Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Town of Fishkill public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
11 issues in public safety
Police staffing and possible shift to full-time officers
The supervisor floated banking tax money to hire full-time patrol officers by 2028-29, citing chronic part-time staffing struggles; council members objected that no plan exists and demanded a public hearing and department review before any commitment.
Home Rule Request for Police Chief Retirement Law
Chief Christopher Strattner resigned after one year, during which he delivered the department's first full rules-and-regulations manual since 1972, body cameras, and updated equipment. Jason Murtaug was named officer in charge; some members wanted his background made public.
Regulation of Trailer and Boat Parking on Town Highways
The board discussed a new local law regulating the storage of boats and trailers on town roads, adding a 48-hour notice and towing provision.
Local Law Regulating Noise Control
The town is updating its noise code to include enforceable decibel limits using sound meters. Residents are urging the board to carefully consider decibel thresholds to protect residential neighborhoods from excessive commercial and industrial noise.
Demolition and Remediation of Unsafe Property at 89 Lyndon Road
The town is reviewing an unsafe building case at 89 Lyndon Road following a fire. The property owner has been given two weeks to secure rebuilding quotes or explore selling the property as-is before demolition proceeds.
E-Bike and Motorized Scooter Safety Concerns
Residents expressed strong safety concerns regarding reckless e-bike and moped riding on sidewalks and local roads. The police department and town board are drafting a local law modeled after other jurisdictions to regulate underage riders and vehicle impoundments.
Brinckerhoff Elementary School Police Coverage IMA
The town and the Wappingers Central School District agreed in principle on an inter-municipal agreement to place a part-time police officer at Brinckerhoff Elementary School, funded fully by the school district.
Town Ambulance Service Coverage and District Consolidation
Following steep cost increases and funding threats from the Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corporation, the town is reviewing long-term service options with Empress Ambulance to ensure uninterrupted emergency medical response.
Hotel Fire Safety and Alarm Monitoring Regulations
The supervisor raised concerns that local hotels lack on-site night desk personnel or direct 911 alarm monitoring, leading to delayed fire responses during false alarms, and proposed mandating safety measures.
Blighted Property Maintenance on Van Wyke Lake Road
A resident voiced frustration over an abandoned, burned-out property on Van Wyke Lake Road accumulating junk vehicles, a semi-trailer, and illegal dumping. The board discussed reissuing RFPs or utilizing the highway department to clean up the property and place a lien on it.
Employee Recording Prohibition Policy
The town updated its employee handbook to ban staff from secretly recording each other without consent, aiming to protect workplace privacy and handle internal HR matters professionally.