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, September 25, 2024 7:00 PM CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS CITY HALL City Council TANESIA M. WALTERS, J.D., M.P.A. City Clerk NICOLE BONILLA, M.B.A Deputy City Clerk City Council Meeting Minutes September 25, 2024 A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF THE MOUNT VERNON CITY COUNCIL HELD ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 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 AOTHERS: Tanesia M. Walters, City Clerk; Nicole J. Bonilla, Deputy City Clerk; Antoinette Anderson, Legislative Aide; Johan Powell, Deputy Corporation Counsel. 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). PUBLIC COMMENT REFERRAL SESSION Roll Call administered by City Clerk Tanesia M. Walters PRESENT: Councilmember Jaevon Boxhill, Pro Tempore Danielle Browne Esq., Councilmember Edward Poteat, President Cathlin Gleason, and Derrick Thompson ABSENT: None REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES AND ACTION THEREON Executive Session for Personnel Discussion Went into executive session for personnel discussion at 7:05 PM Exit Executive Session Exited executive session at 8:00 PM To the Council: The LEGISLATION AND PUBLIC WORKS Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled legislation: 1. TMP -922 Code: LPW Attachments: Approval for Municiple Broadband Wi-Fi Solution City Council Sept 25 2024 Revised.pdf Moved: Councilman Browne, Seconded by Councilman Boxhill On the question: none. Response: none. Page 1 of 14 City Council Meeting Minutes September 25, 2024 adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, President Gleason, and Thompson Nay: None Absent: None 2. TMP -813 Code: LPW Attachments: Referral - 2024 Cities United Convening.pdf 2024 Convening Agenda.pdf Moved: Councilman Browne, Seconded by Councilman Boxhill On the question: none. Response: (2nd Vote, Legislation Passes) Councilman Browne: I will not be supporting it because director of constituent services is attending and the conference is not relevant to that position. adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Councilmember Poteat, and Thompson Nay: Pro Tempore Browne, and President Gleason Absent: None 3. TMP -806 Code: LPW Attachments: Transfer of Funds- 8-6-2024.pdf Moved: Councilman Browne, Seconded by Councilman Boxhill On the question: none. Response: none. adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, President Gleason, and Thompson Nay: None Absent: None 4. TMP -884 Code: LPW Attachments: RFP FOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION SERVICES S. FULTON AND EAST THIRD STREET.pdf Appendix A Standard Clauses for NYS Contracts.pdf Moved: Councilman Browne, Seconded by Councilman Boxhill On the question: none. Response: On the legislation it will be amended to remove third street bridge because we do not Page 2 of 14 City Council Meeting Minutes September 25, 2024 have funding for that bridge. adopted as amended Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, President Gleason, and Thompson Nay: None Absent: None 5. TMP -904 Code: LPW Attachments: Emergency Restoration and Mold Abatement -Lincoln Avenue Firehouse.pdf Moved: Councilman Browne, Seconded by Councilman Boxhill On the question: none. Response: Councilman Gleason: This is an issue the fireman have been dealing with for some time now. Glad admin is declaring ER to have this abatement.. adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, President Gleason, and Thompson Nay: Councilmember Poteat Absent: None 6. TMP -905 Code: LPW Attachments: FEMA 4615-DR-NY-Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Project #4615-0004 CMVNY South 3rd Avenue and South Columbus Ave.pdf Moved: Councilman Browne, Seconded by Councilman Boxhill On the question: none. Response: none. adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, President Gleason, and Thompson Nay: None Absent: None 7. TMP -906 Code: LPW Attachments: Amendment to City Council Agenda 062624 #3-Ordinance authorizing the TOF for New Vehicle Purchase-ARPA.pdf Moved: Councilman Browne, Seconded by Councilman Boxhill On the question: none. Page 3 of 14 City Council Meeting Minutes September 25, 2024 Response: Councilman Browne: not supporting this legislation because this vehicle is unnecessary for the commissioner. I believe he needs a vehicle but the size, fuel efficiency and the expense. Councilman Thompson: I agree vehicle this vehicle is not needed. However, we also have to utilize the ARPA funds before the expiration date. Councilman Boxhill: the type of work the commissioner does< I believe he needs a special vehicle and it’s the bare minimum. Councilman Browne: is he the only one that shows up to emergencies. OEM shows up to emergencies and he does not have a Tahoe adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Councilmember Poteat, President Gleason, and Thompson Nay: Pro Tempore Browne Absent: None 8. TMP -913 Code: LPW Attachments: Emergency Sewer Rehabilitation- Station Place and Hanover Place.pdf Moved: Councilman Browne, Seconded by Councilman Boxhill On the question: none. Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, President Gleason, and Thompson Nay: None Absent: None 9. TMP -914 Code: LPW Attachments: Emergency Sewer Rehabilitation- Grandview Avenue and Vernon Place.pdf Moved: Councilman Browne, Seconded by Councilman Boxhill On the question: none. Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, President Gleason, and Thompson Nay: None Absent: None Page 4 of 14 City Council Meeting Minutes September 25, 2024 10. TMP -912 Code: LPW Attachments: Water - Request 2024 Catalyst Experience.pdf Catalyst _ Rogue Water Lab.pdf Moved: Councilman Browne, Seconded by Councilman Boxhill On the question: none. Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, President Gleason, and Thompson Nay: None Absent: None 11. TMP -892 Code: LPW Attachments: Transfer of Funds CC Expense.pdf Moved: Councilman Browne, Seconded by Councilman Boxhill On the question: none. Response: This letter was amended. Only transfer of $1000 adopted as amended Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, President Gleason, and Thompson Nay: None Absent: None To the Council: The HUMAN RESOURCES Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled legislation: 12. TMP -848 Code: HR Attachments: Nutrition leg letter.pdf Rec- 2024 Title IIIC-1 & IIIC-2 Nutrition Contract Moved: Councilman Thompson, Seconded by Councilman Poteat On the question: none. Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, President Gleason, and Thompson Nay: None Absent: None Page 5 of 14 City Council Meeting Minutes September 25, 2024 13. TMP -897 Code: HR Attachments: READY Videography Services _ commerial.pdf Moved: Councilman Thompson, Seconded by Councilman Poteat On the question: none. Response: I understand director Burrell - Butler's reason, but we have fallen into bad habits by not having the council review and following procurement policy. adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, President Gleason, and Thompson Nay: None Absent: None 14. TMP -908 Code: HR Attachments: Opioid Banner referral A7330- MVYB.pdf Screenshot 2024-09-04 at 1.34.37 PM.png Screenshot 2024-09-04 at 1.34.59 PM.png Approved Ordinance 20240918_150736.pdf Moved: Councilman Thompson, Seconded by Councilman Poteat On the question: none. Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, President Gleason, and Thompson Nay: None Absent: None 15. TMP -910 Code: HR Attachments: BITTS -Flying Classroom Saturday STEM 2024.pdf Moved: Councilman Thompson, Seconded by Councilman Poteat On the question: none. Response: Councilman Browne to Associate Corporation Council Powell: Was this reviewed? Associate Corporation Council Powell: Yes, it has been reviewed. We are just waiting for signatures on both sides, but we did not send out yet Councilman Gleason: So it was reviewed and there were no issues, right? Associate Corporation Council Powell: Exactly adopted Page 6 of 14 City Council Meeting Minutes September 25, 2024 Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, President Gleason, and Thompson Nay: None Absent: None Motion to take items #16-23 as a block vote 16. TMP -866 Code: HR adopted 17. TMP -867 Code: HR adopted 18. TMP -868 Code: HR adopted 19. TMP -869 Code: HR adopted 20. TMP -870 Code: HR adopted 21. TMP -871 Code: HR adopted 22. TMP -872 Code: HR adopted 23. TMP -919 Code: HR adopted Moved: Derrick Thompson, Seconded by Edward Poteat On the question: none. Response: none. approved the Consent Agenda Page 7 of 14 City Council Meeting Minutes September 25, 2024 Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, President Gleason, and Thompson Nay: None Absent: None To the Council: The PUBLIC SAFETY AND CODES Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled legislation: 24. TMP -907 Code: PSC Attachments: Referral Letter-OutsideContractors.pdf Moved: Councilman Thompson, Seconded by Councilman Poteat On the question: none. Response: Councilman Poteat: this was asked by our communications. He did a sole source in June, and he was asked to come back in September do an RFP, there was an issue with the union. Associate Corporation Counsel Powell: my recommendation is to move forward, there is a letter from the state regarding a time frame. We are having ongoing conversations with civil service and the union. Councilman Poteat: this is a mandate from the state, we have a letter, and this is one of the big ones from the state audit. Councilman Browne: there’s no mandate that requires us to violate the law. We are still early in the stage, this is just an RFP. All contracts have to come back to council. Council President Gleason: this is an RFP, we are comfortable with moving forward. We cant go forward after the RFP if there is a union issues. adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, President Gleason, and Thompson Nay: None Absent: None 25. TMP -915 Code: PSC Attachments: ConEd referral Letter.pdf ConEd Timeline.pdf FAQ Responses for Mt Vernon City Council Meeting Oct 2024 1.pdf Moved: Councilman Poteat, Seconded by Councilman Browne On the question: none. Page 8 of 14 City Council Meeting Minutes September 25, 2024 Response: Councilman Boxhill: Nay, because the safety hazard wasn't clear Councilman Browne: abstain, I have not had a chance to review Councilman Browne to Associate Corporation Counsel Powell: has it been reviewed? Associate Corporation Counsel Powell: it has not. Councilman Poteat - as director Mack has stated, this is test bore hole, not the actual project and I hope they move forward with WMBE. Constituents have asked by why Mount Vernon. Councilman Boxhill - That was my direct question to Con Ed, never got an answer except that we were lucky this is revolutionary technology. Asked about potential safety hazards and was told there was no hazards. I’m not a scientist but is that possible. I find it hard to believe. Not comfortable supporting. Councilman Thompson - about the size a thumb. Thermal energy is safer. Comfortable with them testing to see if we are even qualified. Council President Gleason - I will bring up your concerns with robin Mack. adopted Aye: Councilmember Poteat, President Gleason, and Thompson Nay: Councilmember Boxhill Absent: None Abstain: Pro Tempore Browne 26. TMP -880 Code: PSC Attachments: IMA Westchester County Tri-band antenna Moved: Councilman Poteat, Seconded by Councilman Browne On the question: none. Response: Councilman Browne: Abstain, I have not had a chance to review it Council President Gleason: Abstain, I have not had a chance to review it Councilman Browne to Associate Corporation Counsel Powell: Is this reviewed and ready for signature? Associate Corporation Counsel Powell: This has not been presented to me yet. Council President Gleason. This needs to be checked before it reaches council adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Councilmember Poteat, and Thompson Nay: None Page 9 of 14 City Council Meeting Minutes September 25, 2024 Absent: None Abstain: Pro Tempore Browne, and President Gleason 27. TMP -881 Code: PSC Attachments: IMA Westchester County - Mutual Aid radios (2) Moved: Councilman Poteat, Seconded by Councilman Browne On the question: none. Response: Councilman Browne to Associate Corporation Counsel Powell: Has this been reviewed and ready for signature? Associate Corporation Counsel Powell: This has not been presented to me yet. Councilman Thompson: Are we accepting this without cost? Councilman Poteat: there is no cost Councilman Thompson: then I’m fine. Associate Corporation Counsel Powell: sometimes we do not have these contracts. Councilman Browne: who’s advising council on the contracts, its not happening right now. There on i-legislate. Associate Corporation Counsel Powell: do we have to negotiate contracts before it comes to council, it’s a waste of time. Councilman Browne: that is the cost of business, if we don’t know, we’re voting blindly. Associate Corporation Counsel Powell: the IMA came in late. Clerk - counsel is asked during referral meetings if contracts have been reviewed. Johan - correct, but we used to get them directly. adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Councilmember Poteat, and Thompson Nay: None Absent: None Abstain: Pro Tempore Browne, and President Gleason 28. TMP -911 Code: PSC Attachments: Referral Letter.pdf Moved: Councilman Poteat, Seconded by Councilman Browne On the question: none. Page 10 of 14 City Council Meeting Minutes September 25, 2024 Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, President Gleason, and Thompson Nay: None Absent: None 29. TMP -909 Code: PSC Attachments: Referral Letter Agriculture NYS.pdf Moved: Councilman Poteat, Seconded by Councilman Browne On the question: none. Response: Councilman Browne: Has this been reviewed? Associate Corporation Counsel Powell: No adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Councilmember Poteat, and Thompson Nay: None Absent: None Abstain: Pro Tempore Browne, and President Gleason 30. TMP -924 Code: PSC Attachments: Referral Letter - ESS Citywide Cameras AMMENDED Moved: Councilman Poteat, Seconded by Councilman Browne On the question: none. Response: Councilman Poteat: Kudos to communications! Gibson and Perez and the mayor's office have to go back to the vendor and renegotiate the price and minimize cost to the city. adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, President Gleason, and Thompson Nay: None Absent: None 31. TMP -784 Code: PSC Page 11 of 14 City Council Meeting Minutes September 25, 2024 Attachments: Short Term Rental Proposed Local Law.pdf EAF Parts 1-3 - Short-Term Rentals 2.0.pdf MTV 24-005 Zoning Text Amendment - Short Term Rentals.pdf PCD Memo on Short-Term Rental Legislation.pdf Planning Board_D. Selsy response to City Council_short-term rentasl_9-11-24.pdf FW_ Written comments for short term rentals-1.pdf Corp Counsel Response.pdf Moved: Councilman Poteat, Seconded by Councilman Browne On the question: none. Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, President Gleason, and Thompson Nay: None Absent: None 32. TMP -879 Code: PSC Attachments: Local Law for a Establishing Local Government Code Enforcement Program.pdf Bldg Dept Letter of Necessity.pdf Ferrandino email code enforcement.pdf Moved: Councilman Poteat, Seconded by Councilman Browne On the question: none. Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, President Gleason, and Thompson Nay: None Absent: None To the Council: The FINANCE AND PLANNING Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled legislation: No Items ADD-ON LEGISLATION AND PUBLIC WORKS 33. TMP -783 Code: LPW Attachments: BORSELLA MASTRO AUTO BODY.pdf Page 12 of 14 City Council Meeting Minutes September 25, 2024 Moved: Councilman Poteat, Seconded by Councilman Browne On the question: none. Response: Council President Gleason: Congratulates Borsella & Mastro Auto Collision on their 85 years. Its a huge investment in Mount Vernon and we appreciate their continued invest in Mount Vernon. adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, President Gleason, and Thompson Nay: None Absent: None 34. TMP -929 Code: LPW Attachments: Referral - Commissioner of Deeds Update 9.24.2024.pdf Moved: Councilman Browne, Seconded by Councilman Boxhill On the question: none. Response: Similar to a notary. People who can stamp. This is an add on because it expired yesterday. There will be a system in place to avoid this. Councilman Browne: AA title is Legislative Aid, it should be Legislative Assistant. Are the rest accurate? Associate Corporation Counsel Powell: I believe so. Councilman Browne: former city council members on this list, I do not feel comfortable with voting Clerk Walters: mayor has the authority to appoint up to 200 and they do not have to be employed by the city. Council President Gleason: I don’t feel comfortable either. Councilman Browne: hold it on the floor? Councilman Boxhill: we’ll hold until we get more information. held Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, President Gleason, and Thompson Nay: None Absent: None 35. TMP -930 Code: LPW Attachments: Charter Review Commission.pdf Page 13 of 14 City Council Meeting Minutes September 25, 2024 Moved: Councilman Browne, Seconded by Councilman Boxhill On the question: none. Response: none adopted Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, President Gleason, and Thompson Nay: None Absent: None OTHER BUSINESS/CLOSING COMMENTS Council President Gleason: lots of events, ycop, youth shelter, bishop designate Adams ceremony sat at 11 Clerk Walters: this Saturday in city hall memorial room, local voter registration. Noon - 9pm Motion to adjourn Moved: Councilman Browne, Seconded by Councilman Thompson On the question: none. Response: none. approved Aye: Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat, President Gleason, and Thompson Nay: None Absent: None There being no other further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:55 p.m. Jordan Riullano, JD Deputy City Clerk Page 14 of 14