THE COUNCIL Minutes of the Proceedings for the STATED MEETING of Thursday, October 15, 2020, 1:34 p.m. held remotely via video-conference The Majority Leader (Council Member Cumbo) presiding as the Acting President Pro Tempore Council Members Corey D. Johnson, Speaker Adrienne E. Adams Mark Gjonaj Keith Powers Alicia Ampry-Samuel Barry S. Grodenchik Antonio Reynoso Diana Ayala Robert F. Holden Donovan J. Richards Inez D. Barron Ben Kallos Carlina Rivera Joseph C. Borelli Peter A. Koo Ydanis A. Rodriguez Justin L. Brannan Karen Koslowitz Deborah L. Rose Fernando Cabrera Rory I. Lancman Helen K. Rosenthal Margaret S. Chin Bradford S. Lander Rafael Salamanca, Jr Andrew Cohen Stephen T. Levin Ritchie J. Torres Costa G. Constantinides Mark D. Levine Mark Treyger Robert E. Cornegy, Jr Farah N. Louis Eric A. Ulrich Laurie A. Cumbo Alan N. Maisel Paul A. Vallone Chaim M. Deutsch Steven Matteo James G. Van Bramer Ruben Diaz, Sr. Carlos Menchaca Kalman Yeger Daniel Dromm I. Daneek Miller Mathieu Eugene Francisco P. Moya Vanessa L. Gibson Bill Perkins At the time of this virtual Stated Meeting, there were two vacant seats on the Council pending the swearing- in of the certified winners of the following elections: the special general election to be held on November 3, 2020 for the vacant seat in the 37th District (Brooklyn); and the special non-partisan election to be held on December 22, 2020 for the vacant seat in the 12th District (The Bronx). The Majority Leader (Council Member Cumbo) assumed the chair as the Acting President Pro Tempore and Presiding Officer for these virtual proceedings. Following the gaveling-in of the Meeting and the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, the Roll Call for Attendance was called by the City Clerk and the Clerk of the Council (Mr. McSweeney). 2074 October 15, 2020 After consulting with the City Clerk and Clerk of the Council (Mr. McSweeney), the presence of a quorum was announced by the Majority Leader and the Acting President Pro Tempore (Council Member Cumbo). There were 49 Council Members marked present at this Stated Meeting held remotely. INVOCATION The Invocation was delivered by Pastor Roderick Caesar III and Bishop Dr. Roderick Caesar, serving as spiritual leaders at Bethel Gospel Tabernacle, located at 110-25 Guy Brewer Blvd, Jamaica, NY, 11433. The opening of the Invocation as delivered by Bishop Doctor Roderick Caesar: Our gracious heavenly Father, we honor you for the blessing that you have bestowed upon us by allowing us to awaken this morning and to gather together to accomplish something that will be of great benefit to the residents of the region. Look upon us as we engage in the proceedings of this day and bless us with your divine wisdom and knowledge, which will enable us to make decisions that are in the best interests of our constituents. And I pray that that we will work in the spirit of bipartisan cooperation and that at the end of the day let us conclude with the knowledge that we have made a difference in the lives of many people through our action and our legislation. In the name of Jesus, the one who empowers us to serve, Amen. The conclusion of the Invocation was delivered by Pastor Roderick Caesar III: Amen. And Lord we thank you for the gift of life, of health and strength, and the ability to work together for the benefit of our communities. I pray oh Lord, that you would strengthen us, particularly in this election season as our nation has been polarized and fractured by the effects of COVID-19 and racial injustices. I pray Lord that you would help us to look to the hills from where our help comes from and trust you in this season of uncertainty. We will not fail to give you the praise, the honor, and the glory. 2075 October 15, 2020 We pray these things in Jesus's name. Amen. Council Member Adams moved to spread the Invocation in full upon the record. During the Communication from the Speaker segment of this meeting, the Speaker (Council Member Johnson) noted that in response to the financial devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Council would vote shortly on bills to help the struggling taxi and restaurant industries. The Speaker (Council Member Johnson) acknowledged that the number of coronavirus deaths in New York had reached 23,905 as of October 14, 2020. On behalf of the Council, the Speaker (Council Member Johnson) wished to send his thoughts and prayers to the families and loved ones of those who had succumbed to the virus. The Speaker (Council Member Johnson) acknowledged the death of former New York City First Lady Joyce B. Dinkins. Ms. Dinkins passed away on October 11, 2020 at the age of 89. The Speaker (Council Member Johnson) described her as a champion and an advocate for causes that helped make the City of New York a better place. He added that her life and legacy would serve as an inspiration to many. On behalf of the Council, the Speaker (Council Member Johnson) offered his thoughts and prayers to Mayor Dinkins, to their children and grandchildren, and to the entire Dinkins family. The Speaker (Council Member Johnson) acknowledged the death of former FDNY Commissioner Carlos Rivera. He noted that Commissioner Rivera bravely led the Fire Department's response to the 1993 World Trade Center terrorist bombing. Mr. Rivera, the first Latino Fire Commissioner of New York City, passed away on October 12, 2020 at the age of 86. At this point, a Moment of Silence was observed. * * * ADOPTION OF MINUTES Council Member Louis moved that the Minutes of the Stated Meeting of September 23, 2020 be adopted as printed. MESSAGES & PAPERS FROM THE MAYOR M-253 Communication from the Mayor - Submitting the name of Kenseth Armstead to the Council for its advice and consent regarding his appointment as a member of the New York City Art Commission, known as the Public Design Commission, pursuant to Sections 31 and 851 of the New York City Charter. October 8, 2020 The Honorable Corey Johnson Council Speaker City Hall New York, NY 10007 2076 October 15, 2020 Dear Speaker Johnson: Pursuant to Sections 31 and 851 of the New York City Charter, I am pleased to present the name of Kenseth Armstead to the City Council for advice and consent in anticipation of his appointment as the painter member of the New York City Art Commission, known as the Public Design Commission. When appointed, Mr. Armstead will serve for the remainder of a three-year term expiring on December 31, 2020. Subsequently, Mr. Armstead will serve an additional three-year term commencing on January 1, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2023. I send my thanks to you and all Council members for reviewing this Public Design Commission appointment. Sincerely, Bill de Blasio Mayor BDB:dl cc: Kenseth Armstead Vicki Been, Deputy Mayor for Housing & Economic Development Justin Moore, Executive Director, New York City Public Design Commission Signe Nielsen, President, New York City Public Design Commission Referred to the Committee on Rules, Privileges and Elections. M-254 Communication from the Mayor - Submitting the name of Deborah Marton to the Council for its advice and consent regarding her appointment as a member of the New York City Art Commission, known as the Public Design Commission, pursuant to Sections 31 and 851 of the New York City Charter. October 8, 2020 The Honorable Corey Johnson Council Speaker City Hall New York, NY 10007 Dear Speaker Johnson: Pursuant to Sections 31 and 851 of the New York City Charter, I am pleased to present the name of Deborah Marton to the City Council for advice and consent in anticipation of her appointment as a lay member of the New York City Art Commission, known as the Public Design Commission. 2077 October 15, 2020 When appointed, Ms. Marton will serve for the remainder of a three-year term expiring on December 31, 2021. I send my thanks to you and all Council members for reviewing this Public Design Commission appointment. Sincerely, Bill de Blasio Mayor BDB:dl cc: Deborah Marton Vicki Been, Deputy Mayor for Housing & Economic Development Justin Moore, Executive Director, New York City Public Design Commission Signe Nielsen, President, New York City Public Design Commission Referred to the Committee on Rules, Privileges and Elections. COMMUNICATION FROM CITY, COUNTY & BOROUGH OFFICES Preconsidered M-255 Stanley Richards, candidate for appointment by the Council to the New York City Board of Correction pursuant to § 626 of the New York City Charter. (For test of Committee Report and coupled resolution, please see the Report of the Committee on Rules, Privileges, and Elections for M-255 & Res. No. 1467 printed in the Reports of the Standing Committees section of these Minutes) Referred to the Committee on Rules, Privileges and Elections. Preconsidered M-256 Communication from the Queens County Democratic Committee recommending the name of José M. Araujo to the Council regarding his re-appointment to the New York City Board of Elections. (For test of Committee Report and coupled resolution, please see the Report of the Committee on Rules, Privileges, and Elections for M-256 & Res. No. 1468 printed in the Reports of the Standing Committees section of these Minutes) Referred to the Committee on Rules, Privileges and Elections. 2078 October 15, 2020 REPORTS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES Report of the Committee on Aging Report for Int. No. 2030 Report of the Committee on Aging in favor of approving and adopting, a Local Law to amend local law number 19 for the year 2014, amending the administrative code of the city of New York relating to increasing the maximum income level qualifying for exemption for rent increases granted to certain senior citizens, and to amend local law number 39 for the year 2014, amending the administrative code of the city of New York relating to increasing the maximum income level qualifying for exemption for rent increases granted to certain persons with disabilities, in relation to extending certain provisions thereof.