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, June 12, 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 June 12, 2024 A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF THE MOUNT VERNON CITY COUNCIL HELD ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 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.*** 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 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 Thompson 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). CALL TO ORDER / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Pledge of Allegiance lead by Councilmember Derrick Thompson. Page 1 of 13 City Council Meeting Minutes June 12, 2024 PUBLIC COMMENT Wanching Lin, 121 South 9th Ave, Mount Vernon, NY, linsmandarin2010@gmail.com - No show. Council President Gleason - DPW is scheduled to install new signage. Wilma Frank, 239 South Columbus Ave, Mount Vernon, NY - (no cross walk South Columbus Ave & Grandview) Speaker express that this is her third time, presenting this issue to the council. Stated that Councilwoman Browne had called her, but no action has been taken yet. Express that during Mayor Wallace's time in office there was a crosswalk but the white lines has weathered away. Speaker expressed that the crosswalk in front of her property needs repairing and she was informed that the crosswalk in front of her property is her responsibility and she does not agree and the repair should be the city's responsibility. Speaker also address the need to the city streets to be paved and that her car hits major pothole and repair on her $100,000 car would be expensive. Councilman Boxhill- was informed that an engineer will be needed and a more through traffic study has to be done because that is a major intersection. Councilman Thompson - street paving is scheduled in accordance to the underground Con Edison schedule. It would be a waste of expenses to pave a street that ConEd has schedule work to be done in the future and the street would be "chopped up" after street paving. Verna James, 531 East Lincoln Ave, Mount Vernon, NY, - (A community building activity) Speaker invited the council to attend a panel she is promoting on child abuse and domestic violence, she stated that she has reached out to the council and has not received a response on the invitation. The upcoming panel will be experts and she will read excerpts from her books. She expressed that she has been involved with Mount Vernon Library, Yonkers Library, Greenburgh Library and an upcoming event at Mount Pleasant Library. The information of the event is available at Eventbrite. Councilman Thompson - Thanked speaker for the work she is doing and will speak to her about bringing the program into the schools in Mount Vernon. Council president Gleason urged the speaker to email the legislative aid Antoinette Anderson, directly at aanderson@cmvny.com. Nisha Beharie, 10 Chesterwood Ave, Mount Vernon, NY, nishabeharie@gmail.com - (20 Chesterwood Ave - abandon house, vandalism and kids breaking in.) Speaker addressed the property located at 20 Chesterwood Ave, adjacent from her home. Expressed that the home is an eye sore, safety hazard that has been abandoned for about seven years. The property's lawn is tended to, but nothing else, the roof is damaged and a family of raccoons have made a home in the roof and recently had babies. Recently, kids broke into the home, but a neighbor was able to chase them away before they could fully enter the property and go to the upper levels of the home. The home is not safe and the kids could of gotten hurt. Councilman Boxhill - Contacted the buildings department three times on this property, waiting for a response will follow up. Mike Skylar, 72 Southfield Road, Mount Vernon, NY (Ongoing illegal party house) Speaker addressed the property located at 63 Southfield Road. He has pictures of thugs and teenagers having late night house parties at that property. Bottles and garbage are littered all over after the parties and the speaker made claims of prostitution and other illegal activity going on at the property. Speaker stated that police have been called, they come to the property but the partying continues after the police leaves. Speaker stated that Zoning Law only prohibits one boarder and that the property being used as an Airbnb is illegal. Speaker wants the certificate of occupancy revoked. Councilman Thompson - will check on the owner and current violations on the property. Page 2 of 13 City Council Meeting Minutes June 12, 2024 Denise Figueroa, 72 Southfield Road, Mount Vernon, NY (Ongoing illegal party house) Speaker expressed the same property and sentiment as speaker #5 and that the owner of the property is never around. Speaker further elaborated that her grandchildren do not have good experiences and can't sleep visiting her because of the named property. Council president Gleason - will reach out to the PD and was apologetic that her grandchildren do not have a good experience visiting her because of this property being a public nuisance. Leslie Cajas (virtual) & Marisol Pence (no show), 3295 Sawmill River Road, Yonkers, NY, lesliecajas18@gmail.com -(Unsafe parking at lot #8 North 3rd Ave & East Sidney Ave, elevator does not work, no police control inside or outside parking lot) Speaker explained that she is a member of Xtreme Fitness, a gym located on Gramatan Ave. Free parking for the gym members is on the third floor of the parking lot and that the lot is unsafe, dark, dank, smells of urine and littered with used condoms on the floor. Speaker expressed that the lot needs repair and policing. She does not feel safe using the lot. Council president Gleason - DPW is in process of doing a full assessment of the lot because for years it has been overlooked, there are plans for an engineer and major improvements in the future. Thomas Keller, 12 Pasadena Place, Mount Vernon, NY - (Real estate transfer tax and gas blower/landscape) Speaker stated that contractors do not go the buildings department to get permits or they slip money to the staff for permits to go through. Speaker address a concern with Tim Allen in communications. Speaker stated that on the city website only five landscapers are listed as having gas leaf blower permits. Speaker urged the city to purchase devices to measure sound decibels. Speaker question if staff that attends trainings have to write a report that would be available for the public to view. Speaker questioned the Mayor's request for two thousand dollars advance for a social event, also questions the council president who also attended the same event how that trip was funded. Speaker questioned ARPA funded positions on how they will be budgeted once the ARPA funds run out. Counilman Boxhill - Code/ordiance enforcement officers are needed. Council President Gleason- I paid for the event with my own personal money. Jason Fava, 870 Gramatan Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY (Complete Veterans Park on Scotch Bridge South 11th Avenue & 1st Avenue) Speaker discussed the unfinished veterans park. Speaker expressed that he can't get a meeting with the mayor and will not stop addressing the council on completing the park because veterans deserve to be memorialized. Councilman Boxhill- Was not aware there was a veterans park, but will follow up. Council president Gleason - will reach out and see if discretionary funds can be used at that park. REFERRAL SESSION Roll Call administered by City Clerk Tanesia M. Walters PRESENT: Councilmember Jaevon Boxhill, Councilmember Edward Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Derrick Thompson, and President Cathlin Gleason ABSENT: Pro Tempore Danielle Browne Esq. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES AND ACTION THEREON Page 3 of 13 City Council Meeting Minutes June 12, 2024 To the Council: The LEGISLATION AND PUBLIC WORKS Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled legislation: () 1. TMP -645 Code: LPW Attachments: Grace Baptist Sankofa Fair.pdf FD Response Grace Sankofa Fair.pdf PD Response Grace Sankofa Fair.pdf DPW Response Grace Sankofa Fair.pdf Moved: Councilmember Boxhill, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson On the question: none Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: Pro Tempore Browne () 2. TMP -646 Code: LPW Attachments: Grace Baptist 5K.pdf PD Response Grace 5K Walk.pdf DPW Response Grace 5K Walk.pdf Moved: Councilmember Boxhill, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson On the question: none Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: Pro Tempore Browne Page 4 of 13 City Council Meeting Minutes June 12, 2024 () 3. TMP -647 Code: LPW Attachments: Unity Baptist Church.pdf DPW Response Unity Baptist.pdf FD Response Unity Baptist.pdf PD Response Unity Baptsit.pdf Moved: Councilmember Boxhill, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson On the question: Council President Gleason - Support churches and programs. Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: Pro Tempore Browne () 4. TMP -651 Code: LPW Attachments: MV Classic Car Club.pdf FD Response Classic Car Show.pdf PD Response Classic Car Show.pdf DPW Response Classic Car Show.pdf Moved: Councilmember Boxhill, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson On the question: none Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: Pro Tempore Browne Page 5 of 13 City Council Meeting Minutes June 12, 2024 () 5. TMP -611 Code: LPW Attachments: DPW Pre Fab Referral Letter.pdf Moved: Councilmember Boxhill, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson On the question: Council President Gleason - This is a board of health issue and necessary. Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: Pro Tempore Browne () 6. TMP -639 Code: LPW Attachments: Rec: amended city fest.pdf Moved: Councilmember Boxhill, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson On the question: none Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: Pro Tempore Browne To the Council: The HUMAN RESOURCES Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled legislation: Page 6 of 13 City Council Meeting Minutes June 12, 2024 () 7. TMP -622 Code: HR Attachments: SRAEP 2024 Referral Letter .pdf 2024 SRAEP Award letter - Mount Vernon.pdf Moved: Councilmember Thompson, Seconded: Councilmember Poteat On the question: none Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: Pro Tempore Browne () 8. TMP -623 Code: HR Attachments: Pride Event.pdf PD Pride Response.pdf Moved: Councilmember Thompson, Seconded: Councilmember Poteat On the question: none Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: Pro Tempore Browne () 9. TMP -655 Moved: Councilmember Thompson, Seconded: Councilmember Poteat On the question: Council President Gleason - Thirty-seven years with Mount Vernon Daycare Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Page 7 of 13 City Council Meeting Minutes June 12, 2024 Nay: None Absent: Pro Tempore Browne To the Council: The PUBLIC SAFETY AND CODES Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled legislation: () 10. TMP -518 Code: PSC Attachments: Lease Referral Letter 6 Gramatan Moved: Councilmember Poteat, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson On the question: none Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: Pro Tempore Browne () 11. TMP -601 Code: PSC Attachments: Retroactive Firearms Instructor Moved: Councilmember Poteat, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson On the question: Council President Gleason - Normally we do not approve anything items that are retroactive, but the event was free and an error has been made. Leadership has advised supervisors and staff. Councilmember Poteat - There have been a lot of retro's, hopefully this is the last time. Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: Pro Tempore Browne Page 8 of 13 City Council Meeting Minutes June 12, 2024 () 12. TMP -649 Code: PSC Attachments: Amend Position Title Personnel Specialist Moved: Councilmember Poteat, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson On the question: none Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: Pro Tempore Browne () 13. TMP -633 Code: PSC Attachments: Reimbursement for RBT Expenses Moved: Councilmember Poteat, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson On the question: none Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: Pro Tempore Browne () 14. TMP -652 Code: PSC Attachments: DCJS Tech Grant Referral Letter Moved: Councilmember Poteat, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson On the question: none Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Page 9 of 13 City Council Meeting Minutes June 12, 2024 Nay: None Absent: Pro Tempore Browne () 15. TMP -653 Code: PSC Attachments: A+ Technology Camera Referral Letter Moved: Councilmember Poteat, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson On the question: Council President Gleason - Company is on state contract and they received three quotes. Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: Pro Tempore Browne () 16. TMP -657 Code: PSC Attachments: Gun Range RFP Referral Letter Moved: Councilmember Poteat, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson On the question: Council President Gleason - It is so important for training for the Police Department to be at a Mount Vernon site. Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: Pro Tempore Browne To the Council: The FINANCE AND PLANNING Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled legislation: Page 10 of 13 City Council Meeting Minutes June 12, 2024 () 17. TMP -541 Code: FP Attachments: Asst.Commissioner.Community.Dev.Referral.4.3.24.pdf Moved: Councilmember Boxhill, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson On the question: Council President Gleason - Are all the concerns satisfied? Response: Councilmember Boxhill - The permanency of the position was questioned and the position will end when the Grant money runs out or the Grant is re-funded. Councilmember Thompson - It is an average of two years that Grants are funded. The Mayor can budget to keep the position or another Grant has to be procured. adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: Pro Tempore Browne ADD-ON To the Council: The PUBLIC SAFETY AND CODES Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled legislation: () 18. TMP -658 Code: PSC Attachments: REFFERAL.pdf Moved: Councilmember Poteat, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson On the question: Council President Gleason - I just want to let the city know that precautions were taken to protect the seniors during this demolition. Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: Pro Tempore Browne Page 11 of 13 City Council Meeting Minutes June 12, 2024 To the Council: The LEGISLATION AND PUBLIC WORKS Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled legislation: (Request approving the 19. TMP -660 Specifications for Third-Party Claims Administration Services) Attachments: Referral Letter - Request approving the specifications for th claims administration services.pdf Moved: Councilmember Poteat, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson On the question: none Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: Pro Tempore Browne OTHER BUSINESS/CLOSING COMMENTS Councilmember Poteat- June is my favorite month. Not only because it's my birthday month, but because it is Pride month. Please join us on June 14th at City Hall for our Pride month celebration. Councilmember Thompson - June 19th is our Juneteenth celebration walk to Hartley Park Clerk Walters - Early voting starts on June 15th until June 23rd at City Hall in the Memorial Room and at the Doles Center. Councilmember Thompson - Exercise your right to vote. I give rides as well as the Youth and Recreation Department to take people to vote. approved Motion to Adjourn Moved: Council President Gleason, Seconded: Councilmember Poteat approved Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: Pro Tempore Browne Page 12 of 13 City Council Meeting Minutes June 12, 2024 There being no other further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:31 p.m. Nicole Bonilla, MBA Deputy City Clerk Page 13 of 13