Minutes
City of
Prior to this Council Meeting,
REGULAR MEETING
The regular meeting of the Beacon City Council held at
the
Council Members Present: Deanna Leake, Fred Antalek
and Michael Fasano
Excused:
Absent: Eleanor Thompson and
Lee Kyriacou
Also Present: City
Administrator Joseph Braun, City Attorney Gerard Pisanelli
Media: Michelle Lee,
Goldee Greene, Beacon Free Press
Residents at beginning of
meeting: 70
Public Hearings:
1. Proposed Local Law
Amending Chapter 223, Zoning, of the City of
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
This
local law is intended to amend the City’s Zoning Law with respect to the
accommodation of certain new uses.
The local law would take effect immediately
upon its filing with the Secretary of State.
Complete copies of the proposed local law are available at the
All interested persons and citizens shall have an opportunity to be
heard on said proposals at the date, time and place aforesaid.
Public
Comments for this Hearing:
Mayor Clara Lou
Gould’s Comments: We did hear from
Dennis Pavelock,
Todd Spire: I want to offer a little background regarding
the building on
Jennifer Van Tuyl
– Following up on something that the previous speaker, Todd Spire said - It is
important to note that the City of Beacon zoning laws state that if there is
ever a use for which specific amounts of parking is not provided, the owners
have to come before the city council who would enact an amendment of the zoning
law to provide for that. The increases in parking seem to be extreme and could
really cause a hardship and may not be necessary in a particular case. You can
solve the urgency problem for businesses coming into town without hurting the
other businesses.
Jennifer Van Tuyl
on behalf of DIA distributed the following letter to the Mayor and Council
Members:
C&F: 500719.1 -
Mayor and City Council
City of
Re: proposed local law amending chapter 223, Zoning, re: new uses
and parking
Dear Mayor and Members of the City Council:
I submit the following comments on the proposed local law at
tonight’s hearing, on
behalf of Dia Beacon.
First, the proposed wording of the definition for “Museum” only
permits one single accessory use, i.e. the retail sale of goods to the public.
It was probably not the intention of the City to prohibit museums from having
other lawful “customary accessory uses,” which might include, for example,
cafes, art performances, films, and the like. I suggest that a better ending of
the definition might be: by members of the public for viewing, with or without
an admission charge, together with customary accessory uses, including, for
example, retail sale of goods to the public, café food service, art, dance, and
music performances, Literary readings, and showing of films.
Second, Dia wants to verify that there is no intention to repeal
the existing provisions of
the zoning law which provide parking standards for “Museums in LI
Zone located within
walking distance (3,000 feet) of entrance to train station” [1
parking space per 3,000 feet
of gross floor space].
C&F: 500719.1
Third, since the City rezoned a portion of Dia’s land from “LI” to
“LB” after Dia opened,
it would be appropriate to modify the above text to provide for
“Museums in LI/LB
Zone….”
Thank you for this opportunity to comment. Very truly yours,
Jennifer L. Van Tuyl
Sara Pasti,
Michael Benzer,
Steven Evans - I
support the letter that Jennifer VanTuyl gave on behalf of Dia. I also want to say that we did a little
research on the parking requirements for businesses coming into the city. Beacon is more restrictive than
Tom Baldino, 19 North Street – This is one of the issues that the master plan must deal with. I hope that we can get together to work on it as soon as possible.
Tom Joyce,
Jannifer Macawitz –As of now, during Second Saturdays, which are our busiest days in Beacon, I have never had a problem finding parking. This may change in the future.
I was asked to read
the following letter from Steve Gold,
To: Council
From Steve Gold
Re: Parking
The
Local Law to amend chapter 223 should not be passed in its current state or be
tabled until the City completes its Master Plan. If this law is passed, the result will
discourage shop growth and diminish Main Streets ability to attract
businesses. Furthermore, as the legislation
is written, whereby it parses definitions of business to create levels of
compliance, will create uncertainty in its application, as it is almost
impossible to predict new uses or control changing uses. A better approach would be to eliminate all
parking requirements and amend parking legislation to only a large business
that will monopolize a preponderance of spaces at the expense of other shops in
the vicinity. Furthermore, since parking
for the most part is out of the control of a business to create, it is an issue
that should be solved by the City through a master plan that would attempt to
meet the parking and traffic needs of all business on
Steve Zimmerman,
No further
comments
Motion to adjourn hearing until further discussion at the next workshop: Council Member Antalek. Seconded: Council Member Leake. All voted in favor. Motion carried.
Mayor Clara Lou Gould asked for a motion
to approve Council Meeting Minutes for:
Motion to approve minutes: Council Member Fasano. Seconded:
Council Member Leake. All voted
in favor. Motion carried.
Text from the following reports is at the
end of these minutes for April 18, 2005
Mayor’s Communications read by Mayor Clara
Lou Gould
City Administrator, Joseph Braun read his
Report of Activities
City Attorney Report of Activities – 1st
Meeting of the Month
Mayor Clara Lou Gould read her Report of
Activities
Council Members gave their Reports of Activities
Public Comments: Pertaining to This Agenda Only
No comments
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Resolutions:
Local Laws
and Ordinances:
1. Second
Motion to table
until after the next workshop where this Local Law will be further
discussed. Council Member Fasano. Seconded:
Council Member Antalek. All voted
in favor. Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS:
Resolutions:
1. Resolution No. 36 of
2005 - Authorize Mayor to sign Application for State Assistance for
Payments to install a sanitary sewer on
WHEREAS,
the Application for State Assistance Payments for the 2005 Water Quality
Improvement Projects is complete, be it
RESOLVED,
the City Council authorizes the Mayor to apply for and accept the funds for the
2005 Water Quality Improvement Projects from
RESOLVED,
the City Council appropriate $850,000 to cover the city’s share of said Grant.
Motion to authorize Mayor to sign Application for State Assistance Payments: Council Member Fasano. Seconded: Council Member Leake. On a roll call vote, all voted in favor. Motion carried.
Local Laws
And Ordinances:
Ratifications:
-
1. Resolution No. 37 of 2005 - Beacon Engine - Ratifications:
Beacon Engine Company No. 1 –
Thomas DeCastro, Sr. – Remove from Exempt Rolls and Place on
Active Rolls effective April 5, 2005.
Motion to
ratify: Council Member Leake. Seconded:
Council Member Antalek. All voted
in favor. Motion carried.
Appointments/Announcements:
Final
Robin Keller – Recreation:
We will join forces with
Dennis Pavelock,
Betty DiPompo,
Tom Baldino,
I have spoken before this Council on several
occasions asking it to revisit the weak resolution it passed several years ago
regarding the closure of Indian Point. In that weak resolution the
Council said it wanted assurances from the NRC (Nuclear Regulatory Commission)
that it would elevate the standards of safety at Indian Point and maintain
those standards indefinitely, and if the NRC could not comply with this
request, the City Council would make a new resolution calling for the closure of
Indian Point. To date I have not been successful in getting this City
Council to revisit the resolution at a workshop. Now there is new
information which casts more doubt concerning the adequacy of the NRC's
implemented safety standards for all nuclear plants.The National Academy of
Sciences in a new report on nuclear power plant safety supports critics' fears
of possible catastrophic harm coming from these plants. The study calls
for fresh evaluations of nuclear plant safety by independent organizations.
The Academy has stated that there “are currently no requirements in place to
defend against the kinds of larger-scale, pre-meditated skillful attacks that
were carried out on
Without
this resource to store waste, it will accumulate on the site of nuclear plants
and create larger catastrophes should the terrorists attack. At this
moment there is enough nuclear waste stored at Indian Point to cause
radioactive release 20 times that of
John Barry 227
Shannon Murphy,
Sue Kelly, member of the Congress of the
Dear Chairman Taylor and Ranking Member
In order to protect the
Highlands Region, a large swatch of land that extends from
The HCA authorizes up to $10
million per year over the next 10 years for land, conservation partnership
projects and open space purchases from willing sellers. This funding will be substantially leveraged,
as the HCA requires that federal funds be matched at the state and local
level. Therefore, we are requesting full
funding for this program in FY 2006 to ensure the pristine wilderness and wildlife
of the
From 1999 to 2000, the
population within the
Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Sue Kelly and Frank Pallame, Jr.
The number of this Law is “Public Law 108-421-November 30, 2004 – 108th Congress”
No further comments
Budget Amendments:
Requiring Council Action –
1.
Amend the General Fund Balance (Code:
A 909) in the amount of $1,311.00 for the Attorney expense (Code: A 1420.X4504.02) to cover fees related to
City of
vs. Buddenhagen, Karen.
Motion
to amend the General Fund Balance for Attorney Expense: Council Member Fasano. Seconded:
Council Member Leake. On a roll
call vote, all voted in favor. Motion
carried.
2.
Amend the General Fund Balance (Code:
A 909) in the amount of $4,300.00 for the Unemployment expense
(Code: A 9050.X8501.00) to cover fees
for unemployment for David Tomlins.
Motion to Amend the General Fund Balance for Unemployment Expense: 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 April 18, 2005: $426,355.97
Next Workshop Date:
Next Council Meeting:
Motion to Enter into an Executive Session: None
Adjournment: Motion
to adjourn council meeting at
Text from reports for April 18, 2005
RE: First Annual
Beacon Hat Parade
The Beacon
Arts Community Association (BACA) is pleased to announce the first annual
Beacon Hat Parade, scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 14th,
the Second Saturday of May. The goal of the Hat Parade is to develop community
awareness of Beacon's hat history and to celebrate that history. Come don a
hat, march in the parade and enter the hat contest! We are looking for floats,
bands, vendors and volunteers for this special event.
The parade is being organized by
Jacqueline Weissner, a hat maker and owner of Jacqueline on Main Street, and a
team of volunteers that includes Beacon residents Jane Waldrop, Veryal
Zimmerman of Back Room Gallery, Ron lorossi of Kringle's Christmas House, Karen
Donahue of Echo and Jeanette Montabano from Poughkeepsie. The Grand Marshall
for the parade will be Mr. Sal Cumella, owner of the last existing hat factory
in Beacon, Dorel Hat Company.
The parade is for one and all to march in,
providing that all those who march must wear a hat. Old hats, new hats, hand
made hats or hats that depict a profession. There will be a hat contest for the
biggest hat, smallest hat, most colorful hat, hat with the most on it, and most
edible hat, as well as other categories. Hats must be wearable and must be worn
in the parade. In addition to hats, the parade will also feature marching bands
and special floats celebrating Beacon and its hat history.
Parade participants will report to the
municipal lot at the Tompkins Hose Company on
Fees for participation in the parade are
as follows: $25 for parade floats and vendor booths, $25 for marching bands,
and $1 for children and adults who register for the hat contest.
The Beacon Hat Parade Committee is looking
for additional volunteers to help with planning, to assist children in hat
making, to assist with factory tours, registration for floats and vendors, and
with contest entries and visitor information on the day of the parade. We are
also seeking parade sponsors to help with event promotion and with contest
gifts, local bands and musicians to perform in the parade, and groups to put
together parade floats.
For further information, to volunteer, to
register a band or float, or to reserve a vendor booth, please contact
Jacqueline at (845) 838-1737. About the Beacon Arts Community Association
The Beacon Arts Community Association
(BACA), is a not for profit organization based in Beacon, New York that was
created to foster and encourage the development of the Beacon community as an
arts and business center, to promote Beacon as an arts center throughout the
Hudson Valley and beyond as an arts destination, and to encourage businesses to
start, prosper and grow in Beacon. BACA is the sponsor of Beacon's Second
Saturday monthly events, and of the upcoming Christmas in July Shopping Spree,
scheduled for
In 2005, BACA is organizing special art
and other events to bring attention to Beacon, including its artists,
galleries, shops, restaurants and other stores. Our first community arts
special event for 2005, which takes place on Saturday, May 14th one
of Beacon's monthly Second Saturday art celebrations-is the Beacon Hat Parade.
For more information about BACA, please call (845) 546-6222 or visit our
website www.beaconarts.org.
The Beacon Hat Parade is sponsored by BACA
and is supported by Antalek & Moore, the Dorel Hat Factory and a growing
list of friends and contributors.
RE:
Parking: Beacon Station Parking and
Access Improvement Project
On
The project includes:
Additional
Parking-365 new parking
spaces will be provided on the east side of the station, adjacent to the hat
factory, in addition to the rehabilitation of 600 existing parking spaces. The entire lot will also be landscaped.
New
Entrance Canopy-in
conjunction with the
Pedestrian
Access-New crosswalks,
new sidewalk connections, directional signs to nearby attractions, and new bike
racks will be provided.
Environmental
Initiatives-On the west
side of the station, near the boat ramp, three parking spaces for boat trailers
will be created for recreational use. Metro-North has reserved areas on the
east side of the station, in the
Traffic
Improvements-A new
entrance lane to/from
Other
Improvements-Lighting,
signage, paving and drainage improvements will also be completed.
Work is expected to be completed by Fall
2006. Please watch for signs explaining traffic and parking changes during
construction.
RE: Steinhaus
Announces $300, 000 in Economic Development Award
Beacon ... Dutchess County Executive
William R. Steinhaus announced today an award for a local business, Hudson
Beach Glass, of Beacon in the form of a low interest business loan in the
amount of $300,000. The loan is made possible by an economic development
project within a participating municipality of
Michael Benzer and John Gilvey, partners
in a studio line of art glass giftware, Hudson Beach Glass, purchased a
property at 162 Main Street in Beacon NY, in the West End Historic District,
that originally was Tompkins Hose Firehouse." They purchased the property
and have opened a retail outlet to provide additional distribution of their
hand-crafted glass products. In addition, they sell the work of a range of
other artists and operate on-site demonstration glass blowing.
Beacon City Mayor, Clara Lou Gould stated,
"The Hudson Beach Glass restoration of the historic Lewis Tompkins Hose
Firehouse, a very visible building in the West End Historic District which is
on the National Register, preserves an important part of the city's history.
The use of the building to display and sell quality hand-crafted glass products
is an attraction for both residents and visitors."
The redevelopment of the city has taken a
dramatic turn with the opening of the
County Executive Steinhaus added,
"This project is a tremendous asset to the west end of Beacon's
CDBG funding is administered by the
Dutchess County Department of Planning and Development through the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development and provides funds to
municipalities and human service agencies to benefit low-to-moderate income
residents of
RE: Juicy café and Juice Bar –
Re-Opening
Juicy
café and juice bar will be re-opening its doors on Saturday April 9th.
Come in for the usual delicious sandwiches, salads, fresh juice, smoothies, and
some new menu items. There will also be a monthly art exhibit curated by
local artist Chris Albert. We look forward to seeing all of the regulars
and some new faces too. Coming soon, Beacon Books will be moving into the
back room to share the space with Juicy creating a unique combination in
Beacon. Spring hours are Friday - Sunday 9-4. Phone 838-3443.
Hospice Foundation, Inc. –
13th Annual Golf Tournament – Monday –
Dutchess
Golf &
For
Additional Information call 845-473-2273 ext 1109
This
day of unsurpassed golf is played on an 18-hole golf course designed by Horatio
Nelson and Mungo Park II and offers a challenging test of golfing abilities for
beginners as well as advanced golfers.
Format: Four-person, 2 Best Ball
Cost:
$175.00 per player
Groups
of less than four will be matched
The
event supports Hospice, Inc. and features Raffles, On-Course Competitions,
Food, Fun and Fabulous Prizes.
RE: Agnes Martin ….
Unknown territory…
The Board of Trustees of Dia Art
Foundation announces the exhibition of Agnes Martin … unknown territory …
RE: Joining the Chamber
Foundation
Are you interested in making a real difference in your
community? If so, please join The Chamber Foundation, Inc., our area
Not-for-Profits and Community Organizations as they showcase the vitality of
their organization and volunteer opportunities. After all, it is
leadership and commitment that helps our community to grow and thrive; and we
need you!
Volunteerism plays a vital role in making a difference
in our local and regional communities and comes with great rewards.
Participating in our not-for-profit expo will afford you a first-hand look at
opportunities that you otherwise might not thought available within our
For more information, to participate, or to reserve a
table, please contact April Gaza at The Chamber Foundation, Inc., 845.296.0001 or by email at agozza@gsdcc.org.
Recognizing Dutchess Residents 100 years and older,
Couples married over 70 years and
Honoring the
Senior Citizens of the Year:
Pauline A
Freer, William F. Collier, Jr., Helen & Daniel Dugan. Keynote
Speaker:
For more information call 845-486-2555
|
Dia: Beacon Howland Cultural Center |
Beacon Elementary Schools Program 2005 Opening Reception: Thursday - |
|
Dia: Beacon Howland Cultural Center |
First Screening of the
Video Conceived and Produced by Students enrolled in the |
|
Dia: Beacon Riggio Galleries 440-0100 |
Gallery Talks Spring – Summer 2005 Free with Admission to the Museum. Reservations are Required. Steven Evans, Assistant Director will lecture on Andy Warhol,
Saturday, April 30th @ Lynne Cooke, Curator will lecture on Andy Warhol, Saturday, May
14th @ Jan Avgikos, Contributing Editor of Artforum will lecture on Agnes Martin, Saturday,
June 25th @ |
City
Administrator, Joseph Braun:
I do not have a full report but I do have
some notes: Work on 9D has started. They are putting in the water line. The sidewalk on
Water/Sewer
Department –
1. Water samples were
collected for microbiological examination by Environmental
Labs of Marlboro,
2. Water meters were
read for first quarter billing.
3. Water lines were
located on:
Conklin Street, Melio
Bettina Place, Main Street, Verplanck Avenue, Vine Street,
Overlook Avenue,
Street,
4. Repaired a ruptured
6" ACP water main at Memorial Park.
5. Repaired a water
leak on
6. Repaired valve
boxes damaged by snowplows on Dutchess Terrace and Verplanck
Avenue.
7. Replaced fire
hydrant damaged by a motor vehicle on
8. Assisted
contractors with repairs to a damaged water service line on
9. Removed snow
visibility markers from various fire hydrants throughout the City.
10. Removed snow
during recent storms.
11. Cleaned up around
manholes after recent sewer/storm water discharges.
12. Performed daily
maintenance at the sanitary sewer lift stations.
13. Cleaned
sanitary-sewer pipelines on
Water Supply Status -
Well #2 is operating at the present time.
Reservoir
Levels/Feet Below Spillway
PRESENT LAST REPORT LAST YEAR COMP.
Cargill R.O. R.O. 4'0"
Melzingah R.O. R.O. 3'6"