City Council

CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 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, MAY 24, 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, Derrick Thompson, Cathlin Gleason, Lisa A. Copeland 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 7:01pm. She provided general house-keeping rules, including encouraging citizens to share the meeting on social media and what to do “in case of emergency”. Attendees recited the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC PRESENTATION: 1. Donna Bell (did not attend) “Having parking issues and vandalism” 31 South Terrace Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY 2. Thomas Keller “Proposed amendment for Gas Power Leaf Blower” 12 Pasadena Place, Mount Vernon, NY; Email: NA The person responsible for the Council public speaking portion going from 3 to 4 minutes was former Councilwoman Karen Watts. One of the best things she did. Mr. Keller came to discuss gas powered leaf blowers, noting his awareness that the Council is working on the amendment. Related to that he gave a list to the clerk, provided names of 6 landscapers that work in his neighborhood. On the list received from the Clerk’s Office, only one of the 6 has signed up and has a permit for one year. There were sign ups last  City Council Meeting Agenda May 24, 2023 year. Maybe we should call. On the amendment. He suggests the month of April or possibly March 15th to April 30th. For the fall, he recommended October and November. Sometimes trees shed later. He saw in recent legislation the city is amending to December 15th. He believes that is too long. 3. Brenda Crump “City business” 432 Dunham Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY; Email: NA Ms. Crump shared that she likes the decorum and professionalism of this Council, and the website. She is here as a resident homeowner and taxpayer. She wants to see the residents make full use of the full field. She is currently not allowed to use the steps or exercise. She alleged she has witnessed the removal of residents from parts of the field. She notes citizens pay taxes, and we had full use of the field. She doesn’t want to see the citizens limited to just the track. She wants to know why we aren’t allowed to use the steps. This is a safe space for our children. Pelham is not as restrictive. PUBLIC COMMENT RESPONSES 1. Councilman Poteat – Thanked everyone for attending. Noted we will look into the list of landscapers. Ms. Crump: Legislative Aide Kam-Au will contact recreation to find out about usage of the field 2. Councilwoman Copeland – (arrived at 7:13pm after public speaking, but greeted everyone). 3. Councilwoman Gleason noted we will be sharing leafblower flyer and legislation in the next Council newsletter, encouraging landscapers to register. Ms. Crump, Glad Poteat connected you with the Legislative Aide. 4. Councilman Thompson: Ms. Crump, I will speak to Commissioner Walker-Pinckney tomorrow. There are restrictions regarding use and eating on the field, etc. but he will have a conversation. There are other spaces within the stadium off from the field that are grassy that can be used. He will speak to the commissioner and have an answer by Friday. Mr. Keller, I also urge all homeowners to not employ or utilize gas powered leaf blowing companies. Our first question should be a request for electric blowers. Please continue to bring issues to our attention. 5. Council President Browne – Ms. Crump, to your point, we can strike a different balance. We don’t want the field to fall into disrepair. SHORT 3 MINUTE BREAK at 7:16pm REFERRAL SESSION Council President Browne explains the agenda and items. There was a reading of the Tally Sheet at 7:23PM. Roll Call at 7:33PM. 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 create the position of Lead Service Line Data Entry Clerk within the Board of Water Supply – (funded by $1MM Grant received from New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation – “NYS EFC”). Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: None Response: None. Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Poteat, Thompson, Browne Nays: None PERMISSION 2. An ordinance requesting permission for Grace Baptist Church to host a Resource Fair and for the Department of Public Safety to close the block between west 2nd and west 1st Streets of south 6th Avenue and the entrance/exit to the South 6th Avenue Municipal Lot (in commemoration of Juneteenth - on June 10, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (rain date: June 24, 2023). 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 May 24, 2023 AMENDMENT 3. An ordinance amending Ordinance No. 11, adopted on March 22, 2023, entitled “An Ordinance requesting permission for the Mayor to accept a grant award from the New York State Energy Research Authority (“NYSERDA”) Clean Energy Communities Program.” (commencing [April] May 1, 2023 through [April] May 30, 2024). 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 partner with Westchester Latinos Unidos for a fundraising event - (scheduled to take place on June 4, 2023, rain date scheduled for June 11, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (with an 8:00 a.m. set up time) at a venue located on the block of Short Street between Mount Vernon Avenue and New Haven Railroad Street. Funds for this event will not exceed $1,500.00, total estimated costs for OEM associated with the logistical arrangements and are available in Budget Line A3640.203). Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: Councilman Poteat asked, if we are spending $1500 on a fundraiser, aren’t we able to give the funds directly to the organization? Response: Director Montes noted the funding allocated will be associated for community giveaways. For many of the residents displaced, this is to purchase supplies for the displaced families. Councilwoman Copeland noted that once you do this for one organization you will create a precedent. Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Poteat, Thompson, Browne Nays: None PERMISSION 5. An ordinance requesting permission for the Mayor via the Department of Public Works (“DPW”) to enter into a three (3) year agreement with iWorq Systems Inc. – (three (3) year contractual agreement shall commence on June 1, 2023, and expires on May 31, 2026. Company Name Pricing iWorq Systems Inc. $30,000.00 annually (plus a one-time setup fee of $19,000 Central Square $36,250.00 annually (plus a one-time setup fee $116,920.0 Tyler Technologies $44,313.00 annually (plus a on-time setup fee of $139,020 Funding for this three (3) year contractual agreement is available within the 2023FY Annual Budget Code A1440.405 (Engineering Office: Contracted Outside Service). Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: None Response: None. Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Poteat, Thompson, Browne Nays: None PERMISSION 6. An ordinance requesting permission to purchase a rotary lift at the Canal Street Garage (Funding for this equipment is available through the Motor Vehicle Control: Equipment Budget Line A1640.203 in an amount not expected to exceed $33,079.21 on HGAC Contract #FLO3-21 via Rotary Lift). Page 3 City Council Meeting Agenda May 24, 2023 Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: None Response: None. Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Poteat, Thompson, Browne Nays: None PERMISION 7. An ordinance requesting permission for the Department of Public Works to submit a Request for Proposals (“RFP”) for “Consulting Services Regarding Traffic Analysis” for various intersections within the City. Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: None Response: None. Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Poteat, Thompson, Browne Nays: None HUMAN RESOURCES PERMISSION 8. An ordinance requesting permission for the Mayor to enter into an agreement with “McFly LLC” for the rental of Memorial Field – (Sunday, July 2, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. - the total funds of $15,484.00, inclusive of stadium rental, vending, and public safety fees, will be deposited into Revenue Code A2001.21 (Memorial Field Revenue). Moved by Thompson, Seconded by Poteat On the Question: None Response: None. Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Poteat, Thompson, Browne Nays: None FUN FILLED 9. An ordinance requesting permission for the Mayor SUMMER to enter into an agreement with Westchester County for the Fun Filled Summer (Park Activation Program) (for the period July 1, 2023 to August 31, 2023 and will run from Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at various parks throughout the City of Mount Vernon. Funds in the amount of $7,372.00 are to be deposited into revenue account A2229.15 (Westchester County funded recreation grants) for appropriation in A7310.104 (youth program salary - part-time) and A7310.458 (equipment, trips, guest speakers, and supplies). Moved by Thompson, Seconded by Poteat On the Question: None Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None PUBLIC SAFETY AND CODES AMENDMENT 10. 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 - an additional [$104,900.00] $108,637.00 of funding available $183,637.00, the actual cost of the demolition of funding available through Page 4 City Council Meeting Agenda May 24, 2023 the ARPA Funding (A.3620.405ARP) for Zombie Home Demolition). Moved by Gleason, Seconded by Copeland On the Question: Response: None. Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Poteat, Thompson, Browne Nays: None AMENDMENT 11. An ordinance amending Ordinance No. 21, 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 119 SOUTH FIRST AVENUE” – ([$75,000.00] $82,217.00 - additional $8,500.00 of funding available through the ARPA Funding (A.3620.405ARP) for Zombie Home Demolition). Moved by Gleason, Seconded by Copeland On the Question: None Response: None. Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Poteat, Thompson, Browne Nays: None AMENDMENT 12. An ordinance amending Ordinance No. 16, adopted by the City Council on April 26, 2022, entitled “AN ORDINANCE REQUESTING PERMISSION FOR TWO (2) MEMBERS OF SERVICE TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHIEFS OF POLICE TRAINING” – (to be conducted at the San Diego Convention Center located at 11 Harbor Drive in San Diego, California from October 14th - October [17] 16th, 2023. The total cost for this training for two (2) Members of Service should not exceed [$3,700.00] $4,800.00 and will be satisfied from Budget Line A3120.451 (Training). The increase is reflected in payment of membership and conference registration dues ($635.00) for the Interim Commissioner and conference registration dues ($500.00) for the Chief to attend. Moved by Gleason, Seconded by Copeland On the Question: None Response: None. Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Poteat, Thompson, Browne Nays: None PERMISSION 13. An ordinance requesting permission for three (3) Members of Service of the Department of Public Safety to attend Background Investigations for Police Applicants Training - (Fairfield Police Department, located at 100 Reef Road, Fairfield, CT from August 14th – August 15, 2023. Cost not expected to exceed $1,275.00 and will be satisfied from Budget Line A3120.451, Training. Reimbursement for travel expenses, meals, incidentals, and miscellaneous expenses is further authorized upon presentation of receipts). Moved by Gleason, Seconded by Copeland On the Question: None Response: None. Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Poteat, Thompson, Browne Nays: None PERMISSION 14. An ordinance requesting permission for the City of Mount Vernon in collaboration with the New York State Attorney General’s Office to host a gun Page 5 City Council Meeting Agenda May 24, 2023 buyback event at Greater Centennial Church (on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at the Greater Centennial Church, 100 West 4th Street, Mount Vernon, NY 10550 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and l:00 p.m. Funds in the amount of $25,000.00 are available in the ARPA Budget - A3120.203 ARP (Violence Prevention, Intervention). Moved by Gleason, Seconded by Copeland 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 agreement with PowerDMS – (for three (3) years from June 1, 2023 to May 31, 2026 as follows: Year Price 1 $9,762.97 2 $11,702.75 3 $15,625.90 (The cost of the software not to exceed $37,091.62 are available in Budget Line A3120.416, Tech Upgrades, Department of Public Safety 2023 Budget). Moved by Gleason, Seconded by Copeland On the Question: None Response: None. Ayes: Copeland, Gleason, Poteat, Thompson, Browne Nays: None PERMISSION 16. An ordinance requesting permission for the Mayor to renew the annual maintenance agreement with Business Electronics (i-Record) – (for the period July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. Funds for the aforesaid in an amount not to exceed $2,150.00 are available in Budget Line A3120.416, Technology Upgrades -Leases, Police Department 2023 Budget). Moved by Gleason, Seconded by Copeland On the Question: None Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None FINANCE AND PLANNING AMENDMENT 17. An amendment to the American Rescue Plan Act (“ARPA”) of 2021 - revised ARPA Budget for 2023. Moved by Poteat, Seconded by Thompson On the Question: None Response: None. Ayes: Copeland, Poteat, Thompson, Browne Nays: None ABSTAIN: GLEASON; has not had an opportunity to review fully PERMISSION 18. An ordinance requesting permission for the Department of Planning & Community Development to release a Request for Proposals (“RFP”) to invite eligible organizations to submit applications to Page 6  City Council Meeting Agenda May 24, 2023 provide community assistance which will be funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (“ARPA”). Moved by Poteat, Seconded by Thompson On the Question: Poteat noted that all community organizations should be ready to fund expenses from community organizations. The application opens June 1st and the deadline is July 21st. $500,000 is available. Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None PERMISSION 19. An ordinance requesting permission for the Comptroller’s Office to provide financial information in the requested formats to City Council members. HELD FROM THE FLOOR The agenda was completed at 7:49PM. FURTHER BUSINESS: Councilwoman Copeland’s sister was at a funeral. The Bronxville Club is trying to expand again. We need to be aware as we are finalizing the Comprehensive Plan. Counsel Johnson noted the information is before the planning board. Councilwoman Gleason went to the field club with the planning chair, architect and members to explore the issue of flooding. They are putting more large trees and mitigating draining issues. The architect was changing some of the water mitigation items. Councilman Thompson noted prayers for Tina Turner’s family. He further asked citizens to check in on family and loved ones, and to pitch in for family members and give family and friends the mental break. Councilwoman Gleason recognized that it is Police Appreciation Week. They work hard in the city of Mount Vernon. Councilwoman Copeland noted it is also DPW Week, and on Monday at 10:00 AM we will have the Memorial Day Parade. Wreath laying at City Hall, then the parade. Thompson moved to adjourn, Gleason seconded. ROLL CALL-ALL AYES Adjourned 7:54 PM Submitted Deputy Clerk Jackson 05/24/2023 Page 7