OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Common Council Work Session and Meeting – February 9, 2026

Meeting Portal — Monday, February 9, 2026
BodyPeekskill, New York
SessionMeeting Portal
DateMonday, February 9, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:23:42

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

And then we'll go into our common council meeting at seven o'clock, where we have a couple celebrations, the unlabeled awards, we have some swearing-ins of lieutenants, and then we have our regular agenda, and then we have, of course, our public uh comments in a public hearing and our public always able to speak.

0:18

So I want to get started tonight.

0:20

Um our city manager, please.

0:23

Yes.

0:24

Good evening, Deputy Mayor and Council.

0:27

Good evening.

0:28

Uh we have a short we just have a few things that we wanted to talk to you about.

0:32

First up, we have Jonathan Zamora, our community hub director, who's gonna talk to us about recreation and depute park.

0:41

Good evening, council.

0:43

Good evening.

0:44

Uh so I come to you today with a a memo recommending that the firm Saratoga Associates be awarded the contract for improvements in DePew Park for phase two.

0:55

Uh so as you just uh as a summary, uh phase two uh encompasses playground resurfacing, uh refurbishment of tennis and basketball courts, uh, a new soccer mini pitch, a new shade structure, new trees, improved pedestrian circulation and signage.

1:12

Wonderful.

1:13

So I'd like to request that this be brought back uh for resolution later this evening.

1:16

Thank you.

1:17

Council, any questions?

1:18

Jonathan, can you just remind me of the match, the city match on this?

1:21

Uh city matches uh six, I'm sorry, ninety-one thousand six hundred dollars.

1:25

And that's the complete match for the total not the total, that's for the um professional and design work services for which we don't know what you don't know offhand what the total match was.

1:35

Not offhand.

1:36

I I have to get back to you on that because it's been broken down a couple of different ways.

1:39

I just want to get you the correct numbers.

1:40

Thank you, appreciate that.

1:42

Anyone else?

1:44

Thank you, Jonathan.

1:46

Okay.

1:46

Thank you very much.

1:47

Thank you.

1:50

Okay, Jonathan, we've included that here tonight.

1:55

Uh next up, our planning director is gonna talk to us about the DRI and the momentum and give us an update on those projects and that grant.

2:04

Yes.

2:05

Um good evening, uh, Deputy Mayor and Council.

2:08

Um I'm actually gonna let Peter present, but I just wanted to say a few uh just a very, very brief word.

2:14

We wanted to come to you today to do two things.

2:17

One is to orient the the um more recently elected council members to the DRI and to the Momentum Fund, but also to provide a general update.

2:27

It's been a little while since we've had a general update so that when we come back next week, um, which we'll be coming back to you with for much more detailed conversation and some decisions to be made real related to some of the intersections, uh the hub and the logo.

2:43

So bear in mind that's all coming.

2:45

So Peter's gonna give a general update and uh walk us through that, and then we can have a uh continue the conversation next week.

2:52

So thank you.

2:56

Good evening, Deputy Mayor, Councilman members.

2:59

Thank you, Carol.

2:59

Thank you, City Manager.

3:01

Uh I have a few slides that I'll share, and hopefully you all have them in front of you as well.

3:05

Yep.

3:06

Just to take a closer look.

3:07

Bear with me.

3:14

I share Matt.

3:17

City Manager, can I share the uh just meetings?

3:20

Thanks, Mr.

3:20

Beer.

4:08

So the DRI and the momentum fund, essentially they are two significant capital investment programs that are going to be accomplished by a combination of city, state, and private funds, the DRI through state grants with uh local matches only to cover cost overruns, and the momentum fund through private contributions, for example, development fees, and plus um significant state rebates that we qualify for upon construction completion.

4:38

The question is how the DRI and the momentum fund will work together to accomplish some really pragmatic, very, very necessary safety and beautification upgrades in the downtown.

4:49

And that's what uh these slides will talk about this.

4:55

Uh so I'm gonna start with the DRI and then I'll come back to the Momentum Fund.

5:00

This list of projects is now available on our DRI landing page as well, and you can access that through the URL at the bottom there or the QR code if you're watching.

5:10

Um but you can see that we've made a lot of progress on those projects which were granted to the city of Peakskill.

5:17

Just in the last few months, uh, we've seen a lot of creative uh implementations occur, and I'd like to just quickly uh celebrate those.

5:26

Want to mention that something like this will also put up and maintain for the momentum fund so that as we move along, everyone can see where we're at.

5:34

Uh, these links go to the project descriptions from our strategic plan as well as coverage of the opening events and and footage of the completed projects where when we have them.

5:46

Um so although we're very close to completion on in terms of the entire program, the projects with the largest grants are the ones that will get us across the finish line.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Immigration Policy████████████████16%
Public Safety███████████████15%
Procedural█████████████13%
Community Engagement██████████10%
Environmental Protection███████7%
Public Engagement███████7%
Transportation Safety██████6%
Affordable Housing██████6%
Zoning And Land Use█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Common Council Work Session and Meeting – February 9, 2026

This meeting began at 6:30 PM with a work session covering Recreation, Planning, and a Geothermal Feasibility Study, followed by the regular Common Council meeting at 7:00 PM. Ceremonial highlights included the swearing-in of two police lieutenants and recognition of approximately 36 volunteers for the Community Thanksgiving Dinner. The council unanimously approved nine resolutions, including appointments, contract awards, and a public hearing on immigration enforcement policy. Public comments focused on immigrant protections, police accountability, and environmental concerns regarding a special permit application.

Swearing In Ceremony

  • Khalia Carter and Joe Gorman were sworn in as lieutenants of the Peekskill Police Department. Both expressed gratitude and dedication to the community.

Special Recognition – Unlabeled Awards Community Thanksgiving Dinner

  • Approximately 36 volunteers were recognized for their contributions to the annual community Thanksgiving dinner, founded by Avis Mummy Dunkley and Carol Dunkley, held at the Red Door Creative Space.

Consent Calendar

  • Resolution J1: Reappoint Sarah Aparicio to the Conservation Advisory Council (term corrected to 2026-2028).
  • Resolution J2: Appoint Dean Bodnar to the Industrial Development Agency (indefinite term per General Municipal Law).
  • Resolution J3: Appoint Steven Forte to the Conservation Advisory Council.
  • Resolution J4: Appoint Kimberlyn McIver to the Human Relations Commission.
  • Resolution J5: Authorize a Memorandum of Understanding with the Peekskill Racket Association for group tennis lessons in DePew Park for 2026.
  • Resolution J6: Award a professional services contract to Saratoga Associates for DePew Park Phase II improvements (design and construction drawings) in an amount not to exceed $183,200, partially funded by a state grant.
  • Resolution J7: Authorize a retainer agreement with Barton & Loguidice for 2026 grant writing services for capital projects.
  • Resolution J8: Set a public hearing for February 23, 2026, on the proposed immigration enforcement and discrimination policy.
  • Resolution J9: Authorize the city manager to solicit and enter into an agreement for a geothermal feasibility study at the police station, neighborhood center, and library, with a city share of $25,000 contingent on a 50% NYSERDA grant.

All resolutions passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • On Agenda Items (Immigration Policy): Multiple speakers urged the council to pass a binding ordinance rather than a policy, citing need for enforceability and accountability. Tina Voles Vongar requested a municipal resolution to the governor for "New York for All." Cynthia Knox and Courtney Williams advocated for striking a clause allowing police to communicate with ICE on criminal suspicion, arguing it creates a loophole. Evan Rosen emphasized the importance of transparency and annual reporting.
  • Public Hearing – 1050 Lower South Street (Special Permit): The applicant, Westchester Industrial Complex, seeks to convert a single manufacturing occupancy to a multi-tenant mixed-use commercial facility with outdoor storage. Planning Director Carol Samol noted a positive recommendation from the Planning Commission pending design guidelines. Applicant representative Jim Anakarico provided details: up to 140 trucks max on site, 60-70 typical, with tenants including North Line Utilities (bucket trucks) and Spaxel (prefab panels). Public speakers (Ingrid Whitman, Gene Shaw, Jan Melillo, Tina Voles Vongar) expressed concerns about environmental impacts, air pollution from increased truck traffic (citing 15-20 trucks per peak hour), and potential toxic waste history. The public hearing was closed without a vote.
  • Citizens Desiring to Be Heard: Several speakers demanded justice for Damar Fields, an unarmed Black man who was repeatedly tased, stomped, and kicked by Peekskill police on December 3, 2025. Speakers criticized the officer's paid leave (68 days as of Feb 9) and lack of accountability for a second officer present. Arnie Paglia called for an apology from the city manager for limiting public comment on policing. One speaker questioned Councilman Rigger about a 2013 email sent to Jeffrey Epstein. Others advocated for good cause eviction protections, removal of a "Back the Blue" flag from police property, and better snow removal efforts. White McDonald and Mike LePair criticized the city's snow response, citing lack of salt on hills, plows pushing ice onto sidewalks, and delayed clearing.

Discussion Items

  • Recreation – Depew Park Improvements: Jonathan Zamora recommended awarding the contract to Saratoga Associates for Phase II, which includes playground resurfacing, refurbished tennis/basketball courts, a soccer mini-pitch, shade structure, new trees, improved pedestrian circulation, and signage. The city match is $91,600 (partial); total contract amount is $183,200.
  • Planning – DRI and Momentum Fund Update: Peter (Planning staff) presented a slideshow summarizing completed DRI projects (Fleischmann Pier with 10,000 visitors, Pugsley Park events, Monument Park lighting, wayfinding signs, public art) and upcoming projects. The Civic Hub and pedestrian/cyclist connectivity projects are funded by a $2.7 million grant. However, construction costs have increased 40% since winning the grant. The six high-injury intersections accounted for 50 vehicle accidents (10% of annual city accidents) and 12 pedestrians struck in 2023. The Momentum Fund will leverage parking garages and streetscape improvements. The council praised the work.
  • Geothermal Feasibility Study: The city manager proposed a 50/50 cost share with NYSERDA for a feasibility study on geothermal HVAC for the police station/neighborhood center and library. The city's portion is $25,000, contingent on grant approval. Council members expressed support.
  • Council Liaison Reports:
    • Councilwoman Chang noted Black History Month and American Heart Month, reported attending NYCOM conference and a Black excellence award ceremony at Mount Lebanon Baptist Church, and announced her appointment to the Human Relations Commission.
    • Councilman Facet reported that the Business Improvement District (BID) meeting covered social media growth, flea market/farmers market contracts for 2026 (flea market starts first Sunday in March), shuttle program not running in 2026 (915 riders in 2025), and upcoming arts events.
    • Councilwoman Talbot reported strong financials for the Paramount Theatre, noted concerns about ice disrupting pilings at Fleischmann Pier, and thanked First Hebrew Congregation for an author event.
    • Deputy Mayor Riley reported on a senior advisory meeting with police regarding cab safety, AARP free tax preparation (Fridays Feb 6 – Apr 10 by appointment at 914-440-3086), and participation in a high school government forum at Peekskill High School.
  • City Manager Report: Code enforcement issued 28 violations at 1108 Brown Street for heat/hot water issues (fines $2,800-$56,000 per day). Snow abatement yielded 35 snow violations. DPW removed 160 truckloads of snow (first night) and 200 truckloads (second night). Police enforcement: 36 vehicle/traffic details, 16 traffic stops, 10 summons, 4 quality-of-life arrests, 6 DWI arrests, 10 traffic arrests, 978 parking tickets (mostly snow-related). Police also provided critical incident training to library staff. Additional issues at 1108 Brown Street with automatic shutdown of heat system.

Key Outcomes

  • All nine resolutions (J1-J9) were adopted unanimously.
  • The public hearing for 1050 Lower South Street was closed; no action taken. The Planning Commission will continue environmental review.
  • A public hearing on the immigration enforcement policy was set for February 23, 2026.
  • The city manager was authorized to pursue a geothermal feasibility study with NYSERDA cost share.
  • The contract for DePew Park Phase II was awarded to Saratoga Associates.
  • The council adjourned to executive session to discuss personnel matters.

Meeting Transcript

And then we'll go into our common council meeting at seven o'clock, where we have a couple celebrations, the unlabeled awards, we have some swearing-ins of lieutenants, and then we have our regular agenda, and then we have, of course, our public uh comments in a public hearing and our public always able to speak. So I want to get started tonight. Um our city manager, please. Yes. Good evening, Deputy Mayor and Council. Good evening. Uh we have a short we just have a few things that we wanted to talk to you about. First up, we have Jonathan Zamora, our community hub director, who's gonna talk to us about recreation and depute park. Good evening, council. Good evening. Uh so I come to you today with a a memo recommending that the firm Saratoga Associates be awarded the contract for improvements in DePew Park for phase two. Uh so as you just uh as a summary, uh phase two uh encompasses playground resurfacing, uh refurbishment of tennis and basketball courts, uh, a new soccer mini pitch, a new shade structure, new trees, improved pedestrian circulation and signage. Wonderful. So I'd like to request that this be brought back uh for resolution later this evening. Thank you. Council, any questions? Jonathan, can you just remind me of the match, the city match on this? Uh city matches uh six, I'm sorry, ninety-one thousand six hundred dollars. And that's the complete match for the total not the total, that's for the um professional and design work services for which we don't know what you don't know offhand what the total match was. Not offhand. I I have to get back to you on that because it's been broken down a couple of different ways. I just want to get you the correct numbers. Thank you, appreciate that. Anyone else? Thank you, Jonathan. Okay. Thank you very much. Thank you. Okay, Jonathan, we've included that here tonight. Uh next up, our planning director is gonna talk to us about the DRI and the momentum and give us an update on those projects and that grant. Yes. Um good evening, uh, Deputy Mayor and Council. Um I'm actually gonna let Peter present, but I just wanted to say a few uh just a very, very brief word. We wanted to come to you today to do two things. One is to orient the the um more recently elected council members to the DRI and to the Momentum Fund, but also to provide a general update. It's been a little while since we've had a general update so that when we come back next week, um, which we'll be coming back to you with for much more detailed conversation and some decisions to be made real related to some of the intersections, uh the hub and the logo. So bear in mind that's all coming. So Peter's gonna give a general update and uh walk us through that, and then we can have a uh continue the conversation next week. So thank you. Good evening, Deputy Mayor, Councilman members. Thank you, Carol. Thank you, City Manager. Uh I have a few slides that I'll share, and hopefully you all have them in front of you as well. Yep. Just to take a closer look. Bear with me. I share Matt. City Manager, can I share the uh just meetings? Thanks, Mr. Beer.

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