Peekskill City Council Meeting - August 20, 2026

The Peekskill Common Council met on August 20, 2026 (despite the transcript indicating August 17, 2026, the official date provided for this summary) to discuss public safety, parking improvements, a proposed bicycle and e-bike ordinance, and routine city business. The meeting included a presentation on a new mobile parking payment app and kiosks, a public hearing on amendments to Chapter 182 (Bicycles and Inline Skates), and a statement from the police chief regarding an ICE incident. All resolutions on the agenda passed unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: Unanimously approved the minutes of the July 13 and July 27, 2026, meetings.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ann Jack Leon (Lakeview Dr.) asked for a red-lined version of changes to the information security policy (Item 7). The city attorney indicated a red-line was included in the meeting package.
• East Walker expressed concerns about cybersecurity and whether resolutions 1 and 7 address recent hacking and photo-bombing. He also questioned whether a new affordable housing consulting service is redundant with the existing Peekskill Plan. City Manager Carol clarified the consultant would handle specialized tasks like financial analysis of specific projects, not replace the Plan.
• Public Hearing on Bicycles/Inline Skates (Chapter 182): Multiple speakers addressed the proposed amendment. Many were alarmed by language in Section 182.5(C) that appeared to ban bicycles on streets within the Business Improvement District (BID). Rebecca Morris, Nathan, Matthew Jackson, Megan Sia, Christy O'Donnell, Sunny Cover, and others opposed any bicycle ban, emphasizing that many residents rely on bikes for transportation and that banning bikes would harm local businesses. They urged the city to invest in bike lanes instead. Speakers also supported e-bike/scooter safety regulations and age limits. Judith Coleman and David Friederman strongly supported the age limit and restrictions on e-bikes on sidewalks, citing safety concerns. The Chief confirmed the intent is to prohibit e-bikes, e-scooters, and similar devices on sidewalks, not to ban bicycles from streets. The existing BID bicycle ban (from 1984) has never been enforced and the city attorney is working to remove that section. The council voted to continue the public hearing on September 14, 2026.
• General Public Comments:
  • Laverne Collins (Summit Ave.) raised a safety issue about light shields on street lights reducing illumination; she presented a petition. The city manager said he would look into it.
  • Evelyn Lovett (951 Main St.) complained about missing benches along Main Street, making it difficult for elderly pedestrians. The city manager acknowledged the issue.
  • Cynthia Anderson (1103 Brown St.) presented a petition with over 60 signatures from neighborhood center users requesting a daytime cleaner for the facility due to unclean restrooms and common areas. The city manager said he would investigate.
  • Elena Munice Walker urged the council not to approve a proposed solar panel project, citing a petition of nearly 700 signatures and concerns about the water supply. The mayor responded that decisions will be based on professional input, not social media.
  • Ms. Backis (former Peekskill resident) requested a reserved parking spot to care for her elderly sister at 901 Main St., as she frequently receives tickets despite being only a few minutes late. The city manager said available spots are constrained but would try to help.

Discussion Items

• Quality of Life & Department Updates: City Manager reported a 33% reduction in reported offenses (574 vs. 857) in the first six months of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, attributed to increased police walking posts. DPW changes include a new management approach enforcing business clean-up and ticketing for litter. The building department is taking a no-tolerance approach on landlord violations, including heat and overcrowding, with cases going to court. Parking issues are being addressed with a new payment system.
• Parking System Upgrade: Tony Tracy introduced the new Passport parking app and Arrive kiosks. Jeanette Kasmarkowitz (Passport) demonstrated the app, which allows pay-by-phone with a convenience fee (~$0.35 per transaction). Ed Kincaid (Arrive) demonstrated the solar-powered, weather-resistant kiosk that accepts coins and credit cards with no fee. The city has purchased 10 kiosks to be installed in high-use areas; existing coin meters will be removed. The system is pay-by-space initially, transitioning to pay-by-plate. The council requested an in-person training session at the senior center and a video demonstration.
• Public Hearing on Bicycles/Inline Skates: The hearing was opened; Chief Brendwick explained the goal is to regulate e-bikes, e-scooters, and similar devices on sidewalks for safety, not to ban traditional bicycles. After extensive public comment about confusion over the proposed language, the council voted to adjourn the hearing to September 14, 2026, to allow for revisions. The city is also planning an education campaign with the school district.
• Police Chief’s Statement on ICE Incident: Chief Brendwick reported that on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at approximately 7:10 AM, ICE contacted the Peekskill Police after a vehicle pursuit. Peekskill officers responded to monitor the situation and handle local matters (accident, property damage), but did not participate in immigration enforcement. The chief confirmed the department does not enforce federal immigration law and will not assist ICE in civil immigration enforcement. He said a review is underway to determine why federal vehicles entered the police lot after the incident.
• Resolutions J1-J12: All were presented, discussed briefly, and passed unanimously. Key items include:
  • J1: Cybersecurity software agreement with NYS.
  • J2-J4: Street closure permits for religious and commemorative events.
  • J5: Appointment to Planning Commission.
  • J6: Appointment to Human Relations Commission.
  • J7: Update to information security policy.
  • J8: Declare fire department equipment surplus for auction.
  • J9: Accept $47,500 CDBG grant for elevator control panel at Neighborhood Center.
  • J10: Authorize RFQ for affordable housing consulting services on an as-needed basis.
  • J11: Subordination agreement for Stir Gardens MIFA and PIDA agreements related to refinancing.
  • J12: Schedule public hearing for BID extension on September 14, 2026.

Key Outcomes

• Public Hearing on Bicycles/Inline Skates: Continued to September 14, 2026, pending revisions to remove the bicycle ban language from the BID section.
• Parking System: City will proceed with Passport app and 10 Arrive kiosks; installation expected in September 2026. Training sessions and a video demonstration to be arranged.
• ICE Incident: Police chief's statement accepted; internal review of federal vehicle access to police lot ongoing.
• Resolutions: All 12 resolutions (J1-J12) passed unanimously.
• Neighborhood Center Cleanliness: City manager and DPW director to investigate hiring a daytime cleaner.
• Street Light Shields on Summit Ave.: City manager to follow up with DPW.
• Missing Benches: City manager to address bench reinstatement.
• Parking Accommodation: City manager to assist Ms. Backis regarding caregiver parking.

Next Steps

• The council will hold a continued public hearing on Chapter 182 on September 14, 2026.
• A public hearing on BID extension also scheduled for September 14, 2026.
• The city will provide public education on e-bike regulations and the new parking payment system.