1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:04,799 Very good evening everyone. It's 6:30. I'll call this meeting to order. Would 2 00:00:03,679 --> 00:00:07,799 you please rise for the pledge of >> allegiance 3 00:00:09,840 --> 00:00:18,240 to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it 4 00:00:14,320 --> 00:00:23,880 stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. 5 00:00:20,320 --> 00:00:23,880 » God bless America. 6 00:00:26,000 --> 00:00:33,360 Roll call. Councilman first council present. 7 00:00:30,960 --> 00:00:37,520 » Colin Okonnell first council present. >> Mr. Fuller, second council, present. 8 00:00:35,360 --> 00:00:39,280 » Maria Mamer, second word council president. 9 00:00:38,079 --> 00:00:42,480 » Michael Hockenberry, councilman at large, present. 10 00:00:40,000 --> 00:00:46,399 » Dominic, mayor, present. Jeffrey RHS, third council, present. 11 00:00:43,840 --> 00:00:49,760 » Gerald Noni, third councilman, present. >> Stan Seagull, fourth word councilman 12 00:00:48,239 --> 00:00:53,840 present. >> Corporation council present. 13 00:00:52,079 --> 00:00:56,960 » All right. Thank you everyone. We have no public hearings on the agenda 14 00:00:55,120 --> 00:01:02,440 tonight. We do have one presentation. I'd like to call up Laura Meyer from the 15 00:00:58,480 --> 00:01:02,440 Fort Jervis Tourist Board. 16 00:01:05,840 --> 00:01:14,880 » Well, 2025 the Port Jervis had a lot of great events that happened. Everyone was 17 00:01:11,600 --> 00:01:20,720 successful and we had added the Delaware River Cardboard Boat Riotta and Delaware 18 00:01:17,759 --> 00:01:24,799 Beach Party to the event last year. We didn't have a lot of contestants, but we 19 00:01:22,159 --> 00:01:29,200 had a lot of fun. And um the tourism board would like to present the check to 20 00:01:26,479 --> 00:01:32,880 the Port Juris Fire Department special operations team for their assistance the 21 00:01:31,520 --> 00:01:37,600 day of. And I think they had a lot of fun. They saved everybody from drowning 22 00:01:35,360 --> 00:01:39,520 and injuries at the event. So, we want to thank you. 23 00:01:39,119 --> 00:01:41,200 » Thank you. >> Thank you. 24 00:01:40,560 --> 00:01:44,200 » Thank you. >> Thanks. 25 00:01:49,200 --> 00:01:55,280 » All right. Moving on. Public comment. Five minute limit per person. I just 26 00:01:53,439 --> 00:02:02,759 want to uh remind everybody that this is public comment and not public answering 27 00:01:57,280 --> 00:02:02,759 session. Okay. Lindsay Ellis Andis. 28 00:02:04,000 --> 00:02:12,080 » Hello. Um my name is Lindsay Andis. This is my son Pinn. He's a portervice middle 29 00:02:09,599 --> 00:02:16,160 school student. I'm an engineer tech lead accredited associate. Highly 30 00:02:14,400 --> 00:02:19,920 experienced in residential structural design with some experience in 31 00:02:18,239 --> 00:02:24,720 commercial design. I grew up in Greenville and in January 32 00:02:21,920 --> 00:02:28,400 of 2024, we bought our first home here in the city of Port Jervis. In the two 33 00:02:26,879 --> 00:02:33,360 years we have lived here, we have fully immersed ourselves into our community. 34 00:02:31,599 --> 00:02:37,760 As a volunt I am a volunteer at the warming station a few nights a week. I 35 00:02:35,680 --> 00:02:44,319 serve meals. I travel to collect donations and cater to our guests 36 00:02:40,879 --> 00:02:52,080 individual needs. I also host movie nights for our guests two Fridays every 37 00:02:47,200 --> 00:02:57,760 month for fellow movie enthusiasts. Finn is an athlete playing Fort Jervis 38 00:02:55,040 --> 00:03:02,319 youth baseball, football, and wrestling. He's also a frequent attendee of the 39 00:03:00,480 --> 00:03:06,560 city's recreation department. You can find him at their after school program 40 00:03:04,560 --> 00:03:10,400 multiple days a week, not because he needs to be there, because often I work 41 00:03:08,720 --> 00:03:15,599 from home, but because he loves to be there. He attends their seasonal parties 42 00:03:13,840 --> 00:03:20,560 and during the summer bounces between Pike Street and Church Street locations. 43 00:03:18,319 --> 00:03:27,519 This past summer, the recreation center hosted an open forum for youth residents 44 00:03:24,480 --> 00:03:31,280 requesting their input for proposed community center to be located at the 45 00:03:29,200 --> 00:03:36,400 Church Street Park. Finn was the only student to attend. He spoke publicly to 46 00:03:34,080 --> 00:03:42,480 the committee and shared his thoughts on how the after school youth program 47 00:03:40,159 --> 00:03:49,280 would benefit from having outdoor spaces and activities such as basketball courts 48 00:03:45,200 --> 00:03:52,799 and brass toss for football. friends and I love this little city and we want to 49 00:03:50,959 --> 00:03:57,599 continue to contribute to our community whether it is with our minds, our hands 50 00:03:55,440 --> 00:04:02,080 or our hearts. As an observer and a doer, I watch 51 00:04:00,159 --> 00:04:06,879 people and I listen. I hear what's happening in the homeless community, 52 00:04:04,000 --> 00:04:11,920 their opinions and perspectives. I hear all the youth's chatter at games in 53 00:04:09,519 --> 00:04:17,120 school coming from my own living room. When I attended the youth forum this 54 00:04:14,879 --> 00:04:22,639 summer regarding the proposed new community center, I listened to the 55 00:04:18,959 --> 00:04:27,759 input of my son um and from what the forum leader shared from his meeting 56 00:04:25,040 --> 00:04:31,680 earlier with seniors and other community demographics 57 00:04:29,520 --> 00:04:35,360 and at an increasing rate. I've been listening to and seeing people's 58 00:04:33,520 --> 00:04:39,759 conversations online regarding the turntable. 59 00:04:37,280 --> 00:04:45,520 Most recently, I attended the December city council meeting and heard the 60 00:04:41,759 --> 00:04:51,280 city's residents thoughts regarding 86 Pine Pike Street, the site of our 61 00:04:48,080 --> 00:04:56,400 historic turntable landmark. Emotions were high. Many people shared the same 62 00:04:53,199 --> 00:05:01,680 passion to preserve the city's history. Residents came out and tuned eager for 63 00:04:59,600 --> 00:05:05,919 informed response from the city. Instead, the mayor issued a brief 64 00:05:03,520 --> 00:05:09,759 statement which gave no explanation other than the had no intentions of 65 00:05:07,680 --> 00:05:15,440 selling the turntable or the parcel it sits on 66 00:05:11,680 --> 00:05:21,360 and made sure to mention two developers, but you didn't vow not to lease it or to 67 00:05:18,479 --> 00:05:27,680 transfer ownership or to allow the state or county agency to build grant housing. 68 00:05:24,639 --> 00:05:31,680 Can you give us guarantee? Rumors and concerns continue to linger 69 00:05:29,840 --> 00:05:36,320 regarding the fate of the turntable at 86 Pine Street. There is a real need 70 00:05:34,400 --> 00:05:40,240 right now for unity. The residents of the city feel they are losing their 71 00:05:38,400 --> 00:05:46,720 history and their identity. The turntables a landmark which represents 72 00:05:43,440 --> 00:05:50,720 our deep routed history in the railroad which the city was built on. Finn and 73 00:05:49,440 --> 00:05:55,440 Ben Finn and I are here tonight to propose that 86 74 00:05:53,120 --> 00:05:59,199 Pike Street be absorbed by the city's recreation department. Furthermore, as 75 00:05:57,840 --> 00:06:04,400 someone who has worked with municipalities to create communal 76 00:06:01,680 --> 00:06:08,560 spaces, structures, and expand on the services that they provide to their 77 00:06:06,080 --> 00:06:14,400 communities, I encourage the city to consider 86 Pine Street, the future site 78 00:06:10,960 --> 00:06:19,280 of the proposed community center. The goal of remediated brownfield is 79 00:06:17,440 --> 00:06:22,880 redevelopment. The potential for redevelopment greatly increases with 80 00:06:21,120 --> 00:06:30,080 locations with municipal water and sewer, which our city supplies. The 81 00:06:26,240 --> 00:06:34,960 Street Park located at 5155 Church Street is two parcels with a combined 82 00:06:32,000 --> 00:06:39,199 3.8 acres. Majority of the park is already occupied by tennis and 83 00:06:36,720 --> 00:06:42,400 basketball courts, a splash pad and playground, 84 00:06:40,720 --> 00:06:46,560 all leaving limited space for our community center that can serve all the 85 00:06:44,560 --> 00:06:55,120 needs of our community, not to mention parking. 86 Pike Street is a single 8.7 86 00:06:50,400 --> 00:07:00,319 acre parcel is a current um It currently has municipal parking in 87 00:06:57,039 --> 00:07:04,160 place with ample room for expansion. Its proximity to the business district makes 88 00:07:02,240 --> 00:07:09,759 it convenient and readily accessible to residents 89 00:07:06,000 --> 00:07:13,080 » with more than double the timer. >> Am I done? 90 00:07:13,759 --> 00:07:22,160 » Okay. Um 86 Pike Street support can support 91 00:07:19,840 --> 00:07:26,560 community center which means all the communities need with room for future 92 00:07:24,080 --> 00:07:30,560 growth. It will provide a haven for learning, physical activity, gathering, 93 00:07:28,479 --> 00:07:34,479 play, leisure, relaxation and most of all unification. This new community 94 00:07:32,720 --> 00:07:38,720 center will serve as a permanent home for our treasured artifacts memorabilia 95 00:07:36,639 --> 00:07:43,280 and honor our history with preservation of the turntable. with the city's 96 00:07:40,880 --> 00:07:47,039 recreation department continued commitments to our community 97 00:07:45,440 --> 00:07:52,080 and the funding assistance of the Brownfield redevelopment grant, New York 98 00:07:50,160 --> 00:07:56,800 grant, office of children and family services, Orange County Youth Bureau and 99 00:07:54,400 --> 00:08:02,199 other participating state and county agencies. The community center 86 Pike 100 00:07:58,960 --> 00:08:02,199 Street is 101 00:08:06,720 --> 00:08:10,520 » Laura Meyer tourism. 102 00:08:11,039 --> 00:08:14,280 » Tim Simmons. 103 00:08:21,120 --> 00:08:29,280 » Thank you, mayor. Um, my name is Tim Simmons. Um, 104 00:08:26,639 --> 00:08:35,440 representing the fortress special operations team. Uh this past Saturday 105 00:08:32,000 --> 00:08:44,880 we uh held our seventh annual polar plunge. Uh we had an amazing 89 people 106 00:08:40,719 --> 00:08:51,360 go in the water on Saturday. Um it was it was awesome. We had a a really good 107 00:08:47,600 --> 00:08:57,200 turnout. We probably had uh 200 people there all together that uh 108 00:08:53,839 --> 00:09:05,760 were there to watch and participate. Um this year once again um our our good 109 00:09:01,200 --> 00:09:11,920 friend Chip Estinus came and u he put together donations pledges from uh his 110 00:09:09,360 --> 00:09:17,120 his fellow employees and he presented us with $1,229 111 00:09:14,800 --> 00:09:25,519 in pledges and donations that he collected. Um, we're always very 112 00:09:20,880 --> 00:09:30,560 fortunate to have the sponsorship of uh local businesses. I just want to take a 113 00:09:27,760 --> 00:09:36,080 moment moment to run down the list here. Uh, as always we have the Gun Lady, 114 00:09:33,040 --> 00:09:42,880 Never Sync Lumber. Uh this year we had the uh Shop Tattoo, Bagel HQ, Mama Grace 115 00:09:39,920 --> 00:09:49,279 Pizzeria, The Erie Hotel and Tiki Bar, Mos and Papa Joe's, Hocking Bears 116 00:09:44,880 --> 00:09:55,200 Garage, uh Jim Roner, uh once again Bear Holler Embroidery, Blue Sky Insurance, 117 00:09:52,399 --> 00:10:02,080 John Kota and Sun Supply, our county legislator, Tom Fazion, performance 118 00:09:58,880 --> 00:10:09,200 forming, the Port Republic Republican city committee, uh our mayor former fire 119 00:10:05,040 --> 00:10:14,000 chief uh Tom Calis, Tom's Automotive, Assembly, Assemblyman Carl Brain, and 120 00:10:11,760 --> 00:10:19,920 Walsh and Honor Free attorneys of Law. And we always ask our participants to to 121 00:10:17,839 --> 00:10:26,160 patronize these. Um the only one we don't ask them to patronize right away 122 00:10:21,920 --> 00:10:31,360 is uh the Night O movie funeral home. We think they can wait on that a little 123 00:10:27,680 --> 00:10:40,160 bit. But um uh we also had some donations from various people. Uh Judge 124 00:10:35,279 --> 00:10:44,480 Honor gave us a $250 donation. Uh and um Paul Hartman gave us a $50 donation and 125 00:10:42,480 --> 00:10:49,839 other people I'm not sure who they were along the way gave us various donations 126 00:10:46,959 --> 00:10:56,399 as they signed up or came to watch. So um it it was awesome. Um, and without 127 00:10:54,320 --> 00:11:02,880 the support of the recck department, uh, John Fagioni, uh, Preston Simonson, and 128 00:10:59,680 --> 00:11:07,040 Greg Conland, um, we couldn't do it. They help us out tremendously through, 129 00:11:05,680 --> 00:11:14,240 you know, getting everything that we need at at the beach. And, um, also the 130 00:11:10,720 --> 00:11:20,320 run signup that, uh, we use to have the participants uh, sign up through. Uh, 131 00:11:17,040 --> 00:11:26,800 it's it's really great. But, uh, also the guys special operations team uh are 132 00:11:24,079 --> 00:11:32,399 there to to to uh make sure it runs smoothly and make sure everybody's safe 133 00:11:28,880 --> 00:11:36,880 and u just as they are all year long. You know, doesn't matter day or night, 134 00:11:34,959 --> 00:11:43,120 what time of the day, what the weather is like. Um they're always there to um 135 00:11:41,279 --> 00:11:49,600 help people who are having the worst day of their lives. So, uh I just want to 136 00:11:46,240 --> 00:11:56,320 thank everybody that was involved and um I want to thank the uh city for allowing 137 00:11:53,440 --> 00:12:03,200 us to hold an event like this and next year we will do it again. Uh we've also 138 00:11:59,680 --> 00:12:10,959 thought about the idea of uh having a challenge. Um we're going to see if we 139 00:12:07,839 --> 00:12:14,399 can send out an invitation to the all the local fire departments. We're going 140 00:12:12,560 --> 00:12:18,000 to call it the fire and ice challenge. And the fire department that comes with 141 00:12:16,240 --> 00:12:24,639 the most number of members who enter the water will get a trophy and the bragging 142 00:12:22,560 --> 00:12:27,760 rights of being the coolest fire department in the area. 143 00:12:26,800 --> 00:12:30,920 » Thank you. >> Thank you. 144 00:12:30,959 --> 00:12:35,320 » All right, Harrison. 145 00:12:39,920 --> 00:12:46,480 » Sounds like it's working. I h from the city of Kingston as an 146 00:12:44,959 --> 00:12:51,839 employee of the Catskill Mountain Railroad. 147 00:12:48,959 --> 00:12:55,680 I've only recently been paying attention to 148 00:12:53,360 --> 00:13:02,320 controversy about what's going on with the turntable museum. 149 00:12:58,800 --> 00:13:09,600 I request that transparency in order of it much like 12 years ago 150 00:13:07,440 --> 00:13:13,760 county started attacking our line to pull it out for a bike trail. It sure 151 00:13:12,000 --> 00:13:19,200 felt like we had the rug pulled out from under us because we as the public just 152 00:13:16,560 --> 00:13:22,959 did not know what's going on. I would ask that you consider the 153 00:13:20,800 --> 00:13:25,959 history of your >> Yeah. 154 00:13:26,560 --> 00:13:29,560 » Charles 155 00:13:33,680 --> 00:13:39,839 last time, but first and foremost, I'm going let you 156 00:13:37,440 --> 00:13:47,519 all know that I a lawsuit against the city. um police department. Um 157 00:13:44,560 --> 00:13:50,800 other than that, uh like you said, she sound like she had a good plan for down 158 00:13:49,040 --> 00:13:56,120 there, but the other gentleman there, uh Mich 159 00:13:59,360 --> 00:14:07,040 was donated. So donate, donation means it's no longer ours. As long as they're 160 00:14:05,040 --> 00:14:13,120 here, it's still here to preserve our history. 161 00:14:08,720 --> 00:14:21,199 So I I'd like everybody to start looking into uh this uh what was what was it I 162 00:14:18,160 --> 00:14:26,399 read? Uh half a million dollar rent for a fire department and are they going to 163 00:14:23,680 --> 00:14:29,399 tear out the wall to build a central firehouse? 164 00:14:29,920 --> 00:14:39,199 You guys really need to uh open up this stuff. It's like 165 00:14:36,320 --> 00:14:42,519 Kelly Decker all over again. Becker 2.0. 166 00:14:43,199 --> 00:14:48,360 » Yeah, that's all I got. >> Thank you. 167 00:15:03,920 --> 00:15:12,720 » Yeah, I think does a great job. 168 00:15:09,279 --> 00:15:19,360 Unfortunately, I'm not here to tell you what a great job you're doing. 169 00:15:17,040 --> 00:15:26,480 And I've done a lot of volunteer work over the years for the for the city. I 170 00:15:23,519 --> 00:15:31,760 grew up in the city. I went away to college. I came back. 171 00:15:29,440 --> 00:15:38,399 I thought I'd leave, but then we bought property here. 172 00:15:33,920 --> 00:15:45,199 Uh I tried to rem maintain my in a good way. 173 00:15:41,040 --> 00:15:50,160 I thought I was maintaining them. Well, I got a notice 174 00:15:47,600 --> 00:15:54,440 in September. Now, when was the first notice? 175 00:15:54,639 --> 00:16:04,560 The notice, the first notice was in September 176 00:16:00,880 --> 00:16:09,839 that the grass needed to be cut um at my property. 177 00:16:07,759 --> 00:16:14,440 and it was the store that my parents owned on Ball Street. 178 00:16:14,480 --> 00:16:24,800 I didn't get the notice until the 20th. Uh, apparently the deadline to cut the 179 00:16:22,959 --> 00:16:29,160 grass was supposed to be on the 15th. 180 00:16:29,279 --> 00:16:37,839 As soon as I got the notice, I called the fellow who was renting the store for 181 00:16:34,639 --> 00:16:42,880 me. He's a very good tenant. He pays his rent right on time. I called him up. I 182 00:16:40,880 --> 00:16:47,360 said, "Joe, you've got to cut the grass. I got a notice." 183 00:16:45,199 --> 00:16:51,199 So, the deadline apparently was the 15th. 184 00:16:49,440 --> 00:16:56,560 I wasn't worried about it. I thought, "Well, I didn't get the notice till the 185 00:16:53,519 --> 00:17:02,639 20th. I called Joe. I figured he'd go and mow it. No big deal." So, I threw 186 00:16:59,759 --> 00:17:07,760 away the letter. The next day, I get a bill for 187 00:17:05,360 --> 00:17:15,520 54. This piece of this little yard, it's 188 00:17:10,000 --> 00:17:20,319 fenced in. It's got a little tiny gate. $354. 189 00:17:17,039 --> 00:17:28,240 I never paid more than $50 to have this little yard mowed. So, I 190 00:17:23,679 --> 00:17:34,960 call up Mr. Rivera and I said, "I just didn't get this notice until just 191 00:17:30,880 --> 00:17:41,440 recently." I said, you know, the post office isn't that fast. I don't go and 192 00:17:38,160 --> 00:17:46,640 mow myself. I have the tenants. It's part of their 193 00:17:43,520 --> 00:17:51,840 things. I said, I did call them as soon as I got the notice, 194 00:17:49,280 --> 00:17:57,600 and I do keep my properties up as soon as I know. I don't go out and inspect 195 00:17:54,799 --> 00:18:03,679 them to see that these things are done. But as you can see, you know where my 196 00:18:00,960 --> 00:18:10,960 properties are. My house is well maintained. Uh, and I know if I call 197 00:18:07,360 --> 00:18:14,520 him, I know he's going to do it. Not my concern. 198 00:18:16,000 --> 00:18:25,520 But the bill was $354. I never paid more than $50. It's a 199 00:18:22,240 --> 00:18:31,200 little yard. Nobody goes in this little yard. It's got a little gate. Little 200 00:18:28,640 --> 00:18:36,960 gate is like partially open. Nobody goes in this yard. I couldn't believe the 201 00:18:33,679 --> 00:18:43,760 amount of money. I could understand even if it was $100. I'd said well this that 202 00:18:40,240 --> 00:18:48,880 the other $354. I said, "I'm not paying this. This is ridiculous. This is some 203 00:18:46,160 --> 00:18:55,679 kind of a money scam." I said, "I'm not paying this." 204 00:18:51,200 --> 00:19:01,600 So meanwhile, I just got another bill every month I've been getting a bill. 205 00:18:57,520 --> 00:19:07,840 This last month is for $49.50. And on the bottom, it says if I don't 206 00:19:04,880 --> 00:19:14,400 pay this, it's going to be added to my city taxes, which is the end of this 207 00:19:10,400 --> 00:19:20,880 month. So, one way or another, you plan on taking this money out of my hide. I'm 208 00:19:18,080 --> 00:19:26,160 not happy about this. I'm going to be putting this on Facebook and I'm going 209 00:19:23,440 --> 00:19:30,640 to be notifying Excuse me. >> What address is that? 210 00:19:28,160 --> 00:19:36,080 » It's going to be taken out of my >> address. 211 00:19:32,160 --> 00:19:42,720 » The address is 100 street. I'm going to be sending this out to both 212 00:19:40,240 --> 00:19:48,480 the representatives because I didn't hear from any of you. I sent you every 213 00:19:45,600 --> 00:19:54,559 one of you a letter. I sent the mayor a certified letter. I sent a letter to 214 00:19:51,280 --> 00:19:59,200 River a certified letter. And everyone, each of you got a regular letter that 215 00:19:56,799 --> 00:20:07,679 you had to sign for. So I know you each got this letter that stated all the 216 00:20:03,360 --> 00:20:12,799 information. I can the letter. It said, 217 00:20:09,840 --> 00:20:18,480 I received a bill from port service DPW for $374. 218 00:20:15,200 --> 00:20:23,919 The work order was from Mr. Rivera authorizing DPW. 219 00:20:22,160 --> 00:20:25,919 Your five minutes is over. >> My five minutes are over. 220 00:20:25,039 --> 00:20:31,760 » We'll look into this. >> You all got this letter. 221 00:20:28,159 --> 00:20:35,919 » I'm going to be sending it to >> look into it. 222 00:20:34,080 --> 00:20:38,480 » You better look into it. >> Yes. 223 00:20:36,559 --> 00:20:43,200 » Because I'm also sending it to the New York State Attorney General because I 224 00:20:41,200 --> 00:20:48,240 know that I'm not the only one that has this has happened to. I won't let this 225 00:20:46,320 --> 00:20:51,799 go. This is a scam. 226 00:21:02,880 --> 00:21:06,039 What's up? 227 00:21:06,640 --> 00:21:15,440 » Hi, I'm Peter Brick. I was born and raised in Port Jervis. 228 00:21:13,760 --> 00:21:22,080 Um, which may take some people by surprise 229 00:21:19,120 --> 00:21:28,480 because um, unlike everyone else here, I have a 230 00:21:25,440 --> 00:21:33,360 strange accent. Don't tell me ask me how this happened. I just do. I've only 231 00:21:31,440 --> 00:21:37,919 spent maybe two days outside the country as far as I 232 00:21:35,760 --> 00:21:42,080 know. Um, 233 00:21:40,320 --> 00:21:48,400 so and and many people when they talk about 234 00:21:45,679 --> 00:21:55,520 my accent, they usually guess uh somewhere in Europe, uh, often 235 00:21:52,000 --> 00:22:00,440 England, but other places as well. So, 236 00:21:57,440 --> 00:22:00,440 um, 237 00:22:00,799 --> 00:22:08,799 because of my accent, I can be targeted 238 00:22:06,159 --> 00:22:11,799 by ICE, immigrations, and custom enforcement, 239 00:22:12,159 --> 00:22:19,679 just because of my act, the way I talk. Um, 240 00:22:17,039 --> 00:22:27,039 and I was talking with a law enforcement uh, 241 00:22:23,120 --> 00:22:34,320 New York City retired policeman um, last month and he was telling me 242 00:22:30,559 --> 00:22:41,120 um, how like he had lots of interactions with the uh, immigration when he was uh, 243 00:22:38,640 --> 00:22:50,320 back when he was um, still in the service in the uh, uh, on the 244 00:22:46,640 --> 00:22:59,200 in the police department down there. Um, and they like 245 00:22:54,000 --> 00:23:06,559 they did not treat people well. Uh, and that was presumably 246 00:23:03,360 --> 00:23:14,880 back before this current administration where there's like no restrictions it 247 00:23:10,799 --> 00:23:23,000 seems on what uh ICE officers can do to people. um 248 00:23:19,120 --> 00:23:23,000 and um 249 00:23:24,640 --> 00:23:36,400 the uh arrests of both immigrants and US citizens who might have strange accents 250 00:23:33,039 --> 00:23:40,240 um or just um 251 00:23:37,919 --> 00:23:46,720 look the wrong way, don't look American enough. Um they 252 00:23:43,840 --> 00:23:54,320 their cars can be rammed from behind uh to get them to stop. Um 253 00:23:50,320 --> 00:23:59,679 windows smashed in their cars. Um their lives could be extinguished. 254 00:23:57,520 --> 00:24:05,360 Um and there is hardly any accountability. 255 00:24:01,600 --> 00:24:09,679 And this worries me and it should worry other people. Although maybe some people 256 00:24:07,679 --> 00:24:18,400 here don't mind if my life gets snuffed out. Um and people American citizens 257 00:24:13,440 --> 00:24:26,480 have been held in detention um uh what amounts to torture facil facilities 258 00:24:22,480 --> 00:24:31,120 um here in the US um 259 00:24:29,120 --> 00:24:34,120 and um 260 00:24:34,720 --> 00:24:47,000 so I would propose to the city to start making uh um protect protective 261 00:24:43,039 --> 00:24:47,000 measures. Um 262 00:24:48,240 --> 00:24:55,919 uh have city agencies prohibited from sharing informations about immigrants 263 00:24:52,960 --> 00:25:01,279 with federal agents unless they're suspected of criminal activity. 264 00:24:59,279 --> 00:25:03,919 Um, you know, the big push was supposed to be, 265 00:25:02,559 --> 00:25:09,919 » um, oh, we're going to get all the violent criminals out, but turns out 266 00:25:06,880 --> 00:25:14,640 ordinary people, um, even people who hold green cards, have visas, 267 00:25:12,799 --> 00:25:20,400 they just find out, oh, we're going to we got a quot, we got we're going to 268 00:25:16,159 --> 00:25:27,919 yank this visa. Uh, uh, so, uh, what other measures might 269 00:25:23,120 --> 00:25:34,240 the city take? um have uh ICE uh prohibited from arresting uh 270 00:25:31,120 --> 00:25:41,679 individuals at the city hall, uh other uh city or state facilities, uh 271 00:25:39,120 --> 00:25:44,679 I guess school houses. Um 272 00:25:45,840 --> 00:25:52,760 uh another uh thing that the city might adopt um 273 00:25:52,880 --> 00:25:55,880 uh 274 00:25:58,400 --> 00:26:07,279 have the city failed uh barred from honoring detainer requests from ICE 275 00:26:04,799 --> 00:26:13,120 unless the uh the person was convicted of a violent or serious crime. 276 00:26:10,240 --> 00:26:18,880 or is on the federal fox list or under a judicial warrant 277 00:26:15,600 --> 00:26:24,840 » and have other points which I can make next time. 278 00:26:21,440 --> 00:26:24,840 » Thank you, Mr. 279 00:26:26,480 --> 00:26:35,679 We have no executive session tonight. Moving on to the 280 00:26:31,760 --> 00:26:41,279 annual banual mayor's appointments. the ADA committee. I'm going to point 281 00:26:37,840 --> 00:26:46,159 this term will run through January 31st, 2026 282 00:26:42,880 --> 00:26:52,799 through January 31st, 2028. Jennifer Foster, Ann Marie Foster, 283 00:26:49,360 --> 00:26:57,760 Melissa Decker, Gina Torres, Timothy Monahan. For the Civil Service 284 00:26:55,039 --> 00:27:04,320 Committee, a term that's going to run through January 13, 2026 285 00:27:01,120 --> 00:27:10,640 through May 31st, 2031, I'm going to appoint Lisa owski for the CDA. 286 00:27:08,720 --> 00:27:17,919 I would like to appoint Kristen Troy. Her term will run January 31st, 2026 287 00:27:14,080 --> 00:27:22,720 through January 31st, 2029. John Russell, whose term will run 288 00:27:19,919 --> 00:27:28,960 January 31st, 2026 through January 31st, 2027. 289 00:27:26,559 --> 00:27:35,679 Michael Townage, whose term will run from January 31st, 2026 290 00:27:32,480 --> 00:27:41,919 through January 31st, 2028. To the IBA, I'd like to appoint Rosita 291 00:27:38,799 --> 00:27:48,559 Ever. Her term will run from January 13, 2026 through January 31st, 2028. 292 00:27:46,559 --> 00:27:54,720 Mr. Michael Whit, whose term will run from January 13, 2026 through January 293 00:27:52,320 --> 00:27:59,919 31st, 2029. to the planning board to reappoint Mr. 294 00:27:57,039 --> 00:28:07,520 Henry Dunn whose term will run January 31st, 2026 through January 31st, 2031. 295 00:28:05,039 --> 00:28:13,520 Mr. Joe Budo, whose term will run January 31st, 2026 through January 31st, 296 00:28:12,000 --> 00:28:19,600 2031. Recreation Committee, Debbie Cunningham, 297 00:28:15,919 --> 00:28:26,480 whose term will run January 31st, 2026 through January 31st, 2033. 298 00:28:23,679 --> 00:28:34,000 to the tourism board. These terms will run from January 31st, 2026 through 299 00:28:30,000 --> 00:28:38,799 January 31st, 2028. Miss Laura Meyer, Miss Theresa Bellow, Jackie Smith, 300 00:28:36,559 --> 00:28:44,399 Tucker Enright, Robert Bloomer, Tammy Predor, Chucky McBride, Mike Meyer, 301 00:28:41,600 --> 00:28:49,360 Nikki Jones, and Regis Foster. Like to appoint to our city uh reappoint 302 00:28:46,960 --> 00:28:57,440 to our city marshall. These terms will run January 31st, 2026 through January 303 00:28:52,559 --> 00:29:04,159 31st, 2031. Mr. Jeffrey Brewer and Mr. Stan Seagull, our city historian, which 304 00:29:00,399 --> 00:29:09,440 term will run January 13, 2026 through January 31st, 2028. Mr. Kelly Decker, 305 00:29:07,440 --> 00:29:16,480 Upper Delaware Scenic Byway Commission rep, which term will run January 13, 306 00:29:12,559 --> 00:29:20,399 2026 through January 31st, 2028. Miss Teresa Straley. 307 00:29:18,640 --> 00:29:26,559 For the next round of appointments, we will need votes, council votes 308 00:29:24,559 --> 00:29:36,240 to appoint our city clerk treasurer, Stacy Hoskin. Her term will run January 309 00:29:29,760 --> 00:29:40,080 13, 2026 through January 31st, 2037. >> Motion, 310 00:29:38,159 --> 00:29:43,760 » Councilman Rhodess, we got a second by Councilman Okonnell. 311 00:29:42,080 --> 00:29:49,279 All those in favor? >> All those opposed? Motion carries. 312 00:29:46,720 --> 00:29:57,080 Corporation council, Mr. Bull Frank. This term will run January 31st, 2026 313 00:29:52,559 --> 00:29:57,080 through January 31st, 2028. 314 00:30:07,039 --> 00:30:12,559 Make a motion. >> Councilman Seagull. We got a second by 315 00:30:10,720 --> 00:30:18,399 Councilman at large Huckabeberry. Any discussion? All those in favor? 316 00:30:15,440 --> 00:30:24,640 » All those opposed? Motion carries. Labor attorney, uh, Mr. Stu Waxman. His 317 00:30:21,520 --> 00:30:28,840 term will run January 31st, 2026 through January 31st, 2028. 318 00:30:31,440 --> 00:30:34,440 Thomas 319 00:30:34,960 --> 00:30:44,000 Henberry. Second by Councilman Rhodess. Any discussion? All in favor? 320 00:30:40,559 --> 00:30:48,159 » All opposed? Motion carries. Okay. Our city engineer, which will be MH 321 00:30:45,919 --> 00:30:52,799 Engineering. Their term will run January 31st, 2026 through January 31st, 2028. 322 00:30:51,840 --> 00:30:56,880 » Motion. >> Council Okonnell. 323 00:30:54,880 --> 00:31:02,960 Second by council large Hawkenberry. Any discussion? All those in favor? 324 00:30:59,520 --> 00:31:07,039 » All opposed? Motion carries. For this, we'll do a roll call vote. This is for 325 00:31:05,440 --> 00:31:11,120 the appointed position of city court judge. This is for Mr. Matthew, the 326 00:31:08,640 --> 00:31:17,919 honorable Matthew Wither. This term will run through January 31st, 2026 through 327 00:31:14,720 --> 00:31:20,960 January 31st, 2032. Councilman Quigerell, 328 00:31:20,080 --> 00:31:24,080 » yes. >> Councilman Okonnell, 329 00:31:22,080 --> 00:31:27,679 » yes. Counciloman Fuller. >> Yes. 330 00:31:24,640 --> 00:31:30,679 » Council man. Sorry. 331 00:31:31,039 --> 00:31:33,520 » Council Laur. >> Yes. 332 00:31:32,559 --> 00:31:34,960 » Councilman Rhodess. >> Yes. 333 00:31:34,000 --> 00:31:36,640 » Councilman on. >> Yes. 334 00:31:35,360 --> 00:31:37,919 » Councilwoman Dennis. >> Yes. 335 00:31:37,039 --> 00:31:41,840 » Councilman Seagull. >> Yes. 336 00:31:38,240 --> 00:31:47,120 » Motion carried. Motion passes. N. >> All right. 337 00:31:44,080 --> 00:31:52,159 The first half. >> Yeah. 338 00:31:48,799 --> 00:31:56,080 » Okay. The approval December 8th, 2025. Council meeting minutes. 339 00:31:53,440 --> 00:31:58,399 » Motion also by Councilman Rhodess. >> Second. 340 00:31:56,640 --> 00:32:01,440 » Second by Councilwoman Fuller. Any discussion on the minutes? All those in 341 00:32:00,480 --> 00:32:06,960 favor? >> All opposed? Motion carries. December 342 00:32:04,240 --> 00:32:10,960 29th, 2025. Special common council minutes. 343 00:32:08,320 --> 00:32:15,480 » Councilman Laurenberry. Second by Mr. Rhodess. All those in favor. 344 00:32:16,159 --> 00:32:21,399 » Two extensions. That's one. 345 00:32:21,760 --> 00:32:25,480 I got cherry. I got 346 00:32:31,760 --> 00:32:37,039 » all those in favor. >> All those opposed? 347 00:32:35,039 --> 00:32:41,840 » Motion carries. >> All right, moving on. Regular business. 348 00:32:39,519 --> 00:32:46,720 Code committee council. >> Thank you, mayor. Uh, code committee met 349 00:32:44,240 --> 00:32:54,320 on January 7th. >> I have one order of business. Um 350 00:32:51,279 --> 00:32:57,320 like to make the following motion to adopt 351 00:33:03,600 --> 00:33:11,600 » resolution amending the bylaws of the Port Fire Department. 352 00:33:08,880 --> 00:33:16,799 Um, this was brought before the code, discussed, reviewed, 353 00:33:14,080 --> 00:33:22,960 and just making a bit easier on the fire 354 00:33:19,200 --> 00:33:26,960 police. Uh, so therefore, is hereby resolved that common council city for 355 00:33:24,799 --> 00:33:32,960 service hereby approves following amendment article 7 section E of city 356 00:33:30,320 --> 00:33:39,760 fire departments bylaws effective immediately as noted by all 357 00:33:36,880 --> 00:33:45,360 12. Uh section E captain replace sub 358 00:33:43,440 --> 00:33:50,880 sections five and six with the following. The incompetent captain of 359 00:33:48,320 --> 00:33:55,039 each company prior to December 31st of each year shall provide the department 360 00:33:52,559 --> 00:33:59,279 secretary with a list of members in writing that he recommends that the 361 00:33:56,559 --> 00:34:05,760 mayor appoint as member of said fire police squad. The appointment term shall 362 00:34:01,840 --> 00:34:11,440 be openended as it as at will and the mayor may remove any person appointed 363 00:34:08,560 --> 00:34:16,800 office at any time. Six, the captain of the fire police will 364 00:34:14,480 --> 00:34:22,399 ensure that each member is administered an oath of office within 30 days of 365 00:34:19,760 --> 00:34:27,520 appointment. Failure to administer or take the required oath of office will 366 00:34:24,560 --> 00:34:32,720 invalidate the appointment. If a member voluntarily resigns from the fire police 367 00:34:30,159 --> 00:34:38,079 squad or reassigned to another position within the fire department, such member 368 00:34:34,879 --> 00:34:44,399 will be required to retake the oath of office should he or she be reappointed 369 00:34:41,040 --> 00:34:49,919 to fire police squad. Basically, the fire police used to have 370 00:34:47,040 --> 00:34:52,960 to take the oath every year. This just makes it so they can take it when 371 00:34:51,520 --> 00:34:58,240 they're appointed to the fire police squad and 372 00:34:55,599 --> 00:35:00,960 unless they different position >> and I'd like to make that a motion. 373 00:35:00,400 --> 00:35:05,680 » Second. >> Second by Councilman Okonnell. Any 374 00:35:02,640 --> 00:35:11,400 discussion? All those in favor? >> All is opposed. Motion carries. 375 00:35:08,240 --> 00:35:11,400 » Thank you. 376 00:35:11,760 --> 00:35:20,320 » At the code committee, we discussed such items as electric bikes 377 00:35:18,320 --> 00:35:24,800 and scooters and went over some of the existing laws that are in place. Uh 378 00:35:23,040 --> 00:35:27,839 again, if you have an electric bike or scooter, you're not supposed to be 379 00:35:26,160 --> 00:35:32,320 riding on the sidewalk. You are supposed to be riding with traffic on the side of 380 00:35:30,400 --> 00:35:35,640 the road and obey all vehicle and traffic laws. 381 00:35:35,760 --> 00:35:41,560 We also discussed uh creating a local law. 382 00:35:42,160 --> 00:35:50,000 Again, I can't believe we have to discuss these things about animal 383 00:35:46,240 --> 00:35:53,440 control with uh abandoning animals. When tenants leave apartments, they're 384 00:35:52,000 --> 00:35:57,920 they're leaving their animals and they're to die. 385 00:35:56,400 --> 00:36:04,079 It's a terrible thing. I can't believe we even have to address this. So, we 386 00:36:00,240 --> 00:36:08,800 have to look at a way to maybe control that a little bit. 387 00:36:06,560 --> 00:36:12,839 Um, other was regular business. 388 00:36:13,359 --> 00:36:24,560 As far as the building department, um last year we auctioned off four 389 00:36:21,760 --> 00:36:30,079 properties which the city own and had clear title to other than city buildings 390 00:36:28,000 --> 00:36:35,520 that we use every day. They were the only four parcels in the city that city 391 00:36:32,320 --> 00:36:41,839 owns clear title. They were auctioned off with the 392 00:36:39,040 --> 00:36:47,040 uh condition that those buildings because they were in such disrepair be 393 00:36:44,079 --> 00:36:51,680 taken down within a year's time. If the city were to hold on to those 394 00:36:49,200 --> 00:36:57,680 buildings, it would have cost the city over half a million dollars or over 9% 395 00:36:55,359 --> 00:37:01,599 of city budget to take those buildings down. 396 00:36:59,599 --> 00:37:07,280 At this point, after the auction, I'm proud to say that three of those 397 00:37:03,839 --> 00:37:12,480 buildings that were purchased have been demolitioned and have been backfilled. 398 00:37:10,079 --> 00:37:17,599 Kel there is building there and they plan to put houses on those buildings. 399 00:37:15,839 --> 00:37:23,119 So those properties are back on the tax rolls and they were taken down and 400 00:37:19,839 --> 00:37:27,920 didn't cost the taxpayers anything. The fourth building is scheduled to be 401 00:37:25,200 --> 00:37:33,119 taken down within the next couple weeks as weather permits. So those four 402 00:37:30,880 --> 00:37:39,200 buildings will all be taken down and won't cause the city taxpayers to die. 403 00:37:35,760 --> 00:37:44,240 So I'm very proud to say that. Other big things that the building 404 00:37:41,040 --> 00:37:49,280 department's been working on, Rumshop was very happy to take delivery of their 405 00:37:47,520 --> 00:37:55,400 first building. They have two stick built buildings get on the on the way 406 00:37:52,400 --> 00:37:55,400 there. 407 00:37:55,680 --> 00:38:04,640 the the building at 29 Jersey Avenue which was in severe disrepair. 408 00:38:02,720 --> 00:38:11,599 Building department and the city council was able to get a hold of the owner of 409 00:38:06,640 --> 00:38:16,000 that. And as you can see, you can actually take the entire front 410 00:38:13,680 --> 00:38:22,079 of a building off without taking the building down, which surprised me. So, 411 00:38:20,240 --> 00:38:28,960 I'm glad to see that that's being worked on. It's going to be fixed up and 412 00:38:25,200 --> 00:38:35,440 and uh renovate it. Other than that, the next code committee 413 00:38:31,440 --> 00:38:38,440 meeting will be February 4th at 6:30 p.m. 414 00:38:38,640 --> 00:38:45,760 right into the police. Uh police committee meeting has not met 415 00:38:43,599 --> 00:38:53,720 since our last council meeting. However, we will meet Thursday, January 15th at 416 00:38:48,800 --> 00:38:53,720 six o'clock here in council chambers. 417 00:38:54,079 --> 00:39:03,119 getting into all the other stuff. Um, one thing that we we the police, the 418 00:38:59,200 --> 00:39:08,960 DPW, we do we're begging for people to come into compliance. 419 00:39:05,280 --> 00:39:15,280 Um, when it snows, get your cars off the street. The DPW plows can't get down the 420 00:39:12,400 --> 00:39:19,520 street if your cars are parked there. >> In the month of December, the police 421 00:39:17,440 --> 00:39:26,320 department wrote over 200 overnight tickets. We've changed the law to that 422 00:39:23,760 --> 00:39:29,599 used to be from December 1st >> to April 15th. 423 00:39:28,160 --> 00:39:33,520 » April 15th >> that you couldn't park there any night. 424 00:39:31,280 --> 00:39:39,280 So to help people out, we said we won't do that. We only do it when it's 425 00:39:35,119 --> 00:39:43,599 snowing. Please comply. And and we're we still 426 00:39:41,359 --> 00:39:50,960 we're not exactly sure what to do. You know, we need some some compliance and 427 00:39:46,240 --> 00:39:55,040 some cooperation on that matter. The next, like I said, the next police 428 00:39:53,040 --> 00:39:57,760 committee meeting will be January 15th and 16th. 429 00:39:56,640 --> 00:40:01,200 » That's all. >> Planning and zoning recreation council. 430 00:39:59,920 --> 00:40:06,400 » Thank you, mayor. >> Planning or zoning have not met since 431 00:40:03,119 --> 00:40:11,680 our last meeting. Um, planning will next meet on Tuesday, January 20th at 7 p.m. 432 00:40:08,960 --> 00:40:14,680 in the council chamber. Recreation. 433 00:40:16,400 --> 00:40:24,160 One second. Okay. So, the dog the dog yard on Church Street Park and the 434 00:40:22,079 --> 00:40:28,640 vehicle entrance at Point to Point Peter are all closed for the winter. They'll 435 00:40:26,079 --> 00:40:32,079 reopen this spring. We're all in the process of setting up the sleigh riding 436 00:40:30,320 --> 00:40:36,079 hill at West End Beach. Hay bales will be placed along the guard rail for 437 00:40:33,520 --> 00:40:40,480 protection. Please no skis or snowboards sleds only. Open during daylight hours. 438 00:40:38,800 --> 00:40:45,599 The youth center is open Monday through Thursday 2 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Fridays 439 00:40:43,040 --> 00:40:50,640 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. It will be closed on January 19th. Martin Martin Luther King 440 00:40:48,560 --> 00:40:56,079 Jr. Day. The next recreation commission meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, 441 00:40:52,240 --> 00:41:00,640 January 14th at 6:15 in the East Center. And on behalf of the council, I want to 442 00:40:58,000 --> 00:41:04,960 thank Tim Simmons, the Portraits Rec Department, 443 00:41:02,160 --> 00:41:09,359 um all the volunteers and sponsors who helped put on this year's Porter Polar 444 00:41:07,040 --> 00:41:13,520 Pledge. It took place on Sunday, January 10th at West End Beach. It was a huge 445 00:41:11,520 --> 00:41:17,520 success. People came from far and wide to take the plunge and brave the 446 00:41:15,200 --> 00:41:21,920 blistering cold of the Delaware River. Councilman Vicarelloo and myself somehow 447 00:41:19,760 --> 00:41:26,680 survived the took the plunge and somehow survived with all our toes and fingers 448 00:41:23,680 --> 00:41:26,680 intact. 449 00:41:27,760 --> 00:41:35,520 The plunge was for an amazing cause. Over $3,000 was raised. 450 00:41:33,520 --> 00:41:40,400 All proceeds went to the Port Fire Department spee operations team. These 451 00:41:38,400 --> 00:41:45,119 honorable men and women selfishly risk their own lives to make our city safer, 452 00:41:42,880 --> 00:41:49,599 rescuing countless people every year caught in a horrible situation. 453 00:41:47,760 --> 00:41:52,400 They truly represent the best of what our community has to offer. That's all I 454 00:41:51,359 --> 00:41:56,800 have. Mayor, thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. 455 00:41:54,720 --> 00:42:03,880 » Thanks, Councilwoman Fer. >> Thank you, mayor. Uh we have bills to be 456 00:41:59,040 --> 00:42:03,880 paid from the general fund, $475,378.81. 457 00:42:05,440 --> 00:42:09,560 From the water fund, $116,176. 458 00:42:10,640 --> 00:42:15,000 From the sewer fund, $6,42818. 459 00:42:15,119 --> 00:42:19,319 From the capital fund, $123,68743. 460 00:42:20,319 --> 00:42:24,920 And from trust and agency, $314,44254 461 00:42:26,319 --> 00:42:29,960 a total of 1,36,1132. 462 00:42:31,359 --> 00:42:39,400 Some larger items to note from the general water and sewer funds. Robert 463 00:42:35,200 --> 00:42:39,400 Green truck for $51,943.96. 464 00:42:40,240 --> 00:42:49,480 MH Engineering for $85,220. Orange County Sanitary Landfill for 465 00:42:46,480 --> 00:42:49,480 $29,57610. 466 00:42:50,400 --> 00:42:56,920 Orange and Rockland PE uh Cordova Solar for $54,964.3. 467 00:42:57,760 --> 00:43:04,119 From the capital fund, we had MHE engineering for $117,874.93, 468 00:43:05,839 --> 00:43:15,520 FAR Engineering for $562.50, and Carol Gallagher Esquire for $5,250. 469 00:43:14,000 --> 00:43:19,680 I would like to make a motion to pay the bills. 470 00:43:17,280 --> 00:43:23,520 » Second, second by Councilman Okonnell. Any discussion on the bills? All those 471 00:43:22,400 --> 00:43:28,400 in favor? >> All opposed? Motion carries. And our 472 00:43:26,240 --> 00:43:32,560 next finance meeting will be Wednesday, January 21st at 6 PM here in the council 473 00:43:31,040 --> 00:43:35,520 chambers. And that's all I have. Mayor, >> great. Thank you. Tourism Councilwoman 474 00:43:34,319 --> 00:43:40,880 Mazar. >> Thank you, Mayor. The tourism board held 475 00:43:38,560 --> 00:43:45,040 their annual holiday lighting contest. The winners in order were first 476 00:43:42,880 --> 00:43:52,000 placewald oldtime family Christmas located at 92 477 00:43:48,240 --> 00:43:58,319 Orange Street with 691 votes. Second place, Christmas Magic, 84 Hammond 478 00:43:54,720 --> 00:44:05,280 Street with 499 votes. And third place was Festive Puerto Rico at 129 Crunch 479 00:44:01,359 --> 00:44:10,480 Street with 354 votes. Votes were cast on the poor service Facebook page and 480 00:44:08,720 --> 00:44:17,359 the board would like to thank everyone who participated in and voted. 481 00:44:14,240 --> 00:44:21,119 It went well. The board is now working on the St. 482 00:44:19,280 --> 00:44:27,119 Patrick's Day parade which will be held on Sunday, March 1st. Anyone interested 483 00:44:24,160 --> 00:44:34,800 in participating can email tourism chair Laura Meyer at flora laura pjyahoo.com. 484 00:44:32,960 --> 00:44:39,680 The next tourism meeting will be held this Wednesday, January 14th at 7 p.m. 485 00:44:38,079 --> 00:44:41,359 here in the council chambers. And that's all I have. 486 00:44:40,400 --> 00:44:43,839 » All right. Thank you. >> Thank you. 487 00:44:42,640 --> 00:44:45,440 » Emergency management. Councilman Rhodess. 488 00:44:44,319 --> 00:44:47,920 » Thank you, mayor. >> And happy birthday. 489 00:44:47,200 --> 00:44:51,119 » Birthday boy. >> Happy birthday. 490 00:44:49,520 --> 00:44:56,240 Happy birthday to you. >> No, no, no, no. Save that for your quote 491 00:44:53,839 --> 00:45:00,560 of the day. >> Let's not go there. 492 00:44:58,240 --> 00:45:04,960 » Uh from the fire department, Never Sync Engine Company would like to have events 493 00:45:02,400 --> 00:45:10,480 for the year. Uh Super Bowl fundraiser starting uh on January 5th, 2026 until 494 00:45:08,240 --> 00:45:16,160 the Super Bowl, a spaghetti dinner takeout on March 7th of 2026. 495 00:45:14,240 --> 00:45:20,480 uh and also a spaghetti dinner takeout on uh November 7th, 2026. I make that a 496 00:45:19,599 --> 00:45:24,319 motion. >> Second, second by Councilman Seagull. 497 00:45:22,720 --> 00:45:27,839 Any discussion? >> All those in favor? 498 00:45:25,839 --> 00:45:32,079 » All oppose. Motion carries. >> Next thing, uh events for Excelsier 499 00:45:29,760 --> 00:45:37,520 Engine Company number five, Super Bowl party on 2826, 500 00:45:35,359 --> 00:45:43,680 Daytona party 2226, 501 00:45:39,839 --> 00:45:49,920 uh Good Friday pizza takeout 4326. timers night on 51626 502 00:45:46,640 --> 00:45:57,040 have a booth at fall forwards 92726 and a members Christmas party on 121926 503 00:45:54,319 --> 00:46:04,240 and make that motion second by counciloman any discussion all 504 00:46:00,160 --> 00:46:08,480 those in favor. All motion carries. >> Next is the appointment of a 505 00:46:06,079 --> 00:46:12,240 probationary driver for David Daniel Moore for never engine company. I make 506 00:46:11,119 --> 00:46:15,920 that motion. >> Second by Councilman Seagull. Any 507 00:46:14,480 --> 00:46:19,760 discussion? >> All those in favor? All 508 00:46:17,680 --> 00:46:26,880 » oppose? Motion carries. >> Appointment of of a driver for Andrew J. 509 00:46:23,280 --> 00:46:32,000 Alic for Poke Lad. I make that motion. >> Second. Second by Councilman Seagull. 510 00:46:28,960 --> 00:46:36,560 Any discussion? All those in favor I. >> All those opposed. Motion carries. Next 511 00:46:34,880 --> 00:46:41,040 department transfer from Michael C. Kwinsky Jr. into Never Sync any company 512 00:46:39,280 --> 00:46:44,480 from Tri-State Close Company number six. I make that motion. 513 00:46:42,240 --> 00:46:50,000 » Second that. Simply Councilman Seagull. Any discussion? All in favor? All 514 00:46:47,680 --> 00:46:56,800 opposed? >> And the last uh is removal of member for 515 00:46:52,960 --> 00:47:01,040 Jeffrey M. Winger from uh Excelsier Company number five due to passing away. 516 00:46:59,839 --> 00:47:07,040 That motion >> wanger 517 00:47:03,599 --> 00:47:11,920 second by council mello. Any discussion? >> All those in favor? 518 00:47:09,359 --> 00:47:16,000 Motion carries. And the next fire emergency man meeting since Monday the 519 00:47:13,680 --> 00:47:22,400 19th is going to be a holiday is going to be on Thursday the 22nd here in the 520 00:47:18,800 --> 00:47:26,160 council chambers at 6:30 on the 22nd. Thursday. Okay, that's all 521 00:47:24,560 --> 00:47:30,319 I have. >> IDA council. 522 00:47:28,000 --> 00:47:39,440 » Thank you, mayor. Uh the ADA has not met. The IDA will be meeting uh January 523 00:47:33,920 --> 00:47:44,520 21st at 7 p.m. and a reorganization of officers will take place. 524 00:47:41,520 --> 00:47:44,520 » Okay. 525 00:47:45,119 --> 00:47:48,680 » CDA council 526 00:47:50,240 --> 00:47:59,760 » of the CDA last met at the rec center. The CDA will next 527 00:47:56,160 --> 00:48:02,760 meet on January 28th, 2026 at 7 p.m. location. 528 00:48:02,800 --> 00:48:11,160 » Good job. >> Housing Veterans PJTV23 529 00:48:07,680 --> 00:48:11,160 Councilman Seth. 530 00:48:13,200 --> 00:48:20,800 » Thank you. The last meeting of the Port Housing Authority was held on Tuesday, 531 00:48:17,839 --> 00:48:27,359 November 18th. There was no meeting in December. The next meeting is scheduled 532 00:48:23,440 --> 00:48:31,440 for January 20th at 6 pm at Hillside Terrace. 533 00:48:28,960 --> 00:48:39,119 The next senior club meeting is the is January 24th at 1:30 p.m. in the 534 00:48:35,200 --> 00:48:43,280 fellowship hall in West End. Veterans should know the flu shots are 535 00:48:40,880 --> 00:48:48,480 available at our clinic with many getting the flu. Getting a shot should 536 00:48:45,920 --> 00:48:53,880 be considered. Just call the clinic and make an appointment. call the clinic at 537 00:48:50,880 --> 00:48:53,880 845856-5369. 538 00:48:56,240 --> 00:49:07,119 Also, the 2006 veterans disability compensation rates starting this past 539 00:49:02,400 --> 00:49:11,760 January 1st have been increased by 2.8% to match 540 00:49:09,760 --> 00:49:15,240 the adjustments made by the Social Security Administration. 541 00:49:15,280 --> 00:49:20,880 PJTV is looking for volunteers to become 542 00:49:18,960 --> 00:49:26,319 members and learn television broadcasting and community involvement. 543 00:49:24,400 --> 00:49:33,280 Experience is nice, but it's not necessary. Podcasters are also welcome. 544 00:49:30,240 --> 00:49:39,359 Junior members 16 to 18 years old are welcome as well. You can contact me at 545 00:49:36,559 --> 00:49:44,079 8452481622 or my email. 546 00:49:42,079 --> 00:49:48,480 I'm still updating my monthly calendar andformational email list. If you're 547 00:49:46,319 --> 00:49:54,440 interested in being added to the list, you can contact me at stan seagull 548 00:49:51,440 --> 00:49:54,440 2@gmail.com. 549 00:49:55,520 --> 00:50:01,760 The um tri-state or the port service naval 550 00:49:59,920 --> 00:50:08,720 ship 7241 551 00:50:04,079 --> 00:50:13,680 has an annual um contest. One is Voice of Democracy for High School Kids and 552 00:50:11,280 --> 00:50:19,119 one is one is Patriot Pen. And yesterday they 553 00:50:17,200 --> 00:50:24,800 had an awards ceremony for the winners of that in addition to a really nice 554 00:50:22,160 --> 00:50:29,200 gross beef dinner. And I'd like to announce those winners because I think 555 00:50:26,720 --> 00:50:35,040 it's a great thing that these kids take the time to talk about patriotism. And 556 00:50:32,160 --> 00:50:40,079 every year they have this event and this and the essays that these kids come up 557 00:50:37,599 --> 00:50:45,200 with are really really great. So the winners of the portraits high school 558 00:50:41,760 --> 00:50:50,960 Voice of Democracy were first place Ava Mills and if I make a mistake by names I 559 00:50:48,319 --> 00:50:56,960 apologize ahead of time. Second place was Genna 560 00:50:54,319 --> 00:51:02,800 Di Ti. She was they're both 11th graders. And 561 00:50:59,280 --> 00:51:08,319 the third place was Bella Cartagena, also 11th grade student. The Portra 562 00:51:06,079 --> 00:51:14,960 Middle School Patriot Pen essay winners were first place was Isabelle Fedoric, 563 00:51:12,800 --> 00:51:21,280 eighth grader, Elania Sweeney, also an eighth grader, 564 00:51:18,720 --> 00:51:25,440 and Brilan Koser, a seventh grader. And I'd like to congratulate them and thank 565 00:51:23,599 --> 00:51:31,520 everybody all the kids that got involved in this essay program because I think 566 00:51:27,599 --> 00:51:36,640 it's vitally important to be patriotic and to learn about patriotism and the 567 00:51:34,800 --> 00:51:43,200 words that they had to say were were were 568 00:51:38,720 --> 00:51:46,200 very good. So thank you to all of them. Also 569 00:51:46,880 --> 00:51:55,200 I would like to take a minute to thank you for the the fire police. Um it's 570 00:51:53,200 --> 00:52:00,839 it's been a hassle to try to get everybody together annually. This way 571 00:51:57,520 --> 00:52:00,839 they'll get 572 00:52:01,920 --> 00:52:09,400 once and they'll continue until they resign or they leave. So thank you for 573 00:52:06,240 --> 00:52:09,400 doing that. 574 00:52:09,440 --> 00:52:15,800 » Also um my inspirational 575 00:52:22,960 --> 00:52:30,480 believe that you can and you're halfway there. And that was Teddy Roosevelt. 576 00:52:28,319 --> 00:52:36,079 And the second one is the best way to get started is to quit talking and start 577 00:52:33,520 --> 00:52:39,079 doing. And that's Walt Disney. One of my favorite. 578 00:52:39,520 --> 00:52:48,880 Thank you. Happy New Year to everybody. >> DPW Councilman Henber. Thank you, Mayor. 579 00:52:46,720 --> 00:52:52,160 The garbage recycling on the week of January 12th will be on it normal 580 00:52:50,400 --> 00:52:56,480 schedule. The week of January 19th, garbage recycling will be picked up one 581 00:52:53,839 --> 00:53:02,240 day later due to the Martin Luther King holiday. Fourth work cardboard will be 582 00:52:58,960 --> 00:53:06,079 picked up on January 23rd. 2026 garbage schedule is available in the city's 583 00:53:03,359 --> 00:53:11,359 website at www.porteny.gov or by emailing the DVW office at DVW 584 00:53:09,119 --> 00:53:14,400 clerk at portervice.gov. Everybody should receive again the 585 00:53:13,040 --> 00:53:19,200 instructions for initials and how to sign up for the notifications. 586 00:53:16,480 --> 00:53:22,160 Um most of the city's correspondence is done through there now. You'll get 587 00:53:20,640 --> 00:53:28,119 notifications when you can and cannot park on the streets. Hopefully people 588 00:53:24,240 --> 00:53:28,119 sign up. That'll 589 00:53:29,040 --> 00:53:35,200 probably not. But it's worth a try. I'm trying 590 00:53:33,599 --> 00:53:39,200 all residents received or let inventory letters in the mail at this time. If you 591 00:53:37,599 --> 00:53:42,880 have already complied with the letter, please disregard. If not, please follow 592 00:53:41,440 --> 00:53:49,200 the instructions on how to complete the survey. Christmas tree pickup is ongoing 593 00:53:45,599 --> 00:53:53,760 and all the awards that please put your tree curbside for pickup. Last day for 594 00:53:51,520 --> 00:53:56,800 pickup will be January 19th. If you get it out there after the 19th, just 595 00:53:55,200 --> 00:54:00,160 contact the DPW office and they'll come by and pick it up. It's not a big deal. 596 00:53:58,720 --> 00:54:05,640 Our next meeting is scheduled for the middle of this month, January 22nd, 597 00:54:02,640 --> 00:54:05,640 Thursday. 598 00:54:06,480 --> 00:54:11,760 That is all I have. Thank you. All right. Thank you, sir. 599 00:54:10,160 --> 00:54:15,200 All right, just finishing up our evening here in the mayor's correspondence. I 600 00:54:13,440 --> 00:54:18,079 have a letter from Miss Jackie Smith. Dear Mayor Sigles, I'm ready to submit 601 00:54:16,800 --> 00:54:21,280 this letter by resignation from the portrait of IDA board effective 602 00:54:19,680 --> 00:54:24,640 immediately. Due to personal circumstances and professional changes, 603 00:54:22,960 --> 00:54:28,880 I'm unable to commit the time required to serve the board in full capacity as 604 00:54:26,960 --> 00:54:32,240 needed for its full success. It's been a pleasure serving on the board for the 605 00:54:30,319 --> 00:54:36,079 past few years. I'm excited for the future of Port Riverside via IDA and the 606 00:54:34,559 --> 00:54:40,800 great opportunities that will provide it to our city through the work of the IDA. 607 00:54:38,160 --> 00:54:45,559 And I make a motion or entertain a motion motion to accept that with regret 608 00:54:46,000 --> 00:54:53,280 second by Councilman Oni. Any discussion? All those in favor? 609 00:54:50,960 --> 00:54:58,400 » All opposed? Motion carries. I'd like to thank Jackie for her years of service on 610 00:54:55,040 --> 00:55:03,280 the board. And sitting into her seat as councilman or chairman will be Mr. Caleb 611 00:55:01,200 --> 00:55:06,559 Russell have a few resolutions to get through. 612 00:55:04,720 --> 00:55:10,160 Just some housekeeping items for the beginning of the year. Uh this is the 613 00:55:08,800 --> 00:55:13,920 resolution on the common council of the city of Port Jervis. This is for banking 614 00:55:11,680 --> 00:55:16,880 and depositories. Whereas the city of Port Jervis common council has 615 00:55:15,200 --> 00:55:20,480 recognized the need to maintain and/or establish the accounts to conduct 616 00:55:18,240 --> 00:55:23,200 regular business. Is hereby resolved that the common council of the city of 617 00:55:21,760 --> 00:55:26,800 Port Jervis directs the city clerk treasurer to utilize official 618 00:55:25,119 --> 00:55:31,520 depositories for the funds maintained in a check-in and savings accounts of the 619 00:55:28,720 --> 00:55:36,800 city of Port Jervis for the year 2026 as follows. TD Bank, General Operating, 620 00:55:34,480 --> 00:55:42,640 Water, Sewer, Capital, Money Market, Recreation, IDA, Senior Citizens, 621 00:55:40,319 --> 00:55:48,079 Payroll, Rachel Deets Memorial Fund, Small Cities Grant, and the USDA Water 622 00:55:44,880 --> 00:55:52,160 Clarifier Reserve Funds, Mnt Bank, Trusting Agency, Money Market, Federal 623 00:55:50,480 --> 00:55:54,960 Drug Forfeiture, and City Drug Forfeiture Funds. I'll entertain a 624 00:55:54,240 --> 00:55:57,520 motion. >> So move. 625 00:55:55,599 --> 00:56:03,119 » Councilman Laurenbury. >> Councilwoman Fuller. Any discussion? All 626 00:56:00,559 --> 00:56:06,960 those in favor? All those opposed. Motion carries. Resolution of the common 627 00:56:05,599 --> 00:56:10,799 council of the city of Port Jervis standard workday and reporting for New 628 00:56:08,559 --> 00:56:14,400 York State retirement system benefits. Whereas the city of Port common council 629 00:56:12,640 --> 00:56:17,920 recognized the need to establish a standard workday for all elected and 630 00:56:15,920 --> 00:56:22,079 appointed positions within the New York City for New York State retirement 631 00:56:20,000 --> 00:56:25,839 reporting purposes and to satisfy reporting requirements in New York State 632 00:56:23,599 --> 00:56:29,839 retirement systems with respect to time work and is hereby resolved and 633 00:56:28,079 --> 00:56:34,160 reaffirmed that the common council of the city port hereby establishes a 634 00:56:32,240 --> 00:56:38,799 standard workday of eight hours for all employees elected and appointed 635 00:56:35,760 --> 00:56:42,240 officials and it is also resolved that all employees elected and appointed 636 00:56:40,559 --> 00:56:45,520 Officials who participate in the New York State retirement system are 637 00:56:43,839 --> 00:56:50,160 required to submit time sheet time sheets of actual time worked and/or 638 00:56:47,839 --> 00:56:54,079 shall complete record of activities log for at least a three-month respective 639 00:56:51,680 --> 00:57:00,079 time period and submit to the city clerk for report purposes. Entertain a motion 640 00:56:58,559 --> 00:57:06,400 second roads by Councilman Seagull. Any 641 00:57:03,520 --> 00:57:10,400 discussion? All those in favor? >> Opposed? Motion carries. Resolution of 642 00:57:09,280 --> 00:57:14,799 common council of the city of Port Jervis 643 00:57:12,079 --> 00:57:17,760 newspapers, radio and television. Whereas the city of Port Jervis common 644 00:57:16,400 --> 00:57:21,520 council has recognized the need to maintain or establish accounts to 645 00:57:19,440 --> 00:57:24,799 conduct regular business. It is hereby resolved that the common council of the 646 00:57:23,119 --> 00:57:29,040 city port Jervis directs the city treasurer to utilize the time scale of 647 00:57:26,960 --> 00:57:34,480 record as his official newspaper for the year 2026 with the pike county dispatch 648 00:57:32,000 --> 00:57:38,880 as alternatives when necessary for legal notices local laws ordinances 649 00:57:36,720 --> 00:57:44,319 advertisements for bids for materials, equipment and services as being required 650 00:57:41,920 --> 00:57:50,400 during the year 2026. And be it further resolved that WDLC be 651 00:57:47,760 --> 00:57:53,680 designated as the official radio outlet and 652 00:57:52,079 --> 00:57:58,000 PJTV23 provided by Spectrum under the pres 653 00:57:55,839 --> 00:58:02,440 present cable franchise agreement be designated television outlet 654 00:58:03,200 --> 00:58:11,359 second by Councilwoman Fuller. Any discussion? 655 00:58:08,000 --> 00:58:17,760 All those in favor? Opposed? Motion carries. Uh lastly, doing the I will be 656 00:58:16,000 --> 00:58:23,280 doing the annual state of the city address here in the council chambers. 657 00:58:19,440 --> 00:58:27,599 It'll be January 26th at 6 pm. It will be before the 6:30 common council 658 00:58:25,680 --> 00:58:30,760 meeting and I will entertain a motion for 659 00:58:27,760 --> 00:58:30,760 » adjournment. 660 00:58:33,680 --> 00:58:39,920 No >> do that next meeting. 661 00:58:38,400 --> 00:58:43,839 All right, I'll entertain a motion for >> adjournment. 662 00:58:42,000 --> 00:58:51,880 Second large, second by Councilman Seagull. All those in favor? 663 00:58:47,280 --> 00:58:51,880 » All opposed? Motion carries. 664 00:59:06,160 --> 00:59:09,559 How are you, sir?