City Council

CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, MAY 10, 2023, at 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS – ROOM 206 CITY HALL, MOUNT VERNON, NEW YORK & VIA FACEBOOK.COM/MOUNTVERNONNY https://fb.watch/ksMKWlum8G/ *** 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, Derrick Thompson, Lisa A. Copeland, Cathlin Gleason and Edward Poteat ABSENT: None PRESIDING: Danielle Browne, Council President OTHERS: Tanesia M. Walters, City Clerk; Donna M. Jackson, Deputy City Clerk; Brian G. Johnson, Corporation Counsel; Alyssa Gillespie, Assistant Corporation Counsel; Khush Kam-Au, Legislative Aide; Andrea Haynes, Planning Department; Mike Montes, Office of Emergency Management. CALL TO ORDER / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The meeting began at 7:05pm. Council President Browne asked Councilman Thompson to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC SPEAKING Donna Pennant, 386 East 5th Street, MVNY: Ms. Pennant discussed issues with street parking and her driveway. There is a bus stop at the corner of her block, then 2 parking spaces and then her driveway. Her car has been towed 3 times. Her driveway is constantly blocked. She has required assistance from police to stop oncoming traffic so she can get out. On the 16th she was flying out to LGA, when she came out to get in her car there was a car parked directly across her driveway. At the last minute she had to call a car service. She is asking for something to be done. She shouldn’t have to be concerned about safety. Can a sign be installed by the City that would free the few inches that she needs to be able to leave her driveway? She painted a yellow line, it doesn’t work. PUBLIC SPEAKING RESPONSES • Councilwoman Gleason thanked Ms. Pennant for coming out and informing Council of the issue. She and Legislative Aide Kam-Au will respond after she speaks to the appropriate police representatives. • Councilman Thompson suggested putting reflective stakes in the ground to deter unauthorized parking. • Councilmembers Poteat and Copeland thanked Ms. Pennant for coming and speaking.  City Council Meeting Agenda May 10, 2023 Referral Session: 7:13PM. Reading of the Tally Sheet. Roll Call at 7:25PM – All Present, we have a quorum. LEGISLATION AND PUBLIC WORKS PERMISSION 1. An ordinance requesting permission for the Portuguese American Club to hold a Roast Pig BBQ on Portugal Place between East Prospect and Elm Avenue on Saturday, May 20, 2023 (from 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.). Moved by Councilwoman Copeland Seconded by Councilwoman Gleason On the Question: Clarification of the event end time – 10pm. Cleanup noted beginning at 11pm. Councilman Thompson asked the council body to clarify the event timeframe of 2pm-10pm; it is understood that the event will end at 10pm. Response: Councilwoman Copeland amended event conclusion time from the floor to 10pm. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None PERMISSION 2. An ordinance requesting permission for Oscar Johnson to sponsor a family event (a block party) - (Saturday, June 3, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. - rain date: Saturday, June 10, 2023, same time). Moved by Councilwoman Copeland, Seconded by Councilwoman Gleason On the Question: None Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None TRANSFER 3. An ordinance requesting permission to transfer funds OF FUNDS to cover travel expenses as follows: From Amount To Amount A1440.405 $1,800.00 A8170.405 $1,800.00 (Department of Public Works) Moved by Councilwoman Copeland, Seconded by Councilwoman Gleason On the Question: None Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None TRANSFER 4. An ordinance requesting permission to transfer ARPA OF FUNDS funds as follows: From Amount To Amount A1620.203 C930 $387,590.00 A8140.203 C932 $387,590.00 (Department of Public Works) Page 2 City Council Meeting Agenda May 10, 2023 Moved by Councilwoman Copeland, Seconded by Councilwoman Gleason On the Question: None Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None ACCEPT $75K 5. An ordinance requesting permission for the Mayor to GRANT enter into a Grant Agreement with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (“NYSDEC”) and accept an MS-4 Mapping Grant in the amount of $75,000.00 for developing GIS mapping of the City’s sewer system. (The funds will be deposited into Revenue Code H3990.C939 (State Aid) and H3990.C940 (State Aid) to be appropriated to Budget Code H8120.203.C939 (Sanitary Sewer Capital) and H8140.203.C940 (Storm Sewer Capital) throughout the contract period). Moved by Councilwoman Copeland, Seconded by Councilwoman Gleason On the Question: None Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None ACCEPT $10M 6. An ordinance requesting permission for the Mayor to GRANT enter into a Grant Agreement with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (“NYSDEC”) and accept a water quality improvement grant in the amount of $10,000,000.00 for projects entitled “Outfall 24 – Sewer System Cleaning and Investigation and Sewer Rehabilitation – Phase 1. (The funds will be deposited into Revenue Code H3990.C937 (State Aid) and H3990.C938 (State Aid) to be appropriated to Budget Code H8120.203.C937 (Sanitary Sewer Capital) and H8140.203.C938 (Storm Sewer Capital)) throughout the contract period). Moved by Councilwoman Copeland, Councilwoman On the Question: None Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None PROCLAMATION 7. An ordinance requesting permission to proclaim May 21-27, 2023, National Public Works Week in the City of Mount Vernon, New York - (Sunday, May 21 – Saturday, May 27, 2023). Moved by Councilwoman Copeland, Seconded by Councilwoman Gleason On the Question: Conversation ensued regarding “Resolution versus Ordinance”. Move to withdraw the “motion/move” by Councilwoman Gleason, seconded by Councilwoman Copeland. ALL AYES Councilwoman Copeland amends from the floor to RESOLUTION for National Public Works Week Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None Page 3 City Council Meeting Agenda May 10, 2023 ACCEPT $1.5M 8. An ordinance requesting permission for the Mayor to GRANT enter into an Agreement with the US Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) and accept a community funding grant in the amount of $1,500,000.00 for projects entitled “Outfall 24 – Sewer System Cleaning and Investigation and Sewer Rehabilitation – Phase 1.” - (The funds will be deposited into Revenue Code H3990.C936 (State Aid) to be appropriated to Budget Code H8120.203.C936 (Sanitary Sewer Capital) throughout the contract period). Moved by Councilwoman Copeland, Seconded by Councilwoman Gleason On the Question: Councilwoman Copeland gave thanks to Marsha Fudge, secretary of HUD for the funding directed towards these efforts. Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None PERMISSION 9. An ordinance requesting permission for the Mayor via the Department of Public Works (“DPW”) to enter into a partnership with SOLSMART for technical assistance for solar energy - (no cost to the City). Moved by Councilwoman Copeland, Seconded by Councilwoman Gleason On the Question: Councilwoman Gleason asked to be recognized. She asked President Browne to describe the program. Response: Councilwoman Browne noted this partnership allows the designation of SOLSMART for the City and helps us clean up our solar process and all things related to clean energy and solar processes in the city, and how to make it easier for residents to apply for solar. Hopefully this helps so residents can take advantage of clean energy. Poteat noted about 6 months ago that residents noted the difficulty of getting solar panels. Councilman Poteat asked about the licensing / ordinance process. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None CITY FEST 10. An ordinance requesting permission for the Department of Recreation to co-sponsor “City Fest” (business, food and culture Expo 2023) with the Friends of Mount Vernon Arts, Recreation and Youth Programs, Inc. and permission to hang banners throughout the City promoting the event. (Saturday, August 26, 2023 (rain date: Sunday, August 27, 2023) from 12:00 noon to 9:00 p.m. - Funds for this event will not exceed $30,000.00 and will be charged to Budget Code A7620.464 (Department of Recreation) 2023 Budget. The Recreation Department will be responsible for providing personnel as part of the co- sponsorship). Moved by Councilwoman Copeland, Seconded by Councilwoman Gleason On the Question: none Page 4 City Council Meeting Agenda May 10, 2023 Response: None. Ayes: Copeland, Poteat, Thompson, Browne Nays: GLEASON JUNETEENTH - 11. An ordinance requesting permission for the ROLLING INTO Department of Recreation to co-sponsor “Rolling PEACE into Peace” with the Department of Public Safety in Hartley Park – (Sunday, June 11, 2023, from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Hartley Park. Funds from the aforesaid event will not exceed $2,500.00 and will be charged to Budget Code: A7310.104 (Part Time Salaries). Moved by Councilwoman Copeland, Seconded by Councilwoman Gleason On the Question: None Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None PERMISSION 12. An ordinance requesting permission for Councilwoman Lisa A. Copeland to attend the New York Electrification Summit in Albany, New York on May 31, 2023 (Renaissance Albany Hotel - The cost for parking, tolls, gas and mileage should not exceed $300.00 and will be satisfied through Budget Code A1010.417 (City Council Education/Training). Moved by Councilwoman Copeland, Seconded by Councilwoman Gleason On the Question: None Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None AMENDMENT 13. An ordinance amending Chapter 191, of the Code of the City of Mount Vernon, entitled “Peace and Good Order.” HELD FROM THE FLOOR RESOLUTION 14. A resolution of the City Council of the City of Mount Vernon, New York commemorating the life and legacy of Josie B. Lee. Moved by Councilwoman Copeland, Seconded by Councilwoman Gleason On the Question: Councilwoman Copeland thanked the Clerk and Senior accounting clerk Stephens for attending the funeral. Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None HUMAN RESOURCES FINE WINE 15. An ordinance requesting permission for the Mayor SERIES to enter into an agreement with “Fine Wine Series” for the rental of Memorial Field – (Saturday, August 19, 2023, at Memorial Field from 9:00 a.m. to midnight - the total funds of $33,362.00 (inclusive of stadium rental, vending, and public safety fees) will Page 5 City Council Meeting Agenda May 10, 2023 be deposited into Revenue Code A2001.21 (Memorial Field Revenue). Moved by Councilman Thompson, Seconded by Councilman Poteat On the Question: Councilwoman Gleason asked about the total funds, and if it is income for the city of Mount Vernon. Response: Councilman Thompson noted that the public safety fee will be an additional $5,000-the commissioner just notified him of the update. The $33k is income to the city. Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Poteat, Thompson Nays: ABSTAIN by BROWNE JUNETEENTH 16. An ordinance requesting permission for the FLAG RAISING Department of Recreation to sponsor the first (1st) Annual Juneteenth Flag Raising Event – (Brush Park on Saturday, June 10, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The cost for this event is not expected to exceed $2,500.00 and is available in A7310.104 (Part Time Salaries) to be used for minimal staff of four (4) to monitor said event. Moved by Councilman Thompson, Seconded by Councilman Poteat On the Question: Will we need to put in another resolution that this will happen annually? Response: Council President Browne noted yes, we will need to do it annually. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None SILENT DISCO 17. An ordinance requesting permission for the Department of Recreation to sponsor the first (1st) Annual Silent Disco Event – (Hartley Park on Friday, June 2, 2023, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Funds for this event are not expected to exceed $3,000.00 and is available in A7620.458 (Special Events). Moved by Councilman Thompson, Seconded by Councilman Poteat On the Question: Councilwoman Gleason explains her abstention, she doesn’t think this is the right venue for this event. Response: None. Ayes: Copeland, Poteat, Thompson, Browne ABSTAIN: GLEASON 2023 SUMMER 18. An ordinance requesting permission for the OUTDOOR Department of Recreation to sponsor the 2023 MOVIE SERIES Summer Outdoor Movie Series at the following locations: The Doles Center Green, Fleetwood Playground, Hartley Park, and Memorial Field - (time and venue to be announced in advance of the scheduled event. The free series will provide age- appropriate entertainment and the kickoff will be Monday, July 10, 2023, at sunset through Friday, September 1, 2023). Moved by Councilman Thompson, Seconded by Councilman Poteat On the Question: None. Page 6 City Council Meeting Agenda May 10, 2023 Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None PUBLIC SAFETY AND CODES RESOLUTION 19. A resolution of the City Council of the City of Mount Vernon, New York recognizing and honoring Guilio Monaco, Jr. Moved by Councilwoman Gleason, Seconded by Councilwoman Copeland On the Question: None. Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None PERMISSION 20. An ordinance requesting permission for the Mayor to enter into a 12-month contract agreement with Transunion (TLOxp) – (for an online software subscription service for TLOxp. To be billed at the rate of $335.00 per month for 12-months for a total of $4,020.00 beginning April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024. Funds to pay for this agreement are available in budget line A3120.416 (Technology Upgrades), Department of Public Safety 2023 Budget). Moved by Councilwoman Gleason, Seconded by Councilwoman Copeland On the Question: None. Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None PERMISSION 21. An ordinance granting permission for the property owner of 222 Sheridan Avenue, Mount Vernon, New York to rebuild retaining walls that encroach on City- owned property. Moved by Councilwoman Gleason, Seconded by Councilwoman Copeland On the Question: Councilwoman Gleason wants to make sure that Councilman Poteat’s request for additional insurance is included. Assistant Corporation Counsel Alyssa confirmed it is in “Section F”. Response: None. Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Thompson, Browne Nays: POTEAT AMENDMENT 22. An ordinance amending Ordinance No. 20, adopted by the City Council on December 14, 2022, entitled “AN ORDINANCE DECLARING IMMINENT DANGER AND REQUESTING URGENT DEMOLITION OF AN UNSAFE BUILDING LOCATED AT 404 SOUTH FIRST AVENUE” – ([$75,000.00] $179,900.00 - additional $104,900.00 of funding available through the ARPA Funding (A.3620.405ARP) for Zombie Home Demolition). Moved by Councilwoman Gleason, Seconded by Councilwoman Copeland On the Question: None. Page 7 City Council Meeting Agenda May 10, 2023 Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None FINANCE AND PLANNING REFUND 23. An ordinance authorizing and directing the Comptroller to issue a City tax refund due to a clerical error – (total amount for 2022 and 2023 $5,571.48) to Annette O. Shands at 462 Ninth Avenue South, Mount Vernon – Block 3047, Lot 39). Moved by Councilman Poteat, Seconded by Councilman Thompson On the Question: None. Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None PERMISSION 24. An ordinance requesting permission for the Comptroller to apply for a $5M Environmental Facilities Corporation Emergency Infrastructure Financial Assistance Loan to Support Citywide Sewer Remediation. Moved by Councilman Poteat, Seconded by Councilman Thompson On the Question: None. Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None PERMISSION 25. An ordinance requesting permission for the South 4th Avenue Corridor Revitalization initiative – City of Mount Vernon, in collaboration with local initiatives support corporation (“LISC NY”) and SUNY Westchester Mount Vernon, will support an initiative to beautify the South Avenue Corridor and provide technical assistance to Mount Vernon Merchants. - In December 2022, LISC granted SUNY Westchester $150,000.00 to beautify the South 4th Avenue corridor and provide technical assistance to the MVDMA) Council President Browne asked if this should be a resolution. She asked Planning Director Andrea Haynes to address the board and clarify. Director Haynes noted the partnership is between SUNY Westchester MV and LISC. The University wants to use the money to effect economic change in the South 4th avenue to create programming for greater foot traffic. This is a “Supportership” lending resources and knowledge. No monies will come into the city they will go to SUNY Westchester as the grant awardee. Councilman Poteat noted he spoke to Commissioner Rausse about signage along 4th avenue. He mentioned that getting signage done by August will likely not happen, and hopefully we can find grant dollars for signage. Councilman Poteat asked when we could expect a presentation, Director Haynes noted next month. CHANGE FROM THE FLOOR FROM ORDINANCE TO “RESOLUTION” Page 8  City Council Meeting Agenda May 10, 2023 Moved by Poteat, Seconded by Thompson On the Question: None. Response: None. Ayes: Browne, Copeland, Poteat, Thompson, Gleason Nays: None CONVEY TITLE 26. An ordinance authorizing the Mayor to convey title to property owned by the City of Mount Vernon, and not needed for municipal use (145 South Fulton Avenue). Moved by Councilman Poteat, Seconded by Councilman Thompson On the Question: None. Response: None. Ayes: Browne, Copeland, Poteat, Thompson, Gleason Nays: None The agenda was completed at 8:05PM. FURTHER BUSINESS: Councilwoman Lisa A. Copeland jokingly noted that she turned down Knicks tickets to be here this evening. Browne asked that we all engage in our civic duty and vote in the upcoming elections. Councilman Poteat moved to adjourn, and Councilman Thompson seconded. Roll Call on adjournment. ALL AYES. Adjourned 8:06 PM Submitted Deputy Clerk Jackson 5/10/2023 Page 9