May 25, 2004

7:30pm
Town of Red Hook Public Hearing

A public hearing on World Unity Festival was held Tuesday May 25, 2004 at the Town Hall with the following in attendance:

Supervisor – Marirose Blum Bump
Councilman – James Ross
Councilwoman – Sue Crane
Councilwoman – Jean Bordewich
Councilman – Harold Ramsey

Approximately 35 residents in attendance.

Supervisor Blum Bump opened the hearing with Pledge Allegiance to the Flag at 7:30 p.m.

Supervisor Blum Bump welcomed everyone and said the Town Board was here to listen to everyone’s concerns. She than read from the Town Code Chapter 44-1 and 42-2, Public Assemblies and Intent, concerning the gathering of more than 200 persons on any parcel of property within the town.

Supervisor Blum Bump said we have a number of concerns that would have to be met before a permit would be issued in writing.

List of suppliers
Provide contracts
Insurance policy
Charities benefiting from event local or national

Michael DiMartino thanked the board for giving him the opportunity to answer the questions that the permit required, such as the purpose, parking facilities, sanitary facilities, medical services, emergency services etc.  He also pointed out that this was both music and art festival.  The drugs and alcohol are not allowed, and they will be checked for it at the entrance as we are addressing these concerns.

Jackie Dugan drew a map on the blackboard showing the routes the traffic would take as they come in from different areas.
Edward Murray Northern Dutchess Paramedics- with preplanning ability the stress is not there and with prior knowledge we feel we can handle it.
Northern Dutchess Hospital felt they were in good shape for emergency. We’ll have control and we’ll be ready.

Douglas Weaver who will be in charge of sanitation, said we will have the manpower, equipment and water.  Councilwoman Crane questioned the control over portable toilets.  Mr. Weaver replied he already contacted additional crew members to handle all of this.

Marc Friedberg the security advisor explained that he planned to hire law enforcement “friends” to work at the event as they were all professional. Their concern will be for the public safety of the people, get the cars off the road and in as quickly as possible. We will also be looking for weapons and contraband etc. The sheriff’s department will also be working with us.

Councilwoman Crane said she is very concerned about the concert security and asked how many men would be working as she did not feel comfortable considering the last concert.  Mr. Friedberg said he wasn’t able to give the numbers until they determined the number of ticket sales.

Councilman Ramsey questioned if they had contracted with the fire companies.  Michael DiMartino said he had spoken to Bucky Coon and gotten a verbal agreement.

Supervisor Blum Bump questioned about the Lead Agency.  Resident Gary Coons and former Fire Chief said if the Fire Co. is present they are the Lead Agency.

Councilwoman Crane asked how many attendees did they expect and how could they control it.  Michael’s answer was that it could attract 4,500 campers which could mean that concert could attract 20,000 people. In order to prevent so many from coming they could eliminate fewer campers and reduce the sale of tickets.

Resident Matt Donahue said this event is totally different from the Vibes. Considering this is the 1960’s era it would attract a different audience, one that would listen to and enjoy the music, people who actually follow that music.

Resident Lou Dondero said that Norman Greig has a lot of farmland that he should be farming not hold a festival. Before you say yes or no to this concert be cautious of what you heard here tonight because we heard the same thing the last time and how much they were to give to the town and local organizations and we didn’t see anything so be careful as you decide.

Amy Williams’s resident said it is true; promises made during the planning of the Vibes concert were not kept. As for the traffic it was coming from all different directions and the backup was unbelievable. I couldn’t get to my house which is on Route 9.

Linda Keeling resident read a copy of Zoning on farming and said no where does it state the farm can be used for a festival.

Harriet Oppenheimer said she would like to see the traffic through the Village as she lost 30% of her business when the Vibes were here.

Promoter from Marlboro, who has directed concerts said this could be managed very well for safety of the people, could also promote tourism.

Norman Greig said he tries to be creative and preserve open space with corn and hay which doesn’t pay the taxes. Can’t see how one weekend a year can be a problem.

Thomas Crisci resident said he was working at the last concert and because of what he experienced and saw there no way does he want to see another concert.

Councilwoman Bordewich questioned are you still planning on a tent for beverages.  Michael replied that they will have Wine and Beer Tent in a secure area.

Since there were no more comments Supervisor Blum Bump thanked everyone for coming.

Motion by Supervisor Blum Bump, seconded by Councilwoman Bordewich meeting adjourned 9:58 p.m.

Town Clerk
Margaret E. Doty