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Mount Vernon Council approves resurfacing bids, event cosponsorships, personnel and finance measures
Summary
The Mount Vernon City Council voted on multiple ordinances, resolutions and appointments at its meeting, approving measures on street resurfacing, a drug- and alcohol-testing services agreement, community events and administrative personnel changes.
The Mount Vernon City Council voted on multiple ordinances, resolutions and appointments at its meeting, approving measures on street resurfacing, a drug- and alcohol-testing services agreement, community events and administrative personnel changes.
The actions ranged from authorizing bid advertisements for street resurfacing and a USDOT-compliant testing agreement for the Department of Public Works, to cosponsoring community events and approving a Tree Advisory Board appointment.
Why this matters: The package advances routine public-works projects, community events and administrative housekeeping that affect city operations, local programming and budget administration.
Votes at a glance
- Ordinance authorizing advertisement for bids for resurfacing various streets in Mount Vernon (Department of Public Works) — approved (roll call Ayes).
- Ordinance authorizing the mayor to enter into an agreement with Partners in Safety for drug- and alcohol-testing services for the Department of Public Works (to comply with USDOT regulations) — approved (roll call Ayes).
- Ordinance authorizing acceptance of three trees donated by Neighbors That Care Inc. for planting on South Columbus Avenue near the Graham School parking lot — approved. Council members thanked Neighbors That Care; Councilwoman Gleeson said, “They've done a lot in that community to enhance the environment.”
- Ordinance authorizing and supporting an HIV/AIDS Awareness Walk, "Breaking Stigmas: 1 Step at a Time," to be held Saturday, June 21, 2025 — approved.
- Ordinance authorizing the Recreation Department to cosponsor the annual Juneteenth Walk and Interfaith Health Fair in partnership with the Youssef Shah Islamic Center, and to appropriate funds for the event (Saturday, June 7, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.) — approved.
- Ordinance to cosponsor Cityfest 2025 in partnership with Friends of Mount Vernon Recreation and Youth Programs Inc. (Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025; rain date Sept. 14) — approved.
- Ordinance retroactively authorizing attendance at the 2025 Mayor's Water Council meeting (Board of Water Supply) — approved; Councilwoman Gleeson said she would not vote for retroactive attendance in general and criticized after-the-fact requests.
- Ordinance authorizing an amendment to the salary for a senior account clerk position on the Board of Water Supply — approved.
- Resolution appointing Mia Howard Fenton to the Tree Advisory Board (term 04/23/2025–04/22/2028) — approved. One council member noted the appointee shares a name with the mayor's daughter but said there is no conflict disclosed.
- Ordinance authorizing purchase of equipment from Faro Technologies for the Department of Public Safety’s criminal investigations unit and waiving competitive bidding requirements — approved.
- Ordinance authorizing two members of the Department of Public Safety to attend training in Somerville, Mass. (May 13–15, 2025) — approved.
- Ordinance adoption of standard terms and conditions for installment payment plans for delinquent tax payments and a related payment agreement with the New York State Department of Civil Service for outstanding health-insurance-premium arrears — both approved.
- Resolution requests supporting state legislation: (a) support for S.7322/A.7348 (transfer tax increase on deeds) and (b) support for S.7321/A.7341 (hotel occupancy tax) — both approved as council resolutions to the state legislature.
Notable remarks and committee notes
Council members repeatedly moved the items in committee order and took roll-call votes. On the retroactive Mayor’s Water Council attendance item, Councilwoman Gleeson said she would not support retroactive approvals and asked for better communication: “This came after the fact, and I will not be voting for it.”
On the acceptance of donated trees, one council member thanked Neighbors That Care by name: “They've done a lot in that community to enhance the environment.”
The meeting concluded with a motion to enter executive session for legal and personnel matters; the council returned and adjourned afterward.
Formal motions, roll calls and the record of Aye/No votes were read on the record for each item during the session.
