Council also voted to require reporting on payments to early childhood care and education providers

Council passes resolution condemning the killings of Renée Nicole Good and Alex Jeffrey Pretti by ICE

City Hall, NY – Today, the New York City Council voted to limit the terms of emergency contracts to 90 days, unless the City Comptroller and Corporation Counsel approve terms for a longer period. The bill, which is part of a legislative package to reform the City’s procurement system to improve transparency and accountability, is intended to limit abuses and vulnerabilities to emergency contracting that became particularly acute during the COVID-19 pandemic and the influx of asylum seekers.

The Council also passed legislation requiring the Department of Education (DOE) to report on invoices it receives from early childhood care and education providers, with the goal of improving timely payments. Additionally, the Council passed a resolution condemning the killings of Renée Nicole Good and Alex Jeffrey Pretti by federal immigration authorities during “Operation Metro Surge” in Minnesota.

Reforming Emergency Contracts to Limit Abuses

In 2024, an audit from the Comptroller of the Adams Administration’s $432 million contract with Rapid Reliable Testing NY LLC (also known as DocGo) found that nearly 80% of payments were unsupported and should be recouped, costing taxpayers millions of dollars. The decisions of the last two mayoral administrations while managing emergencies have demonstrated the need for improved oversight over emergency procurements. Earlier this month, the Council passed Introduction 5-A, sponsored by Speaker Julie Menin, and Introduction 510-A, sponsored by Council Member Julie Won. The following bill represents the final piece of the legislative package.

Introduction 2-B, sponsored by Speaker Julie Menin, limits the term of any emergency contract to 90 days, unless a prior approval is offered by the City Comptroller and Corporation Counsel for a longer period. Any emergency contract exceeding 90 days will require an explanation on why a longer term is necessary to avoid or mitigate a serious danger to life, safety, property, or service. The bill also requires emergency contracts to be submitted to the City Comptroller for an audit within 15 days of when the contract is executed.

“No bid emergency contracts cannot become business as usual. We are restoring accountability and putting real guardrails in place so crisis spending is transparent, justified, and fiscally responsible. New Yorkers deserve smart oversight, not blank checks,” said Speaker Julie Menin. “We owe it to the taxpayers to ensure that every dollar spent is tied to a verifiable service and a responsible vendor. I am grateful to my colleagues for their support in passing this critical legislative package.” 

Requiring Reporting on Payments to Early Childhood Care and Education Providers

Introduction 203-A, sponsored by Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez, requires the Department of Education (DOE) to report quarterly on invoices received from early childhood care and education providers that the DOE has contracted with to provide these services. The reporting required in the bill would include the number and value of invoices in total, how many are approved versus rejected, the average amount of time it takes to process invoices, the number and value of contracts for which advances are made, an identification of the main reasons for rejections, and recommendations for improvements to the process.

“Having an ongoing understanding of whether providers are getting paid shouldn’t require legislation, but because it hasn’t happened consistently, this law is as important today as when it was first drafted in 2022,” said Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez. “With this reporting, we can identify where delays are happening, name problems early, and work together on real solutions instead of leaving providers in the dark. I thank Speaker Julie Menin for her leadership here.”

Condemning the Killings of Renée Nicole Good and Alex Jeffrey Pretti

Resolution 210, sponsored by Council Member Shahana Hanif, condemns the fatal shootings of Renée Nicole Good and Alex Jeffrey Pretti by federal immigration authorities. The resolution states that Good and Pretti, both U.S. citizens, were shot and killed by federal agents in Minnesota during “Operation Metro Surge,” which has been referred to as the “largest operation ever” carried out by federal immigration authorities. The resolution also states that the federal government attempted to justify the shootings by saying the federal agents acted in self-defense, but subsequent video evidence disputed those claims. The resolution also references arrests of peaceful bystanders, detentions of U.S. citizens, the use of chemical irritants at protests, racial profiling of residents, and the hindrance of local policing caused by federal immigration operations.

“Today, the New York City Council reaffirms that we will not be silent in the face of deadly federal overreach,” said Council Member Shahana Hanif. “We condemn the fatal shootings of Renée Nicole Good and Alex Jeffrey Pretti during the Operation Metro Surge launched by the Department of Homeland Security. These killings—alongside dozens of deaths in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody—demand real accountability. New York City stands firmly with immigrant communities and in defense of constitutional rights for all.”

Requiring Reporting on Deaths by Suicide and Suicide-Related Behavior Among Youth

Introduction 291-A, sponsored by Council Member Farah N. Louis, requires the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) to regularly report on deaths by suicide in New York City and on suicide-related behaviors among youth. Within six months of the law taking effect, and every year after, the Department would publish a report on suicides in the city, including the total number of deaths and available demographic information such as age group, occupation, race and ethnicity, borough of residence, sex, veteran status, and method of suicide. The bill would also require the Department, within six months of enactment and every two years after, to publish a report on suicide-related behaviors among youth, including information related to sexual orientation and gender identity, to the extent such data is available. Both reports would be required to describe any limitations in the data and to protect individual privacy and law enforcement interests.

“New York City is confronting a mental health crisis that touches every neighborhood, every family, and every generation. I am proud to advance legislation that will require the City to publish an annual, comprehensive report on suicides, which represents a turning point in addressing this crisis holistically,” said Council Member Farah N. Louis. “Countless individuals and youth have died by a system that has neglected their care and an inability of our system to address suicides in our communities. We must rectify our policies that do not meet the urgency or complexity of the crisis that we face, and today’s vote on Introduction 291 represents a meaningful step toward addressing the suicide epidemic with seriousness and care. I look forward to its implementation and to building a mental health system that truly serves all New Yorkers.”

Clarifying Structure and Responsibilities of the Youth Board

Introduction 448-B, sponsored by Council Member Althea Stevens, implements a two-term limit for members of the New York City Youth Board and reduces the maximum number of board members from 28 to 20, with each borough receiving representation on the Board. The Youth Board would be tasked with providing policy recommendations to the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD). DYCD would then be required to submit a report to the Mayor and the City Council within 90 days describing the board’s activities, the recommendations received from the board, and the Department’s responses to recommendations. Additionally, DYCD would be required to post information about the Youth Board members, their term limits, and any other information the commissioner deems relevant.

“Today, the City Council took a meaningful step toward solidifying the youth voice in the decision-making structures of New York City governance. With the passage of Int. 448-B, we are strengthening the Youth Board to ensure it is more accountable, transparent, and truly reflective of the diverse experiences of young people across our five boroughs,” said Council Member Althea Stevens. “For too long, young New Yorkers have been invited to the table without being given real structural influence. This legislation changes that. When we invest in systems that elevate youth leadership, we are investing in a stronger, more equitable future for our entire city.”

Improving Maintenance of Newsracks and Communication with their Owners

Introduction 68-A, sponsored by Majority Leader Shaun Abreu, would require newsrack owners to provide their email address to the Department of Transportation (DOT) when registering a newsrack, and would permit DOT to communicate with them via email. It would additionally require owners to regularly clean and repaint their newsracks, and to remove refuse from the newsrack if a notice of correction is issued. DOT would be permitted to treat a newsrack as abandoned if it is missing all required identifying markings, or if there is no owner on record for the newsrack, and would allow DOT to issue a notice of violation alongside a notice of correction for certain violations related to newsrack maintenance. The notice of violation must be withdrawn if the owner corrects the violation within the time allotted.

“Newsracks are one of the iconic symbols of New York, a ubiquitous feature of our streetscapes and a reminder that print still has value in the digital age,” said Majority Leader Shaun Abreu. “But ones that are unused, falling apart, or abandoned are eyesores that only contribute to sidewalk clutter. This new legislation will ensure that every newsrack is maintained and accounted for, keeping our sidewalks clean and accessible.”

Permitting Special Activations of the Open Streets Program on Holidays

Introduction 257-A, sponsored by Council Member Rita C. Joseph, would modify the existing Open Streets program to permit community organizations to request special activation opportunities, which are days and times the Open Street may be operated in addition to their regular hours of operation. These special activation opportunities may include Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Halloween, or other time periods where there is significant pedestrian traffic.

“Open Streets have been an incredible way to bring our communities together, creating space for families to gather, small businesses to thrive, and neighbors to connect in ways that strengthen the fabric of our neighborhoods,” said Council Member Rita C. Joseph. “Int. 257-A builds on that success by giving community organizations the flexibility to request special activation opportunities beyond regular operating hours, especially during high-traffic moments like Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Halloween, and other significant celebrations. This is about meeting communities where they are and recognizing that our streets can be more than corridors for cars; they can be vibrant, people-centered spaces that reflect the culture and energy of our neighborhoods. By expanding opportunities around Open Streets, we are empowering local organizations to lead, to celebrate, and to create safe, welcoming spaces that foster connection and joy throughout the year.”

Land Use:

217-14 24th Avenue – will facilitate the development of a new eight-story residential and senior housing building with approximately 248 apartments, including 55 affordable units under MIH Option 2, and 65 senior housing units, in Council Member Vickie Paladino’s district.

63-12 Broadway Rezoning – will allow the development of a new nine-story mixed-use commercial and residential building with approximately 67 units, approximately 17 of which will be affordable, in Council Member Julie Won’s district. The Council is modifying this application to strike MIH Option 2 and add MIH Option 3.

Seaside Park & Community Arts Center – an application by New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) to facilitate the improvement and reactivation of the Seaside Park & Community Arts Center outdoor amphitheater in Council Member Kayla Santosuosso’s district.

Prospect Farm Acquisition – approval of the Parks Department’s acquisition of a community garden in Council Member Shahana Hanif’s district, allowing the garden to be eligible for public services and capital improvements through the GreenThumb Program.

Constellation HPD – will facilitate the development of eight new affordable homeownership buildings on vacant city-owned land, including 96 affordable homeownership units to be developed by Habitat for Humanity in partnership with New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) in the districts of Council Members Darlene Mealy and Chris Banks.

1417 Avenue U – will facilitate the development of a new seven-story mixed-use building with approximately 76 units, 23 of which will be affordable under MIH Option 2, in Council Member Inna Vernikov’s District. The Council is modifying the application to strike MIH Option 1 and require MIH Option 2.

Landmarks Preservation Commission designation of two historic districts in Council Member Rita Joseph’s district: Beverley Square West Historic District and Ditmas Park West Historic District, located in Flatbush, Brooklyn, are characterized by free-standing houses built in the late Queen Anne, early Colonial Revival, and Shingle styles.

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