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 - Final Wednesday, May 28, 2025 7:00 PM CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS CITY HALL City Council NICOLE BONILLA, MBA City Clerk JORDAN A. RIULLANO, JD Deputy City Clerk City Council Meeting Minutes - Final May 28, 2025 A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF THE MOUNT VERNON CITY COUNCIL HELD ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 28th, 2025. 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: Edward Poteat, President Pro Tempore OTHERS: Nicole Bonilla, City Clerk; Jordan Riullano, Deputy City Clerk; Antoinette Anderson, Legislative Aide; Johan Powell, Deputy Corporation Counsel. CALL TO ORDER / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Lead by Councilman Gleason Edward Poteat, President Pro Tempore 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”. Edward Poteat, President Pro Tempore explained the 3-minute-plus-1 public comment rule. He then asked a Councilperson to lead the council in the Pledge of Allegiance. President Pro Tempore then proceeded to the Public Speakers session of the evening (listed below as public comment). Page 1 of 15 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final May 28, 2025 PUBLIC COMMENT 1. Annette Shands - 462 South 9th Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY Email: N/A 7:20 pm “Land use proposal for 454 South 9th Avenue.” Council Response: CM Boxhill - requested to speak offline with the speaker CP Browne - as acting mayor - does not comment CM Thompson - will provide an update on the project CM Gleason - there is an update regarding that project, Antoinette will follow up 2. Ray Copeland - 236 Bedford Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY Email: N/A *no show 7:23 pm* “Follow up on complaints” 3. Toni Gamils - 95 Southfield Rd, Mount Vernon, NY Email: tgamils@aol.com 7:23 pm “Concerns Regarding Traffic and Safety in our neighborhood (Southfield Road, Brookfield Road, Monterey Road, Eastfield Road)” Council Response: CM Boxhill - requested clarification on the parking and traffic situation. CP Browne - as acting mayor - does not comment CM Thompson - will follow up with the speaker to get more information. CM Gleason - that address is the Mosque. will reach out to the Mosque to get them in touch with other departments where they can use their facilities for overflow cars. Congressman George Latimer spoke during the meeting regarding updates from Washington and the drastic budget cuts to Medicaid. Double taxing implementation. change in voting laws if you make any change you have to prove your American citizenship. REFERRAL SESSION Roll Call administered by City Clerk Nicole Bonilla PRESENT: President Danielle Browne Esq., Pro Tempore Edward Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Derrick Thompson, Councilperson Jaevon Boxhill, and Councilperson Cathlin Gleason ABSENT: None AWARDS / PRESENTATIONS / SWEARING IN Jordan Riullano was sworn-in as Deputy City Clerk by Acting Mayor Danielle Browne, Esq. Former City Clerk George Brown spoke as Mr. Riullano was a Mount Vernon Youth Bureau intern in the Clerk's Office during his tenure. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES AND ACTION THEREON To the Council: The LEGISLATION AND PUBLIC WORKS Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled legislation: Page 2 of 15 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final May 28, 2025 1. TMP -1362 Code: LPW Attachments: Referral Letter -Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initative. docx MOU_Bloomberg Moved: CM Gleason, Seconded: CM Boxhill On the question: none Response: none adopted Aye: President Browne, Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: None 2. TMP -1413 Code: LPW Attachments: Wilie Brown Car Show DPW Willie Brown FD Willie Brown PD Willie Brown Moved: CM Gleason, Seconded: CM Boxhill On the question: none Response: none adopted Aye: President Browne, Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: None 3. TMP -1397 Code: LPW Attachments: Purchase of Archive Social Services.pdf social-media-advisory.pdf Moved: CM Gleason, Seconded: CM Boxhill On the question: none Response: none adopted Page 3 of 15 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final May 28, 2025 Aye: President Browne, Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: None 4. TMP -1395 Code: LPW Attachments: City Owned Vehicles Disposed 2025- DPW Moved: CM Gleason, Seconded: CM Boxhill On the question: none Response: none adopted Aye: President Browne, Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: None 5. TMP -1411 Code: LPW Attachments: Contract Amendment Request- Sewer Rehabilitation Phase 1 Project 122022-2 3062025 - Arcadis Award Evaluation - Year 2 Sewer Cleaning and Investigation Contract Moved: CM Gleason, Seconded: CM Boxhill On the question: Acting Mayor Browne - questioned the dates in the contract and contingency plan if and when the funds run out. Response: Deputy Corporation Council - explained the contract. adopted Aye: President Browne, Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: None Page 4 of 15 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final May 28, 2025 6. TMP -1412 Code: LPW Attachments: Phase- 2 SewerSystem Cleaning Investigation Project (Contract 3062025) Moved: CM Gleason, Seconded: CM Boxhill On the question: none Response: none adopted Aye: President Browne, Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: None 7. TMP -1408 Code: HR Attachments: living my best life health fair referral letter LMBL-referral letter-PD RESPONSE LMBL-referral letter-FD RESPONSE DPW-Response LMB Moved: CM Gleason, Seconded: CM Boxhill On the question: none Response: none adopted Aye: President Browne, Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: None 8. TMP -1398 Code: LPW Attachments: LSLFC - Referral Letter **HELD ON THE FLOOR** held Page 5 of 15 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final May 28, 2025 9. TMP -1399 Code: LPW Attachments: LSLA - Referral Letter **HELD ON THE FLOOR** held 10. TMP -1391 Code: LPW Attachments: Referral letter for NB to attend July training Moved: CM Gleason, Seconded: CM Boxhill On the question: none Response: none adopted Aye: President Browne, Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: None 11. TMP -1392 Code: LPW Attachments: Referral Letter Jordan Riullano Deputy City Clerk 2025 Moved: CM Gleason, Seconded: CM Boxhill On the question: none Response: none adopted Aye: President Browne, Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: None Page 6 of 15 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final May 28, 2025 12. TMP -1409 Code: LPW Attachments: First Lady Inez Rchardson Moved: CM Gleason, Seconded: CM Boxhill On the question: none Response: none adopted Aye: President Browne, Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: None 13. TMP -1410 Code: LPW Attachments: Delt Nu Sigma Chpt Sigma Gamma Rho 5.2025 Moved: CM Gleason, Seconded: CM Boxhill On the question: none Response: none adopted Aye: President Browne, Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: None 14. TMP -1414 Code: LPW Moved: CM Gleason, Seconded: CM Boxhill On the question: none Response: none adopted Aye: President Browne, Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: None Page 7 of 15 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final May 28, 2025 15. TMP -1415 Code: LPW Moved: CM Gleason, Seconded: CM Boxhill On the question: none Response: none adopted Aye: President Browne, Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: None To the Council: The HUMAN RESOURCES Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled legislation: 16. TMP -1396 Code: HR Attachments: letter Let Your Colors Shine Flyer 2025 (Pride Event) Moved: CM Thompson, Seconded: CM Gleason On the question: none Response: none adopted Aye: President Browne, Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: None 17. TMP -1417 Code: HR Attachments: 2025 SRAEP Award Letter - Mount Vernon SRAEP 2025 Referral Letter Moved: CM Thompson, Seconded: CM Gleason On the question: none Response: none adopted Page 8 of 15 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final May 28, 2025 Aye: President Browne, Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: None To the Council: The PUBLIC SAFETY AND CODES Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled legislation: 18. TMP -1381 Code: PSC Attachments: REID Training Referral Letter REID Training Supporting Docs Moved: CM Poteat, Seconded: CM Thompson On the question: none Response: none adopted Aye: President Browne, Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: None 19. TMP -1382 Code: PSC Attachments: FBI Basic Police Sniper School Referral Letter Sniper School Supporting Docs Moved: CM Poteat, Seconded: CM Thompson On the question: none Response: none adopted Aye: President Browne, Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: None Page 9 of 15 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final May 28, 2025 20. TMP -1383 Code: PSC Attachments: Sgt. SUMMIT Referral Letter Sgt. SUMMIT Supporting Docs Moved: CM Poteat, Seconded: CM Thompson On the question: none Response: none adopted Aye: President Browne, Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: None 21. TMP -1419 Code: PSC Attachments: Less Lethal Instructor School Referral Letter Less Lethal Training Supp Docs Moved: CM Poteat, Seconded: CM Thompson On the question: none Response: CM Poteat - informed the council on a email received regarding the overtime that will be needed for the staff to attend the training. adopted Aye: President Browne, Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: None 22. TMP -1427 Code: PSC Attachments: QWest Resolution (Termination Agreement) Qwest - letter requesting Termination.docx (5.21.25) QWest Termination Agreement Moved: CM Poteat, Seconded: CM Thompson On the question: none Response: CM Poteat - this does not get determined until they close. if they don’t close it does not go into effect. This is how we enforce against developers. adopted Page 10 of 15 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final May 28, 2025 Aye: President Browne, Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: None To the Council: The FINANCE AND PLANNING Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled legislation: 23. TMP -1376 Code: FP Attachments: Amendment for Metro Green Moved: CM Boxhill, Seconded: CM Poteat On the question: none Response: none adopted Aye: President Browne, Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and Councilperson Boxhill Nay: None Absent: None Abstain: Councilperson Gleason 24. TMP -1416 Code: FP Attachments: City Council PCD Referral Letter - LaBella Consulting Services P2501522 - Pondfield Parkway Environmental Studies 20250522 Moved: CM Boxhill, Seconded: CM Poteat On the question: none Response: none adopted Aye: President Browne, Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: None Page 11 of 15 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final May 28, 2025 25. TMP -1418 Code: FP Attachments: PCD ARUP Carbon Solutions Referral Letter 5.20.25 ARUP and City of Mount Vernon Information Letter of Commitment_Template Moved: CM Boxhill, Seconded: CM Poteat On the question: none Response: none adopted Aye: President Browne, Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: None ADD-ON To the Council: The HUMAN RESOURCES Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled legislation: 26. TMP -1431 Code: HR Attachments: 2025 Sickle Cell Symposium Moved: CM Thompson, Seconded: CM Gleason On the question: none Response: none adopted Aye: President Browne, Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: None To the Council: The PUBLIC SAFETY AND CODES Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled legislation: Page 12 of 15 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final May 28, 2025 27. TMP -1234 Code: PSC Attachments: Indoor Amusement Uses Referral Ordinance - Indoor Amusement Facilities Resolution - Adoption Neg Dec (Indoor Amusement) Moved: CM Poteat, Seconded: CM Thompson On the question: none Response: none adopted Aye: President Browne, Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: None 28. TMP -1428 Code: PSC Attachments: 145 S Fulton Curb cut req Moved: CM Poteat, Seconded: CM Thompson On the question: none Response: none adopted Aye: President Browne, Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: None To the Council: The FINANCE AND PLANNING Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled legislation: Page 13 of 15 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final May 28, 2025 29. TMP -1430 Code: FP Attachments: Home_rule tax deeds Moved: CM Boxhill, Seconded: CM Poteat On the question: none Response: none adopted Aye: President Browne, Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: None ADD-ON ON THE FLOOR To the Council: The LEGISLATION AND PUBLIC WORKS Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled legislation: 30. TMP -1435 Code: LPW Attachments: Mandela School and Hartley Park on June 9 2025 Moved: CM Gleason, Seconded: CM Boxhill On the question: CP Browne - was this worked out with recreation? Response: CM Gleason - yes, all areas are covered. adopted Aye: President Browne, Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: None OTHER BUSINESS/CLOSING COMMENTS CM Thompson - Requested moment of silence in remembrance of the passing of a community member CP Browne - Commend Jordan Riullano's family for staying for the whole meeting. CM Gleason - Maryann Archer - second the council sentiments. CM Poteat - Juneteenth event and the Chess event at the Doles Center. Page 14 of 15 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final May 28, 2025 Motion to Adjourn Motion to adjourn: Moved: Councilmember Thompson, Seconded: Council President (Acting Mayor) Browne approved Aye: President Browne, Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: None There being no other further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m. Nicole Bonilla, MBA City Clerk Page 15 of 15