City Council

CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 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, APRIL 26, 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-online via Zoom, Cathlin Gleason and Edward Poteat ABSENT: None PRESIDING: Danielle Browne, Council President 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 Council President Danielle Browne called the meeting to order at 7:04pm. 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 Deputy to lead the council in the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC PRESENTATION: O’Connor 1. Elizabeth Ferreira “Block parties” 130 East Prospect Avenue Mount Vernon, NY Online via zoom – the Portuguese club has been part of the CMVNY for over 40 years. We have never had an issue with our public gatherings. This statement is in response to Thomas Keller’s concern at the last council meeting. The event will end by 9:30 the latest 2. Deborah Burrell-Butler “HBCU Tours” One Roosevelt Square Mount Vernon, NY The MVYB is the only YB to secure a $3.5 million dollar grant. We serve 140-200 youth per year. They provide financial literacy, employment opportunities, etc. through the ready for live program.  City Council Meeting Agenda April 26, 2023 Director Burrell-Butler thanked the City and the Staff. Students came up to make a presentation. One student spoke in Haitian Creole French. One young lady, Madison Jones, translated the French for participants. Layla Jackson spoke about how the trip helped her choose the type of college campus she wanted to go to. Diana Polanco and Jada Smith spoke as well about their experiences being away from home, and it assisted them in thinking outside of the boundaries of their hometown. 3. Shayne Brooks, Director of sustainability “Dept of Public Works Environmental Accomplishments, initiatives and programs, and Con Edison project” Discussed updates to City Hall DPW Environmental initiatives. Gave a PPT of the updates and upgrades. Discussed financial opportunities and grants. Meetings about adopting sustainable ordinance. 4. Greg Koumoullos / Con-Edison “Thermo Energy Network Distribution On behalf of the City of Mount Vernon System” Mount Vernon, NY Email: NA Discussed upcoming Thermo energy system project in Mount Vernon. Screenshare for presentation. Councilman Thompson asked questions regarding costs and surcharges. Councilman Poteat happy to hear about hiring locally and asked for specificity. Con Edison noted they hope to start construction next year. The law requires them to move quickly. Council President Browne asked if Con Edison has partnered with CMVNY business development office to partner on workforce, and how do we assist in moving this forward? Con Edison answered they need the Council to allow them to show they have the support of the city council through letter of support. That would help us. (They are competing against other projects across the state) 5. Vivine Crosdale “Issue at Mount Vernon Hospital psych unit” 461 Bedford Avenue Mount Vernon, NY Not present 6. Irwin Billy “I want to talk about the do nothing Mayor 157 Ellwood Avenue trying every dirty underhand deed to be Mount Vernon, NY reelected “ Not online 7. Geoff Munroe “ Police department oversight” 140 Elm Avenue Mount Vernon, NY Discussed recent loss of Randall Robinson, Harry Belafonte. Wants record to reflect an alleged egregious practice happening; discussed judiciary corruption. 8. Katherine Chisolm “Who hold the purse strings for the 23 South 9th Avenue when it comes to disseminating the Mount Vernon, NY Mayors money?” Ms. Chisolm discussed challenges with senior population not know about city events. Discussed destruction of tennis bubble. 9. Thomas Keller “Gas power leaf blower” 12 Pasadena Place Mount Vernon, NY Not Present 10. Chief Reed addressed Ms. Chisolm: Noted that the city’s vision is encompassed in the comprehensive plan. Noted that there is an Office of the Aging that connects with seniors and has programming at the Doles center. They reach out to the senior buildings, encourage getting health checkups, etc. Regarding funding, the ARPA funding for the Level Up program is distributed to working people in the community that need assistance. 200 families receive $500 dollars per month. An outside agency monitors the program. One of the requirements is that people be employed, but unable to receive social services. Director Burrell-Butler has over 20 programs for youth. We have the Safe Haven, Ready 4 Life and GEMS that are held in the school buildings. The Mt Vernon CSD and CMVNY are not unified. Their taxes encompass 63 cents of every dollar. The administration and city council have newsletters to share information. However, we receive your concern to find a better way to increase outreach to seniors. Page 2  City Council Meeting Agenda April 26, 2023 11. Brian Johnson “ Law department matters” One Roosevelt Square Mount Vernon, NY Counsel Johnson noted for the record that he takes his job very seriously. The City is in political season so there will be a lot of spin on what is true. He discussed the settlement of Kela Tennis, noting that the jury took their time on this difficult case. Three different mayoral administrations presented. There was a liability trial and next a damages trial. We discussed what the city could offer. The comptroller and counsel are the drivers of settlement not the mayor. The City offered what we felt the city could responsibly pay- the parties were separated and we discussed issues with the judge. What Mr. Worchowski(?) was presenting publicly was not what was offered. There was discussion about multi-year payments. The comptroller noted he does not have an eye towards the city’s future finances. The judge congratulated us on making the best efforts to make a settlement. Then you go into the trial. The city’s expert was ready to go, and there was a challenge. The judge reserved decision. At lunch the judge said they would strike the city’s expert. We feel we have strong grounds to appeal that our expert was precluded. Counsel Johnson noted again, he is explaining what happened on the record, this is not privileged. The Councilmembers responded to the presenters. There was a 5-minute break called by Council President Browne at 8:40pm. Session resumed at 8:47PM. REFERRAL SESSION Council President Browne explains the agenda and items. There was a reading of the Tally Sheet at 8:48pm. Roll Call at 8:56PM. 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 to hold the following events on Portugal Place from the Portuguese American Club: the Annual “St. Antonio (Anthony) Feast” and the “St. Joao (John) Feast” - (St. Antonio (Anthony) Feast on Sunday, June 11, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and St. Joao (John) Feast on Sunday, June 25, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.)) Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: none Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None PERMISSION 2. An ordinance requesting permission for two (2) members of the Law Department to attend the NYCOM’s Annual Meeting and Training School from May 17th – 19th, 2023 - (the cost for this event does not exceed $3,500.00 and will be satisfied through Budget Code A1420.417, Education and Training). Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: none Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None PERMISSION 3. An ordinance requesting permission for the Department of Recreation to co-sponsor the “Autism Walk” with the Office of Senator Bailey – (Saturday, April 29, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The walk will begin at 1 Roosevelt Square N., and end at the Nichols Playground, 531 N. High Street, Mount Vernon, NY). Page 3 City Council Meeting Agenda April 26, 2023 Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: autism walk takes place during funeral of Lt. Oakes. Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None PERMISSION 4. An ordinance requesting permission for the Department of Recreation to co-sponsor the Antigua and Barbuda International Cultural Association (ABICA) Caribbean Food Festival – (Friday, May 26, 2023, at the Doles Community Center from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, May 27, 2023, in Brush Park from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. -- Funds will be allocated in an amount not to exceed $2,500.00 from Budget Code A7620.457 (Cultural Civic Adult Education), Department of Recreation 2023 Budget. Funds collected from the entrance fee for this event, as the negotiated compensation share of 60/40 - the City’s portion to be deposited into A2705.2. Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: Browne is excited, her family is Antiguan, I know the food will be great! Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None RESOLUTION 5. A resolution of the City Council of the City of Mount Vernon, New York acknowledging April as Second Chance Month. Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: none Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None DESIGNATION 6. An ordinance approving the designation by the Mount Vernon City Clerk of Zulma Garcia to process marriage licenses in the City Clerk’s Office. Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: none Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None AMENDMENT 7. An ordinance amending Ordinance No. 2, adopted January 27, 2021, entitled “AN ORDINANCE DECLARING JUNE 19TH,” ALSO RECOGNIZED AS “JUNETEENTH INDEPENDENCE DAY” OR “JUNETEENTH” AN OFFICIAL PUBLIC PAID HOLIDAY FOR THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON EMPLOYEES.” [June 19 [2021], every June 19th of th, every year going forward. Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: none Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None Page 4 City Council Meeting Agenda April 26, 2023 RESOLUTION 8. A resolution of the City Council of the City of Mount Vernon, New York recognizing and honoring Anne Jaffe Holmes. Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: none Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None RESOLUTION 9. A resolution appointing Alicia Henriques as a member of the Cable Advisory Committee. Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: none Response: None. Ayes: Gleason, Thompson, Poteat, Browne ABSTAIN: Copeland Nays: None HUMAN RESOURCES PERMISSION 10. An ordinance requesting permission for the Department of Recreation to sponsor the 9th Annual Mount Vernon Day (formerly known as Mount Vernon Proud) Event, hang banners, co- sponsor the Diabetes Awareness Walk and permission to the Department of Public Safety to close 7th Avenue (between 3rd & 4th Streets) – (June 3, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., rain date: June 10, 2023) Funds will be allocated in an amount not to exceed $2,500.00 from Budget Code A7620.457, Cultural Civic Adult Education. Moved by Thompson, Seconded by Poteat On the Question: none Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None PERMISSION 11. An ordinance requesting permission for the Mayor to enter into an agreement with the Westchester County Office of Senior Programs and Services under Title III-B Transportation Services Contract Program (January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023. Total program amount of $41,838.00 - County share of $24,684.00, with matching funds of $17,154.00 from the City Title III-B Transportation Services program are to be deposited in Revenue Code A4803.1 and to provide for an appropriation in Budget Code A6774.458). Moved by Thompson, Seconded by Poteat On the Question: none Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None PERMISSION 12. An ordinance requesting permission for the Department of Recreation to sponsor the Cinco De Mayo Celebration (Hartley Park on May 5, 2023. There Page 5 City Council Meeting Agenda April 26, 2023 is no cost to the City for this event, except minimal staff to monitor the event which will be charged to Budget Code A7310.447 not to exceed $2,500.00). Moved by Thompson, Seconded by Poteat On the Question: Browne – why does it say no cost if there is a potential cost up to $2500; Thompson corrects budget code from the floor. Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None PERMISSION 13. An ordinance requesting permission for the Department of Recreation to co-sponsor the “Community Baby Shower” with the Office of Senator Bailer (Doles Center on Friday, May 19, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – funds not to exceed $2,500.00 changes to $1,500 for this event are available in Account Code 7310.447, Part Time Salaries). Moved by Thompson, Seconded by Poteat On the Question: Changes to amount and budget code from the floor by Thompson Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None PERMISSION 14. An ordinance requesting permission for three (3) staff members including the Executive Director to attend the Roundtable Leadership /Programmatic Track at Phoenix, AZ (May 1, 2023, to May 4, 2023. Funds are to be accounted for in Revenue Code A4820.4 with the appropriations in the following Budget Codes: A7335.101 (Salaries); A7335.402 (Travel Expense); A7335.458 (Misc. Expense); and A7335.423 (Conference Expense). Moved by Thompson, Seconded by Poteat On the Question: none Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None PUBLIC SAFETY AND CODES LEAVE OF 15. An ordinance requesting permission to grant a ABSENCE fourteen (14) month leave of absence to one (1) member of service of the Fire Department – (effective April 24, 2023, until approximately May/June 2024). Moved by Gleason, Seconded by Copeland On the Question: none Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None PERMISSION 16. An ordinance requesting permission for two (2) Members of Service to attend the Annual International Association of Chiefs of Police Page 6 City Council Meeting Agenda April 26, 2023 Training - (San Diego Convention Center located at 11 Arbor Drive, San Diego, California from October 14th – October 17th, 2023 - $3,700.00 to be satisfied from Budget Line A3120.451, Training). Moved by Gleason, Seconded by Copeland On the Question: Copeland noted a report will be due. Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None PERMISSION 17. An ordinance requesting permission for the Mayor to enter into a 12-month contract agreement with TransUnion - (To be billed at the rate of $335.00 per month for 12-months for a total of $4,020.00 beginning March 1, 2023, to February 29, 2024. Funds to pay for this agreement are available in Budget Line A3120.416, Technology Upgrades). HELD FROM THE FLOOR PERMISSION 18. An ordinance requesting permission to for the Mayor to enter into an agreement with the Division of Criminal Justice Services and to accept a grant - ($192,260.00 for gun violence elimination (2022-2023) DCJS ID #GV22-1070-DOO and a contract #C484914. Funds are to be deposited into Revenue Line A3389.3). Moved by Gleason, Seconded by Copeland On the Question: none Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None PERMISSION 19. An ordinance requesting permission for the Department of Public Safety to accept the donation of two (2) new police motorcycles from the Mount Vernon Police Foundation. Moved by Gleason, Seconded by Copeland On the Question: none Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None FINANCE AND PLANNING PERMISSION 20. An ordinance requesting permission to adjust the salary and grade of the payroll specialist position within the Office of the Comptroller -- (upgrade from $69,522.92 to $77,972.34 and Grade 11A, Step 10 from a Grade 8D, Step 10). Moved by Poteat, Seconded by Thompson On the Question: Poteat answering Monday work session question. The reason for the increase – this Page 7  City Council Meeting Agenda April 26, 2023 position serves as a backup. Although this is in the high range, this position serves as a second senior accountant. They serve in the same function. Browne asked why not give them the same title. Poteat was unsure. Response: None. Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Poteat, Thompson Nays: Browne ARBOR DAY 21. An ordinance requesting permission to celebrate Arbor Day on Friday, April 28, 2023, in the City of Mount Vernon, NY. Moved by Poteat, Seconded by Thompson On the Question: none Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None PERMISSION 22. An ordinance requesting permission for conference attendees to be reimbursed within three (3) weeks. Moved by Poteat, Seconded by Thompson On the Question: none Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None The agenda was completed at 9:14 PM. FURTHER BUSINESS: Poteat inquired where the Council is with the MWBE legislation, especially with Con Edison starting work and other business starting sewer work. Browne noted it is in process. This was one of the first initiatives we have had as a council. Comptroller has commented, the Director of Econ Dev has commented. Looking to get another draft in, it could take another meeting or two, but we want to get it done by May. Gleason noted the funeral service for MVFD Larry Oakes will be this Saturday, April 29th, viewing 9-11am, and zoom 457335759 for anyone who wants to view the services online. Copeland, asked to adjourn in homage and moment of silence to Harry Belafonte and all others who have passed this week. Poteat moved to adjourn, Thompson seconded. Roll Call on adjournment. ALL AYES. Adjourned 9:18 PM Submitted Deputy Clerk Jackson 04/26/2023 Page 8