Minutes

City of Beacon Council Meeting Minutes

December 3, 2007

 

REGULAR MEETING

 

The regular meeting of the City of Beacon Council held at the Municipal Center, One Municipal Plaza on December 3, 2007 at 7:35 p.m. was called to order by Mayor Clara Lou Gould with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

 

Council Members Present:                               Clara Lou Gould, Elizabeth Foster, Charles Kelly, Phil Shea, Steve Gold, Eleanor Thompson and Randy Casale*.

 

Also in attendance were:                                  City Administrator, Joseph Braun

                                                                        City Attorney, Gerard Pisanelli

 

Media Represented by:                                                Goldee Greene, Beacon Free Press

 

Residents in Attendance at Beginning:             40

 

Appointment:

 

1.  Resolution No. 184 of 2007 - *Appointment of Randy Casale to the City Council as a Council Member effective immediately.  Read by Mayor Clara Lou Gould.

 

WHEREAS, Council Member Lee Kyriacou has resigned from the City Council leaving a vacancy, and

WHEREAS, Randy Casale has been elected to the City Council effective January 1, 2008, and;

WHEREAS, the City of Beacon City Charter allows for an appointment to fill such a vacancy.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT;

RESOLVED, the Mayor appoints with the City of Beacon City Council approval Randy Casale to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Lee Kyriacou effective immediately;

 

Motion to approve appointment of Randy Casale replacing Lee Kyriacou:  Council Member Foster.  Seconded:  Council Member Shea.  All voted in favor.  Motion carried.

 

At this point, Randy Casale was sworn in as Council Member effective immediately by Mayor Clara Lou Gould.

 

Public Hearings:

 

 1.  Proposed Local Law to allow Enrolled Volunteer Firefighters and Volunteer Ambulance Workers to be Eligible For a City of Beacon Real Property Tax Exemption Under Real Property Tax Law (RPTL) Section 466-C.  Read by City Attorney, Gerard Pisanelli.

 

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT THE City of Beacon will hold a public hearing on Monday, December 3, 2007 at the City of Beacon Municipal Center, One Municipal Plaza, Beacon, New York at 7:30 p.m. or as so on thereafter as the matter is reached on the agenda to consider a proposed local law to Allow Enrolled Volunteer Firefighters and Volunteer Ambulance Workers to be Eligible for a Real Property Tax Exemption under Real Property Tax Law (RPTL) Section 466-C.

 

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 Municipal Center for inspection during regular business hours.

 

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

 

Public Hearing Comments:

 

Pam Wetherbee:  I am for this but please explain what you meant by if they lived anywhere in the state.

City Attorney Pisanelli:  They first have to qualify as a Beacon resident.  Once they qualify, they could move anywhere in New York State and still get the exemption.

 

No further comments.

 

Motion to close Public Hearing:  Council Member Shea.  Seconded:  Council Member Casale.    All voted in favor.  Motion carried.

 

2.  To Regulate the Sale and Use of Outdoor Furnaces in the City of Beacon.   Adjourned on 10/01/07, 10/15/07, 11/05/07 and 11/19/07.  This will be adjourned again until information is received.

 

Public Hearing Comments: None

 

Motion to adjourn Public Hearing:  Council Member Thompson.  Seconded:  Council Member Foster.  All voted in favor.  Motion carried.

 

Community Segment: Powerpoint Presentation Bullying:  “Joy to Our Town” – Ed Murphy

 

This program was presented by Ed Murphy, The Olweus Bully Prevention Trainer Phone No. (845) 236-4692 - E-mail address mrmurf48@aol.com - Visit www.Clemson.edu/olweus.  Mr Murphy gave a slide presentation where he discussed Bullying Defined, Bullying = Peer Abuse, types of bullying.  Why should we worry? Characteristics of Bullies, Short Term Effects of Bulling, Long Term Effects, How can we get involved and many other things about the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program.  He then answered questions from the residents.  The Council thanked him for his very informative presentation.

 

Superintendent of Schools:  Dr. Jean Parr

                                    1.  After School Problems

                                    2.  Old Beacon High School

 

Dr. Parr:  I will talk a little bit about how we chose some of the people we work with.  Our primary role is to educate our children.  It is not only academics but it is other issues.  Anytime we are looking at a program, it goes through a process.  Needs should be surveyed and evaluated.  Based on data we make decisions on what we would need.  We research a lot of the programs.  We interview people who we intend to work with.  It should have all the components that will assist the students and the teachers and the parent.  It is important for parents to be involved.  Sometimes a program will work for elementary but not for high school.  We try to match the programs with the age groups.  We adjust the programs to be sure they are working.  We want summaries at the end of the school year as to whether it worked or did not work.  Dr. Parr discussed some of the programs that are in the Beacon School District including a theatre group.  There is a program called Life Skills.  This is a program that starts in third grade and goes through middle school.  This began after DARE was dropped.  We have added intramurals to our middle school.  We have a nice relationship with the Beacon Community Center and DIA of Beacon.  It is not always about sports.  We like children to have other opportunities.  We have a work-study program for children who have disabilities and are not able to go to college.  There are many more projects.  Our goal is to get our kids mentally healthy.

Dr. Parr asked for and answered questions from the residents.

 

Update on the High School:  The old Beacon High School is on the market and we have received about six proposals.  Two talked about artists and commercial activities, another to convert to residential.  Another was managed health care.  One was for a school from Korea.  What the school district wants to do is sell the building. The previous owners went bankrupt about a year ago and gave the building back to us.  It was quite an expense.  What the board is prepared to do is ask the community whether we should or should not sell the building.  It will be on the Board agenda on Monday.  Does the school district want to keep it?  If the community wants to sell the building we will become more aggressive with the offers we received.  We cannot do anything until the community makes a decision.  The council was very happy with this approach.  The artists that are there now have a month-to-month lease.  We do not make a profit on that building.  We actually lose money.  Some of the space in that old building is not rentable.  The school has a responsibity to the state controller's office.  They do not really care for us being a landlord.  The controller's office is concerned because we are not making a profit.  It is actually costing us money.  If the community chooses to keep that building something will have to be done to support it financially.  We want it to do what is good for Beacon but we also must be fiscally responsible.

 

Dr. Parr took and answered questions from the residents.

 

The council thanked Dr. Parr for her presentation.

 

Approval of Minutes:

 

Mayor Clara Lou Gould asked for a motion to approve the minutes for the following date:

November 19, 2007

 

Motion to approve minutes: Council Member Foster.  Seconded:  Council Member Thompson.  All voted in favor.  Motion carried.

 

Reports:  Text from the following reports for December 3, 2007 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 Get copy of Joe's Report

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

 

Council Member Gold:  At this point, I would like to add the following resolutions to tonight's agenda:  (Look under "Appointments"):  My reason for requesting this at this time is so that it will be on the agenda in the event residents want to ask questions during the first opportunity for comments on agenda items only.

 

1.  Appointment of Glenn Scofield Provisional as Chief of Police.

2.  Request Dutchess County Personnel to offer Dutchess County Chief of Police Civil Service Examination.

 

First Opportunity for Public Comments:  Pertaining to This Agenda Only

 

Clark Gebman:  Regarding my property being wetland - the city has documents that show that it is not wetlands.

 

Jennifer Kurtz Beacon Community Center:  You want the school to do all these programs but you do not want a full time recreation director.  This does not make sense.

 

Dennis Pavelock:  Have you ever thought about entering into a municipal agreement?  I do not mean to imply that you should not get this equipment.  A lot of communities do that and this can save a lot of money

 

No further comments.

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS –

 

Resolutions:

 

1.  Resolution No. 185 of 2007 - Bond Ordinance Authorizing the Issuance Of Up To $525,000 Aggregate Principal Amount Serial Bonds of the City Of Beacon, Dutchess County, New York, To the Local Finance Law, To Finance the Costs of the Acquisition of Machinery and Apparatus for Construction and Maintenance Including Dump Trucks, a Leaf Truck and Blower, and a Backhoe and Trailer.   For Adoption by affirmative vote of at Least two-thirds of the entire voting strength of the Council of the City.  Read by City Administrator, Joseph Braun.

 

BOND ORDINANCE, DATED DECEMBER 3, 2007, AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $525,000 AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT SERIAL BONDS OF THE CITY OF BEACON, COUNTY OF DUTCHESS, STATE OF NEW YORK, PURSUANT TO THE LOCAL FINANCE LAW, TO FINANCE THE COSTS OF THE ACQUISITION OF MACHINARY AND APPARATUS FOR CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE, INCLUDING DUMP TRUCKS, A LEAF TRUCK AND BLOWER AND A BACKHOE AND TRAILER.

          WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Beacon (the “City”), a municipal corporation of the State of New York (the “State”), located in the County of Dutchess, hereby determines that it is in the public interest of the City to authorize the financing of the costs of the acquisition of machinery and apparatus for construction and maintenance, including dump trucks, a leaf truck and blower and a backhoe and trailer, and any preliminary and incidental costs related thereto, at a total estimated cost not to exceed $525,000, all in accordance with the Local Finance Law;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Beacon, County of Dutchess, State of New York as follows:

Section 1.  There is hereby authorized to be issued serial bonds of the City, and/or bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of the issuance of such serial bonds, in the aggregate principal amount not to exceed $525,000, pursuant to the Local Finance Law, in order to finance the costs of the acquisition of machinery and apparatus for construction and maintenance including dump trucks, a leaf truck and blower and a backhoe and trailer, and any preliminary and incidental costs related thereto (the “Project”).

Section 2.  The City Council of the City has ascertained and hereby states that (a) the estimated maximum costs of the Project are not to exceed $525,000; (b) no money has heretofore been authorized to be applied to the payment of the costs of the Project; (c) the City Council of the City plans to finance the costs of the Project from the proceeds of the serial bonds authorized herein, and/or of bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of the issuance of such serial bonds (d) the maximum maturity of the serial bonds authorized herein shall be in excess of five (5) years.

Section 3.  It is hereby determined that the Project, at a maximum cost of $525,000 for which $525,000 principal amount of serial bonds, and/or bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of the issuance of such serial bonds, are authorized herein, is a specific object or purpose, or of a class of objects or purpose, as described in subdivision 28 of paragraph a of Section 11.00 of the Local Finance Law, the period of probable usefulness of the Project is fifteen (15) years, and the serial bonds authorized and issued pursuant to this bond ordinance shall have a maximum maturity of fifteen (15) years computed from the earlier of (a) the date of the first issue of such serial bonds, or (b) the date of the first issue of bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of the issuance of such serial bonds.

Section 4.  Subject to the terms and conditions of this bond ordinance and the Local Finance Law, including the provisions of Sections 21.00, 30.00, 50.00 and 56.00 to 60.00, inclusive, the power to authorize the serial bonds authorized herein, and/or bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of the issuance of such serial bonds, including renewals thereof, the power to prescribe the terms, form and contents of such serial bonds and such bond anticipation notes, and the power to issue, sell and deliver such serial bonds and such bond anticipation notes, are hereby delegated to the City Administrator, as chief fiscal officer of the City.  The City Administrator is hereby authorized to execute by manual or facsimile signature on behalf of the City all serial bonds issued pursuant to this bond ordinance, and all bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of the issuance of such serial bonds, and the City Clerk is hereby authorized to impress the seal of the City (or to have imprinted a facsimile thereof) on all such serial bonds and all such bond anticipation notes, and to attest such seal.  Each interest coupon, if any, representing interest payable on such serial bonds shall be authenticated by the manual or facsimile signature of the City Comptroller.  In the absence of the City Administrator, the Deputy City Administrator is hereby authorized to exercise the powers delegated to the City Administrator by this bond ordinance.

Section 5.  When this bond ordinance takes effect, the City Clerk shall cause the same to be published together with a notice in substantially the form prescribed by Section 81.00 of the Local Finance Law in The Poughkeepsie Journal, a newspaper having a general circulation in the City.  The validity of the serial bonds authorized herein, and of bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of the issuance of such serial bonds, may be contested only if such obligations are authorized for an object or purpose, or class of object or purpose, for which the City is not authorized to expend money, or the provisions of law, which should have been complied with as of the date of publication of this bond ordinance, were not substantially complied with, and an action, suit or proceeding contesting such validity is commenced within twenty (20) days after the date of such publication, or if such obligations were authorized in violation of the provisions of the Constitution of the State of New York.

Section 6.  The faith and credit of the City are hereby and shall be irrevocably pledged for the punctual payment of the principal of and interest on all obligations authorized and issued pursuant to this bond ordinance as the same shall become due.

Section 7.  The City hereby declares its intention to issue serial bonds as authorized herein, and/or bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of the issuance of such serial bonds (collectively, the “obligations”), to finance the costs of the Project.  The City covenants for the benefit of the holders of such obligations that it will not make any use of the proceeds of such obligations, any funds reasonably expected to be used to pay the principal of or interest on such obligations, or any other funds of the City, and will not make any use of the Project which would cause the interest on such obligations to become subject to federal income taxation under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) (except for the federal alternative minimum tax imposed on corporations by section 55 of the Code), or subject the City to any penalties under section 148 of the Code, and that it will not take any action or omit to take any action with respect to such obligations, the proceeds thereof or the Project financed thereby, if such action or omission would cause the interest on such obligations to become subject to federal income taxation under the Code (except for the federal alternative minimum tax imposed on corporations by section 55 of the Code), or subject the City to any penalties under Section 148 of the Code.  The foregoing covenants shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding the defeasance of the serial bonds authorized herein or any other provision hereof until the date, which is sixty (60) days after the final maturity date or earlier prior redemption date thereof.  The proceeds of the obligations may be applied to reimburse expenditures or commitments made in connection with the Project on or after a date, which is not more than sixty (60) days prior to the date of adoption of this bond ordinance, by the City Council of the City.

Section 8.  Prior to the issuance of serial bonds as authorized herein, and of bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of the issuance of such serial bonds, the City Council of the City shall comply with all applicable provisions prescribed in Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation Law, and the regulations promulgated thereunder by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and all applicable Federal laws and regulations in connection with environmental quality review relating to the Project (collectively, the “environmental compliance proceedings”).  In the event that any of the environmental compliance proceedings are not completed, or require amendment or modification subsequent to the date of adoption of this bond ordinance, the City Council of the City covenants that it will re-adopt, amend or modify this bond ordinance prior to the issuance of any obligations authorized herein upon the advice of bond counsel.  It is hereby and has been determined by the City Council of the City that the Project will not have significant impact or effect on the environment.

Section 9.  For the benefit of the holders and beneficial owners from time to time of the serial bonds authorized herein, and of bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of the issuance of such serial bonds, the City agrees, in accordance with and as an obligated person with respect to the obligations under, Rule 15c2-12 (the “Rule”), promulgated by the Securities Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, to provide or cause to be provided such financial information and operating data, financial statements and notices, in such manner, as may be required for purposes of the Rule.  In order to describe and specify certain terms of the City’s continuing disclosure agreement for that purpose, and to thereby implement that agreement, including provisions for enforcement, amendment and termination, the City Administrator is authorized and directed to sign and deliver, in the name and on behalf of the City, the commitment authorized by subsection 6(c) of the Rule (the “Commitment”), to be placed on file with the City Clerk, which shall constitute the continuing disclosure agreement made by the City for the benefit of holders and beneficial owners of the serial bonds as authorized herein, and of bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of such serial bonds, in accordance with the Rule, with any changes or amendments that are not inconsistent with this bond ordinance and not substantially adverse to the City and that are approved by the City Administrator, on behalf of the City, all of which shall be conclusively evidenced by the signing of the Commitment or amendments thereto.  The agreement formed collectively by this paragraph and the Commitment shall be the City’s continuing disclosure agreement for purposes of the Rule and its performance shall be subject to the availability of funds and their annual appropriation to meet costs the City would be required to incur to perform thereunder.  The City Administrator is further authorized and directed to establish procedures in order to ensure compliance by the City with its continuing disclosure agreement, including the timely provision of information and notices.  Prior to making any filing in accordance with the agreement or providing notice of the occurrence of any material event, the City Administrator shall consult with, as appropriate, the Corporation Counsel of the City and bond counsel or other qualified independent special counsel to the City and shall be entitled to rely upon such legal advice provided by the Corporation Counsel or such bond counsel or other qualified independent special counsel in determining whether a filing should be made.

Section 10.  This bond ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council of the City.

 

Motion to dispense with reading except for bold print:  Council Member Gold.  Seconded:  Council Member Thompson.  All voted in favor.  Motion carried.

 

Motion to authorize the issuance of Bond Ordinance:  Council Member Thompson.  Seconded:  Council Member Casale.  On roll call, there were six "yes" votes and Council Member Shea voted "no".  With a vote of six to one, motion carried.

 

Local Laws And Ordinances:

 

1.  Resolution No. 186 of 2007 - Local Law No. 16 of 2007 - to allow Enrolled Volunteer Firefighters and Volunteer Ambulance Workers to be Eligible For a City of Beacon Real Property Tax Exemption Under Real Property Tax Law (RPTL) Section 466-C.  Second Reading:  Read by City Administrator, Joseph Braun. 

 

 

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

SECTION 1.   ENABLING LEGISLATION. 

The New York State Legislature has, heretofore, amended Real Property Tax Law (RPTL) to authorize municipalities to permit enrolled volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers to be eligible for a real property tax exemption as is more particularly set forth in RPTL § 466-c.

SECTION 2.   LEGISLATIVE INTENT. 

The Legislature recognizes the role of the volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers in securing the safety and well being of our communities.  The Legislature hereby finds that it is in the best social and economic interest of the City of Beacon to encourage volunteerism for said purposes.  To that end, by providing the following exemption, it is the intent to so encourage volunteerism four our various fire and ambulance companies.

SECTION 3.   EXEMPTIONS FOR CERTAIN VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS AND AMBULANCE WORKERS.

a.         Real property owned by an enrolled member of an incorporated volunteer fire company, fire department or incorporated voluntary ambulance service or such enrolled member and spouse residing in the City of Beacon shall be exempt from taxation to the extent of ten percent of the assessed value of such property for City purposes, exclusive of special assessments provided however, that such exemption shall in no event exceed $3,000 multiplied by the latest state equalization rate for the assessing unit in which such real property is located.

b.         Such exemption shall not be granted to an enrolled member of an incorporated volunteer fire company, fire department or incorporated voluntary ambulance service residing in the City of Beacon unless:

1.         the applicant resides in the City of Beacon which is served by such incorporated volunteer fire company or fire department or incorporated voluntary ambulance service;

2.         the property is the primary residence of the applicant;

3.         the property is used exclusively for residential purposes; provided however, that in the event any portion of such property is not used exclusively for the applicant’s residence but is used for other purposes, such portion shall be subject to taxation and the remaining portion only shall be entitled to the exemption provided by this section; and

4.         the applicant has been certified by the authority having jurisdiction for the incorporated volunteer fire company or fire department as an enrolled member of such incorporated volunteer fire company or fire department for at least five years or the applicant has been certified by the authority having jurisdiction for the incorporated voluntary ambulance service as an enrolled member of such incorporated voluntary ambulance service for at least five years.  The incorporated volunteer fire company or fire department and incorporated voluntary ambulance service shall submit to the Beacon City Administrator a complete list of enrolled members, with their respective dates of service for such incorporated voluntary fire company, or fire department, or incorporated voluntary ambulance service.  The Beacon City Administrator shall then review all potential candidates and certify those that meet the necessary criteria to be eligible for this exemption.

c.         Application for such exemption shall be filed with the assessor on or before the taxable status date on a form as prescribed by the state board.

d.         Any enrolled member of an incorporated volunteer fire company, fire department or incorporated voluntary ambulance service who accrues more than twenty years of active service and is so certified by the authority having jurisdiction for the incorporated volunteer fire company, fire department or incorporated voluntary ambulance service, shall be granted the ten percent exemption as authorized by this section for the remainder of his or her life as long as his or her primary residence is located within this state.

e.         No applicant who is a volunteer firefighter or volunteer ambulance worker who, by reason of such status, is receiving any benefit under the provision of Article 4 of the Real Property Tax Law on the effective date of this Section shall suffer any diminution of such benefit because of the provisions of this section.

SECTION 4.   SEVERABILITY.

If any part of this local law shall be found to be invalid, such invalidity shall apply only to such part, and the balance thereof shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 5.   EFFECTIVE DATE

This local law shall take effect immediately upon filing in the Office of the New York State Secretary of State in accordance with Section 27 of the Municipal Home Rule Law, for taxable status dates occurring on or after January 1, 2008.

 

Motion to adopt this local law:  Council Member Gold.  Seconded:  Council Member Shea.

 

Discussion:

 

Council Member Gold:  This will help to attract volunteers.  Our volunteers are being depleted.  If that happens, we will have to go to paid fire fighters.  I feel that it should be 20%.  The cost will be approximately $8,000.00

 

City Attorney Pisanelli:  I suggest we start at 10%.  This is in effect throughout the state.  I will check into it to be sure that this 20% is acceptable.

 

City Administrator Joseph Braun asked for this to be tabled for a brief amount of time so he could go to his office and look up the law and give the exact permissible percentage allowed.

 

Motion to table until Administrator Braun comes back:  Council Member Shea.  Seconded:  Council Member Casale.  All voted in favor.  Motion carried.

City Administrator returns.

 

Motion to take off the table:  Council Member Gold.  Seconded:  Council Member Shea.  All voted in favor.

 

Administrator Braun:  The State Law states 10% as the maximum allowed.

 

The following is the Law:

§ 466-c. Volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers; certain county. 1. Real property owned by an enrolled member of an incorporated volunteer fire company, fire department or incorporated voluntary ambulance service or such enrolled member and spouse residing in any county having a population of more than two hundred eighty thousand inhabitants but less than two hundred eighty thousand two hundred inhabitants, determined in accordance with the latest decennial federal census, shall be exempt from taxation to the extent of ten percent of the assessed value of such property for city, village, town, part town, special district or county purposes, exclusive of special assessments, provided that the governing body of a city, village, town or county, after a public hearing, adopts a local law, ordinance or resolution providing therefor; provided further, however, that such exemption shall in no event exceed three thousand dollars multiplied by the latest state equalization rate for the assessing unit in which such real property is located.

 

Motion to approve resolution for 10%:  Council Member Casale.  Seconded:  Council Member Kelly.  On  roll call, all voted in favor.  Motion carried

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Resolutions:

 

1.  Resolution No. 187 of 2007 - Set Public Hearing for 2008 Proposed Budget for Monday, December 17, 2007.  Read by City Administrator, Joseph Braun.

 

Motion to set Public Hearing for Monday, December 17, 2007:  Council Member Foster.  Seconded:  Council Member Kelly.  All voted in favor.  Motion carried.

 

2.  Resolution No. 188 of 2007 - Authorize Mayor to Sign and Approve a Consultant Agreement Between the City of Beacon and Patrick Freeman Regarding the Property Formerly Known As The University Settlement Camp.  Read by City Administrator, Joseph Braun.  The amended agreement follows this resolution.

 

WHEREAS, the City Council authorizes the Mayor to sign the consulting agreement between City of Beacon and Patrick Freeman regarding the property formerly known as the Universal Settlement Camp.

NOW, THEREFORE, be it

RESOLVED, that the Mayor is authorized to sign the consulting agreement between City of Beacon and Patrick Freeman regarding the property formerly known as the University Settlement Camp.

 

Consultant Agreement Between City of Beacon And Patrick Freeman

 

1.      You will continue to have use of the Director's house and the barn for you and your family until the termination of this agreement. You will cover costs of oil heat and electric and the City of Beacon will cover the costs of water.

 

2.      In exchange for the use of the barn and house, you will provide basic `oversight" function for the property, up to 28 hours a month, These services include, but are not limited to, the following: Lawn maintenance, property checks to keep unauthorized people from entering the property, scheduling all renters for use of property approved by the City of Beacon, or any service mutually agreed upon by you and the City of Beacon.

 

 

3.      If you use the site in any way for your own business purposes, you must receive permission from the City in writing prior to use of center; you will provide the City of Beacon necessary liability insurance.  You have permission to use the property for your contracting business.

 

4.      Nothing in this Agreement shall create or be construed as an employer-employee relationship between you and the City of Beacon. You understand that to the extent, you perform any services for the City of Beacon; you do so as an independent contractor. You also understand that you shall not be entitled to any employment-related benefits, such as health insurance, paid vacation or leave.

 

5.      Nothing in this Agreement shall create or be construed as creating a landlord-tenant relationship between you and the City of Beacon. You agree to vacate the Directors house within 60 days after the termination of this Agreement by the City.

 

Motion to table:  Council Member Thompson:  Seconded:  Council Member Kelly:  On roll call, there were four "no" votes and Council Members Foster, Kelly and Thompson voted "yes".  With a vote of three in favor of tabling and four against, motion to table did not pass.

 

Council Member Gold:  The council will review the agreement before it is finalized. 

Council Member Thompson:  I am very uncomfortable.  Why do we have to have the same person?  Why can't we look around to see if someone else is interested?

Council Member Gold:  I know this person and I think very highly of him.

Council Member Shea:  I agree with Council Member Gold.  He has done a good job for a number of years.

Mayor Gould:  This agreement is subject to the councils review and approval.  We need to get this contract signed.  The closing is scheduled for next week.

 

Motion to accept amended agreement:  Council Member Gold.  Seconded:  Council Member Casale.  On  roll call, there were five "yes" votes and Council Members Thompson and Kelly voted "no".   With a vote of five in favor and two against, motion carried.

 

3.  Resolution No. 189 of 2007 - Authorize Mayor to sign Architectural/Engineering Consultant Agreement PIN 8757.30 (Fishkill Avenue and Pin # 8757.80 (Teller Avenue). Read by City Administrator, Joseph Braun.

 

RESOLVED, the City of Beacon City Council authorizes the Mayor to sign the Architectural/Engineering Consultant Agreement with Hudson Valley Engineering Associates, PC for PIN #8757.30 (Fishkill Avenue) and PIN #8757.80 (Teller Avenue)

 

Motion to authorize Mayor to sign agreement:  Council Member Foster.  Seconded: Council Member Casale.  On roll call vote, there were six "yes" votes and Council Member Shea voted "no".  On a vote of six in favor and one against, motion carried.

 

4.  Resolution No. 190 of 2007 - Resolution Referring the Proposed Comprehensive Plan to the Planning Board and Scheduling the Final Public Hearing.   Public Hearing Set for Monday, December 17, 2007 @ 7:30pm at City Hall.  Read by City Administrator, Joseph Braun.

 

Motion to set final Public Hearing for Comprehensive Plan:  Council Member Kelly.  Seconded:  Council Member Gold.  All voted in favor.  Motion carried.

 

5.  Resolution No. 191 of 2007 - Authorize Mayor to sign Agreement between  The Rutigliano Group and the City of Beacon pertaining to Beekman Street Artist Banner Project.  Read by City Administrator, Joseph Braun.

 

WHEREAS, The Rutigliano Group shall provide the following:

·         17 double-sided full-color, custom art vinyl banners, designed by Parsons James, Inc.

·         Design and size customized to meet community specifications (13’ x 4’) – See specification document

·         Through consultation with DCAC, a complete overview of all final selected artists in conjunction with Parsons James, Inc.

·         Merchant sponsors’ name displayed on lower portion of each banner

·         Duration of two (2) year display schedule

·         Bracket system designed to support two (2) year shelf life

·         Based upon industry standards free replacement of torn or damaged banners equaling 15% of the total population within 30 days of notification

·         Will cover production costs associated with this project with the exception of installation/removal

·         Monitoring and maintenance of banners as needed throughout their display period

WHEREAS, The City of Beacon shall provide the following:

·         A letter of introduction of the program on The City’s letterhead with appropriate press releases

·         Agrees to give The Rutigliano Group and Parsons James Inc. the right to use The City’s name with the preparation, production and marketing of the program set forth herein only

·         Access to the pole sites for banner placement and support of the installation

·         Initial installation and removal of all banners and hardware; removal of damaged banners and installation of replacement banners

·         Report torn or damaged banners in need of replacement to The Rutigliano Group

 

 

FURTHER RESOLVED, it is agreed:

·         The Beekman Artist Street Banner Project is the sole property of The Rutigliano Group and Parsons James, Inc. as a gift to The City of Beacon and the living artists. All rights are strictly reserved.

·         The images representing the work of the individual artists invited to participate remain the property of the individual artists or their assigns, The Rutigliano Group, Parsons James Inc. retain no right to copy other than the actual banner format for use in publicity directly related to the promotion of the project and of The Rutigliano Group and Parsons James, Inc. as producers, The City of Beacon retains no right of copy other than materials provided by The Rutigliano Group and Parsons James, Inc.

·         The actual produced banners become the temporary property of The City of Beacon during their residency on city property, until they are removed and returned to The Rutigliano Group for dispersal or destruction.

·         Agrees to not produce any other “artist” banners of same style without involvement and artist selection by The Rutigliano Group and partners, as per this project agreement

·         Releases The Rutigliano Group and partners from any liability regarding the banners upon taking possession; and to provide any appropriate insurance required to cover any potential liabilities to the city

·         While the intent is to keep the banners up for a minimum of two (2) years, the city may remove them at any time prior to the two (2) year period at their own discretion due to wear and tear or other technical or liability issues,

NOW THEREFORE BE IT

RESOLVED, the City Council authorizes the Mayor to sign the Beekman Street Artist Banner Agreement.

 

Council Member Casale:  I received a memo in my packet.  Baca is not participating in this project.  This concerns me.  The following bold and underlined comment was added to the comments regarding  Resolution No. 191 of 2007 as requested by Councilmember Casale:  Also, for the record, the Rutigliano Group wants to reiterate that this project is strictly non-profit.

 

Mayor Gould:  They do not object to this but they are simply saying that they are not participating in this project.

 

Motion to authorize Mayor to sign agreement:  Council Member Shea.  Seconded:  Council Member Gold.  On roll call, all voted in favor.  Motion carried.

 

6.  Resolution No. 192 of 2007 - Authorize Mayor to sign the Letter of Agreement between The Beacon Institute, Inc. and the City of Beacon pertaining to Denning’s Point “Gateway” Entrance and Parking Area Project.  Read by City Administrator, Joseph Braun.

 

RESOLVED, the City of Beacon City Council authorizes the Mayor to sign the Letter of Agreement between the City of Beacon and The Beacon Institute, Inc. for the Denning’s Point Gateway Entrance and Parking Area Project.