The Peekskill Common Council met Monday, March 23, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Common Council Chamber for a work session followed by a regular Common Council meeting. The work session opened with Women's History Month recognition of three honorees and continued with discussion of the 2026 tax collection authorization, two riverfront license agreements, a proposed PILOT agreement for 901 Main Street, and a full moon walk proposal for Depew Park. The regular meeting included the swearing-in of part-time Assistant City Judge April McKenzie, department head and city manager reports, and unanimous passage of all 16 resolutions on the agenda. The council then adjourned to executive session to discuss medical, financial, credit, or employment history of individuals and matters related to the acquisition, sale, or lease of real property.
March 23rd, 2026, on tonight's agenda, we have uh six items uh and then executive session for discussions 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 corporation, as well as discussion of matters related to proposed acquisition, sale, or lease of real property. So at this time, I'm going to turn it over to our city manager. Good evening, Mayor and Council. Good evening. Uh so I think the first item on the agenda for the cow is to do the women's history month. So we're good to go after the great pleasure this evening that we do our women's history month's honorees. We have three amazing women that we are very honored that are here this evening uh to accept this award, and we're thanking you for accepting the award and for all that you do for our community. And I'm going to start. How are you feeling? I'm working with Bonnie Plague. And our first honoree for this evening is Miss Marisol. So whereas the month of March is known as Women's History Month, the City of Peakscale proudly joins the nation in celebrating this year's theme, leading the change, women shaping a sustainable future, focusing on women driving innovation in environmental, economic, and social sustainability. And whereas it is with honor, distinction, and admiration that the city of Peakscale acknowledges Marisel Jimenez, and whereas Marisel, a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, exemplifies the spirit of service, compassion, and community leadership that women's history month seeks to honor. And whereas Marisel is an active and valued member of the NAACP, the Mount Olivet Baptist Church, the Peakscale Parks Advisory Board, the Peakskill Human Relations Commission, and the Rotary Club of Peakskill, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to civic engagement and the betterment of the Peakskill community. And whereas she has dedicated her time and energy to enriching the lives of others, particularly through her work with seniors, and shares her passion for culture and movement by teaching Latin dance. And whereas her compassion is further reflected in her leadership in organizing fundraisers for those in need, including her efforts in planning a fundraiser for the Phoenix Foundation, extending hope and tangible support to individuals and families facing hardship. And whereas through her kindness, generosity, and genuine care for others, Marisel Jimenez brings joy to those around her and ensures that members of her community feel seen, valued, and uplifted. Now, therefore I, Vivian McKenzie, Mayor of the City of Peakskill, on behalf of the Common Council and residents, do hereby extend great congratulations to 2026 Women's History Month honoring Marisel Jimenez for her positive impact on the human spirit throughout the community. Congratulations. Okay, so I wanted to say it is an honor to be up recognized during women's history month. I accept this award not just for myself, but for all the women that continue to push forward even when things get hard, especially now in these uncertain times, we can find peace by giving back to the community. Remember, we all thrive on we all thrive when we work together and always choose love over hate. Our next honoree is Mrs. Kay Bothamus. Whereas the month of March is known as Woman History's Month, the City of Peakscale proudly joins the nation in celebrating this year's theme, leading the change, women shaping a sustainable future, focusing on women driving innovation and environmental, economic, and social sustainability. And whereas it is with honor, distinction, and admiration that the City of Peaksgale acknowledges the contributions of Cape Althamus, and whereas Kay, an exemplary resident of Peakskill, New York, has demonstrated an enduring commitment to education, environmental stewardship, and civic engagement. And whereas Kay moved to Peaksgale with her husband Bob in 1971 and has since devoted herself to strengthening the fabric of the community through decades of meaningful service. And whereas an educator, she nurtured and inspired young minds through her work at the Presbyterian Nursery School and within the Peakskill City School District, and further extended her dedication by volunteering as a tutor for young children at the Field Library. And whereas Kay generously gave up her time and expertise as a member of the Peakskill Parks Advisory Board and the Peakskill Conservation Advisory Council for eight years, including four years as chair, where her leadership left a lasting impact on the city's environmental initiatives. And whereas, in recognition of her outstanding contributions, Kay has received honors from the Westchester County Water and Sewer Board, as well as the Distinguished Citizen Planner Award from the Westchester Municipal Planning Federation. And now, therefore, I, Vivian McKenzie, Mayor of the City of Peakskill, on behalf of the Common Council and residents, do hereby extend great congratulations to the 2026 Woman History Month honoree, Kate Barthamus, for her dedication to environmental steward and her passion to improve the community. Congratulations. So I just want to thank the council for choosing me as one of the women of Peakskill to honor tonight. It's been my entire great pleasure to do whatever I could to make Peekskill a healthier and better place to live. As mentioned, Bob and I moved here in 1971, believe it or not. We chose Peakskill as a good place to raise her family. It was Bob's hometown, but I chose it too. It was perfect also because Bob was working in New York, so he could just pop on the train, and we could just enjoy Peekskill and all the hills and trails and river. Bob also believed in helping the city in any way that we could. So we were we have both been involved in many different projects. Kathy Talbot is the one who got me involved in conservation issues. She said the Conservation Advisory Council would be an opportunity to educate the council and the city about many, many different kinds of conservation concerns. The best part of that work was meeting the other members on the council. Generous, smart, and talented in so many different fields. It's been my pleasure to work with all of them. And we also received an award for doing an educational outreach, working with Dave Rambo and the water department. And most recently, we have worked to increase the location where we can drop off food scraps that have been collected at home, which is a voluntary opportunity, and then the food scraps are not going to Indian Point, and they're also getting turned into healthy compost. So everybody benefits. So I hope that everybody listening to this will be encouraged to find a way where they can participate and help the city get better every day. So thank you very much.