Council appoints new members after accepting resignations

Port Jervis Mayor Dominic Cicalese announced several appointments at the January 13 Common Council meeting. Joe Ennis was appointed to the zoning board to fill the opening created by the resignation of Dominick Santini, Robin Hendershot was appointed as planning/ zoning secretary, and 18 fire policemen were appointed. Cicalese also accepted the resignation of Human Resources Director Michael Washington and gave the details for the mayor’s State of the City address as being held January 30 at 6 p.m. in Council chambers. The retirement of Kevin DeGroat after 30 years of service to the Department of Public Works was also announced.

Funding streams

Ward 1 Councilman Jason Vicchiariello read motions to have Police Chief William Worden or Mayor Cicalese accept funds from Orange County for participation in the Stop DWI program for the year. According to the website, stopdwi.org, part of the mission of the Stop DWI program is to “promote DWI prevention as a public priority.”

Councilman Stanley Siegel announced good news for veterans. Funds from the GI Bill can now be used for the pursuit of professional certifications and licenses. Up to $2,000 of GI Bill funds can be spent to pay for related fees and tests.

Youth Center

There are staffing changes ahead for the Port Jervis Youth Center. Councilman Colin O’Connell announced the resignation of senior youth center leader Jill Mason. She has been with the center since 1998. Her replacement will be Janessa Jenkins. Stephanie DeJesus, who is currently a substitute leader at the youth center, will be taking on a permanent position. The new appointments will be made effective January 20.

Upcoming events

Several events throughout the year were announced by members of the common council. Christmas trees will be picked up on the remaining Mondays in January. Registration has begun for the Delaware River 5K Run on May 4. The Jim Faggione Jr. Midnight Madness Endurance Relay is slated for May 31. The 7th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is scheduled for March 2, with Frank Fuller Jr. being named Grand Marshall. The Neversink Engine Co.’s Super Bowl Square fundraiser has already begun. Neversink will be having two spaghetti dinners on March 8 and November 8. The Tri-State Hose Co. #6 is planning a Super Bowl party for February 9 and a golf outing at High Point Country Club on June 20.

Emergency housing shortage

Jack Austin, the administrative director of the Port Jervis Warming Station made an impassioned plea for the city’s help at the Common Council meeting. Assistance is needed in battling the growing crisis with the local homeless population. The Warming Station, being an overnight winter emergency shelter, is unable to aid its patrons during the day. With nowhere to go, the homeless have turned to public places such as the library for warmth and their presence has become an issue with police and local businesses alike. Beyond staying warm, there is a need for daytime meals and services, which goes unaddressed. Austin asked that the City of Port Jervis take the lead in creating a daytime homeless shelter with possible assistance from Orange County. The Farnum House and Port Jervis Recreation Center were suggested as possible locations.