Minutes
City
of
REGULAR MEETING
The regular meeting of the City
of
Council Member Present: Charles Kelly, Phil Shea, Steve Gold and Eleanor Thompson.
Excused: Lee Kyriacou and Elizabeth Foster
Also in attendance were: City Administrator, Joseph Braun.
City Attorney, Gerard Pisanelli8
Media represented by: Goldee Greene, Beacon Free Press
Residents at Beginning of Meeting: 15
Public Hearings:
1. Proposed Local Law: Amendment to Beacon City Charter Section 8.10, Entitled “Exceptions to referendum”. Read by City Administrator, Joseph Braun.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
that the City of Beacon will hold a public hearing on Monday, July 2nd 2007 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 to Amend Section 8.10 entitled “Exceptions to
Referendum” of the Beacon City Charter.
This local law
would take effect immediately upon 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 Hearing Comments:
City Administrator, Joseph Braun: This will increase the limit before a referendum is required to take into account inflation since the original Charter was first passed and the initial amount will go from $250,000.00 to $400,000.00. It has not increased since 1990.
Lou Amoroso:
John Foreman
I am out of town this evening, however, I would like to say that I am against raising the amount of money the city can bond without the people giving a right to get a petition to bring it to a public referendum. I believe giving the council more ability to spend money without any accountability is wrong.
For years the amount has been $250,000.00 and I only recall a few times that taxpayers got a petition to bring it to a public referendum. We cannot keep taking away the right of our 4,000 taxpayers. This council has already taken away the taxpayers right to vote on raises for the council and the mayor. Now they want to be allowed to spend up to $400,000.00 without giving the public any recourse.
As a candidate for city council, I am against raising this amount from $250,000.00 to $400,000.00. We need to control spending in order to control taxes. The process that allows the voters to bring bonded money to a referendum by petition is a check and balance for taxpayers.
Betty DiPompo: I really think that the public should be made aware of what you plan to do. I think they should have a voice and say whether they want it or don’t want it.
Jerry Landisi,
No
further comments.
Motion to close public hearing: Council Member Kelly. Seconded: Council Member Shea. All voted in favor. Motion carried.
2. Proposed Local Law: To Add to Chapter 33 of the Beacon City Code entitled, ‘Harbor Management’ To Create a New Subsection C. to §33-8. ‘Permit applications and procedures’. Read by City Administrator, Joseph Braun.
NOTICE
OF PUBLIC HEARING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the City of Beacon will hold a public hearing on Monday, July 2nd 2007 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 to Add Chapter 33 of the Beacon City Code Entitled “Harbor Management” to Create a new Subsection C to §33-8, “Permit Applications And Procedures”.
This local law would take effect
immediately upon 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 Hearing Comments:
Mayor Clara Lou Gould: The reason for this is to clarify the use of the docks.
Lou Amoroso: Regarding Harbor Management - They should know that the fire department is not a tow service on the river. The Beacon Fire Dept. was called out to a sailboat that needed to be rescued. Beacon Fire Dept did not get credit. They called it a rescue. It is a sad situation when you have two council members not here when you have a vote on something this big.
City Administrator, Joseph Braun: This is so we have some regulations in place including liability regarding the docking.
Dennis Pavelock,
Council Member Braun: This is for tour boats and not private.
No further comments:
Motion to close Public Hearing: Council Member Shea. Seconded: Council Member Kelly. All voted in favor. Motion carried.
Community Segment: Speaker: Dawn Wilkins – Gave powerful presentation of statistics regarding Choices For Change from 2001 - 2006. Some of the other things she talked about are as follows:
Who is Choices for Change? Choices for Change is a research based community empowerment Partnership established in 2000. The project is comprised of local Partners from children's services agencies, non-profit organizations, schools, businesses, treatment facilities, law enforcement, community agencies, and other community members. The Partnership is funded through a federal Drug-Free Communities grant managed by the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Agency (SAMHSA).
What is the CFC Strategy? The Choices for Change approach emphasizes community assessment, planning, and implementation of programming. It is based on over 30 years of research that has shown that a number of Risk Factors increase the chances of youth development health and behavioral problems, such as substance abuse, delinquency, violence, pregnancy, and school drop out.
Protective factors balance these risk factors by either reducing the impact of the risks, or by changing the way our youth respond to them. The goal of CPC is for our local community Partners to identify the risk factors present in our Southern Dutchess communities, and develop protective factors to prevent problem behaviors before they start.
The 4 domains in which we will concentrate our efforts are:
Community. Our Goal: Increase neighborhood attachment and increase community skills and recognition.
Family. Our Goal: Increase family supervision and family attachment.
School. Our Goal: Increase school commitment and increase school opportunities, skills and recognition.
Individual/Peer. Our Goal: Decrease friends with unhealthy behaviors and increase friends with healthy beliefs and clear standards.
Will We Achieve Our Goal? Based on our comprehensive research and assessment of the Southern Dutchess community, we have a better understanding what promotes both positive and negative adolescent behavior in our communities, and how successful youth prevention programs can be designed.
Based on this analysis, the CFC Partnership has identified our most prominent risk factors and will implement a Comprehensive Plan to address our goals in the 4 domains identified.
Addressing these risk factors, and identifying and increasing the protective factors that are most prominent in our community, can have a wide ranging impact in our community... and help protect our youth from drug abuse and other problem behaviors.
Choices For Change has committed to focusing our efforts on the following goal:
For further information contact Choices for Change, A
Southern Dutchess Partnership Assuring Youth Success,
Comments:
Council Member Thompson: We have been working with the children of Beacon on smoking and already we have seen results of this program. We plan to do a program on drinking in the same way.
Matthew Munsey: I am new in Beacon and I have several questions. Are there neighborhood watches? Are the Police actively involved?
City Attorney, Pisanelli: Advised this resident that he should put his many questions in writing and they will be addressed.
Dennis Pavelock,
The council thanked Dawn for her informative and powerful presentation.
Council Meeting Minutes for the following dates were
received by the council members but they have not had an opportunity to read
them all: Therefore, they will not be
voted on tonight.
May 7, and
June 4, and
Text for the following Reports for
Mayor's
Communication 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 read
their Reports of Activities
First
Dennis Pavelock: I
would like to know how much the police dept asked for in overtime? I would like a figure on that.
Tom Baldino: I
would like to encourage the city to go forward with solar heating of water for
this building.
No further
comments.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Resolutions:
Local Laws And Ordinances:
1. Amendment to Beacon City Charter Section 8.10,
Entitled “Exceptions to referendum” Second
Motion to adopt local law: Council Member Gold. Seconded: Council Member Shea.
Discussion
Council Member Gold: I think the public has a right to referendum for any amount. I will vote no on this resolution.
Council Member Shea: I wish we could get this type of dialog all year round. I will also vote “no”.
Council Member Kelly: I would like to echo those comments. The intention was not to deny the public. I was struck by the comments this evening and I will be voting "no" to this.
Mayor Clara Lou Gould: I think that this still could be misinterpreted. I will vote "no".
On roll call vote, all voted No. Motion was defeated.
2. Resolution No. 118 for 2007 - Proposed Local
Law No. 10 for 2007 - To Add to Chapter 33 of the Beacon City Code
entitled, ‘Harbor Management’ To Create a New Subsection C. to §33-8.
‘Permit applications and procedures.’
Second
NOTICE
OF PUBLIC HEARING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the City of Beacon will hold a public hearing on Monday, July 2nd 2007 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 to Add Chapter 33 of the Beacon City Code Entitled “Harbor Management” to Create a new Subsection C to §33-8, “Permit Applications And Procedures”.
This local law would take effect
immediately upon 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.
Motion to adopt local law: Council Member Shea. Seconded: Council Member Gold. On roll call, all voted in favor. Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
Resolutions:
1. Resolution No. 119 for 2007 - Accept
Proposal from Trane, 301 Old Niskayuna Road, Latham, NY for removal and
disposal of existing heat exchanger, Provide and install new hot water heat
exchanger and verify proper operation.
Applicable taxes are not included, Services not listed is not included
and work will be performed during normal business hours. Total proposal: $4,963.00. Read by City Administrator, Joseph Braun.
TRANE PROPOSAL
Resolved, Beacon City Council
hereby authorizes the Mayor to accept Proposal from Trane,
Motion to accept proposal from Trane: Council Member Thompson. Seconded: Council Member Gold. On roll call, all voted in favor. Motion carried.
2. Resolution No. 120 for 2007 - Authorize
the Mayor to Accept Bid and Execute Contract with Marquise Development for
RESOLVED, that the Mayor be authorized to accept the lowest responsible bid submitted by Marquise Development, Thornwood, NY for the Beacon Street Sidewalks and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Mayor be hereby authorized to execute a contract Marquise Development, Thornwood, NY in the amount of $206,405.00 for the Beacon Street Sidewalks.
Motion to Authorize Mayor to Accept Bid: Council Member Thompson. Seconded: Council Member Kelly. On roll call, all voted in favor. Motion carried.
3. Resolution No. 121 for 2007 - Accept Bid for approving engineering and permitting services for improvement to the Lower Melzingah Dam. Read by City Administrator, Joseph Braun.
RESOLVED, the City Council approves the expenditure of $37,500 as the total lump sum price as submitted by O’Brien & Gere Engineers, Inc. for tasks one through five of their proposal for additional engineering and permitting services – Lower Melzingah Dam Improvements and authorizes the Mayor to sign appropriate contract documents after review by the City Attorney.
Motion to Accept Bid: Council Member Shea. Seconded: Council Member Thompson. On roll call, all voted in favor. Motion carried.
4. Resolutions No. 122 A, B, and C for 2007 -
Resolution No. 122A - Authorize the Amendment of the Program Year 1999 Dutchess County Community Development Action Agency Block Grant Program in the amount of $1,627.00
WHEREAS,
the City of
WHEREAS,
input from citizens and groups has been received and considered, and
WHEREAS,
this resolution has been prepared, which would move the 2004
NOW,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Dutchess County Community Development
Consortium Program Year 1999 amendment for the City of
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the submission of said resolution to the Dutchess
county Department of Planning and Development be and hereby is authorized.
Resolution No. 122B - Authorize the Amendment of the Program Year 2000 Dutchess County Community Development Block Grant Program - Beacon Signage Project in the amount of $2037.00
WHEREAS, the City of
WHEREAS, input from citizens and groups has been received and
considered, and
WHEREAS, this resolution has been prepared, which would move the 2000
Beacon Signage Project remaining funds in the amount of $2,037.00 to Public
Infrastructure.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Dutchess County Community
Development Consortium Program Year 2000 amendment for the City of
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the submission of said resolution to the
Dutchess county Department of Planning and Development be and hereby is
authorized.
Resolution No. 122C - Authorizing the Amendment of the program year 2004 Dutchess County Community Development Block Grant Program - Beacon Community Center Project in the amount of $3,466.00
WHEREAS,
the City of
WHEREAS,
input from citizens and groups has been received and considered, and
WHEREAS,
this resolution has been prepared, which would move the 2004
NOW,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Dutchess County Community Development Consortium
Program Year 2004 amendment for the City of
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the submission of said resolution to the Dutchess
county Department of Planning and Development be and hereby is authorized.
Motion to approve resolutions 122 A, B and C: Council Member Thompson. Seconded: Council Member Shea. On roll call, all voted in favor. Motion carried.
Local Laws And Ordinances:
1. Resolution No. 123 for 2007 - 9D Arterial
Sewer Responsibility. Set Public Hearing
for
Motion to Set Public
Hearing
Ratifications:
Announcements:
Beacon 2009
Committee – Hudson
Sara Pasti, Co-Chair
Bob Murphy, Co-Chair
Norman MacLeod
Ann MacLeod
Phyllis Keaton
Julann Cobb
Clara Lou Gould
Jennifer Mackiewicz
Ron Iarossi
Kathy Halvey
Last
Fred Antalek: I’m here on behalf of Mr. Mansfield. I was having the same problem on my property
on
George
Mansfield: I want to thank Mr. Antalek
for his comments. I would like to know
what would be done until
Dennis Pavelock - The
following are Dennis’ Comments: (a copy
was distributed to the council members.)
The Concerned Citizens Coalition of Beacon would like to inform you of
our next event. It is to form a human
pyramid in Memorial Park and to set a record for the Guinness Book of World
Records. The Concerned Citizens of
Beacon had to get registered with the Guinness Book of World Records for this
event. We are now registered
members. We are asking the City of
Dennis also handed out a copy of the Graffiti law Chapter 234, Property
Damage (Existing as of
Tom Baldino 19 North
Street: I would like to back up Dennis
on his last program regarding emergency management. The CSC had their last meeting. Chris Erickson is getting a promotion. Now he is emergency secretary. I asked him if there would be any testing
going on in Beacon and he said “no”. I
think we should worry and I would like the city council do a little worrying
with me.
No further comments.
Budget Amendments
as of
1. Amend the General
Fund Balance for the Recreation department in the amount of $1,300 to be used
for Tree Care/Removal (Code: A7141.448000)
per quote from ETB Tree and Landscaping.
The transfer approved on
Motion to Amend the General Fund Balance: Council Member Thompson. Seconded: Council Member Gold. On roll call, all voted in favor. Motion carried.
2. Amend the General Fund Balance for the Attorney Department expense (Code: A1420.450410) for Roemer, Wallens and Mineaux in the amount of $4,639.00. These funds are to be distributed follows:
$1,807.00 for the Franklin Otero discipline,
$1,996.00 for the Jennifer Piacente notice of discipline,
$ 836.00 for the Personnel Matters with Chief Sassi
Motion to Amend the General Fund Balance: Council Member Thompson. Seconded: Council Member Shea. All voted in favor. Motion carried.
3. Amend the General
Fund Balance for the Attorney Department expense (Code: A1410.450412) for Hodges, Walsh & Slater
in the amount of $3,904.00. These funds
are to be used for the expenses for the case of Finch v. City of
Motion to Amend the General Fund Balance: Council Member Gold. Seconded: Council Member Thompson. On a roll call vote, all voted in favor. Motion carried.
4. Amend the General Fund Balance for the Public Works Department Repair of Real Property, Beacon Engine (A1620.447307) in the amount of $6,490. This money will be used to paint the apparatus bay.
Motion to Amend the General Fund Balance: Council Member Shea. Seconded: Council Member Thompson. All voted in favor. Motion carried.
5. Amend the General Fund Budget for the Police Department Overtime expense (A 3120.105000) by transferring $221,500 from the following:
Regular Salaries (A3120.101000) $148,990
Captain’s Salaries (A3120.100300) 56,000
Detective’s Salaries (A3130.106000) 16,510
These funds are available in these expense budgets due to the fact that the department has not yet hired the employees that were included in the projected budget.
Motion to Amend the General Fund Balance: Council Member Thompson. Seconded: Council Member Gold. On a roll call vote, there were four "yes" votes and Council Member Kelly voted "no". On a vote of 4 "yes" and 1 "no", motion carried.
6. Amend the General
Fund Budget for the Assessor by transferring $35,000 from the Regular Salary
(Code: A1355.101000) to the Joint
Assessor Agreement expense (Code:
A1355.452009). This is needed to
pay the Town of
Motion to Amend the General Fund Budget: Council Member Shea. Seconded: Council Member Thompson. All voted in favor. Motion carried.
Review of
Bills: Total Disbursements as of July 2, 2007: $190,316.14
Next Workshop:
Next Council Meeting:
Community Segment: Green
Teen Community
Garden Club
A Motion to Enter
into an Executive Session at
A Motion to End
Executive at
Motion to adjourn
meeting at
Text from Reports for
Mayor's Correspondence
Mayor's Correspondence
RE: Open Reception - River Winds Gallery
River Winds Gallery
845-838- 2880
Artist Reception:
Or by Appointment
RE:
Knowing of your commitment to the protection of the environment and its resources, I am pleased to inform you that the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is currently accepting applications for funding under the Clean Renewable Energy Bond Program.
The Clean Renewable Energy Bond Program finances eligible clean renewable energy projects through bonds issued by municipalities (city, county, state, utility district, etc.) as well as electric COOP's and some specific lenders. Unlike normal bonds that pay interest, tax-credit bonds such as the Clean Renewable Energy Bonds pay the bondholders by providing a credit against their federal income tax, providing, in effect, interest-free financing for certain renewable energy projects. Eligible projects must generate electricity from clean and/or renewable sources.
The application period for the Clean Renewable Energy Bond
Program will close on
If you experience a technical problem while using the IRS website, click on the "Help" tab at the top of the website for assistance. For live technical support, you may contact the IRS website support staff at 1.800.876.1715 or ask your question via e-mail at helpdesk@speedmail.com.
As always, my staff and I stand ready to assist you with any aspect of the application process. Just call my Grants Director, Elizabeth Bailey, at 202.224.6542 with any questions you may have.
It is crucial that we develop, clean, renewable energy sources to protect our environment, promote economic development, and conserve our natural resources. I hope that you find this information helpful and that you take advantage of this great opportunity to improve the quality of tile of New Yorkers. Please do not hesitate to contact me regarding this or any other matter.
Across
To combat this tax crisis, my Assembly Minority colleagues and I recently introduced the New York State Property Taxpayer Protection Act, Provisions of this vital tax relief package for localities include: state funding for mandates costing more than $10,000 annually or $1 million statewide; financial assistance to localities to consolidate services and combat Medicaid fraud; local option insurance pooling; and a state takeover of all optional Medicaid services.
In addition, this legislation will cap annual school district property tax levy increases at 4% or the rate of inflation, whichever is less, providing an estimated $1.5 billion in savings to homeowners and businesses for the 2008-09 school year. It also creates an Office of State Inspector General for Education to investigate financial abuse, corruption and misconduct in schools. For a copy of the NYS Property Taxpayer Protection Act, please go to http://www.assembly.state.ny.us and type in A8775 under the "Quick Bill Search" feature.
My Assembly Minority colleagues and I will continue to press
for the immediate passage of this necessary reform legislation. However, we
cannot win this fight alone. My colleagues and I need your help to get the NYS
Property Taxpayer Protection Act enacted into law now. Only together can we fix
our broken real property tax system and bring real relief to all
Please take a moment to review the enclosed sample resolution endorsing the NYS Property Taxpayer Protection Act. I respectfully urge you to pass a similar endorsement of this much-needed tax relief in your own legislative chamber and send it to Governor Spitzer, Speaker Silver, Senator Bruno, and all the members of the Legislature. On behalf of the Assembly Minority Conference, I thank you for joining the fight to reduce property taxes for all New Yorkers.
Park Use Permits - Approved by Julann Cobb - Recreation Director
No Request at this time....
Request for Parade/Street Use Permits: Approved by Mayor
All above Requests have been approved by the Mayor and a copy of Parade Permit has been forwarded to: City Administrator, Chief of Police, Superintendent of Highways and Fire Chief.
City
Administrator, Joseph Braun's Report of Activities
Planning for this important and complex project
should continue. If it is to be
completed next year, a decision should be made on the design by no later than
September.
University Settlement
The pool is open.
The schedule is available on the website, Channel 22 and at the
Police Budget
Captain Scofield is preparing next year’s personal
services budget proposal for July 9th’s
workshop.
Street Facility Progress
The last step is being completed for the transfer
of property from the State of
The reconstruction of
Removal and replacement of overgrown trees on
The following will
be placed on the City of Beacon Website Regarding Firework Laws in New York
Fireworks Laws
CONSUMER
FIREWORKS
Specifically None
Permitted
Specifically Firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, roman candles,
Prohibited bombs, and sparklers.
DISPLAY
FIREWORKS
Display
Permit Apply to local authorities at least 5
days before display date.
Insurance Required, $5000 minimum.
Operator License specifically required in state law.
MANUFACTURE,
STORAGE, TRANSPORTATION
Safe storage areas specifically in
state law.
ENFORCING
AUTHORITY
Superintendent
State Campus
518-457-7662
www.state.ny.us/
LAW
NUMBER
Penal Law Article 270, Sec. 270.00 Art. 405,
City
Attorney, Gerard Pisanelli's Report of Activities
The
following are some of the matters I have worked on since my last report given
on
1. Resolutions/Local Laws
I prepared, assisted with, amended and/or reviewed the following:
a. I made final changes to the Local Law amending Chapter 179 Sewers in order to add a new subsection 179-3 f (2) and I signed the local law form in order to file it with the Secretary of State;
b. The Resolution authorizing the Dummy Light to be kept in it current historical location in the intersection;
c. Resolution authorizing the purchase of
two lots: one on
d. Resolution amending the Stop DWI Program to increase payments for sobriety checkpoints;
e. Resolution authorizing the Mayor to
execute a Tolling Agreement regarding the Consolidated Iron and Metal Company,
Inc. Superfund Site in
f. Resolution
authorizing the Mayor to sign an Agreement with Hudson Cruises for water taxi
service between Beacon and
g. Resolution authorizing tax refunds for 2006 and 2007 for Sculpture Beacon, LLC;
h. Resolution authorizing the City to apply for a grant for the Heritage Tourism and Way Finding project;
i. Resolution authorizing the City to apply for a grant for the acquisition of the University Settlement Camp property, which provides for a Conservation Easement if found appropriate; Local Law to amend Section 8.10 of the City Charter entitled, “Exceptions to Referendum” to raise the limit before a permissive Referenda shall apply from $250,000.00 to $400,000.00;
k. A Local Law to add Chapter 33 to the Beacon City Code entitled, “Harbor Management” to create a new Subsection C to “permit applications and procedures.”
2. Real Property
a. I reviewed the completed Contract for the Miller Street Construction Project to include a review of the insurance and bonds and signed the “Certificate of Owner’s Attorney” so that that reconstruction project can move forward;
b. I reviewed the
Architectural/Engineering Consultant Agreement for the reconstruction of
c. I reviewed the bids submitted for the
d. Regarding the Sidewalk Lien affecting
e. The status of the street created by
prescription known as “
f. I again assisted the attorneys representing the City concerning the Hiddenbrooke property. It now appears that the Contract of Sale can be finalized and the matter proceed to closing.
3. Miscellaneous Legal Matters
a. I assisted the attorney assigned by the insurance company to defend the Searles matter and discussed the fact that former Chief Sassi has been noticed for a pre-trial deposition. I suggested that the attorney contact Detective Sassi’s attorney directly to find out if he will cooperate;
b. I reviewed a change to the Payment In Lieu Of Tax Agreement concerning Meadow Ridge II;
c. I discussed with the Mayor a procedure to follow concerning Zoning and Planning Board members who do not attend meetings as required. The members in question will be reminded of their responsibilities and the potential consequences of their non-compliance;
d. I reviewed the Application prepared for open clerical positions;
e. I reviewed a positive letter and a positive memo concerning exemplary conduct on the part of certain Beacon police officers;
f. I reviewed the Contract with Blue Dragon Connections concerning the Main Street Security Cameras and made several recommendations on how to proceed since it appears that the contractor is not living up to the terms of the Contract;
g. I reviewed the proposed Letter of Credit for the 989 Wolcott, LLC four lot subdivision and approved same as to form and content;
h. I drafted a response to Mr. and Mrs. Gebman concerning their two proposed subdivisions;
i. I attended the June Planning Board Meeting and the June Zoning Board of Appeals meeting.
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
1. Attended the
regional Hudson Fulton Champlain Quadricentennial meeting held at the Hotel
Thayer at
2. Attended the
3. The water taxi had
its trial run and press conference; leaving Beacon at 10 on Friday to go to
4. Attended the
opening of A Medley of Sculpture at the
5. Attended the first
annual fraxinella ceremony in the historic
6. Attended a meeting at Castle Point for an update on the CARES initiative and the possible expansion of the Castle Point campus that would result. Expansion of services to include some now handled at Montrose, and some residential development, could be part of it, and a traffic survey is of course of paramount importance.
7. Attended a meeting
in Fishkill regarding the need for a battered women's shelter in the southern
Dutchess area. People in need of the service now have to go to
8. Attended a meeting of the executive board of the PDCTC. South Avenue from Grandview to 9D and Slocum Road from Grandview to the city line have been reclassified from urban minor arterial to urban local roads because of the Tioronda Bridge being down. However they are still eligible for federal funding.
9. Marriage #13 was witnessed.
10. Congratulations to the Beacon fire tower committee. Two flights of the old wooden stairs have been replaced with new steel ones. Future work sessions will work on replacing other flights and the landings.
11. Patricia Schultz' book made it to 72 weeks on the NY Times best seller list on July 1st.
12. I was invited to be part of the Great Hudson River
Paddle, the kayak trip from
13. Finally, a reminder as we approach the celebration of our country's independence, that State law prohibits individual fireworks, consumer fireworks, including firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, roman candles, bombs and sparklers. Display fireworks by groups require a permit at least 5 days before the display date with $5,000 minimum insurance.
Council Members Reports
Council Member Kelly: I met with the chair of the Recreation Committee and he asked me to clarify the powers of the commission. He specifically wanted me to define the role of the part-time city employee's relations to the commission. I said I did not know and would ask to put the issue on our workshop agenda.
I participated in the march against Domestic Violence on
June 23rd and the fundraiser at
Council Member Shea: Good evening and thank you for attending tonight! I recently spoke to a solar engineer about hydro solar installations. This is in response to our approving the replacement of the municipal building's heat exchanger. I would like to pursue the idea of a solar alternative for future replacement work and any new construction. With the new Clean Renewable Energy Bond Program, which is basically an interest free way of financing these projects, should be seriously considered.
It would be great if we could include the new highway building construction. Thank you.
Council Member Gold:
First I commend the Beacon Recreation Commission for
putting on an excellent fireworks display Saturday night. Thank you!
Second I commend Denis Pavelock, President of
the Concerned Citizens Coalition for putting me in touch with the Dutchess
County Probation Department in an effort to start a graffiti cleanup program.
His idea was a win-win program to give community service work to people on
parole, while at the same time help clean our city. The City Administrator is
currently working on the details so this can take place. I now ask the City
Administrator if we can expand the program to include cleaning our parks and
streets ?
I have been in touch with the State of
I request the city begin to accept florescent
and energy saving bulbs at our recycle center. They contain mercury and
therefore should not be thrown out with the regular trash.
I also request that we review at the next
workshop session information provided by the Friends of Hiddenbrook, which
describes the boundaries that will be formed by the acquisition of property by
the Archdiocese.
Lee Kyriacou has requested we place on the
workshop agenda the noise pollution coming from
I request that the Beacon City Council decide
at an upcoming workshop to submit to the Beacon Human Relations Commission
three individuals to be so honored by being the first residents to receive the
distinguished “Beacon Meritorious Award”. They are:
(1) Police Officer Anthony Hopper, (2) Police
Officer Jose
Regarding the removal of certain tress on