Newburgh · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Newburgh public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Fire Department Security Upgrades
The Fire Headquarters and Engine 3 at 492 Broadway would get updated cameras and a new entry system under an agreement with CDR Electronics Co., Inc.
Lutheran Street Fire Flow Analysis
A $7,500 Arcadis study would check whether water pipes on Lutheran Street can deliver enough flow for firefighting.
Fire Captain examination scheduling
Five exams were on the calendar: Police Officer agility testing on November 7, plus Senior Clerk, Senior Account Clerk, Principal Account Clerk, and Code Enforcement Officer exams in November and December. These build the hiring pools for city jobs.
Upcoming Civil Service Examinations
The commission certified hiring lists for positions including fire captain, police sergeant, and several clerk roles, and set dates for upcoming exams. These lists determine who can be hired into city jobs over the next two years.
Police technology contracts (Tasers and body cameras)
Three separate deals with Axon Enterprise were on the agenda: Tasers for five years, camera upgrades, and a five-year body camera renewal. Together they represent nearly $1 million in police technology spending.
Firehouse building repairs
The Grand Street firehouse hasn't been painted or recarpeted in about 20 years and the garage doors are so old that parts aren't available anymore. The chief wants to start a repair and upgrade program, while Engine 3's 1866 Broadway firehouse is also aging.
Fire department staffing and overtime
The fire department is at 54 of a desired 62 sworn firefighters and Chief Puller wants two more positions plus about $1 million in overtime so Engine 1 doesn't get browned out when someone calls in sick. Councilmembers praised the department's overtime discipline and pushed for higher base salaries so firefighters stop leaving for better-paying departments like Arlington.
Fire Department vehicle grant
The city could accept an $85,000 state grant — at no cost to local taxpayers — to buy a new fire vehicle with emergency equipment.
License plate reader contract with Flock Group
A proposed resolution addresses the city's use of fixed automated license plate readers and a contract with Flock Group, Inc. — a policing tool that raises privacy questions for drivers.
Police staffing, overtime and a traffic unit
The chief says five officer vacancies force heavy overtime (toward $1 million this year) and wants six new officers — three for a traffic unit — plus civilian FOIL and lobby clerks so sworn officers can get back on the street.
Ambulance service renewal
The council was to consider renewing Empress Ambulance's contract for emergency medical services from 2027 through 2029. This determines who answers 911 medical calls in the city.
NYCLU FLOCK/ALPR Presentation
The NYCLU was scheduled to present on FLOCK automated license plate readers. These cameras raise privacy questions about how long location data is kept and who can access it.
Upcoming civil service examinations for police and city positions
Civil service exams are coming up: school office manager and labor supervisor tests on April 18, and police officer exams — including a Spanish-speaking version — on May 9. These feed future hiring lists for city jobs.
Firefighter Training and Grant
The council was scheduled to take up the FY2025 Assistance to Firefighters Grant and an MOU with state homeland security for municipal firefighter training.
Human Rights Commission appointments
Four new members were proposed for appointment and one member re-appointed to the Human Rights Commission.
Flock License-Plate-Reader Program
An update on the city's Flock license plate reader cameras — a surveillance technology with public-safety benefits and privacy considerations.
Flock Group Master Services Agreement
The council was to discuss a master services agreement with Flock Group Inc., the company behind automated license plate reader cameras — a public safety technology with privacy considerations.
Assistant Fire Chief exam scheduled for February 7, 2026
All four Assistant Fire Chief candidates passed and the eligibility list was set for four years. Police Sergeant and Fire Captain exams are scheduled for June, and the May 9 police officer exam was reported successful.
Gun Violence Elimination and Traffic Safety Grants
The council was asked to authorize applying for a $910,000 state GIVE grant to fund gun violence reduction work (city pays 25% of salaries) and a $49,000 traffic safety grant with no match.
Police Department Recruitment
The city is running Police Officer exams on May 9, including a Spanish-speaking track, at Newburgh Free Academy, plus an open house for candidates to meet officers. The exam date, locations, and a pending press release were confirmed.
City towing code
The council discussed the legislative framework for a city towing code, which would set rules for towing operations in Newburgh.
Police Department 2025 update and new position
The Police Department was set to present its 2025 update, and a separate resolution would add one Public Safety Attendant position to the department.
Public Safety Attendant job description amendment
The old 'watchman' classification has been replaced with a modernized Public Safety Attendant spec. New minimum qualifications include a high school diploma, a New York State Security Guard license, and one year of watchman/security guard experience. This shapes who can apply for these positions going forward.
Clearview AI Facial Recognition Contract
The Council was scheduled to consider a $17,100 one-year contract for Clearview AI facial recognition software for the Police Department. Facial recognition raises questions about surveillance, accuracy, and privacy for residents.
Fair and Welcoming City Resolution
Resolution No. 46 would prohibit using city personnel and resources for civil immigration enforcement and reaffirm Newburgh as a fair and welcoming city. It directly affects how local government interacts with immigrant residents.
Intimate Partner Violence Reduction Grant (STRIVE II)
The city would apply for up to $120,000 in state funding for a program targeting intimate partner violence from April 2026 through March 2027.
Firefighter Transfer Request (C. Diaz)
A firefighter who left Newburgh for Arlington during layoffs is returning to the department, restoring staffing by one.
Police Community Relations and Review Board appointment
Hope Conley was proposed for an at-large seat on the board that reviews police-community relations matters.
Animal Shelter (Dog Pound) Improvements Grant
A state grant of up to $500,000 with a 10% local match was scheduled for consideration for improvements to the City of Newburgh Animal Shelter.
FOIL request – PSOA
A Freedom of Information Law request involving the PSOA was on the agenda. How the commission handles records requests matters for government transparency.
Deputy Fire Chief job description amendment
The city is raising the bar for who can serve as Deputy Fire Chief — two years as an assistant fire chief instead of one, plus a valid driver's license throughout tenure. This shapes the future leadership pipeline for the fire department.