Beacon City Council Workshop
June 13, 2005
The Beacon City Council Workshop was held on Monday, June 13, 2005, at
7:00 p.m. Present were: Mayor Clara Lou Gould, Councilmembers Lee Kyriacou, Sam Way, Deanna Leake, Eleanor Thompson and Mike Fasano. Councilmember Fred Antalek was excused. Also in attendance: City Administrator Joseph Braun and City Attorney Gerard Pisanelli.
City Planner David Stolman attended the meeting to discuss City Council’s options while the process of updating the City’s Master Plan proceeds. Councilmember Way expressed frustration because consideration of this subject has been lengthy; he suggested a moratorium be placed on development of certain sized parcels until comprehensive plan updates are complete. He reported the Town of Poughkeepsie recently issued a moratorium to allow time to update their Master Plan and Plattekill is still under a moratorium while they consider upzoning. He urged Council to move forward with a moratorium and suggested hiring an attorney who specializes in such planning issues. City Attorney Pisanelli reported Lester Steinman, an attorney who previously worked with the City on rezoning, has worked with City Planner David Stolman on other projects and was consulted about the subject. Mr. Steinman is willing to advise and answer questions but was unsure whether he could get involved with litigation due to his current schedule. Mayor Gould said the Office of Parks & Recreation and Scenic Hudson may be willing to become involved in a consortium. Councilmember Way recalled the City’s previous situation when the Meadow Ridge property was being rezoned and felt if Council doesn’t act now, the same outcome will occur. City Attorney Pisanelli explained in that case a settlement was reached to avoid expensive legal fees and the resulting project was well received. City Attorney Pisanelli explained the City is at the same junction and action may trigger litigation. City Administrator Braun clarified that the discussion is about reforming the City’s comprehensive plan therefore advised Council that specific properties and potential litigation should be discussed in executive session. City Planner David Stolman explained there are specific circumstances and conditions as to when a moratorium can be legally instituted. A legal opinion from an attorney was requested. City Administrator Braun explained that if the Comprehensive Plan is the topic, then discussion should be open, otherwise Council should go into executive session due to the potential for litigation. Councilmember Fasano made a motion to go into executive session to discuss potential litigation, seconded by Councilmember Way. All voted in favor. Motion carried. Council went into executive session at 7:10 p.m. and returned at 8:00 p.m. to continue the workshop.
City Attorney Pisanelli reported he had not discussed proposed absentee land owner legislation with Building Inspector Tim Dexter as expected, therefore requested discussion take place at the next workshop.
George Mansfield of 5 Churchill Street attended the last council meeting to follow up on corrective measures to his property resulting from sewage flooding his basement. Lanc & Tully provided a cost estimate outlining corrective measures which totaled $20,642.50. City Administrator Braun explained that in order for work to begin, a supplemental appropriation is needed. He advised Council to appropriate the entire amount and explained they will try to reduce costs by using City personnel. This item will be on the agenda for vote. City Administrator Braun explained the insurance company wanted to send an adjuster to the property before compensating Mr. Mansfield for his loss. Understandably, Mr. Mansfield just wants the situation corrected. City Administrator Braun explained this corrective measure is not a guarantee that it will never happen again because the overriding problem must be corrected.
City Attorney Pisanelli provided a copy of the City’s original taxicab application and ordinance for review. All references to “commissioner” will be removed and the ordinance will be put into a local law format. This law should be ready for the July 11th workshop for discussion.
The Meadow Ridge II senior housing project on Matteawan Road has requested an extension from the Planning Board because a building permit application was not submitted within one year of the issuance of their Special Use Permit. They are on the next Planning Board agenda and assuming a positive recommendation is made, the item will be placed on the upcoming City Council agenda.
Lt. Tim Dexter sent a memorandum to the City Administrator requesting additional funds be allocated into his travel line item to reimburse the probationary firefighter who traveled to the State Fire Academy in Montour Falls. When preparing the 2005 budget, the school in Westchester was the normal training location however that school did not operate this year and travel distance increased. Additionally the IRS reimbursement rate increased $0.05 a mile which cost more than originally anticipated. This item will be put on the upcoming agenda.
City Administrator Braun explained the recently passed ordinance that allows 6-hour parking for Beacon residents on certain streets should be amended so parking on both sides of Ferry Street is not permitted. There should be parking on the north side only because parking on both sides leaves only one lane for traffic. He advised Council to consider reverting to Ferry Street’s original arrangement of permitting only four hour parking on one side. City Administrator Braun explained five spaces on Red Flynn Drive will be limited to 6-hour parking and reserved specifically for Beacon residents. Permits will be issued on a daily basis only.
Councilmember Way made a motion to go into executive session to discuss possible litigation, seconded by Councilmember Leake. All voted in favor. Motion carried. Council went into executive session at 8:15 p.m.