Peekskill Common Council Work Session and Regular Meeting - March 23, 2026
Peekskill Common Council Work Session and Regular Meeting — March 23, 2026
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.
Women's History Month Recognition
- Mayor Vivian McKenzie and the council honored three Peekskill women under the 2026 national theme “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.”
- Marisel Jimenez — recognized for service through the NAACP, Mount Olivet Baptist Church, the Peekskill Parks Advisory Board, the Human Relations Commission, and the Rotary Club; work with seniors; teaching Latin dance; and organizing fundraisers for the Phoenix Foundation. She accepted the award “not just for myself, but for all the women that continue to push forward.”
- Kay Bothamus — moved to Peekskill in 1971 with her husband Bob; educator at the Presbyterian Nursery School and in the Peekskill City School District; tutor at the Field Library; eight years on the Parks Advisory Board and Conservation Advisory Council, including four years as chair; recipient of honors from the Westchester County Water and Sewer Board and the Westchester Municipal Planning Federation's Distinguished Citizen Planner Award. She encouraged residents to participate in food scrap drop-off and other city efforts. (Spelling per transcript varies.)
- Dee Voltz — born in Berlin in 1922, now 103, residing at River Point at Drum Hill; journalist, teacher, and artist who performed in “Meet Me in St. Louis” alongside Judy Garland and danced with modern dance pioneer Martha Graham.
Work Session Discussion Items
- Tax collection authorization: Comptroller Tony Tracy, appearing by Zoom, presented the 2026 tax collection plan. The total levy to be collected is $33,566,562, including the City of Peekskill levy of $20,723,327, a $100,000 business improvement district assessment, Westchester County ($6,053,627), county MTA ($393,429), county solid waste ($905,305), county sewer ($3,591,631), the library fund ($1,778,000), and Energize New York ($21,243). Collection begins April 1, 2026, with the first payment due in April. Asked why a resolution is necessary, staff explained it authorizes the comptroller to perform actions already permitted by city code and serves as public information.
- Trinity Cruise license amendment: Matt Rudikoff presented a draft amendment to add a second boat at the Riverfront Green dock for the season, following the council's February 17 authorization. The second boat previously operated only on a temporary basis. Council members welcomed the expansion, describing the riverfront as one of Peekskill's biggest draws.
- RMS license agreement for Fleischmann Pier: A draft five-year license agreement with River Town Management Services (RMS) for the RMS Emerald Princess and pier management services, incorporating council comments, was presented for finalization. Councilwoman Talbot requested a wrap-up memo reviewing the prior season — city investment, successes, shortcomings, and attendance — before or alongside final approval; staff agreed to share RMS's final report as an update.
- 901 Main Street PILOT agreement: The IDA has approved a PILOT agreement for the proposed new owners of 901 Main Street (Peekskill Plaza Apartments), contingent on council endorsement. The city and IDA negotiated jointly, with legal work continuing on a “worst case” scenario involving potential loss of HUD funding and emergency provisions. The project carries a $3.8 million overall impact, and the momentum grant can leverage every city dollar with a matching state dollar. Council members praised the arrangement as a model that benefits the city as well as the developer; the new owner is expected to begin removing the long-standing scaffolding immediately after closing.
- Full Moon Walk at Depew Park: The Conservation Advisory Council proposed the city's first annual full moon walk on Friday, May 1, 2026, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the gazebo by Lake Mitchell, highlighting moon phases and ecological issues at Depew Park, with no rain date. The council supported the event and the requested after-dark park waiver, and staff confirmed police presence would be arranged.
Public Comments & Testimony (Agenda Items)
- Alina Walker (Mallard Way) questioned whether a public hearing had been held on the floating solar project and expressed opposition to placing panels in the city's drinking water reservoir, citing contamination and autoimmune concerns. Matt Rudikoff responded that the resolution before the council only authorizes the Planning Commission to serve as lead agency for SEQR review; the public hearing will take place before the Planning Commission.
- Jen Zawaki (608 Nelson Avenue) asked whether the $3.8 million in the 901 Main Street PILOT would serve as the city's match toward the momentum grant (staff confirmed it could) and when the scaffolding at 901 Main Street would come down (removal effort begins at closing).
Department Head and City Manager Reports
- Quality of life: continued litter and debris pickup (164 buckets citywide; 110 buckets in parks), new English/Spanish signage at the food compost area, extensive pothole repairs, repair of the fallen K-Lot wall, and replacement of 10 street signs.
- Police: 10 warrant arrests, eight quality-of-life offenses in the downtown area, four DWIs, 27 traffic arrests, 577 parking tickets (mostly related to snow events), and 22 traffic summonses; one Leandra's Law DWI arrest of a driver operating intoxicated with an eight-year-old child in the vehicle; participation in Peekskill Middle School Career Day on March 19.
- Infrastructure and grants: hazard mitigation planning with Westchester County (the city brought the largest municipal group); initial meetings on the $1.8 million Paramount Theater HVAC replacement grant, which could also serve as an emergency cooling location; management training planned for the first week of May; delinquent taxes projected to be fully collected by the end of 2026; EV charging at the James Street Garage delayed by February storms but expected in early April; a Westchester County zero-emission microtransit pilot announced for Peekskill with a $3 million NYSERTA Clean Mobility Program investment (the city manager flagged the reported start date as outdated and said the correct date would be confirmed); and a contract with Enerborough Partners to begin the comprehensive plan update.
- Civic Hub construction timeline: Brown Plaza reopening by July 31, 2026; Flagpole Plaza (Harriet Tubman statue site) reopening by mid-September 2026; South Division sidewalk reopening by mid-October 2026; Central/Division Street intersection work completed by the end of 2026 in time for holiday ceremonies. Businesses and residents maintain access throughout, and vehicle traffic is not affected.
Liaison Reports
- Councilman Riga: will attend his first Parks Advisory Council meeting tomorrow.
- Councilwoman Chang: housing meeting was canceled; the Human Relations Commission meets March 31.
- Councilwoman Talbot: attended a Council on Foreign Relations webinar on electronics recycling, noting solar panels have a 20–25 year lifespan but new companies can recover almost all materials, including gold and rare earth minerals; reminded residents of Westchester County recycling options at FDR Park and Elmsford.
- Councilman DeGrugio: a seat is open on the Conservation Advisory Council; youth bureau meeting expected in April; attended a Revolutionary War hike at Fort Hill Park celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary with the PSG Museum.
- Councilman Facet: BID meeting Tuesday, April 7 at 6 p.m. at City Hall; fire department meeting Wednesday.
- Deputy Mayor Riley: senior advisory meeting on March 10 — fire safety presentation being organized with the new River Point manager Samantha Pena, a handicap parking space list requested, taxi information cards for seniors, senior exercise programs moving to the youth bureau room, signage for the B-line bus near the Neighborhood Center, and lights at Forest View; summer day camp at Woodside and teen travel camp this year; day camp hiring ongoing at the park office.
- Mayor McKenzie: met with new New York Presbyterian Hospital leadership (128-bed facility; significant infrastructure investment planned) and advocated for the emergency department; attended the Sister's Keeper inaugural conference at Peekskill High School, organized by Dr. Margie Daniels, Dr. Jenna Ferris, and Dr. Mauricio, with Lieutenant Carter as keynote; announced the fire department has received its new ladder truck; noted openings on the Planning Board and Housing Authority.
New Business Resolutions (J1–J16, all unanimous)
- J1: Street closure of Bank Street from Main Street to Park Street for the Peekskill Farmers Market.
- J2: Street closure for Cinco de Mayo celebration on Saturday, May 2, 2026 (11 a.m.) through Sunday, May 3, 2026 (12 a.m.), closing portions of North Division Street and Park Street.
- J3: Professional services agreement with Saratoga & Associates for landscape architectural, engineering, construction administration, and inspection services for Phase 2 of the Depew Park improvement project.
- J4: Agreement with Royal Coach Lines, Inc. for 2026 summer day camp transportation.
- J5: Authorization for the Comptroller to collect 2026 taxes totaling $33,566,562.
- J6: Scheduling a public hearing on May 11, 2026 at 7 p.m. for a local law to regulate cannabis dispensaries, consumption sites, and delivery services, amending Section 575-19.2 of the City Code, with referral to the Planning Commission.
- J7: Finalizing the Trinity Cruise license amendment allowing a second boat at the Riverfront Green docks and Fleischmann Pier.
- J8: Five-year license agreement with River Town Management Services (RMS) for RMS Emerald Princess operations and pier management services, April 1, 2026 through December 31, 2030.
- J9: Consent to the Planning Commission as lead agency for SEQR environmental review of the floating solar project at 1000 Lindbergh Place.
- J10: Removal of the handicapped parking designation at 1217 Lincoln Terrace.
- J11: Inter-municipal agreement with Westchester County for the Stop DWI High Visibility Enforcement Campaign, with up to $50,000 per year in overtime reimbursement through September 30, 2026, retroactive to October 1, 2025.
- J12: Approval of the PILOT agreement with Peekskill Plaza Apartments (901 Main Street) and a host community fee and parking agreement with Peekskill Plaza Owner, LLC.
- J13: Amendment of the March 3, 2026 appointment of a part-time assistant city court judge, appointing April McKenzie, Esq. for a statutory term of up to six years commencing March 26, 2026 (the transcript's stated expiration year is garbled).
- J14: Approval of the full moon walk at Depew Park on May 1, 2026, 8–10 p.m., after dusk, with no rain date.
- J15: Letter of support for the City of Kingston's “Let Them Build” proposal to streamline SEQR environmental review for appropriately sized housing on previously disturbed land.
- J16: Letter of opposition to NYSEG's proposed 2026 rate increase, to be distributed to the governor, state legislators, and the New York State Public Service Commission.
Citizens Desiring to Be Heard
- Ann Jackley (Lake View Drive) asked how the “Peekskill for All” immigration enforcement and discrimination policy, adopted February 23, 2026, is being implemented — specifically internal communications and training, external communications and Spanish translation, and how residents report violations, plus the timing of the city manager's annual report. The City Manager responded that a citywide training program is being developed using police and fire policies as a prototype; external communications will be posted on the website and social media; violations are reported to the city manager and handled by the relevant department head; and the annual report has not yet been started.
- Elena asked about the cannabis grow facility at 710 Washington Street; the City Manager said there was no update yet and he would return with one in two to three weeks.
- Jen Zawaki (608 Nelson Avenue) requested city maintenance of an unmarked blue trail at Fort Hill Park ending at the Abbey, asked whether bollards would be installed at the new gazebo, praised the improved downtown cleanliness, and asked about long-term maintenance and residential trash enforcement. Staff said the new DPW superintendent is making cleanliness an ongoing priority, and properties in violation receive tickets with 48 hours to comply before escalating to court.
Key Outcomes
- All 16 resolutions (J1–J16) passed unanimously; no amendments or roll-call splits were recorded.
- April McKenzie was sworn in as part-time assistant city judge, term commencing March 26, 2026.
- The council authorized the city manager to finalize and execute the Trinity Cruise amendment, the RMS license agreement, and the 901 Main Street PILOT and parking agreements.
- Staff was directed to provide a wrap-up of the prior season's RMS pier operations.
- The council approved the after-dark waiver for the May 1 full moon walk at Depew Park.
- The meeting adjourned to executive session for discussions of medical, financial, credit, or employment history of individuals and the proposed acquisition, sale, or lease of real property.
Meeting Transcript
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.
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