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.