Common Council - Regular Meeting

Here, and we are now on mute.

Before we begin, I have a few quick public service announcements. For an emergency, please note the exits on either side of the chambers and proceed down the stairs. Bathrooms are located at the door to my left, women's to the right, men's to the left. We allow 30 minutes for public speaking. If you have not done so, please sign up at the podium. Zoom speakers are only permitted if you signed up by emailing the city clerk by 11 a.m. today. If you did sign up, you must turn on your camera so we could see you as you address the council. Please note that the council has rules of decorum for meetings, including the public speaking portion. We ask that respect be shown to all, whether they serve on the council, on the staff, or here as public members. As noted on the signage, we do not allow weapons of any sort, signs mounted on wood, metal, or similar material, or signs larger than 19 by 24. If you have an appropriately sized sign, you cannot raise it in the air, as this could affect a person's line of sight. This will help ensure we comply with the open meeting law. Not only are we here tonight to listen to the public's voices, but we are also here to conduct government proceedings. To best serve us all, we cannot have any distractions. When a speaker is addressing the council, no disruptions are permitted. This includes talking over, yelling, clapping and snapping. When this body proceeds with the day's business, we also need no disruptions. As for open meeting law section 103, interruption of a speaker or government proceedings will not be tolerated. After one warning, anyone interrupting a speaker or the proceedings of tonight's meeting will be removed from chambers. I am now calling this Common Council meeting to order at 7.33 p.m. on June 2, 2026. If you are able, please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and remain standing for a moment of silence. Thank you. You may be seated. May I please have roll call?

Alderman Pasty? Here. Alderman Tierney?

Here.

Alderman Marbelli? Here. Alderman Falk?

Here.

Alderman Mickens?

Here.

Alderman Dennison?

Give him a thumbs up. Yep.

Alderman Hamm?

Here.

Alderman Katz? Here.

Alderman Hirsch? Excused. We have a quorum. Can I have a motion to dispense with the minutes of the previous meeting and approve same? Motion by Sarah Pasty. Second by Marissa Morvelli. All in favor? Opposed? Motion is adopted 8-0. Can I have a motion to dispense with the reading of the general bills? Motion by Marissa Morvelli. Second by Terrell Mickens. No, Bob Dennison is the voting member because he fits the exception because of medical reasons. But thank you because I have messed up my math before. But would you like to motion? Okay, Marissa Marvelli motions. Second, Ben Falk. All opposed or all in favor? Excuse me, you guys threw me off. All in favor? Opposed? Motion is adopted eight to zero. As council members, we have the pleasure of meeting folks from throughout the city and from all walks of life. Throughout our service on the council, we meet community members and organizations who genuinely move us with their kindness and efforts to improve our community. Tonight, we recognize and honor an individual who goes above and beyond to serve and help others with the Common Council Community Award. We are delighted to present Charlotte Adamus with the award this month. She was selected by older woman Marissa Morvelli, and at this time I invite Charlotte to join Marissa at the podium in front.

On behalf of the Kington Common Council, it is my great honor to recognize fellow Ward 3 resident Charlotte Adamas for her exceptional service to our city. She frequently steps up when no one else will, especially when it comes to championing democracy. in our local government. Among the many ways she has done this is through her service on the ethics board, which she served on from the summer of 2021 until just recently. We all know how hard it is to get residents to volunteer on our boards and commissions. The ethics board, not glamorous, but it's vitally important work to ensure transparency and accountability in our local government. So when preparing this little speech, I reached out to some of your colleagues for help describing all the ways you lead in our community. And everyone responded immediately and enthusiastically. So in his own words, allowing me to share Assistant Corporation Council's remarks from Matt Jankowski on how you serve the ethics board. And these are his words. I cannot overstate the impact that Charlotte has had on the City of Kingston Ethics Board. Many volunteers serve on boards and committees, but not many put in the time, effort, and dedication that Charlotte does. Her contributions extend far beyond simply attending and participating in meetings. Charlotte was instrumental in updating the city's ethics code to help ensure that our city government maintains high standards of integrity and accountability. On the ethics task force, she took a leadership role, bringing attention to where our code needed to be improved and following through by drafting language to address these deficiencies. Once the new code was adopted, she recognized the importance of education and took the initiative to organize annual ethics trainings for our city employees and officials so that the city's decision makers are more knowledgeable of their ethical duties, helping to foster transparency and ethical decision making in our city government. when others did not have the time to follow up on board initiatives. Without prodding or hesitation, Charlotte enthusiastically picked up the slack and took the reins. She devoted countless hours taking the lead in updating and drafting the board's rules and regulations, creating an ethics pamphlet for city employees, and updating our ethics complaint forms. Time and again, she stepped forward to lead these important projects, often behind the scenes and without ever seeking recognition. What truly sets Charlotte apart is her genuine passion not only to serve, but to improve our city. She approached every issue with thoughtfulness and professionalism in all her actions, her deep desire to serve and better our community with a parent. Her leadership and dedication have left a lasting mark on the City of Kingston Ethics Board, and the city will continue to see the benefits of her service for years to come. During her tenure on the ethics board, Charlotte truly was the heart and soul of the ethics board. She brought passion. Oh, wait. Well, I'm going to just read it to the end because that's what I copied. Excuse me. Dedication, unwavering commitment in her service to the city of Kingston. I can think of no other volunteer who is more dedicated and is as deserving of recognition as Charlotte. So that was the end of his remarks, and let me just add in. In addition to her work on the Ethics Board, Charlotte is a tireless advocate for citizen engagement on local, state, and national issues. She co-organizes the weekly Kingston Rally and Food Drive, of which there have been 55. She co-shares a voting rights working group. She co-organized four small-D democratic workshops, including one on how to disagree better with your neighbors on the other side of the political aisle. And she co-leads the Ward 3 Neighbor-to-Neighbor Citizen Group to inform neighbors about upcoming elections and encouraging them to exercise their voice at the ballot box. And she also co-writes a weekly newsletter. That's a lot. There is a clear through line across all of Charlotte's roles. Collaborate, engage, and uplift. Thank you, Charlotte, for your tremendous dedication to our city and for your infectious, positive spirit. We are fortunate to have you.

You want to say you're welcome to.

I just want to say thank you. My husband knows I'm not a crier, but I feel like very emotional right now. And I'm very moved. I love this community. I've been a resident here for almost 30 years. It's become my adopted home. I am so proud to be a member of the Kingston community. All the years of living here have taught me what a community is and that I couldn't be happier to be living here and to be part of many community organizations where people, and I see many of them sitting in the audience right now, who participate in so many ways. We have an active and caring community with an incredible common council, our wonderful legislature, right on up the line. We are so fortunate and blessed to be here. And I thank you very much for this honor.

Thank you.

We now enter into claims and communications. Hearing no discussion, they will be on file in the clerk's office. Can I get a motion to dispense for the second reading of the general bills and pay same? Motion by Sarah Pasty, second by Tyrell Mickens. All in favor? Opposed? Motion is adopted eight to zero. We're now entering into the report of committees. Wait, no, we're not. I totally skipped public speaking, didn't I? So we're now going to enter into public speaking portion of the meeting. We have allotted 30 minutes for this purpose. Speakers will have three minutes. Please be aware that I will give a 30 second verbal warning. If there are remaining speakers after 30 minutes, I will call for a motion from the council to extend the period for another 30 minutes. Speakers, direct your comments to the chair as council members cannot engage in debate during this time. please state your name and your ward number on the record before you begin if you do not reside in kingston please state your name and the municipality where you live there could be no distractions from the audience and chambers are on zoom when a speaker addresses the council the common council has also received written comments for our consideration and they could be found on the city's website under tonight's agenda may i have the first speaker please gene jacobs

Good evening, Madam President, members of the Common Council, and of course, my community here this evening. I stand before you this evening as a taxpayer. I've lived here all my life, born and raised here, and my entire family. Safety is at the forefront of my life. I have given over 40 years as a community activist, but always putting safety before anything, because without safety, we don't have a city. And without you promoting safety, that's one of your most important jobs as a governmental alderman here to promote safety. So I stand before you tonight and I say, Are we losing our mind? I stand before you because last week, I almost ran over a child up on Wall Street, where I lived for 30 years, one of not the most busiest street, but one of the largest streets that connects our city. And we currently have, and I'll read the description. So maybe some of you are not aware of what we have constructed on Wall Street. The parklet appears to be located in or adjacent to the strip gore cancellation area at the intersection of Wall Street and Franklin Street. I'm concerned about visibility, nighttime lighting, cyclist safety, and the proximity to moving traffic and the nearby school zone. I'm not sure if you're aware of it, but the seal of the city is on it, so you approved it. Last year, I went to Paul Padolino, our superintendent. I went to LaShawn Parker, our coordinator for safety in the Kingston City School District. I went to Chief Tinty, and I also called Roy, our mayor's secretary, who I have... He is a wonderful person and he always takes the time to listen. So I commend him because I like working with him. OK, so before you this evening, I am gravely concerned that something like this would be allowed in the middle of the road. uptown in Kingston on Wall Street. OK, if you have ever looked at it or seen it, it's despicable. There are children there and it's in a school zone. It's 100 feet from George Washington School in a 15 mile an hour zone driving. I cannot believe that anyone here on this council would approve this and Wall Street in our city. It's supposed to deter traffic, but unfortunately, it's going to lose a life. Thank you. Your time is up.

Thank you. And for the record, that wasn't in front of the Common Council at any point. So you're going through the correct path with talking to the mayor. The Common Council didn't approve of that. It wasn't in front of us. So you're doing the right path with working with the mayor. Scott, did you hear what I said? Thank you. Next speaker, please.

Joseph DeFalco.

Thank you very much, Joseph DeFalco, I live on Glen Street. I'm here to discuss an issue that's been going on now for the past nine months. Now, I'm not supposed to tell you the law. You're supposed to know the law, okay? And I looked it up and the city ordinances for paving the street and for a driveway that's below a street is supposed to be five to 8% of a pitch. You sent your engineer up, and he put it there as a 22% pitch. And I hired someone else to do a laser pitch, and I'm 30% pitch. That's besides the point. The point is that the city allowed this to go on. They're responsible for the contractor that did it. He elevated my street 16 inches, my driveway in front of my house, with asphalt. Now, I had a discussion with one of the aldermen about that, and he had said, if they did that in front of my house, he'd bitch and moan. Okay? And then I asked him if he saw the photographs. But I didn't want to have anything to do with him. He wasn't my representative. My representative is right here. I don't know how hard she's fighting for me, or the five constituents that are suffering from what they did. Okay? How can they miss every catch basin, storm catch basin, for a quarter of a mile? Not one drop of water goes in any catch basin on Glenn Street, Marius, or Greenkill Avenue. It all washes out onto Washington Avenue. And you took responsibility for that because I see you marked the street. You're gonna try to straighten that out. But screw everybody else, okay? The city, by not addressing this issue, and should be brought up on ethical charges because they are covering up for a contractor that is a foreign contractor. Callahan is owned by a conglomerate in Dublin, Ireland. I shouldn't have to look up the law to tell you that my driveway should be no more than a five to 6% pitch because I'm lower than your road. And on a water drainage, I should be 1% to 2%. I shouldn't be 30%. And every other house on the street is 30%. This is going to turn into some sort of a discrimination case, because I don't seem to be getting anywhere with your administration or the council trying to maybe pass a resolution to fix the street. Now, since I have a couple of moments, I finished. I just wanna bring reproach upon a few other people.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Next speaker, please. Sharon Boyd.

Hi, my name is Sharon Boyd, alias the lady who chained herself to the sign. you can relax because the mayor called for a full mental evaluation and they informed me that I was not irrational and I wasn't having a mental health crisis. So evidently he has not lived through the 70s when chains and locks were considered staples. So the last time I checked, United States citizens still have freedom of speech under the First Amendment. And I'd like to thank Mr. Tierney for bringing that to our mayor's attention. Now you know what I am not, I'm not crazy, but I'll tell you what I am. I believe in one God, in God we trust. I believe in Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior. I am an American. I stand for freedom. I stand for our flag. I stand for our veterans. I stand for our country. I will continue to do so. We need to know what we stand for, ourselves or fascism, Democratic socialism will creep in and overtake our democracy. First, history is changed or even erased. The words Rondout and historic district were removed in the area. Second, freedom of speech is denied. I was removed from the waterfront advisory committee. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Third, my right for peaceful assembly. Fourth, the will of the people was being suppressed. A 200-person petition was submitted to the mayor's office. Then private property is seized under socialism. And last, the government controls housing, goods, and supply, making the people completely dependent upon the state. This is all in the name of democratic socialism. Thank you. Thank you. Next speaker, please. Rose Quinn.

Hello, good evening. Rose Quinn, Board 2, Kingston.

Can you get a little closer to the mic, Rose? Thank you.

Hi. I think that's the first time anyone has ever said, Rose, we can't hear you. Ward 2 Kingston, Rose Quinn. I am here tonight to, first and foremost, to support the four-way intersection at Lucas and Washington being equipped with no right on red flags. I think that actually, I mean, one, it's a it's a hazardous intersection. And, you know, I think that that's goes without saying. And that would be a really great safety measure. But I happen to believe that throughout the city of Kingston, there should be no right arm red, particularly on the Broadway corridor where children are walking. And I think that it's not just my opinion. In fact, I know it's not just my opinion. The data bears it out that in urban areas, and we are an urban area, that no right on red is completely appropriate and saves lives. So I really hope that at some point, as we're moving forward and adopting more measures in the safe system approach, which we're supposed to be working towards, because we did adopt that, that's gonna be one of them in the future. So not just in that intersection where it's critical, but this has to be something that we're really gonna look at throughout all of Kingston. When I hear arguments, when people say things like, oh, well, this will hold up traffic, I have to catch myself a little bit. I don't think I have to remind many people here that my partner was struck and killed on Washington Avenue, also a very dangerous location, a place where mitigation should have happened before we put a trail parking lot in, frankly. But sometimes we don't always have the ability to go back and fix those things once these tragedies occur. But we do have the ability to have forethought and say, we know that there are measures we can do to keep people safe and we should do them. And that's what the safe distance approach is saying that we need to do. So I implore you and beg you to use those tools. The other thing that I just wanted to mention really quickly is I believe there's going to be some kind of train resolution tonight. And I'm not going to speak for or against it because I don't know anything about it. And I think that that's a big problem. Why are we getting ready to even memorializing resolution? Why are we voting on anything without understanding it first? I don't understand how this happened and why it's getting rushed through. And I love trains and I would love to see the trains. I would love to see this study happen. It is a study, it is not an actual train. I do get that part, but we should be talking about it. I don't understand where did the public comment part of this go? And then we're already moving forward with it. It doesn't make a lot of sense to me. An advocate giving some advice. Thank you.

Next speaker, please. Matthew Cerny.

Good evening. My name is Matthew Cerny. I'm the executive director of Wiltshwick Cemetery in wards five and nine. I'm commenting on the proposed tree ordinance. I would like to thank Mayor Noble and the members of the Common Council who took the time to visit Wiltwick Cemetery and discuss the impacts of the proposed tree ordinance. Everyone carefully listened to our concerns as well as the concerns raised by residents and property owners throughout this process. I believe Kingston's elected officials demonstrated what good local government is supposed to look like. Thoughtful, respectful, willing to weigh both the benefits and the unintended consequences of proposed legislation. I want to be very clear that many of us who express concern about the ordinance are not opposed to trees or tree preservation. It's quite the opposite. Trees are an important part of Kingston's identity and quality of life. They provide beauty, shade, wildlife habitat, stormwater control, and contribute greatly to the character of our neighborhoods and public spaces. Cemeteries like Wiltwick have long served as stewards of mature tree, canopy, and open green space within our community. I think everyone involved shares the same overall goal, preserving and strengthening Kingston's urban forest for future generations. I would like to suggest the City take a larger role in encouraging property owners to plant more trees through public outreach and education, as well as financial incentives and assistance. As one Common Council member said at the Laws and Rules Committee meeting, carrot, not stick. This process highlighted the importance of balance. As we move forward, it is important that future proposals respect private property rights, recognize the practical realities faced by homeowners and businesses and avoid creating unnecessary burdens or unintended consequences for property owners. I believe there is a path forward that can both encourage responsible tree preservation and maintain fairness practicality and flexibility for the people who live and work in our city. I sincerely appreciate the willingness of the Council to step back listen carefully and recognize that the ordinance requires much more work. and broader collaboration before ever moving forward. That decision will reflect well on this council and on the City of Kingston as a whole. Thank you.

Thank you. Next speaker, please.

Kathleen Meem.

Good evening. I'm Kathleen Meem from the City of Kingston. And I'm here to speak on behalf of resolution, whoops, number 95. And I commend the Finance Committee on doing their due diligence in considering this resolution last night. And I appreciate if the rest of the Common Council would support that tonight. Thank you very much. I hope I had the right number. Thank you.

95, you said, right? Yeah, 95. Thank you. Next speaker, please. Leah Wesselman.

Hi, everybody. Leah Wesselman, Ward 9. I just wanted to say something about the railroad situation. I like railroads, and I went looking back for the last eight months about any kind of meetings bringing this up. And for the life of me, I couldn't find anything. So I just want to be sure that when you do vote on talking about creating a resolution for this, or whatever the words are for it, that you make sure that the public is aware of what's going on with it. That's all I ask. Thanks.

Thank you. That is it. But is there anybody else in chambers who has not spoken who would like to speak? Anybody else who'd like to speak who has not? All right, then I will close public speaking for the evening. Thank you, everyone. Now we're going to enter into the report of committees starting with resolution number 79. Resolution 79 of 2026.

Resolution of the Common Council of the City of Kingston, New York, authorizing a 2026 budgetary modification in the amount of $5,382 to reconcile accounts on a year-to-date basis.

On the question? Hearing no discussion, I'll call for the vote. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Resolution is adopted 8-0. Moving to resolution number 80, please.

Resolution 80 of 2026. Resolution of the Common Council of the City of Kingston, New York, recommending approval for modifications to the 2026 Office of Grants Management budget.

On the question, hearing no discussion, I'll call for the vote. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Resolution is adopted 8-0. I'm just looking for Bob's thumb for his vote. It's twisting around. Moving to resolution number 81, please.

Resolution 81 of 2026. Resolution of the Common Council of the City of Kingston, New York, authorizing the mayor to submit an application to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation for a New York Plays grant in the amount of up to $600,000 for the Block Park Nature Play Project and to execute any and all related documents.

On the question... Hearing no discussion, I'll call for the vote. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Resolution is adopted 8-0. Moving to Resolution 82, please.

Resolution 82 of 2026. Resolution of the Common Council of the City of Kingston, New York, authorizing the transfer of 12 courts, 34 Boulevard, and 54 Hunter to the Kingston City Land Bank.

On the question? Hearing no discussion, I'll call for the vote. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Resolution is adopted 8-0. Moving to resolution number 83, please.

Resolution 83 of 2026. An ordinance amending an ordinance in relation to the traffic of the public streets of the City of Kingston, New York, adding no parking any time on Sackamon Lane.

On the question, hearing no discussion, I'll call for the vote. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Resolution is adopted 8-0. Moving to resolution number 84, please.

Resolution 84 of 2026, an ordinance amending an ordinance in relation to the traffic on the public streets of the City of Kingston, New York, removing handicapped parking on Fairview Avenue.

On the question, hearing no discussion, I'll call for the vote. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Resolution is adopted 8-0. Excuse me, moving to Resolution 85, please.

Resolution 85 of 2026, an ordinance amending an ordinance in relation to the traffic on the public streets of the city of Kingston, New York, adding handicapped parking on Court Street.

On the question, hearing no discussion, I'll call for the vote. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Resolution is adopted 8-0. Moving to Resolution 86, please.

resolution 86 of 2026 an ordinance amending an ordinance in relation to the traffic on the public streets of the city of kingston New York. Adding four way no right on read on Washington avenue and Lucas avenue intersections on the question alderman Michael tyranny.

Thank you, President shot, this was the product of the joint word meeting between myself and the mayor. brought forward by constituents from Uptown Kingston, my ward mostly, but also wards one and three. This would add no right on red in all directions on Lucas and Washington Avenue. This is the first step in what I hope to be a multi-step process to create long-term safety improvements to this intersection. I want to also thank my colleague from Ward 1, Alderman Pasty, for generating some of those long-term solutions that we can achieve, as well as the city engineer for helping us devise those solutions that hopefully we'll all see in the next coming months. And to my constituent, Andrew or taken as two children who took me down there and showed me just how dangerous, this is as well as rose who's been a fearless advocate for pedestrian safety here in the city of kingston and I really look forward to other alderman implementing roses idea of no right on roads on their intersections, thank you.

Thank you all the room in Sarah pasty. Thank you, Madam President. I also want to thank my colleague Michael Tierney and all of his constituents for bringing this important resolution to the council. I had initially in the public safety meeting voted no because some of my constituents had very strong feelings about being able to negotiate the intersection, especially at times when there weren't a lot of people who were there at nighttime, things like that. However, constituents from Ward 1 and from other wards sent me information about the advantages of no right on red and the fact that it should be implemented probably across the country because it is dangerous. And so I was able to share that with my constituents. And I am going to be voting yes on this tonight. So thank you. This is where the public process works because information is provided and it's shared. And then I also will continue to work because some of my constituents had wanted to see improvements to pedestrian safety there so that when the light is green it's also safe so there are other things that we will be working on hopefully to make this a safe intersection thank you thank you anyone else hearing no further discussion i'll call for the vote all in favor aye

Opposed resolution is adopted 8 to 0 moving to resolution 87 please resolution 87 of 2026 resolution of the common Council of the city of Kingston New York authorizing the use of community preservation funds to pay the city of Kingston for the 2026 portion of the debt service used to purchase the Kingston wilderness property.

On the question. Hearing no discussion, I'll call for the vote. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Resolution is adopted 8-0. Moving to resolution number 88, please.

Resolution 88 of 2026. Resolution of the Common Council of the City of Kingston, New York authorizing adopting a bond ordinance for funding a project at the wastewater treatment plant and authorizing the mayor to execute all necessary documents for the project. On the question?

Hearing no discussion, I'll call for the vote. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Resolution is adopted 8-0. Moving to Resolution 89, which is the bond ordinance. I'll ask for a long roll, and at least Bob's thumb up is a yes. Thank you.

Resolution 89 of 2026, a bond ordinance dated June 2, 2026. An ordinance an ordinance authorizing financing of wastewater treatment plan improvements and in for the city of kingston Ulster county New York at a maximum estimated cost of $1,500,000 and authorizing the issuance of $1,500,000 bonds of said city to pay costs thereof. Alderman tyranny yes alderman marvelli yes alderman Falk yes. Alderman Mickens, yes. Alderman Denison, yes. Alderman Hamm, Alderman Katz, yes. Alderman Hirsch, excused. Alderman Pasty, yes.

Thank you. Bond ordinance is adopted 8-0. Thank you. Moving to resolution number 90, please.

Resolution 90 of 2026. Resolution of the Common Council of the City of Kingston, New York. recommending the appointment of Jake Strauss to the Community Preservation Advisory Board.

On the question, hearing no discussion, I'll call for the vote. All in favor? Aye. Bob, can we get your face back? There we go. Opposed? Resolution is adopted 8-0. Moving to resolution 91, please.

Resolution 91 of 2026. Resolution of the Common Council of the City of Kingston, New York, rejecting the proposed tree ordinance.

On the question. Hearing no discussion, I'll call for the vote. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Resolution is adopted 8-0. Moving, and just to be clear to the public that's rejecting the proposed tree ordinance, we didn't just accept the tree ordinance. Moving just a little backwards, I figured an explanation would be helpful. Resolution 92, please.

Resolution 92 of 2026, an ordinance amending an ordinance in relation to the traffic on the public streets of the City of Kingston, New York, removing handicapped parking on 3rd Avenue.

On the question, hearing no discussion, I'll call for the vote. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Resolution is adopted 8-0. Moving to resolution number 93, please.

Resolution 93 of 2026. Resolution of the Common Council of the City of Kingston, New York, requesting a feasibility study for the West Shoreline Passenger Rail Service.

on the question.

Alderwoman Sara Pasley, please. Yes. Madam President, I would like to put on the floor an amendment to Section 1 of this memorializing resolution. Right now, the Section 1 reads, that the Common Council of the City of Kingston hereby supports and formally requests that New York State, in coordination with relevant regional planning agencies, and transportation authorities fund and initiate a feasibility study to evaluate the restoration of passenger rail service on the CSX River subdivision West Shore line. The amendment I would like to add would follow this to say and further request that the city of Kingston and other affected west of Hudson communities be represented in the studies development and stakeholder engagement process. There's a motion on the floor. Is there a second?

Second by Terrell Mickens. Any discussion on this before I take the vote for the amendment? No, then I will call for the vote to amend the resolution as Alderwoman Pasty has read. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? The amendment is passed.

Can you read it again? It won't change the title.

So read it again, then we'll vote overall.

Resolution 93 of 2026. Resolution of the Common Council of the City of Kingston, New York, requesting a feasibility study for the West Shoreline Passenger Rail Service.

On the question? Hearing no discussion, I'll call for the vote, and this will be, of course, with the amendment. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Resolution is adopted 8-0. Moving to Resolution 94, please.

Resolution 94 of 2026. Resolution of the Common Council of the City of Kingston, New York, declaring itself as lead agency for safe and accessible Flatbush and Foxhole Avenue streetscape project and classifying under Seeker as an unlisted action.

On the question, Alderman Bob Dennison.

I just want to point out that this is the first step in this moving forward with this project, which is an incredibly important project to get pedestrian safety measures between colonial gardens and downtown. And I encourage everybody to vote for it. I think it's a great project. My only reluctance is it's going to take a couple of years to get it done, but I think it's a great, great project.

Thank you. Anyone else? Hearing no further discussion, I'll call for the vote. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Resolution is adopted 8-0. Moving to resolution number 95, please.

Resolution 95 of 2026. Resolution of the Common Council of the City of Kingston, New York authorizing the Mayor to execute any documents necessary to accept a land donation of the following parcel numbers. 56.43-3-27 and 56.43-5-35

On the question, Alderman Mike Ham.

Madam President, if I can interrupt, Mike is still muted.

Oh, thank you. You need to turn your mic on, sir. He's just loud.

Sorry, Bob.

We didn't notice over on this end. Thank you.

Good structured voice. Sorry, Bob. So it can drive the price tag up to $500,000, if not more, depending on any additional work that may be needed to secure the site. Kingston taxpayers deserve complete transparency regarding any public funds committed to the former Irish Cultural Center at 32 Beale Street. Any proposal requiring city taxpayers to assume the financial burden of a private property should be subject to the full public disclosure, independent financial review, and a clear demonstration of a public benefit. At a time when Kingston faces rising infrastructure costs, growing debt obligations, and ongoing budget pressures, taxpayers deserve to know why public funds are being used, what alternatives that were considered, and what protections are in place to prevent future liabilities. Public money should only be committed when the long-term benefit to the community clearly outweighs the cost to the taxpayers. I will be a no vote on this resolution. Thank you.

Thank you. Alderman Ruth Katz.

Thank you. I appreciate Alderman Ham's comments. I will be voting yes on this, though. This is my ward, and I've walked past the 32 Abeel Street property a thousand times, if not more. If this has been a really fraught process in so many ways, the manner in which the excavation took place has caused problems that will result in extra costs to the city. As Mike has said, the city could have should have done better on permitting and enforcement. But all in all, I will be voting yes, because the city of Kingston, I believe will be the best immediate steward of the property. And because this would be the best outcome for the neighbors, for the broader community, for the city of Kingston, and also for the Irish Cultural Center. And I also think it's amazing to think that our sweet Pankaki community will now have two cultural centers, the African Roots Community Center and the Irish Cultural Center. And I'm really wishing everyone the best and hopes for a successful future together.

Thank you. Anyone else? Alderwoman Terrell Mickens, and then Bob.

Terrell, why don't you go first? Okay. Thank you, Madam President. I will be a yes on this resolution giving the mayor authorization to execute any documents required to accept these two parcels, deeded as 32 and 33 Abeel Street, subject to the council's stated conditions. But I want to be clear, the process has been frustrating and communication minimal. The first time the Council learned of this donation was at the May 13th, 2026 Finance and Audit Committee. At that time, we were informed that time was of the essence. To accommodate the time, I and I believe all of my colleagues did a site visit. We spoke with the neighbors. We posed many questions, called the involved granting agencies, sought extensive legal and legal advice and the advice of our city engineer. It has become clear that this gift does not come without cost to the city in terms of the assumption of financial risk to secure the site. We requested and have received very preliminary estimates from the city engineer as to the related cost. I think those costs and those financial risks are at this time acceptable. As well, the city will be positioned to set things right for the neighboring property owners. Additionally, accepting these parcels would ensure a public beneficial use such as housing and or other community amenities. This is a rare opportunity for the city to acquire a shovel-ready waterfront property in the Strand Historic District. That property was originally purchased by the Irish Cultural Center about 15 years ago for $125,000. An additional $250,000 was spent on site work, which includes work at the Company Hill Path, restoration of the Company Path stone wall and sidewalks, connecting utilities to the site, which include water and sewer, and I believe that there is a flood mitigation plan in place. Approximately $400,000 has been spent on 32 Beale Street site improvements. I include in that the $35,000 that the project received from the City of Kingston. The deed also includes the potential of a parking lot between Abeel and West Union Streets. The alternative would allow the mortgager to foreclose on the property and in turn sell to the highest bidder, likely a corporation. And the city would be left with very little to say about the proposed use of any project under these conditions. I see this as a rare opportunity for the city to perhaps further our housing goals in a public-private partnership. Further, I am reminded that God is not making any more land. Best not to miss the opportunity to acquire it, especially along the Strand.

Thank you. Alderman Bob Dennison?

Yeah, thank you, Madam President. And I'm troubled by this resolution. This has been a sore spot in the city for 10 years with very little going on. And I have great sympathy for the people who live next door to this pit, in essence, that's been there. It's simply not acceptable. From my perspective, I'd like to know what happened. I'd like to have some sort of a history made. I'd like to find out how we got in this position. How did the city allow this to go on? without building permits, without adequate protection. I think it's really a shameful mess and I'd like to get a little deeper involved in that as we go forward. That said, I don't see anybody else stepping up to solve this problem. And if it were to go to default to the banks and to the other lenders, or if we try to call a bond, it's going to take us another 10 years to get anything done here. And I think it's disgraceful that this hole in the ground could continue for another 10 years. So I'm getting used to saying this. Reluctantly, I'm going to vote for it. But I'm very concerned about how we got here. And I really would like to pursue that and make sure that we don't end up in a situation like this again.

Thank you. Anyone else on the question? Hearing no further discussion, I'll call for the vote. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Resolution passes seven to one. The dissent is Alderman Ham. Moving to the first reading of local law number three. So it's just the first reading. No action will be taken today.

Local law three of 2026 of the common council of the city of Kingston, New York amending chapter amending Chapter 110 residency requirements by modifying the language in Section 110-2 to remove the county residency requirement and extending the distance requirement.

That concludes our communications. Before I open up to everybody else for our memorial, I would like to take this time. I'm keeping this short because I will most likely be emotional while I do this, but I would like to take this time to honor a beloved public servant for the city of Kingston, Janet Hickens. for all of her hard work and dedication that she has put into the city of Kingston. Tonight is her final meeting with the Common Council, and I speak on behalf of the council, which I can't often do about people, but I speak on behalf of the council in saying that we greatly appreciate you. Your knowledge is something we all have come to depend on, as well as your work ethic and your kindness. And personally speaking, Although I can't say you're my favorite city employee only because the superintendent of DPW might be listening. But in my eight and a half years here, every time I walk into city hall, I walk by your office to see if you were there just to be able to say hello to you. That will likely be a habit that will be hard for me to break. But from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you, Janet, and we wish you a beautiful retirement.

Thank you.

Black Reads presented to Janet Higgins, Confidential Secretary, Corporation Council 2003 to 2026, in appreciation of dedicated service to the City of Kingston Common Council. Thank you so much for everything. One of the city's finest. I am going to open it up for a remembrance section. I have two people that I'll start with and then open it up to everybody else. The first one I'd like to close in memory of is Rob Iannucci, who I didn't realize, but he passed away back in December. That's June. So I was really sad to hear that, yeah, that sides didn't hear the news. In Kingston, we knew Rob as a developer, but he was also a collector of historic artifacts, specifically motorcycles and boat collections. He was a veteran of the Peace Corps, which I didn't know, a lawyer, a social worker, and a big supporter of the arts. He was one of my frequent flyer constituents when I served Ward 9, and we disagreed often, but I always enjoyed our conversations. He was a big supporter of my careers, music, politics, and especially law. I remember him texting me often throughout law school, cheering me on. And the most interesting constituent story I have involves Rob as a key player, which I'm not going to publicly share. But if anybody wants to hear it, I am happy to share. So I will miss seeing Rob. And yeah, I will miss Rob. Second one, as a graduate of Kingston High School and a former music kid during my time there, including the Kingston High School choir, it is with profound sadness that I close tonight's meeting in memory of Larry Lohman. Larry had been the KHS choir director for over 20 years, but he has become a mentor and friend to countless young people. Music teachers have the ability to carry a tremendous impact on their students, and the great ones change lives by becoming safe spaces encouraging human growth through the power of music and through their endless support over years of working together. Larry was one of those greats. He connected with and supported hundreds of students over his career, gave them a voice in more ways than one, Many of us here in Kingston and the community are hurting. The current choir kids who lost their director, former choir members, and his fellow music teachers. It was a pleasure to work with Larry over the years. I'll miss running into him at Monkey Joe's where he always gave me his retirement countdown, which was one of his quirky habits. And I'm saddened that he did not get to enjoy that retirement. So to our beloved choir director and to my friend and colleague, well done, sir. Be at peace. That's all I have. Does anybody else have any? Alderman Tierning?

Thank you. I would like us to adjourn in memory of my friend and our friend Judy Hackham, although she was a Stone Ridge resident, she was a Kingstonian at heart. Many of us sat next to her at breakfast almost every Saturday morning for years. She was fiercely loyal to her friends. If she didn't like you, she would let you know. She was a world traveler and a fellow traveler, and all of my books by Lennon are from her as a gift to me. And I'm going to miss her a lot, and I know that a lot of us here will too.

I'm sorry to hear that I hadn't heard, so thank you for doing that. She will be missed. Anyone else? I think maybe next time I'll do the president's conclusion at the end of the meeting instead of the dedication. But I wish you all a happy week as we enter into warmer weather. And I will now take a motion to adjourn. Motion by Mike Hamm, second by Mike Tierney. All in favor? We hereby stand adjourned until the next regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, July 7th, 2026 at 7.30pm. Thank you all very much.