Minutes
Beacon
City Council Meeting
May
6, 2002
Call to Order
Immediately following the
Traffic Safety Committee public hearings, the regular meeting of the Beacon
City Council at the Municipal Center, One Municipal Plaza, was called to order
at 7:50 p.m. by Clara Lou Gould, Mayor, with the Pledge of Allegiance to the
Flag.
Council Members present: Deanna Leake, Eleanor Thompson, Samuel
L. Way,
Lee Kyriacou [arrived
7:51 p.m.], Frederick N. Antalek, Steven K. Gold.
Also present: City Administrator
Joseph Braun
City Attorney Gerard
J. Pisanelli
Approximately 30 residents
were present at the beginning of the meeting.
The media was not represented.
Public Hearings:
1. Proposed Local Law Creating Section 211-4.1
of the Beacon City Code entitled, “Prohibition of Wheeled Vehicles on Main
Street.” This hearing was adjourned from
April 15, 2002 to give more opportunity for people to comment. The notice of public hearing was read:
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
that the City Council of the City of Beacon will hold public hearings on
Monday, April 15, 2002 at the City of Beacon Municipal Center, One Municipal
Plaza, Beacon, New York at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter is
reached on the agenda, to consider a Proposed Local Law which would prohibit
the operation of all wheeled vehicles other than motor vehicles and wheel
chairs on Main Street, including all sidewalks, from Route 9D to the “dummy”
light (at the intersection of Main Street and East Main Street) from 9:00 a.m.
to 5:00 p.m. each and every day of the year.
The local law would
take effect immediately upon its filing with the Secretary of State. Complete copies of the proposed local law are
available at the Municipal Center for inspection during regular business hours.
All interested persons
and citizens shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the
date, time and place aforesaid.
Ted Van Vlack, 14 Pocket
Road, asked if this would exclude baby carriages. The City Attorney said baby carriages could
be added as exceptions.
Dennis Pavelock, 34 Judson
Street, asked if we have gone to other communities to find out what they are
doing regarding this matter. The City
Attorney said we have checked with some communities. The Mayor added that they asked at South
Avenue School for comments on the proposed law and they thought it was an
excellent idea. Mr. Pavelock agreed one
can be hit by a bike or scooter on Main Street but cautioned the Council to
take a second look before adding restrictions to the law.
Robin Keller, 46 Falconer
Street, observed that bicycles are not supposed to be ridden on sidewalks. In her opinion, recreational use of scooters
and in-line skates for waxing and grinding and other stunts should be
restricted to the skate park. She viewed
the law as a problem when it restricts the use of such vehicles as modes of
transportation. She gave as an example
the City of Philadelphia where her son attends the university and uses in-line
skates or a scooter to get around the city.
In Philadelphia, these are allowed on the streets for transportation but
not recreation. She is certain if this
were policed in Beacon instead of banned, the City would be more
successful. She has seen groups of children
on bicycles with no helmets.
Council Member Gold
reflected that banning wheeled vehicles from Main Street would not allow them
to cross Main Street on the cross streets and thought it necessary to find a
way to allow this.
Susan MacDonald, 1224 North
Avenue, thought bicycles should be allowed on the streets. The Mayor assured her that bicycles are
allowed as long as they obey the New York State laws.
Donald Gallo, 28 South
Walnut Street, asked about wheel chairs on Main Street. The proposed law would allow wheel chairs.
Ted Van Vlack, asked if the
City has checked on the legality of the proposed law. The City Attorney said this would not be
changing any law as bicycles are allowed to share the road with motor vehicles.
Council Member Kyriacou
asked if there was a law requiring children under 12 to ride their bicycles on
the sidewalks.
Walter Castle, 17 North
Street, opined that “hot rod” vehicles such as scooters and skateboards should
be controlled. However, he thinks
shopping carts to transport food, private
carts, a whole range of wheeled vehicles were suitable to sidewalk use. He cautioned the proposed law could create
enforcement problems and visualized a little old lady with a shopping cart
being approached by the police. He thinks
the proposed law is prejudicial and has too much power. He pointed out there is a helmet law that is
not being enforced. He sees a problem
with gangs of bicycle riders riding abreast.
The City Attorney pointed out shopping carts are not supposed to be
removed from a store’s parking lot but thought some good suggestions were coming
out of this hearing. Mr. Castle said the
shopping carts are part of stores’ system of doing business and provide for
picking up carts.
Dennis Pavelock asked about
wording signs to include bicycle restrictions.
The City Attorney said riders should know they can not ride on the
sidewalks.
There being no more
comments from the public, Council Member Leake made a motion to adjourn the
hearing to May 20, 2002.
Second: Council Member
Thompson. All voted in favor. Motion carried unanimously.
2. Special Use Permit Application: Astor Home for Children - relocate Astor Head
Start Program from Catherine Street to 35 Willow Street. The notice of public hearing was read:
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
that the City Council of the City of Beacon will hold a public hearing on
Monday, May 6, 2002 at the City of Beacon Municipal Center, One Municipal
Plaza, Beacon, New York at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter is
reached on the agenda, to consider a Special Use Permit application submitted
by Astor Home for Children for the relocation of the Astor Head Start Program
from Catherine Street to 35 Willow Street at the former St. John’s School. A variance to permit 17 on-site parking
spaces (30 required under new parking standards) was granted on March 19, 2002. The Planning Board voted to recommend that
the City Council issue the Special Use Permit subject to the applicant
returning to the Planning Board for final site plan approval.
All interested persons
and citizens shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the
date, time and place aforesaid.
Jon Adams, Esq. of Corbally Gartland and Rappleyea LLP and an
engineer from Chazen Associates representing the applicant showed a footprint
of the planned relocation site. Mr.
Adams said there would be no major changes since the applicant would be using
an existing building, the playground would be in open areas, and there is
on-site parking. As indicated in the
notice read, the Zoning Board of Appeals has approved the parking variance and
the Planning Board has approved with limited site plan issues. The program services 68 children and that
would be the same although the number may increase on demand. In any case, the building will accommodate
the program.
Dennis Pavelock asked where
the playground would be. It will be
relocated from the front of the site
more to the interior.
Peter Badami, 42 Verplanck
Avenue, noted that parking on Verplanck Avenue is limited and more is needed.
Robert Cahill, Hammond
Plaza, asked how many parking spaces were at the Catherine Street site. The answer was about 12. He asked how many spaces were at the Willow
Street site. The answer was 17.
Jon Adams said the staff
would have left the site by 2:30 p.m.
The Church property takes up the whole block. A computation was done of the capacity on the
Church’s side of the street. Children
arrive in four busses. Parking on site
will accommodate two thirds of the staff.
Some will park on the street but this is common place. There is more than enough room for parking.
Council Member Antalek
asked what the hours of operation are.
The program runs from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. following the public school
calendar. They also have a summer pre-school
enrichment program which is open to three- and four-year olds eligible within
income guidelines. This program includes
18 children and 3 staff members and services the parents. There is a home service for toddlers and
infants as well. In answer to a question
from Council Member Kyriacou, the Astor programs are administered without
regard to race, creed or national origin.
The programs serve a most diverse people. The use of busses should not be an issue
since there is room for busses to turn around.
The program at the Chestnut
Street facility will be given up.
In answer to a question
from Council Member Thompson, families need to meet certain guidelines but they
can accept up to 10% outside the guidelines.
They reserve the 10% for preschoolers with disabilities or special
needs.
There were no more comments
or questions forthcoming from the public.
Motion to close this hearing:
Council Member Way. Second: Council Member Thompson. All voted in favor. Motion carried unanimously. This public hearing is closed.
Regular Meeting:
Community Segment: Honoring
Former Mayor Robert Cahill on receiving the Purple Heart.
Mayor Gould called Robert
Cahill forward and read the following proclamation:
May is the month when we give special remembrance to the Veterans
who served our country throughout the years.
May is the month when we remember that it was the effort and
commitment of those Veterans that preserved the freedom we enjoy in this great
country.
Our country was founded on the determination of people to be free.
Our country is sustained by the determination of people to be
free, and to work for what is right.
Determination to work for what is right is a defining
characteristic of Americans.
That determination undoubtedly sustained Robert L. Cahill during
his 10 months as a POW.
That determination undoubtedly sustained him during his 58 years
of seeking the medal he knew was his right,
the Purple Heart, the oldest decoration in the history of our country.
Robert L. Cahill, we are honored to recognize you this evening, as our former
Mayor, for your service to our country, for enduring those difficult months as
a POW, and for the achievement of finally
receiving the award you earned all those years ago, the Purple Heart.
Robert L. Cahill, we are very proud of you.
There was enthusiastic
applause by all.
Mr. Cahill thanked the
Mayor and the Council. Recalling the 10
months he spent as a POW, he thought compared to the determination required to endure
that experience, the determination required over 58 years to receive the medal
was nothing. He accepted the
proclamation on behalf of all armed forces who are recipients of the Purple
Heart.
Approval of Minutes
The Mayor requested a
motion to approve the minutes of the regular Council Meetings held on April 1,
2002 and April 15, 2002. Motion to
approve the minutes: Council Member Way.
Second: Council Member
Leake. All voted in favor. Motion carried.
Public Comments
George Atkinson, 4 Locust Place,
protested against the traffic conditions at the intersection of Main and East
Main Streets. There is a single lane on
East Main turning onto Main Street, a fact which the driver of a pickup truck
recently ignored and passed him on the right as he was preparing to turn
right. He was able to take down the
license of the truck and reported it to the police. He recommended a full working traffic light
be put in place at the intersection. He
asked if a driver has to keep to the right of the stanchion [“dummy
light”]. He has seen cars racing on Main
Street and passing the stanchion on the left.
He also said no provision is made for exiting North Street safely. Also school busses stop there. He recommended the whole intersection be
studied. Mayor Gould said the Traffic
and Safety Committee can study it.
Susan MacDonald, 1224 North
Avenue, made an announcement about two $500
scholarships offered by the Mid Hudson Graphic Arts Association to
deserving students. The deadline for applications is Friday, May 10th. For information, call Barry Smith, 471-1380,
Ext. 109.
Donald Gallo, 28 South
Walnut Street, said he knows the Council cares about Beacon. However, there is a perception in the county
that the sale of the old Tompkins Hose firehouse forced out the Community
Action Agency. For the record, when the
Council voted to proceed with the sale they had expressed concern for the
agency. At the time, the agency had
located a new site which they preferred.
Mr. Gallo said it is important this fact be made known. Regarding the issue of cluster development,
he handed out a fact sheet to the Council published by the Ohio State
University. He pointed out that
clustering [grouping of homes] is most successful in rural areas to maintain
open farm land but is not successful in urban settings. In the proposed Rosenethe development, he
suggested making lots of various sizes to accommodate upscale and medium
housing. He thought it important to make
sure people born here have housing. He
thought where there are vistas, houses should be placed on large sized lots and
be set back. He asked the Council to
think about Rosenethe. He said density
is increasing in Beacon with houses on postage sized lots. Older homes especially have little
sideyard. He suggested increasing
sideyards to get houses on lots and preserve spacing.
Dennis Pavelock presented a
potted evergreen tree to the City which he dedicated to Jupiter Yambam, a man
lost [in the World Trade Center] on September 11th. He said, “They took lives and they took
buildings but they can not take our love for America and for one another.”
Reports: The texts of the following reports are at the
end of these minutes.
Communications: Mayor Gould read the report of important correspondence.
City
Administrator: City Administrator Braun read his report.
City Attorney: The City
Attorney read his report
Mayor: Mayor Gould
read her report of activities since our last meeting.
Reports from the
Council.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Resolutions:
1. Resolution No. 78 of 2001: Special Use Permit - Astor Home for Children
Relocation to 35 Willow Street. The following resolution was read:
WHEREAS, ASTOR HOME
FOR CHILDREN, Catherine Street, has applied for a Special Use Permit from the
City Council requesting approval for the relocation of the Astor Head Start
Program for Preschool Children to 35 Willow Street; and
WHEREAS, the Planning
board has recommended the City Council issue said permit subject to final site
plan approval by the Planning Board; and
WHEREAS, the City
Council has reviewed the applicable provisions of Section 223-18 of the Beacon
Zoning Ordinance, and found that:
1. The location and
size of the use, nature and intensity of the operations involved in such use,
the of the site in relation to it, and the location of the site with respect to
streets giving access to it, are such that it would be in harmony with the
appropriate and orderly development of the district in which it is located; and
2. The location,
nature and height of the buildings, walls and fences, together with the nature
and extent: of the landscaping of the site are such that the use will not
hinder or discourage the appropriate development and use of adjacent land and
buildings; and
3. The operations in
connection with the proposed relocation of the Astor Head Start Program for
Preschool Children to 35 Willow Street are not more objectionable to nearby
properties by reason of noise, fumes, vibration or other characteristics, than
would be the operation of any permitted use not requiring a special permit, and
4. Parking areas are
of adequate size for the particular use, are properly located and the driveways
are laid out to achieve maximum safety, and
WHEREAS, the City
Council has determined that the application submitted by Astor Home for
Children for a Special Use Permit is an action subject to the provisions of the
State Environment Quality Review Act (SEQRA), and
WHEREAS, the City
Council has the broadest powers to investigate the impact of the authorization
for the proposed relocation of the Astor Head Start Program for Preschool
Children, and since the Council has the capability to provide a thorough
Environmental Assessment of the proposed action, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the
City Council hereby declares itself lead agency under SEQRA relative to the
application by Astor Home for Children for a Special Use Permit, and be it
further
RESOLVED that the City
Council as lead agency under SEQRA, has reviewed the submitted Environmental
Assessment Form and has determined that the proposed action is an unlisted
action, and that the proposal will not have a significant effect on the
environment, and a Draft Environmental Impact Statement need not be prepared,
and be it further
RESOLVED, that Special
Use Permit be hereby issued to Astor Home for Children subject to final site
plan approval of the Planning Board in accordance with the conditions set forth
above pursuant to Section 223-18 of the City of Beacon Zoning Ordinance.
Motion to adopt: Council Member Way. Second:
Council Member Antalek. Council
Member Kyriacou said he was disappointed to see the program go from Catherine
Street. Council Member Gold said he was
pleased with the work Astor does. All
voted in favor. Motion carried
unanimously.
Local Laws and
Ordinances:
1. Table proposed local law creating
Section 211-4.1 of the Beacon City Code entitled, “Prohibition of Wheeled
Vehicles on Main Street” to May 20, 2002.
Motion to table: Council Member Way. Second:
Council Member Thompson. All
voted in favor. Motion carried
unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS:
Resolutions:
1. Resolution No. 79 0f 2002: Authorize Memorandum of Understanding between Hudson River Valley
Greenway Communities Council and City of Beacon. The resolution
was read:
RESOLVED, that the Mayor is authorized to sign Memorandum of
Understanding between Hudson River Valley Greenway Communities and City of
Beacon which will provide assistance to
the City of Beacon in support of its comprehensive review of the zoning areas
focused on Mount Beacon and the shores of Fishkill Creek and the Hudson
River. The review will determine the
proper zoning to allow for development while protecting these environmentally
sensitive areas.
Motion to adopt: Council Member Thompson. Second:
Council Member Antalek. All voted
in favor. Motion carried unanimously.
2. Resolution No. 80 of 2002: Bid Award - North Cedar and Oak Streets
Reconstruction Project - Blacktop Maintenance. The resolution
was read.
RESOLVED, that the Mayor is
authorized to award the bid to the lowest responsible bidder for the
Reconstruction Project of North Cedar and Oak Street and be it further,
RESOLVED, that the Mayor be
hereby authorized to execute a contract with said lowest responsible bidder
Blacktop Maintenance for $456,772.00 for performance of said work.
Motion to adopt: Council Member Way. Second:
Council Member Thompson. On roll
call, all voted in favor. Motion carried
unanimously.
3. Resolution No. 81 of 2002: RESCIND Resolution No. 06 of 2002 which
Replaced and Adopted Royal Circle for Exeter Circle as the name of the street
in the Fifth Exeter subdivision located off of Howland Ave. and Name the Street
in the Fifth Exeter Subdivision off of Howland Avenue Exeter Circle. The resolution
was read.
RESOLVED, that the
Mayor and City Council
RESCIND
Resolution No. 06 of 2002 Replacing and Adopting Royal Circle for Exeter Circle
as the name of the street in the Fifth Exeter subdivision located off of
Howland
Ave. and
Further
be it RESOLVED that Exeter Circle be the name of the street in the Fifth Exeter
subdivision off of Howland Ave.
Motion to adopt: Council Member Gold. Second:
Council Member Leake. All voted
in favor. Motion carried unanimously.
4. Resolution No. 82 of 2002: Authorize Free Compost. The resolution
was read:
BE IT RESOLVED, that
the Mayor and City Council hereby authorize one cubic yard of compost per week
to be made available to each property owner in the City of Beacon to be picked
up at the transfer station. Each additional cubic yard each week will cost
$3.00 each.
Motion to adopt: Council Member Way. Second:
Council Member Leake. On roll
call, all voted in favor. Motion carried
unanimously.
5. Resolution No. 83 of 2002: Environmental Restoration Project - Brunetto
Cheese. The resolution was read.
RESOLVED,
that the Mayor is authorized to sign
Amendment No. 1 to the State Assistance Contract (SAC) for the Brunetto Cheese
Site (Contract #Q C301309), under the 1996 Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act.
Motion to adopt:
Council Member Thompson.
Second: Council Member
Leake. On roll call, all voted in
favor. Motion carried unanimously.
6. Resolution No. 84 of 2002: Royal Carting – Burnable Waste Agreement. The resolution
was read:
RESOLVED,
that the Mayor is authorized to sign
agreement with Royal Carting to employ as a contractor to collect, remove and
dispose of burnable and recyclable waste from tax parcels and municipal
buildings within the City of Beacon effective January 1, 2002 through December
31, 2002 with an extension for the year January 1, 2003 through December 31,
2003 and with options to renew for additional years.
Motion to adopt:
Council Member Thompson.
Second: Council Member Antalek. Council Member Kyriacou inquired about the
mixing of white paper and mixed paper at pickup. The contract includes separating the papers
by Royal Carting. This includes
newspapers and magazines but no envelopes.
Council Member Kyriacou thought the public should be informed of
this. On roll call, all voted in
favor. Motion carried unanimously. Council Member Gold said there are two sets of
regulations on the website and he would like a copy of the new regulations.
7. Resolution No. 85 of 2002: Council honors Mayor on receipt of
Meritorious Award from Exchange Club of Southern Dutchess - declares Clara Lou
Gould Day. The following resolution was read:
WHEREAS, the Exchange
Club of Southern Dutchess, a civic association that is dedicated to fighting
the problem of child abuse and neglect throughout Dutchess County, and
WHEREAS, the Exchange
Club recognizes one individual each year from the Southern Dutchess area to
receive its Meritorious Award, and
WHEREAS, the recipient
of this year’s award will be Mayor Clan Lou Gould in honor of her many years of
dedicated service to numerous volunteer boards and not-for-profit
organizations, including St. Francis Hospital, the Tioronda Garden Club, the
Greater Southern Dutchess Chamber of Commerce, Les Souers Amiable, the
Children’s Home, Scenic Hudson, the Beacon Business Association and the
Dutchess County Board of Health, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, the City
Council extends to Mayor Gould its hearty congratulations on being honored by
the Exchange Club and declares May 14th to be Clara Lou Gould Day in
recognition of her being presented with the 34th Annual Meritorious Award on
that day by the Exchange Club of Southern Dutchess.
Motion to adopt: Council Member Kyriacou. Second:
Council Member Leake. All voted
in favor. Motion carried unanimously.
Local Laws and
Ordinances:
1. Resolution No. 86 of 2002: Set public hearing for May 20, 2002 at 7:30
p.m. to consider a proposed local law amending Section 191-4.1. of the Beacon
City Code entitled “Registration of Dumpsters and Water Tankers.” First
Reading. The City Administrator
read the proposed local law.
Motion to adopt: Council Member Way. Second:
Council Member Thompson. All
voted in favor. Motion carried
unanimously.
2. Resolution No. 87 of
2002: Ratify Traffic Safety
Recommendations. This was inadvertently left off of the
agenda. As it is the practice of the
Council to act on Traffic Safety Committee (T&S) recommendations during the
meeting immediately following the T&S hearing, the Council decided to vote
on the following resolution adopting all 11 recommendations:
RESOLVED, that the City
Council hereby ratifies the following recommendations of the Traffic Safety
Committee to amend the Traffic Code:
1. “No Stopping” on both sides of Annan Street
from East Main Street to a point 30 feet south.
2. Remove “No Parking” on south side of Main
Street from Tioronda Avenue to Teller Avenue, except as it shall be reserved
solely for the use of city officials and the Police Department.
3. “No Stopping” on south side of Main Street
from Teller Avenue to Schenck Avenue.
4. “Stop” sign on Sargent Avenue traveling
southwest at the intersection of South Avenue.
5. “Stop” sign on Dennings Avenue traveling
south at the intersection of Hudson Avenue.
6. Remove Yield” sign on DePuyster Avenue
traveling north at the intersection of Washington Avenue.
7. “Stop” sign on DePuyster Avenue traveling
north at the intersection of Washington Avenue.
8. “No Stopping” on south side of Verplanck
Avenue from Fishkill Avenue to North Walnut Street
9. “No Stopping” on north side of Verplanck
Avenue from Main Street to North Avenue.
10. Remove the following parking restrictions for
Verplanck Avenue to be replaced by Item #8 and #9:
· “No Parking, Stopping or Standing” on north
side of Verplanck Avenue from Davis Street west to Schenck Avenue.
· “No Parking, Stopping or Standing” on north
side of Verplanck Avenue from Fishkill Avenue to Eliza Street.
· “No Parking, Stopping or Standing” on north
side of Verplanck Avenue from Fishkill Avenue to North Avenue.
· “No Parking, Stopping or Standing” on north
side of Verplanck Avenue from the east intersection of North Chestnut Street to
Cannon Street.
· “No Parking, Stopping or Standing” on north
side of Verplanck Avenue from North Elm Street to Cross Street.
· “No Parking, Stopping or Standing” on north
side of Verplanck Avenue from Schenck Avenue to Fishkill Avenue.
· “No Parking, Stopping or Standing” on south
side of Verplanck Avenue from Fishkill Avenue to a point 100 feet west.
11. “No Stopping Here to Corner” on both sides of
Talbot Avenue from North Avenue to a point 50 feet east.
Motion to adopt: Council Member Way. Second:
Council Member Gold. All voted in
favor. Motion carried unanimously.
Appointments:
1. Resolution No. 88 of 2002: Appointment of Joel Ingold, Police Officer -
City of Beacon Police Department. The resolution was read:
Resolved, that the Council Approve the Appointment to Joel
Ingold as City of Beacon Police Officer effective Monday, May 20, 2002.
Motion to adopt: Council Member Thompson. Second:
Council Member Antalek. All voted
in favor. Motion carried
unanimously. Joel Ingold was present and
was applauded as he shook hands with those at the Council table.
2. Resolution No. 89 of 2002: City of Beacon Police Department promotion of
Louis A. Lucato, Jr. , Police Officer to
Detective effective immediately. The resolution was read:
APPROVE promotion
of Police Officer Louis A. Lucato, Jr. to Detective effective immediately.
Motion to adopt: Council Member Antalek. Second:
Council Member Way. All voted in
favor. Motion carried unanimously.
3. Resolution No. 90 of 2002: Appointment of John Stella to Board of
Assessment Review. The resolution was read:
APPROVE appointment of John Stella to Board of
Assessment Review to fill an unexpired five year term of Member whom
resigned. Term to expire September 30,
2002.
Motion to adopt: Council Member Thompson. Second:
Council Member Leake. All voted
in favor. Motion carried unanimously.
4. Resolution No. 91 of 2002: Reappointment of Patrick Freeman to
Conservation Advisory Commission. The resolution was read:
APPROVE: Reappointment of Patrick Freeman to
Conservation Advisory Commission for a two year term expiring March 31,
2004. First appointed March, 1996,
current term expires March 31, 200
Motion to adopt: Council Member Gold. Second:
Council Member Way. All voted in
favor. Motion carried unanimously.
5. Resolution No. 92 of 2002: Reappointment of Jose Pico to Board of
Ethics. The resolution was read:
APPROVE: Reappointment of Jose Pico to Board of Ethics
for a five year term expiring March 31, 2007.
First appointed October 1, 1990, current term expires March 31, 2002.
Motion to adopt: Council Member Antalek. Second:
Council Member Leake. All voted
in favor. Motion carried unanimously.
6. Resolution No. 93 of 2002: Appointment of Shirley Maloney to the Human
Relations Commission. The resolution was read:
APPROVE appointment of Shirley Maloney to the Human
Relations Commission for a two year term.
Term to expire December 31, 2003.
Motion to adopt: Council Member Way. Second:
Council Member Thompson. All
voted in favor. Motion carried
unanimously.
7. Announcement: Christopher
Ericson is Chairman of the Conservation Advisory Commission (CAC).
Set Workshop Date: Monday, May 13,
2002, at 7:00 p.m. at the Municipal Center, One Municipal Plaza, in the Court
Room.
Next Council
Meeting: Monday, May 20, 2002 at 7:30 p.m. at the Municipal
Center, One Municipal Plaza, in the Court Room.
Budget Amendments:
City Administrator Braun presented
the budget amendments for Council action.
1. Amend the General Fund Budget for the Police
Dept. by a $3,891.00 grant to be received from the State of New York to
purchase Stop DWI Safety Equipment.
Revenue Code: A3120.R3315.03
Expense Code: A3120.X2500.05
Motion to approve: Council Member Way. Second:
Council Member Thompson. On roll
call, all voted in favor. Motion carried
unanimously.
2. Amend the General Fund Budget for the
Juvenile Division by a $500.00 donation received from the American Legion Post
203 for the D.A.R.E. Program.
Revenue Code: A6123.R2705.01
Expense Code: A6123.X4613.00
Motion to approve: Council Member Way. Second:
Council Member Antalek. On roll
call, all voted in favor. Motion carried
unanimously.
Review of Bills:
The list of disbursements
dated May 6, 2002, totaled $641,368.53 for 2002 expenses.
Public Comments:
Ted Van Vlack asked for
clarification of the compost offer. He
also asked why there was a charge of $50 to use the skate park. The fee is required to pay someone to oversee
the safety of the park users. He asked
why the tax map is not readily available like it had been in the old building and
now has to be brought out for someone to see.
There is no room for a table to put it on.
Gwen Crenshaw, 190 Main
Street, suggested volunteers run the skate park because the main ones who are a
menace on Main Street are the ones who can not afford the fee to the skate
park. She is glad to hear bicycles have
to be on the street. She complimented
the Community Action Agency who have been good neighbors, clean and quiet. They have been concerned about getting back
under one roof. Regarding the bad appearance
of the trash cans on Main Street, many without lids, she suggested the city
have uniform dumpsters for Main Street.
She also congratulated the Mayor on her award.
Fritz Ohlhoff, 24 Cross
Street, suggested a 6 foot rail be installed 3 inches off the ground outside
the skate park. Otherwise, skaters go to
the Memorial Building on Main Street and grind on the stair rail. Also, he suggested the need for a chain link
fence and trees along Matteawan Road.
Someone has driven through the divider between Matteawan and Cannon
Street to turned around, leaving tire tracks in the dirt. He also congratulated the Mayor on receiving
her award..
Mayor Gould has seen
someone on a bicycle doing “wheelies” while crossing traffic on Main Street.
Tom Baldino, 19 North
Street, extended an invitation to all to attend a pot luck supper with music on
Friday at the Sloop Club on the fifth anniversary of the passing of the
resolution prohibiting the transport of nuclear waste through Beacon. [Council
passed resolution in opposition to proposed federal bill on January 16,
1996.] People from the community in
Nevada where the nuclear waste would have gone will be visiting for the
weekend.
Executive session: None.
Adjournment:
Time: 9:50 p.m.
Motion to adjourn the meeting:
Council Member Antalek.
Second: Council Member Thompson. All voted in favor. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned.
The following reports
were submitted:
Mayor’s
Correspondence Report:
05/01/02: Roger Connor – Director of Government &
Public Affairs
Regarding: Rebates to MSG Network Subscribers
Cablevision Systems
Corporation has implemented a plan to issue rebates to MSG Network subscribers
on Cablevision’s system to compensate for the loss of Yankees games previously
included in their cable package.
In addition, there
will be some modest price adjustments to cablevision bills in which each
customer will be notified.
05/01/02: Theresa Rosencrans – Supervisor – DC Social
Services Department
Regarding: Foster Care
Ms. Rosencrans wrote
my office to get permission to display flyers regarding “Open your Heart and
Your Home Become a Foster Parent and Make a Difference”. These flyers are now available at City Hall.
04/15/02: William R. Steinhaus – Duchess County
Executive
Regarding: An Important Public Safety Message
Since the horrendous events
of September 11 and the subsequent malicious use of anthrax through the postal
system our world has changed dramatically.
All of us as Americans are concerned about our individual safety and
health. For many years Dutchess County
has had plans in anticipation of needing to respond to various emergencies with
a coordinated response. Officials have
been working continuously to enhance our local response capacity in the event
of terrorism or other significant nearby event that could affect our
community. Plans and resources are
available from many levels of government and organizations, but each one of us
can also play a role in our community’s preparedness.
Our Health Department, our
Emergency Response Department and the Dutchess County Chapter of the American
Red Cross are collaborating to assist you with this planning.
Available at City Hall are
three flyers: 1) Your Family Disaster Plan, 2) Preparing your Business for the
Unthinkable and 3) Terrorism – Preparing for the Unexpected.
04/17/02: G. Jeffey Haber, Executive Director –
Association of Towns
Regarding: Thank You.
Mr. Haber writes that
the 2002 Training School and Annual Meeting was a great success. Nearly 3,000 people attended and was truly
one of the largest educational undertakings for local government officials in
the country. He personally thanked me
for speaking at the Training School and my willingness to share my knowledge
and expertise added much to this program.
04/05/02: Robert W. Gibson – Vice President – JP Morgan
Regarding: Article in Empire State Report – February,
2002
Mr. Gibson
writes: It is great to see an upstate
community with the long history of your city, coming back strong. Mr. Gibson has forwarded to my office
JPMorgan Chase Economic commentary entitled ‘Stunning Surge”.
04/15/02: Richard M. Anderson – Dutchess County Clerk
Regarding: Naturalization Ceremony
Mr. Anderson writes to
thank me for attending the Naturalization Ceremony held on Friday, April 5,
2002 at the J.V. Forrestal Elementary School.
04/09/02: John A. Beale, Director – Dutchess Co. Office
for the Aging CASA
Regarding: Beacon Police Community Relations Department
Mr. Beale writes: I wanted to get back to you pertaining to the
Beacon Police Community Relations Department now delivering meals on Fridays in
Beacon. Sergeant Finn contacted us
wanting to know how their Community
Relations Department could become more involved on a personal level with the
Beacon seniors. Nadene Barrett at our
Beacon Friendship Center, 838-4871 is our site manager. This unit is assisting us as volunteers and
we certainly appreciate it.
04/15/02: Marc Moran – Regional Director – NYS DEC
Regarding: Southern Dutchess Sand and Gravel Mine in
Fishkill
Mr. Moran writes: Thank you for your letter of March 26th
regarding the proposed expansion of the Southern Dutchess Sand and Gravel Mine
in Fishkill.
This project is
currently under staff review, which includes consideration of all comments
received during the public comment period.
I have asked that your letter be included in this review. Also, I have asked that the City be included
in any future notifications regarding this proposal.
04/25/02: Lisa A. Morris, Chair, Sponsorship Committee
– Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union
Regarding: Thank You
Ms. Morris writes to
thank me for my help and support for being part of the 2002 American Heart Walk
Sponsorship Committee. You’ll be pleased
to know that we exceeded our goal of $60,000 by more than $1,000. The walk itself garnered a record setting
$252,000. I am so pleased we have been
able to get the word out of the importance of our cause. In order to capitalize on this success, we’re
already beginning to work on sponsorship dollars for next year’s event.
04/26/02: Mike Matthews – Regional Enforcement
Coordinator – NYS DEC
Regarding: Pollution Prevention Regional Meeting – June 5,
2002 – 6-8:30pm
The Commissioner has
announced a new initiative to strengthen State and local oversight of
automobile recyclers and to improve environmental compliance at the more than
1,000 automobile recycling facilities in the State. The NYS DEC will be holding workshops this
summer in nine regions of the state to provide information on regulatory
requirements affecting auto recyclers and pollution prevention measures that
can be taken to achieve compliance with those regulations. Our meeting on the evening of June 5, 2002 at
Beacon City Hall will be one those workshops.
04/25/02: Hudson River Valley Greenway
Regarding: ANNOUNCEMENT:
Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area
The Secretary of the
Interior, Gale A Norton, has advised Governor Pataki and the Greenway that the
Management Plan has been approved effective April 17, 2002.
04/29/02: John Rosenow – President – The National Arbor
Day Foundation
Regarding: Beacon – 2001 Tree City
Congratulations to
Beacon being named as a 2001 Tree City USA.
More than ever, today
we understand the importance of trees to our cities and towns. Trees help clean our air and water, moderate
heat and cold, and bring warmth and grace to our homes.
City
Administrator’s Report:
.
Verizon is doing a
major rebuild of its distribution system in the City. As a result, new poles
have been installed next to the old poles.
A number of residents have complained. In an attempt to expedite the
removal of the old poles, I contacted the Public Service Commission. In response, Verizon and Central Hudson
contacted me. A representative of
Central Hudson came to Beacon to personally review the situation. He agreed to contact his counterpart at
Verizon and schedule a meeting to discuss how this problem can be resolved.
A special Fire
Department committee appointed by the Fire Chief has been developing
specifications for replacements for Engine 1 and the ladder. The Chief would appreciate any input the
Council or public may have about the new equipment or any other long- term
changes to the Fire Department. So your
ideas are considered, write down and send any suggestions to the Fire
Chief. Thank you.
Arrangements are being
made to have a small bus meet each train on Saturday and Sunday and take
visitors to Main Street.
Work has begun to complete South Chestnut, Matteawan, South and North Streets, Ackerman and the parking lot at Verplanck and Main. Work will begin on North Cedar as soon as the Council authorizes the Mayor to award the bid. This project has been delayed two weeks waiting for the Council’s approval of the bid. Since state law requires that the City award the bid to the lowest responsible bidder, I recommend that the Council authorize the Mayor to award bids for road projects to the lowest, responsible bidder based upon the City Engineer’s analysis.