Council votes down ordinance to remove mandatory off-duty officers for park alcohol permits

The Amsterdam Common Council voted against a proposed amendment to section 167-4(g) of the city code—labeled in the meeting as "Ordinance 5 of 2026"—that would have eliminated the requirement that special-permit holders contracting to serve alcoholic beverages in parks hire off-duty city police or maintain a roped-off area.

At the roll call after the public hearing and debate, the clerk recorded votes of No from Alderman Carpenter, Alderman Marticello, Alderman Quistamars and Alderman Holiday and a single Yes from Alderman Collins, for a recorded tally of four No and one Yes. The ordinance was read into the record by the clerk before the vote as an amendment to the Amsterdam city code addressing contracts and security requirements for park events.

The vote followed a lengthy public comment period and council discussion about public-safety responsibilities, contract terms with the Amsterdam Mohawks and whether private security could substitute for uniformed police. Detective Mike Palmarino, vice president of the Amsterdam PBA, urged the council to retain a police requirement at Mohawks games, arguing officers respond to "medical incidents, traffic concerns, fights, intoxicated individuals, lost children" and other emergencies that can occur at mass gatherings.

Mayor-level remarks during debate framed the ordinance as offering the Mohawks a choice on security arrangements rather than an absolute removal of safety protections. Council members who voted No said they wanted to preserve consistent protections and the on-duty police option for parks across the city.