Politics & Government

Nuisance Law Discussion Among Items for Tonight's Peekskill Common Council Agenda

Here's a rundown of tonight's Peekskill Common Council work session and meeting.

Peekskill officials are scheduled to meet tonight in city hall during a work session scheduled at 6:30 p.m. and a meeting scheduled at 7:30 p.m.  Below are quick summaries of the agendas for both sessions. Keep in mind that public commenting isn’t allowed during Council work sessions.

Work Session Agenda 

Peekskill Police Chief Requests Stronger Laws for Nuisance Gatherings

Peekskill police Chief Eric Johansen is requesting that the Common Council enact a law the defines “nuisance parties” at residences where  any number of violations, including disorderly conduct; possession of open container; unlawful sale or consumption of alcohol; use, sale, or possession of controlled substances; littering; obstruction of vehicular or pedestrian traffic; public urination; unreasonable noise are observed.

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Johansen said he’s requesting the change because there has been an increase in the number homes hosting large gatherings and parties. Those gatherings have resulted in complaints from neighbors for a variety of nuisance violations, including the unlawful sale of alcohol, gambling, public intoxication, noise and parking complaints.

Current laws allow police officers to enforce offenses when observed, but most do not target the host of the party, according to Johansen.  Johansen said the new legislation will allow police to fine the host of the party and quickly shut these gatherings down when they get out of hand.

Find out what's happening in Peekskill-Cortlandtwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Other Agenda items

  • There will be a discussion on extending the shared services agreement with city school district from July 2015 to June 2018.
  • A request by the Kathleen F. Marks Foundation for the city to waive park and other fees as in kind sponsorship for the organization’s 5K race and festival. The Kathleen F. Marks Foundation is an organization dedicated to funding cancer research and support services.
  • The Council will discuss Westchester County’s mutual aid plan for this year.

Common Council Meeting

Here is a rundown of the agenda for tonight’s Common Council meeting.

  • The appointment of Eric Johansen as Peekskill’s police chief.
  • The appointment of Gail M. Mulligan, Esq., as the city’s assistant Corporation Counsel.
  • The approval of a contract extending the city’s agreement with the auditing firm of O’Connor, Davies and Dobbins to provide auditing services through 2015. The last contract expired in December 2012.
  • An amendment of the contract with the Birdsall Services Group and to include the expenditure of an additional $14,400 in funds from an Environmental Protection Fund grant.


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