Mayor Richard Thomas Weekly Report — January 6, 2018
CITY OF MOUNT VERNON WARNS LANDLORDS: FIX YOUR HEAT!
Inter-Agency Task Force to Conduct Heat Inspections During Cold Snap
Mayor Richard Thomas and the City of Mount Vernon will be conducting heat inspections during the current extreme cold weather event that is affecting the tristate area. An Inter-Agency Task Force, composed of Police, Fire, and Buildings Department representatives, will be targeting apartment buildings and multiple-family dwellings that have received complaints over the past several months. Landlords and property owners who have failed to fix or repair heat or hot water issues will face immediate violations and the possibility of significant fines and penalties, levied by the City of Mount Vernon.
Property owners who are making money from the people must make sure they provide services in accordance with the law. The city will not tolerate seniors, children, and the infirm being forced to weather freezing temperatures and substandard conditions because lazy landlords cannot be bothered to make repairs on time. Mayor Thomas has directed the city’s Law Department to review and evaluate the case histories of repeat offenders and pursue them to the fullest extent of the law.”
Mount Vernon Heating Requirement: The City of Mount Vernon requires landlords/property owners of multiple-family dwelling and apartment buildings to maintain an indoor temperature of at least 68 degrees when the outdoor temperatures fall below 55 degrees, between October 1 through May 31.
IF YOU ARE A TENANT/RESIDENT AND EXPERIENCING HEAT ISSUES, PLEASE NOTIFY THE CITY IMMEDIATELY AT 914–665–2361 OR MAYORTHOMAS@CMVNY.COM!
Snow Removal Continues, City Remains Under Cold Advisory
The City of Mount Vernon remains under an extreme cold advisory from now until Monday, January 8, 2018. The National Weather Service has forecasted that temperatures will be freezing throughout the week.
In addition, snow removal operations will be continuing. DPW crews will be salting throughout the weekend. Alternate Side Parking is Suspended until Thursday, January 11, 2018. Parking meters are in effect.
Warming Center Locations
The Doles Center — 250 South 6th Avenue — Mount Vernon, NY
The Armory — 144 North 5th Avenue — Mount Vernon, NY
Montefiore — 12 North 7th Avenue — Mount Vernon, NY
COLD WEATHER TIPS
- Check on your neighbors, especially the elderly and sick.
- Keep animals indoors. Cold weather isn’t good for our furry friends.
- Don’t overload electrical power strips.
- KEEP space heaters away from curtains, blankets, and flammable materials
DON’T use a stove /oven or grill to heat your home. This is dangerous and can lead to fires or carbon monoxide poisoning
Mayor Richard Thomas & City Council Joins Governor Cuomo State in Albany
This week, Mayor Richard Thomas joined Governor Andrew Cuomo at his annual State of the State Address in Albany, NY. Joining him were City Council President Lisa Copeland and City Councilmembers Andre Wallace and Janice Duarte as well Commissioner of Public Works Joseph Nigro and Assistant to the Commissioner Damani Bush. While in Albany, Mayor Thomas met with local representatives from Mount Vernon including our State Senators Jeffrey Klein and Jamaal T. Bailey and discussed some of the latest initiatives planned for Mount Vernon in 2018, including “covering the cut”, our plan to increase recreational greenspace in the city by covering the railroad tracks. The Mount Vernon delegation also met with state leaders including New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli and Senate Minority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins.
Mayor Thomas was there in support of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s proposals for 2018 many of which will have a positive impact on Mount Vernon taxpayers including the countywide shared services panels which helps local governments join together and find ways to streamlines service and save money. The City of Mount Vernon has done this successfully by partnering with the Mount Vernon City School District for snow removal operations and programs for our youth and seniors.
Mayor Thomas Appoints Shawn Harris as Police Commissioner, Swears in 15 New Probationary Officers.
Mount Vernon’s nationwide search has come to an end with the announcement of Shawn Harris as Commissioner of Public Safety. The appointment ceremony was held on Friday, January 5, 2018. Commissioner Harris, a long-time veteran of the force who served in Iraq under Operation Iraqi Freedom, takes the helm of a Department that has steadily reduced crime levels over the past two years.
The addition of the 15 new probationary officers brings the Mount Vernon Police Department to over two hundred officers for the first time since the department was cut in fiscal year 2016 and represents ongoing growth in the department. The administration is encouraged by the support that Comptroller Deborah Reynolds and the incoming City Council has shown the department and we are hopeful that they will continue to work with us. Stay tuned for an open house to meet the Commissioner, Mayor and local leaders on public safety in the near future.
First Board of Estimate and Contract Meeting of 2018
On Tuesday, January 2, 2018, Mayor Richard Thomas, along with Comptroller Deborah Reynolds and City Council President Lisa Copeland, held the first Board of Estimate and Contract Meeting of the new year. Mayor Thomas was joined by his Commissioners and several staff members as the Administration welcomed the new government in the first official meeting of the new year. Click here to watch the meeting.
New Year, New Government
The City of Mount Vernon officially has a new government. Comptroller Deborah Reynolds was sworn-in this week as were the newest members of the Mount Vernon’s legislative branch. Mayor Thomas addressed the City Council and members of the public and stressed that this is a pivotal moment for our city. Mayor Thomas gifted the City Council and Comptroller Reynolds with hard hats, as a playful indication that the administration has its sleeves rolled up and is ready to work. Click here for video of Mayor Thomas’ remarks at Reynolds’ swearing-in ceremony and at the City Council’s meeting.
Mount Vernon Spread the Warmth Coat Drive
No one should have to go without a coat in the cold wintery weather! Mayor Richard Thomas and the Mount Vernon Planning and Community Development Department are collecting gently used coats for those in need. If you have coats hanging in your closet that you don’t need or don’t wear anymore, please bring them to City Hall Room 211. Help spread the warmth this frigid winter! The coat drive lasts from now until January 12, 2018.
MVPD’s Weekly Crime Stat Update — December 29, 2017
Did you know the MVPD’s traffic unit secured $276,000 in revenue by cracking down on dangerously overweight trucks? This unit, made up of just 4 cops, shows how tactical leadership and strategic deployment of our resources under the Thomas Administration can lead to a better Mount Vernon. Officer Jessie Smiley tells us how these practices can help take the burden off of taxpayers and get those responsible for destroying our roads to directly pay for fixing them.
Mount Vernon Celebrates Three Kings Day 2017
Earlier today, Mayor Richard Thomas and The City of Mount Vernon celebrated Three Kings Day. On Saturday, January 6, from 1–2:30 pm in the City Hall Rotunda, children and families from across the city came to City Hall and celebrated the festivities of Three Kings Day which included presents for the children, music, and refreshments. Three Kings Day is a celebration popular in many parts of the world where children are given small gifts. Click here for a video of the festivities.
Listen to us live:
Mayor Richard Thomas is live and on-the-air several days a week, taking your calls, addressing your concerns, and answering your questions. See the schedule below and be sure to tune in!
On Tuesdays at 7:20 am, Mayor Richard Thomas joins WVOX’s Bob Marrone to discuss pressing political news in Mount Vernon, Westchester County, and the country. You can hear this week’s discussion here.
At 8:30 am, you can hear the Mayor on “Mornings with the Mayor” on 104.5 FM Linkage Radio. Listen to last week’s episode here.
On Wednesdays, the Mayor heads to Minister Patrick Tyson’s corner on Future FM Radio at 98.9 FM. Catch last week’s episode here.
On Thursdays, Mayor Thomas appears on “Westchester on the Level” BlogTalk Radio hosted by Hezi Aris of the Yonkers Tribune. This week’s interview can be found here
. Listen to hear Mayor Richard Thomas speak to the challenges that were tackled in 2017 and those that will be carried into 2018, and discuss whether the Ethics Board should have subpoena power in Mount Vernon.
On Fridays, the Mayor joins Fada Gassy for Gloves On Gloves Off on Future FM Radio at 98.9 FM. Catch last week’s episode here.
Mayor Thomas hosts “Mount Vernon Moving Forward,” every Friday between 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm on WVOX 1460 AM Radio. This is your opportunity to call-in and speak to the Mayor directly. The number is 914–636–0110. You can listen to this week’s show here for a conversation on public safety following the appointment of the new Police Commissioner Shawn Harris. Mayor Thomas also discusses the recent extreme cold weather and where Mount Vernon resident can go to get warm in the city.
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