Nancy Bloom

The council reviewed a presentation on the Quassaick Creek Greenway implementation strategy and the Newburgh Community Land Bank annual report. Several resolutions were discussed, including an agreement for Emerald Ash Borer tree injection services, the acceptance of a payment in lieu of paving from Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation, and a contract for entry door repairs and upgrades at 123 Grand Street. Additionally, the council addressed a satisfaction of mortgage for 521 South Street, a release of restrictive covenants for 117 Chambers Street, amendments to a site development and PILOT agreement with The Kearney Realty & Development Group Inc., and consulting services for CDBG. Various grants and contracts were considered, including amendments to NYS DEC water and PFOS expense reimbursement contracts, license agreements for kayak rentals, an aquatic center concession contract, and applications for GIVE and police traffic services grants. The meeting also included discussions on the Flock camera update, a feasibility study for the West Shore passenger rail service, appointments to various boards, the establishment of a Charter Review Commission, traffic ordinance amendments, and a search for a new City Manager.

The Council reviewed several key business matters, including authorizing a Payment in Lieu of Taxes agreement for Bourne and Kenney Apartments and approving asbestos testing surveys for the Police Department lobby and the Department of Public Works garage. Additionally, the Council considered the adoption of a hazard mitigation plan, the lease of printing equipment for the City Clerk and Police Department, professional engineering services for chemical bulk storage, water quality testing and algae treatment for Browns Pond, property covenant releases, a time extension for a real estate closing, participation in the Stop-DWI program, the summer youth employment program, a license agreement for a farmers market, a legislative grant application, and amendments to the five-year paving plan and the interim City Manager appointment.

The council meeting covered several key items including an agreement with SavATree for Emerald Ash Borer tree injection services, the acceptance of a payment in lieu of paving from Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation, and a contract with Securitas Technology Corporation for door repairs at 123 Grand Street. Other topics included the satisfaction of a mortgage for 521 South Street, release of restrictive covenants for 117 Chambers Street, amendments to site development and PILOT agreements with The Kearney Realty & Development Group Inc., and professional services agreements with Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. for administrative consulting. The meeting also addressed state-funded grants for water reimbursements, licensing for kayak rentals, concession contracts for the Aquatic Center, initiatives for gun violence elimination, police traffic services, and feasibility studies for passenger rail service. Finally, the council discussed various appointments to the Industrial Development Agency and the Police Community Relations and Review Board, along with scheduling a public hearing for the Charter Review Commission, traffic ordinance amendments, and tax lien settlements.

The Council meeting involved several legislative and administrative actions, including authorizing a Payment in Lieu of Taxes agreement for the Bourne and Kenney Apartments. The council also approved asbestos testing at the Police Department lobby and the Department of Public Works garage, adopted the Orange County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, and contracted for copier and printer services. Furthermore, the council approved chemical bulk storage compliance and water quality monitoring at Browns Pond, resolved property matters, participated in the Stop-DWI program, authorized the Summer Youth Employment program, approved the use of city property for a farmers market, secured a municipal legislative grant, amended the five-year paving plan, processed a claim payment, and appointed an interim City Manager.

The council agenda included a City Manager update, a 2025 Police Department update, and several resolutions. Key items involve a service renewal agreement with Syntech Systems for fuel management, the submission of an annual report and interim progress certification for MS4 permit compliance, and multiple grant applications to purchase gear dryers for the Fire Department. The council also addressed an engagement letter for auditing services for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025, and a personnel book amendment adding a Public Safety Attendant position, along with property management matters regarding 75 Wisner Avenue.