Council approves tree removals, property sales, event permits and appointments; multiple routine ordinances pass

The Mount Vernon City Council on Oct. 8 approved a slate of ordinances, emergency contracts, appointments and property conveyances during its regular meeting after concluding public hearings.

Key council actions included authorization of emergency funds and an emergency contract for removal of dead oak trees and debris management along the Bronx River Parkway corridor, approval of an event permit for the city’s Purple Lights domestic violence awareness observance, the appointment of two members to the Cable Television Advisory Committee, and a package of city‑owned property sales.

Council members voted on multiple items by roll call. Votes recorded in the meeting transcript show unanimous approval for most items; one ordinance establishing an honorary street co‑naming policy passed with one abstention by Councilman Poteet. The council also voted to declare its intent to serve as lead agency for a petition from Grace Baptist Church seeking zoning text and map amendments (a procedural step that begins coordinated environmental review). The council read into the record a description of a separate petition for a proposed 15‑story mixed‑use project (approximately 162…