The meeting began at 6:00 p.m. in the Common Council Chamber with a work session that included Italian American Heritage Month recognitions, a budget wrap-up and fee schedule discussion, and a proposal to override the New York State tax cap. The regular council meeting followed, featuring public hearings, unanimous resolutions, and a public comment period. Several items were continued to November 10, 2025.
7th, 2025. We have uh a couple of things on the agenda our Italian heritage recognition, uh our finance budget wrap-up, and then liaison reports. We also will go into executive session for discussion of matters concerning the medical, financial, credit, or employment history of a particular person, persons, or corporation, or matters leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal, or removal of a particular person, persons, or corporations, and discussion of matters related to proposed acquisition, sale, or lease of real property. Uh just as a note, after we do our Italian heritage uh recognition, we will then take a few minutes break, go downstairs and welcome you to have some light refreshments, and then we'll come back upstairs and continue the meeting. Mr. City Manager. Okay, good evening. Good evening. Uh so our first item of the agenda is to do our Italian heritage recognition. I would say uh congratulations to all those who are being honored, and thank you. Look at you. Oh, now said uh how long do you do that? Yeah, this must be after. It's later in the agenda. Yeah. So good evening, everyone. Our first uh honoree this evening is going to be Mr. Joseph Schuter. Whereas the month of October is known as Italian Italian American Heritage Month, the city of Peakscale proudly joins the nation to honor and recognize the centuries of achievements, successes, and valuable contributions of Italian immigrants and Italian Americans. The month is more than a celebration. It is a living tribute to the generations of Italian Americans who have preserved the Italian culture, traditions, values, and events. And whereas it is with honor and distinction that the city of Peakskill acknowledges the exceptional leadership of Joseph Schuter, and whereas Joseph is a longtime Peak Skill resident of 22 years, he is married to the love of his life, Karen Kelly. They are surrounded by the love of their family and friends. And whereas Joseph received a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. John's University, his business career spanned over 40 years, in which he worked for corporations specializing in business technology development. During his tenure, he held various positions, included senior leadership management, where he was responsible for the operations and management of regional and international organizations. And whereas Joseph is a leader in the community and has served this community in a myriad of ways, including councilman, council liaison to the youth bureau, and as a member of the Human Relations Commission. He is a contributor to society for the advancement and betterment of the Peaksville community. And whereas we celebrate Italian American Heritage Month, may we remember the spirit of community, family, and resilience that defines the Italian experience and the numerous contributions which have enriched our lives and on whose efforts we can pass on to future generations. 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 Italian American Heritage Month Honoree, Joseph Shooter, for his service and dedication to the community. So if I were you all, the first thing I'd say is uh what's he doing in a game like this with a dame like Shooter? Actually, I was raised at an Italian neighborhood in Yakus, New York, and I grew up with a very, very wonderful family uh who my heart is still full of. And I had five wonderful Italian aunts. Uh I was named after my grandfather, Giuseppe Giovasio. Yes. That's Italy. Not only did I have five wonderful aunts with uh well, I would say beautiful names and beautiful hearts. I had a wonderful uncle who was what you might call uh a lifelong servant of his community in the United States Army and served many years in Germany after the second world war. So uh we had a great enclave. Uh we enjoyed Sunday dinners every Sunday together. Uh my grandmother's uh main name was uh Baldisade, so the Giovasios, the Baldisades, we come together to have this wonderful meal for the beautiful spaghetti, but and brigianna. But anyway, bravo, thank you. Our next honoree of the evening is Paul Strago Sr. Whereas with honor and distinction that the City of Peaksgill acknowledges the outstanding leadership of Paul Estrago Sr. And whereas Paul was born in 1958, he is the son of Italian immigrants and an alumni of Peakskill High School. He later served in the United States Army. And whereas Paul retired in 2019 after 40 years of distinguished career in law enforcement with the Peaksgale Police Department, in 1997, he was recognized as the officer of the year. During his tenure, he achieved the position of police captain, where he led with distinction and integrity. Whereas Paul is the proud husband of many years to Margaret and is surrounded by the love of their children and grandchildren, his family is one of the greatest joys of his life. And whereas, as we celebrate Italian American Heritage Month, may we remember the spirit of the community, family and resilience that defines the Italian experience and the numerous contributions which have enriched our lives and the history we can pass on to future generations.