Network upgrades associated with improving Information Technology infrastructure and investments in the forthcoming aquatic center were the focus of the city of Newburgh’s budget work session held on September 26.

During the session, the city council heard from city IT director Camile Mohammed, who shared the progress his department has made since he assumed his role in July 2023. Mohammed highlighted the work his team has done to upgrade the city’s IT infrastructure, including the transitioning of all data into the cloud and replacing equipment. When asked about the costs associated with network upgrades, the IT Director explained that the city saved about $1.5 million by moving to the cloud.

Mohammed noted that much of the work needed to be performed to upgrade and repair the city’s IT infrastructure must occur outside of standard business hours and requested an increase to his department’s overtime budget. In other personnel-related matters, the IT Director noted that the department currently has five staff members, including himself and an account clerk, which are both full-time positions, and three contracted workers he is hoping to convert to full-time staff. City Manager Todd Venning clarified that, while those new full-time positions will likely be filled by the current contractors, the city would still need to go through the process of notifying the public of those vacancies and considering potential candidates.

Mohammed addressed the city’s cyber security breach, which occurred in June, sharing that he was surprised an attack didn’t happen sooner and confirmed his departments efforts to ensure the network was secure. Regarding the city’s anti-virus and other protective programs Mohammed said, “The public can be rest assured we have the latest and greatest now. And we are doing a good job protecting to the environment.”

Other security measures include the implementation of a new system which will prevent a city employee from entering their email from outside of normal service areas without prior approval. If approved, the employee will go through a VPN system, which is replacing the old remote access system.

The IT budget also reflected an increase associated with the upgrading of the city’s phone system to one that allows the phone lines to operate on both the standard telephone system as well as on a cellular signal. Mohammed explained that this new system enables calls to be forwarded to email and has other features designed to improve communications.

Recreation Director Matthew Nordt, who is serving in his third year in this role, addressed his department’s preparation for the planned 2025 opening of the new aquatic center at Delano-Hitch Recreation Park. This includes the need for a pool director, water safety instructors to provide swim lessons, lifeguards and custodial staff. Venning noted that security would be provided by an outside agency. Nordt also requested over-time budget to enable the pool to operate later in the day during heat waves and to be opened earlier for groups who may want to rent the pool in the morning before it opens to the public.

Nordt’s budget requests also included the purchase of lifeguard chairs, carts for transporting supplies, swim lesson supplies and other equipment needed to ensure the pool can operate safely and effectively. In addition, the Recreation Director requested funding for pool staff education, including certifying members in lifeguard instruction so that they may provide lifeguard certification at the Newburgh pool. Nordt also shared that his department is making every effort to expand the swim program into the off season.

In addition to addressing the needs of the new aquatic center, Nordt spoke about the growth of the Newburgh’s recreational offerings and the importance of having a functioning staff available to meet the needs of the community. Nordt is requesting a full-time supervisor for the labor department who can oversee the work and work one-on-one with the staff. In addition, the Recreation Department is asking for more seasonal laborers with the goal of always having at least one full-time and one seasonal worker on staff. Like the IT department, Nordt claimed that much of his staff’s work must happen outside of normal business hours and requested an increase to the department’s overtime budget.

Among other personnel requests, were for an individual Camp Director who was not already working within the Recreational Department. Nordt explained that having a dedicated person in this role, which would be supported by an Assistant Camp Director, would enable them to focus on the needs of the camp.

The Newburgh City Council shared their gratitude toward the Recreation Department and thanked Nordt for his efforts in improving the parks and bringing a pool back to Newburgh. Council Member Patty Sofokles reminisced about how her mother used to bring kids back to her home to use their pool and shared how she was excited to have the city pool back again.

One source of contention raised during the work session was over Venning’s proposed increase in the yearly salary for elected officials. Venning noted that the mayor currently earns $15,000, while each council member earns $12,000. Based on research of surrounding municipalities, Venning claimed that while these salaries are in range of theirs, there is room to grow. As such, the city manager proposed increasing the mayor’s salary to $25,000 for 2025, increasing the at-large council members to $22,500 and the ward representatives to $20,000.

Council Member Robert Sklarz commented that this was the first time he was made aware of this proposed increase and shared that he felt uncomfortable accepting the salary change given other budget restrictions and having to turn down requests from department heads. Council Member Ramona Monteverde, by contrast, shared that she had mixed feeling regarding the stipend, noted the increased responsibility of council members and asked for more time to consider Venning’s proposal.

Mayor Harvey was firmer in his support of the salary changes, and even commented that his typist now makes more than he does. He commented that he is the lowest paid mayor in the state of New York and shared his support for the stipend increases for the entire city council.

Venning explain that the process of approving the stipends could either involve a public hearing and then a council vote on the decision or be included on the ballot, if the public calls for a permissive referendum.

Venning also reviewed the budget for Historian Mary McTamaney, who was not present. The budget includes a salary of $7000 to reflect the hours she works. In addition there is an eight percent increase in the budget related to employee benefits.