Minutes

City of Beacon Council Meeting

July 5, 2005

 

REGULAR MEETING

 

The regular meeting of the Beacon City Council held at the Municipal Center, One Municipal Plaza on Tuesday, July 5, 2005 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, Lee Kyriacou, and Michael Fasano.

 

Excused                                               Eleanor Thompson, Sam Way and Fred Antalek:

 

Also in attendance were:                      City Administrator, Joseph Braun

                                                            City Attorney, Gerard Pisanelli

 

Media:                                                 Goldee Greene, Beacon Free Press

 

Residents at beginning of meeting:      15

 

Public Hearings:

 

1.  Special Use Permit Application of Rose Hill Manor Adding New Building to Day Care Facility, 1064 Wolcott Avenue.

Notice Of Public Hearing

 

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the City Council of the City of Beacon will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, July 5, 2005 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 Mark DeFabio of 1064 Wolcott Avenue for an addition to the existing day care facility Rose Hill Manor.

 

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 for Public Hearing:

 

Mark DeFabio gave a brief presentation describing the layout of his project.  A detailed description of this project is on Page 4, Resolution No. 72.

 

Council Member Kyriacou:  This is a great set of plans.  I think that this is an appropriate use of this property for the historic overlay.  I think that this makes a very good project.

 

No further comments:

 

Motion to close Public Hearing:  Council Member Fasano.  Seconded:  Council Member Leake.  All voted in favor.  Motion carried.

 

  1. Transfer of Community Development Funds.

 

Notice of Public Hearing

 

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the City Council of the City of Beacon will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, July 5, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. or as soon thereafter as it is reached on the agenda, at the Beacon Municipal Center, One Municipal Plaza, Beacon, New York on the transfer of a total of $12,740 in Community Development Funds from Administration to the following: $8,240.00 for landscaping Dennings Avenue and $4,500 for Main Street security cameras. Please contact Joseph H. Braun, City Administrator for further information.

 

Public Comments for Hearing:  None

 

Motion to close Public Hearing:  Council Member Fasano.  Seconded:  Council Member Kyriacou.  All voted in favor.  Motion carried.

 

3.  Proposed Local Law to Amend Section 211-17 C Time Limit Parking.  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 Tuesday, July 5, 2005 at the City of Beacon Municipal Center, One Municipal Plaza, Beacon, New York at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter is reached on the agenda, to consider a proposed local law amending Section 211- 17 by adding subsection C, Schedule XIII: Time Limit Parking establishing six-hour parking on portions of Red Flynn Drive and Riverfront Park Road for Beacon residents holding a permit issued by the City Administrator which would be valid for one day only.  The current penalties subsection C would be renumbered as subsection D.

 

The new subsection shall read as follows:

 

C.     Schedule XIII: Time Limit Parking. Beacon residents displaying a valid permit issued by the City Administrator shall be permitted to park a vehicle for 6 hours between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. weekdays upon any of the following described streets or parts of streets.  Parking shall be prohibited if the above permit is not displayed.  Each permit is valid for one day only.

 

Name of Street                                                                       Side                 Location

 

Red Flynn Drive                      west                 first five spaces south of Ferry Plaza

Riverfront Park Road              east                  five spaces from north end of Red Flynn

                                                                        Drive

Public Comments for this Hearing:

 

Comments by Mayor Clara Lou Gould:  These parking spaces will be reserved to be used by Beacon Residents only who have a valid permit.  Permits can be obtained from the office of the  City Administrator at City Hall.

 

No further comments.

 

Motion to close Public Hearing. Council Member Fasano.  Seconded:  Council Member Leake.  All voted in favor.  Motion carried.

 

Community Segment:  None

           

Approval of Minutes: Mayor Clara Lou Gould asked for a motion to approve the following Council Meeting minutes: -     

                                                June 20, 2005

 

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

 

Reports:   Text from these reports for Tuesday, July 5, 2005 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 Reports of Activities

 

Public Comments:  Pertaining to This Agenda Only – none.

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Resolutions:

 

Local Laws and Ordinances:

 

1.  Resolution No. 71 of 2005 - Local Law No. 07 of 2005 - to Amend Section 211-17 C Time Limit Parking by Deleting Ferry Street and Changing the Current Penalty Section to Subsection D.  Second Reading:  Read by City Administrator, Joseph Braun

 

BE IT ENACTED by the City Council of the City of Beacon as follows:

 

SECTION 1.                TITLE

 

This local law shall be entitled “Amendment to a Local Law Adding Section 211-17 C in order to establish Time Limit Parking for City of Beacon Residents.”

 

SECTION 2.                PURPOSE AND INTENT

 

This local law is intended to delete Ferry Street from the parking areas for City of Beacon Residents in the area of the Beacon Train Station.

 

SECTION 3.                AMENDMENT

 

Section 211- 17 shall be amended to add a new subsection as follows:

 

c.         Schedule XIII: Time Limit Parking. Beacon residents displaying a valid permit issued by the City Administrator shall be permitted to park a vehicle for 6 hours between the hours of 6:00a.m. and 6:00p.m., weekdays upon any of the following described streets or parts of streets.  Parking shall be prohibited if the above permit is not displayed.  Each permit is valid for one day only.

 

Name of Street                                                                       Side                 Location

 

Red Flynn Drive                       west                  first five spaces south of Ferry Plaza

Riverfront Park Road                east                  five spaces from north end of Red Flynn Drive

 

SECTION 4.                AMENDMENT

 

The current penalty section labeled C. shall be changed to subsection D.

 

SECTION 5.                EFFECTIVE DATE

 

This local law shall take effect immediately upon its filing with the Secretary of State.

 

Motion to accept this local law No. 07:  Council Member Fasano.  Seconded:  Council Member Leake.  On a roll call vote, all voted in favor.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

Resolutions:

 

1.  Resolution No. 72 of 2005 – Approve Special Use Permit Application of Rose Hill Manor Adding New Building to Day Care Facility, 1064 Wolcott Avenue.  Read by City Administrator, Joseph Braun.

 

WHEREAS, Rose Hill Manor has applied for a Special Use Permit from the City Council requesting approval for to add a new building to their existing Day Care Facility; and

 

WHEREAS, the Planning Board has recommended the City Council issue said permit subject to final site plan approval by the Planning Board; and

 

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 addition of a new building to their existing Day Care Facility 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 use 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 Rose Hill Manor 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 addition of a new building to their existing Day Care Facility 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 Rose Hill Manor 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 Rose Hill Manor 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 approve the issuance of a Special Use Permit for Rose Hill Manor:  Council Member Fasano.  Seconded:  Council Member Kyriacou.  On a roll call vote, all voted in favor.  Motion carried.

 

Council Member Kyriacou:  I would like it placed on the record that I am expressing my positive comments strictly as a neighbor/resident and have no other financial or other interest in this project, which would preclude me from voting.

 

2   Approval to Authorize Mayor to Transfer $12,740 of Community Development Funds. From Administration   Read by City Administrator, Joseph Braun.

 

WHEREAS, a public hearing was held on July 5, 2005 on the transfer of a total of $12,740 in Community Development Funds from Administration to the following: $8,240.00 for landscaping Dennings Avenue and $4,500 for Main Street security cameras.

RESOLVED, that the Mayor is authorized to transfer $12,740 in Community Development Funds from Administration to the following: $8,240.00 for landscaping Dennings Avenue and $4,500 for Main Street security cameras.

 

Motion to authorize Mayor to Transfer funds for Community Development:  Council Member Fasano.  Seconded:  Council Member Leake.  On a roll call vote, three voted “yes” and Council Member Kyriacou voted “No”.  Since four “yes” votes are required to pass a resolution, on a vote of three “yes” and one “no”, motion was defeated.

 

Comment by Council Member Fasano:  We need  those cameras installed.  This was already discussed at length at a Workshop and we all know why they are needed.   I suggest that we take this up at another workshop and put it on an agenda when we have more council members present who can provide additional votes to either pass or defeat this motion.

 

Local Laws And Ordinances:

 

1. Resolution No. 73 of 2005 - Proposed Local Law Amending Chapter 223, Zoning, of the City of Beacon Code with Respect to Artist Live/Work Spaces.  Set Public Hearing for Monday, July 18, 2005.  First Reading:  Read by City Administrator, Joseph Braun. 

 

Motion to set Public Hearing for July 18, 2005:  Council Member Fasano.  Seconded:  Council Member Kyriacou.  All voted in favor.  Motion carried. 

 

Ratifications:  None

 

Appointments/Announcements:  None

 

Final Opportunity for Public Comments:

 

Shannon Murphy:  I want to thank the council for all the work in attempting to resolve this issue.  I want Hiddenbrook brought back to its bones.  I can’t stress enough how important this is.  At one time Logging rights were sold and it caused a huge water problem.

 

Betty DePompo, 6 Pearse Place – I read an article that Poughkeepsie is starting to use the bike patrol.  I do not see it in Beacon at this time and if we don’t do something, soon undesirables from Poughkeepsie will come here to Beacon.  We don’t need this problem.

 

Dennis Pavelock, 34 Judson Street – Turned in a signed petition objecting to the one-way stop sign as you enter Judson Street from Wolcott Avenue.  He also read the minutes from past workshops requesting that city employees should get a 13% raise.  I am not for a 13% raise, but if the office is getting a 13% raise then everyone else should get a 13% raise.  He also requested that we have a neighborhood watch throughout the city of Beacon.  It is helping a great deal in other communities.  Dennis also read various publications.

 

Dennis Pavelock asked that the following letter addressed to the Mayor, the City Council and City Administrator dated July 5, 2005:  CC:  Marylyn Vetrano, Dutchess County Human Rights Division.

 

I, Dennis Pavelock am requesting to speak at a future workshop meeting in regards to Safety of our city.  I have put in two other requests in on 8-5-03 and again on 12-1-03.  I never received anything in writing to approve or disapprove.  I am a resident and want to be heard.  It is to my knowledge that people from other organizations are calling city hall and having no problem at all getting put on the agenda. 

 

Sue Anfanti – At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I would continue to urge you to do whatever you can do as quickly as you can to settle the Hiddenbrooke issue. I see the Chapel being worked on.  The more work they do, the more expensive the property will become.  It seems to make sense that you make a decision as soon as you can.

 

Fritz Ohlhoff – There will be a petition going around regarding speeding that is happening on Cross St. and Oak Street.  They are requesting a three way stop sign.  Cars shoot right through before a school bus has an opportunity to put out the stop sign.  This is unsafe for school children who get off the bus.

 

The council announced to Fritz that these traffic issues are presently being worked on.

 

No further Comments:

 

Budget Amendments: Council Action Budget Amendments – July 5, 2005

 

1.          Amend the General Fund Balance (Code: A 909) in the amount of $13,000 for the Highway Repairs of Equipment expense (Code: A 51 10.X4472.00). These funds will be used to repair a roller that is used to roll the ball fields and for construction and

maintenance projects.

 

Motion to amend the General Fund Balance for the Highway Repairs of Equipment Expense:  Council Member Fasano.  Seconded:  Council Member Leake.  On a roll call vote, all voted in favor.  Motion carried.

 

2.         Transfer $500 from General Fund Balance (Code: A 909) to pay the City's share

of the cost of the "Arts along the Hudson" brochure. The DC Arts Council and

BACA have already paid for the brochure.

 

Motion to Transfer funds from General Fund Balance to pay the City’s share of the cost of the “Arts along the Hudson” brochure:  Council Member Fasano.  Seconded:  Council Member Leake. On a roll call vote, all voted I favor.  Motion carried.

 

Review of Bills:  Total Disbursements as of July 5, 2005:                            $350,381.45

 

Next Workshop Date:            Monday, July 11, 2005 at 7:00 pm.Municipal Center

 

Next Council Meeting:            Monday, July 18, 2005 at 7:30 p.m.Municipal Center

 
Motion to go into Executive Session by City Attorney, Gerard Pisanelli:  8:30 p.m.  Council Member Fasano.  Seconded:  Council Member Leake.  All voted in favor.  Motion carried.

 

Motion to end Executive Session at 9:00 p.m.  Council Member Fasano.  Seconded:  Council Member Leake.  All voted in favor.  Motion carried.

 

Adjournment:  Motion to adjourn meeting at 9:00 p.m.:  Council Member Kyriacou.  Seconded:  Council Member Leake.  All voted in favor.  Motion carried

 

Text from Reports for July 5, 2005

 

Mayor’s Communication – July 5, 2005

 

06/16/05: Letter from Ann Meagher, President & CEO - Greater Southern Dutchess Chamber of Commerce to Peter S. Kalikow, Chairman

Re: Beacon Industrial

 

The Greater Southern Dutchess Chamber of Commerce, which stands at 1,000 members strong, is

focused on Dutchess County's economic development strategies and progress of several key projects

throughout the County, including the development of the Beacon Industrial Site.

 

One of the biggest steps we can take to create jobs for our residents is to take advantage of "project ready" industrial land available for businesses interested in expanding or moving here. The development of the Beacon Industrial site is a prime example of such a project. As you know, the site is located entirely in the Empire Zone and has a long history of industrial use. The project has the strong support of the City of Beacon in addition to a multitude of organizations focused on economic development and job creation in Dutchess County.

 

That's because successful development of the Beacon Industrial Site will result in economic spillover that will benefit our entire community. The flow of payroll dollars into local cash registers and bank accounts will result in a net gain to the local economy. Increases in other sectors of employment, plus increases in population, school enrollment, and overall growth, reflect general economic expansion that is generated by new business. The overall goal is to develop an increased tax base, providing a better quality of life for our businesses and residents.

 

The project is a "win-win" if I've ever seen one.

 

As you can see, the project's success is critical from our Chamber's perspective-and the support and cooperation from Metro North will be crucial to seeing the project to fruition. I am hopeful that under your leadership, you can help make that happen.

 

Metro North can play a large role in enhancing opportunity and quality of life for residents in the City of Beacon and beyond. Our business community and residents very much look forward to the Beacon Industrial Site being part of this success.

 

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions or concerns.

 

06/15/05: Bernadette Castro, Commissioner - State Historic Preservation Officer

Re: Congratulations!

 

Congratulations! I am pleased to inform you that a matching grant of $100,000.00 is being recommended for funding under the Recreational Trails Program for the Estuary Trails completion project. As you know, this is a federally funded program, and although Federal Highway Administration approval is anticipated, please do not begin any work until you have been notified of such final approval.

 

At that time, the grant will be formally awarded by contract and you will be contacted by your Regional Grants Office with regard to any program or contract conditions. I urge you to work very closely with the Region, and again not to begin work on your project until all contract requirements have been satisfied.

 

Governor Pataki and I are delighted that this Federal Funding is once again available for recreational trails.  We look forward to the accomplishment of your very important project, and once again, Congratulations!

 

06/24/05: Memo to Sgt. Brian Sewing, Sgt. Gary Fredericks and K-9 Ben, P.O. Frank

Pompilio and K-9 Brix, P.O. Joel Ingold, with carbon copies to Chief Sassi, City Administrator Joe Braun FROM: Clara Lou Gould, Mayor

Re: Thank You. Job Well Done.

 

The Chief s office was kind enough to send along a copy of Sgt. Sewing's report of the June 14th incident involving the successful search for the individual on Denning's Point, and his being safely restrained and ultimately transported to the hospital with the help of the Fire Department and BVAC.

 

Our thanks and congratulations to all of you for averting what could easily have been a tragedy by your quick, resourceful actions, in very trying circumstances. Our compliments, too, on the excellent training you have given your K-9's to inspire them to focus so successfully on the job at hand.

 

Thank you for a job very well done.

 

06/22/05: Edward C. Farrell, Executive Director NYCOM

Re: Housing Authority Funds

 

Success? I am pleased to report that every member of the New York Congressional delegation signed on to support the restoration of the proposed housing authority cuts ($200 million in New York). Yesterday, the House Appropriations Committee approved the restoration of the funds.

 

Special recognition goes to Representative John Sweeney, Sub Committee Chair, as well as Representatives John McHugh and Nadia Velazquez, who mobilized the New York delegation. You should thank your individual Representative for responding to our call to fight the cuts.

 

06/20/05: Anne E. Saylor - Housing Coordinator

Re: 177 Main Street - Facade Improvement Program Payoff

 

The County has received a payoff for the above referenced loan for the Beacon Facade Improvement Program

 

Enclosed for your signature is the completed satisfaction.  We would appreciate it if you could also secure the signature of the Mayor and return the executed satisfaction back to us through the mail.

 

Please feel free to contact me at (845) 486-3600 if you have any questions.

 

06/20/05:  American Red Cross of Dutchess County

Re:  Annual Golf Tournament – Friday – September 23, 2005

 

Help the American Red Cross of Dutchess County help your community!  Promote your business while enjoying a fun day of golf.

 

Did you know that in an average year the American Red Cross of Dutchess County:

 

Provides disaster assistance to over 500 people within Dutchess County.

Transmits more than 120 emergency messages for military families.

Transports 300 senior citizens to medical appointments

Provides lifesaving CPR and First Aid training to 4,500 people

Provides 7,500 pints of Red Cross blood to patients in Dutchess County Hospitals

Did you know that so far 2005 is an above average year?

 

06/20/05: Fishkill Health Center

Re: Rehab Revolution - Fitness & Exercise in Adults Over 50" - For More information call: (845) 831-8704

 

Saturday July 9, 2005 11:00 am Refreshments

 

Free Lecture and Open House for the New Outpatient Rehab Clinic At Fishkill Health Center 22 Robert

R. Kasin Way (Route 9D) Beacon, N.Y

 

All are welcome to attend or stop by to see the new clinic!

 

vanBrunt Gallery

46 Main Street

Beacon, NY 12508

Digital Summer

A Group Show of Digital Art

July 9th – August 1st

Opening Reception July 9th6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

 

City Administrator, Joseph Braun’s Report – July 5, 2005

 

Paving is nearing completion on Heaney, Pearse and Scofield.

 

I have discussed the potential for making the new Tioronda Bridge one lane and the potential for receiving state and federal funding if the City decides do abandon the project with the DOT.  While the DOT says a one lane bridge is possible, to quote the DOT Director of Local Projects: “in rare and unique circumstances, it may be possible and appropriate to construct a replacement one lane bridge when the requirements set forth in the One Lane Bridge Policy are not fully met.”  We cannot meet the One Lane Bridge Policy. 

 

The Director also stated that the City must make a compelling argument for abandoning the project to receive state and federal funding on what has been spent to date.  We have spent almost $600,000 on the project.  If the project is abandoned and we receive state and federal funding, it will cost the City $30,000 or 5%, if not, the City will be liable for the entire $600,000.

 

I asked the project engineer what it would cost to rehabilitate the existing bridge for pedestrians.  His quick estimate was $400,000.  I submitted a grant application for half that amount to State Parks and Historic Preservation Friday.  It was the deadline and another opportunity won’t be available until next year

 

The new ladder truck was severely damaged and will be out of service for a number of weeks.   It will cost $7,000 to repair.  Insurance will pay most of the cost.  The outriggers have been raised to avoid this problem in the future.

 

Installation of the new radio read water meters began in the northwestern quadrant of the City today.

 

The 6-hour parking signs for Red Flynn came today and will be installed this week.

 

Preliminary plans are to mill and pave Main Street the week of August 18.

 

City Attorney, Gerard Pisanelli’s Report for July 5, 2005

 

The following are some of the matters I have worked on since my last report given on June 6, 2005.

 

1.                     Resolutions/Local Laws

 

I prepared, assisted with, amended and/or reviewed the following:

 

a.       Amended "Local Law to amend Chapter 211 by adding a new

          Section 211‑17C Time Limit Parking" by deleting River Street.

b.      Amended Local Law Chapter 139 §9 Free Use of Recycling Center.

c.       Proposed Local Law to create Chapter 200 concerning "Taxicabs."

d.       Special Use Permit Resolution regarding Meadow Ridge Senior

          Housing Phase 11.

e.       Special Use Permit Resolution regarding Rose Hill Manor.

 

In addition, I signed the official submission to the Department of State of the following local laws:

 

a.         Local Law concerning Chapter 43 Article III Hiring of Relatives.

b.         Local Law amending Chapter 139 §9 Free Use of Recycling

            Center.

c.         Local Law updating Chapter 223 Zoning and Chapter 195

            Subdivision of Land with respect to Private Roads Driveways and

            Common Driveways.

 

2                      Real Property

 

a.          I continued to work on the sale of two lots, known as the Ski Lodge

Property, and the auction scheduled for July 22, 2005 at 9:00 AM.

 

b.         I continued my review of documents concerning the Misericordia

Subdivision.

 

c.          I received the Satisfaction of Mortgage from the Dutchess County

Department of Planning and Development regarding the payoff of

the Beacon Facade Improvement Program for 177 Main Street.

 

d.         I arranged for attorney Michael Zarin to appear at the workshop

held on June 27, 2005 to discuss the Hiddenbrooke property and

the various legal issues surrounding said property.

 

3.                     Miscellaneous Legal Matters

 

a.          I spoke to the Mayor regarding the letter requesting to rescind the

resignation from a female police officer and attempted to reach

Attorney DeFio.

 

b.         I received an additional letter from Michael Pascazi regarding his

FOIL request concerning police cameras and the contract with Blue

Dragon Connections, LLC.

 

c.          I spent additional time this month concerning the Buddenhagen

Lawsuit and continued to monitor other lawsuits and Notices of

Claim filed against the City.

 

d.         I attended the June Planning Board meeting and the June meeting

of the Zoning Board of Appeals.

 

In addition to the above, I have discussed other legal matters with the Mayor, the Administrator, the Building Department, the City Clerk, the Mayor's Secretary, and the Zoning and Planning Board Secretary. I have also conferred with other City employees and consultants regarding various issues.

 

Mayor Clara Lou Gould’s Report - Tuesday, July 5, 2005

 

Since our meeting of June 20th:

 

1.         Attended an Executive Committee meeting of the Hudson Fulton Champlain Quadricentennial Commission, held at Marist College.

 

2.         Attended a meeting of the management committee of the National Heritage Area.

 

3.         Attended the Scenic Hudson annual gathering, held this year at the Gateway to Mt. Beacon. (It was eight years ago since they last met in Beacon, that time at Beacon Landing).

 

4.         Attended the D.C. Community Development board meeting. Thanks to the efforts of our NYS Congressional leaders the funding will not be cut as drastically as had been proposed. It will be a decreased total amount, but the board agreed to change the procedure in place since 1999 which subtracted administration money before the percentages guaranteed human services, and the City of Beacon, are calculated. The 20% we used to get was reduced to 15% last year, but that 15% will now be calculated on the full amount appropriated to the County, so our funding for the next year should be about the same, perhaps even a little higher.

 

5.         And the County Executive announced that the HUD loan made possible through the Community Development Block Grant program has finally come through to Hudson Beach Glass, for their improvements to the old Tompkins Hose firehouse.

 

6.         Beacon's Community Day was a great opportunity for people to gather and enjoy the fellowship, the music, and the food, and of course, the fireworks. Thanks to the Wee Play group for revitalizing this community celebration.

 

7.         Press phone calls received include the New York Times, doing an article on the taxicab service to the correctional facilities, The Daily Gazette of Saratoga County, asking about our change from the commission form of government‑apparently Saratoga is considering a change, and another call from WAMC, the northeast public radio station which was in town a few weeks a