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, March 26, 2025  
7:00 PM  
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS  
CITY HALL  
City Council  
NICOLE BONILLA, MBA  
City Clerk  
JORDAN A. RIULLANO, JD  
Deputy City Clerk  
A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF THE MOUNT VERNON CITY COUNCIL  
HELD ON WEDNESDAY, WEDNESDAY 26, 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.***  
Edward Poteat, Acting President  
PRESIDING:  
OTHERS:  
Nicole Bonilla, City Clerk; Antoinette Anderson, Legislative Aide; Johan Powell,  
Deputy Corporation Counsel.  
CALL TO ORDER / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE  
Lead by Councilman Derrick Thompson  
Acting Council President Edward Poteat 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 Poteat explained the 3-minute-plus-1 public comment  
rule. He then asked a Councilperson to lead the council in the Pledge of Allegiance. Acting Council  
President then proceeded to the Public Speakers session of the evening (listed below as public  
comment).  
PUBLIC COMMENT  
1. Mayor Shawyn Patterson - Howard: Mount Vernon, NY  
Topic: Federal Minority and/or Woman Business Enterprise (M/WBE) Changes  
2. Donna Bell - Mount Vernon, NY  
Topic: Residents rights on South Terrace Avenue  
3. Barbara Ortiz Howard - Mount Vernon, NY  
Topic: Zoning Change  
4. Tricia Fraser - Mount Vernon, NY  
Topic: Health fair in October 2025  
5. Peter Tsachalis - Mount Vernon, NY  
Topic: Non responsive government and taxation  
6. Judy William Davis - Mount Vernon, NY  
Topic: Grace House 229 South 7th Avenue  
7. Lincoln Edwards - Mount Vernon, NY  
Topic: Grace House 229 South 7th Avenue  
8. Geoff Monroe - Mount Vernon, NY  
Topic: Public Access  
Council Response: The council addressed the issues brought up by Mr. Monroe and commented on  
changes in M/WBE. CM Poteat will reach out to Police Department and buildings department to resolve  
the issues with zoning and the house on 229 South 7th Avenue. CM Boxhill spoke speaker Peter  
Tsachalis on taxation.  
REFERRAL SESSION  
Roll Call administered by City Clerk Nicole Bonilla  
Pro Tempore Edward Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore Derrick Thompson, Councilperson  
PRESENT:  
Jaevon Boxhill, and Councilperson Cathlin Gleason  
President Danielle Browne Esq.  
ABSENT:  
REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES AND ACTION THEREON  
Enter into Executive Session at 8:22 PM  
go into Executive Session  
Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore  
Aye:  
Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and  
Councilperson Gleason  
None  
Nay:  
President Browne  
Absent:  
Exit Executive Session at 8:35 PM  
approved  
Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore  
Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and  
Councilperson Gleason  
Aye:  
None  
Nay:  
President Browne  
Absent:  
To the Council:  
The LEGISLATION AND PUBLIC WORKS Committee recommends for ADOPTION the  
following entitled legislation:  
()  
1.  
TMP  
-1250  
Code:  
LPW  
REFERRAL LETTER - Retaining Special Cou  
Rate Case 1  
Attachments:  
J Dichter - Con Ed rate case  
Resolution - PSC Con Ed Special Counsel  
Moved: Councilman Gleason, Seconded by Councilman  
Boxhill  
On the question: none.  
Response: Mayor Patterson - Howard (zoom): spoke on the  
need to hire special counsel for the increases imposed by  
Con-Edison and to join other municipalities to file a joint  
motion. The cost goes down as more municipalities join in.  
adopted  
Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore  
Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and  
Councilperson Gleason  
Aye:  
None  
Nay:  
President Browne  
Absent:  
()  
()  
()  
2.  
3.  
4.  
TMP  
-1255  
Code:  
LPW  
Cable TV Adivsory Appointment Letter - Jahi L  
McClendon Jr -  
Attachments:  
Moved: Councilman Gleason, Seconded by Councilman  
Boxhill  
On the question: none.  
Response: none  
adopted  
Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore  
Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and  
Councilperson Gleason  
Aye:  
None  
Nay:  
President Browne  
Absent:  
TMP  
-1247  
Code:  
LPW  
Policy for Tree Planting in the Municipal Right  
Standard for Tree Planting in the Municipal Rig  
Attachments:  
Moved: Councilman Gleason, Seconded by Councilman  
Boxhill  
On the question: none.  
Response: none  
adopted  
Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore  
Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and  
Councilperson Gleason  
Aye:  
None  
Nay:  
President Browne  
Absent:  
TMP  
-1251  
Code:  
LPW  
Bonanza Contracting Letter  
Attachments:  
Moved: Councilman Gleason, Seconded by Councilman  
Boxhill  
On the question: none.  
Response: Deputy Corporation Counsel Powell: spoke with  
Commissioner Bush on the procurement policy. There were  
quotes received.  
Councilman Gleason: policy was explained to the  
Commissioner. We should add quotes to legislation  
adopted  
Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore  
Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and  
Councilperson Gleason  
Aye:  
None  
Nay:  
President Browne  
Absent:  
()  
5.  
TMP  
-1267  
Code:  
LPW  
Municipal Buildings- Pest Control  
Attachments:  
Moved: Councilman Gleason, Seconded by Councilman  
Boxhill  
On the question: none.  
Response: Commissioner Bush: there was a bid, the lowest  
bidder was still too high. We plan on re bidding. We have the  
funding to do municipal buildings.  
adopted  
Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore  
Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and  
Councilperson Gleason  
Aye:  
None  
Nay:  
President Browne  
Absent:  
()  
6.  
TMP  
-1279  
Code:  
LPW  
Permission for Mayor to Enter into agreement w  
Attachments:  
Moved: Councilman Gleason, Seconded by Councilman  
Boxhill  
On the question: none.  
Response: none  
adopted  
Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore  
Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and  
Councilperson Gleason  
Aye:  
None  
Nay:  
President Browne  
Absent:  
()  
7.  
TMP  
-1280  
Code:  
LPW  
Bid - Year 2- Sewer System Cleaning and Inves  
30, 31,43, 48,53 and 34 Drainage Areas)  
Attachments:  
Moved: Councilman Gleason, Seconded by Councilman  
Boxhill  
On the question: none.  
Response: none  
adopted  
Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore  
Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and  
Councilperson Gleason  
Aye:  
None  
Nay:  
President Browne  
Absent:  
()  
8.  
TMP  
-1282  
Code:  
LPW  
Latin Cultrual Festival  
Attachments:  
Moved: Councilman Gleason, Seconded by Councilman  
Boxhill  
On the question: none.  
Response: none  
adopted  
Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore  
Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and  
Councilperson Gleason  
Aye:  
None  
Nay:  
President Browne  
Absent:  
To the Council:  
The HUMAN RESOURCES Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled  
legislation:  
()  
9.  
TMP  
-1208  
Code:  
HR  
turf tank leg letter  
Attachments:  
Moved: Councilman Thompson, Seconded by Councilman  
Gleason  
On the question: none.  
Response: Councilman Poteat: need to see plan for memorial  
field to get numbers on what kind of revenue we can expect  
Councilman Thompson: KWP has a plan with the Director.  
They will come to first meeting in April and give us a  
presentation.  
adopted  
Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore  
Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and  
Councilperson Gleason  
Aye:  
None  
Nay:  
President Browne  
Absent:  
To the Council:  
The PUBLIC SAFETY AND CODES Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following  
entitled legislation:  
()  
10.  
TMP  
-1249  
Code:  
PSC  
Give Grant Acceptance  
Award Notice  
Attachments:  
Moved: Councilman Thompson, Seconded by Councilman  
Gleason  
On the question: none.  
Response: none.  
adopted  
Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore  
Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and  
Councilperson Gleason  
Aye:  
None  
Nay:  
President Browne  
Absent:  
()  
11.  
TMP  
-1260  
Code:  
PSC  
SIMSI  
Attachments:  
Sole or Single Source Exemption Request Form  
Moved: Councilman Thompson, Seconded by Councilman  
Gleason  
On the question: none.  
Response: none.  
adopted  
Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore  
Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and  
Councilperson Gleason  
Aye:  
None  
Nay:  
President Browne  
Absent:  
()  
12.  
TMP  
-1262  
Code:  
PSC  
Moved: Councilman Thompson, Seconded by Councilman  
Gleason  
On the question: none.  
Response: none.  
adopted  
Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore  
Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and  
Councilperson Gleason  
Aye:  
None  
Nay:  
President Browne  
Absent:  
()  
13.  
TMP  
-1263  
Code:  
PSC  
Request to Transfer Funds  
Attachments:  
Moved: Councilman Thompson, Seconded by Councilman  
Gleason  
On the question: none.  
Response: none.  
adopted  
Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore  
Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and  
Councilperson Gleason  
Aye:  
None  
Nay:  
President Browne  
Absent:  
()  
14.  
TMP  
-1281  
Code:  
PSC  
Full of Circle Health Referral Letter  
Attachments:  
held  
()  
15.  
TMP  
-1284  
Code:  
PSC  
Prisoner Transportation Referral Letter  
Attachments:  
Moved: Councilman Thompson, Seconded by Councilman  
Gleason  
On the question: none.  
Response: Councilman Boxhill: abstain because issue  
contract on behalf of the County  
Associate Corporation Counsel Powell: This needs to go for a  
second vote  
**NEEDS SECOND VOTE**  
approved  
Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore  
Thompson, and Councilperson Gleason  
None  
Aye:  
Nay:  
President Browne  
Absent:  
Abstain:  
Councilperson Boxhill  
To the Council:  
The FINANCE AND PLANNING Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled  
legislation:  
()  
16.  
TMP  
-1288  
Code:  
FP  
Comp2025-03 - Bond Ordinance to Finance Co  
Attachments:  
Moved: Councilman Boxhill, Seconded by Councilman  
Thompson  
On the question: none.  
Response: Councilman Poteat: thanked Comptroller for his  
hard work. The rest of the audit will be done by the end of  
year.  
adopted  
Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore  
Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and  
Councilperson Gleason  
Aye:  
None  
Nay:  
President Browne  
Absent:  
()  
17.  
TMP  
-1289  
Code:  
FP  
COMP2025-02 - Acceptance of the 2019 Annu  
Attachments:  
Moved: Councilman Boxhill, Seconded by Councilman  
Thompson  
On the question: none.  
Response: none.  
adopted  
Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore  
Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and  
Councilperson Gleason  
Aye:  
None  
Nay:  
President Browne  
Absent:  
()  
18.  
TMP  
-1256  
Code:  
FP  
Appointments for Economic Development Task  
Attachments:  
Moved: Councilman Boxhill, Seconded by Councilman  
Thompson  
On the question: none.  
Response: Councilman Gleason: Great approach and  
working with administration, and we have great people  
appointed to this task force to move our economic  
development forward  
adopted  
Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore  
Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and  
Councilperson Gleason  
Aye:  
None  
Nay:  
President Browne  
Absent:  
()  
19.  
TMP  
-1285  
Code:  
FP  
Amendment to Ordinance 19 adopted 12.27.23  
EDTF Ordinance Membership Description AM  
Attachments:  
Moved: Councilman Boxhill, Seconded by Councilman  
Thompson  
On the question: none.  
Response: none.  
adopted  
Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore  
Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and  
Councilperson Gleason  
Aye:  
None  
Nay:  
President Browne  
Absent:  
()  
20.  
TMP  
-1259  
Code:  
FP  
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 2  
THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNOn, NEW YOR  
ZONING (.3.6.25)  
Attachments:  
Moved: Councilman Boxhill, Seconded by Councilman  
Thompson  
On the question: none.  
Response: Councilman Poteat: this would amend the city to  
create the new DTOD. The zoning is consistent with the  
adoption January 2024. Site plan needs to be approve by  
planning board  
adopted  
Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore  
Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and  
Councilperson Gleason  
Aye:  
None  
Nay:  
President Browne  
Absent:  
()  
21.  
TMP  
-1210  
Code:  
FP  
SEQRA Statement of Findings  
Attachments:  
Moved: Councilman Boxhill, Seconded by Councilman  
Thompson  
On the question: none.  
Response: none.  
adopted  
Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore  
Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and  
Councilperson Gleason  
Aye:  
None  
Nay:  
President Browne  
Absent:  
ADD-ON  
To the Council:  
The LEGISLATION AND PUBLIC WORKS Committee recommends for ADOPTION the  
following entitled legislation:  
()  
22.  
TMP  
-1294  
Code:  
LPW  
Leslie Alpert Board of Ethics  
Attachments:  
Moved: Councilman Gleason, Seconded by Councilman  
Boxhill  
On the question: none.  
Response: none  
adopted  
Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore  
Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and  
Councilperson Gleason  
Aye:  
None  
Nay:  
President Browne  
Absent:  
To the Council:  
The FINANCE AND PLANNING Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled  
legislation:  
()  
23.  
TMP  
-1295  
Code:  
FP  
County Taxes  
Attachments:  
Moved: Councilman Boxhill, Seconded by Councilman  
Thompson  
On the question: none.  
Response: none.  
adopted  
Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore  
Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and  
Councilperson Gleason  
Aye:  
None  
Nay:  
President Browne  
Absent:  
OTHER BUSINESS/CLOSING COMMENTS  
Councilman Gleason: Congrats to Mount Vernon Jr. knights, they won again.  
Councilman Boxhill: Happy birthday to me, the big 40.  
Motion to adjourn  
Moved: Councilman Thompson, Seconded by Councilman Boxhill  
approved  
Pro Tempore Poteat, Acting Pro Tempore  
Aye:  
Thompson, Councilperson Boxhill, and  
Councilperson Gleason  
None  
Nay:  
President Browne  
Absent:  
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:28 pm.  
Jordan Riullano, JD  
Deputy City Clerk