Council Approves Residency Waiver for Peekskill Police Chief
The Peekskill Common Council last week unanimously waived a requirement for Peekskill Police Chief Eric Johansen to live in the city.
The council cited the fact that Johansen, who was appointed in February 2013 to replace longtime chief Eugene Tumolo, resides only one mile outside Peekskill in the Town of Cortlandt as one reason for approving his request to not have to relocate.
Based on a change made to the City Charter in December 2012, Johansen had more than a year to relocate to Peekskill, but Johansen said moving would present a hardship for his family. In particular, Johansen said switching municipalities would force his 13-year-old son to change school districts.
Mayor Frank Catalina pointed out that Tumolo lived in Putnam County when he was the city’s top cop and was always able to stay in contact with the department. He also noted Johansen can hear the Peekskill police radio at his home.
Meanwhile, Catalina urged the council to repeal the residency requirement in the charter, saying “I think it’s unconstitutional.”
“I think we should wipe it out completely,” he said.
Still to be determined by the council is a residency issue with City Manager Anthony Ruggiero, who lives in Fishkill. Ruggiero was also appointed last year but was given more time to relocate to Peekskill than Johansen in his contract.
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