City Council

CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 2023 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, JANUARY 25, 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, Acting Council President, Acting Mayor Danielle Browne, Cathlin Gleason, and Edward Poteat. Lisa A. Copeland arrived late. ABSENT: None PRESIDING: Derrick Thompson, President Pro Tempore OTHERS: Comptroller Darren Morton, Tanesia M. Walters, City Clerk; Donna M. Jackson, Deputy City Clerk; Brian G. Johnson, Corporation Counsel, Alyssa Gillespie, Assistant Corporation Counsel CALL TO ORDER / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Acting Council President Pro Tempore Derrick Thompson called the meeting to order at 7:06pm. 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 Brian G. Johnson to lead the council in the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC PRESENTATION: O’Connor Davies 2016 City Audit. Comptroller Morton introduces the Audit Firm. Scot Olin, partner in public sector group, and Rob Danielle, CMVNY Engagement partner and another partner (online) Nick DeSantis. The Council is in possession of a summary PPT document (high level summary). Rob will deliver some of the details that include: • Summary • General Fund • Debt Service Requirements • Subsequent Events Questions from Council:  City Council Meeting Agenda March 8, 2023 o Gleason asked what was in the fund balance at the beginning of 2015? Answer: $19.2million, at the end of 2016, we had approximately $15 million dollars? Answer: Yes. We have a bond due in 2023. Robert explained we made payments in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020. o Poteat thanked the auditors. This is his first time seeing the audit sheet. There was an increase in revenue in 2016/17 of 80%. Real property revenue went up… what triggered that? Maybe there is something there we can grow faster than property taxes. With the audits of the PILOTS, that is an IDA issue. Comptroller noted majority of PILOTS are IDA. Poteat asked if there was an audit of PILOTS? Comptroller answered yes. On page 5 there is something called Net Position? That is accumulation of accruals. On Page 32 – capital assets – are you taking those number from previous audits? These are historical costs, but on an annual basis on whatever you would spend. PUBLIC COMMENT Wilma Frank – residing at 239 South Columbus Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY. Regarding Sewage backup. She visited Grenada, left her house clean. When she came back her basement was filled with feces. She has lived in her house for 30 years and this has never happened before. Who will pay for the cleanup that she had to do? What is going on with the sewers? I believe when you all changed the zone to build multifamily buildings you didn’t consider the sewer systems and that they need to be upgraded. She wants results she can see. I call a spade a spade. If you are doing well, I will tell you. If not, I will tell you. She additionally discussed potholes, and the taxes. When the City hires developers and you change the zone to allow multifamily houses, you have to consider not only are they building these buildings, the developers only care about the dollars. Let these developers pay for these sewers that need to be upgraded. She intends to send the mayor a bill Ray Copeland – residing at 263 Bedford Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY. I hope the auditors will come back and share how we can get our taxes down. He also asked toe Comptroller to find a way to bring the taxes down and would like a reporting. About 6 months ago he was before the council discussing the tractor trailers parking along roads. He hopes tonight he will get feedback on what has taken place since his last visit. Secondly, Monroe street between Fulton and Frankin. More traffic directed that way since the closing of third street. There has always been a “Drop” there, please look into Monroe between Fulton and Franklin because it is dropping daily. Also, the City of Mount Vernon has on the side of their vehicles how we want the community to clean up after themselves. But we need to lead by example. In the process of putting the garbage in the truck, the overload falls on the ground and the garbagemen do not pick it up. He thanked the council for an opportunity to speak. Martine Cadet – 222 Sheridan Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY. Seeking relief from the Building Department objection to replacing retaining wall in original location. She gave councilmembers a copy of her presentation. She discussed that her retaining wall was damaged, and she sought to have it replaced. She didn’t realize her wall was on city property, she noted her wall and the other properties are encroaching on city property. She noted she spoke to various departments and councilmembers. She wants approval to put the wall back in the same place, and she under Thomas Keller – 12 Pasadena Place, Mount Vernon, NY. He thanked members of the audience for attending. Memorial Field – He hopes it doesn’t get messed up. He asked about times the field will be open. He noted that a MVHS Boys Basketball poster had councilmembers names on it. He came to discuss landscapers using gas powered leaf blowers. Has anything been done on redoing the legislation? The mayor cannot enforce it because we don’t know who to bill: The resident or the landscaper. He had faith in Damani Bush that he was going to purchase decibel measuring machines, but notes Mr. Bush said they had not been purchased. He asked about Elias Gootzeit and Sylvia Gadson. He thanked the Comptroller and asked about paying back the school taxes. PUBLIC COMMENT RESPONSES Responses: • Councilman Poteat – Thanked the attendees for coming and participating. He noted Council President Browne has been very active on parking issues, and she will likely follow up. He apologized to Ms. Frank regarding the sewage, the good news is that we have the funds to fix the sewers, the bad news is that it will not happen overnight. Large developers have to do an environmental study, and we will check to ensure those items are addressed. He discussed attending a conference in Albany and their Mayor was under pressure to address potholes too, he asked that we have patience as we address it. • Councilwoman Gleason – Addressed Ms. Frank: you have to make a claim through the law department. Corporation Counsel will guide you on how that is done. Councilwoman Copeland told her that the parking lot is managed by the MTA, she will ask them to make it an alert point where they visit on a regular basis. City engineers monitor the sewers. She sent an email to Commissioner Bush regarding updates. She addressed the posters, elected officials paid for them. She will alert DPW to the drop in the road. She noted we did pass the commercial vehicle legislation. There is no commercial parking from 7am-7pm. We have anyone who can issue citations on top of it. Commissioner Bush will check the sewers. Page 2  City Council Meeting Agenda March 8, 2023 • Councilwoman Copeland – No comment. • Councilman Thompson – noted that Council President Browne is Acting Mayor while the mayor is out of town. Noted to Ms. Frank that he will connect her with DPW. As the weather gets warmer, more roads will be repaved; some roads will have sewer work done. Motion by Gleason to go into exec session at 8:15pm. Poteat Seconds. ALL AYES. Council goes into executive session at 8:16pm Motion by Gleason to come out of exec at 8:46. Copeland Seconds. ALL AYES. Council goes into executive session at 8:16pm REFERRAL SESSION Acting Council President Thompson explains the agenda and items. 8:47pm. Roll Call at 8:45 after discussion of Item #3. All Members present. We have a quorum. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES AND ACTION THEREON To the Council LEGISLATION AND PUBLIC WORKS PERMISSION 1. An ordinance requesting permission for the Mayor and one (1) staffer from the Mayor’s office, one (1) youth from the Youth Shelter of Westchester and two (2) members of service from the Police Department to attend the Cities United Roadmap Academy Bootcamp – (March 6 - March 9, 2023. The estimated cost of the travel expensed from the Mayor’s Office budget A1210.402, Travel is $4,000.00 and the estimated cost of the travel expensed from the Police Department’s budget A3120.458, Other Expense is $1,700.00). Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Poteat On the Question: Gleason asked if we have any idea why this came late? Copeland said she did not. Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None PERMISSION 2. An ordinance requesting permission for the Mayor to attend the National League of Cities Congressional City Conference – (March 26 - March 27, 2023. The cost of the conference is $775.00 for NLC Members, and travel costs not to exceed $1,500.00 from the Expense Code A1210.402, Office of the Mayor, Travel). Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Poteat On the Question: None. Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None TRANSFER 3. An ordinance requesting permission to transfer OF FUNDS funds within the Department Lines in the Office HELD of the City Clerk ($10,000.00 from A1410.101, Records Specialist – Spanish Speaking) to A1410.101 (Administrative Aide). HELD FROM THE FLOOR PERMISSION 4. An ordinance requesting permission to reassess and adjust the salary and grade of the administrative aide position within the Office of the City Clerk - (salary upgrade from $55,602.99 to $61,537.09 and a grade change to Grade 8, Step 7 from Grade 6, Step 7). Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: None. Response: None. Page 3 City Council Meeting Agenda March 8, 2023 Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None RESOLUTION 5. A resolution establishing the standard workdays and reporting guidelines for elected and appointed officials. Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: None. Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None LOCAL LAW 6. Local Law No. 2 of 2023 authorizing the use of NO. 2 - 2023 videoconferencing within the City of Mount Vernon, New York. Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: Browne asked if this is an amendment. Counsel Johnson noted this was not sent to the secretary of state. They will confer after the meeting on process. Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None RESOLUTION 7. A resolution in Support of the Climate Smart Communities Pledge. Moved by Gleason, Seconded by Copeland On the Question: None. Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None PERMISSION 8. An ordinance requesting permission to enter into a Professional Consultant Agreement (Water Meter Reading Consultant for a maximum period of six (6) months, effective March 2023, at an hourly rate of $48.00 for an amount not to exceed $50,000.00. Funds for said consultancy are available in the Board of Water Supply’s FY23 budget – Account Code 001-526-526003, Engineering) Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: Browne commented that per a conversation with Commissioner Spruill regarding consultants and standardizing the process. Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None PERMISSION 9. An ordinance requesting permission for Councilwoman Lisa A. Copeland to attend the NYCOM’s Annual Meeting from May 17th – 19th, 2023. (The cost for this event not to exceed $1,550.00 and will be satisfied through Budget Code A1010.417 (Education and Training) for a sum of $335.00 and A1010.402 (Travel and Expense) for a sum of $1,215.00) Moved by Browne, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: None. Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None PERMISSION 10. An ordinance requesting permission for Council president Danielle Browne and Councilman Edward Poteat to attend the NYCOM’s Annual Page 4 City Council Meeting Agenda March 8, 2023 Meeting from May 17th – 19th, 2023. (The cost for this event not to exceed $4,000.00 and will be satisfied through Budget Code A1010.417 (Education and Training) for the sum of $700.00 from A1010.402 for a sum of $3,300.00). Moved by Browne, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: Copeland asked if attendees will submit reports. The councilmembers noted they will comply. Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None HUMAN RESOURCES PERMISSION 11. An ordinance requesting permission for seven (7) staff members from the Youth Bureau and thirty (30) Ready4Life High School participants to attend the City of Mount Vernon Youth Bureau’s Ready4Life HBCU College Tour in Washington D.C. (April 3rd through April 6th, 2023, to be held in Washington D.C. The entire trip including lodging, t-shirts, drawstring bookbags, breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner, and transportation is estimated to cost of $28,000.00 and should be expensed through Budget Code A7335.458 (Ready4LIFE). Note: funding for this program is already available and does not add any expense to the city). Moved by Poteat, Seconded by Copeland On the Question: None. Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None PUBLIC SAFETY AND CODES RESOLUTION 12. A resolution of the City Council of the City of Mount Vernon, New York honoring and commemorating the life and legacy of Vickie Ross Benjamin. Moved by Gleason, Seconded by Copeland On the Question: None. Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None PERMISSION 13. An ordinance requesting permission for the Mayor to enter into a renewal agreement with Citizen Observer, LLC, Tip411 (commencing April 1, 2023, through March 31, 2024, at a cost not to exceed $3,100.00 – available in Budget Code A3120.449 (Investigations and Trials), Police Department 2023 Budget. Moved by Gleason, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: None. Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None Page 5 City Council Meeting Agenda March 8, 2023 PERMISSION 14. An Ordinance requesting permission for three (3) Members of Service from the Department of Public Safety to attend the three (3) day Less Lethal Instructor Certification Training - (conducted by the Rockland Sheriff’s Department, 55 New Hempstead Road, New City, NY from March 28th – March 30th, 2023. The cost for this training will not exceed $2,685.00 and will be satisfied from Budget Line A3120.451 (Training). Reimbursement for travel expenses, meals, incidentals, and miscellaneous expenses is further authorized upon presentment of receipts for travel expenses, meals, incidentals, and miscellaneous expenses is further authorized upon presentment of receipts). Moved by Gleason, Seconded by Poteat On the Question: None. Response: None. Ayes: Browne, Poteat, Gleason, Thompson Nays: COPELAND AMENDMENT 15. An Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 15 adopted on February 8, 2023, entitled “AN ORDINANCE REQUESTING PERMISSION FOR FOUR (4) MEMBERS OF SERVICE TO ATTEND THE TACOPS NYTOA TRAINING CONFERENCE” - ([Street Cop Headquarters, located at 50 Millstone Road, Yorktown], New York Tactical Turning Stone Casino, New York on April 24th -28th, 2023. The total cost for this training for four (4) Members of Service should not exceed $3,700.00 and will be satisfied from Budget Line #A3120.451 (Training). Reimbursement for travel expenses, meals, incidentals, and miscellaneous expenses is further authorized upon presentment of receipts for travel expenses, meals, incidentals, and miscellaneous expenses is further authorized upon presentment of receipts). Moved by Gleason, Seconded by Poteat On the Question: None. Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None FINANCE AND PLANNING REQUEST FOR 16. An ordinance requesting permission for the PROPOSAL (RFP”) Department of Planning & Community Development to release a Request for Proposals (“RFP”) for consulting services for the Mount Vernon Financial Empowerment Center - (The City will allocate $400,000.00 of ARPA funds towards the creation of a financial empowerment center and CFE will award $100,000.00 to support the FEC’s initiative). Moved by Poteat, Seconded by Copeland On the Question: None. Response: None. Ayes: Browne, Copeland, Poteat, Thompson Nays: GLEASON PRESENTATION AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE AUDIT FOR THE YEAR 2016 2016 AUDIT 17. An ordinance accepting the Audit for the year 2016. Moved by Poteat, Seconded by Copeland Page 6  City Council Meeting Agenda March 8, 2023 On the Question: Councilman Poteat notes a lot of the fund balance questions were not answered. If there are any questions, let’s work on a joint memo. Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None The agenda was completed at 9:23pm. FURTHER BUSINESS: Councilman Poteat discussed comprehensive plan progress and noted there is another comprehensive plan meeting tomorrow at the Wartburg (3/9/23). Councilwoman Gleason hailed the MVPD as they took a lot of guns of the street this week, she hopes there will be resolution soon regarding MVPBA and the City. Councilman Poteat moved to adjourn, Councilwoman Gleason seconded. Roll Call on adjournment. ALL AYES. Adjourned 9:24 PM Submitted Deputy Clerk Jackson 3/8/2023 Page 7