Minutes

City of Beacon Council Meeting

June 16, 2008

 

REGULAR MEETING:

 

The City of Beacon Council Meeting dated June 16, 2008 held at the Municipal Center at One Municipal Plaza in Beacon, New York was called to order at 7:07 p.m. by Mayor Steve Gold with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

 

Council Members in Attendance were:               Mayor Steve Gold, Deanna Leake, Charles Kelly, Eleanor Thompson, Marlene Fredericks, Randy Casale and Sara Pasti.

 

Also in attendance were:                                     City Administrator Meredith Robson

                                                                           City Attorney Richard Wolf

 

Excused:                                                             Marlene Fredericks

 

Media represented by:                                        Goldee Greene, Beacon Free Press

 

Residents at beginning of meeting:                     25

 

First Opportunity for Public Comments:  Pertaining to any item. Maximum time for this section is 30 minutes. Maximum time for individual public comment is 3 minutes.

 

Comments contain a brief synopsis of what the residents say at the podium.  If you would like your comments posted in more detail in the minutes, please submit them to the recording secretary in writing.  Include your name and address.

 

Comments read by Douglas Osgood, 12 West Main Street, and Telephone No. 845-831-5622.

Re: Parking on West Main Street, Bank Street and River Street

1989- Dead end on then called Main Street, with some parking by commuters on both Main and River Streets.

Introduction of Metro North parking access via West Main Street, with numbered parking spaces on West Main and River Streets

Neighborhood petitioned to have the numbers removed, preferring the 4-hour parking allowance.

After 9/11 introduction of more cars parking on West Main, Bank and River Streets, many of which have been police and fire personnel.

There seems to have been a tacit permission granted to their parking for extended periods, far exceeding the four-hour sign regulation

Over the past several years, it appears that there has been selective ticketing, with some cars given a pass, while others were not.

The rise in gas prices has led to more persons parking for long periods of time Today, Monday, the 16th has not been as full early in the day. There were at 9 a.m. 22 cars parked on River and the lower part of West Main on the right facing up the hill.  There were five cars on West Main facing the river. During the noon hour, there was an increase of eight cars on West Main Street and two on Bank. This may not seem to be a great number of cars, but intersect of Bank, River and West Main Streets can pose safety concerns.

The police department came through this morning, the 16th, identifying the cars that parked early in the day. A number were ticketed, many were not. CONCERNS:

During the morning rush to the train station, few drivers come to a complete stop at the stop sign on Bank Street.

There has been an improvement in parking in the area in front of the mail boxes on the corner of West Main and Bank streets. It is a no standing, no parking sign. Too often cars have parked there, with no tickets given. They block the mailbox access for postal delivery, but more important these cars shorten the view of traffic coming from Bank Street onto West Main going to the train station. Drivers leaving the area, especially in the evening rush to go home, will often cut across River Street and do a left turn on to Bank Street. There is a no left turn sign posted for Bank Street off of West Main.

Approximately 10 young children live on River Street and West Main Street. Especially during the morning rush hour and occasionally during the daytime period there is high-speed traffic on West Main Street. The need to get to the train station is paramount for drivers. This poses a safety issue for the children. The posted speed limit is 25 mph.

Young people also come down Bank Street on bikes and boards without stopping before they arrive at West Main Street is also a speed opportunity for young people on bikes.

In the evening hour drivers leaving the train, station and desiring to beat the regular departure route will often take the chance to leave by taking West Main Street. This is illegal. Often, in doing so, they speed up West Street, or cut across on Bank Street. Metro North police will occasionally ticket drivers. The blinking police car becomes a good notice for those who might anticipate taking that route. SOME CONSIDERATIONS:

As a neighborhood, I believe we should be cooperative in our concern for the necessity of parking for the commuter.

Ticketing should not appear to favor some over others

What about the possibility of a designated police/fire department parking area, so that such parking is clearly defined. These would have extended parking option. Energy issues now play an important part in the need to have a sound parking guideline.

I would recommend that on Bank Street there be a reduction in the proximity of parked vehicles at corners (both sides) connecting with West Street. Every day there are cars parked right at the very corner. Large trucks have great difficulty making the turn on Bank Street and West Main Street

The parking provided on the Newburgh side for Metro North commuters is showing that people welcome ferry transport in the commute.

Commuters are not using the available off-site parking available at the Transportation Center by the Stadium. In checking, I found three cars on one visit. What about a printed folder that will describe to the drivers parked on Bank River and West Main streets about the availability and transportation accommodation that will make it possible for them to park with comfort? It will require a time of education and change in behavior. The results would free up the region of Bank, River and West Main Streets, making it possible for those who have need for a more limited parking requirement to do so.  Thank you.

 

Clark Gebman:  I have asked for this EAF for Hiddenbrooke and was not provided with a copy.  I have asked to review the Hiddenbrooke files.  If I do not get a copy of the documents I am requesting, this will be subject to further litigation.

 

Maurice Baxter: I have lived in Beacon for thirteen years and have been paying taxes.  We just received a letter from the Mayor for all the veterans groups to get together and start paying for the Electric and Oil for 413 Main Street.  This building was dedicated to veterans that served their country.  We come to ceremonies and we are being praised on Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Pearl Harbor day.  We are essential to the city.  We are fortunate to have all these veterans groups.  Then we get a letter in the mail saying that we have to start paying.  I think we all paid as veterans when we served our country.  We want a little respect from the council.

 

Mayor Steve Gold:  The letter stated that the three organizations should get together and calculate who uses most of the electricity and all three of you come in to meet with the mayor to discuss working out a payment.  This was the interest of the council and nothing that was stated in the letter said that anything is was taking place.  It was an introductory discussion that would take place in my office so we can work it out.

 

Betty DiPompo, 6 Pierce Place:  I am requesting from the council that they start working on a plan put forth to senior citizens to pay their taxes.  Any senior citizen that makes over $25,000.00 has to pay full taxes.  I want to know why you cannot make up a payment plan for people to pay that are not going to have this tremendous amount of taxes that you want.  Make up a payment plan with no interest.  I also want to talk about the parking meters on Main Street.  If you do that, you will destroy the businesses because I shop on Main Street.  If you put parking meters there, I am going to shop some place else.

 

Mayor Steve Gold:  The council will be taking up that issue.  There have been plenty of opportunities over the years for this to be discussed.  You brought it to this council and we will discuss it.  We will probably get to it soon.  Thank you for bringing it to our attention.

 

Dennis Pavelock, 34 Judson Street:  I would like to thank Sara Pasti for her involvement in the Green Street Park incident.  We have another issue there that the slide is destroyed.  It needs to be replaced as soon as possible.  I also want to thank Eleanor Thompson for bringing Town of Fishkill Supervisor Joan Pagones here to discuss recreation.  I would like to also ask about the steep slope law.  I called John Russo and he stated at the meeting that the law states that 25% more grade and 100 x 100 size lot.  There is a lot by my house that has 50' frontage.  There is a problem and I have pictures.  (Dennis circulated the pictures).  I also would like to bring up the barter system. Dennis then read the following article:

 

"For example, a company that specializes in landscaping joins a trade exchange.  The landscaper gets a call from another business member, a printer, who wants gardening work done outside his building.  The landscaper does the work and gets a $5,000.00 credit in one network, which he can "spend" as he wants - say $1,000.00 to get his truck fixed, $1,000.00 on a new computer, $1,000.00 on signs to put in yards advertising his work and $2,000.00 on uniforms for the crews.  The printer in turn might do a $5,000.00 printing job for a local radio or TV station."

 

Mayor Steve Gold:  To set up a swapping system on the website would take many hours to do.  We are looking into having a company handle our website who might be able to do things like that.

 

Dorothy Paulin, Martin Luther King Center:  We have an after school program for youth and we are there every day from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.  There are kids standing waiting for us to get out of there so they can come on the playground.  We have no problem with the kids coming.  What I need is garbage cans.  I had an order this week from the Health Department.  They told me that our cans are rusty and not sufficient.  We have to replace them.  I am asking the city to replace them.  They are not kids from the Martin Luther King Center but they are kids, which is our only concern.

 

Barbara McCaskill, 242 Rombout Avenue:  I would like to bring up my concern about people speeding on Rombout Avenue.  Maybe a bump can be put on the road.  There are young children as well as seniors who live there.  People use our street as if it is a racetrack.

 

Kathy Deutermann, 27 South Brett Street:  First of all, we have so many people here; I would like to make one announcement.  We are still pursuing National Night Out, which is scheduled for August 5, 2008.  We are holding a general meeting on July 2, 2008 at 7:00 p.m., which is a Tuesday night, downstairs in the classroom.  We need as much participation as possible to make this a success.  I hope to see many people there.  I also had the pleasure of meeting with the Green Street residents on June 4, 2008 along with most of the city council.  They are extremely committed to joining the community watch program.  On that same evening, I was with Council Member Thompson at about 8:45 we came down Main Street.  Just about in front of Quinn's, there was a group of young men, one of whom took out a five foot pole out of the trunk of his car and beat on two people.  We immediately called the Beacon Police then went around the block and waited to see how long it would take for someone from the Police to arrive.  They did come very quickly.  Three cars, sirens, lights, bumper to bumper.  The problem was that every one of them came from the Police Station.  Why?  People are getting upset that again, we are spending taxpayer's dollars and the police are sitting in the police station.  It is well known that we are short staffed.  However, we cannot use that as an excuse or a crutch.  It is all the more reason that our police are visible on our streets.

 

No further comments:

 

Public Hearings: Adjourned May 19, 2008, JUNE 2, 2008

 

1.  Proposed Local Law B Changing The Zoning Of Property From Waterfront Park (WP) District To Waterfront Development (WD) District

2.  Proposed Local Law D Changing The Zoning Of Property From R1-20 One Family Residence District To R1-120 One Family Residence District.

3.  Proposed Local Law E Changing The Zoning Of Property From R1-40 One Family Residence District To R1-120 One Family Residence District.

4.  Proposed Local Law F Changing The Zoning Of Property From R1-80 One Family Residence District To R1-120 One Family Residence District. (Excluding Tioronda, LLC)

 

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the City of Beacon will hold a public hearing on Monday, May 19, 2008 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 six (6) proposed local laws to Create a Re-zoning of Lands in the City of Beacon.  These Proposed Changes Include the Changing from Light Industrial to Central Business District and Waterfront Park to Warterfront Development District.  Others include Zoning Changes from R1-10, R1-20, R1-40 and R1-80 One Family Districts to R1-120 One Family Residence Districts.

 

These local laws would take effect immediately upon 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 proposals at the date, time and place aforesaid. Adjourned Public Hearings on PLL B, D, E and F at the May 19th and June 2nd Meeting

 

Mayor Steve Gold:  There are four Public Hearings that were previously adjourned and should be adjourned tonight as well, because the council is waiting for more information to go forward with.  The four local laws were read by City Administrator Robson.

 

Motion to Adjourn Public Hearing for Local Law's B, D, E, and F:  Council Member Thompson.  Seconded:  Council Member Casale.   All voted in favor to adjourn.  Motion carried.

 

Community Segment:

 

Concerned Citizens Members came up to the podium to hear the proclamation and two commendation letters from state officials.

 

Speaker:  Dia:  Steven Evans summarizes its Five Year Celebration:

Dia: Beacon as Community Asset

 

5th Year Milestone - May 18th Anniversary

 

  • Since opening in May of 2003, we have received 430,000 visitors from all over the world.
  • $32M investment in renovation and construction of a fallow industrial building along the river and S1.75M environmental clean up of the site.
  • S50M Investment in permanent collection, operations, exhibitions, and programs.
  • $5M annual operating budget, which makes possible our wide range of programs and our employment of 75 individuals at the Beacon site - many who reside and own property in Beacon.
  • That is a total investment of S82M since the project began in 1999.
  • We have brought internationally acclaimed exhibitions, adult education programs such as gallery talks and lectures, and poetry readings, film screenings, dance performances and special events that draw local and worldwide visitors alike.
  • In terms of press, there have been countless articles from all over the world.

1.  Example - Each of our Merce Cunningham Dance Company events have received front page coverage in the Arts section of the New York Times

2.  Cover of New York Times Magazine when museum opened

3.              Recent articles from Hudson River Museum Guide and the Guardian (distribute)

·         Extensive, groundbreaking arts education program for Beacon and surrounding schools

1. These programs have been instrumental in giving our kids in Beacon and the area access to a world-class art collection as an educational resource.

2.              Programs encourage abstract thought and creative problem solving, while engaging the New York State Education Standards.

3.              Programs have included school bus service for Beacon students when field trips were not covered by reduced school budgets

4.      Annual AEP expense (no adult programs) is over $115,000, with over half that devoted exclusively for Beacon Schools, which serves 1,000 students each year.

5.              Previous/continuing Outreach partners include the I SEE Center (Beacon), Mill Street Loft (Poughkeepsie), McQuade Children's Services (New Windsor), Columbia County Council on the Arts (Hudson), Beacon Community Center (Beacon) - currently engaging both youth and senior groups, Mahopac Middle School (Mahopac), and Wappingers Junior High School (Wappingers Falls)

6.              Total students served since opening, including Beacon, Outreach, Kid's Day, and other school tours, is approximately 15,000.

·         Provides jobs as well as revenue to Beacon and area stores and businesses for supplies and services

·         Our estimated annual impact on the area is SIOM - in a study provided by the nationally recognized

·         Center for Creative Community Development, North Adams, MA Sales from Bookshop and Cafe are taxed by the state, which returns revenue back to the state & county, and through the county, the city of Beacon. Since opening in May 2003, sales tax paid by the museum is approximately $250,000 - over half of that has gone to the county.

·         Partnered with local businesses, organizations, and Chambers to make the most of our presence for local businesses

1.  Example - Working with BACA to get Dutchess County LOOP Bus, which serves Museum, Main Street and Train Station

2.              Example - Resource for local organizations for meetings and conferences - Chambers, Art Along the Hudson, Pattern for Progress, Metro-North, Scenic Hudson, upcoming Tourism Conference

  • Partnered with the City to receive DOT funds for the improvement of the sidewalks and road from the museum to the train station, including streetlights for local residents walking to and from station
  • We pay for city services such as water and sewer
  • Earned revenue for Dia:Beacon is $1.13M, endowment draw is $750,000 - that leaves over $3M to fundraise every year to keep the doors open and programs status quo. Much of this come from our Trustees, Annual Benefit, and Grants - but we are hopeful that county and local government and local business will become significant contributors in recognition of our importance as a cultural and economic driver in Beacon

 

Council Member Thompson:  made a statement.  She asked if we could use our young people as guides and learn what is going on at Dia.  I don't know the impact it will have on students.  I would like to see Dia come up with some money to work with us.  I would like to see us do some partnering.  I am going to pursue the concept as ‘x’ amount of cents for admissions.  By you being here is a positive move to make Beacon the best that it can be.

 

Reports:  Text from the reports of June 16, 2008 is at the end of these minutes.

 

Mayor's Communications read by Mayor Steve Gold

City Administrator Robson read her Report of Activities

City Attorney Richard Wolf – First Meeting of the Month

Council Members read their Reports of Activities

Mayor Steve Gold read his Report of Activities

 

Second Opportunities for Public Comments - On Agenda Items Only:

 

Florence Northcutt, 1190 North Avenue:  My name is Florence Northcutt I live at 1190 North Ave in Beacon, but I am here representing the Howland Cultural Center.  I am standing up to voice the Howland Cultural Center's opposition to having a Handicap parking space placed in front of the Center. And for these reasons:

 

1.              The Center is only officially open four days a week.

2.              Parking has always been a problem for the merchants etc. on the east end of Main
St. since the sidewalks were rebuilt and parking spaces removed by the new design.

3.              People whom we know would want the special parking space, come to the Center once a week or less; the Beacon Historical Society is at the Center approximately 4 hours a week with a general meeting once a month.

4.              We do not have the traffic coming into the Center as the post office and the library do; they need to have a space on Main St. in front of their facility, and even then the space is vacant so much of the time, (it's been my experience)

5.   We at the Rowland Cultural Center believe it would create a nuisance, for lack of a better word, in the local community if a space were designated and not used for so many hours and days at a time.

5. We have suggested to our volunteers who would like to park in front of the Center that they have someone drop them off and park their car in the municipal lot or on Tioronda.

 

And of course this brings us all to the eternal problem on the East End of poor parking facilities; shoppers, tenants, gallery viewers, church attendants all vying for parking space.  We need at least another parking lot to accommodate the expanding tenant and business requirements.  Thank you.

 

Ray Fusco, 58 Washington Avenue:  I am excited about the comments from Council Member Thompson and Council Member Casale about University Settlement Camp.  I have spoken to the council on several occasions on the University Settlement Camp.  As a recreation person, that is a tremendous resource.  I think we need to have vision and strategy for the project.  Hearing about this report, I think we need to have a strategy for all the buildings at University Settlement Camp.  We should not be isolating the white building because someone came to us.  In regards to the resolution I have to ask, "was the state part of that drafting process?" since the City of Beacon manages that property and that is a state park.  The City of Beacon needs to be very diligent with those details.  I want to know if the state was involved in that process.   Does the city have a liaison with the state for the Settlement Camp?  Regarding affordable housing for work force is important.  I think it is critically important because of what we are doing with our development.

 

Kathy Deuterman, 27 South Brett Street:  I to want to discuss the issues with University Settlement Camp.  I appeared before council before and I appeared at recreation meetings.  Give me the assurance that the University Settlement camp is a safe place for our children.  I have not seen it on a workshop.  I was distressed to see what little paper work existed.  Eight pages.  A one page report on the infirmary, and an eight-page report, most of which is a table of contents regarding public employee safety.  We are talking about 84 acres.  We have put out to these non-profits and other groups to bring us a proposal, "what do you want?"  We are implying that this place is safe.  Show me some paper.  I am scared.  There is an awful lot of work that needs to be done.  I ask that when you look at these contracts, you think about it.  That you vote on this with your head and your heart and not with dollar signs.  The little bit of money that we can make with University Settlement Camp is a spit in the bucket for our financial problems.  Is that few dollars worth the health and safety of the children?  If you would not send your children there, please do not send anyone else's.

 

Pam Seeger representing Kids' Place:  I just want to make you aware that we stood an inspection by the Health Department on Thursday and were informed that we can not plan to use University Settlement, as it currently cannot be approved.  I want to know if you had any action between now and the seven days before school ends to address the issues that you have there so the camp can use the property.  We were told that University of Settlement is not safe to be used.

 

Mayor Steve Gold:  The sooner you get to the administrator about issues like that, the better off you will be.

 

No further comments.

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

 

Resolutions:

 

1.  Resolution No. 82 of 2008 - Resolution Determining No Significant Adverse Environmental Impact Regarding the Sewer Capacity Agreement.  Read by City Administrator Robson.

 

WHEREAS, the City of Beacon has reviewed a proposal for use of the City's excess sewage capacity at the City's sewer plant; and

WHEREAS, an environmental assessment form (EAF) was reviewed by the City Council as part of the City's review process.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that based upon its assessment of relevant environmental factors, the City of Beacon has determined that the proposal for use of excess sewer capacity is a Type II action under the State Environmental Quality Review Act and that there are no significant adverse environmental effects associated with the project.

 

Motion to approve resolution:  Council Member Leake.  Seconded:  Council Member Pasti

 

Discussion:

 

Council Members Casale and Thompson asked what type of waste would be disposed of.  They particularly asked about hospital waste.

 

Mr. Cappola:  Anything that came into the facility will be approved by the council.  It would consist of sewage such as from a small shopping center that has no sewage or from a laundry that just does laundry...  Anyone of them will have to be approved by William O'Keefe, Chief Operator of the City of Beacon.

 

City Attorney Wolf:  The council has to keep in mind the questions that are on page 2 of the Short Environmental Assessment Form.  Attorney Wolf went through all of Page 2 and explained each item to the council.

 

On roll call, all voted in favor.  Motion carried.

 

2.  Resolution No. 83 of 2008 - Approval of Agreement with New Windsor Treatment Services to Purchase Unused Capacity for Leachate/Sewage.  Tabled May 19, 2008, June 2, 2008

 

WHEREAS, the City of Beacon has unused capacity at its Waste Water Treatment Plant and has received an offer from New Windsor Treatment Services to purchase said unused capacity; and

 

WHEREAS, the City of Beacon has made a determination of non-significance pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act;

 

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the City Council hereby authorizes the City Administrator to sign an agreement with New Windsor Treatment Services for the purchase of unused capacity at the Waste Water Treatment Facility.

 

Motion to approve agreement:  Council Member Leake. Seconded: Council Member Casale.

On roll call, all voted in favor.  Motion carried.

 

Local Laws And Ordinances:  None

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Resolutions:

 

1.  Resolution No. 84 of 2008 - Approve Request for Expressions of Interest – White House – University Settlement Camp.

 

WHEREAS, the City has determined that it is desirable to request from interested parties their proposals for utilizing the site known as the University Settlement Camp,

 

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City Administrator is authorized to circulate and publish a Request for Expression of Interest - White House, University Settlement Camp to obtain such proposals from any interested party for review by the City of Beacon.

 

Introduction

The City of Beacon is located in the Hudson River Valley approximately 50 miles north of New York City in the so