City Council

City of Mount Vernon, New York 1 ROOSEVELT SQ. RM. 104 CITY HALL, MOUNT VERNON, NEW YORK 10550 & VIA FACEBOOK.COM/MOUNTVERNONNY Meeting Minutes Wednesday, May 22, 2024 7:00 PM CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS CITY HALL City Council TANESIA M. WALTERS, J.D., M.P.A. City Clerk NICOLE J. BONILLA, M.B.A. Deputy City Clerk City Council Meeting Minutes May 22, 2024 A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF THE MOUNT VERNON CITY COUNCIL HELD ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2024. Scheduled for 7:00 pm in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, Mount Vernon, New York. *** This meeting was held in the City Council Chambers, with virtual participation via ZOOM and CMVNY Facebook. The meeting was not closed to the public.*** PRESENT: Councilmember Jaevon Boxhill, Pro Tempore Danielle Browne Esq., Councilmember Edward Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Derrick Thompson, and President Cathlin Gleason ABSENT: None PRESIDING: Cathlin B. Gleason, President OTHERS: Tanesia M. Walters, City Clerk; Nicole J. Bonilla, Deputy City Clerk; Johan Powell, Deputy Corporation Counsel; Antoinette Anderson, Legislative Aide CALL TO ORDER / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council President Cathlin B. Gleason called the meeting to order and 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 Gleason explained the 3-minute-plus-1 public comment rule. She then asked a Councilperson to lead the council in the Pledge of Allegiance. Council President then proceeded to the Public Speakers session of the evening (listed below as public comment). Page 1 of 11 City Council Meeting Minutes May 22, 2024 PUBLIC COMMENT Kenneth Miller - residing at 447 St. Paul Place, Mount Vernon, NY. Mr. Miller discussed the all night music between 1 Edison St and Dock St. He stated that the music is disturbing all of the neighbors and has been on-going for the past four years. He stated that he represents the Kingsbridge Gardens Block Association. Councilmember Thompson- I was unaware, but I will follow-up. Brush Park is public and I will make sure the music stops on time. Councilmember Poteat-I echo Councilmember Thompson, I will speak with the police department. Councilmember Boxhill - I will also follow up with PD. Councilmember Browne- The committed will speak with PD regarding this nuisance. Council President Gleason - I will ask for PD to speak with you. Ray Hollingsworth-Falu - residing at 237 Magnolia Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY. Mr. Hollingsworth-FLU discussed a request to repeal the transfer tax local #4 for 2023 increase to 1.5% from 1%. Darryl Selsey - 25 Stuyvesant Plaza, Mount Vernon, NY. Mr. Selsey discussed a request to repeal the transfer tax local #4 for 2023 increase to 1.5% from 1%. Mr. Selsey had meetings with Commissioner Morton regarding other ways for the city to generate income. Councilmember Thompson-We need to look into this more and do what is best for the community. Councilmember Poteat-I am in favor of the increase in the transfer tax because the city needs the increase in revenue. Councilmember Boxhill - The increase is comparable to the surrounding cities and municipalities. Councilmember Browne- I agree with you. Owning property leads to generational wealth. Council President Gleason - I want to hear your ideas, I am not against the repeal of the increase. Xavier Dent - "address not provided", Mount Vernon, NY. Mr. Dent discussed parking tickets being issued inconsistently when parking in the construction area at bus stop that is not in use, in front of 231-233 South Fulton Avenue. Councilmember Thompson-I will drive out and review the parking at Monroe & Franklin. Councilmember Poteat-This is a safety issue and I will also review. Councilmember Boxhill - There should be proper signage to show available parking. Councilmember Browne- no comment because the speaker left. Council President Gleason - Speaker left, but I will speak with PD on this topic. Taceisca Watkins (virtual) - "address not provided", Mount Vernon, NY. Ms. Watkins discussed an incident that occurred approximately a week and half ago on Gramatan Avenue with an Amazon delivery driver, whose truck was double parked and blocked her vehicle from leaving. After a confrontation with the delivery driver, Ms. Watkins called the police for assistance and was told, "this is not an emergency, no one can come." Ms. Watkins called the precinct directly and was told the same as the prior phone call. Councilmember Thompson-Sorry to hear about this situation, this is unacceptable. Councilmember Poteat-You are correct in your actions to call the police before an incident happened. Councilmember Boxhill - I will speak with PD to get more information on why this happened to you. Councilmember Browne- This is poor customer service on the part of PD. I will work with PD on getting these officers better trained. Council President Gleason - The police chief is here tonight. Page 2 of 11 City Council Meeting Minutes May 22, 2024 REFERRAL SESSION Roll Call administered by City Clerk, Tanesia M. Walters PRESENT: Councilmember Jaevon Boxhill, Pro Tempore Danielle Browne Esq., Councilmember Edward Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Derrick Thompson, and President Cathlin Gleason ABSENT: None REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES AND ACTION THEREON To the Council: The LEGISLATION AND PUBLIC WORKS Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled legislation: () 1. TMP -613 Code: LPW Attachments: PAC.pdf DPW Response.pdf PD Response.pdf FD PAC Response.pdf Moved: Councilmember Browne, Seconded by Councilmember Boxhill On the question: none. Response: none. adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: None () 2. TMP -608 Code: HR Attachments: summer breeze Concert series Moved: Councilmember Browne, Seconded by Councilmember Boxhill On the question: none. Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Page 3 of 11 City Council Meeting Minutes May 22, 2024 Nay: None Absent: None () 3. TMP -609 Code: LPW Attachments: Recreation- City Fest 2024 Moved: Councilmember Browne, Seconded by Councilmember Boxhill On the question: none. Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: None Motion to change the date to Saturday, June 15, 2024 for item #4. Moved: Councilmember Browne, Seconded: Councilmember Boxhill approved Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: None () 4. TMP -616 Code: LPW Attachments: rolling into 2.pdf Moved: Councilmember Browne, Seconded by Councilmember Boxhill On the question: Council President Gleason - clarification on the date of the date? Response: Council member Browne - Saturday, June 15, 2024. adopted as amended Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: None Page 4 of 11 City Council Meeting Minutes May 22, 2024 To the Council: The HUMAN RESOURCES Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled legislation: () 5. TMP -607 Code: HR Attachments: summer movies.pdf Moved: Councilmember Thompson, Seconded by Councilmember Poteat On the question: none. Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: None () 6. TMP -610 Code: HR Attachments: ncp lou referral letter.pdf Recreation- New City Parks- LOU Moved: Councilmember Thompson, Seconded by Councilmember Poteat On the question: none. Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: None () 7. TMP -614 Code: HR Attachments: REVISED AAMA GRANT LETTER.pdf Moved: Councilmember Thompson, Seconded by Councilmember Poteat On the question: none. Response: none adopted Page 5 of 11 City Council Meeting Minutes May 22, 2024 Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: None () 8. TMP -615 Code: HR Attachments: Rec NRPA leg letter. Meet the Grant Team.pdf Moved: Councilmember Thompson, Seconded by Councilmember Poteat On the question: none. Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: None () 9. TMP -617 Code: HR Attachments: Juneteenth Flag Raising leg letter.pdf Moved: Councilmember Thompson, Seconded by Councilmember Poteat On the question: none. Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: None () 10. TMP -619 Code: HR Attachments: NoSmoking2.pdf Moved: Councilmember Thompson, Seconded by Councilmember Poteat On the question: none. Response: none adopted Page 6 of 11 City Council Meeting Minutes May 22, 2024 Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: None () 11. TMP -582 Code: HR Attachments: Animation _ J Pritchett.pdf Moved: Councilmember Thompson, Seconded by Councilmember Poteat On the question: none. Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: None () 12. TMP -587 Code: HR Attachments: Referral to DC- R4L for 3 people for 3 days.pdf Moved: Councilmember Thompson, Seconded by Councilmember Poteat On the question: none. Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: None To the Council: The PUBLIC SAFETY AND CODES Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled legislation: Page 7 of 11 City Council Meeting Minutes May 22, 2024 () 13. TMP -605 Code: PSC Attachments: Agenda Letter 5-13-24.pdf Moved: Councilmember Poteat, Seconded by Councilmember Browne On the question: none. Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: None () 14. TMP -598 Code: PSC Attachments: GoodConductCertificateReferralLetter Moved: Councilmember Poteat, Seconded by Councilmember Browne On the question: none. Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: None () 15. TMP -600 Code: PSC Attachments: DCJS Defensive Tactics Training Moved: Councilmember Poteat, Seconded by Councilmember Browne On the question: none. Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: None Page 8 of 11 City Council Meeting Minutes May 22, 2024 () 16. TMP -602 Code: PSC Attachments: ATF Fire Investigations Moved: Councilmember Poteat, Seconded by Councilmember Browne On the question: none. Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: None () 17. TMP -603 Code: PSC Attachments: ATF ChiefsConference Moved: Councilmember Poteat, Seconded by Councilmember Browne On the question: none. Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: None () 18. TMP -604 Code: PSC Attachments: MissingPersonsInvestigationTraining Moved: Councilmember Poteat, Seconded by Councilmember Browne On the question: none. Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: None Page 9 of 11 City Council Meeting Minutes May 22, 2024 To the Council: The FINANCE AND PLANNING Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled legislation: (A Resolution of the City Council 19. TMP -621 of the City of Mount Vernon approving Certain Amendments for the previously approved Q West Towers Project) Code: FP Attachments: Resolution for Q West Towers.pdf Councilmember Boxhill - Abstain because he was brought in on the tail-end and does not feel comfortable with voting Moved: Councilmember Poteat, Seconded by Councilmember Browne On the question: none. Response: none adopted Aye: Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: None Abstain: Councilmember Boxhill Enter into Executive Session for an interview Moved: Councilmember Poteat, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson Clerk Walters - There is a clarification for the Fire Department #13, the date is June 3-7, 2024, as stated on the referral letter. Council President Gleason - 1. At the end of the meeting, would like to have a moment of silence for the passing of Janice Gardner and condolences to the Dunkin family. 2. Grew up with a woman named Anna Frank whose husband Matt was a Mount Vernon Police Officer who created the Westchester Blue Foundation. Council member Boxhill - This is the first meeting since the funeral of Jose Centeno's mother, which was on the day after Mother's Day, he is a staple in our community and police department. approved Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Page 10 of 11 City Council Meeting Minutes May 22, 2024 Absent: None End Executive Session Moved: Councilmember Thompson, Seconded: Councilmember Boxhill approved Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: None OTHER BUSINESS/CLOSING COMMENTS Council member Boxhill - Today was DPW day and thank you to all the men and women. Council President Gleason - Moment of silence for Ms. Gardner, Ms.Frank and Ms. Centeno. Motion to adjourn. Moved: Councilmember Thompson, Seconded: Councilmember Poteat approved Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: None There being no other further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:42 p.m. Nicole Bonilla, MBA Deputy City Clerk Page 11 of 11