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 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2023 AT 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS – ROOM 206 CITY HALL, MOUNT VERNON, NEW YORK & VIA FACEBOOK.COM/MOUNTVERNONNY *** 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: Danielle Browne, Derrick Thompson, Lisa A. Copeland, Cathlin Gleason ABSENT: Edward Poteat PRESIDING: Danielle Browne, President OTHERS: Donna M. Jackson, Deputy City Clerk; Alyssa Gillespie, Corporation Counsel CALL TO ORDER / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council President Danielle Browne called the meeting to order at 7pm and 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 Browne asked Councilwoman Gleason to lead the council in the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC COMMENT 1. Beryl Gilling “Increase in taxes” 145 South 2nd Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY. Expressed frustration in the increase in taxes. 2. Irwin Billy “2023 budget” 157 Ellwood Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY. Not present 3. Tricia Fraser “Nina Simone Celebration” 666 North Terrace Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY. Discussed resolution passed in December 2021. Asked that the Council approve having the event in June 2023 to coincide with Black Music Month and World Music Day. Discussed her experience with public events.  City Council Meeting Minutes – 1/11/2023 Page 2 4. Patricia Griffin “Opengov” 142 Beechwood Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY. Came to speak on behalf of her neighbor who had foundational issues as a result of work being done in the streets that led to water entering the home of her neighbor. 5. Thomas Keller “Budget” 12 Pasadena Place, Mount Vernon, NY. Discussed his issues with the budget. The council body responded to the speakers’ concerns. 5-minute break. 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 Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled legislation: TRANSFER OF 1. An ordinance requesting permission to transfer FUNDS funds within the Law Department ($9,714.69 from A1420.203, Equipment-2022 to A1420.417- Education and Training - 2022). Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: None Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None AMENDMENT 2. An ordinance amending Ordinance No. 3 adopted on October 12, 2022, entitled "AN ORDINANCE GRANTING PERMISSION TO THE CORPORATION COUNSEL TO ATTEND THE "ADVANCED COURSE IN POLICE DISCIPLINE INTERNAL AFFAIRS INVESTIGATIONS & CRITICAL INCIDENT RESPONSE" SEMINAR - [$2,000.00] $3,000.00 Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: None Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None TRANSFER OF 3. An ordinance requesting permission to transfer FUNDS funds within the Department of Management Services to facilitate payment to A+ Technology & Security Solutions - ($52,990.92 from A1680.486, Technology Upgrades - Leases of Servers and 2  City Council Meeting Minutes – 1/11/2023 Page 3 Shared Systems - 2022 to A1680.405 -Outside Contracted Services). Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: None Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None RESOLUTION 4. A resolution of the City Council of the City of Mount Vernon, New York recognizing and honoring Mae E. Williams Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: None Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None RESOLUTION 5. A resolution of the City Council of the City of Mount Vernon, New York recognizing and honoring Honorable Symra D. Brandon. Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: None Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None To the Council: The PUBLIC SAFETY & CODES Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled legislation: PERMISSION 6. An Ordinance requesting permission for two (2) fire lieutenants to attend the New York State Fire Academy First Line Supervisor Training Program ("FLIP") - (Fort Totten, Flushing, New York from January 9, 2023, through February 3, 2023 -- $500.00 from Budget Line A34l 0.451, Training - Fire Department 2023 Budget). Moved by Gleason , Seconded by Copeland On the Question: None Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None 3  City Council Meeting Minutes – 1/11/2023 Page 4 AUTHORIZATION 7. An ordinance authorizing the Mayor to extend a lease agreement between the City of Mount Vernon and Macquesten Station Takeover LLC at 156 South West Street, Mount Vernon, New York - ($8,000.00 per month- available in Budget Code A3410.468, Rent & Maintenance). Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: None Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None To the Council: The FINANCE & PLANNING Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled legislation: PERMISSION 8. An Ordinance authorizing the Mayor to enter into a renewal service agreement with MRBjgroup, Engineering, Architecture, Surveying, D.P.C. ("MRB Group") -- (annual cost of $17,160.00- available in Budget Code A1355.204, payable every four weeks in thirteen (13) equal installments of $1,320.00)). Moved by Thompson, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: None Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None OTHER BUSINESS/CLOSING COMMENTS Councilwoman Browne mentioned the Mayor’s Town Hall Wed, Feb 15th at 6:30 pm at Memorial Chapel at 21 Broad Street West. This is the first community engagement part of the comprehensive plan. This is the first of several meetings. The schedule will be online and in the city council newsletter. These are the meetings where we will shape how we want Mount Vernon to look. Jan 31st there will be a job fair from 10am – 2pm. If you are having financial troubles due to COVID-19 there will be resources available. Councilwoman Gleason noted that there are positions available and encouraged the public to apply. Councilwoman Copeland noted the Knights will play New Rochelle, and the Westchester municipal officials meeting will be tomorrow. She motioned to adjourn in honor of LaShawn Adams, sister of the assessor who passed yesterday. Councilwoman Browne highlighted the victims of the recent fire. Councilman Thompson asked residents to be careful with space heaters and candles. Councilwoman Gleason seconded the motion to adjourn. A moment of silence was observed. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:10pm. Donna M. Jackson, M.Ed., Deputy City Clerk 4