City Council

CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 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, JUNE 14, 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; Donna M. Jackson, Deputy City Clerk; Alyssa Gillespie, Assistant Corporation Counsel CALL TO ORDER / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council President Danielle Browne called the meeting to order at 7:06pm. 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 Assistant Corporation Counsel Gillespie to lead the council in the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC PRESENTATION: 1. Ronald Adomako, 40 East Birch Street, MVNY – discussed petition to close a smoke shop at 583 Gramatan Avenue. 2. Gabriel Thompson, 33 Raynor Avenue, MVNY – discussed unlawful expansion and enlargement Bronxville field club; seeking to add paddle court, drainage issues; non- conforming use. 3. Garfield Davis, 114 East 5th Street, MVNY – small business owner, has a trucking company, he lives and owns a business in mount Vernon. Discussed commercial vehicle parking – asking for changes to those rules and restrictions. 4. Vernon Habersham, 19 Harrison Street, MVNY – Discussed overnight commercial truck parking, he is a citizen and business owner. “Is there a fee and a place we can park?”  City Council Meeting Agenda June 14, 2023 5. Geoff Munroe. 140 Elm Avenue, MVNY – Discussed the Cable Television Advisory Board (CTAC); he feels the letter he received thanking him for his service disingenuous. 6. George Brown, 54 South 2nd Avenue, MVNY – Thanks to the council. Council Responded to constituents. 5-minute break at 7:48 pm REFERRAL SESSION Council President Browne explains the agenda and items. There was a reading of the Tally Sheet at 8:00pm. Roll Call at 8:16pm. Extensive conversation on the 4th street basketball tournament. Striking of Section 1. Poteat asked councilmembers to read the Comptroller’s report. Browne, Gleason, Poteat, Copeland present. Thompson absent. 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 Young Adult Ministry / Grace Baptist Church to host the Annual 5K Walk / Run (July 15, 2023). Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: none Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes minus Thompson (absent) Nays: None CAR SHOW 2. An ordinance requesting permission for the Mount Vernon Classic Car Club of New York to host its 11th Annual “l Know You Got Soul” Car Show at Brush Park and for the Department of Public Safety to close West 7th Street between South 3rd and 4th Avenues - (Saturday, September 23, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. / rain date: Saturday, September 30, 2023). Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: None Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None AUDIO / VIDEO 3. An ordinance requesting permission for the EQUIPMENT Department of Management Services to purchase Audio / Video Equipment for the Communications Division – (cost not expected to exceed $35,000.00 and will be paid through Account Code A1680.203, Management Services Equipment). Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: none Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes minus Thompson (absent) Nays: None CREATION OF 4. An ordinance requesting permission to create an OFFICE Office of Neighborhood Safety & Engagement within the City of Mount Vernon, NY. Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason Page 2 City Council Meeting Agenda June 14, 2023 On the Question: none Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes minus Thompson (absent) Nays: None PERMISSION 5. An ordinance requesting permission for the Mayor to enter into a three (3) Year Royalty Marketing Agreement for service line warranties with Utility Service Partners, Inc. (“USP”) – (for an initial term of three (3) years with an additional one (1) year renewal effective from the date of execution of the original contract). Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: none Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes minus Thompson (absent) Nays: None PERMISSION 6. An ordinance requesting permission for the Department of Recreation to co-sponsor the “Nina Simone Street Renaming Ceremony” on June 21, 2023, as follows: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Street Renaming Ceremony 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Grounds will be open to the public 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Private Reception (invitation only) This event will be at NO COST to the city. Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: none Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes minus Thompson (absent) Nays: None BACK-TO- 7. An ordinance requesting permission for the SCHOOL EVENT Department of Recreation to co-sponsor with Henry Allen and The Buddy White Project “The Back-to- School Backpack” Event - (August 12, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Doles Center primarily, but also include 4th Street Park between 7th and 8th Avenues. Costs not expected to exceed $3,000.00 and are available in Budget Code A7620.458 (Other Expense) to be used for minimal staff of four (4-6) to monitor said event). Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: none Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes minus Thompson (absent) Nays: None PERMISSION 8. An ordinance requesting permission for the Department of Recreation to co-sponsor along with the “4th Street Classic Basketball” Basketball Tournaments in Mount Vernon, New York – (Tuesday, June 20 – Sunday, August 5, 2023. The cost for this series event will come from Budget Code A7620.457 for minimal staff (4-6) and will not exceed $3,000.00). Moved by Gleason, Seconded by On the Question: With amendment Copeland asks Gleason to carry the item. Striking line of auxiliary. Copeland is stuck because she wants to vote no. She objects to the change for the record. Response: None. Page 3 City Council Meeting Agenda June 14, 2023 Ayes: All Ayes minus Thompson (absent) Nays: None AMENDMENT 9. An ordinance amending Chapter 191, of the Code of the City of Mount Vernon, entitled “Peace and Good Order.” Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: none Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None RESOLUTION 10. A resolution appointing a member to the Board of Ethics of the City of Mount Vernon (Beresford Granston - commencing on June 14, 2023, and expiring on June 13, 2025). Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: none Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None RESOLUTION 11. A resolution appointing a member to the Board of Ethics of the City of Mount Vernon (Romall Smalls - commencing on June 14, 2023, and expiring on June 13, 2025). Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: Clerk Walters notes the term is one year. Ending in 2024. Gleason notes staggering of the terms. Changes from two year to one year in 2 places. Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None PERMISSION 12. An ordinance requesting permission for Councilwoman Lisa Copeland to attend the National League of Cities Summit in Atlanta, Georgia (November 16-18, 2023) – (Funds are available in the City Council training and Education Budget A1410.417 for the $725.00 registration fee. The anticipated cost of airline and lodging should not exceed $1,300.00 and can be satisfied from account code A1010.402). Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: None Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None PERMISSION 13. An ordinance requesting permission for Councilwoman Lisa Copeland to attend the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference in Washington D.C. - September 20-24, 2023. Taking AMTRAK down $230.00 roundtrip and staying four (4) nights in the hotels which is approximately $350.00 per night with incidentals for a total cost of $2,100.00. Funds are available in City Council Education and Training Account Code 1010.407). Page 4 City Council Meeting Agenda June 14, 2023 HELD FROM THE FLOOR BY COPELAND DUE TO CONFLICT PERMISSION 14. An ordinance requesting permission for City Council President Danielle Browne to attend the City Summit 2023 Conference in Atlanta, Georgia (November 15-18, 2023. Funds not to exceed $2,000.00 will be satisfied as follows: registration cost for this conference is $725.00 per person, are to be expensed to Account Code A1010.417, Education / Training. Airline transportation is $320.00, and the cost of lodging is $890.00, including incidental expenses incurred, both to be expensed to Account Code A1010.402, Travel Expense). Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: Response: None. Ayes: BROWNE, GLEASON AND POTEAT Nays: COPELAND REQUIRES A SECOND VOTE BECAUSE ONLY 3 COUNCILPERSONS VOTED ON THE ITEM PERMISSION 15. An ordinance requesting permission for the Commissioner of the Department of Public Works to attend the Rebuilding New York Summit – (Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at 36 Battery Place, New York, NY. The cost for this event will not exceed $112.00 and can be satisfied through Budget Code A1490.402, Travel Expense. Reimbursement for travel expenses, meals, incidentals, and miscellaneous expenses is further authorized upon presentment of receipts). Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None RESOLUTION 16. A resolution of the City Council of the City of Mount Vernon, New York recognizing and honoring Congressman Hakeem Jeffries. Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: NONE Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None RESOLUTION 17. A resolution of the City Council of the City of Mount Vernon, New York honoring and commemorating the life and legacy of Nina Simone. Moved by Copeland, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: none Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None Page 5 City Council Meeting Agenda June 14, 2023 HUMAN RESOURCES AMENDMENT 18. An ordinance amending Ordinance No. 16, adopted by the City Council on May 10, 2023, entitled “AN ORDINANCE REQUESTING PERMISSION FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION TO SPONSOR THE FIRST (1st) ANNUAL JUNETEENTH FLAG RAISING EVENT” - [May 10, 2023] Saturday, June 17, 2023, from12:00 p.m. -3:00 p.m. at Hartley Park). Moved by Poteat, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: None Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None PERMISSION 19. An ordinance requesting permission for the CAPP Program (Comprehensive Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention) to host the 3rd Annual “Let Your Colors Shine” on City Hall Plaza - (Thursday, June 22, 2023, rain date: Friday, June 23, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. - Funds for this event are to be accounted for in budget code A7321.458 and will not exceed $3,000.00). Moved by Poteat, Seconded by Gleason On the Question: None Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None PERMISSION 20. An ordinance requesting permission for the Department of Recreation to defund and fund multiple positions with the Department. Moved by Poteat Seconded by Gleason On the Question: None Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None PUBLIC SAFETY AND CODES PERMISSION 21. An ordinance requesting permission to add a Part- time line, reallocate funds within the Salary A3620.101 to support the position and transfer funds within the Department of Buildings. (Transfer of $47,095.00 from A.3620.101 to A3620.104. The 2023 Adopted Budget included $55,000.00 in A.3620.101 for the Temporary Help position.) Moved by Gleason, Seconded by Copeland On the Question: Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None PERMISSION 22. An ordinance requesting permission for the Fire Department to purchase Personal Protective Page 6 City Council Meeting Agenda June 14, 2023 Equipment (“PPE”) using American Rescue Plan funds (“ARPA”). (MES is identified by Sourcewell and is a NY State Contractor -Contract PC 69026. Funds for the aforesaid not to exceed $119,155.59 are available in Budget Line American Rescue H3410.203ARP C929 PHS-004.17.) Moved by Gleason, Seconded by Copeland On the Question: Gleason noted this is 30 pieces of new turnout gear, more durable than in the past. This is a good direction in public safety equipment. Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None PERMISSION 23. An ordinance requesting permission for the Commissioner of the Department of the Department of Buildings to attend the Rebuilding New York Summit – (Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at 36 Battery Place, New York, NY. The cost for this event will not exceed $112.00 and can be satisfied through Budget Code A3620.451, Training. Reimbursement for travel expenses, meals, incidentals, and miscellaneous expenses is further authorized upon presentment of receipts). Moved by Gleason, Seconded by Copeland On the Question: none Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None PERMISSION 24. An ordinance requesting permission for the Comptroller to make payment to Tyler Technologies, Inc. – (Funds in an amount not to exceed $189,432.50 are available through the Department of Public Safety’s Budget Line A3120.416, Technology Upgrades (Leases). Moved by Gleason, Seconded by Copeland On the Question: Gleason noted that DPW, Comptroller’s office and OEM may use this technology. Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None PERMISSION 25. An ordinance requesting permission for two (2) Members of Service of the Department of Public Safety to attend Police Response to Active Shooter Instructor Certification Training - (July 10-13, 2023, in Fishkill, NY. The total cost for this training for two (2) members should not exceed $1,400.00, cost for 4-day course, and can be satisfied from Budget Line A3120.451, Training). Reimbursement for travel expenses, meals, incidentals, and miscellaneous expenses is further authorized upon presentation of receipts. Said reimbursement can be satisfied from Budget Line A3120.458 (Other Expenses). Moved by Gleason, Seconded by Copeland On the Question: none Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None Motion to take a block vote by Gleason, 2nd by Poteat, All ayes. 8:41pm Page 7  City Council Meeting Agenda June 14, 2023 RESOLUTION 26. A resolution of the City Council of the City of Mount Vernon, New York recognizing and honoring Pastor Charles Clayton. RESOLUTION 27. A resolution of the City Council of the City of Mount Vernon, New York recognizing and honoring Apostle Barbara Connell. RESOLUTION 28. A resolution of the City Council of the City of Mount Vernon, New York recognizing and honoring Reverend Troy P. DeCohen. RESOLUTION 29. A resolution of the City Council of the City of Mount Vernon, New York recognizing and honoring Lowes Moore, Jr. RESOLUTION 30. A resolution of the City Council of the City of Mount Vernon, New York recognizing and honoring Patrice Wallace-Moore. Moved by Gleason, Seconded by Copeland On the Question: Gleason noted this was a great event, she wasn’t able to attend but she is excited about the honoring of these dedicated citizens. Response: None. Ayes: All Ayes Nays: None The agenda was completed at 8:42PM. FURTHER BUSINESS: Poteat – (1) please spread the word for the grant application for ARPA funds, and (2) the last public meeting for the comprehensive plan will be on June 29th. DC Jackson amplified soup kitchen grant. Poteat will celebrate birthday June 20th 6-8 raising funds to help local organization YCOP. Browne noted early voting starts June 17th at city hall and the Doles center. Election Day is June 27th. Moton to adjourn by Gleason, second by Poteat. Adjourned 8:46 PM. Submitted Deputy Clerk Jackson 06/14/2023 Page 8