City Council

CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2022 at 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, ROOM 206 CITY HALL, MOUNT VERNON, NEW YORK & VIA FACEBOOK.COM/MOUNTVERNONNY “REGULAR MEETING” A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF THE MOUNT VERNON CITY COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2022. Scheduled for 7:00 PM in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, Mount Vernon, New York. https://www.facebook.com/mountvernonny/videos/5855184211187372/ *** 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, Lisa A. Copeland, Cathlin Gleason and Edward Poteat ABSENT: Danielle Browne, Esq. PRESIDING: Derrick Thompson, Council President OTHERS: Tanesia M. Walters, City Clerk; Donna M. Jackson, Deputy City Clerk; Alyssa Gillespie, attorney to the City of Mount Vernon CALL TO ORDER / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council President Thompson called the meeting to order at 6:45pm. He asked Clerk Walters to lead the council in the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENT Janise Richardson – (Residence Withheld). noted development on South Side of the city; noted lack of YMCA. Wondering if the city has something in place that City would work with developers, hire locally, give youth jobs and training. Per the old YMCA, can you replace that YMCA in another location? Developers leverage our demographic with HUD funding, etc. they benefit. Buildings need to meet affordable housing criteria. If we don’t have something in place, I’d like to submit to the council what the Village of Hempstead did with replacing community centers. If parking is taken, the Hempstead model has ways to help the community… Item submitted to the clerk. Egypt Allen – residing at 120 South Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY. spoke in connection with South side disenfranchisement. Considers development happening a disenfranchisement and displacement. Alleges that DPW did not respond to a sewage complaint (toilet overflow). Claims she spoke to Ms. Jackson for 29 minutes regarding a complaint form. Alleges no one showed up to address the sewage overflow. Axel Ebermann – residing at 67 Magnolia Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY. Noted that the budget is late; and the charter is clear that the budget should be presented in November. Suggested that there be consequences for not submitting items on time. Discussed the Comprehensive Plan; stated that it is not a transparent plan. The Mayor City Council Meeting Minutes November 22, 2022 asked people to commit prior to this new process. He has signed up for the new committee, but that has not been forthcoming. RESPONSE FROM THE COUNCIL 1. Councilwoman Gleason: Thanked the community members for coming out. Thanked Ms. Richardson for her ideas, used 42 Broad as an example of hiring locally. Ms. Allen (called to the podium) to discuss the open violations and the landlord (S. Realty/ Cohen stepped down) 120 South 12th Avenue. Ms. Allen noted multiple violations. Ms. Gleason asked her to follow up with DC Jackson. Councilwoman Gleason addressed Mr. Ebermann regarding the “ghost of the former comptroller”. Confirmed that we are still interested in volunteers for the committee. 2. Councilman Poteat: Thanked everyone for speaking to the council. He thanked Ms. Richardson for her contributions. He noted that if developers do not need zoning changes and other items it is difficult to hold them to community benefits of hiring locally. He addressed Ms. Allen; and noted that organizing fellow tenants around issues helps. Write letters, speak up… he noted he is happy to help with that process. He addressed Mr. Ebermann; the council is still looking for volunteers. He noted that we are planning a series of public meetings. The council pushed hard on the consultant about making sure physical and digital meetings and feedback loops are in place. This is a collaboration of the executive branch and the city council. NYS charter mandates that the city council has to mandate the comprehensive plan. Our goal is to listen first and respond second. 3. Councilwoman Copeland: Thanked the residents for coming. Discussed developers who took advantage of our community. She reiterated what Poteat said – about developers not needing anything from the city so the city cannot hold the developer to a community benefit. She will explore legislation. All these things will be examined with the comprehensive plan. She addressed Ms. Allen – Reiterated that Councilwoman Gleason will follow-up. She addressed Mr. Ebermann and reiterated Councilman Poteat’s expression. 4. Councilman Thompson: Noted that anyone interested in the Comprehensive Planning should reach out to the Clerk’s Office. He noted that although there were differences in the past he again offered his help, and after an exchange, Ms. Allen declined assistance from the Council President. If residents are experiencing no heat, no hot water, please go to CMVNY and connect with the reporting form so city staff can follow up. REFERRAL SESSION Reading of the Tally Sheet at 7:48 PM. 10 Minute break. Reconvene at 8:07 PM; Roll Call administered by City Clerk Tanesia M. Walters. All present except Councilwoman Browne. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES AND ACTION THEREON To the Council: LEGISLATION AND PUBLIC WORKS TRAFFIC ANALYSIS 1. An ordinance requesting permission on for the Department of Public Works to submit a request for proposals for "Consulting Services Regarding Traffic Analysis" for various intersections within the City. Moved by Councilwoman Gleason, Seconded by Copeland On the Question: None. Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None TRANSFER OF FUNDS 2. An ordinance requesting permission to transfer funds within the Department of Public Works to cover any current negative balances as well as future purchases for the remainder of the year. Moved by Councilwoman Gleason, Seconded by Councilman Poteat On the Question: None. Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None Page 2 City Council Meeting Minutes November 22, 2022 MARRIAGE OFFICERS 3. An ordinance approving the designation of the City Clerk and the Deputy City Clerk as Marriage Officers in the City Clerk's office in the City of Mount Vernon, New York. Moved by Councilwoman Gleason, Seconded by Copeland On the Question: None. Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None PERMISSION 4. An ordinance requesting permission for five (5) Councilmembers and the City or Deputy City Clerk.to attend the 2023 Winter Legislative Meeting from February 5th through February 7th, 2023, being held in Albany, New York - (the registration fee for each of the councilmembers is $250.00 x 5 = $1,250.00 = the total amount for five (5) councilmembers and is available in A1010.417 (Education/Training) - and the registration fee for the City or Deputy City Clerk not to exceed two hundred and fifty dollars each (2 x $250.00 = $500.00 = the total amount is available in accountA1410.417 (Education Training). Moved by Councilwoman Gleason, Seconded by Poteat On the Question: None. Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None PERMISSION 5. An ordinance requesting permission for five (5) Councilmembers and the City or Deputy City Clerk.to attend the 2023 NYCOM Fall Training School for City & Village Officials from September 18th - 22nd 2023 - (the registration fee for each of the councilmembers is $450.00 x 5 = $2,250.00 = the total amount for five (5) councilmembers is available in A1010.417 (Education/Training) - and the registration fee for the City or Deputy City Clerk not to exceed four hundred and fifty dollars each (2 x $450.00 = $900.00 = the total amount is available in accountA1410.417 (Education Training). Moved by Councilwoman Gleason, Seconded by Copeland On the Question: None. Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None HUMAN RESOURCES PERMISSION 6. An ordinance requesting perm1ss10n for the · Department of Recreation to sponsor the Annual Three Kings Day Celebration - ($3,000.00 - Budget Code A7310.104, Department of Recreation 2022 Budget - at the Doles Center, on Friday, January 6, 2023, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.). Moved by Councilwoman Gleason, Seconded by Councilwoman Browne On the Question: Councilwoman Copeland noted that Items 2 and 3 should not be under PSC and move to Legislation and Public Works. Response: None. Page 3 City Council Meeting Minutes November 22, 2022 Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None COMPLIANCE 7. An ordinance allowing the Mount Vernon Department of Recreation to be in compliance with Title VI and ADA Policy from the Federal Transportation Authority ("ADA"). Moved by Councilwoman Gleason, Seconded by Councilwoman Browne On the Question: Councilwoman Copeland noted that Items 2 and 3 should not be under PSC and move to Legislation and Public Works. Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None RESOLUTION 8. A resolution declaring support for the New York State Climate Action Council Scoping Plan. Moved by Councilwoman Gleason, Seconded by Councilwoman Browne On the Question: Councilwoman Copeland noted that Items 2 and 3 should not be under PSC and move to Legislation and Public Works. Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None RESOLUTION 9. A resolution of the City Council of the City of Mount Vernon, New York recognizing and honoring Reverend Doctor Stephen W. Pogue on the celebration of his 10th anniversary as Pastor of Greater Centennial A.M.E. Zion Church. Moved by Councilwoman Gleason, Seconded by Councilwoman Browne On the Question: Councilwoman Copeland noted that Items 2 and 3 should not be under PSC and move to Legislation and Public Works. Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None Moved by Councilwoman Browne, Seconded by Councilwoman Gleason On the Question: Councilwoman Copeland noted that this item should come out from PSC and move to Legislation and Public Works, not Public Safety and Codes. Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None PUBLIC SAFETY AND CODES (Items 2 and 3 moved to correct positioning under Legislation and Public Works from the floor) FINANCE AND PLANNING EXECUTE DOCUMENTS 4. An ordinance authorizing the Mayor to execute a contract with Metropolitan Urban Design (“MUD”) Workshop LLC to complete an update to the Mount Vernon Comprehensive Plan and amend the zoning code – ($250,000.00 available in budget line A8020.405, Contracted Outside Services, and a New York Empire State Development (ESD) Regional Council Award - CFA #109770 in the amount of $75,000). Moved by Councilman Poteat, Seconded by Councilwoman Copeland Page 4 City Council Meeting Minutes November 22, 2022 On the Question: Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None Councilwoman Copeland moved to adjourn the meeting, Poteat seconded. Ayes: All ayes Nays: None 6:56pm meeting adjourned Page 5