Council reviews personnel appointments, a recreation license renewal and a street‑improvement grant application

The council covered several operational items during the workshop: a proposed police hire, a possible acting building inspector appointment, a license renewal with Cornell Cooperative, and a federal/state grant application for Beekman Street improvements.

Police hiring: City staff introduced Anthony James Lombardo, a 24‑year‑old candidate currently with the NYPD and raised for hire as a police officer for the Beacon Police Department. Staff reported Lombardo passed the city's background checks and screening (finance, social media, criminal records, employment history) and that because he has prior police academy training he would be eligible for a conversion course rather than the full academy. Staff said field training would begin immediately upon hire and that the conversion course must be completed within one year. The council was told Lombardo is expected to start next week; the transcript records no formal hire vote in the workshop and staff said the candidate will appear before the council at next week’s meeting for procedural processing.

Acting building inspector: The council discussed the departure of Bruce Flower, the city’s building inspector, who accepted a building inspector position in Poughkeepsie. City staff proposed that deputy building inspector Corey Worthman serve as acting building inspector while civil service and compensation issues are worked out. Staff told the council Worthman is fully qualified and could perform the building inspector duties; the city will confirm civil service steps and any pay implications and return with specifics. The council asked that any exit interview notes from Bruce Flower be shared if they bear relevance to hiring the permanent replacement.

License renewal with Cornell Cooperative: Staff presented a one‑year license (retroactive to Jan. 1 through Dec. 31) with Cornell Cooperative for use of space tied to a Green Teens program operated at the recreation center. The agreement calls for $350/month (presented as payable as a lump sum of $3,000—staff noted terms reflect prior agreements), required insurance, and an administrator clause allowing the city to terminate if needed for public use. Staff said the use is unchanged and added modest insurance updates for best practices. The council did not record a formal vote in the transcript on the license; the item was discussed and staff indicated it would be processed per administrative practice.

Beekman Street TIP grant: Staff said the city applied for $3 million through the state Transportation Improvement Program for a $3.8 million Beekman Street Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvements project (sidewalks on both sides, bike lanes, resurfacing and drainage). The application covers the section from near the train station to Main Street (about slightly over half a mile). Staff reported strong support letters from local groups and legislators; award decisions are expected in summer and, if awarded, design would precede multi‑year construction.

Procedure/motions: Early in the workshop the council moved items 5, 6 and 7 to later on the agenda; councilor Molly made the motion and Amber seconded it and the council voted to approve that procedural motion. The workshop concluded with a motion to adjourn.