Nicholas Cecere

The agenda for the meeting included correspondence, acceptance of minutes, monthly financial reports for PFDC and PFKI, and the status of the Annual Audit Process. Discussions under Old Business focused on the proposed 2026 Meeting Dates and an update on PFKI. Key topics in the concurrent PIDA/PFDC meeting included the approval of the September 30, 2025, PFDC Board Meeting Minutes. Financial reports highlighted revenue and expenditures, with restricted funds needing clear marking. The Board discussed strategies for minimizing Con Edison costs during winter by potentially shutting down the building and having contractors cover their electricity usage. The Draft FY26 Budget for the Kitchen incubator, supported by funds from the City of Peekskill, Economic Development Agency, and New York State Empire State Development, was approved. The PFKI update involved discussing required changes to Contract 1 to bring the project within budget, which was achieved by a contractor-identified 8% reduction and deferring the dry storage building extension and freezer/cooler purchases. Management was authorized to proceed with submitting a request to the EDA for construction approval, pending the completion of an MWBE utilization plan and an updated operating pro forma.

The Committee of the Whole meeting agenda included discussions on Recreation matters, specifically an MOU with the Peekskill Racket Association for tennis programs, and Water matters concerning Barton and Loguidice 2026 Grant Writing Services. A major item was the Legal/City Manager discussion regarding the Immigration Enforcement Policy, including a redline version reflecting public comments. Other items covered liaison reports and concerns, followed by an Executive Session to discuss personnel matters and potential real property acquisition, sale, or lease.

The document outlines several Committee of the Whole meetings held between January and March 2024. Key discussion topics included the City of Peekskill Policy on Immigration and Enforcement, various reports and concerns from Council Liaisons, approval of multiple resolutions related to bids (snow removal, laboratory), grant applications (EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program, NYS Archives, CEEP for Sustainability Coordinator), contract renewals (SPCA), professional service agreements (grant writer, Penflex Service Fee), appointments/reappointments to various boards and positions (e.g., Acting Corporation Counsel, Volunteer Firefighters), public hearings scheduling (201 N. Division Street, Parking Fines and Meters), and municipal matters like budget amendments, capital projects (Hollowbrook Dam, Pugsley Park), and city services (water meter software upgrade, Fourth of July Celebration). One meeting also featured a resolution adopting a formal Policy on Immigration Enforcement and Discrimination.

The Common Council meeting agenda included several resolutions for adoption. Key items involved updating the 2026 Consolidated Fee Schedule, particularly for water and sewer rates, and authorizing a 2026 TAN Issuance. Several reappointment and appointment resolutions addressed positions on the Board of Assessment Review and the Conservation Advisory Council, as well as appointments to the Parks Advisory Board. Other new business covered authorizing the formation of the Peekskill 250 Advisory Committee, setting a public hearing for 1050 Lower South Street, renewing the SPCA of Westchester contract, approving Bicycle Sundays road closures in Depew Park, and requests to enter Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with Cumbe Soccer and McNamee Construction Corporation.

The meeting focused on several resolutions and reports. Key actions included approving a tax certiorari settlement with Hudsonview Peekskill, LLC, authorizing the City Manager to sign 2025 Annual Dam Certification Forms for three dams, and accepting grant awards for the Youth Bureau's Project Elevate Program (Invest in Kids Grant) and the Rising Tide Boat Building Program (OCFS Grant). The Council also approved supplementing the Advancing Leadership Initiatives for Teens (LIFT) program with additional OCFS funding, authorized an extension of the temporary closure of Esther Street through December 31, 2026, authorized professional service agreements with various law firms and Munistat, Inc. for 2026 legal services, and reappointed Keane & Beane, P.C. as City Attorney for 2026. Additionally, the City Manager was authorized to terminate the Electrical Services Agreement related to the Community Choice Aggregation Program. Public comments addressed topics such as the permanent closure of Esther Street, the Peekskill for All Act, and justice for Damar Fields.