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 26, 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 26, 2024 A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF THE MOUNT VERNON CITY COUNCIL HELD ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 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, Acting Pro Tempore Derrick Thompson, and President Cathlin Gleason ABSENT: Pro Tempore Danielle Browne Esq. REMOTE: Councilmember Edward Poteat 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 Pledge of Allegiance lead by Deputy City Clerk Bonilla. 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 18 City Council Meeting Minutes June 26, 2024 PUBLIC COMMENT Christopher Goad, 2 Gramatan Ave, Mount Vernon, NY - ("Regarding 230 South 3rd Avenue) - No show at 7:08 pm & 7:22 pm Sonya P. Murray, 151 Summit Ave, Mount Vernon, NY - ("City problems, street lights, hospital, stop signs, homelesness, need more more help!) - No show at 7:08 pm & 7:22 pm Sabrina Powell, 28 East 1st Street, Mount Vernon, NY - ("Food Truck") No show at 7:08pm (speaker spoke at 7:22pm) Speaker spoke of a food truck that operates every weekend. The challenge is the parking near Hartley park. Food truck serves between 4:30pm to 6pm. Speaker has a suggestion to have the option to serve inside of Hartley park. Speaker would clean up after the food truck and would like suggestions on fundraising ideas from the council. Councilmember Boxhill- sounds like something we can look into. I will speak to recreation and DPW to see if we can accommodate. Councilmember Thompson- Only parking needed for serving we can speak with council with police and DPW. Because we have had events where food truck drive into the park. Councilmember Poteat- recreation would probably have to be the first point of contact. Council President Gleason- Not sure if it’s legal for you to block off those spaces, but we can move it into the park. Mary Harris, No address given, Mount Vernon, NY - ("City property use by the community) No show at 7:08 pm & 7:24 pm Thomas Keller, 12 Pasadena Place, Mount Vernon, NY - ("Landscaper enforcement) Speaker addressed gas powered leaf blowers. Registrations are running out and not being removed. -A report should be written up when staff go on training trips, including the mayor. -Wakanda celebration use of Traphagen school and co-sponsored by the city. The mayor wants to charge the school district $30K for the use of Memorial field. -Wagstaff’s involvement in a scam. Received an email $375K to discipline police officers. BOE must of approved this. It’s a waste of money. Councilmember Boxhill- I agree with the reports Councilmember Thompson- everyone who utilizes the field pays for the fees for that event, no matter who it is. Whether it’s police/fire, etc. There are 16 public schools, 2 charter schools and 1 board of education building (named all the school and the street as located). Councilmember Poteat- The field cost the city $700-$800k per year, and we want to make sure that the field does not only cost the tax payers of Mount Vernon. We make sure to recoup that maintenance and upkeep cost. Proud of the campaign of Wagstaff, he should be DA but he was not elected and he is a very standup guy. Council President Gleason- Yes, I did send an email out in support of Wagstaff, I think he is a great attorney. I agree with landscaping permits. I would like to direct police and dpw to write tickets. Sarah-Lois Matthew, 115 South 4th Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY - (Parking lot #1 on 2nd Street & 5th Ave) Speaker addressed Municipal city lot #1, the price has increased to $100 per month, However, no improvements have been made. Cars have been damaged and my car has been broke into twice. There are no other options for us, so we have to use the lot. I also have permit parking and on Sundays it is Page 2 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes June 26, 2024 hard to find parking. Grace Baptist Church members are using the lot and parking in permit parking spaces. We have tried speaking to the Church and no none helps. Councilmember Boxhill- we should have upgrades, stay on top of us. Councilmember Thompson- parking for parking permits, but not getting an allotted spots, that’s odd. The city has to assign spots to people, especially when you live close to the lot. I understand parking is an issue in Mount Vernon. Councilmember Poteat- I will speak with my contact at Grace Baptist’s Pastor. Council President Gleason- We are under a comprehensive review with all the garages, spoke with DPW on June 12th, waiting for a report. It’s a major project, next step is securing funds. Unfortunately, it’s not happening quickly because of how government works. Ask Clerk Walters to call Grace Baptist and remind them not to park in permit lots. Executive Session 7:43 pm To conduct interviews for the Economic Development Task Force Moved: Councilmember Boxhill, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson go into Executive Session Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: Pro Tempore Browne Exit Executive Session 8:11pm Moved: Councilmember Thompson, Seconded: Councilmember Boxill approved Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: Pro Tempore Browne 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. Page 3 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes June 26, 2024 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 -691 Code: LPW Attachments: NCL Referral Letter.pdf Draft National Civic League Revision Process.pdf Examples of Charter-Related Efforts of the National Civic Procurement Justification - NCL.pdf Moved: Councilmember Boxhill, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson On the question: Council President Gleason - not going out for bid because they reached out to everyone and only one company could fit the bill. Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: Pro Tempore Browne () 2. TMP -597 Code: LPW Attachments: VXRAIL RFP City Council Referral.pdf Moved: Councilmember Boxhill, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson On the question:Commissioner Perez-The contract expired and we want to renew with Dell but was told we needed an RFP. Since then I have had service calls, the quote was almost the total cost to renew the contract. We would like to renew for the year and still go out for RFP for a contract to start April 2025. Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Page 4 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes June 26, 2024 Nay: None Absent: Pro Tempore Browne () 3. TMP -640 Code: LPW Attachments: Comm Vehicle Referral Letter.pdf Moved: Councilmember Boxhill, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson On the question: Council President Gleason-council requested other quotes for other vehicles, there is a nominal fee but this vehicle is available. DPW went to other dealers to find a comparable vehicle and get pricing. Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: Pro Tempore Browne () 4. TMP -634 Code: LPW Attachments: Resurfacing of Various Streets in the City of Mount Vernon Moved: Councilmember Boxhill, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson On the question: Council President Gleason-This is the end of the paving contract and to continue we have to out for bid. Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: Pro Tempore Browne Page 5 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes June 26, 2024 () 5. TMP -654 Code: LPW Attachments: Request for Approval to enter into contractual agreement w Woodard and Curran Letter.pdf Moved: Councilmember Boxhill, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson On the question: Council President Gleason-Is this for the roof at the Police Department? Response: Councilmember Poteat- DPW works hard and are overwhelmed and about $20 million worth of work needed at city buildings, DPW thinks its best to hire an outside consultant to come up with scopes of work, so the bids are accurate. The vendor will also help with the city being HUD complaint. adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: Pro Tempore Browne () 6. TMP -656 Code: LPW Attachments: Crown Waterproofing 2024.pdf Moved: Councilmember Boxhill, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson On the question: Council President Gleason - My vote is nay because this is retroactive work. Mayor Patterson-Howard - it was passed by the council on Oct 11, 2023, it was sent back by BOE because of the wrong budget code. It is not retroactive work. We could not correct on the floor of BOE because it was a budget code. Email has been sent. Response: Council President Gleason - My vote will still be the same until I can review the email. *needs a second vote to pass held Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Councilmember Poteat, and Acting Pro Tempore Thompson Nay: President Gleason Absent: Pro Tempore Browne Page 6 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes June 26, 2024 () 7. TMP -661 Code: LPW Attachments: Referral Letter.pdf Moved: Councilmember Boxhill, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson On the question: Council President Gleason-This is at no cost to Mount Vernon, everything is covered. Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: Pro Tempore Browne () 8. TMP -662 Attachments: City Council - RFP Engineering Services - Police Departm Replacement.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 () 9. TMP -678 Attachments: Request for Permission to Release an RFP for City Wide Im Lidar Scan.pdf Moved: Councilmember Boxhill, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson On the question: Councilmember Thompson -(read the referral letter aloud) Response: none adopted Page 7 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes June 26, 2024 Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: Pro Tempore Browne () 10. TMP -638 Code: LPW Attachments: Wakanda Co Sponsor.pdf PD Response Wakanda 2024.pdf PD Response 2.pdf Moved: Councilmember Boxhill, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson On the question: Councilmember Boxhill - They are requesting auxiliary. Councilmember Thompson- did we get information on if they were utilizing school safety? Response: Councilmember Boxhill - I do not have that information. Council President Gleason - They should provide the auxiliary officers with a stipend, because these duties are outside of City work and they should be compensated. adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: Pro Tempore Browne () 11. TMP -565 Code: LPW Attachments: buddy white.pdf PD Response.pdf Moved: Councilmember Boxhill, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson On the question: Council President Gleason-this is a great event and I hope Mount Vernon comes out. Response: Councilmember Thompson- This event is usually done at the Doles Center. Mount Vernon Proud Day, not to be confused with Pride Day. The event is not LGBTQ+ related. The event is for people either born, raised or reside in Mount Vernon. Everything is free, food, drinks, icy's everything. The colors are burgundy and gold. adopted Page 8 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes June 26, 2024 Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: Pro Tempore Browne () 12. TMP -685 Code: LPW Attachments: Mayoral Charter Rev Comm. Apptmnts.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 () 13. TMP -686 Code: LPW Attachments: Charter Rev Comm Apptmnt.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 9 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes June 26, 2024 () 14. TMP -687 Code: LPW Attachments: Council Charter Rev Appmnts.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: No Items To the Council: The PUBLIC SAFETY AND CODES Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled legislation: () 15. TMP -690 Code: PSC Attachments: Defunding the zombie coordinator position.pdf Moved: Councilmember Poteat, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson On the question: Commissioner Holder-my request are predicated by the state department, we got a report on April 15th with 120 day observation period, which ends in August. There are action items that are inspections that have not been done in the city for over 15 years. This is to get these inspections done in a timely manner and show the state that we are cooperating. Response: none adopted Page 10 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes June 26, 2024 Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: Pro Tempore Browne () 16. TMP -599 Code: PSC Attachments: Tyler Referral Letter Moved: Councilmember Poteat, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson On the question: Councilmember Poteat-there was a discussion on RFP for these services, there are two avenues through our procurement policy that it does not need to go to RFP. Number 1 it’s a professional service and number 2 Tyler is on a state contract. PD has expressed urgency and that there are bad things that will happen without this technology. Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: Pro Tempore Browne () 17. TMP -628 Code: PSC Attachments: Public Safety: Reduce Funding Computer Console Moved: Councilmember Poteat, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson On the question: Council President Gleason-this is also taking officers out of the office and back on the street. Response: Mayor Patterson-Howard-This is an open position and there are salary savings. adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Page 11 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes June 26, 2024 Absent: Pro Tempore Browne () 18. TMP -626 Code: PSC Attachments: CreatePersonnelAssociate Moved: Councilmember Poteat, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson On the question: Council President Gleason-that position was not in the budget, how is it being funded? Response: Mayor Patterson-Howard- There are cops currently in those positions, doing a civilian jobs. We created new positions that were budgeted for. We put those cops back on the streets. There is a shortage in the police department and to pay someone double who does not have HR background. The second position will be funded from the savings. The benefits would be paid from the benefits line as a standard employee. Will be in the budget for next year. We are short about 30 police, we have money in the budget. We have 160 police and we should be at 208. adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: Pro Tempore Browne Page 12 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes June 26, 2024 () 19. TMP -629 Code: PSC Attachments: Referral Letter - CRime Analyst Crime Analyst Ordinance Moved: Councilmember Poteat, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson On the question: Councilmember Poteat- If it's the pleasure of council, I would like have someone from PD explain the changes. Response: Council President Gleason- that is a great idea. Anytime a commissioner has anything on the agenda, they should be in attendance. Mayor Patterson-Howard - this is not a restructuring, the position has been budgeted as entry level, the person selected has over ten years as a CSEA employee, over ten years, automatically go to top step of that position. This is a stand contracted agreement with the union. This is to add the additional funding for that contract. We have a seasoned civilian being promoted. adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: Pro Tempore Browne () 20. TMP -630 Code: PSC Attachments: Referral Letter - Records Clerk Moved: Councilmember Poteat, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson On the question: Council President Gleason- this is a civil service situation. Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: Pro Tempore Browne Page 13 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes June 26, 2024 () 21. TMP -684 Code: PSC Attachments: National Night Out Letter Signed By Capt.pdf Moved: Councilmember Poteat, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson On the question: Councilmember Poteat-This is one of my favorite events all year. We should let the public know when it is. Response: Councilmember Thompson- The event is August 6th at Hartley Park. 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: () 22. TMP -648 Code: FP Attachments: Comp Plan BRS Contract 2024 Referral Letter 6_20.pdf BRS - CUA Proposal Mt Vernon NY Planning Consultant 4JUNE24.pdf DRAFT BRS Contract.6.20.24.pdf BRS - CUA Proposal Mt Vernon NY Planning Consultant 4JUNE24.pdf Moved: Councilmember Boxhill, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson On the question: Commissioner Holder - because of the time constraints this situation falls under the procurement exemption so we can get the process started. Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Page 14 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes June 26, 2024 Absent: Pro Tempore Browne ADD-ON To the Council: The FINANCE AND PLANNING Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled legislation: () 23. TMP -694 Code: FP Attachments: Referral Letter - Revised ARPA Budget for 2024.pdf ARPA.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 PUBLIC SAFETY AND CODES Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled legislation: () 24. TMP -696 Code: PSC Attachments: DOB Referral - Fee Schedule MultiDwelling Inspections_ J 2024.pdf Moved: Councilmember Poteat, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson On the question: Commissioner Holder- we researched surrounding municipalities to be on par and update the fees. Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Page 15 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes June 26, 2024 Absent: Pro Tempore Browne () 25. TMP -697 Code: Mayors Office and Patterson-Howard Attachments: Labella Referral Letter.pdf REFERRAL Letter-Legislation.pdf Moved: Councilmember Poteat, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson On the question: Council President Gleason- this company has the experience, the bandwidth and means to complete this project. Commissioner Holder -We do not have the resources internally to do multiple dwelling and all the other permits and inspections. Council President Gleason- Who is in the office to monitor the fees and make sure it does not go over? Response: Commissioner Holder- The 2nd deputy, also requesting an additional clerk.we have been in contact with Labella on the roll out and use of our OpenGov system. They are ready to start within 2 to 3 weeks. They have 5 state certified inspectors. Council President Gleason- concern I have is, there is no sunset time, that I have requested for. I don’t want to get in the habit of just using this company and not going out for bid. City Council - we reviewed the procurement 6C an 6D, we are going to have get a detailed breakdown with a time frame. Councilmember Boxhill- how do we ensure that these inspectors are not running up the hours? CH- generally a Multi-dwelling takes about 90 minutes. The 2nd Deputy will be on it, and we will audit. Councilmember Poteat- RFP will be issued, when? Commissioner Holder- November 2024 Councilmember Poteat- We would like to move it up from Nov to Sept. Commissioner Holder- Labella is aware that there will be an RFP. adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: Pro Tempore Browne Page 16 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes June 26, 2024 To the Council: The LEGISLATION AND PUBLIC WORKS Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled legislation: () 26. TMP -705 Code: LPW Attachments: Referral VxRail Support Contract Payment City Hall and P ARPA Budget Code H1680.203.C927 (rev.6.26.24).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 OTHER BUSINESS/CLOSING COMMENTS Councilmember Thomson- we are in the summer months, there are only meeting for July and August, the second Wednesday of each month. Councilmember Boxhill- promote young professionals gala, this Saturday, June 29th at Radisson Plaza at New Rochelle, $165 per ticket. Council President Gleason- Council woman Browne will be honored at that event, I am unable to go, but I sponsored another person to attend. Motion to adjourn. Moved: Councilmember Thompson, Seconded: Councilmember Poteat approved Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: Pro Tempore Browne Page 17 of 18 City Council Meeting Minutes June 26, 2024 There being no other further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m. Nicole Bonilla, MBA Deputy City Clerk Page 18 of 18