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, August 13, 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 August 13, 2025 A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF THE MOUNT VERNON CITY COUNCIL HELD ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13, 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: Derrick Thompson, Acting President OTHERS: Nicole Bonilla, City Clerk; Jordan A. Riullano, Deputy City Clerk; Antoinette Anderson, Legislative Aide; Johan Powell, Deputy Corporation Counsel. CALL TO ORDER / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Lead by Councilman Boxhill Acting President Derrick Thompson 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 President Thompson explained the 3-minute-plus-1 public comment rule. He then asked a Councilperson to lead the council in the Pledge of Allegiance. Acting President then proceeded to the Public Speakers session of the evening (listed below as public comment). Page 1 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final August 13, 2025 PUBLIC COMMENT Jen Richardson, - No Show Status of S. 3rd Ave closure. Possible Moratorium on new churches off the tax roll Ms. Blair - No Show Smoke Shops Tarikah Wajaid - Mount Vernon Missing Parking signs Councilman Gleason - handled signs Tamicko Murray McIver - No Show Drug Dealing around her work area at 275 South Fulton Avenue Councilman Gleason: Police Department has been made aware. Peter Tsachalis - No Show Non-responsive government and ongoing issues Councilman Gleason - several violations sent and it did switch ownership and they were violated on 7/31 and finding new owner and possibly going to court Rose Luangisa - Mount Vernon Wakanda Gleason - city council supports the Wakanda event and we enjoyed it. having it at that time and shutting down the street and we offered alternate locations and it was declined. Boxhill - the narrative that we don’t support Wakanda is not true, my wife and kids were there and we had a great time. the issue is the location to have it on the street. even when it was at the school, there was a parking issue. Thompson - I have been in contact with Rose and last year, I got Rose get into Traphagen to resolve the issues having it in the community. It was stated that there was zero funding this year and I spoke with her that all funding sources backed out, it is such a big event and I am supportive of the event. Thought it was all fixed and having it in the school and we are back again this year. Funding was given for two years $20K in ARPA funds and the school is $5K and you received an additional $13K from county and responded with a thank you on July 8th and 2:25 pm. $10K and $3k from project support. You stated that there was no vendors, your video advertising vendors. Helena Edwards - No Show Health Hazards on her block Beryl A. Gilling Ongoing issues in Mount Vernon & Wakanda Councilman Boxhill - addressed many concerns we agreed with, elected officials need to be accountable, I Page 2 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final August 13, 2025 disagree the decline, the narrative needs to change, the city is getting safer and we need all hands on deck. there are great things happening in the city. there are a lot of things pertaining to the school district, we do not have jurisdiction over. you are not wrong, but you have to go to school board meetings and address those concerns. Councilman Thompson - I understand tax increases, most city of this size had 3 or for the most, Mount Vernon has 16 schools and charters all on the same budget. the closing of 3 schools is due to low enrollment. there is development coming into the city and we have to make sure we have a smart development. the tax burden is own homeowners, we do not have the revenue generations as other cities. other cities have large shopping centers that bring in revenue. PILOT’s in the city go through IDA, not the council Tishann M - Mount Vernon Councilman Gleason - spoke to David Tibulo - that area is under county control, and we will reached out to MTA on garbage clean up. I will reach out to building owner adjacent to MTA station. the lighting is county responsibility. Councilman Boxhill - will work with Gleason Councilman Thompson - all council is on deck we will get the accountable to do their part in the clean up Jasmine - No Show Ann Hill - No Show Dr. Deborah Diamond - No Show REFERRAL SESSION Roll Call administered by City Clerk Nicole Bonilla PRESENT: Acting Pro Tempore Derrick Thompson, Councilperson Jaevon Boxhill, and Councilperson Cathlin Gleason ABSENT: President Danielle Browne Esq., and Pro Tempore Edward Poteat REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES AND ACTION THEREON To the Council: The LEGISLATION AND PUBLIC WORKS Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled legislation: Page 3 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final August 13, 2025 1. TMP -1474 Code: LPW Attachments: Wakanda Complete Moved: Councilman Gleason, Seconded by Councilman Boxhill On the question: none. Response: none. denied Nay: Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Absent: President Browne, and Pro Tempore Poteat 2. TMP -1571 Code: LPW Attachments: Eastchester Lane Moved: Councilman Gleason, Seconded by Councilman Boxhill On the question: none. Response: none. ** NEEDS SECOND VOTE** approved Aye: Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: President Browne, and Pro Tempore Poteat 3. TMP -1551 Code: LPW Attachments: Amended Request for Legislation - Ordinance 11 Business Electronics Agreement.pdf Ordinance 11 City Council.pdf Moved: Councilman Gleason, Seconded by Councilman Boxhill On the question: none. Response: none. ** NEEDS SECOND VOTE** approved Page 4 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final August 13, 2025 Aye: Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: President Browne, and Pro Tempore Poteat 4. TMP -1528 Code: LPW Attachments: Big Block Party 2025- Referral Letter_docx DPW Response 2025 Big Block Party FD Response PD Response Moved: Councilman Gleason, Seconded by Councilman Boxhill On the question: none. Response: none. ** NEEDS SECOND VOTE** approved Aye: Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: President Browne, and Pro Tempore Poteat 5. TMP -1561 Code: LPW Attachments: September 2025 NYCOM (002) Moved: Councilman Gleason, Seconded by Councilman Boxhill On the question: none. Response: none. ** NEEDS SECOND VOTE** approved Aye: Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: President Browne, and Pro Tempore Poteat Page 5 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final August 13, 2025 6. TMP -1483 Code: LPW Attachments: Zonzini- Emergency at Macquesten-Devonia-Dell Moved: Councilman Gleason, Seconded by Councilman Boxhill On the question: none. Response: none. ** NEEDS SECOND VOTE** approved Aye: Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: President Browne, and Pro Tempore Poteat 7. TMP -1542 Code: LPW Attachments: Public Works Summit 2025 2025 Public Works Summit Acceptance Email Moved: Councilman Gleason, Seconded by Councilman Boxhill On the question: none. Response: none. ** NEEDS SECOND VOTE** approved Aye: Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: President Browne, and Pro Tempore Poteat 8. TMP -1570 Code: LPW Attachments: Updated DPW Doles Transfer Letter Moved: Councilman Gleason, Seconded by Councilman Boxhill On the question: none. Response: none. ** NEEDS SECOND VOTE** approved Page 6 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final August 13, 2025 Aye: Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: President Browne, and Pro Tempore Poteat 9. TMP -1546 Code: LPW Attachments: Lee Mechanical Blower Motor- Doles Lee Mechanical HVAC Quote-Doles Sunbelt HVAC Quote- Doles Moved: Councilman Gleason, Seconded by Councilman Boxhill On the question: none. Response: none. ** NEEDS SECOND VOTE** approved Aye: Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: President Browne, and Pro Tempore Poteat 10. TMP -1566 Code: LPW Attachments: Request for Release of RFQ No. 07.25-Professional Engineering Services Moved: Councilman Gleason, Seconded by Councilman Boxhill On the question: none. Response: none. ** NEEDS SECOND VOTE** approved Aye: Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: President Browne, and Pro Tempore Poteat Page 7 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final August 13, 2025 11. TMP -1529 Code: LPW Attachments: LSLDE - 071725 Referral Letter Moved: Councilman Gleason, Seconded by Councilman Boxhill On the question: none. Response: none. ** NEEDS SECOND VOTE** approved Aye: Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: President Browne, and Pro Tempore Poteat 12. TMP -1526 Code: LPW Moved: Councilman Gleason, Seconded by Councilman Boxhill On the question: none. Response: none. ** NEEDS SECOND VOTE** approved Aye: Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: President Browne, and Pro Tempore Poteat 13. TMP -1535 Code: LPW Attachments: Referral Letter Transfer of Funds 07-2025 Moved: Councilman Gleason, Seconded by Councilman Boxhill On the question: none. Response: none. ** NEEDS SECOND VOTE** approved Aye: Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Page 8 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final August 13, 2025 Absent: President Browne, and Pro Tempore Poteat 14. TMP -1536 Code: LPW Attachments: Referral Letter NYCOM Fall Training 2025 Moved: Councilman Gleason, Seconded by Councilman Boxhill On the question: none. Response: none. ** NEEDS SECOND VOTE** approved Aye: Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: President Browne, and Pro Tempore Poteat 15. TMP -1553 Code: LPW Attachments: Referral Letter - Granicus 2025-2028 Moved: Councilman Gleason, Seconded by Councilman Boxhill On the question: none. Response: none. ** NEEDS SECOND VOTE** approved Aye: Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: President Browne, and Pro Tempore Poteat To the Council: The HUMAN RESOURCES Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled legislation: Page 9 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final August 13, 2025 16. TMP -1520 Code: HR Attachments: Youth Bureau's Lloyld Shields referral letter 2025 Moved: Councilman Gleason, Seconded by Councilman Boxhill On the question: none. Response: none. ** NEEDS SECOND VOTE** approved Aye: Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: President Browne, and Pro Tempore Poteat 17. TMP -1522 Code: HR Attachments: ISNS 2025 Summit -Youth Bureau R4L Supporting Doc. (reg. air, hotel, etc) Moved: Councilman Gleason, Seconded by Councilman Boxhill On the question: none. Response: none. ** NEEDS SECOND VOTE** approved Aye: Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: President Browne, and Pro Tempore Poteat 18. TMP -1527 Code: HR Attachments: YEAC-referal 2025-2027 YEAC Awarded letter Moved: Councilman Gleason, Seconded by Councilman Boxhill On the question: none. Response: none. ** NEEDS SECOND VOTE** approved Page 10 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final August 13, 2025 Aye: Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: President Browne, and Pro Tempore Poteat To the Council: The PUBLIC SAFETY AND CODES Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled legislation: 19. TMP -1547 Code: PSC Attachments: Referral R.Lashley Absence Moved: Councilman Boxhill, Seconded by Councilman Gleason On the question: none. Response: none. ** NEEDS SECOND VOTE** approved Aye: Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: President Browne, and Pro Tempore Poteat 20. TMP -1548 Code: PSC Attachments: Referral-Gaswork Moved: Councilman Boxhill, Seconded by Councilman Gleason On the question: none. Response: none. ** NEEDS SECOND VOTE** approved Aye: Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: President Browne, and Pro Tempore Poteat Page 11 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final August 13, 2025 21. TMP -1549 Code: PSC Attachments: Plumbing Reinspection Fees Based on Failed Inspection Plumbing-Yo Moved: Councilman Boxhill, Seconded by Councilman Gleason On the question: none. Response: none. ** NEEDS SECOND VOTE** approved Aye: Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: President Browne, and Pro Tempore Poteat 22. TMP -1550 Code: PSC Attachments: Request for Professional Services 115 Macquesten Parkway Moved: Councilman Boxhill, Seconded by Councilman Gleason On the question: none. Response: none. ** NEEDS SECOND VOTE** approved Aye: Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: President Browne, and Pro Tempore Poteat 23. TMP -1552 Code: PSC Attachments: Third Party Inspection Services for Buildings RFP ReferralLetter Tmp-1552 Moved: Councilman Boxhill, Seconded by Councilman Gleason On the question: none. Response: none. ** NEEDS SECOND VOTE** approved Page 12 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final August 13, 2025 Aye: Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: President Browne, and Pro Tempore Poteat 24. TMP -1530 Code: PSC Attachments: Agenda Letter 7-18-25.pdf List of Coondemned PPE Moved: Councilman Boxhill, Seconded by Councilman Gleason On the question: none. Response: none. ** NEEDS SECOND VOTE** approved Aye: Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: President Browne, and Pro Tempore Poteat 25. TMP -1521 Code: PSC Attachments: First Responders Summit Referral Letter First Responders Summit - Agenda Moved: Councilman Boxhill, Seconded by Councilman Gleason On the question: none. Response: Councilman Gleason: I do no agree, and will not vote on retro items Councilman Thompson: Deputy Chief Addison spoke with council, do you still want to vote "nay"? Councilman Gleason: Yes denied Aye: Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, and Councilperson Boxhill Nay: Councilperson Gleason Absent: President Browne, and Pro Tempore Poteat Page 13 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final August 13, 2025 26. TMP -1564 Code: PSC Attachments: Fines on Unlicensed Tow Trucks Referral Letter Moved: Councilman Boxhill, Seconded by Councilman Gleason On the question: none. Response: none. ** NEEDS SECOND VOTE** approved Aye: Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: President Browne, and Pro Tempore Poteat To the Council: The FINANCE AND PLANNING Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled legislation: 27. TMP -1525 Code: FP Attachments: Transferfunds405to110July1620250001 Moved: Councilman Boxhill, Seconded by Councilman Gleason On the question: none. Response: none. ** NEEDS SECOND VOTE** approved Aye: Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: President Browne, and Pro Tempore Poteat Page 14 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final August 13, 2025 28. TMP -1537 Code: FP Attachments: COMP2025-10 – Proposed Fund Balance Policy Mount Vernon City - Fund Balance Policy Moved: Councilman Boxhill, Seconded by Councilman Gleason On the question: none. Response: none. ** NEEDS SECOND VOTE** approved Aye: Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: President Browne, and Pro Tempore Poteat 29. TMP -1538 Code: FP Attachments: COMP2025-11 – Proposed Debt Management Policy Mount Vernon City - Debt Management Policy Moved: Councilman Boxhill, Seconded by Councilman Gleason On the question: none. Response: none. ** NEEDS SECOND VOTE** approved Aye: Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: President Browne, and Pro Tempore Poteat Page 15 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final August 13, 2025 30. TMP -1539 Code: FP Attachments: COMP2025-12-NYCOM 2025 Fall Training 2025 Fall Training School Conference _ NYCOM FALL 2025 School Agenda - New York Conference of Mayors Moved: Councilman Boxhill, Seconded by Councilman Gleason On the question: none. Response: none. ** NEEDS SECOND VOTE** approved Aye: Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: President Browne, and Pro Tempore Poteat 31. TMP -1559 Code: FP Attachments: COMP2025-13-Travel and Expense Policy Mount Vernon Travel Expense Policy (8.13.25) Moved: Councilman Boxhill, Seconded by Councilman Gleason On the question: none. Response: none. ** NEEDS SECOND VOTE** approved Aye: Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: President Browne, and Pro Tempore Poteat Page 16 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final August 13, 2025 32. TMP -1568 Code: FP Attachments: COMP2025-14 -Extension of Capital Markets, LL Contract for Financial Strategic Planning Moved: Councilman Boxhill, Seconded by Councilman Gleason On the question: none. Response: none. ** NEEDS SECOND VOTE** approved Aye: Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: President Browne, and Pro Tempore Poteat 33. TMP -1572 Code: FP Attachments: COMP2025-15-RFP for Innovative Finance & Asset Consultant Moved: Councilman Boxhill, Seconded by Councilman Gleason On the question: none. Response: none. ** NEEDS SECOND VOTE** approved Aye: Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: President Browne, and Pro Tempore Poteat 34. TMP -1560 Code: FP Attachments: FEC Contract Amendment Legacy Planning 8.4.25 Ex. H - FEC Public Outcome Definitions and Calculations 2025 LP Ex. I - FEC Code of Ethics and Professional Practices Moved: Councilman Boxhill, Seconded by Councilman Gleason On the question: none. Response: none. ** NEEDS SECOND VOTE** approved Page 17 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final August 13, 2025 Aye: Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: President Browne, and Pro Tempore Poteat 35. TMP -1562 Code: FP Attachments: MVUT Kiosk Referral Letter 8.4.25 Moved: Councilman Boxhill, Seconded by Councilman Gleason On the question: none. Response: none. ** NEEDS SECOND VOTE** approved Aye: Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: President Browne, and Pro Tempore Poteat 36. TMP -1563 Code: FP Attachments: WNHC Kiosk Referral Letter 8.4.25 Moved: Councilman Boxhill, Seconded by Councilman Gleason On the question: none. Response: none. ** NEEDS SECOND VOTE** approved Aye: Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: President Browne, and Pro Tempore Poteat Page 18 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final August 13, 2025 37. TMP -1554 Code: FP Attachments: 55 Pondfield Parkway Custodial Account Request 8.2025 55 Pondfield.Lukas. Referral Letter LaBella Moved: Councilman Boxhill, Seconded by Councilman Gleason On the question: none. Response: none. ** NEEDS SECOND VOTE** approved Aye: Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: President Browne, and Pro Tempore Poteat 38. TMP -1557 Code: FP Attachments: Referral Letter Concerning Municpal Code Amendment of Chapter 10 and Chapter 267 - Expiration of approvals Resolution - Introduction (Land Use Approval Expiration) Moved: Councilman Boxhill, Seconded by Councilman Gleason On the question: none. Response: none. adopted Aye: Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: President Browne, and Pro Tempore Poteat 39. TMP -1558 Code: FP Attachments: Referral Letter Concerning Municpal Code Amendment of Chapter 267 - Health Clubs Resolution - Introduction (Health Clubs) Moved: Councilman Boxhill, Seconded by Councilman Gleason On the question: none. Response: none. adopted Page 19 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final August 13, 2025 Aye: Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: President Browne, and Pro Tempore Poteat 40. TMP -1573 Code: FP Attachments: Sentinel Custodial Referral Moved: Councilman Boxhill, Seconded by Councilman Gleason On the question: none. Response: none. ** NEEDS SECOND VOTE** approved Aye: Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Absent: President Browne, and Pro Tempore Poteat OTHER BUSINESS/CLOSING COMMENTS Comptroller Morton: Thanked the council for adopting the policies on the agenda and explained there will be more policies based on audit findings and the status of the back audit. Update on tax lien sales and the in rem foreclosure has not been done since 2014. Another session scheduled for 9/24. Will be sending council the cash-flow update and budget reports and 2nd quarter reports will be completed in the next week. Councilman Gleason: Question regarding city owned properties. Councilman Thompson: Congrats to MAyor Adams of NYC Councilman Gleason: Spoke on retired deputy chief for passing. 42 years working for MVPD - moment of silence Councilman Thompson: We need to be kind and uplift and get our community back. Special meeting scheduled Thursday. Motion to Adjourn Moved: Councilman Gleason, Seconded by Councilman Boxhill approved Aye: Acting Pro Tempore Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and Councilperson Gleason Nay: None Page 20 of 21 City Council Meeting Minutes - Final August 13, 2025 Absent: President Browne, and Pro Tempore Poteat There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:47 pm. Jordan Riullano, JD Deputy City Clerk Page 21 of 21