Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Newburgh public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
7 issues in water utilities with medium priority
Aging water valves and main break risk
The council approved a series of expensive but largely invisible sewer, dam and water contracts, crediting advocacy and staff for recent funding and an engineering award.
Rising sludge disposal costs
Getting rid of wastewater sludge now costs $1.5 million a year and could nearly double if New York bans land application of sludge. A newly awarded state biosolids study grant is the first step toward cutting costs and odors.
Water Department bilingual service and technology
A new bilingual account clerk position was added after two longtime retirements, plus new meters and a planned app to track household water use.
Modernized utility bill payment
A resident asked the city to modernize water/sewer/sanitation bill payment — credit card surcharges are steep and online options are lacking. Councilmember Stewart asked staff to explain and possibly reduce the surcharges.
NYS EFC SECURE Cybersecurity Grant
The council was to consider applying for a $50,000 state grant to strengthen cybersecurity for city utilities — with no city match required.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Administration Building Rehabilitation
Three change orders approved to keep the plant's administration building rehabilitation moving.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Data Software
A $22,546 contract buys software to track the EPA-mandated industrial pretreatment program — regulating polluters like metal finishers before their waste hits the treatment plant. Councilmembers also asked about plant odors, which staff said have no funded fix yet.