneous expenses)). Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Poteat On the Question: None. Response: None. Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Thompson, Poteat, Browne Nays: None EXECUTE 16. An ordinance authorizing the Mayor to enter into a Service Agreement DOCUMENTS with Westchester County Youth Bureau and accept contracted funds ($16,954.00, for the period July 1, 2022, through September 30, 2022. Revenue Code A2229.8 for appropriations to be charged to Budget Code  A7312.101 (salary. Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Poteat On the Question: None. Response: None. Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Thompson, Poteat, Browne Nays: None PUBLIC SAFETY AND CODES RESOLUTION 17. A resolution reappointing Edmund (Ed) Byrnes to the Board of Ethics (July 14, 2022 - July 13, 2024). Moved by Gleason, Seconded by Copeland On the Question: None. Response: None. Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Thompson, Poteat, Browne Nays: None CONTRACT RENEWAL 18. An ordinance authorizing the Mayor to renew its annual Service Agreement with Alpine Software Corporation Inc. ($9,839.34 from Expenditure Code A3410.454, Fire Alarm Bureau - FY22 Budget $14,000.00; - July I, 2022 through Juue 30, 2023). Moved by Gleason, Seconded by Copeland On the Question: None. Response: None. Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Thompson, Poteat, Browne Nays: None FINANCE AND PLANNING AUTHORIZATION 19. An ordinance authorizing the Comptroller to make payment to CityScape Consultants, Inc. in the amount of $22,500.00 for review of wireless telecommunication applications (services rendered in 2019 - Expenditure Code A8020.405, Contracted Outside Services, including Comprehensive Plan). Moved by Poteat, Seconded by Copeland On the Question: None. Response: None. Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Thompson, Poteat, Browne Nays: None TRANSFER FUNDS 20. An ordinance authorizing a transfer of funds within the Department of Assessment for overtime expenses ($10,000.00 from Outside Contract Al355-405, Outside Contract & Services to Budget Code Al355-101, Salaries and Wages). Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Poteat On the Question: None. Response: None. Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Thompson, Poteat, Browne Nays: None . Agenda concluded at 9:44pm.. FURTHER BUSINESS: Motion to adjourn by Gleason, seconded by Browne. ALL AYES on adjournment. Council President acknowledged passing of Hugh Gordon and Minister Stephen Yarborough and safety officer Singleton. Moment of silence for the family. Adjourned 9:47P<. Submitted Donna Jackson, Deputy Clerk, 12/12/23