City Council

The Department of Public Works (DPW) is requesting authorization to issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for professional consulting services for improvements at 4th Street Park. This park, approximately 0.7 acres and located in an Environmental Justice Area, suffers from drainage and ponding issues due to poor grading and impervious surfaces. A community-supported schematic design proposes green infrastructure solutions like bioretention areas, rain gardens, and porous pavement to manage stormwater, improve water quality, and enhance usability. The consulting services will cover final design, contract documents, surveying, geotechnical and environmental investigations, permit coordination, and construction-phase support. Funding is expected from the NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) Green Infrastructure Project Grant and the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). The DPW will present a recommendation for contract award to the City Council after the evaluation process.

The Department of Public Works (DPW) is requesting authorization to implement a Night-Time Commercial Waste Collection Program effective January 2026. This program will shift refuse collection for eligible commercial properties from daytime hours to overnight hours, specifically between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM. The primary goals are to reduce daytime traffic congestion, minimize conflicts with pedestrians and vehicles in commercial areas, and improve the overall efficiency and safety of waste collection operations. The DPW will establish specific routes, operating protocols, and enforcement procedures for this new program, which is part of broader sanitation service adjustments planned for 2026.

This Local Law, titled "A Local Law Amending the Mount Vernon City Charter to Establish a Periodic Review Process for Exempt Job Titles," mandates a regular review of all exempt job positions within the City of Mount Vernon.

Key Provisions:

• Review Frequency: All exempt job titles must undergo a comprehensive review at least once every three (3) years, or more often if deemed necessary.
• Reviewing Authorities: The review will be a collaborative effort involving the Department of Civil Service, the Department of Human Resources, and the Office of the Mayor.
• Scope of Review: The review will assess:
  • Verification of required certifications, credentials, and qualifications.
  • Consistency of job descriptions with current duties.
  • Alignment with industry standards and municipal government best practices.
  • Recommendations for modifications to job descriptions or qualifications.
• Reporting and Approval: Findings will be documented in a written report submitted to the Civil Service Commission for review and approval. Recommended changes will be presented to the Commission and potentially the City Council.
• Purpose: The law aims to enhance accountability, transparency, and professional excellence in the City's exempt workforce.

Effective Date: The Local Law takes effect immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State.

This resolution authorizes the City Council of Mount Vernon, NY to deliver proposed local laws electronically. This includes delivery via email or other secure electronic means. The City Council finds that this method enhances efficiency, timeliness, transparency, and accessibility in the legislative process. Such electronic delivery will be considered valid and sufficient notice for all legal purposes, to the extent permitted by law. The resolution was duly adopted by the City Council.

The Mayor's Office is requesting City Council authorization to extend the separation date and continue City-contributed health benefits for Officer Derek Williams for an additional six months, through June 30, 2026. Officer Williams has been out of active duty since April 2023. This extension aims to provide additional time to finalize his retirement and benefits processes in an orderly and compassionate manner. During this period, the City will continue to cover its portion of his health insurance premiums and offer support for completing necessary documentation and benefit elections.

This ordinance authorizes the Mayor to enter into a retroactive renewal agreement with Motorola Solutions, Inc. for the installation of fixed video equipment and related services. The agreement covers the period from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. The total cost for this renewal is $64,505.00, broken down into $39,428.00 for video equipment installation and $25,077.00 for services. Funds for this agreement have been allocated to budget line A3389.3 (Operation Impact - GIVE Grant) and will be paid from budget line A3120.203. This partnership, which began in 2024, aims to enhance public safety by increasing situational awareness, providing real-time video access to first responders, and improving evidence gathering and response coordination across departments.

This local law authorizes the City of Mount Vernon to establish a School Speed Zone Demonstration Program using automated speed enforcement technology. The program aims to reduce speeding and enhance safety for children and pedestrians near schools.

Key Provisions:

• Authorization: The city can install photo speed violation monitoring systems in up to twenty school speed zones at a time.
• Speed Limits: The system will enforce school speed limits and other posted speed limits during school days (including one hour before and after), and during student activities (plus 30 minutes before and after).
• Owner Liability: Vehicle owners will be liable for speeding violations if their vehicle exceeds the posted speed limit by more than ten miles per hour within a school speed zone, as evidenced by the monitoring system.
• Penalties: The maximum monetary penalty for each violation is $50, with an additional $25 for failure to respond within the prescribed time.
• Data Privacy: The system is designed to avoid identifying drivers or passengers, and recorded images are for exclusive use in adjudicating liability.
• Reporting: The city must conduct a study and submit annual reports to the state on the program's results, including data on violations, crashes, revenue, and expenses.
• Duration: The demonstration program is authorized to operate until December 1, 2031, after which the provisions will be repealed.
• Equipment Procurement: Purchase or lease of equipment must comply with General Municipal Law Section 103.

This resolution requests the New York State Legislature to enact special legislation authorizing the retroactive grant of a real property tax exemption and the cancellation of delinquent taxes and accrued interest for the Westchester Muslim Center, Inc., located at 22 Brookfield Road (Tax ID # 165.26-2142-4).

Background:

• The property was erroneously included in the "taxable" portion of the 1994 City Assessment Roll due to a clerical error.
• This resulted in the removal of its non-profit tax exemption (RP-420-a/b) and the accumulation of delinquent taxes and interest.
• The property had been listed on the "exempt" portion of the City Assessment Roll for the years 1990, 1991, 1992, and 1993.

Current Situation:

• As of June 2, 2025, the outstanding taxes amount to $34,565.00 and the accrued interest is $194,428.13, totaling $228,993.13.
• The City Council fully supports the Westchester Muslim Center's efforts to obtain special legislation to retroactively apply for the exemption for the 1994 assessment year.

Requested Action:

• The City Council is formally requesting its State Legislators to introduce a State bill to authorize this correction.
• Enactment of this legislation would nullify the delinquent taxes and accrued interest on the Subject Property.

This resolution authorizes a home rule request to the New York State Legislature to correct a clerical error on the property classification and associated delinquent taxes and interest for 40 North Tenth Avenue (Section/Block/Lot: 165.61-1078-5). The property was erroneously classified as commercial (Inns, Lodging, Boarding house - NYS code 418) on the 2011-2020 City Final Assessment Rolls, when its correct classification is a residential two-family dwelling (NYS code 220). This misclassification has likely resulted in an incorrect overassessment of property taxes and denial of eligible homestead exemptions. The requested state legislation aims to retroactively apply the correct classification for the assessment years 2011-2020, which would nullify all outstanding delinquent taxes and accrued interest on the property. The total amount due, including taxes and interest, was stated as $422,965.63 as of June 4, 2025.

The City Council is considering a resolution to request special legislation from the New York State Legislature. This legislation would authorize the retroactive grant of a real property tax exemption and the cancellation of delinquent taxes and interest for the Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church located at 17 East Grand Street (Parcel ID: 165.30-1018-16).

Background:

• The property was erroneously included in the taxable portion of the 2010 City Final Assessment Roll due to a clerical error.
• This error resulted in the removal of the church's non-profit tax exemption (RP-420-a/b) and the accumulation of delinquent taxes and interest.
• The Commissioner of Assessment has requested this action to correct the error.

Proposed Action:

• The City Council will pass a resolution requesting state legislators to introduce a bill.
• This bill will allow the church to retroactively apply for an exemption for the 2010 Assessment Year.
• If enacted, this legislation would nullify all outstanding delinquent taxes and accrued interest on the Subject Property.

Current Status:

• As of August 15, 2025, the total owed taxes, interest, and fees for the property amount to $163,324.18.
• The property's assessed value for land is $21,000 and total is $69,800.

This resolution requests the New York State Legislature to enact special legislation authorizing the retroactive grant of a tax exemption and the cancellation of delinquent taxes and accrued interest for the Asbury Methodist Church, located at 58 West Seventh Street (Parcel ID: 169.46-3061-3).

The issue arose from a clerical error where the property was erroneously included in the taxable portion of the 2018 City Final Assessment Roll. This resulted in the removal of its non-profit tax exemption (RP-420-a/b) and the accumulation of delinquent taxes and interest for the years 2018 through 2023.

The City Council fully supports the church's effort to obtain this special legislation, which would nullify all outstanding taxes and accrued interest on the property, effectively correcting the assessment roll error.

This local law authorizes the City of Mount Vernon to amend its Tax Law to impose a hotel or motel occupancy tax. The tax rate can be up to 5.875% of the per diem rental rate for each room. This applies to various lodging types, including hotels, motels, short-term rentals, and Airbnbs, but excludes permanent residents (those staying 30 consecutive days or more).

Key Provisions:

• Authorized Tax Rate: Up to 5.875% on hotel/motel room rentals.
• Applicability: Covers hotels, motels, tourist homes, short-term rentals, Airbnbs, and similar transient lodging.
• Exemptions: Not applicable to permanent residents (staying 30+ consecutive days).
• Administration: The tax will be collected and administered by the city's chief fiscal officer, similar to other city taxes.
• Revenue Use: All revenues will be deposited into the city's general fund, used first to cover administrative expenses, and the remainder will be used for city programs as determined by the City Council.
• Duration: Local laws enacted under this section can impose the tax for a period of no longer than two years. The authorization itself expires on December 31, 2027.
• Effective Date: The act takes effect on the first day of the month following the enactment of a local law by the City of Mount Vernon adopting the increased rate, provided such local law is filed with the NY Secretary of State.

This local law, Local Law No. __ of 2025, authorizes the City of Mount Vernon to amend its Tax Law to increase the tax on deeds. The proposed amendment to Section 1205 of the Tax Law allows the city to impose a tax on each deed conveying real property or an interest therein, where the consideration exceeds one hundred dollars. The city is authorized to set a rate not to exceed one and one-half percent of the consideration or value, with potential deductions for liens and an exemption of up to $100,000 on the consideration or value. This law will take effect on the first day of the month following the enactment of a local law by the city adopting the increased rate and its subsequent filing with the New York State Secretary of State.

This ordinance authorizes the Mayor to enter into a retroactive renewal lease agreement with WEST-H.E.L.P. (H.E.L.P. USA, Inc.) for city-owned property located at 230 and 240 South Franklin Avenue. The lease term is five years, retroactive to January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2029, with an option for one additional five-year renewal. The annual lease payment is $420,000, payable in monthly installments of $35,000. WEST-H.E.L.P. will also be responsible for all applicable taxes, assessments, utilities, and operating costs. This agreement allows WEST-H.E.L.P. to continue providing transitional housing and supportive services to homeless families, while generating consistent rental revenue for the City, which will be credited to Revenue Account A-2420 – Rental of Real Property.

The City Council is considering authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with Motorola Solutions, Inc. for a Drone as a First Responder (DFR) program, in partnership with BRINC. This program aims to deploy a single unmanned aircraft system (UAS) operated by Mount Vernon Police Officers, providing live video feeds and two-way communication to enhance situational awareness and reduce response times.

Financial Details: The first year (2026) of the program is no cost to the City. Annual subscription costs of $79,999 will begin in year two (2027) and remain fixed through year six (2031), totaling $399,995 over the six-year term. The City retains the right to terminate the agreement without cost during the initial year by providing 30 days' notice before the subscription renewal.

Operational Benefits: Agencies using similar DFR programs report an average on-scene visibility in approximately 70 seconds and the resolution of about 25% of calls without dispatching ground units. The system integrates with existing Motorola public safety platforms, including AWARE, and offers capabilities like thermal imaging, benefiting both Police and Fire Departments. The contract includes all necessary equipment, software, training for officers, and 24/7 support.

Procurement: The contract is available through the Sourcewell cooperative contract #030425-MOT, which streamlines the procurement process and allows for an exemption from traditional competitive bidding.