Minutes
City of Beacon Workshop
November 21, 2005
This workshop had been postponed from November 14, 2005. The City of Beacon Council Workshop was called to order by Mayor Clara Lou Gould at 7:00 p.m.
Those in attendance were as follows:
Mayor Clara Lou Gould
Council Members: Deanna Leake
Eleanor Thompson
Sam Way
Lee Kyriacou
Fred Antalek
Mike Fasano
City Administrator Joseph Braun
City Attorney Gerard Pisanelli
Kathy Juhasz
Tim Dexter
Tim Joseph
BUDGET DISCUSSIONS: The Council interviewed department heads for the Recreation, Building and Fire Departments.
Recreation Department– Kathy Juhasz
The skate park (A 7140.X1090.01) amount of $13,000 for 2005 was removed from the 2006 budget during preparation. The skate park has been closed. The space can be used in the future for basketball, roller hockey and ice skating but will not be ready this year. The Recreation Department has $25,000 in skate park equipment that needs to be sold. The Y only wants one small piece.
The Youth Program – Beacon Community Center (A 7140.X4798.00) amount of $11,300 is for salaries to run the program and the Friday drop-in center. The Youth Program – MLK Cultural Center (A 7140.X4798.01) amount of $18,000 is for salaries to run the program. They give the number of hours per week. Council Member Way asked for a breakdown of the hours. They are paid because they are running the programs in their facilities.
The Mayor thanked Kathy Juhasz for an excellent job.
Building Department– Tim Dexter
Council Member Way indicated there was no problem with this budget.
The revenue for this year is $26,000 over the projection for 2005. Last year it was $75,000. Because of the hotel/conference center, the revenue this year is already in excess of $100,000.
Fire Department – Tim Joseph and Tim Dexter
The Equipment-Thermal Imaging Camera (A 3410.X2500.08) amount of $25,000 is for two (2) cameras. Council Member Way suggested that one camera be purchased in 2006 and the other one in the next year. Fire Chief Joseph said he would like one for every crew. He explained a thermal imaging camera sees through smoke and in the dark. For example, it can locate bodies at the perimeter of an accident scene. Such a camera can find an electrical fire heat signature in a wall. It was suggested the camera should be on the first response apparatus. The Chief noted all vehicles, four to five crews, reported to the last working fire. Two had cameras but all went into the building. The technology cost about $25,000 – $30,000 when it first came out 15 years ago. Last year a camera cost $11,000. Next year it will cost about $12,000.
Council Member Thompson asked if Equipment-Bunker Gear (A 3410.X2500.05) for $30,000 could be reduced. The Chief explained this is for 15 sets of gear. Existing 10 sets of gear are wearing old. Heat takes away the integrity of the gear. The Chief and Council agreed $10,000 could be cut from this line with the understanding if the department needs more, the Chief will come back.
Council Member Way asked about General Fire Repairs-Equipment (A 3410.X4472.00) for $50,000. The Chief volunteered that this could be cut but that if a problem arose, he would come back to the Council. When questioned by Council Member Kyriacou, the Chief responded that repairs so far have amounted to about $25,000.with $8,000 - $10,000 in reserve. He explained the department has three pieces of equipment that are old; one engine is 18 years old. Also, repairs include such equipment as gas saws, generators, and various hand tools. Tim Dexter, Fire Inspection Coordinator, said based on 10 years experience, he agrees with Chief. A cut would be OK most likely, but if something catastrophic happened the department would have to come back.
Council Member Way asked about Confined Space (A 3410.X2500.16) for $18,000. The last time money was appropriated for this line was 1996. This should not be there. It is a “none issue.”
Issue was taken with Mileage-Fire Chiefs (A 3410.X4544.00) for which $25, 000 has been requested as opposed to $17,600 budgeted last year. The previous year $13,200 was budgeted. When questioned by Council Member Kyriacou, the City Administrator said this has been discussed with the former Fire Chief. The item was changed at the last hearing. This is not a good year to spend this. The Mayor explained regardless of whom was elected this year’s amount would not have been $25,000.
Council Member Way thanked the Chief for being fair and helping with the cuts. The Mayor thanked him for an excellent job.
Proposed Local Law Proposed Local Law to Amend §5.06 E. of the City Charter (regarding Previous Year Budget)
The proposed local law would have the budget for the previous year become the budget for the ensuing fiscal year if the Council fails to adopt a budget on or before December 31st.
Council Member Thompson thought the proposed law should include provision for using the previous year’s budget until differences could be resolved.
Council Member Way reminded the Council of the commitment with personal services for a 3% or3.5% increase which the City is obligated to pay. The City Attorney agreed we have contractual obligations.
Council Member Leake said the proposed law is not feasible.
The City Administrator thought is was not a good idea.
The City Attorney elaborated by saying the City needs a budget at the start of the year. The tax rate needs to be set. The issue is a matter of timeliness. On one occasion there was a tie vote. The item of issue may have been a result of an error in analysis. But reverting to the previous year’s budget would be a “draconian change,” putting the City in limbo, downgrading the bond rating, and damaging the City’s ability to meet tax obligations. The City Attorney pointed out the Council passes the budget by a majority. He does not see a compelling argument to change a fiscally responsible system.
The City Administrator agreed with the City Attorney. He pointed out the City must meet its contractual obligations with the unions. This would also affect the supply of gasoline needed by the fire and police departments and it would affect trash pick-up service. The new rule would not force people to decide. He suggested rather than vote once on the budget, that the Council should vote as many times as necessary to come to a final agreement.
Discussion continued about how to accomplish this suggestion. It was decided that as a cut is proposed and considered, a majority vote (4) in favor of the cut would modify the Mayor’s budget by that cut. The City Attorney said as long as the Mayor’s budget will be modified as the Council goes along through the process, the Charter does not have to be amended at all.
The City Administrator announced that at the next meeting the Council will have the opportunity to approve the amendments proposed so far.
Proposed Local Law Proposed Local Law entitled §211-14.2 Parking at the Municipal Center
The proposed law restricts parking at the Municipal Center, reserving spaces for the Judge and the Mayor and enforcing the two-hour limit space(s). There was considerable discussion including questioning why the judge needs a space (beyond the daily court case schedule, arraignments can happen at any time) and proposing expanding the designated spaces to include the Council and City Administrator. The City Administrator explained the issue is enforcement of the 4-hour limit which is posted at the entrance to the parking lot. The Police want a local law to enable them to enforce the time limit, particularly with those who park at the Municipal Center while commuting on the train. The Police do not feel comfortable with ticketing without a local law on the books. After more fruitless discussion, Council Member Antalek suggested the issue be continued at the next workshop.
Special Use Permit Special Use Permit – Retail/Residential Renovation 217 Main Street, Owner: Beacon Terminal Associates. See Letter dated November 9, 2005 from Jay Hibbs, Chairman Planning Board
The City Attorney said this has been recommended by the Planning Board. The Mayor pointed out this is the old Hebron Lodge building. Council Member Thompson asked it they still want the bar. Her constituents do not want it. The Building Inspector, Tim Dexter, said the plan was changed. There will be no bar. It is for retail only. Council Member Thompson asked how many residential units are to be included. According to the Building Inspector there will be three units, two upstairs estimated at 800-900 sq. ft. and one downstairs in the rear at about 600 sq. ft.
Burnable Waste Bid See attached memo from J. Braun dated 10/31/05 in addition a memo dated 11/2 regarding the results of the last bid for waste dated November 20, 2001.
The City Administrator said requests for bids were sent out specifically to the firms that responded in 2001. Only one bid was received from Royal Carting. Rob Riley, Supervisor of Public Works, has had good experience with them. It has been about 5 years but costs have increased around 20% which is reasonable considering the cost of fuel and disposal. Council Member Thompson was comfortable with the bid. There was no other response from the Council.
Empire Zone Empire Zone Changes – See Letter dated 11/11/05 from P. Winnie. Resolution consenting to Dutchess County as lead agency for the SEQR. Next workshop: Boundary Revision
Natural Resource Form See Email dated 11/10/05 from Jay Levine with attached Proposed Agreement.
The Empire Zone is being expanded. The City Administrator explained this past year there were three parcels that were charged $5,000 each. One did not pay and it is his understanding that parcel was taken out. As it turns out, the City must pay even for that third parcel for the July – June fiscal year. The Empire Zone will be enlarged to include Long Dock, Main Street, and industrial properties along Route 52 including Sand & Stone, Chemprene and Mechtronics, among others. The fee structure has been changed to be evenly divided between all participating municipalities; the charge will be $18,643 for each municipality. This can not be charged to the properties. The notation of “partial” on the Schedule J Poughkeepsie Dutchess Empire Zone Designation Property List may indicate that the property is partially residential, the residential part not to be included in economic development. He will check on this. Tonight the Council will vote on the resolution of consent for Dutchess County to be lead agency for the SEQR review of the boundary designation.
Natural Resource Form See Email dated 11/10/05 from Jay Levine with attached Proposed Agreement.
The City Attorney explained the agreement has to do with the restoration, maintenance and upgrade of the [South] Mt. Beacon Fire Tower and is at no cost to the City. The agreement is between the Mount Beacon Fire Tower Committee and the DEC. Council Member Fasano pointed out it does allow for workers to be on the property overnight [Item 7 of Attachment #1 Special Conditions].
Unused Bank Drive Through (Eliza Street) See correspondence dated 10/13 08/25 July 14 and 07/20 from Ronald Piccone.
Tim Dexter, Building Inspector, explained the Bank drive-through dating from the 1980s is on an unspecific easement. Mr. Piccone is asking for permission to enclose it for use as storage space for his tenants. It is on City property [Eliza Street parking]. If the City grants this, he will have to go to the Planning Board. If not, the structure should be taken down. The City Attorney said a survey would be needed of the work area Mr. Piccone wants to change. The question was raised if the space were to be used for parking, who would be responsible for tearing down the drive-through. The consensus of the Council was that permission should not be granted for the enclosure requested.
Sanitary Facility Law See attached Memo from Tim Dexter dated 7/26/05.
Tim Dexter, Building Inspector, explained johnnies are not now required [on small projects such as single family houses] and contractors often use “natural” facilities. He proposed $150 a month assuming construction would take six months with working facilities available in 4 months. The Council agreed. The City Attorney will have the proposed local law prepared for the next workshop. This will enable enforcement.
Water Bills Discuss further. No discussion this evening.
Traffic Light Traffic Light at Verplanck and Willow
The City Administrator said the stop signs at this intersection are up. Both the City Administrator and Council Member Kyriacou independently observed the traffic at this intersection and reported the signs were being respected. Although he had received complaints, Council Member Kyriacou observed that everyone stopped.
Parking Lots Status of parking Lots Acquisitions by Library, North Chestnut and Eliza Street.
No further discussion this evening.
Kids Place Approve applying for grants by “A Kids Place.”
A Kids Place plans a recreation facility and wants City approval for them to apply for grants. Council Member Fasano pointed out they need permission to use the city property known as “the barracks.” A process of reconciliation with the state is needed. They do not want to lose momentum on the project. The City Administrator said he called the Superintendent of Schools. A footprint near the park might be available for this use but it can not be on parkland without a cumbersome process. The Mayor pointed out the area reverted to parkland when it was not used for the police facility.
Announcements - None
OTHER BUSINESS/ UPDATES: Community Segments:
November 21st: Dennis Pavelock – Concerned Citizens
December 5th – Glenn Schofield – Presentation on Detectives
Next Year Goal: Set up Regular Appearances with City Departments
Council Agenda – Monday, November 21, 2005
The following will be added to the agenda for the Council meeting to follow this workshop:
Special Use Permit Application for 217 Main Street
Burnable Waste bid
Dutchess County as lead agency for the Empire Zone
Appointments / Ratifications Lewis Tompkins Hose:
David Oswald – Inactive effective October, 2005
Hugo Concha – Inactive effective October, 2005
Executive Session on parking lots.
Budget Discussions: Fire Department and Police Department – No further discussion this evening.
Adjournment: 8:05 p.m.
The regular Council meeting followed the workshop.