Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Newburgh public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
12 issues in public safety with medium priority
Fire Department Security Upgrades
Fire Headquarters' front-door camera and intercom is dead and Engine 3 has had repeated vehicle break-ins. The council approved $6,826.98 to fix both.
Lutheran Street Fire Flow Analysis
A $7,500 Arcadis study would check whether water pipes on Lutheran Street can deliver enough flow for firefighting.
Upcoming Civil Service Examinations
Exams for clerk, custodian, and account clerk positions run from August through November, plus police officer agility testing on August 8. These are the entry points for anyone seeking city employment.
Security cameras at the Recreation Department
The council approved four cameras at the rec department over objections that they invade privacy for staff and families registering for programs, and possibly violate labor laws. Corporation Counsel said the cameras are covered by the union contract and don't violate the Taylor Law or privacy rights.
Bulletproof vest grant
A small federal grant covering half the cost of about five police vests, with the city matching from Police funds.
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.
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
A busy exam season is ahead: three exams on April 18 (school office manager and labor supervisor roles), police officer exams May 9, police sergeant June 13, and fire captain June 26. These tests fill city and school district jobs from clerical to public safety.
Firefighter Training and Grant
The fire department seeks a $50,000 grant to replace 20-year-old extrication tools no longer supported by their manufacturer, plus a state agreement to send six new firefighters to the academy. The mayor also floated a CTE-to-fire-service career pipeline with the school district.
Human Rights Commission appointments
Four of seven seats are open, including one member up for reappointment. Without a full board, the commission can't fully hear complaints or run its human rights hero program.
Street camera system condition
Only 22 of 38 street cameras work; 16 are mostly irreparable. IT proposed budgeting replacements in September and an interim cellular connectivity fix, and members asked about a dormant DCJS grant for 30 new cameras.
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.