City Council

CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 2023 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, MARCH 22, 2023 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: Danielle Browne, Esq., Council President, Danielle Browne, Lisa A. Copeland, Cathlin Gleason and Edward Poteat ABSENT: Derrick Thompson PRESIDING: Danielle Browne, Council President OTHERS: Tanesia M. Walters, City Clerk; Alyssa Gillespie, Assistant Corporation Counsel CALL TO ORDER / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council President Danielle Browne called the meeting to order at 7:00PM. She 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 Councilman Thompson to lead the council in the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC PRESENTATION: 1. Wilma Frank, Mount Vernon, NY – Thanked the Council for the kind and prompt attention regarding the sewer issue at her home. The Councilmembers responded. City Council Meeting Agenda March 22, 2023 LEGISLATION AND PUBLIC WORKS AMENDMENT 1. A resolution amending Section II, Section 24-11, of the Mount Vernon City Code, adopted on December 23, 2008, entitled “A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING MUNICIPAL OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES TO FILE AN ANNUAL FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE STATEMENT WITH THE TEMPORARY STATE COMMISSION ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT ETHICS.” Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: none Response: None. Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Poteat, Thompson, Browne Nays: None RESOLUTION 2. A resolution establishing the standard workdays and reporting guidelines for elected and appointed officials (Lisa A. Copland, 01/01/2020 -12/21/2023). Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Thompson On the Question: none Response: None. Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Poteat, Thompson, Browne Nays: None RESOLUTION 3. A resolution appointing a member to the Board of Ethics of the City of Mount Vernon (Leslie Alpert for a term of two (2) years, commencing March 23, 2023, and expiring March 22, 2025). Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: none Response: None. Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Poteat, Thompson, Browne Nays: None PERMISSION 4. An ordinance requesting permission to increase dog license fees as follows: DOG LICENSE FEES FOR: FROM: TO: Spayed/Neutered Dogs $5.50 $9.00 Unsprayed/Unneutered Dog $13.50 $17.00 Dogs with medical exemptions $10.00 $14.00 (Effective January 1, 2024). Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: none Response: None. Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Poteat, Thompson, Browne Nays: None Page 2 City Council Meeting Agenda March 22, 2023 PERMISSION 5. An ordinance requesting permission to create two (2) new positions within the Board of Water Supply as follows: BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY Positions to be Created Salary Lead Service Line Administrator $85,000.00 Lead Service Line Field Coordinator $52,000.00 (Funds for the aforesaid positions will and are available in the $IMM grant received from NYS EFC). Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: none Response: None. Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Poteat, Thompson, Browne Nays: None RESOLUTION 6. A resolution of the City Council of the City of Mount Vernon, New York recognizing and honoring Reverend Lamont S. Granby. Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: none Response: None. Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Poteat, Thompson, Browne Nays: None RESOLUTION 7. A resolution of the City Council of the City of Mount Vernon, New York recognizing and honoring Reverend Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson. Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: None Response: None. Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Poteat, Thompson, Browne Nays: None RESOLUTION 8. A resolution of the City Council of the City of Mount Vernon, New York recognizing and honoring Lee Otis Wood. Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: none Response: None. Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Poteat, Thompson, Browne Nays: None PERMISSION 9. An ordinance requesting permission for the City’s Procurement and Purchasing Manager from the Department of Management Services to attend the Long Island Regional Conference for New York State Association of Municipal Purchasing Officials (“SAMPO”) – (East Wind Hotel in Long Island, New York on March 22-23, 2023. $400.00 originating from expenditure code A1680.417 and travel expenses (mileage reimbursement or rental vehicle) will originate from expenditure code A1680.402, not to exceed $150.00). -- Procurement and Purchasing Manager will utilize a City vehicle to and from said conference. Reimbursement for travel expenses, meals, incidentals, and miscellaneous expenses is further authorized upon presentment of receipts for travel expenses). Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: none Response: None. Page 3 City Council Meeting Agenda March 22, 2023 Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Poteat, Thompson, Browne Nays: None CREATE NEW 10. An Ordinance requesting permission for the ACCOUNT(S) Comptroller to establish new revenue and corresponding expense accounts for sustainability purposes for the exclusive use of the Department of Public Works. Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: none Response: None. Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Poteat, Thompson, Browne Nays: None ACCEPTANCE OF 11. An Ordinance requesting permission for the Mayor GRANT AWARD to accept a grant award from the New York State Energy Research Authority (“NYSERDA”) Clean Energy Communities program as follows: Approved Energy Auditor (Selected by $11,400.00 NYSERDA) Sustainable Upgrades (Performed by CMVNY) $ 3,600.00 $15,000.00 (Commencing April 1, 2023, through April 30, 2024). Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: none Response: None. Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Poteat, Thompson, Browne Nays: None PERMISSION 12. An Ordinance requesting permission for the Mayor to enter into an agreement with Logical Buildings - GridRewards Program (May 1, 2023 – September 30, 2023). Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: none Response: None. Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Poteat, Thompson, Browne Nays: None RESOLUTION 13. A resolution appointing a member to the City of Mount Vernon Tree Advisory Board (Davey J. “Buzz” Riley, Jr. (three (3) year term: March 23, 2023 – March 22, 2026). Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: none Response: None. Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Poteat, Thompson, Browne Nays: None Page 4  City Council Meeting Agenda March 22, 2023 HUMAN RESOURCES PERMISSION 14. An ordinance requesting permission for the Mayor to enter into a Service Agreement with Westchester County Executive, George Latimer, Board of Legislators and the Westchester County Youth Bureau ($25,666.00 for the period March 1, 2023 through August 31, 2023. Funds for this program are to be accounted for in Revenue Code A3820.3 for appropriations in Budget Code A7338.101 (Salaries), A7338.803 (FICA), A7338.804 (Worker Comp.), A7338.805 (Unemployment), A7338.458 (Misc.), which includes consumables and supplies. There is no matching obligation for this grant.) Moved by Thompson, Seconded by Poteat On the Question: none Response: None. Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Poteat, Thompson, Browne Nays: None PERMISSION 15. An ordinance requesting permission for the Mayor to enter into an Inter-Municipal Agreement with Westchester County Executive, George Latimer, Board of Legislators and the Westchester County Youth Bureau ($16,935.00 for the period January 1, 2023 through September 30, 2023. Funds for this program are to be accounted for in Revenue Code A2229.8 in the following appropriations Budget Codes: A7311.104 (Part-Time Salaries), in the amount of $4,481.00, A7311.803 (FICA) in the amount of $343.00, A7312.104 (Part-Time Salaries) in the amount of $11,250.00, and A7311.803 (FICA), in the amount of $861.00. There is no matching obligation for this grant.) Moved by Thompson, Seconded by Poteat On the Question: none Response: None. Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Poteat, Thompson, Browne Nays: None PERMISSION 16. An ordinance requesting permission for the Department of Recreation to sponsor the Annual Easter Hunt Celebration (Hartley Park on Saturday, April 8, 2023 (rain date: Saturday, April 15, 2023) from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. -- Funds for the aforesaid not to exceed $2,500.00 are available in Budget Codes A7310.447 (Youth Programs/other expenses)). Moved by Thompson, Seconded by Poteat On the Question: none Response: None. Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Poteat, Thompson, Browne Nays: None PUBLIC SAFETY AND CODES Motion to take 17, 18, 19 as a block vote, Motion by Gleason, second by Poteat. ALL AYES on the Block Vote. RESOLUTION 17. A resolution of the City Council of the City of Mount Vernon, New York recognizing and honoring David Kell. Page 5 City Council Meeting Agenda March 22, 2023 RESOLUTION 18. A resolution of the City Council of the City of Mount Vernon, New York recognizing and honoring Eliot Melendez. RESOLUTION 19. A resolution of the City Council of the City of Mount Vernon, New York recognizing and honoring Fire Captain Michael St. John. Moved by Gleason, Seconded by Copeland On the Question: none Response: None. Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Poteat, Thompson, Browne Nays: None PERMISSION 20. An ordinance requesting permission for the Mayor to accept a one-time award from the Division of Criminal Justice Services (“DCJS”) for the purchase of body worn cameras - ($60,000.00 award - Funds are to be deposited into Revenue Line- A3389.9 then transferred to the Equipment Budget Line A3120.203). Moved by Gleason, Seconded by Copeland On the Question: none Response: None. Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Poteat, Thompson, Browne Nays: None PERMISSION 21. An Ordinance requesting permission for three (3) Members of Service from the Department of Public Safety to attend a five (5) day Basic Juvenile Police Officer Course - (conducted at the Westchester County Police Academy, 2 Dana Road, Valhalla, NY 10595 from March 27th - March 31st, 2023. The cost for this training will not exceed $750.00 and will be satisfied from Budget Line A3120.451 (Training). Members will utilize a City vehicle to and from said course. Reimbursement for travel expenses, meals, incidentals, and miscellaneous expenses are further authorized upon presentment of receipts for travel expenses). Moved by Gleason, Seconded by Copeland On the Question: Councilwoman Copeland asked if any reports were received from Public Safety Response: None. Ayes: Gleason, Poteat, Thompson, Browne Nays: Copeland PERMISSION 22. An Ordinance requesting permission for six (6) Members of Service (Sergeants) from the Department of Public Safety to attend the Transformational Leadership Strategies for Police Leaders Course – (Westchester County Police Academy, located at 2 Dana Road, Valhalla, NY 10595 on April 27, 2023. The cost for this training will not exceed $1,170.00 and will be satisfied from Budget Line A3120.451 (Training). Members will utilize a city vehicle to and from said training. Reimbursement for travel expenses, meals, incidentals, and miscellaneous expenses are further authorized upon presentment of receipts for travel expenses). Moved by Gleason, Seconded by Copeland On the Question: none Response: None. Page 6 City Council Meeting Agenda March 22, 2023 Ayes: Gleason, Poteat, Thompson, Browne Nays: Copeland PERMISSION 23. An Ordinance requesting permission for four (4) Members of Service from the Department of Public Safety to attend the Law Enforcement Stress Awareness Suicide Prevention Summit Training – (Putnam County Emergency Services Building Auditorium (TOPS), located at 112 0ld Rt. 6, Carmel, NY 10512 on May 16, 2023. There is no cost for this training. Members will utilize a city vehicle to and from said training. Reimbursement for travel expenses, meals, incidentals, and miscellaneous expenses are further authorized upon presentment of receipts for travel expenses). Moved by Gleason, Seconded by Copeland On the Question: none Response: None. Ayes: Gleason, Poteat, Thompson, Browne Nays: Copeland TRANSFER 24. An Ordinance requesting permission to transfer OF FUNDS funds from the Department of Public Safety’s Sales of Scrap and Excess Revenue Line (A2650) to Public Safety – ($16,450.00 from Revenue Line A2650 (Sales of Scrap and Excess’) to Budget Line A3120.203 (Equipment) for Department Vehicles). Moved by Gleason, Seconded by Copeland On the Question: none Response: None. Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Poteat, Thompson, Browne Nays: None FINANCE AND PLANNING OVERPAYMENT 25. An ordinance requesting permission for the Comptroller to refund an overpayment of taxes to “Fay Servicing.” - (Account Code A690 – refund in the amount of $18,070.14 for overpayment of property taxes on Block 1076, Lot 24). Moved by Poteat, Seconded by Thompson On the Question: Councilwoman Gleason confirmed this was not an error of the city, rather between the constituent and the Mortgage company Response: None. Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Poteat, Thompson, Browne Nays: None AUTHORIZATION 26. An ordinance requesting permission for the Comptroller to make payment to CivicPlus, Inc. ($17,640.01, represents payment for one (1) year of service for the period commencing January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023, for the City of Mount Vernon service app – CMVNYConnect). Moved by Poteat, Seconded by Thompson On the Question: Councilwoman Gleason asked why the item is presented at this time. Councilman Thompson clarified. Response: None. Page 7  City Council Meeting Agenda March 22, 2023 Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Poteat, Thompson, Browne Nays: None Poteat makes a motion to go into executive session for personnel matters. Seconded by Thompson. Roll Call on vote: ALL AYES. Members enter executive session at 7:41pm Members exit executive session at 8:12pm. Motion to exit executive session by Gleason, seconded by Copeland. The agenda was completed at 8:16PM. FURTHER BUSINESS: Moton to adjourn by Thompson, second by Poteat. All Ayes on adjournment at 8:16 PM. Submitted Deputy Clerk Jackson 03/22/2023 Page 8