Council adopts fire safety law, new dispensary opens

Local Law No. 1 of 2025 was adopted at the January 27 Port Jervis Common Council meeting. The law revamps the fire safety inspection program by updating fees according to state regulations. Other fees, such as the annual inspection fees, have been eliminated for established businesses. The lost funds will be recouped through a change to the fees for new construction. Mayor Dominic Cicalese commended the code committee on the changes.

In other news from Common Council members, a cannabis dispensary, Heavenly Garden NY, will be located at 273-279 E. Main Street in Port Jervis. And Rick Buys Records will be purchasing vinyl records that are currently stored at Farnham House for $500.

Police Department appointments

During his Police Committee report First Ward Councilman Jason Vicchiariello mentioned that a civil service examination will be held in September for a police officer position. Lynette Davenport was approved as a part time dispatcher effective January 28. Hiring to fill other vacancies was also discussed by the committee.

Parking

Vicchiariello asked for help from Port Jervis residents regarding parking during snow storms. It is important that when overnight street parking is suspended, vehicles are kept elsewhere so that plowing can be done effectively. During the last snowstorm he said there were over 30 cars parked on the street, making plowing extremely difficult. Parking tickets have been issued, but if ticketing remains an ineffective deterrent, the next step taken will be a recommendation for towing the vehicles.

Other business

PJTV channel 23 is returning to the airwaves and will soon be found on YouTube. The process of converting VHS tapes to a digital format is underway. Anyone that is interested in learning this process, providing programming or simply curious about PJTV can contact 4th Ward Councilman Stanley Siegel at 845-248-1622.

The Friday hours of operation for the youth center have changed to 2 to 5:30 p.m.

The Department of Public Works is currently working on filling potholes within the city. To report a pothole, call 845 858-4001.

Fire and emergency management teams have begun training with an underwater drone.

The Community Development Agency will be receiving services from Drapkin Strategies, a company that provides technical and advisory assistance in areas such as strategic planning and community and economic development.

Veterans were warned to beware of claims scams targeting them. They were reminded to only discuss their VA benefits with the VA directly, or with an approved advisor.

Mickey Lane will be retiring this month after nearly 38 years with the department. Mayor Cicalese also called for a moment of silence in memory of Port Jervis residents Louis Latini and Barbara Hockenberry who passed away this month.