Common Council Work Session – September 15, 2025: Hispanic Heritage Recognition, Watershed Update, and Routine Bids
Common Council Work Session – September 15, 2025
The Peekskill Common Council met on Monday, September 15, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. for a work session. The evening included Hispanic Heritage Month proclamations for six community members, a detailed presentation on the city's watershed and water protection efforts, routine authorizations to bid for water maintenance materials and treatment plant chemicals, a new recreation partnership MOU, and an update on a special permit for a cannabis cultivation facility. Council members also delivered liaison reports covering tree inventory, electric scooter enforcement, and upcoming meeting schedule changes.
Consent Calendar
- Authorize to Bid for 2026 Water Maintenance Materials – Staff requested and received council approval to go out for competitive bids for annual water system repair items (hydrants, valves, piping).
- Authorize to Bid for 2026 Water Treatment Plant Chemical and Sludge Removal – Council authorized bids for chemicals and sludge hauling services to comply with EPA and health regulations.
Discussion Items
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Hispanic Heritage Month Recognition – The council read proclamations honoring six individuals: Carlos Campoverde (deacon and Hispanic ministry coordinator), Maria Olivier Flores (director of school enrichment programs), Simon Guaman (Ecuadorian festival organizer and youth soccer promoter), Matthew LaLindez (police officer and youth advocate), Sandra Serrano (psychotherapist and community volunteer), and Amy Vele (school board vice president). Each honoree briefly spoke, expressing gratitude and emphasizing community unity.
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Watershed Protection Presentation – Watershed Inspector Joseph Scapoli presented the city's source water protection program, highlighting that every $1 spent on source water protection saves $27 in treatment costs. The watershed spans 30,000 acres across eight municipalities and serves over 25,000 Peekskill residents with a backup for 75,000 more. The Wikiped reservoirs store over 1 billion gallons. Recent accomplishments include a new land acquisition adding 80 acres (total ~600 acres), planting over 100 trees through the Trees for Tributaries program, and ongoing water quality monitoring. Scapoli noted elevated sodium levels from road salt, which cannot be filtered, but the pristine Wikiped source is unaffected. Council asked about development impacts in Putnam County and salt mitigation (brine solutions).
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710 Washington Street Special Permit Follow-Up – Planner Carol Samel updated the council on the proposed cannabis cultivation facility. She reported that CPL’s engineering review is still pending, but she contacted officials from five cities with similar operations, none of whom reported odor issues. The applicant’s system uses carbon filtration, negative air pressure, and an AOS technology. Samel clarified that state distancing requirements for grow facilities differ from retail dispensaries and that the site meets setback rules. Council members requested a site visit from CPL and expressed concern about the interaction of the facility's ventilation with other building systems. No vote was taken; the matter awaits the CPL report.
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Recreation MOU with Inclure Program – Jonathan Zamora presented a proposed MOU with Westchester County and Westchester Jewish Community Services to bring free social, recreational, and wellness programming for high school youth to Peekskill parks and the neighborhood center. Council expressed strong support.
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Council Liaison Reports & Concerns – Councilman Scott reported on the successful “Peachskill Shines Together” riverfront event and a “One Voice Mini Echoes” commemoration at the middle school. Councilman Fernandez updated on a meeting with Coral Peekskill paramedic organization and raised ongoing issues at 951 Main (elevator repairs, garage cleanliness, expired license plates). Councilman Douglas shared tree survey results: 2,373 trees along city rights-of-way, far below expectations, and a resident survey (83 responses) to guide future plantings. Councilwoman Talbot and Deputy Mayor highlighted the urgent need for enforcement regarding electric scooters/bikes on roadways; the mayor noted the police chief is developing a plan. Deputy Mayor also provided an update on Optimum channel changes (still not restored). Councilwoman Talbot mentioned an outdoor fitness court proposal. The mayor and city manager outlined the upcoming schedule: no meeting on September 22 (Rosh Hashanah), budget committee of the whole on September 29, committee of the whole on October 6, and next regular council meeting on October 14.
Key Outcomes
- Water maintenance materials and treatment plant chemical bids – Both authorizations to bid were approved by consensus.
- Inclure Program MOU – Council directed staff to proceed with the agreement, recognizing the no-cost youth programming benefit.
- 710 Washington Street special permit – No decision; council will await the CPL engineering report before further discussion.
- Upcoming meeting cancellations – Council confirmed no meeting on September 22 (Rosh Hashanah); the next regular council meeting will be October 14.
Meeting Transcript
Today, um September 15th, 2025. The meeting is open, and we have a presentation today for Hispanic Heritage Recognition, and we're going to move forward with that first honoree is Carlos Camproverde. Whereas each year from September 15th to October 15th is National Hispanic Heritage Month, the city of Peakscale proudly joins the nation in celebrating this year's theme, collective heritage, honoring the past, inspiring the future. And whereas it is with honor, distinction, and admiration that the city of Peakskill acknowledges the outstanding leadership of Carlos Campa Verde. And whereas Carlos is a longtime Peakskill resident and has been married for many years to the love of his life, I think. They are the proud parents of three children. He is surrounded by the love of their family and friends. Now, whereas Carlos has served as deacon at the Assumption Church since 2011, he also serves as the coordinator of the Hispanic Ministry. In this role, he was one of the promoters of a forum to help immigrants obtain drivers' licenses. He loves serving his family, church and community with his warm personality. Affirmaba que su la voz de defender a los pobre respondia a la voluntad de Dios that felices and the Iglesia deveries for denunciar as injusticias y la desigualdad structurales. Martin Luther King Jr. La Oscuridad no puedo expulsar a la oscuridad. Solo la luz puede hacerlo. El odio no puede expulsar a Lodio. Solo el amor pode hacerlo. Muchas gracias. Miss Maria Flores. Whereas is with honor, distinction, and admiration that the city of Peakskill acknowledges the outstanding leadership of Maria Oliver Flores. And whereas Maria serves as the director of the Learning Enrichment Activities Program at the Peakskill City School District, this program includes after school activities which combine help with homework, opportunities for physical activities, and learning new skills. She oversees the after school activities for students in grades two through eight. And whereas Maria ensures the students receive dedicated academic support alongside STEAM enrichment, creative arts and recreational opportunities. She uses various techniques and programs such as math and drone program, book readings, yoga and dance to encourage the students to new levels of learning. And whereas Maria creates an inclusive and stimulating environment for all students and teachers to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive. When students, families, and staff come together, we create something really special. A community where every child feels seen, valued, and supported. That's what I love most about working here. It's not just about academics, it's about building a sense of belonging, and that belonging gives our students the courage to grow, to dream, and to believe in themselves. And I'm especially grateful for the families in Peakskill, who share their traditions, values, and strength with all of us. This recognition might have my name on it, but it truly belongs to all of us. It belongs to the students who motivate me to give my best, to the families who welcome us into their lives, and to the staff who I work side by side every single day making a difference. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you for this honor, and thank you for reminding me that when we stand together in unity and celebrate each other's culture, we not only built a stronger school district, but also a stronger community for our future. Thank you so much. Whereas it is with honor, distinction, and admiration that the city of Peaksgale acknowledges the leadership of Simone Guaman, and whereas since immigrating to the United States, 26 years ago, Simone has worked to promote Hispanic culture with the Peakscale community through his work with the Peaksville Hispanic Community Corporation and Copa Peaksgale organization. And whereas Simone devotes much of his time and energy to the Ecuadorian Festival, which is held annually at the Riverfront, as well as has worked hard to establish soccer games and tournaments for youth and women. And where Simone plays an instrumental role in the annual community kickball event in the DePew Park. And whereas as we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, may we recognize the diverse history and culture of Hispanic and Latin communities while also inspiring new generations and highlighting the contributions. And now therefore I, Vivian McKenzie, mayor of the city of Peakscale, on behalf of the Common Council and residents, do hereby extend great congratulations to 2025 Hispanic Heritage Month honoree, Simone Guaman, for his spirit of devotion and commitment to our community. Congratulations. And whereas Matthew is a city of Peaksgale police officer, who has dedicated his career to service, mentorship, and strengthening community relations. During his career in law enforcement, he has worked in the roles of school resource officer, gang resistance education and training instructor and crisis negotiator. Whereas Matthew is a proud Peaksgale High School alumni and holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Iona College. And whereas Matthew is a devoted husband to his wife Michelle, they are the proud parents of four boys. He also serves as a board member of the New York Hispanic American Law Enforcement Organization and as president of the New York State Juvenile Police Officers Association. Grounded in faith and rooted in the love for family and service, he is committed to honoring his heritage and building meaningful connections to future generations. And whereas we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, may we recognize the diverse history and culture of Hispanic and Latin communities while also inspiring new generations and highlighting their contributions. And now therefore I, Vivian McKenzie, mayor of the city of Peaksgale, on behalf of the Common Council and residents to hereby extend great congratulations to 2025 Hispanic Heritage Month honoring Officer Matthew Lelendez for his spirit of devotion, passion, and commitment to our community. Congratulations. Thank you all. I truly appreciate it.
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