Minutes

City of Beacon Council Meeting

December 6, 2004

 

The regular meeting of the Beacon City Council held at the Municipal Center, One Municipal Plaza on December 6, 2004 was called to order at 7:33 p.m. by Mayor Clara Lou Gould with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

 

Council Members present:                   Deanna Leake, Sam Way, Lee Kyriacou, Fred Antalek and Mike Fasano

 

Council Members Excused:                 Eleanor Thompson

 

Also present:                                        City Administrator, Joseph Braun

                                                            City Attorney, Gerard Pisanelli

                                                             

Media Represented by:                        Michelle Lee, Poughkeepsie Journal

 

Number of Residents at beginning:      15

 

Mayor Clara Lou Gould Welcomed Cub Scout Leader Robin Keller with Troop 252 of the Cub Scouts who attended the meeting with her to watch Government in Action.  We are happy to have them.

 

Public Hearings:

 

1.  Special Use Permit:  Bed & Breakfast – 19 High Street – Owner:  Shirley Botsford. Read by City Administrator, Joseph Braun

 

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the City Council of the City of Beacon will hold a public hearing on Monday, December 6, 2004 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 Shirley Botsford for Bed & Breakfast at 19 High Street, Beacon, New York 12508.

 

A copy of their proposal is available for inspection at the Municipal Center, Lower Level, One Municipal Plaza, Beacon, New York during regular business hours (Monday-Friday ~ 8:30am to 4:00pm)

All interested persons and citizens shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposals at the date, time and place aforesaid.

 

Public Comments: 

 

Dennis Pavelock, 34 Judson St.  Asked if there are any overnight sleeping accommodations presently here in Beacon?   The Council answered “No”. Mr. Pavelock continued:  Yes, I am definitely in favor of this being approved.

 

Mayor Clara Lou Gould:  This house was in the film “Nobody’s Fool” which was filmed in Beacon in the middle 90’s.

 

Motion to close hearing:  Council Member Fasano.  Seconded:  Council Member Way.  All voted in favor.  Motion carried. 

 

Community Segment:            Presentation – Re-Evaluation of Property Assessments  - Mr. John Watch is scheduled to be here for the community segment. The presentation will commence as soon as he arrives.

 

The Mayor asked for a motion to approve Council Meeting Minutes for November 15, 2004.

 

Motion to approve:  Council Member Fasano.  Seconded:  Council Member Leake.  All voted in favor.  Motion carried.

 

Reports:  Text from the following reports is at the end of these minutes.

                                   

Mayor’s Communications – Read by Mayor Clara Lou Gould

City Administrator, Joseph Braun read his Report of Activities

City Attorney, Gerard Pisanelli read his Report of Activities – 1st Meeting of the Month

Mayor Clara Lou Gould read her Report of Activities

Council Members gave their Reports of Activities

 

Presentation on Re-Evaluation:  Mr. Watch apologized for being late, then proceeded to give his presentation.

 

The goal of re-assessments are not always done to raise property taxes.  There were occasions when taxes were reduced. The last re-assessment in Beacon was in 1986 or 87.  The objective of a re-assessment is that everyone pays his or her fair share of taxes.  The community has many different kinds of homes.  Computers, which were not available at that time, now make our job easier. The property owners also make this job easier by allowing us to come into their homes.  By law, you do not have to let us into your home.  We have a crew that will go out and photograph your properties.  Every resident will receive a color photo of his or her property.  We will also send out mailers.  When you get this mailer, you will understand what this is all about.  In addition to the first mailer, you will get a flyer with a picture of your house with questions.  Fifty percent of residents contact us to say that we missed something.  This meeting is the first of about 20 meetings that we will have.  

 

Council Member Antalek:  I have a serious problem with people’s rights being violated.

 

Public Comments:  Pertaining to This Agenda Only

 

Dennis Pavelock, 34 Judson Street –Why is the Traffic Safety Committee repealing stop signs on Union and Phillips Street?

 

Mayor Clara Lou Gould:  This request by the Traffic Safety Committee is to set a Public Hearing on December 20, 2004.  Mr. Pavelock was told that any questions he has can be asked at that hearing.

 

Walter Castle –I believe this 19 High Street location is a multi family zone. Don’t they have rights for a bed and breakfast without applying for a Special Use Permit?  People who tour Beacon want to be able to stay here.  They want to hike, go to Dia, visit the shops and just look at the sights.  This is money coming into the city.   Why did this request come up in front of the Council?

 

Mayor Clara Lou Gould answered that this is the law and we must follow the law

 

No further comments:

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Resolutions:

Local Laws and Ordinances:

NEW BUSINESS:

Resolutions:

 

1.  Resolution No.  220 of 2004 - Special Use Permit:  Bed & Breakfast – 19 High Street – Owner:  Shirley Botsford.  Read by City Administrator, Joseph Braun

 

WHEREAS, SHIRLEY BOTSFORD, INC., 19 High Street, has applied for a Special Use Permit from the City Council requesting approval for a Bed & Breakfast establishment pursuant to Section 223-24.4 of the City of Beacon Zoning Ordinance.

 

WHEREAS, the Planning Board has recommended the City Council issue said permit subject to the conditions set forth below; and

 

WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed the applicable provisions of Section 223-18 of the Beacon Zoning Ordinance, and found that:

 

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

 

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

 

The operations in connection with the proposed creation of the Bed & Breakfast establishment are not more objectionable to nearby properties by reason of noise, fumes, vibrations or other characteristics, than would be the operation of any permitted use not requiring a Special Use Permit; and

 

Parking areas are of adequate size for the particular use, are properly located and the driveways are laid out to achieve maximum safety; and

 

The Special Use Permit is subject to all of the requirements of Section 223-24.4 of the City of Beacon Zoning Ordinance and more particularly the requirement of an easement to the benefit of the owner of 19 High Street, Beacon for ingress and egress over the land known as 21 High Street to provide access to the lower level garage located to the rear of 19 High Street; and

 

WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that the application submitted by Shirley Botsford, Inc. 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 Bed & Breakfast establishment 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 Shirley Botsford, Inc., for a Special Use Permit; and

 

RESOLVED, that the City Council, in reliance upon the recommendations of its consultants who have reviewed the submitted Environmental Assessment Form, and has determined that the proposed action is an unlisted action, 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 Shirley Botsford, Inc., for a Bed & Breakfast establishment, pursuant to Section 223-18 of the City of Beacon Zoning Ordinance, subject to the conditions set forth above.

 

Motion to approve Special Use Permit for Bed & Breakfast:  Council Member Way.  Seconded:  Council Member Leake.  On a roll call vote, all voted in favor.  Motion carried.

 

2.  Resolution No. 221 of 2004 - Set Public Hearing for Traffic Safety Committee Recommendations for Monday, December 20, 2004

 

a.       Request for ten minute parking for loading purposes from 4pm – 9pm on the east side of Digger Phelps Court, 40 ft in from Main Street

b.      Request 15mph in school zone speed limit on Union Street from 50 ft east of St. Luke’s Place to a point up to 1320 feet.

c.       Request to repeal ‘Stop’ signs on Union Street at the intersection of Phillips Street traveling in both directions.

 

Motion to set Public Hearing for Traffic Safety Committee on Monday, December 20, 2004:  Council Member Fasano.  Seconded:  Council Member Leake.  All voted in favor.  Motion carried. 

 

3.  Resolution No. 222 of 2004 -   Application for Funds From the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation – Trail Funds for connecting Riverside Trail to Madam Brett Park Trail.

 

RESOLVED, that Clara Lou Gould , as Mayor of City of Beacon, is hereby authorized and directed to file an application for funds and accept funds from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation in accordance with the provisions of the Recreational Trails Program, in an amount not to exceed $ 175,000 , and upon approval of said request to enter into and execute a project agreement with the State for such financial assistance to this City of Beacon for Riverside Trail Fund and, if appropriate, a conservation easement to the deed of the assisted property.

 

Motion to authorize Mayor to apply for funds:  Council Member Antalek.  Seconded:  Council Member Way.  On a roll call vote, all voted in favor.  Motion carried.

 

4.  Resolution No. 223 of 2004 - Assignment and Assumption Agreement between Central Hudson and City of Beacon (Easement Agreement) for Riverside Trail.

 

THIS ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT is made as of this 22 day of October 2004 (this “Assignment”), by and between CENTRAL HUDSON GAS & ELECTRIC CORPORATION, a New York corporation, having an office at 284 South Avenue, Poughkeepsie, New York 12601 (hereinafter referred to as “Assignor”) and the CITY OF BEACON, a political subdivision of the State of New York, having an office at City Hall,

1 Municipal Plaza, Beacon, New York 12508 (hereinafter referred to as “Assignee”).

WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS, Assignor is a party to that certain Easement Agreement dated as of October 31, 2003 with Metro-North Commuter Railroad Company (“Metro-North”) relating to certain property located in the City of Beacon, Dutchess County, New York, in the vicinity of the Beacon Station and Dennings Point Park along the Hudson River (said Easement Agreement being hereinafter referred to as the “Easement Agreement”); and

WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of said Easement Agreement, Assignor was obligated to construct a certain walking and bicycle trail within the easement area; and

WHEREAS, Assignor has completed construction of the trail as required by the terms of the Easement Agreement; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of Section 16 of the Easement Agreement, the Assignor, upon completion of construction of said trail, is obligated to transfer, assign and convey to Assignee all of Assignor’s right, title and interest in and to the Easement Agreement; and

WHEREAS, Assignor hereby desires to transfer, assign and convey to Assignee all of Assignor’s right, title and interest in and to the Easement Agreement; and

WHEREAS, Assignee desires to accept such assignment and further desires to assume all of Assignor’s duties and obligations under and pursuant to the Easement Agreement.       

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, Ten Dollars ($10.00) and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereby covenant and agree as follows:

1.            Assignor hereby assigns, transfers and conveys to Assignee all of Assignor’s right, title and interest in and to the Easement Agreement.

2.            Assignee hereby accepts such assignment and assumes all of Assignor’s duties, liabilities and obligations under and pursuant to the Easement Agreement, including, but not limited to, the obligation for the continued proper maintenance and repair of the Facilities (as said term is defined in the Easement Agreement).

3.            From and after the date hereof, Assignor shall have no further obligation, liability or responsibility for the operation, repair and maintenance of the Facilities.

4.            Assignor shall indemnify and hold harmless Assignee from and against any and all judgments, claims, losses, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys fees), relating to personal injury, death or property damage resulting directly or indirectly from any act or omission of Assignor or Assignor’s officers, employees, contractors or agents which occurred or accrued on or prior to the date hereof relating to the use, operation, maintenance and repair of the Facilities.

5.            Assignee shall indemnify and hold harmless Assignor for and against any and all judgments, claims, losses, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys fees) relating to personal injury, death or property damage resulting directly or indirectly from any act or omission of Assignee or Assignee’s officers, employees, contractors or agents which occurred from and after the date hereof, relating to the use, operation, maintenance and repair of the Facilities.

6.            This Assignment may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

7.            This Assignment shall be binding on and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns. 

8.            This Assignment shall be interpreted, construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of New York

 

Motion to approve:  Council Member Antalek.  Seconded:  Council Member Leake.  On a roll call vote, all voted in favor.  Motion carried.

 

5.  Resolution No. 224 of 2004 - Bid Award:  Main Street Camera Project. Read by City Administrator, Joseph Braun.

 

WHEREAS, the City has advertised for bids for Main Street Camera Project Bid Award,

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council awards the bid to the lowest responsible bidder who meets the specifications, namely Dragon Connections, for the bid price of $62,490.00 and be it further

RESOLVED, the Mayor is authorized to sign the contract documents awarding said contract to Dragon Connections Inc. for $62,490.00.

 

Motion to award bid for the Main Street Camera Project:  Council Member Fasano.  Seconded:  Council Member Way.  On a roll call vote, there were five “Yes” votes and Council Member Kyriacou voted “No”.  His reason for his “no” vote is because we had cameras before and they were not effective and it was a waste of money.  He would reconsider his vote if there were different administrators in charge of the project.

 

6.  Resolution No. 225 of 2004 - Deferred Compensation – Committee Resolution Amend and Restate the Model Plan

WHEREAS, the New York State Deferred Compensation Board (the "Board), pursuant to Section 5 of the New York State Finance Law ("Section 5") and the Regulations of the New York State Deferred Compensation Board (the "Regulations"), has promulgated the Plan Document of the Deferred Compensation Plan for Employees of City of Beacon (the "Model Plan") and offers the Model Plan for adoption by local employers;

WHEREAS, City of Beacon, pursuant to Section 5 and the Regulations, has adopted and currently administers the Model Plan known as the Deferred Compensation Plan for Employees of City of Beacon;

WHEREAS, effective May 21, 2004, the Board amended the Model Plan to adopt provisions relating to

 

•                 Authorization to reject a participant investment request if the request is contrary to the rules, regulations or prospectus of the affected investment fund.

 

•                 Authorization to distribute assets that have been rolled into the plan from another qualified retirement plan in accordance with the distribution rules of the plan that previously held the assets.

 

•                 Limitations on a participant's eligibility to obtain a loan in the event that the participant has previously defaulted on a loan.

 

•                 Modifications related to comments provided by the Internal Revenue Service in response to the Board's request for a private letter ruling stating that the Model Plan document constitutes an "eligible deferred compensation plan."

 

•                 Technical amendments pertaining to plan loan rules and the status of plan loans and other withdrawals upon the death of a participant.

 

WHEREAS, the Board has offered for adoption the amended and restated Model Plan to each Model Plan sponsored by a local employer in accordance with the Regulations; and

WHEREAS, upon due deliberation, City of Beacon has concluded that it is prudent and appropriate to amend the Deferred Compensation Plan for Employees of City of Beacon by adopting the amended and restated Model Plan.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED, that City of Beacon hereby amends the Deferred Compensation

Plan for Employees of City of Beacon effective January 1, 2004 by adopting the amended

and restated Model Plan effective May 21, 2004, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Resolution in the City of Beacon, Dutchess County, New York this date December 6, 2004 and directed that it be filed as appropriate.

 

Motion to dispense with reading:  Council Member Fasano.  Seconded:  Council Member Way.  All voted in favor.  Motion carried.

 

Motion to amend the Deferred Compensation Plan: Council Member Fasano.  Seconded:  Council Member Antalek.  On roll call, all voted in favor.  Motion carried.

 

7.  Resolution No. 226 of 2004 - Amend Firefighter’s Agreement providing for Payment of a Training Officer.

WHEREAS, The City of Beacon and Beacon Permanent Firefighters Association, Inc., Local 3490 have negotiated a change to article XXII, Training Officer, now therefore, be it

RESOLVED, Article XXII, Training Officer is amended by removing existing language and replacing it with the following:

 

Training Officer

 

The City may designate one or more qualified firefighters covered by this agreement to prepare and present a training program approved by the Building Safety Coordinator that meets the requirements outlined in Part 426.7 of 19 NYCRR. The individual(s) designated has the right to refuse. The total stipend to all individuals designated shall not exceed $8,500 per year and shall be paid in accordance with Article X of this agreement. If there are no firefighters who accept the assignment, the City may contract for the training program.

 

The term of this agreement shall run concurrently with the term of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City and the Association.

 

Motion to Amend Firefighter’s Agreement:  Council Member Leake.  Seconded:  Council Member Antalek.  On a roll call vote, all voted in favor.  Motion carried.

 

8.  Resolution No. 227 of 2004 - Designating Carl Wolfson, Esq. 11 Market St., Poughkeepsie NY. as Hearing Officer for the Civil Service Law Section 75 Disciplinary Hearing for Chief Sassi.  Read by City Administrator, Joseph Braun.

The original resolution named Edmund V. Caplicki, Jr. Esq. as the hearing officer.  City Attorney, Gerard Pisanelli,  requested  that the hearing officer be changed to Carl Wolfson.  Motion to amend resolution naming Carl Wolfson in place of Ed Caplicki:  Council Member Way.  Seconded:  Council Member Leake.  On roll call vote, all voted in favor.

WHEREAS, Richard Sassi is employed by the City of Beacon Police Department; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of Section 75 of the Civil Service Law, Richard Sassi was served with a Notice of Discipline dated September 21, 2004, and Supplemental Notice of Discipline dated October 1, 2004, signed by City Administrator Joseph Braun; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of Section 75 of the Civil Service Law, Richard Sassi is entitled to a hearing before a duly designated hearing officer.

NOW, pursuant to the provisions of Section 75 of the Civil Service Law, it is hereby resolved as follows:

 

The City Council hereby designates Carl Wolfson, Poughkeepsie, New York, as the Hearing Officer with respect to the Notice of Discipline dated September 21, 2004, and Supplemental Notice of Discipline dated October 1, 2004, who shall have all the power and authority as set forth in subdivision (2) of Section 75 of the Civil Service Law.

 

Motion to designate Carl Wolfson as hearing officer:  Council Member Antalek.  Seconded:  Council Member Way.  On a  roll call vote, all voted in favor.  Motion carried.

 

Local Laws And Ordinances:

 

1.  Resolution No. 228 of 2004 - First Reading:  Proposed Local Law Amending Section 191-12.1 of the Beacon City Code Entitled “Repair of Sidewalks”.  Set Public Hearing for Monday, December 20, 2004. Read by City Administrator, Joseph Braun.

 

Motion to set Public Hearing to Amend Section 191-12.1 for Repair of Sidewalks:  Council Member Way.  Seconded:  Council Member Fasano.  All voted in favor.  Motion carried.

 

Ratifications:

Appointments/Announcements:

 

1.  Resolution No. 229 of 2004 - Zoning Board of Appeals:  Reappointment of John Dunne and Richard Kish.  Read by City Administrator, Joseph Braun  

 

APPROVE reappointment of John Dunne to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a three-year term expiring December 31, 2007.  First appointed August, 1993.

APPROVE reappointment of Richard Kish to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a three-year term expiring December 31, 2007.  First appointed August, 1995.

 

Motion to approve reappointment:  Council Member Fasano.  Seconded:  Council Member Way.  All voted in favor.  Motion carried.

 

2.  Resolution No. 230 of 2004 - Planning Board:  Reappointment of Anthony Lassiter.

 

APPROVE reappointment of Anthony W. Lassiter to the Planning Board for a three-year term expiring December 31, 2007.  First appointed May 1986.

 

Motion to approve reappointment:  Council Member Fasano.  Seconded:  Council Member Antalek.  All voted in favor.  Motion carried.

 

3.  Resolution No. 231 of 2004 – Fire Advisory Committee Reappointment of Harry Norman: Read by City Administrator, Joseph Braun.

 

Motion to add to Agenda:  Fire Advisory Committee Reappointment:  Council Member Way.  Seconded:  Council Member Leake.  All voted in favor.  Motion carried.

 

APPROVE reappointment of Harry P. Norman to the Fire Advisory Committee for a three-year term expiring December 31, 2007.  First appointed January, 2000

 

Motion to approve reappointment:  Council Member Fasano.  Seconded:  Council Member Antalek.  All voted in favor.  Motion carried.

 

Final opportunity for Public Comments:

 

A representative of the Editorial Staff of the recently created Beacon Dispatch Newspaper read the following letter addressed to the Beacon City Council dated December 6, 2004.  This letter is in response to many residents’ concerns regarding language published in this newspaper.  (Council Member Antalek’s comments in his report this evening expresses his dissappointment with this publication.)

 

Dear Council Members:

 

Since the release of our December/January issue, we have been made aware of concerns with regard to language used in a photo montage appearing on pages 22 and 23 of the paper.  While we believe strongly in freedom of speech, we are also aware that our paper is read by a wide variety of individuals, some of whom were offended by the word used in the photo.

 

In the past we have chosen not to print pieces of literature or poetry simply because they used this or similar expletives, and that has been and will continue to be our policy.  The fact that this appears in our current issue is an editorial oversight, which we take full responsibility for.

 

To that end, we wish to express our sincerest apologies.

 

Thank you. The Beacon Dispatch Editorial Staff :Jeffrey Battersby, Michael Daecher, Audrey Molsky and Ellen Timmer

 

 

Mike Lanari - Delevan Avenue:  I appreciate the opportunity to hear, this evening, how the reevaluation is going to be done.  I feel that houses of similar value should be assessed the same.  People like me who have bought property in Beacon want this to be fair and have the burden of taxes spread equally.

 

Dennis Pavelock, 34 Judson Street –Asked If we have a special events committee.  He referred to other towns that dressed as the Christmas Carol Characters and suggested that we might have similar events.  Dennis asked about the status of handball court.  He reported carelessness when dumpsters are picked up from residents who rent them.  They drop nails on driving surfaces when they are tilted onto the carrier. People unknowingly drive over them and gets nails in their tires.  There are presently two dumpsters in my neighborhood at this time.  This needs to be corrected.

 

Tom Baldino, 19 North Street –Read an article from the NYTimes on Wind Power in the State of Colorado. As for the language in the Beacon Dispatch.  I take exception to lumping all of us newcomers together regarding the Beacon Dispatch article.

 

No further comments:

 

Budget Amendments:  Council Action Budget Amendments – December 6, 2004

 

1.          Amend the General Fund Budget for the Water Department by transferring $6,000 from

F8330.X4520.00 (Water Purification Consultant) to F8330.X1050.00 (Overtime)

 

Motion to Amend the General Fund Budget for the Water Department:  Council Member Fasano.  Seconded:  Council Member Way.  On a roll call vote, all voted in favor.  Motion carried.

 

2.          Amend the General Fund Balance (Code: A909) in the amount of $10,000 for the

Public Buildings Department, 2004 Court Repairs expense (A 1620.X4473.04). These

funds are to be used for the Audio System Upgrade. The City of Beacon will be

reimbursed 25% per the agreement with New York State.

 

Motion to Amend The General Fund Balance for the Public Buildings Department:  Council Member Fasano.  Seconded:  Council Member Antalek.  On a roll call vote, all voted in favor.  Motion carried.

 

Review of Bills:  Total Disbursements as of December 6, 2004                      $584,202.96

           

Next Workshop Date:            Monday, December 13, 2004, 7:00 pm. – Municipal Center

 

Next Council Meeting:            Monday, December 20, 2004, 7:30 p.m. – Municipal Center

 

Motion to Enter into an Executive Session at 9:22 p.m.:  Council Member Kyriacou.  Seconded:  Council Member Way.  All voted in favor.  Motion carried.

 

Motion to End Executive Session at 9:30 p.m.:  Council Member Antalek.  Seconded:  Council Member Leake. All voted in favor.  Motion carried.

 

Adjournment:  Motion to adjourn at 9:30 p.m.:  Council Member Antalek.  Seconded:  Council Member Leake.  All voted in favor.  Motion carried.

 

Text from Reports:

 

Mayor’s Correspondence – December 6, 2004

 

11/23/04:  AMERICAN RED CROSS NEEDS YOU!

RE:  BLOOD DRIVE – THURSDAY – DECEMBER 16, 2004

 

There will be a Blood Drive on Thursday, December 16th from 9:00am – 2:00pm at Lewis Tompkins Hose Fire House, 13 South Avenue, Beacon.  Please contact the Blood Services at 471-0202 ext 313 to schedule an appointment.  Positive ID is REQUIRED.

 

12/03/04:  ChThonic Clash Coffee House and the Beacon Dispatch

RE:  “A Vision for Beacon:  Planning for the Future”

 

The ChThonic Clash Coffeehouse and The Beacon Dispatch are pleased to announce a conversation on planning to be held on Thursday, December 9th at 7:00PM at the ChThonic Clash Coffeehouse located at 420 Main Street in Beacon.  The forum is being organized in response to concerns from local residents about the development of a master plan for Beacon.  Admission is free to the public.

 

To address the questions of how a community vision and plan is developed, forum organizers have invited experts in the field to speak to Beacon residents about successful planning processes in other communities.  Featured speakers include:

 

·         Gwendolyn Hallsmith, the author of The Key to Sustainable Cities, has worked with local governments for 20 years in the U.S. and overseas.  She has served as a Town Manager, a Regional Planning Director, the Deputy Secretary of the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, and has worked with several international organizations promoting sustainable development in cities and towns around the world. 

·         Tiffany Zezula received her J.D. cum laude from Pace Law School in 2003 along with a certificate in Environmental Law.  In addition to publishing two scholarly articles in environmental law journals, she has edited numerous small books in the field of Land Use Law.  She is the program director for the Land Use Leadership Alliance Training Program and the Dutchess County Land Use Leaders Training and Certification Program.

·         John Clarke is Development and Design Coordinator for the Dutchess County Department of Planning and Development.  His work ranges from regional planning initiatives to neighborhood center design projects, such as the Poughkeepsie Transportation Strategy and LaGrange Town Center.  He is the principal author of Greenway Connections, a model Greenway Compact program with illustrated design guidelines for Dutchess County and the Hudson Valley.

·         Elliott Auerbach is the Manager of the Village of Ellenville, NY, a village that developed a comprehensive economic development strategy involving dozens of community group members and resulting in a blueprint for the village’s future.  Prior to serving as Village Manager, Mr. Auerbach was the Executive Director of the USDA's Rural Economic Area Partnership and served three terms as the Mayor of the Village of Ellenville.     

 

Panelists will discuss sustainable planning and how it differs from traditional planning processes, community participation, dealing with infrastructure issues like transportation, traffic, arts and culture, parks and open spaces, commercial and residential development.  They will also answer questions posed by audience members on these and related topics.

 

Primary organizers for the evening event are Audrey Molsky, Beacon Dispatch Co-Publisher and Beacon-based artist and arts consultant Sara Pasti.  Ms. Pasti will serve as moderator for the evening and Mayor Clara Lou Gould will welcome guests and offer opening remarks.   

 

 “Our readers, particularly those who have read our Project Beacon column, have let us know that they are concerned about the future development of Beacon,” says Audrey Molsky.  “This forum will present information that lets residents know how other cities have dealt with their development issues, including things like affordable housing and the preservation of open space.” 

 

Says Sara Pasti, “As an officer of the Beacon Arts Community Association and someone who has spoken with many people in our community, I know that people have questions about the direction in which Beacon is heading, and how to build a thriving, vibrant city that can be enjoyed by everyone.  I heard Gwendolyn Hallsmith speak about sustainable planning and knew that she had a wealth of experience and knowledge to bring to Beacon.  I was thrilled when she accepted our offer to come to speak in Beacon!”

 

About ChThonic Clash Coffeehouse - ChThonic Clash Coffeehouse, located at 418-420 Main Street in Beacon, is in its third year of service to the Beacon community.  The venue nourishes its customers by offering a variety of coffees, teas, pastries, soups and sandwiches and hosting programs in the arts, including a Wednesday night open mike evening, a Friday night music series, and other community events.

 

For more information, please contact:  Nell Timmer, ChThonic Clash Coffeehouse, (845) 831-0359 / contact@chthonicclash.com Sara Pasti, Arts Consultant, (845) 831-0025/ sarapasti@aol.com

 

11/23/04:  Patricia A. Wright, President and Thomas R.B. Campbell, Chairman of the Board – The Communit