Peekskill Common Council Meeting – February 23, 2026

The Peekskill Common Council met on February 23, 2026, via Zoom due to weather. The meeting included a committee of the whole portion that went into executive session for real property and litigation matters, followed by the regular council meeting. Key actions included the adoption of an immigration enforcement policy (Peakskill for All) as a resolution after a public hearing, the settlement of a wrongful incarceration lawsuit for $2.5 million, and several routine resolutions. The council also heard a report from the police chief on disciplinary charges against two officers involved in the December 2025 use-of-force incident.

Consent Calendar

• Resolution J1 – Authorized street closure for BID Flea Market Sundays (March 1–Dec 20, 2026). Unanimously approved.
• Resolution J2 – Authorized street closure for St. Patrick’s Parade (March 14, 2026). Unanimously approved.
• Resolution J3 – Authorized street closures for Juneteenth parade and festival (June 20, 2026). Unanimously approved.
• Resolution J4 – Reappointed Malvina DeMayas to the Board of Ethics. Unanimously approved.
• Resolution J5 – Certified 2025 points listing for Community Volunteer Ambulance Corps LOSAP. Unanimously approved.
• Resolution J6 – Certified 2025 points listing for Volunteer Firefighter LOSAP. Unanimously approved.
• Resolution J7 – Authorized removal of inactive volunteers from firefighter list. Unanimously approved.
• Resolution J8 – Authorized engineering proposal with Weston & Sampson for Hollowbrook Dam. Unanimously approved.
• Resolution J9 – Accepted $12,075 NYS OCFS grant for teen leadership programs. Unanimously approved.
• Resolution J10 – Accepted $5,738 NYS OCFS grant for boat building program. Unanimously approved.
• Resolution J11 – Awarded construction bid for new civic hub ($2,176,900) and South Division Street improvements ($1,096,550). Approved by majority vote (one opposed – name not identified).
• Resolution J12 – Authorized contract with DHA Inc. to design four downtown intersections under Momentum Fund ($197,000). Unanimously approved.
• Resolution J13 – Authorized license agreement with River Town Management to operate Emerald Princess at Fleischmann Pier. Unanimously approved.
• Resolution J14 – Authorized agreement with GovWell Technology for online planning application system. Unanimously approved.
• Resolution J15 – Resolution calling on NYS Legislature to pass the New York for All Act (Assembly A.3506/S.2235). Unanimously approved.
• Resolution J16 – Authorized acceptance of hearing officer’s findings rejecting an employee’s 207-a benefits appeal. Unanimously approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

Comments on Agenda Items (prior to public hearing):

• Tina Bonger thanked the council for the New York for All resolution and requested that copies be sent to the Governor, Speaker of the Assembly, Senate Majority Leader, Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg, Senator Pete Harkham, and Attorney General Letitia James.
• Courtney Williams expressed strong support for the New York for All resolution and alignment with state protections.
• Gianni Genio voiced support for the resolution and appreciation for the council’s work.

Public Hearing on the Proposed Immigration Enforcement and Discrimination Policy (Peakskill for All):

• Cynthia Knox urged the council to adopt an ordinance rather than a resolution, citing stronger enforceability and citing examples from Allentown, Reading, Binghamton, Ithaca, Helena, and Harrisburg. She acknowledged the council’s work but stressed that a law is future-oriented.
• Carla Ray Johnson likened a resolution to a “house of sticks” and urged the council to “build a house of bricks and mortar” – i.e., pass an ordinance.
• Ann (last name not given) supported the resolution but emphasized enforceability, transparency, and language access (English and Spanish). She cited an ACLU report that 22% of immigrants are less likely to report crimes if police collaborate with ICE.
• Pastor Valerie Paul Greenaway supported the policy but recommended improvements: annual public reports, training for all city employees, anti-retaliation protections, language access, legal aid partnerships, privacy protections, and annual public oversight hearing. She also urged an ordinance.
• Jay Forbes urged a short delay to await state-level New York for All legislation, citing potential legal risks and liability to the city. He suggested that a resolution lacks authority and that the state could provide protective umbrella coverage.
• Courtney Williams argued that a law is necessary for enforceability and public accountability; without it, residents will be afraid to report crimes.
• Tasha Young asked the council to consider making the policy a law.
• Daisy (Main Street) expressed strong support for protecting neighbors.
• Gianni Genio seconded the call for a law, praising the council’s responsiveness.
• Judith Stavins supported the law for safety and community trust.
• Sarah Moore urged an ordinance as binding and enforceable, not just a statement of intent.
• Evan Rosen argued that an ordinance is durable and not dependent on individual leadership; he noted that policies can be violated like the use-of-force policy. He also said that “abolishing ICE from my sidewalk” (reference to shoveling snow).
• Christina Kareem asked for a local ordinance limiting use of city resources for immigration enforcement, requiring judicial warrants, and protecting sensitive information.
• Jack (Wells Street) supported the law for accountability.
• Gail (Wells Street) asked for boldness and a law, noting that courage needed is a fraction of what immigrant neighbors face daily.
• Rebecca Morris advocated for an ordinance, citing a recent ICE whistleblower and the administration’s disregard for rule of law.
• Ingrid Whitman (Ringold Street) joined the chorus for a law, noting that a policy is what led to the December 3rd incident. She thanked Chief Renwick.
• Jen (name not given) asked about the possibility of passing a resolution now with intent to move to an ordinance.
• Nathan (last name not stated) said every speaker wanted a law.
• Angel Flowers supported an ordinance but acknowledged the resolution as a step; he connected ICE’s origins to slave catchers and urged the council to address the legacy of destabilization.
• Kellen (Dykman Street) supported the law for safety and community unity.

Non-Agenda Public Comments (after resolutions):

• Deborah Bliss raised concerns about illegal dumping and overflowing trash at DePew Park and the food scrap drop-off site; recommended video monitoring signage and cited an EPA case study from Indianapolis. City Manager responded that the quality of life team has increased enforcement but will review the ordinance.
• Christina Kareem urged the council to opt in to good cause eviction with strong protections, including setting portfolio exemption at one unit to close loopholes for corporate landlords.
• Tasha Young spoke on good cause eviction, noting that 17 jurisdictions have opted in and asking when Peekskill will bring it to a vote.
• Ahmed Karim supported good cause eviction from a human perspective, emphasizing the trauma of homelessness during a blizzard.
• Mr. Paglia raised concerns about downtown construction impacts and parking; requested public input and a meeting with planning department. City Manager responded that parking solutions are being pursued.
• Ingrid Whitman thanked the chief for suspending officers without pay in the Demar Fields incident and invited residents to stand in solidarity at the courthouse on February 26 at 8:45 a.m.
• Leah Nelson commended Chief Renwick for transparency and building trust.
• Gianni Genio thanked the council for the resolution and hoped for a law, calling the council a beacon of positivity.
• Pastor Valerie Paul Greenaway spoke in favor of good cause eviction and praised the police chief and department.

Discussion Items

• Quality of Life Report – Police Department Internal Investigation: Chief Adam Renwick announced that formal disciplinary charges have been filed against Officer Daniel Regg and Officer Angelo Cintron for violations of departmental policy in the December 3, 2025, use-of-force incident involving Mr. Demar Fields at Riverfront Green Park. Both officers have been placed on unpaid suspension pending the disciplinary process. Officer Regg is charged with failures in communication, de-escalation, supervision, and adherence to use-of-force policies. Officer Cintron is charged with failures in duty performance and conduct standards. Other officers (Ron Stroh, Matt Rivera, Dante Hines, Detective Paul Morlands, Detective John Marcioni) responded appropriately and ensured Mr. Fields’ safety. The chief acknowledged the community impact and reiterated commitment to accountability.
• Immigration Enforcement Policy Discussion: During the public hearing and subsequent council deliberation, the city attorney explained that both a resolution adopting a policy and a local law (ordinance) would be enforced through disciplinary procedures, not criminal sanctions. An ordinance would not create additional enforceability beyond the policy. The attorney clarified that an ordinance could be adopted quickly (within a month) if desired, and that adopting the resolution now would not preclude a later ordinance. Council members expressed support for passing the resolution now and continuing to study a potential ordinance, while some community members urged immediate adoption of an ordinance. The council ultimately voted to close the public hearing and adopt Resolution J17.
• Settlement of Wrongful Incarceration Lawsuit (Resolution J18): Corporation Counsel presented the settlement of the Mark Douglas lawsuit. Mr. Douglas was arrested in 2006, convicted in 2007 for a drug-related shooting based on victim identification, served 14 years, but the victim later recanted. The court granted a new trial and the DA declined to retry. Mr. Douglas sued the city and others in 2021. After extensive litigation, a settlement was reached with a magistrate judge on February 20, 2026. The city will pay $2,500,000, with insurance company Harco contributing $700,000, resulting in a net city payment of $1,800,000. The city denies liability. The settlement avoids trial scheduled for March 2, 2026. The resolution was added to the agenda and passed 6-1 (Mayor McKenzie abstained). The funding will come from a bond resolution.

Key Outcomes

• Suspension of Officers Regg and Cintron: Chief Renwick announced unpaid suspensions pending disciplinary process. No council action required.
• Adoption of Immigration Enforcement Policy (Resolution J17): The council voted unanimously to adopt the policy as a resolution after closing the public hearing. The policy prohibits city employees from using resources to assist federal immigration enforcement except as required by law, requires voluntary informed consent for cooperation, and mandates investigations of violations. Copies of the policy will be sent to state leaders as requested by the public.
• Settlement of Douglas Lawsuit (Resolution J18): Approved by a vote of 6-1 (Mayor McKenzie abstaining). The city will pay $2.5 million total, with $700,000 reimbursed by Harco, net $1.8 million. The settlement releases all claims against the city and resolves the coverage action against Harco.
• Routine Resolutions (J1-J16): All passed. Resolution J11 passed with one opposed (name not identified).
• Future Steps: The council expressed intent to consider a local ordinance for the immigration policy in the future, pending review of state legislation and further community input. The city will also explore good cause eviction as per public requests.
• Community Events: The council promoted a "Dining Dialogue" community event with the police chief on February 24 at 6 p.m. at the Senior Citizen Center.
• Public Hearing Closed and Meetings Adjourned: The public hearing was closed after testimony, and the council meeting was adjourned.