Barely four months since thousands were spent for the city council to attend an unnecessary conference in Puerto Rico, and the Newburgh City Council has approved once again another resolution spending thousands more taxpayer dollars on nonsense. Not surprisingly, no discussion or explanation was given to constituents during the council work session. This only proves that discussion was had behind closed doors in an effort to keep the public from learning all the ways their money was being squandered by the council, all in an effort to benefit themselves.

The council has voted on a contract with Mohonk Mountain House Resort and Spa for what was announced at the work session as a “governance conference.” However, the resolution also mentions a “team building workshop.” MMH lists possible team building activities on their website. Activities include: Tricycle Polo $1,200, Table Top Escape Room $700, 9 Hole Cornhole $500, just to name a few, all available at an additional cost. Due to this council’s lack of transparency, we are unaware of the total cost of this contract, however, what we know for certain is the cost for the rooms is $18,060 and meals for the duration of the stay is $19,108.80. Keep in mind that the duration of their stay is ONLY TWO DAYS! Additionally, in the contract with MMH, the city is required to purchase and provide event insurance of no less than $1,000,000. The city is also contractually obligated to purchase auto liability and workers comp. All insurance policies purchased by the city must name MMH as an additional insured.

This is something conjured up by the city council and the city manager and is not sanctioned by the State of New York, which provides resources and webinars on team building and governance FREE OF CHARGE!

In a city where we have a steady decline in the quality of life, a lack of adequate staffing in our Police and Fire Departments, some roads that look like grenades went off on them, many people homeless or drug addicted, you have to ask yourself why the council would make this disgraceful decision. Perhaps the council would be bettered served, as would the people of this city, if the council stayed home and studied the City Charter, City Codes, Ethics Rules, and Robert’s Rules which they continue to violate.

While many people in our city struggle to pay taxes, rent, mortgage, and to feed their families, how can this council justify the unnecessary expense for a TWO-DAY retreat that will ultimately exceed what the average city resident earns in a year? We need a council that is just as concerned with the needs of their constituents as they are with serving themselves.