City Council

CITY OF MOUNT VERNON, NEW YORK OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK ONE ROOSEVELT SQUARE, ROOM 104 TANESIA M. WALTERS, J.D., M.P.A. MOUNT VERNON, NY 10550 DONNA M. JACKSON City Clerk Main (914) 665-2352 Deputy City Clerk Fax (914) 668-6044 www.cmvny.com A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF THE MOUNT VERNON CITY COUNCIL HELD ON WEDNESDAY, October 12, 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, President, Danielle Browne, Esq., Lisa A. Copeland, Cathlin Gleason and Edward Poteat ABSENT: None PRESIDING: Derrick Thompson, President OTHERS: Tanesia M. Walters, City Clerk; Donna M. Jackson, Deputy City Clerk; Elias Gootzeit, Legislative Assistant; Brian G. Johnson, Corporation Counsel CALL TO ORDER / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council President Pro Tem Danielle Browne called the meeting to order at 7:16pm. 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 Deputy Clerk Donna M. Jackson to lead the council in the Pledge of Allegiance. Council President Pro Tempore Brown then proceeded to the Public Speakers session of the evening (listed below as public comment). PUBLIC PRESENTATION Deputy Commissioner Jennifer Lackard – MV Police Department, 2 Roosevelt Square, Mount Vernon, NY. Attended with Commissioner Glenn Scott and Chief Olifiers. Discussed the Annual Police Reform update report. There were 5 areas reviewed as a committee. Councilmembers engaged DC Lackard with questions. Discussion on a variety of topics; including annual community survey. Mr. Geoff Munroe asked about a web form. Follow-up will be done on online web form and the need to add name and address. DC Lackard will review the online web form. Councilwoman Gleason extended thanks for the diligence in completing the annually report. Janise Richardson (a public speaker for this evening) asked about a survey. Councilwoman Browne asked about the efforts being made to better relationships with citizens. DC Lackard responded about efforts of Wellness Officers. Mr. Geoff Munroe asked questions regarding a timeline, DC Lackard responded the end of November 2022. PUBLIC COMMENT Dr. Darren Morton – 239 South Columbus Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY. Discussed Finance Department matters. Ten months as Comptroller. He announced the streamlining of services; monitoring of expenditures;  City Council Meeting Minutes – 10/12/2022 Page 2 there was discussion in connection with performing audits. Audacious goal is set for completing five years of financial reports in the coming year. “Recovery and Solvency” is the goal. Comptroller Morton has had discussions with credit ratings bureaus. Budget 2023: All Department heads have submitted their estimates to the mayor. NYSHA has projected a 9% benefits cost increase. The Dept. is exploring options for people to opt out of insurance if it is provided by another family member. As per the charter, the Comptroller is mandated to submit delinquent receivables. We have no available cash to reduce the 2023 budget. We have paid all outstanding vendors for all departments. MVNY Constituent Janise Richardson asked about delinquent property taxes. Approximately 17 properties belong to the City. There was an auction in 2016. A person must be in arrears two or more years in order to begin foreclosure. Councilwoman Gleason commended the Comptroller. Brenda Slayton – residing at 33 North 3rd Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY. Spoke about 3rd Avenue Parking Garage (Lot #8), and the vandalization of her car. Mentioned that she has slept in her car to attempt to catch the vandal. Deputy Commissioner Lackard responded. The individual is known to the MVPD. The DA’s office has decided to proceed with charges, because two citizens came in and pressed charges. He is mentally challenged and chronically homeless. There is a warrant out for his arrest, and we hope to get his in an assisted outpatient program. Councilwoman Browne asked if it is helpful to have citizens come in and press charges. DC Lackard noted that because of the two accounts, there is forward motion for getting him tracked in the system. Daniel Toone – residing at 18 North 3rd Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY. Requested the taxi fare be increased by $1.00. The last time the fare was increased was September 2018. Is there someone he can speak to outside of the Council meetings? People are leaving the industry. Most of the drivers own their own vehicles. Insurance and maintenance costs increase annually, gas is expensive but the rates are not increasing. Egypt Allen – residing at 125 South 12th Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY. Registered issues regarding reconciliation. NOT HERE. Janise Richardson – residing at Overlook Street, Mount Vernon, NY. Discussed the current condition of the Royce Sign Works building. Bond Street getting to MT Vernon Avenue, passing the old Bike Shop on Mt. Vernon Avenue that caught on fire. It is an eyesore. Will the property owner be taking care of that and/or putting a lien on the property and what the timeline is on that? How can we hold property owners to a higher standard? Wilma Frank – 239 South Columbus Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY. Discussed developers who are getting tax breaks. A developer for 315 units with 272 parking spaces, there was discussion about tax credits. She learned last year the City Council allegedly agreed that the developer paid $20k and they would be given a tax break for 30 years. How can the Council add taxes and fees to the citizens of Mt. Vernon but allow developers to receive a break? Rev. James Robinson, Jr. – 318 Garden Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY. Discussed Neighbors That Care. Compliment on use of Memorial Field. It made him proud. We as Mount Venonites should be proud. Has a traffic survey been done as far as the traffic coming onto Garden Avenue? For the Game, cars parked along Garden avenue and blocked driveways. We would like a sign that says “Local Traffic Only”. Also, regarding potholes, there is such speeding. He has addressed the council over 20 years regarding potholes. Will Garden Avenue finally be paved? Lastly, the zombie homes (2 on 5th street and one on McLellan and 4th street) the brush has overtaken the property, there could be squatters there. The one on 5th and Garden, commissioner Bush made sure it was cleaned-up but it has grown back. Use the city workers to clean these properties and attach it to the tax bill for these owners. We would like to invite you to our next meeting on November 10th at 7:00 PM, on Zoom. The council body responded to the speakers’ concerns. REFERRAL SESSION Roll Call administered by City Clerk Tanesia M. Walters at 9:07 pm. 2  City Council Meeting Minutes – 10/12/2022 Page 3 REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES AND ACTION THEREON To the Council: The LEGISLATION AND PUBLIC WORKS Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled legislation: Item No. 1 (AMENDMENT) An ordinance amending Appendix A to Resolution No. 2, adopted on September 14, 2022, entitled "A RESOLUTION APPOINTING COMMISSIONERS OF DEEDS FOR THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON." Passed by the following vote: Ayes: President Thompson, councilmembers Browne, Gleason, Poteat, Copeland Nays: None Absent: None Item No. 2 (RETROACTIVE PERMISSION) An ordinance requesting retroactive permission for the commissioner of the Department of Public Works and the director of Sustainability & Community Engagement to attend the 2022 Smart City Expo USA in Miami, Florida from September 13 - 17, 2022 ($4,000 to be satisfied through Budget Code A8170.405, Dept. of Public Works). Passed by the following vote: Ayes: President Thompson, councilmembers Browne, Gleason, Poteat Nays: Copeland Absent: None Item No. 3 (PERMISSION) All ordinance granting permission to the Corporation Counsel to attend the "Advanced Course in Police Discipline Internal Affairs Investigations & Critical Incident Response" Seminar (November 9'h - 11"- 2022 at the Flamingo Las Vegas, Nevada. No to exceed $2,000.00 - funds available in Budget Code A]420.417, Education/Training) Passed by the following vote: Ayes: President Thompson, councilmembers Browne, Gleason, Poteat, Copeland Nays: None Absent: None Item No. 4 (PERMISSION) An ordinance requesting permission to use funds from Account A1410.401 "Office Expense" to cover the cost of installing safety glass partitions in both the Office of the City Clerk and Registrar office. Passed by the following vote: Ayes: President Thompson, councilmembers Browne, Gleason, Poteat, Copeland Nays: None Absent: None Item No. 5 (NEW EXPENSE ACCOUNT) An ordinance authorizing and directing the Comptroller to establish a new expense account for software and professional services in the Office of the City Clerk. Passed by the following vote: Ayes: President Thompson, councilmembers Browne, Gleason, Poteat, Copeland Nays: None Absent: None 3  City Council Meeting Minutes – 10/12/2022 Page 4 Item No. 6 (TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT) An ordinance requesting permission to terminate an agreement with First Data for the lease of a Clover Station Pro Cash Register. Passed by the following vote: Ayes: President Thompson, councilmembers Browne, Gleason, Poteat, Copeland Nays: None Absent: None Item No. 7 (PERMISSION) An ordinance authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with Fiserv Solutions LLC for payment processing services - (three (3) years with monthly fixed costs not to $140.00, to be paid from A1410.407, Leasing, Printing & Copying, and variable costs of 3.5% of the monthly credit and debit card transactions to be paid from A1410.401, Office Expense. On the question: Clarification on point of sale fees. Passed by the following vote: Ayes: President Thompson, councilmembers Browne, Gleason, Poteat, Copeland Nays: None Absent: None Item No. 8 (PERMISSION) An ordinance authorizing the Mayor to enter into a three-year agreement with General Code for recodification services - ($1,195.00 for a three-year term available in Account Code A1410.483 (Recodification of Charter). Passed by the following vote: Ayes: President Thompson, councilmembers Browne, Gleason, Poteat, Copeland Nays: None Absent: None Respectfully submitted, Danielle Browne, Esq., Chair Cathlin Gleason, Co-Chair Received, passed and filed. To the Council: The HUMAN RESOURCES Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled legislation: Item No. 9 (PERMISISON) An ordinance granting permission to the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau's Executive Director and three (3) staff members to attend the Association of New York State Youth Bureaus 50Ih Annual Youth Development Leadership Training Conference from November 2-4, 2022. (Revenue Code A2229.8 with the appropriations in Budget Codes: A7312.402 (Travel Expense) and A7311.423 (Conference Expense). Passed by the following vote: Ayes: President Thompson, councilmembers Browne, Gleason, Poteat, Copeland Nays: None Absent: None Item No. 10 (EXECUTE DOCUMENTS) All ordinance authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with Organizational Capacity Building LLC ("OCB") for partnership meetings and execute coaching services for the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau for Ready4Life Executive Staff for the contract period September 29, 4  City Council Meeting Minutes – 10/12/2022 Page 5 2022, through September 30, 2025 - (Revenue Code A4820.4 with appropriations in Budget Code A7335.405, Contracted Outside Services). Passed by the following vote: Ayes: President Thompson, councilmembers Browne, Gleason, Poteat, Copeland Nays: None Absent: None Item No. 11 (PERMISSION) An ordinance granting permission to the Department of Recreation to sponsor a Hispanic Heritage Outdoor Event on Saturday, October 15, 2022 (rain date: Sunday, October 16, 2022) from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and permission to close Howard Street from West Lincoln Avenue to North Terrace- ($5,000.00 and will charged to the Budget Code: A7310.447, Department of Recreation 2022 Budget). Passed by the following vote: Ayes: President Thompson, councilmembers Browne, Gleason, Poteat, Copeland Nays: None Absent: None Respectfully submitted, Lisa Copeland, Chair Edward Poteat, Co-Chair Received, passed and filed. To the Council: The PUBLIC SAFETY AND CODES Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled legislation: Item No. 12 (AUTHORIZATION) An ordinance authorizing the Department of Public Safety to purchase one (l) Ford Transit 350 Van Prisoner Vehicle with American Rescue Plan Act ("ARPA") Fund - ($94,178.44 - American Rescue Plan Act ("ARPA") from Budget Line A3120.203ARP. This contract is a State contract and therefore exempt from the bid requirements). Passed by the following vote: Ayes: President Thompson, councilmembers Browne, Gleason, Poteat, Copeland Nays: None Absent: None Item No. 13 (AUTHORIZATION) An ordinance authorizing the Department of Public Safety to purchase two (2) Ford Escape Vehicles for the Parking Bureau with American Rescue Plan Act ("ARPA") Fund - ($59,827.62 - American Rescue Plan Act ("ARPA") from Budget Line A3120.203ARP. This contract is a State contract and therefore exempt from the bid requirements). Passed by the following vote: Ayes: President Thompson, councilmembers Browne, Gleason, Poteat, Copeland Nays: None Absent: None Item No. 14 (RESCIND) An ordinance rescinding "Resolution No. 10 adopted by the City of Mount Vernon City Council on May 25, 2022 "appointing a member to the Board of Ethics of the City of Mount Vernon." (Dean L. Bailey). HELD ON THE FLOOR 5  City Council Meeting Minutes – 10/12/2022 Page 6 Passed by the following vote: Ayes: President Thompson, councilmembers Browne, Gleason, Poteat, Copeland Nays: None Absent: None Item No. 15 (PERMISSION) An ordinance authorizing the transfer of funds designated to the FDMV to facilitate the purchase of supplies and equipment to outfit four (4) ambulances purchased by the MVURA - ($423,000.00, balance in Account #4540.203 after transfers. $415,865.52, the amount to expend on equipment after transfer of funds). Passed by the following vote: Ayes: President Thompson, councilmembers Browne, Gleason, Poteat, Copeland Nays: None Absent: None Item No. 16 (PERMISSION) An ordinance authorizing the FIRE DEPARTMENT to purchase four (4) Stryker Power Loads Equipment (4BLS) with ARP Funds - ($415,865.52, available in American Rescue Plan - A4540.203ARP from Public Health EC PHS-003 1.7 - STRYKER SAVVIK Contract Awards #2021-06, #2021-05, FDMV Member SAVVIK #30919). Passed by the following vote: Ayes: President Thompson, councilmembers Browne, Gleason, Poteat, Copeland Nays: None Absent: None Respectfully submitted, Cathlin Gleason, Chair Danielle Browne, Esq., Co-Chair Received, passed and filed. To the Council: The FINANCE AND PLANNING Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled legislation: Item No. 17 (TAX REFUND) An ordinance authorizing the Mayor to execute an application for a correction for the tax years 2019, 2020 and 2021 City, County and School Tax Bills and directing the Comptroller to issue a refund to Nextel of NY c/o T-Mobile, 590 East Third Street, Mount Vernon, NY 10550 - Block 169.26-4022-1.3 as follows: ($31,952.76 (City tax), $12,289.75 (County tax) and $71,534.70 (School tax) - a total refund in the amount of $115,777.20 for City, County and School Tax). Passed by the following vote: Ayes: President Thompson, councilmembers Browne, Gleason, Poteat, Copeland Nays: None Absent: None Item No. 18 (TAX REFUND) An ordinance authorizing the Mayor to execute an application for a correction for the tax years 2019, 2020 and 2021 City, County and School Tax Bills and directing the Comptroller to issue a refund to Nextel of NY c/o T-Mobile, 137 South Fourth Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY10550 - Block 165.78-3110-42.-1 as follows: ($31,952.76 (City tax), $12,289.75 (County tax) and $71,534.70 (School tax) - a total refund in the amount of $115,777.20 for City, County and School Tax). 6  City Council Meeting Minutes – 10/12/2022 Page 7 Councilman Poteat clarified that he had a good call with the Assessor’s Office. We had been billing for equipment that had been removed in 2018. Passed by the following vote: Ayes: President Thompson, councilmembers Browne, Gleason, Poteat, Copeland Nays: None Absent: None Item No. 19 (TAX REFUND) An ordinance authorizing the Mayor to execute an application for a correction for the tax years 2019, 2020 and 2021 City, County and School Tax Bills and directing the Comptroller to issue a refund to Nextel of NY c/o T-Mobile, 21 West Sidney Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY 10550 - Block 165.62-1120-16.1 as follows: ($31,952.76 (City tax), $12,289.75 (County tax) and $71,534.70 (School tax) - a total refund in the amount of $115,777.20 for City, County and School Tax). Passed by the following vote: Ayes: President Thompson, councilmembers Browne, Gleason, Poteat, Copeland Nays: None Absent: None Item No. 20 (INCREASING THE ETPA CHARGE) An ordinance authorizing an increase in the Emergency Tenant Protection ACT ("ETPA") Charge - (from $12.00 to $20.00 per regulated unit). Passed by the following vote: Ayes: President Thompson, councilmembers Browne, Gleason, Poteat, Copeland Nays: None Absent: None Item No. 21 (TRANSFER OF FUNDS) An ordinance authorizing and directing the Comptroller to transfer to cover Retro Salary Payments for the Local 456 Contract Payments (Transfers: from A1990.494, Contingency Fund: Union Contracts and Salaries Adjustments in the amount of $1,107,593.90 to be applied as follows: $1,028,884.25 to various salary budget lines as indicated in the Schedule shown in the Ordinance and $78,709.65 to Budget Line A9030.803 (Social Security) to cover the retro pay for the period 2014-2017, and 2022. Passed by the following vote: Ayes: President Thompson, councilmembers Browne, Gleason, Poteat, Copeland Nays: None Absent: None Item No. 22 (EXECUTE DOCUMENTS) An ordinance authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with Marc Traina for selected accounting and pre-auditing services in the Office of the Comptroller (hourly rate for these services is $250.00, on a per diem basis, to be charged to A3116.498 (C.P.A. Audit Fees). Councilwoman Browne asked about the terms of the agreement. Councilman Poteat spoke with comptroller. Passed by the following vote: Ayes: President Thompson, councilmembers Browne, Gleason, Poteat, Copeland Nays: None Absent: None Item No. 23 (EXECUTE DOCUMENTS) An ordinance authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with DK Sage & Co. for Procedure Review and Policy Development in the Office of the Comptroller (cost of Stage I is $30,000.00, all-inclusive and will be charged to A1315.405 (Outside Contracted Services). Transfer 7  City Council Meeting Minutes – 10/12/2022 Page 8 of $10,000.00 from A3116.498 (C.P.A. Audit Fees) to A1315.405 (Outside Contracted Services) needed to cover expenditures). Passed by the following vote: Ayes: President Thompson, councilmembers Browne, Gleason, Poteat, Copeland Nays: None Absent: None Respectfully submitted, Edward Poteat, Chair Lisa Copeland, Co-Chair Received, passed and filed. OTHER BUSINESS/CLOSING COMMENTS Council President Thompson noted that a new City Council Newsletter was released; emailed to citizens and available on the city website. Councilwoman Copeland noted the Westchester Municipal Officials meeting taking place on 10/13/22. Councilman Poteat made a request for citizens to send in their resume for Comprehensive Planning. Move for Executive Session for legal advice by Councilwoman Browne, seconded by Councilwoman Gleason. Entering executive session at 9:36 pm. Passed by the following vote: Ayes: President Thompson, councilmembers Browne, Gleason, Poteat, Copeland Nays: None Absent: None Move to come out of Executive Session for legal advice by Councilwoman Copeland, seconded by Councilwoman Gleason. Entering executive session at 9:56 pm. Passed by the following vote: Ayes: President Thompson, councilmembers Browne, Gleason, Poteat, Copeland Nays: None Absent: None ROLL CALL FOR ADJOURNMENT Councilwoman Copeland moves to adjourn, second by Councilwoman Gleason Passed by the following vote: Ayes: President Thompson, councilmembers Browne, Gleason, Poteat, Copeland Nays: None Absent: None There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:57 p.m. Donna M. Jackson, M.Ed., Deputy City Clerk 8