Minutes
City of
The regular meeting of the City of
Council Members Present: Steve Gold,
Deanna Leake, Sara Pasti, Eleanor Thompson (
Excused: Charles
Kelly
Media represented by: Goldee
Greene, Beacon Free Press
Michael
Woyton,
Residents in attendance at beginning: 45
Public Comments Segment:
Comments contain a brief
synopsis of what the residents say at the podium. If you would like your comments posted in
more detail in the minutes, please submit them to the recording secretary in
writing including your name and address.
These comments are pertaining to any item that is not
on the agenda. Maximum time for this
section is 30 minutes. Maximum time for individual
public comment is 3 minutes. These do
not have to be on the agenda. Comments
should not pertain to items on the agenda.
Our purpose is to hear them out and make a decision. I assume you are here for one particular
issue, which is the Pub Crawl. We
discussed this at our workshop and decided to invite the person involved in the
charity organization to come and speak and then we will bring it up at a
council meeting. If the council decides
that they want to make a change to Pub Crawl, it will be done in a resolution
and brought up at another council meeting where you will get another chance to
voice your comments.
Dennis Moroney,
Henry Hollmers,
Concita Arroyo,
Dennis Pavelock,
John Sidote: I am here to support the Pub Crawl. We bring a lot of money to this. Most of the businesses support this.
Pamala Wetherbee,
I am NOT in favor of the Pub Crawl.
I know the participants seem to all think this event is great and a lot
of fun.
However, as a homeowner near three liquor establishments who participate, I
don't think this is a fun event at all; it
is more like a nightmare.
This event has many violations of laws. First, I can't believe that the
city allows this event to happen without prior city
approval.
Second, some liquor establishments block off their parking lots, setup
serving areas outside & allow their bar patrons to not only be served and
drink in the parking lot, they drink on the sidewalks, in the streets, everywhere, including in the middle of Route 52. Several violations
here, 1st with the State Liquor Authority since the bars are
supposed to obtain a permit to alter their serving areas or approved drinking
areas. Building code violations for blocking off the parking
lot.
I know for a fact that there is underage
drinking. And it is obvious that intoxicated individuals are served, more violations. Never mind the fact that the open container laws are
somehow overlooked this day, even though the event isn't
approved by the city.
Due to the liquor establishments blocking their parking lots, the bar
patrons park all throughout our neighborhood,
blocking our driveways, mailboxes and the parked vehicles are making our
neighborhood unsafe in the case of an emergency. These event participants are
throughout the neighborhood for about 12 hours. I have witnessed urinating, vomiting, fights, obscene and lewd behavior,
unsafe driving, empty bottles and trash that we have to pick up, hordes
of intoxicated people blocking the roadway, to the point, I have had to come to
a complete halt on Route 52 due to pedestrians blocking the street.
I strongly feel that if this event is held, the event organizers need
to:
•
Supply the security to control this
event throughout
•
Before a drink is served, the
organizers should have every participant show they are of legal drinking age.
•
All participants should sign a hold
harmless agreement and in this agreement, the City of
•
Need to have a clean up crew throughout the event path
•
Need to obtain parking areas and
control the parking of the participants.
Unfortunately on the Saturday before St Patrick's Day, the Pub Crawl,
an unorganized event, is in control of our city, not the
Mayor, not the Police Dept. I think it is time that the city takes back control
of this day! The police should have zero tolerance and ticket
and fine any and all violators.
If the Pub Crawl is held, you each should roam the areas of the event
between
As I have said before, this event is an accident waiting to happen. And
is the city or the event organizers prepared for this.
Last year, a car was parked across from my house. At
I think I have called the police once (or twice) during this event. Why
don't I call? What are the police going to do? There are so many violations that the police can't ticket everyone. I tolerate it but
the participation is getting bigger as more and more people including out of
towners and underage drinkers realize they can come to Beacon for a day and
pretty much do whatever they want while
drinking.
I am not sure what happened with this event, personally it has been a
problem for about 5-6 years, maybe the word fundraiser was started to be used so
they thought they could publicize it more.
I think it worked a lot better when it was low key, now it is just out
of control.
Kevin Shea,
Joan Hill,
John Jawar: On behalf of the Knights of Columbus, we do
not allow minors drinking. As far as
fund raising goes, we realize that we need to do a lot. It is unfortunate that the neighbors have
such strong feelings about this. We will
do everything we can to correct this problem.
We need to support our community.
We need as much of a chance as you can provide.
Freddie Torres: I support the Pub
Crawl. I guess these people see a lot
more than I have. The Pub Crawl helps
local businesses. This event is only
once a year. I feel that one day out of
the year is okay if Beacon wants to celebrate.
This should be allowed.
Resident: I give my full support of Pub Crawl. The vast majority of the people that attend
are okay.
No further comments.
Public Hearings:
None
Community Segment: Do Right Enterprises - Scott Beall Look at Brochure.
DoRight
Enterprises - A Youth-Run Consulting Firm - Improved Profits, Reduced
Environmental Impact - Public Education, Youth Empowerment, Political Action - Information Contact: Integral
Vision Learning - Scott Beall - 845-831-6663, email: scott@scottbeall.com,
www.dorightenterprises.org.
DoRight Enterprises is a sustamabiiity education and
community service curricular program for grades 7-12 that engages students as
sustainability consultants in a not-for-profit consulting firm run by the
teacher. DoRight youth consultants work with their local community to help
real-world businesses save money, raise profits, and reduce environmental
impact. DoRight clients include businesses, hospitals, schools, homes, governmental offices, faith-based institutions,
and more. DoRight consultants also perform political action and public
relations work.
DoRight Youth
Consultants function in the following capacities:
Business Consulting: DoRight consultants perform comprehensive sustainability assessments for
their clients and make recommendations for improved efficiency. Assessments measure energy use, waste
management, water use, green building features, procurement policies (supply
chain analysis and footprints), cleaning chemicals, landscaping practices, and
organizational behaviors and attitudes. After
recommendations are made, clients who adopt specified changes
can earn the DoRight "Planet Saver Business" certification.
Political Action: Political action teams write
letters, make phone
calls, and arrange visits with legislators.
Public Relations: Students write press releases, make documentary films, and conduct teach-ins and awareness raising events.
The DoRight Leadership Corps (DLC) is a non
school-based community group of high school students who have completed the
DoRight Enterprises curriculum. The DLC meets at private
homes and continues the work of DoRight Enterprises, offering
in-depth sustainability assessments for larger organizations and corporations,
speaking at major conferences, mentoring middle
school youth, conducting community teach-ins, and more.
"The students were remarkably professional and knew exactly what they were doing. As a result we have substantially redesigned and expanded our recycling program. I think it's fabulous to have these
students engaged with us like this."
Christine Reger, Manager
"This outstanding program embraces a philosophy that I've always believed in, of learning best by doing something, and doing something that is relevant in the real world. With the whole DoRight program, your
the classroom is the world, and that's today's world."
Jane Sandbank, Ed.D., Superintendent,
"It's wonderful to see our child so excited about something so important. This has been so empowering for him. He can actually make a difference. He is more self-confident. He talks to relatives about ways to save energy. Audrey Smith, Parent
"DoRight Enterprises is more than just a curricular program; it's a
life changing experience that will be with me throughout my
life. It's positively exhilarating to know that a 14
year-old girl can change the
world." Madeleine Skaller, 14, DoRight Consultant
•
integration of all school subject areas (math, science, social studies, and English) in a context of meaning and real world relevance
•
Improved student engagement in learning
•
Renewed youth confidence and
empowerment, belief and ability to affect change socially and politically—faith in the political process
•
21st Century skills: Entrepreneurial literacy, civic engagement, economic problem solving,
professionalism, marketing, systems thinking,
sustainability and ecological literacy
•
Engagement of businesses and citizens
of the community in the
educational
process of youth
•
Character and values development of youth
•
Reduction of ecological footprints in local
communities
DoRight Enterprises was created by Scott Beall and implemented at
The DoRight Enterprises curriculum can be implemented within academic classroom instruction, in enrichment programs, as after school clubs or through community centers. Teacher/leader training is being offered through
Approval of Minutes:
Mayor Steve Gold asked for a
motion to approve the following minutes:
Motion to approve minutes: Council Member Leake. Seconded:
Council Member
Motion to approve minutes: Council Member Leake. Seconded:
Council Member Pasti. All voted
in favor. Motion carried.
Mayor's Communications read
by Mayor Steve Gold
Mayor Steve Gold read Report
of Activities
John Foreman,
Council Member's read their
Report of Activities
Public
Comments Pertaining to this Agenda Only:
Comments contain a brief
synopsis of what the residents say at the podium. If you would like your comments posted in
more detail in the minutes, please submit them to the recording secretary in
writing. Include your name and address.
Dennis
Pavelock,
Cathy
Deutermann: Regarding the law for rental
properties, please pass the law. It is
desperately needed. Regarding snow
plowing, please ask the highway dept not to plow the snow onto our sidewalks
Mark
Thomas, PBA President - I have asked the council for liaisons so that they are
aware of what is going on at the Police Dept.
Regarding the chief's position - I am looking for a date as to when this
selection process will come to an end.
The guys on the job are waiting for some stability. The K-9 is on the agenda. The dogs are invaluable. I got hurt twice. That alone is a good reason to have the dogs
on the street. I would like to see the
council vote for the dogs. They did a
fundraiser for the dog I had.
The following
document was distributed to the council by Mark Thomas PBA President of the
City of Beacon Police Department entitled "CANINE: which was signed by K-9
Sgt. Gary Fredericks #324.
A few exceptional performances by K-9's over the past few years that
should be noted.
2004 A
k-9 team located a burglary in progress at Ron's Ice Cream. Several subjects fled
into Memorial Park and the k-9 was deployed to apprehend the subjects. The k-9
made a successful apprehension of one of the subjects without having to engage
that subject.
These successful apprehensions lead to the arrest of the other 2 subjects.
Without the use of a k-9 these subjects may have all gotten away that night.
2005 A k-9 team located a distraught suicidal man out on Dennings
Point. The subject had left a suicide note with his girlfriend. His
girlfriend contacted the police department and a K-9 unit was requested for
tracking purposes on Dennings Point. The track was started
approximately 45 minutes after the note was discovered. It was during nighttime
hours in hot and humid conditions with no real starting point for the
track. The track lasted for approximately 40 minutes in deep thick wooded
areas inaccessible by vehicles. After locating the subject he
immediately went into a seizure and to be carried out by officers
to a road where he was turned over to medical personnel. Without the use of a K9 that
night, this subject may not have been located or the time to locate him would
have been
considerably longer putting him at serious risk.
2006 Andre Hendrix was apprehended by a K-9 after breaking into an
apartment on
2006 An elderly female suffering from Alzheimer's disease had wondered
off from her residence.
The weather conditions were below freezing with mixed sleet and rain. A K-9 team performed a track in the early morning hours
on hard surfaces in adverse weather conditions for approximately 30 minutes.
The female was located on the front porch of a residence approximately 1/2 mile away from her residence. The female
was wet and cold and suffering from the early stages of hypothermia.
Without the use of a K-9 this female may not
have been located or the time to locate her would have been considerably longer
putting her at serious risk.
DURING THE YEAR OF, 2007
K-9'S WERE DEPLOYED
37- ALARMS
5- BUILDING SEARCHES
9 - TRACKS
3 -
ASSISTS WITH DISPERSING CROWDS 6 - ASSIST WITH ARREST
2 -
2 - ARTICLE SEARCHES
-APPREHENSIONS WITH K-9
DURING THE YEAR OF. 2006
K-9'S WERE DEPLOYED
40- ALARMS
5- BUILDING SEARCHES
6 - TRACKS
7 -
ASSISTS WITH DISPERSING CROWDS 8 - ASSIST WITH ARREST
4 -
4 - ARTICLE SEARCHES
1-APPREHENSIONS WITH K-9
DURING THE YEAR OF, 2005
K-9'S WERE DEPLOYED
60- ALARMS
9- BUILDING SEARCHES
14 - TRACKS
7 - ASSISTS WITH DISPERSING
CROWDS
14 - ASSIST WITH ARREST
8 -
5 - ARTICLE SEARCHES
2-APPREHENSIONS WITH K-9
CANINE
YEAR END REPORT FOR 2004
DURING
THE YEAR OF, 2004 K-9'S WERE DEPLOYED
79 - ALARMS
22 - BUILDING SEARCHES
19 - TRACKS
13 -
ASSISTS WITH DISPERSING CROWDS 16 - ASSIST WITH ARREST
9 -
12 - ARTICLE SEARCHES
7-APPREHENSIONS WITH K-9
No further comments.
Resolutions:
Local Laws and Ordinances:
1. Resolution No. 21 of 2008 - Local Law No. 2
of 2008 to Amend
Subsection A of Section 211-16 of the Beacon City Code to increase the Fines
for Parking Vehicles on City of Beacon Public Streets and Roads after an
Accumulation of Snow of Two or More Inches. Second
LOCAL LAW TO AMEND Subsection A of Section 211-16 of the Beacon
City Code to Increase the Fines For Parking Vehicles on City of Beacon Public
Streets and Roads After An Accumulation of Snow of Two of More Inches.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE
SECTION 1. TITLE.
This Local Law shall be entitled “Local Law to Amend
Subsection A of Section 211-16 of the Beacon City Code to Increase the Fines
For Parking Vehicles on City of
SECTION 2. INTENT.
The City of
SECTION 3. AMENDMENT.
The new Subsection A of Section 211-66 shall read:
“Section 211.16.
Parking prohibited certain hours; penalty.
It shall be unlawful to place, park or leave any
automobile, truck or other vehicle on any public road or street within the
corporate limits of the City of Beacon after any fall or accumulation of snow
of two or more inches, between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. or when
parking on said public road or street obstructs the removal of snow, unless
such vehicle is at all times attended by a person legally capable of operating
said vehicle. All vehicles left parked
in violation of this section may be removed at the owner’s expense. There shall be no parking in municipal lots
within 24 hours of posting of it by the City Administrator. The violation of this provision shall
constitute a violation and shall be punishable by a fine of $100 for the first
offense and $250 for the second and subsequent offenses committed within
eighteen (18) months of the first offense.
SECTION 4. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Local Law shall take effect immediately upon
its filing with the Secretary of State.
Motion to approve local law: Council Member Thompson. Seconded: Council Member Leake. On roll call, all voted in favor. Motion carried.
2. Resolution No. 22 of 2008 - Local Law No. 3
of 2008 to Add
Section 211-16.2 to Prohibit Blowing of Placing Snow/ice onto City Public Roads
& Streets and to Set Fines Regarding the Same. Second
Local Law to Add Section 211-16.2 to the Beacon City
Code to Prohibit Blowing or Placing Snow or Ice onto City of Beacon Public
Streets and to Set Fines Therefor.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE
SECTION 1. TITLE.
This Local Law shall be entitled “Local Law Section
211-16.2 to the Beacon City Code to Prohibit Blowing or Placing Snow or Ice
onto City of
SECTION 2. INTENT.
The City of
SECTION 3. AMENDMENT.
The new Section 211-16.2 shall read:
“Section 211-16.2.
Blowing of Snow or Ice or Placement Thereof onto City of
It shall be unlawful for any person to blow or place
snow or ice onto City of
SECTION 4. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Local Law shall take effect immediately upon
its filing with the Secretary of State.
Motion to approve local law: Council Member Leake. Seconded: Council Member Pasti. On roll call, all voted in favor. Motion carried.
Resolutions:
1. Resolution No. 23 of 2008 - Authorize Mayor to Present
Proposals to Congressman John Hall and Others for Funds to Assist in the
Modification of City Hall to Utilize Solar Energy. Read by Mayor Steve Gold.
WHEREAS, the City of
WHEREAS, the Comprehensive Plan recommends that the City
undertake feasibility studies regarding potential renewable energy sources; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor has made environmental and sustainable
development of City of
WHEREAS, Congressman Hall has expressed interest in
providing assistance to the City of
WHEREAS, the cost and use of electricity for City Hall can
be reduced or eliminated by the use of solar panels; therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Mayor of the City of Beacon is authorized
to present a proposal to Congressman Hall and others for funding to modify City
Hall to utilize solar panels and for such other technology to assist the City
in developing renewable energy sources.
Motion to authorize Mayor to
present Proposals to Congressman John Hall and others: Council Member Thompson. Council Member
Mayor Steve Gold: There is a grant that will pay for 70% of this. Money from Gov. Spitzer will pay the balance.
On a roll call vote, all voted in favor. Motion carried.
2. Resolution No. 24 of 2008 -.
Honoring Firefighters of the City of
Meritorious Service Award to be Presented to the City of Beacon
Firefighters Who Have Served the City of Beacon for Twenty-Five Years or More:
Whereas, upon long standing acts of service to the community, it is now
upon the officials of the City of
Be it resolved, that a "Proclamation of Meritorious Service"
Awards be established; and
Be it further resolved, that the recipients of this award be presented
to our finest and bravest firefighters who have served the City of
52
Years Fred Antalek 38
Years Rich Kolakoski
52
Years Fred Simmonds 37
Years Tony Piccone
50
Years Lou Amoroso, Sr. 35
Years Michael
48
Years Dennis Lahey, Sr. 34
Years Bill Kimmel, Sr.
48
Years John Stella 33
Years Timothy Joseph
47
Years Carmine Serino, Jr. 33
Years Dennis Lahey, Jr.
44 Years Nick Francese