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, July 10, 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 July 10, 2024 A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF THE MOUNT VERNON CITY COUNCIL HELD ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 10, 2024 Scheduled for 7:00 pm in the Memorial Room City Hall, Mount Vernon, New York. *** This meeting was held in the Memorial Room, with virtual participation via ZOOM and CMVNY Facebook. The meeting was not closed to the public.*** PRESIDING: Danielle Browne, Acting Council 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 Acting Council President Danielle Browne 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”. Acting Council President Browne 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 scheduled presentations. First from The Youth Bureau, then from Con-Edison. PRESENTATIONS Presentation from the Youth Bureau: Executive Director Debbie Burrell-Butler Mount Vernon’s first pilot Aviation Program’s five participants spoke in front of the city council in 4 person and 1 remote. A video was shown. Executive Director Burrell-Butler spoke about the upcoming Gala, the proceeds will go towards vulnerable youth who want to pursue programs technical and trade school and not necessarily go to a traditional four year school. 7/24 at the Greentree located in New Rochelle. Presentation from Con Edison: Mount Vernon Pilot Project Utility Thermal Energy Networks Build a new building at the fire station 7th Ave and W 3rd St. Clean energy, fossil fuel free to pilot 76 targeted buildings including homes, churches, Doles Center, health center and fire station. Page 1 of 14 City Council Meeting Minutes July 10, 2024 PUBLIC COMMENT Christopher Goad, 2 Gramatan Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY - ("Regarding 230 South 3rd Avenue) 8:40 pm (Virtual) A property taken back in REM and sold. In the city’s ownership for the past 12 years, with nothing being done with it. Questioned how many other properties are in the same situation, taken without proper procedure done? His father’s property was taken by the city without notice, sold at auction and never transferred. Willing to pay back taxes to reclaim the property. I've been in contact with corporation council. Councilmember Boxhill- Sorry about your fathers passing, I do remember that property. They forfeited the deposit because they did not close, the city returned the money. At all those properties, there was about 8-10 years of taxes not being paid. It is a legal question regarding which mortgage came first. Councilmember Thompson-I’ll check with corporation council as well as comptroller and assessor. Councilmember Poteat-I will piggyback on Council member Boxhill and corporation council, to see if it was correctly disposed of. Councilmember Gleason-condolences to your father. The real estate committee is looking into your concerns, it is being investigated. Council will be reminiscent to comment until the investigation is complete. There are many different administrations involved. I will follow up. Egypt Allen, No address given, Mount Vernon, NY - ("This is first amendment right to petition the government the right to address grievances to seek and address not fear of reprisal or punishment. I want to know the position of City Hall (People's House) why & if the residents or constituents be denied the right to speak before the City Council") 8:46 pm No Show Vernon James & Lititia Gottshe, No address given, Mount Vernon, NY, Email: innertrinity2022@gmail.com ("Community time capsule") (Virtual) Councilmember Thompson - you’re already partnered with the city Councilmember Gleason- excited about the time capsule and to see what those children wrote. Acting Council President Browne- Excited about your event on the 18th. Delores Mack, 55-V Enrbar Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY ("Betterment of Mount Vernon) No show 8:33pm & 8:46pm Ray Hollingsworth-Falu, 237 Magnolia Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY ("Real estate proposal to buy city properties") Speaker gave to city clerk a copy of the proposal to put into record. Speaker is requesting city council to change the law on how the city dispose of properties. The proposal is a way to solve the city’s problem and to address other problems for the city of Mount Vernon. Referenced page 4 & 5 of the proposal. Councilmember Boxhill- I agree with you, I was present at the 2016 auction, I conducted it. It was a packed room 80-90 paddles, the news was present. It was not open to city employees, unless they don’t have any influence, they should be allowed to bid at auctions. It can be updated. We can have further discussion. Councilmember Thompson- My hope is to have every property in Mount Vernon that is vacant to give it back to Mount Vernon residents. When you collect a paycheck from Mount Vernon and take it somewhere else it does not benefit the city. We need to have more discussion on how to make that happen. Councilmember Poteat-marketing to the widest group possible will raise the price and be beneficial to the city. I hope they take your feedback. Page 2 of 14 City Council Meeting Minutes July 10, 2024 Councilmember Gleason-Thank you for being here, We need to get everyone involved with those city owned properties. Acting Council President Browne- the proposal is interesting. Asked speaker to come to the microphone. What other municipalities? Peekskill and Newburg. Commission from real estate broker agents? Yes What is the advantages to the Mount Vernon resident? We want to drive the price up. How does affordability is maintained? The property is market-rate for the winning bidder. Speaker- the properties have 5 different options. Working with brokers will address the specific issue happening in the market, corporations are purchasing properties and out bidding people. I would like to read it over and meet with you. 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 -717 Code: LPW Attachments: MVPL Comic Expo Application.pdf DPW Response MVPL Comic Expo.pdf FD Response MVPL Comic Expo.pdf PD Response MVPL Comic Expo.pdf Moved: Councilmember Boxhill, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson 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 3 of 14 City Council Meeting Minutes July 10, 2024 () 2. TMP -656 Code: LPW Attachments: Crown Waterproofing 2024.pdf Moved: Councilmember Boxhill, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson On the question: Councilmember Boxhill-this is not retroactive, it was approved by the council. It was held at BOE because of the wrong budget code. Response: Acting Council President Browne-I am going to abstain because I do not know the full story. adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Councilmember Poteat, and Acting Pro Tempore Thompson Nay: President Gleason Absent: None Abstain: Pro Tempore Browne () 3. TMP -692 Code: LPW Attachments: Resurfacing of Various Streets in the City of Mount Vernon Moved: Councilmember Boxhill, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson On the question: Councilmember Gleason-To clarify, this is the final payment and there will be a new bid. Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: None Page 4 of 14 City Council Meeting Minutes July 10, 2024 () 4. -TMP -693 Code: LPW Attachments: Bridge Project Referral.pdf Bridge Project Resolution.pdf Moved: Councilmember Boxhill, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson On the question: Counilmember Gleason-There was a question raised at the last meeting as to which bridge? Response: Acting Council President Browne-It is the East 3rd street bridge and it is the correct budget code. adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, and Acting Pro Tempore Thompson Nay: President Gleason Absent: None () 5. TMP -701 Code: LPW Attachments: RFP to Establish citywide Electric Vehicle and Plug in Hyb Moved: Councilmember Boxhill, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson 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 5 of 14 City Council Meeting Minutes July 10, 2024 () 6. TMP -710 Code: LPW Attachments: Various Public Works Construction Equipment Rentals.pdf Moved: Councilmember Boxhill, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson On the question: Councilmember Gleason-Question regarding why is there a performance bond? Response: Acting Council President Browne - Commissioner Bush sent an email explaining that there aren't only rentals in this agreement, that is why there is a performance bond required. adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: None () 7. TMP -711 Code: LPW Attachments: City Council HVAC Replacement-Declared Emergency.pd Moved: Councilmember Boxhill, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson On the question: Acting Council President Browne-The Mayor should have declared this an emergency, so we know for future references. Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: None Page 6 of 14 City Council Meeting Minutes July 10, 2024 () 8. TMP -714 Code: LPW Attachments: Arcadis - Amendment #3.pdf Moved: Councilmember Boxhill, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson On the question: Councilmember Gleason-For clarification, this third extension can be done per the contract with Arcadis? Response: Corporation Council Powell - Yes. adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: None () 9. TMP -718 Code: LPW Attachments: RFP for Upgrades to Edison Ave Pump Station.pdf Moved: Councilmember Boxhill, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson 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 -719 Code: LPW Attachments: Transfer of Funds for S,. Fulton Bridge BIN 2225220.pdf Moved: Councilmember Boxhill, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson On the question: none Response: none adopted Page 7 of 14 City Council Meeting Minutes July 10, 2024 Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: None To the Council: The HUMAN RESOURCES Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled legislation: () 11. TMP -708 Code: HR Attachments: ncp leg letter.pdf Moved: Councilmember Thompson, Seconded: 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 -709 Code: HR Attachments: Recreation- NYP Moved: Councilmember Thompson, Seconded: 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 Page 8 of 14 City Council Meeting Minutes July 10, 2024 To the Council: The PUBLIC SAFETY AND CODES Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled legislation: () 13. TMP -699 Code: PSC Attachments: ARPA Funds Transfer Referral Letter Moved: Councilmember Poteat, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson 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 -698 Code: PSC Attachments: SecureWatch Referral Letter Moved: Councilmember Poteat, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson On the question: Councilmember Poteat - I have been having miscommunication with PD. I've request Commissioner Gibson to join the meeting and explain everything with the software and the staffing with PD. Response: Councilmember Boxhill - This software is necessary, because without this, PD is incurring OT because of the reporting that needs to be done at the end of the shift. adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: None Page 9 of 14 City Council Meeting Minutes July 10, 2024 To the Council: The FINANCE AND PLANNING Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled legislation: No Items ADD-ON To the Council: The LEGISLATION AND PUBLIC WORKS Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled legislation: () 15. TMP -730 Code: LPW Attachments: Ketty Floyd TBDS.pdf DPW Response Ketty Floyd Eastchester Lane.pdf Fire Response Ketty Floyd Eastchester Lane.pdf PD Response for Eastchester Lane.pdf Moved: Councilmember Boxhill, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson On the question: Councilmember Poteat - What is the address? Councilmember Gleason-Is this a rain date? Response: Councilmember Boxhill - Between 10th & 11th Ave. Acting Council President Browne-This is two days of events. adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: None Page 10 of 14 City Council Meeting Minutes July 10, 2024 () 16. TMP -731 Code: LPW Attachments: Hilltop Application.pdf DPW Hilltop Response.pdf FD Hilltop Response.pdf PD Response Hilltop.pdf Moved: Councilmember Boxhill, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson On the question: Councilmember Thompson-This is a Hilltop event, that has been taking place for the past three years. For safety purposes, it has been requested to have that portion of the block closed off. It is a great space for this event. Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: None () 17. TMP -732 Code: LPW Attachments: Johan S. Powell, Esq. Resolution.pdf Moved: Councilmember Boxhill, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson 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 11 of 14 City Council Meeting Minutes July 10, 2024 () 18. TMP -733 Code: LPW Attachments: NYCOM Fall Training.pdf Moved: Councilmember Boxhill, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson 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 12 of 14 City Council Meeting Minutes July 10, 2024 () 19. TMP -734 Code: PSC Attachments: DOCUMENTDIGITALIZATION.pdf Mt Vernon C Phase 1 BF proposal 5-30-24.pdf Mt Vernon C Phase 2 BF proposal 5-30-24.pdf Mt Vernon C Phase 3 BF proposal 5-30-24.pdf Mt Vernon C Phase 4 BF proposal 5-30-24.pdf Mt Vernon C Phase 5 BF proposal 5-30-24.pdf Mt Vernon C Phase 6 BF proposal 5-30-24.pdf Mount_Vernon Building Department Phase 1 11-23-22_REVISED_nd_JAapp_5.28.24.pdf Mount_Vernon Building Department Phase 4_REVISED_nd_JAapp_5.28.24.pdf NYSID Cover Letter Mount Vernon Building Dept Phase 1 2024.docx Mount_Vernon Building Department Phase 2_REVISED_nd_JAapp_5.28.24.pdf Mount_Vernon Building Department Phase 5_REVISED_nd_JAapp_5.28.24.pdf Mount_Vernon Building Department Phase 3_REVISED_nd_JAapp_5.28.24.pdf Mount_Vernon Building Department Phase 1 11-23-22_REVISED_nd_JAapp_5.28.24.pdf Mount Vernon NY Sole Supplier Letter 5.2024.pdf Moved: Councilmember Poteat, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson On the question: Acting Council President Browne- Explain what we are voting on? Response: Councilmember Poteat - This is a response to the State. Commissioner Holder- Been requesting for a few years, we lost funding, we need it now to digitize files, the state is requesting in terms of record keeping. We are requesting for approval to ebizdocs to collect all the files and digitize them and ICC-CD will put in laserfishe format and put into our OpenGov systems, to eliminate paper files. Councilmember Gleason- Explain the fact that this particular organization is the only company that is able to do this type of work at this capacity Commissioner Holder - The company is also a NYSIR vendor. Acting Council President Browne-Understood, this is the same company currently being used in the Clerk's office. Councilmember Poteat- This is also ARPA funded. Page 13 of 14 City Council Meeting Minutes July 10, 2024 adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and President Gleason Nay: None Absent: None OTHER BUSINESS/CLOSING COMMENTS Councilmember Thompson-Tomorrow July 11th, Westchester Community Health Center will be having men take care of your health 5 to 7pm, to show up to the event. Men don’t go to the doctor as much as women, so this is important to promote. Next month on August 10th, Mount Vernon Proud Day-all residents come together maroon and gold day at Brush park 12 to7pm, everything is free. Sponsored by recreation, city council and clerks office. Councilmember Poteat - Good Neighbor Block Association event on July 27th on S. Lane. Councilmember Boxhill- To piggyback on Councilmember Thompson, men’s health, every Thursday, get checked and screenings free of charge. Tomorrow is special because all us men will be there. Come out support and get your health taken care of. Councilmember Gleason- moment of silence for Judge Dowary, with Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard started drug court. Judge was very respected and shock to the city to pass away. Johan Powell has been a outstanding attorney for city of Mount Vernon. Acting Council President Browne- It is hot outside, stay hydrated and cooling center at Doles center, lookout for our seniors. This is the only City Council meeting in July. 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 9:44 p.m. Nicole Bonilla, MBA Deputy City Clerk Page 14 of 14