Minutes
Beacon
City Council Meeting
January
6, 2003
Call to Order
The regular meeting of the
Beacon City Council at the Municipal Center, One Municipal Plaza, was opened at
7:10 p.m. by Clara Lou Gould, Mayor.
Council Members present: Deanna Leake, Eleanor Thompson,
Lee Kyriacou,
Frederick N. Antalek, Steven K. Gold.
Council Member absent: Samuel L. Way
Also present: City Administrator
Joseph Braun
City Attorney Gerard
J. Pisanelli
Executive session:
The first order of business
on the agenda was an Executive Session with Assessor Tom Logan to discuss personnel
issues and also possible litigation pertaining to Tax Assessments in Beacon.
Time: 7:10 p.m.
Motion to go into Executive Session:
Council Member Kyriacou. Second: Council Member Antalek. On roll call, all voted in favor. Motion carried.
Time: 7:40 p.m.
Motion to go out of Executive Session:
Council Member Kyriacou. Second: Council Member Thompson. On roll call, all voted in favor. Motion carried.
7:48 p.m.: The regular
proceedings were continued with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Approximately two dozen
people were present at this point.
The media were represented
by Tyease Levers, Beacon Free Press, and Maleeke J. Lavan, Poughkeepsie
Journal.
Public Hearings:
1. Opportunity for public comment: Route 9D Reconstruction from South City Line
to Fishkill Creek. Carolyn Ryan, representative of NYS
Department of Transportation, was present to answer any questions. [This not being a public hearing per se,
there was no notice of public hearing published. However, a front-page article appeared in the
Poughkeepsie Journal today and letters were sent to residents along
Wolcott Avenue about this opportunity for comment.]
Dennis Pavelock, 34 Judson
Street, thought it a bad idea to bury the lines in one portion and to come
around a corner to another portion to see poles and lines. Ms. Ryan said utility poles will carry the
lines and that there is no plan to bury the lines. Mayor Gould disagreed with Mr. Pavelock and
thought burying a portion now could be added on to in the future, eventually
burying lines extensively.
Steve Zias, 829 Wolcott
Avenue, questioned why the City is trying to have lines to the houses buried if
the utility lines are overhead. His
neighbors are opposed to this. Route 9D
is not the only gateway to Beacon, there are multiple gateways.
Bill Decker, 773 Wolcott
Avenue, wanted to know if the Council is going to vote on this tonight. He had presented a petition last May and now
the City has sent letters to residents.
The Mayor said there is no vote tonight.
Not all responses to the letters have been received and most responses
received have been negative. Mr. Decker
said the majority are against it because they can not afford it.
Fritz Ohlhoff, 24 Cross
Street, thought it would be nice if lines were underground. He was concerned poles too close to the road
would be hit. He also was concerned that
poles would be installed in the middle of the sidewalks as they have been
recently on Cross and Oak Streets. Ms.
Ryan said there will be a 18 inch buffer between the curb and the sidewalk and
the sidewalk will meet current ADA standards of 5 feet width. There should not
be any poles in the sidewalk.
Ann Cypher, 816 Wolcott
Avenue, recalled in the beginning stages of the project, the poles were to be
put seven feet into properties along the way.
Ms. Ryan said now, the poles will be put between the sidewalk and the
curb [in the 18 inch buffer]. Ms. Cypher
had counted 803 trees that would be damaged or destroyed if the poles were
placed in the properties. Ms. Ryan said
the utility poles will be the light poles as well. Ms. Cypher asked to have an appointment with
Ms. Ryan to look over her property. She
also noted that this is a public comment session rather than an official public hearing so there was no advance notice
of it. As a result, many neighbors are
not here.
Council Member Gold thanked
Ms. Ryan for recognizing this project as being in the 4th ward and being
helpful when called. He commended her
for going out of her way to deal with problems.
Specifically, he mentioned her involvement with redirecting the road so
it would not be so close to the Flemings’ house and also with placing the lines
from the south city line on the river side of Route 9D rather than
criss-crossing overhead. Ms. Ryan has
always been available and willing to cooperate, making this a good project for
the Council to work on.
John Berry, 227 East Main
Street, asked if new drainage is included in the project. Ms. Ryan said the whole road will get
underground drainage.
Reiko Lemon, 834 Wolcott
Avenue, asked for clarification that the electric lines will be on poles.
Council Member Kyriacou
asked Ms. Ryan about the realignment at the Flemings’ property. Ms. Ryan explained that in moving the
alignment west, the drainage will be closer to the water main than the health
department requires, 10 feet laterally.
Extra effort must be made to protect the water main.
The Mayor noted the city
line on the river side of Route 9D is farther south at Grandview Avenue than on
the mountain side. The project begins at
Grandview Avenue.
Steve Zias asked for
clarification on the overhead lines crossing Route 9D. Ms. Ryan said the utility lines at Kristy
Drive on the mountain side will cross so they will not encroach on the mountain
side homes. Between Prospect and
Phillips Streets, the roadway will shift south from where it is now. Mr. Zias was concerned about the impact of
that shift on the stonewall near his property.
Also, the lot has been sold according to Mr. Zias and it would be
ridiculous that the property owner would have to cut into it to bury utility
lines.
Motion to close this
opportunity for public comment: Council
Member Antalek. Second: Council Member Gold. All voted in favor. Motion carried. This opportunity for public comment is
closed. 8:10 p.m.
2. Special Use Permit Application: Application
of Scenic Hudson, Inc. for the initial shoreline public amenities at the Beacon
Point portion of the Scenic Hudson Beacon Landing project. 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, January 6, 2003 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 Scenic Hudson, Inc. for the initial shoreline public amenities at the Beacon
Point portion of the Scenic Hudson Beacon Landing project. These include the reconstruction of Beacon
Point with decks and a promenade as a handicapped accessible amenity, the
reconstruction of 400 feet of existing bulkhead and the stabilization of 480
feet of the southern shoreline and related support amenities such as temporary
parking, signage and an informational kiosk.
The Dutchess County
Department of Planning and Development has responded that this is a matter of
local concern.
All interested persons
and citizens shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the
date, time and place aforesaid.
Steve Rosenburg, Executive
Director of Scenic Hudson Land Trust, Inc.; Diane Shamash, Director of Minetta
Brook; planner Matthew Rudikoff; and designer/artist George Trakas were
present. Steve Rosenburg said that over
time the elements have eaten away the shoreline of Beacon Point. This project to stabilize the shoreline is
separate from the mixed-use redevelopment project of Beacon Landing. Scenic Hudson is partnering with the City of
Beacon, the State Department of Environmental Protection , Minetta Brook, and
Dia Center for the Arts to accomplish this project. Dia will maintain Beacon Point with Scenic
Hudson. Diane Shamash said in 1999,
Minetta Brook was invited to look at the waterfront to plan access to the river
from the Point and to connect it to Dia.
Beacon Point will become part of the permanent public art collection of
Dia. Artist and designer George Trakas
was invited to design the point. He is
intimately knowledgeable of the river and has designed bridges, docks, and
pathways at various sites. Watershed art
works will be placed along the riverfront.
George Trakas presented a footprint of the Beacon Landing area showing
the peninsula called Beacon Point and a model of Beacon Point as it is
proposed. The area originally was
derelict but has been cleaned up. The
ultimate plan is to include Beacon Point as part of the walkway from the
railroad station to Dennings Point. This
initial project is to stabilize the shoreline and restore the bulkhead which
originally had been for a railroad box car spur line. The effort of this project is to provide safe
access to the river and unique solutions for people to fish and to take in the
southerly views. Matt Rudikoff
representing Scenic Hudson in the permitting process of the project. While the project may be simple, the
permitting is complex. Tonight the
Special Use Permit is being considered.
The Planning Board has reviewed the project, adopted a Negative
Declaration, and positively recommended to the Council that the permit should
be issued. The County Planning has said
the matter is of local concern. The
Conservation Advisory Committee (CAC) commented to the Planning Board, raising
some questions. After the Special Use
Permit is issued, the project goes back to the Planning Board for further
consideration. Various other permits are
in process and so far no one has found any major problem. The Mayor said Dia sent a letter of strong
support for the project.
Dennis Pavelock, 34 Judson
Street, raised the specter of the hundred-year flood, the last one of which was
in 1902 when Main Street was flooded. He
wanted to know what steps are being taken to protect Beacon Point, the benches
and pavilion. George Trakas said in 1880
the landfill at the Point was all granite from Cold Spring quarry. As a result the land is one and a half feet
above the high water mark. It is dry
land, which is unusual. Usually a
landfill is swampy. The conference
center and other structures in the larger project will be set up higher. As far as Beacon Point is concerned, if it
floods, there will be no damage to site or structures. There is no electricity, no plumbing, and no
housing which would require meeting
certain requirements. The shoreline is
eroding. If it is not shored up, it will
not exist in 20 years. A boardwalk will
be on the south side. At high tide, the
water would flow across the boardwalk.
In answer to Council Member
Antalek’s concern, the Beacon Point project which takes up the peninsula to the
south will not affect the other peninsula with the boat club and Long Dock.
Council Member Leake asked
who would be maintaining Beacon Point.
Steve Rosenburg said Scenic Hudson is responsible for it. The Mayor added that Dia will access Beacon
Point into its permanent collection.
There would be no boat launching here.
It was proposed non-motor boats be allowed. The bulkhead would be suitable for historic
boats, sail boats or yachts to moor.
George Trakas said he is working with two firms on this. Council Member Thompson wanted assurance that
local contractors will have the opportunity to work on the project. McElduff Landscaping and a saw mill in the
Clinton Corners area are the two contractors.
Steve Rosenburg said Scenic Hudson appreciates the City’s support and
assured the Council Member they will use local contractors.
Sara Pasti, 57 Fulton
Avenue, is an artist and is familiar with works done by George Trakas which she
described as complete, extraordinary, and beautiful. She thanked Scenic Hudson for bringing the
project to Beacon.
Motion to close this public
hearing: Council Member Gold. Second:
Council Member Kyriacou. All
voted in favor. Motion carried. This hearing is closed. 8:35 p.m.
3. Allocation of Fiscal Year 2002 Local Law
Enforcement Block Grant (LLEBG) Program funds awarded in the amount of $20,105.00 with a match of $2,234.00 (total
$22,339.00) to purchase a police car.
(An Advisory Board, including a representative from the local police
department, the local prosecutor’s office, the local court system, the local
public school system, and a local nonprofit, education, religious or community
group active in crime prevention or drug use prevention or treatment has been
selected and has approved this LLEBG grant).
The following 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, January 6, 2003, 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 the recommended allocation of 2002 Local Law
Enforcement Block Grant funds awarded in the amount of $20,105.00 with a match
of $2,234.00 (total $22,339.00) to purchase a police car.
All interested persons
and citizens shall have an opportunity to be heard on said recommendation at
the date, time and place aforesaid.
Bill Decker, 773 Wolcott
Avenue, said he counted 22 Beacon Police Department vehicles. According to Mr. Decker, the Town of
Poughkeepsie has the same number of vehicles and three times the road mileage. He thought the idea of having a motorcycle
was ridiculous. According to him, the
State Police and Sheriff’s Office do not have motorcycles. He thought it unbelievable the City would
consider spending $2000 on this when the City should be cutting taxes and
saving money. The Mayor noted the State
Police and Sheriff’s Office do have motorcycles. According to Mr. Decker, those are used for
parades and funerals.
Steve Zias, 829 Wolcott
Avenue, recalled four years ago the Police purchased a radar sign to tell
motorists how fast they are going. He
asked if the department has enough vehicles now to use it.
Vito DiCesare,
Superintendent of Schools, said the school district has 67 busses which have to
be replaced on a regular basis. He knows
that if federal money is not used, it goes away. He relies on the common sense judgment of the
people who use and repair the vehicles.
On the surface, this is a good project.
Council Member Leake pointed out the tax increase was reduced in part by
deciding in favor of the motorcycle.
Council Member Kyriacou sees that most cars are idle.
Dennis Pavelock, 34 Judson
Street, said he agreed with the proposal to purchase a police car. He asked if the City’s existing police cars
have been retrofitted referring to exploding gas tanks. He handed out an article about scooters being
tested by Boston and Manchester, NH police.
Motion to close this public
hearing: Council Member Antalek. Second:
Council Member Leake. All voted
in favor. Motion carried. This hearing is closed. 8:42 p.m.
Regular Meeting:
Community Segment: None.
Approval of Minutes
The Mayor requested a
motion to approve the minutes of the regular Council Meeting held on December 16, 2002 and the special meeting
held on December 18, 2002.
Motion to approve the two
sets of minutes: Council Member Kyriacou.
Second: Council Member
Antalek.
Regarding the minutes of
the December 16, 2002 meeting, Council Member Leake asked that her comments
regarding the parking tickets incurred by High Street residents record not only
the fact that the City Attorney had said generally they would enter a plea of
not guilty by mail and then the issue would be addressed in court with the
issuing officer but also the fact that she was to write a letter to the Court
asking the Court to waive the parking tickets.
[Note: On January 7, 2003, the
City Clerk reviewed notes taken at the December 16, 2002 meeting with Council
Member Leake. They determined the
comment to Council Member Leake that she should write the letter was made in a private
conversation with the City Attorney when he returned the tickets to her and was
not heard by the others present.
Therefore, Council Member Leake decided that including this explanation
here would be preferable to and more appropriate than amending the December 16,
2002 minutes.]
Council Member Gold read a
paragraph of comments he had made at the special meeting on December 18, 2002
that he wanted fully recorded in the minutes.
All voted in favor to
approve both sets of minutes as corrected.
Motion carried.
Public Comments:
Public comments are limited
to five minutes per person during each of the two public comment segments of
the meeting.
Margot Piga, 22 Buchanan
Street, asked why the Beacon High students were told to park on Buchanan
Street. She has lived on Buchanan Street
for 50 years and it used to be nice. It
is not nice now. This will be referred
to the Traffic Safety Committee for review.
Mrs. Piga was also encouraged to talk directly to Mr. DiCesare who was
in the audience.
Steve Zias, 829 Wolcott
Avenue, commended the streets department for clearing the streets so well after
the recent snowfalls. He also pointed out the traffic signal at
Main Street and Fishkill Avenue has not been working properly since the day
before Thanksgiving. The Mayor said it
is helpful if people will make things like this known so they can be corrected.
Dennis Pavelock, 34 Judson
Street, submitted again the same questions submitted at previous meetings. He also asked about the Disaster Preparedness
plan and about the Recreation Commission.
He asked about the Mayor’s [State of the] City address. He brought up the fact that contractors
trimming trees on DePuyster Avenue were surprised to be asked if the saws they
were using had been treated to prevent the spread of disease among the
trees. He asked when the City was going
to have a Dog Control Officer. [We have
one. Her name is Theresa McPhaul.] He suggested the tour guide on the trolley
needs to be a young person to tell about Beacon. He had called the Greater Southern Dutchess
Chamber of Commerce and unsuccessfully asked Beth Coleman, President, for
information on what they were doing for economic development in Beacon. He sought to ask about Beacon Market
[recently closed] but exceeded his allotted five minutes.
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. 01 of 2003: Special Use Permit, Application of Scenic Hudson, Inc. for the
initial shoreline public amenities at the Beacon Point portion of the Scenic
Hudson Beacon Landing project. The resolution was read as follows:
WHEREAS, Scenic
Hudson, Inc., has applied for a Special Use Permit from the City Council
requesting approval for the initial shoreline public amenities at the Beacon
Point portion of the Scenic Hudson Beacon Landing Project to include the
reconstruction of Beacon Point with decks and a promenade as a handicapped
accessible amenity, the reconstruction of 400 feet of existing bulkhead and the
stabilization of 480 feet of the southern shoreline and related support
amenities such as temporary parking, signage and an informational kiosk; 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 size 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 initial shoreline public amenities at the Beacon Point portion of the
Scenic Hudson Beacon Landing Project; 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 Scenic Hudson, Inc.,
for a Special Use Permit is an action subject to the provisions of the State
Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), and
WHEREAS, the City
Council has the broadest powers to investigate the impact of the authorization
for the proposed initial shoreline public amenities at the Beacon Point portion
of the Scenic Hudson Beacon Landing project,
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 Scenic Hudson, Inc., 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 a
Special Use Permit be hereby issued to Scenic Hudson, Inc., 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 Thompson. Second:
Council Member Leake. Council
Member Gold thanked Scenic Hudson and all entities for putting this
together. On roll call, all voted in
favor. Motion carried.
2. Resolution No. 02 of 2003: Allocation of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2002 Local
Law Enforcement Block Grant. The resolution was read:
RESOLVED, that the FY
2002 Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Final Award Amount* of $20,105.00 with a matching Amount of
$2,234.00 be hereby allocated for a police car, and
RESOLVED, that the
Mayor be hereby authorized to approve the allocation of the FY 2002 Local Law
Enforcement Grant Funds in the amount of $20,105.00 with a matching Amount of
$2,234.00.
*This amount reflects
the final award amount for FY2002 plus any needed adjustment to the FY 2001
award amount
Motion to adopt: Council Member Antalek. Second: Council Member Leake. This is to accept a grant and earmark it for
a police car. According to the City
Administrator, it will cost $25,000 to $30,000 a year to maintain the car. However, it will be a “front line” car and
the first year or 30,000-40,000 miles is on warranty. The matching portion is already in the
budget. Council Member Kyriacou
suggested having a “target” number of vehicles.
On roll call, all voted in favor.
Motion carried.
Local Laws and
Ordinances: None.
NEW BUSINESS:
Resolutions:
1. Resolution No. 03 of 2003: Approval of Mayor’s Appointment - Poughkeepsie
Journal, Southern Dutchess News/Beacon Free Press and Hudson Valley
Press as Official Newspapers.
The resolution was read:
RESOLVED, that the
Mayor's appointment of Poughkeepsie Journal and Southern Dutchess News/Beacon
Free Press and Hudson Valley Press as the Official Newspapers of the City of
Beacon be hereby approved.
Motion to adopt: Council Member Kyriacou. Second: Council Member Thompson. All voted in favor. Motion carried.
Local Laws and
Ordinances: None.
Appointments:
1. Resolution No. 04 of 2003: Re-Appointment of Terry A. Martin to the
Recreation Commission. The resolution was read:
APPROVE reappointment
of Terry A. Martin effective January 1, 2003 for a three-year term expiring
December 31, 2005 to the Recreation Commission.
First appointed February, 1987.
Motion to adopt: Council Member Antalek. Second:
Council Member Leake. All voted
in favor. Motion carried.
Other New Business:
The City Administrator
requested that the Council consider adopting the negative declaration for a new
sidewalk from the ferry dock to the intersection of Beekman Street and Wolcott
Avenue. The resolution arrived this
afternoon by fax. The City Administrator
read the negative declaration as below.
Motion to add this to the
agenda: Council Member Thompson. Second:
Council Member Leake. All voted in favor. Motion carried.
Resolution No. 05 0f
2003: Adopt the negative declaration -
new sidewalk from the ferry dock to the intersection of Beekman Street and
Wolcott Avenue. The resolution is as follows:
WHEREAS, the City
Council has decided to contract for the installation of a new sidewalk
connecting the future ferry dock to the MNRR platform ramp, and connecting this
segment to a new sidewalk extending along the west side of Red Flynn Drive to
Beekman Street, then along Beekman Street to the Wolcott Avenue intersection (the “Project” or “Proposed Action”); and
WHEREAS, the Proposed
Action is subject to the provisions of the State Environmental Quality Review
Act (SEQRA); and
WHEREAS, the City of
Beacon has declared itself Lead Agency for the Project and is conducting a coordinated
review; and
WHEREAS, a Short
Environmental Assessment Form, dated 10/24/02 has been prepared pursuant to
SEQRA; and
WHEREAS, a final
design report, entitled “Waterfront to Dia Connection,” dated January 2003, and
prepared by Hudson Valley Engineering Associates, provides significant
additional analysis of the Project; and
WHEREAS, the Project
is classified as an Unlisted Action in accordance with the State Environmental
Quality Review Law,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the City Council hereby adopts the attached Negative Declaration
for the reasons stated therein.
The City Administrator
reviewed the Negative Declaration:
Name of Action: New
Sidewalk - Ferry Dock to intersection of Beekman Street and Wolcott Avenue
SEQR Status: Unlisted.
Conditional Negative Declaration: No
Description of Action: The Proposed Action
consists of the installation of a new sidewalk connecting the future ferry dock
to the MNRR platform ramp, and the connection of this segment to a new sidewalk
extending along the west side of Red Flynn Road Drive to Beekman Street,
then along Beekman Street to the Wolcott Avenue intersection.
Reasons Supporting This
Determination:
·
The Project will
not have any significant adverse environmental impacts associated with existing
air quality, surface or groundwater quality or quantity, noise levels, existing
traffic patterns, solid waste production or disposal, potential for erosion
drainage or flooding problems, but rather, may reduce noise, traffic and
improve air quality;
·
The Project will
not have any significant adverse environmental impacts on aesthetic,
agricultural, historic or other natural or cultural resources, or community or
neighborhood character, but rather, will benefit the Dia Center for the Arts by
providing patrons, particularly those arriving by train, with a safe and attractive
pedestrian walkway connecting the train station to an existing 100-meter
section of sidewalk between the Dia Center service road and Wolcott Avenue;
·
The Project will
not have any significant adverse environmental impact on fauna, fish,
shellfish, wildlife species, significant habitats, or threatened or endangered
species as there are no known threatened or endangered species or significant
habitats within or near the Project, and the Project is confined to areas
currently paved or within several feet of paved surfaces.
·
The Project will
not have any significant adverse environmental impact on the community’s
existing plans or goals as officially adopted, or as associated with a change
in use or intensity of use of land or other natural resources, as the Project
is consistent with the City’s long-range plan; and
·
The Project will
complement the City’s existing Local Waterfront Revitalization Program.
Motion to adopt: Council Member Antalek. Second:
Council Member Gold. On roll
call, all voted in favor. Motion
carried.
Set Workshop Date: Monday,
January 13, 2003, at 7:00 p.m. at the Municipal Center, One Municipal Plaza, in
the Court Room.
Next Council
Meeting: Tuesday, January 21, 2003 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 Balance (Code: A909)
for the amount of $360 to be appropriated to Code: A 1010.X4620.01
(Council-Trolley Transportation) for trolley service from train to Main Street.
Motion to approve: Council Member Gold. Second:
Council Member Thompson. This is
for the “Second Saturday” in January.
The Council had agreed to vote to allocate the funds for the “Second Saturday”
trolley on a month-by-month basis.
Council Member Thompson asked if BACA [the newly formed Beacon Arts and
Community Association] could help with this.
The group does not have the funds at this point. Council Member Kyriacou sought other ways to fund
this. The ridership high so far has been
22, the low has been four. On roll call,
all voted in favor (5) except Council Member Kyriacou who voted “no” (1). Motion carried.
2. Amend the General Fund Budget, Code:
A6123.X2500.00, by transferring 2002 unexpended balance of $1,100.00 to Code:
A6123.X4160.01 in the 2003 budget. The
money will be used to update video equipment, purchase new TVs and VCRs.
Motion to approve: Council Member Antalek. Second:
Council Member Thompson. The
Juvenile Department had placed the order last year, but the company went out of
business and it was too late to place the order elsewhere in that year. There were questions about the amendment
which needed to be investigated by the City Administrator. Motion to table: Council Member Gold. Second:
Council Member Thompson. All
voted in favor. Motion to table
carried.
Review of Bills:
The list of disbursements
dated January 6, 2003, totaled $190,171.80 for 2002 expenses.
Public Comments:
John Berry, 227 East Main
Street, said he read with interest today’s article in the Poughkeepsie
Journal about the police car and noted mention of the motorcycle. It was confirmed for him that the motorcycle
is part of this year’s budget. He said
he was visiting in Modesto, CA when he observed police giving motorcycle
instruction. During the training,
someone fell off the motorcycle.
Sara Pasti, 57 Fulton
Avenue, representing BACA, thanked the Council for their support of the Second
Saturday trolley. By spring they hope to
have the “kinks” worked out including the use of a local guide.
Adjournment:
Time: 9:53 p.m.
Motion to adjourn the meeting:
Council Member Thompson.
Second: Council Member Leake. All voted in favor. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned.
The following reports
were submitted:
Mayor’s Report of
Correspondence:
12/12/02: William R. Steinhaus – Dutchess County
Executive Office
Regarding: 2003 Community Development Block Grant
The funding process for the
2003 Community Development Block Grant program year is complete. I have reviewed
the recommendations of the Dutchess County Community Development Advisory
Committee and have made my award determinations for the year.
Our estimated 2003 grant
award total for Dutchess County is $2,055,000. I have awarded
the City of Beacon $241,300
for Public Infrastructure; $25,000 for the Howland Cultural
Center; $12,500 for the
Beacon Community Center; $15,000 for the National Rebuilding
Day w/Christmas in April;
$25,000 for the MLK Cultural Center; and $10,000 for
Administrative costs based
upon this estimated amount.
The legal notice is
enclosed which lists the 2003 Community Development Block Grant and HOME
Investment Partnership Program projects. As the notice states, the draft Action
Plan is available for review by the public for a 30-day period beginning
Tuesday, December 10, 2002 and ending Wednesday, January 8, 2003. It is also
available at libraries throughout Dutchess County as noted in the legal notice.
A list of the projects is on the County’s HOME Page at A public hearing on the draft Action Plan
and the projects will be held on Thursday, December 19, 2002 at 2:00 p.m. at
the Dutchess County Department of Planning and Development, 27 High Street,
Poughkeepsie, NY. At the close of the comment period, which ends January 8,
2003 we will submit the final list to HUD by January 15, 2003 as part of the
Action Plan.
Congratulations on
your funding award. We look forward to working with you in the upcoming year.
If you have any questions, please give me a call at 486-2000 or contact my Community
Development Administrator, Elizabeth Doyle at 486-3600.
2003
Dutchess County Community Development Action Plan
In accordance with HUD
regulations, Dutchess County has developed its 2003 Consolidated Plan Annual
Action Plan. This Annual Action Plan is based upon the 2003-2007 Consolidated
Plan which is required for receipt of funds from MUD’S two formula programs:
HOME Investment Partnerships(HOME)and Community Development Block Grant(CDBG).
The Consolidated Plan sets
forth three basic goals, which are closely related to the major commitments and
priorities of HUD:
1. PROVIDE
DECENT HOUSING: Included are the
creation of affordable rental housing, supportive housing, property
rehabilitation programs and first time homebuyer opportunities.
2. PROVIDE A
SUITABLE LIVING ENVIRONMENT: This
includes improving the safety and livability of neighborhoods; increasing
access to quality facilities and services; and revitalization of deteriorating
neighborhoods.
3. EXPAND
ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES: This includes
creating jobs accessible to low-income persons; providing funding for business
development activities that promote long-term economic and social viability;
and empowering low-income persons to achieve self- sufficiency.
The following is a list of
the proposed 2003 CDBG and HOME projects for Beacon which address the goals
listed above and the priorities in the 2003-2007 Consolidated Plan:
Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG)
Youth
1. Beacon
Community Center-Youth Education & Development $20,000
2. MLK Cultural
Center-Afterschool/Summer Program $20,000
City of Beacon
1. C/Beacon—Public
Infrastructure $241,300
2. Howland
Cultural Center $ 25,000
3. Beacon
Community Center $ 12,500
4. National
Rebuilding Day w Christmas in April $ 15,000
5. Martin
Luther King Cultural Center $ 25,000
$318,800
Administration
1. City of
Beacon Administration $ 10,000
Program Income Description
- The estimated 2002 and 2003 program year income will be committed to eligible
CDBG and HOME activities.
The County of Dutchess
invites your comments on the draft Action Plan. The draft Action Plan is
available for review by the public for a 30-day period beginning on December
10, 2002 and ending January 8, 2003. The document is available during normal
business hours at the Dutchess County Department of Planning and Development,
27 High Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 and at various locations throughout the
County, i.e. public libraries in Pine Plains, Rhinebeck, Pawling, Beacon, and
at the Town of Washington Town Hall. It is also available on the County’s HOME
Page at . A public hearing on the
draft Action Plan will be held on Thursday, December 19, 2002 at 2:00 p.m. at
the Dutchess County Department of Planning and Development, 27 High Street,
Poughkeepsie, NY. The comments and/or suggestions submitted at and following
the public hearing will be taken into consideration and included as appropriate
in the final Plan, which will be forwarded to HUD on January 15, 2003.
Please submit your written comments by mail or in person to the Dutchess County
Department of Planning and Development, 27 High Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601,
Attn: Elizabeth Doyle, Community Development Administrator, (845)486-3600.
12/12/02: Dutchess County Youth Bureau – Memo From
Betsy Brockway, June Ellen Notaro
Regarding: NYS OCFS Annual Report Form and Narrative
Report 2002
The NYS Office of
Children and Family Services (OCFS) requires all funded programs to complete
the Annual Report and Narrative Report for Year 2002. Enclosed you will find
the Annual Report Form(s) for the program(s) that OCFS/Youth Bureau funded for
2002. Please complete both the Annual and Narrative Reports and be sure to
follow the instructions. The Annual and Narrative Reports are due to the
Youth Bureau on Wednesday, January 15, 2003 by 5:00 PM. Please return the
original and two (2) copies of the entire report by the deadline. Any report
that is missing information or not correctly completed will not be accepted and
will be returned to you so that it may be revised.
Please read the
following instructions as they will help you in completing the reports.
Remember that this is an Annual Report and must include all that you achieved
in the program year Jan. 1 — Dec. 31, 2002.
(This is not a fourth quarter report.)
INSTRUCTIONS:
Program Annual Report
Form
1. The Program Annual Report is a pre-printed
computer generated form with your program and agency information. If there are
any changes to this pre-printed information, please cross it out and write the
new information in RED INK.
2. Record the unduplicated number of youth
served for the program year Jan. 1 -Dec. 31, 2002. Use whole numbers, not
percentages. Make sure your figures in each category (gender, ethnicity, age)
add up to the total number served.
3. The monitoring section must be filled out.
This is where you explain how you self monitored your program not how the Youth
Bureau monitored the program. Be sure to include all the information they ask
for in the instructions (methods used to monitor the program who conducted the
monitoring, when was it done, and how were the results used).
4. Two original signatures are required at the
bottom of the form. The person who completes the report signs where it says
‘Prepared By.” The Executive Director, Board President, or Town
Supervisor/Mayor signs where it says “Certified By.”
Narrative Report
(instructions on reverse side of Annual Report Form)
1. OCFS does not use outcome based language on
the narrative form. However, you must report using outcome based language.
Pay attention to the instructions below on answering items #1 and 2 on the OCFS
form.
2. Programs receiving SDPP funds need to
complete items #1-7. Programs receiving YDDP funds need to complete items #1-4.
The narrative report must cover programming that occurred between Jan. 1 — Dec.
31, 2002.
3. In item #1, you are asked to describe your
major accomplishments towards your objectives. What you need to do is list your
outcomes as they are listed in your 2002 grant Then you must clearly state the
number of youth served in that outcome AND the number and percent of youth who
achieved that outcome. (Remember, it is unlikely that 100% of the total youth
served actually achieve the outcomes.)
4. In item #2, you need to state what
obstacles/problems you had in meeting your outcomes and clearly explain what
steps you took to overcome them.
5. Items #3-7 are self explanatory. Be very
clear when stating your evaluation methods. If they differ from your grant,
explain why you changed them.
If you have any
questions, please call June Ellen Notaro at 486-3662. Be sure to forward
your completed original Annual and Narrative Reports, along with two copies, to
the Youth Bureau by Jan. 15th!
Have a safe and happy
holiday season!
12/09/02: Barbara O’Leary, Resident
Regarding: Cablevision and Her Concerns
Ms. O’Leary writes:
Dear Mayor Gould
If you subscribe to
Cablevision, you probably received their recent letter “important information
on your new rates”. I was hoping for a
decrease in fees instead I read I will have to pay $0.95. more for MSG Network,
$0.95 more for American Movie Classic and $0.95 more for Turner Classic
Movies. This is highway robbery. We had no Yankees Baseball all last season
and they returned $0.72 a month credit.
I am told the franchise fee I pay on their bill goes to the City of
Beacon.
When their renewal
comes up, please lets shop around for the cable carrier that will give us the
best rates, or I am going to get a dish or direct TV. In addition we lost Channel 6 News.
12/12/02: Nancy & Sandy Yambem
Regarding: Thank You
Ms. Yambem writes:
Thank you for your
support. The proclamation was such a
special way to honor Jupiter and dedicating the park to Jupiter and the other
9/11 “heroes” will be a wonderful tribute to Jupiter and will keep the memory
of 9/11 alive which will hopefully improve all of our futures. We appreciate all the City of Beacon has done
for us and will never forget your kindness
12/16/02: Robert Dennison, III, P.E., New York State
Department of Transportation
Regarding: Rte 9D at Rte I-84
This is in response to
your letter to Mayor Gould dated September 24, 2002 which was forwarded to this
Department for our consideration.
The intersection of
Route 9D and the 1-84 ramps has been the subject of numerous studies over the
years. As a result, several improvements have been implemented. However, we are
aware that the overall operation of the intersection is still less than
desirable. This is due to the large amount of traffic utilizing the
intersection, including the convergence of a considerable number of vehicles at
one time as commuter trains arrive at the Beacon train station.
There are several
projects planned for this area to improve the situation, the first of which
currently under construction is the widening of the ramp from eastbound 1-84 to
Route 9D. Another project is currently in the planning stage, but will probably
not be progressed in the near future due to budgetary restraints.
Your suggestion to designate
the right lane of northbound Route 9D as a right turn only lane is not
feasible. The amount of traffic turning right is considerably less than the
amount of traffic continuing through the intersection. Consequently, a
dedicated right turn lane would result in unacceptable congestion as vehicles
queued in one lane rather than the two lanes now available.
Although we can not
accede to your request, we appreciate your interest in traffic safety issues.
12/16/02: Grants Action News
Regarding: Perserve New York
Preservation League of
New York State and the New York State Council on the Arts
The Preservation
League of New York State and the New York State Council on the Arts have
announced the Preserve New York Grant Program, which provides support for three
types of projects: cultural resource surveys, historic structure reports, and
historic landscape reports.
ELIGIBILITY:
Applicants must be not-for-profit groups with tax-exempt status or a unit of
local government. Religious institutions are not eligible to apply.
FUNDING: A total of
$92,450 will be available in 2003. The program generally provides partial
support on a competitive basis. Awards typically range between $3,000 and
$15,000.
DEADLINE: The postmark
application deadline is May 5, 2003.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION: The 2003 guidelines will be available online at or by phone in mid-January. To discuss your
project or to receive an application, contact Tania G. Werbizky at (607)
272-6510, or Lorraine E. Weiss at (518) 462-5658, ext. 12 or by email at
12/30/02: Vanbrunt Gallery, 460 Main Street
Regarding: Open Reception – Show - January 4th – February 2nd
There will be a
Photography Show from January 4th – February 2nd
with a Open Reception on January 4th 6:00pm – 9:00pm located at 460 Main Street.
City
Administrator’s Report:
.
Happy New Year!
It will be a banner year
for Beacon. In May, DIA will open. The ferry dock should be completed and, if
we’re lucky, the new ferry will begin operation. Verplanck Avenue will be
rebuilt with new sidewalks and granite curbs. After ten years of planning,
design, discussion and redesign, the contract for Route 9D south will be
awarded. The trail along the Hudson should be completed and the Madame Brett
Trail paved. Work will “hopefully” begin on the Haven at Beacon Mills allowing
the Madame Brett Trail to be extended up the Fishkill Creek to Main Street.
Craig House will be purchased and start paying taxes again. Meadow Ridge’s
affordable housing should be available and the senior housing construction
started. Scenic Hudson’s trailhead at the base of Mount Beacon should begin to
attract more hikers to Beacon. Its Long Dock project should begin to take form.
MetroNorth will continue its planning for improvements to its station and
parking facilities.
The year will not be
without challenge. State budget problems will certainly affect the City.
Spending reductions in the 2003 budget will demand better management of resources
and hard choices by the City Council. Work on reorganizing the Police
Department must begin immediately.
A reminder: The City is
sponsoring a Blood Drive on January 21, 2003 at Tompkins Hose.
City of Beacon Fire
Department Monthly Report: November,
2002
1. Number of
Alarms: 87
Breakdown
of alarms:
First
Alarms: 20
Single
Company Alarms: (E1) = 21 (E2) = 34 (T1) = 1 (R1)
= 11
Other:
2. Fires:
Structure
Fire – One Wodenethe Drive 11/14/02, Small Fire in Bedroom
3. Apparatus & Equipment repairs:
a. Master Switch replaced Ladder 1