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 11, 2024  
7:00 PM  
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS  
CITY HALL  
City Council  
NICOLE BONILLA, M.B.A.  
City Clerk  
JORDAN A. RIULLANO, J.D.  
Deputy City Clerk  
A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF THE MOUNT VERNON CITY COUNCIL  
HELD ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 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.***  
Cathlin B. Gleason, President  
PRESIDING:  
OTHERS:  
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  
Pledge lead by Council President Gleason  
Councilmember Jaevon Boxhill, Pro Tempore Danielle Browne Esq., Councilmember  
PRESENT:  
Edward Poteat, and President Cathlin Gleason  
None  
ABSENT:  
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).  
Clerk Walters read the notices for the two public hearings.  
PUBLIC COMMENT  
1. Ray Copeland 236 Bedford Ave, Mount Vernon, NY  
Speaker addressed reckless driving, crumbling infrastructure and homes not appropriately zoned for the  
area.  
CM Thompson - addressed what is wrong and what is right with Mount Vernon and that he frequently  
drives around the city.  
CM Poteat - Thanked the speaker for their insight.  
CM Boxhill - Agreed that there are problem with reckless driving but that the issue is not limited to  
Mount Vernon.  
CM Browne - Agreed with the reckless driving and that the law department needs to work with the  
police department  
CP Gleason - Requested a list of properties that should be addressed by DPW and that the legislative  
aide will follow up.  
2. Ayanna Armstrong, Mount Vernon, NY armstrong@nysassembly.gov  
Speaker spoke of an incident that occurred on July 23, 2024 where the Mount Vernon Police  
Department breached her confidentiality.  
CM Thompson - Thanked the speaker for bringing this to the attention of the council. Will follow up  
with police department.  
CM Poteat - Thanked the speaker and apologized for the mishap.  
CM Boxhill - Apologized to the speaker for the incident.  
CM Browne -Asked additional questions to the speaker for clarification  
CP Gleason - Acknowledged that this was difficult to hear and will speak with police department.  
3. Rev James D. Robinson Jr, Mount Vernon jd.robinson1@verizon.net  
Speaker spoke of speaking near the Graham School and the paving schedule.  
CM Thompson - Acknowledged there is an existent speeding issue in Mount Vernon.  
CM Poteat - Thanked the speaker and addressed the street paving schedule  
CM Boxhill - Informed the speaker of the speed zone home rules law  
CM Browne -The speed zone law was approved by council.  
CP Gleason - Spoke with Police Commissioner to do a traffic study.  
4. Dolores Mack, 55 Sheridan Ave, Mount Vernon, NY  
No show at 7:57 pm  
REFERRAL SESSION  
Short-Term Rentals  
Clerk Walters read the three correspondences regarding Short-Term Rentals  
1. Richard Hyman - Chair of Westchester County Planning Board - No objection  
2. Darryl Selsey - Planning Board Chair Mount Vernon - No objection  
3. James Rausse - Commissioner Planning Board Mount Vernon - No objection.  
Public Speaker: For  
1. Raymond Copeland  
Public Speaker: Against  
2. Michael Sklar  
Code Enforcement Program  
Public Speaker: For  
1. Michael Sklar  
2. Raymond Copeland  
Public Speaker: Against  
None  
Clerk Walters read the one correspondences regarding the Code Enforcement Program  
1. Mayor Patterson-Howard - No objection  
Motion to Close Public Hearing  
approved  
Roll Call administered by City Clerk Tanesia M. Walters  
Councilmember Jaevon Boxhill, Pro Tempore Danielle Browne Esq., Councilmember  
Edward Poteat, and President Cathlin Gleason  
PRESENT:  
None  
ABSENT:  
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 -853  
Code:  
LPW  
Approval of budget transfer of $30769.90 from Data Processing Equip  
A1680.486.pdf  
Attachments:  
Moved: Councilmember Browne, Seconded: Councilmember Boxhill  
On the question: none  
Response: none  
adopted  
Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat,  
Aye:  
Thompson, and President Gleason  
None  
Nay:  
None  
Absent:  
2.  
TMP -813  
Code:  
LPW  
Referral - 2024 Cities United Convening.pdf  
2024 Convening Agenda.pdf  
Attachments:  
Moved: Councilmember Browne, Seconded: Councilmember Boxhill  
On the question: CM Browne-Mayor updated referral letter to include the names of three  
members attending. Chief of Staff Malcome Clarke, Eric Crump Constituent services, (named)  
Neighborhood & Safety Director. I do not know why constituent services is going at all. Spoke  
with Mayor, have not completed safety plan from attending other conferences.  
Response: none  
NOT ADOPTED **Item needs a second vote**  
denied  
Councilmember Boxhill, Councilmember Poteat, and Thompson  
Pro Tempore Browne, and President Gleason  
None  
Aye:  
Nay:  
Absent:  
3.  
TMP -849  
Code:  
LPW  
Referral Letter - Budget Transfer 8-28-24.pdf  
Attachments:  
Moved: Councilmember Browne, Seconded: Councilmember Boxhill  
On the question: none  
Response: none  
adopted  
Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat,  
Aye:  
Thompson, and President Gleason  
None  
Nay:  
None  
Absent:  
4.  
TMP -817  
Code:  
LPW  
Green Innovation Grant Program.pdf  
Attachments:  
$150M Signed Endorsement of MOA CMV CoW001.pdf  
MtV-4thStreetPark-SchematicSitePlan.pdf  
GIGP Acceptance Letter.pdf  
Moved: Councilmember Browne, Seconded: Councilmember Boxhill  
On the question: none  
Response: none  
adopted  
Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat,  
Aye:  
Thompson, and President Gleason  
None  
Nay:  
None  
Absent:  
5.  
TMP -841  
Code:  
LPW  
RFP-DPW Uniforms.pdf  
Attachments:  
Moved: Councilmember Browne, Seconded: Councilmember Boxhill  
On the question: CP Gleason-This is a request for proposal, it does not mean we are going for  
this at this time.  
Response: none  
adopted  
Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat,  
Aye:  
Thompson, and President Gleason  
None  
Nay:  
None  
Absent:  
6.  
TMP -863  
Code:  
LPW  
Environetics - Revised September 9, 2024.pdf  
DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY FOR MUNICIPAL  
BUILDINGS.pdf  
Attachments:  
Moved: Councilmember Browne, Seconded: Councilmember Boxhill  
On the question: none  
Response: none  
adopted  
Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat,  
Aye:  
Thompson, and President Gleason  
None  
Nay:  
None  
Absent:  
7.  
TMP -830  
Code:  
LPW  
WTR-Referral-Letter08152024.pdf  
Attachments:  
Moved: Councilmember Browne, Seconded: Councilmember Boxhill  
On the question: none  
Response: none  
adopted  
Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat,  
Aye:  
Thompson, and President Gleason  
None  
Nay:  
None  
Absent:  
8.  
TMP -865  
Code:  
LPW  
Referral - CGR Contract_Law_Buildings.pdf  
CGR-ProposalforOperationalAnalysis.pdf  
Attachments:  
Moved: Councilmember Browne, Seconded: Councilmember Boxhill  
On the question: none  
Response: none  
adopted  
Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat,  
Aye:  
Thompson, and President Gleason  
None  
Nay:  
None  
Absent:  
Motion to take items 9-11 as a block vote  
Moved: Councilmember Browne, Seconded: Councilmember Boxhill  
take items as block vote  
Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat,  
Aye:  
Thompson, and President Gleason  
None  
Nay:  
None  
Absent:  
TMP -874  
Code:  
9.  
LPW  
10.  
TMP -873  
Code:  
LPW  
adopted  
TMP -875  
11.  
Code:  
LPW  
adopted  
approved the Consent Agenda  
Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat,  
Aye:  
Thompson, and President Gleason  
None  
Nay:  
None  
Absent:  
TMP -877  
Code:  
12.  
LPW  
Transfer BOE 2023 Chargeback.pdf  
Attachments:  
Moved: Councilmember Browne, Seconded: Councilmember Boxhill  
On the question: none  
Response: none  
adopted  
Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat,  
Aye:  
Thompson, and President Gleason  
None  
Nay:  
None  
Absent:  
To the Council:  
The HUMAN RESOURCES Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled  
legislation:  
13.  
TMP -848  
Code:  
HR  
Nutrition leg letter.pdf  
Attachments:  
Rec- 2024 Title IIIC-1 & IIIC-2 Nutrition Contract  
Moved: Councilmember Thompson, Seconded: Councilmember Poteat  
On the question: CM Browne - question if the contract was reviewed by Counsel.  
Response: Assistant Corporation Counsel Powell - Confirmed but wants to have additional  
conversations with the Commissioner.  
NOT ADOPTED **Item needs a second vote**  
denied  
Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat,  
Aye:  
Thompson, and President Gleason  
None  
Nay:  
None  
Absent:  
14.  
TMP -810  
Code:  
HR  
SYEP- Presbyterian referral letter 2023 $17,224.pdf  
YTH-Printer - award letter.pdf  
Attachments:  
Moved: Councilmember Thompson, Seconded: Councilmember Poteat  
On the question: none  
Response: CM Thomspon- This is for Mount Vernon Youth to accept funds to pay the youth  
workers.  
adopted  
Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat,  
Aye:  
Thompson, and President Gleason  
None  
Nay:  
None  
Absent:  
15.  
TMP -846  
Code:  
HR  
Resolution of the City of the City Council of the City of Mount Vernon  
honoring James Frank Rowson.pdf  
Attachments:  
Moved: Councilmember Thompson, Seconded: Councilmember Poteat  
On the question: none  
Response: CM Thompson - Read the resolution into record  
adopted  
Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat,  
Aye:  
Thompson, and President Gleason  
None  
Nay:  
None  
Absent:  
To the Council:  
The PUBLIC SAFETY AND CODES Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following  
entitled legislation:  
16.  
TMP -854  
Code:  
PSC  
Referral Letter-Demo19 STerrace-Zombie Homes .pdf  
19STerrace-Photo1.jpg  
Attachments:  
19STerrace-Photo2.jpg  
19Terrace Ave Photo3.jpg  
19 South Terrace Ave - Demolition 7-24-24.pdf  
19 South Terrace Avenue Quote.pdf  
19 S TERRACE-Quote.pdf  
Moved: Councilmember Poteat, Seconded: Councilmember Browne  
On the question: none  
Response: none  
adopted  
Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat,  
Aye:  
Thompson, and President Gleason  
None  
Nay:  
None  
Absent:  
17.  
TMP -859  
Code:  
PSC  
ReferralLetter-FeesUpdated.pdf  
Attachments:  
Referral-Legislation.9-11-2024 Meeting.pdf  
Moved: Councilmember Poteat, Seconded: Councilmember Browne  
On the question: CM Poteat - Questioned the pricing for 15 units.  
Response: DC Mamak - Yes, and rounded up the fee would be $500.00  
adopted  
Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat,  
Aye:  
Thompson, and President Gleason  
None  
Nay:  
None  
Absent:  
Motion to amend item #18  
Moved: Councilmember Poteat, Seconded: Councilmember Browne  
On the question: none  
Response: none  
Fourth whereas, second part of that sentence strike the line appointing from the legislation and strike the  
entire section two of the legislation. Adjust the third and forth to be section two and three.  
approved  
Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat,  
Thompson, and President Gleason  
Aye:  
None  
Nay:  
None  
Absent:  
TMP -864  
Code:  
18.  
PSC  
Leave of absence referral letter.pdf  
Attachments:  
Moved: Councilmember Poteat, Seconded: Councilmember Browne  
On the question: CP Gleason - Leave of absence and appointment, are we allowed?  
Response: CM Browne - Confirmed the importance of Corporation Counsel to review contracts  
before the Council votes.  
adopted as amended  
Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat,  
Aye:  
Thompson, and President Gleason  
None  
Nay:  
None  
Absent:  
19.  
TMP -835  
Code:  
PSC  
Transfer of Funds to Cover Negative Balances  
Attachments:  
Moved: Councilmember Poteat, Seconded: Councilmember Browne  
On the question: none  
Response: none  
adopted  
Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat,  
Aye:  
Thompson, and President Gleason  
None  
Nay:  
None  
Absent:  
20.  
TMP -796  
Code:  
PSC  
Taxi Fare Increase.pdf  
Attachments:  
Moved: Councilmember Poteat, Seconded: Councilmember Browne  
On the question: none  
Response: none  
adopted  
Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat,  
Aye:  
Thompson, and President Gleason  
None  
Nay:  
None  
Absent:  
To the Council:  
The FINANCE AND PLANNING Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled  
legislation:  
21.  
TMP -852  
Code:  
FP  
COMP2024-12-NYCOM 2024 Fall Training.pdf  
Attachments:  
COMP2024-12-NYCOM 2024 Fall Training Agenda.pdf  
COMP2024-12-NYCOM 2024 Fall Training Hotel.pdf  
COMP2024-12-NYCOM 2024 Fall Training Registration.pdf  
Moved: Councilmember Boxhill, Seconded: Councilmember Thompson  
On the question: none  
Response: none  
adopted  
Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat,  
Aye:  
Thompson, and President Gleason  
None  
Nay:  
None  
Absent:  
ADD-ON  
To the Council:  
The HUMAN RESOURCES Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following entitled  
legislation:  
22.  
TMP -882  
Code:  
HR  
Moved: Councilmember Thompson, Seconded: Councilmember Poteat  
On the question: CM Thompson - read the resolution into record  
Response: CP Gleason - Spoke about the celebration and spoke on his background.  
adopted  
Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat,  
Aye:  
Thompson, and President Gleason  
None  
Nay:  
None  
Absent:  
To the Council:  
The PUBLIC SAFETY AND CODES Committee recommends for ADOPTION the following  
entitled legislation:  
23.  
TMP -885  
Code:  
PSC  
Allotment of Firefighters.pdf  
Attachments:  
Moved: Councilmember Poteat, Seconded: Councilmember Browne  
On the question: none  
Response: none  
adopted  
Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat,  
Aye:  
Thompson, and President Gleason  
None  
Nay:  
None  
Absent:  
OTHER BUSINESS/CLOSING COMMENTS  
Poteat - God Bless our firefighters on the courage they had that day and every day.  
Boxhill - second that to all our first responders, fire, police EMS. I respect it and appreciate them  
Clerk - remind that local voter registration takes place at city hall 9/28 and 10/10 noon - 9pm. Sororities  
working with Eric Crump, planning to have local registration event 9/17 noon - 3pm on the plaza. Early  
voting 10/26 and City Hall and Doles Center  
Browne - today we remember and honor those who lost lives on 9/11 they live on in our hearts and  
actions. We lost people from MV. Gives us an opportunity to reflect on today.  
Thompson - posted on social media to recognize today and reminds us to have that togetherness.  
Tomorrow is not promised. Be kind to one another. People are losing their lives every day, we have to  
be there for one another. We lost Frankie Beverly. The other day James Earl Jones. We lose people in  
our community every day, we have to cherish life.  
Browne- desperate need of board members. Economic development task force. We need about 30  
people, please send in resumes. December 31 to allocate ARPA funds. Get the RFP’s out.  
Gleason - A lot of our first responders died because of 9/11 related. Labor force not to be forgotten.  
Nextel was the only radio was working. It was an act of terrorism, we’re always under attack, Voting is  
important. Not telling you who to vote for but register to vote. Drive an elderly if you can.  
Motion to adjourn.  
Moved: Councilmember Thompson, Seconded: Councilmember Poteat  
approved  
Councilmember Boxhill, Pro Tempore Browne, Councilmember Poteat,  
Thompson, and President Gleason  
Aye:  
None  
Nay:  
None  
Absent:  
There being no other further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:42 p.m.  
Nicole Bonilla, MBA  
Deputy City Clerk