Town of Red Hook Town Board
Special Meeting
Thursday - September 23, 2004 at 8:00pm held in the
Town Hall Boardroom
A Special Meeting of the Red Hook Town Board was held Thursday, September
23, 2004 at 8:00 p.m. in the Boardroom with the following in attendance:
Supervisor- Marirose Blum Bump
Councilman – James Ross
Councilwoman – Sue Crane
Councilwoman – Jean Bordewich
Town Clerk – Margaret E. Doty
Town Attorney – Albert R. Trezza
Absent: Harold Ramsey
Supervisor Blum Bump opened the meeting at 8:00 p.m. and than made the
following motion.
Motion by Supervisor Blum Bump, seconded by Councilman Ross and carried
unanimously that the Board go into Executive Session for permitted reason.
Supervisor Blum Bump - Yes
Councilman Ross - Yes
Councilwoman Crane - Yes
Councilwoman Bordewich - Yes
Attorney Trezza who had called the meeting explained that since the board had
expressed a desire to purchase the adjoining property from Robert Greig, which
is a cold storage building, he contacted Mr. Greig in his Paris Office
inquiring as to the price of the building Mr. Greig said he had a binder on
the property for $425,000 but the buyer was unable to come up with the full
amount. Sale price of the property is $450,000.
This building the board feels would make a good highway garage and owning that
property would increase the value of our present Town Hall property.
Supervisor Blum Bump said if we get it for the asking price we will still have
the necessary monies to do all the renovations.
Attorney Trezza pointed out all the additional fees that we will encounter as
there are conditions concerning the building that will have to be met.
1. Appraisal
2. Engineering Study (Environmental Engineer hired)
3. Hazard Waste Review
4. Zoning – both Town & Village (as part of property in Village)
Councilwoman Crane suggested that we investigate the possible purchase of the
property with Mr. Greig starting at $425,000.
Councilwoman Bordewich said we should look at the assessed value as that
certainly could affect the price.
Supervisor Blum Bump pointed out that we have already bonded for 1 ½ million
and feels if we could get it for $425,000 or $450,000 it would be a good
price.
Councilman Ross said he felt it was a good price and suggested our attorney go
ahead and inquire as this will add approximately 2 ½ acres more to our current
property and this is a good investment.
Motion by Supervisor Blum Bump, seconded by Councilman Ross and carried
authorizing Attorney Trezza to contact Mr. Greig’s attorney, attorney Banner
for the purchase price and the sale of the property to the Town of Red Hook.
Supervisor Blum Bump - Yes
Councilman Ross - Yes
Councilwoman Crane - Yes
Councilwoman Bordewich - Yes
Motion by Supervisor Blum Bump, seconded by Councilwoman Bordewich and
carried, closing the Executive Session at 8:40 p.m.
Town Clerk
Margaret E. Doty
A regular monthly meeting of the Red Hook Town Board was held Tuesday
September 14, 2004 at the Red Hook Town Hall with the following in attendance:
Supervisor – Marirose Blum Bump
Councilman – James Ross
Councilwoman – Sue Crane
Councilwoman – Jean Bordewich
Councilman – Harold Ramsey
Town Clerk – Margaret E. Doty
Supervisor Blum Bump opened the meeting at 7:30 p.m. with the Pledge Allegiance
to the Flag.
Supervisor Blum Bump read her monthly Statement for August.
Motion by Councilwoman Crane, seconded by Councilwoman Bordewich and carried the
Supervisor’s Report as read.
RESOLUTION 2004 # 29
RE – Budget Adjustments and Transfers
Resolution was offered by Councilwoman Jean Bordewich, seconded by Councilwoman
Sue Crane and carried.
Copy Attached
Supervisor Blum Bump- Yes
Councilman Ross- Yes
Councilwoman Crane- Yes
Councilwoman Bordewich- Yes
Councilman Ramsey- Yes
Motion by Councilman Ramsey, seconded by Councilman Bordewich and carried
accepting the minutes as written.
Supervisor Blum Bump opened the meeting for Public Comments.
Representative from Scenic Hudson Seth McKee said he understands the Town Board
will be considering setting a public hearing and conducting the SEQRA review on
the purchasing of the development rights on the John Feller Farm. We are just
here to offer you support and encourage you to take that step, as we are real
excited to be partners with town in protecting this farm forever and always.
We are now protecting over 1200 acres of farmland in Red Hook. That’s 8 farms in
your community through the purchase of development rights for growing farms. We
worked closely with your town’s Agricultural Committee and with Mr. Feller who
has committed to the sale of the agreed price and a conservation easement that
will be reviewed by the Town, Scenic Hudson and the landowner. Our board has
committed 50% of the funding and the town and its taxpayers will be leveraging
an identical amount of public money you will be putting into this project. This
is an important farm of over 200 acres of additional farmland that is already
protected by farmland easements so we have the opportunity of a continuous block
of three hundred acres of farmland in this community. We hope to continue
partnering with you beyond this farm and will be happy working with you every
step of the way.
Hank Stebbins who was our farmlands protection manager retired and replacing him
Carrie Walkins Bates who will be working with me and your advisory committee and
Mr. Feller.
We will both continue with you every step of the way to make this project
happen.
Resident of Tivoli Thomas Crisci came before the board asking for board’s help
in getting a program passed for the Service Award Program. What kind of time
frame so this can take off as referendum have to be set, letters have been sent
out from Mayor Molinaro, Red Hook Fire Co. has sent out letters just want to
make sure it is on the agendas.
Supervisor Blum Bump thanked Mr. Crisci and said we will respond.
Budget Officer Larry Kopczak asked that if any committee have not responded with
their budgets to please do so.
Supervisor Blum Bump closed the public comment period.
Supervisor Blum Bump said the public forum for the Town of Red Hook’s Land Use
Conservation and Development Working Group on September 25, 2004, to present
report and recommendations to the Town Board and to hear the public’s comments
and recommendations. This session, the third and final in a series that was part
of the Working Group process is to inform Red Hook residents about the
recommendations and to obtain their opinions.
The confirmation of Community Forum Saturday September 25, 2004 from 9:30 a.m.
to 12:30 p.m. at the Linden Avenue Middle School Cafeteria.
Supervisor Blum Bump read a copy of a resolution authorizing the naming of
private drives for two new subdivisions in the Town of Red Hook.
In the first subdivision, KB Lands LLC.
The name for the private off Route 9G is “Toms Way”.
The name for the private drive off of West Kerley Corners Road is “Coleman
Lane”.
The second subdivision, DMF Realty is a subdivision of one parcel into four.
Three of the parcels will be addressed to a private drive off of Guski Road. The
fourth parcel continues to be addressed to Guski Road.
The name for this privately is “Lavender Ridge Road”.
RESOLUTION 2004 #30
RE – Coleman Lane, Toms Way, Lavender Ridge Road
Resolution offered by Supervisor Marirose Blum Bump, seconded by Councilwoman
Sue Crane and carried naming the private drives.
Copy Attached
Supervisor Blum Bump- Yes
Councilman Ross- Yes
Councilwoman Crane- Yes
Councilwoman Bordewich- Yes
Councilman Ramsey- Yes
Supervisor Blum Bump said next on the agenda is a resolution granting issuance
of a permit to Green Acres, LLC to hold Field Day Music Festival 2005
permissible under the Town’s Mass Gathering Law.
Green Acres, LLC has applied to the Town Board to hold a multi-day music, arts
and camping festival on the property of Greig Farms on either July 16 and 17 or
July 23 and 24 of 2005.
Supervisor Blum Bump welcomed Green Acres headed by Andrew Dreskin and his team.
Andrew addressed the Town Board and those in attendance.
Andrew Dreskin explained that this is a multi music, arts and camp festival. The
focus is a modern rock music and art festival.
The date of the 2 day festival will be in July. The concert’s plan outlines
specific request for traffic control, safety, water, sanitary disposal, medical
and fire emergency services were among the items Mr. Dreskin explained.
He also said hey expected the event would be smaller than the Dutchess County
Fair with respect to traffic and crowd attendance.
The event is approved for up to 45,000 concert goers per day but he anticipates
ticket sales of 35,000 each day with a crowd ages 18-34. He expects 50% to camp
on site and will accommodate 18,000 vehicles on 300 acres of the nearly 600
acres. He said the site will open at noon on Friday and close noon on Monday to
aid traffic control.
The Town of Red Hook will receive $1.00 from each ticket sold over the two days
and another $1.00 per ticket will go to Dutchess County, additional portion of
the sales will benefit a local charity.
The company will also reimburse the town for police coverage, damage to town
property and roads, arrange for $10 million in comprehensive liability coverage
to ensure the event.
Chuck Manning their traffic engineer outlines a preliminary overview of a plan
to get event goers to the site. Mr. Manning described the Greig Farms’ location
as rich in road networking, nothing eight different ways to enter the site.
As to the exact date of the event, he said the date will be known within the
next few weeks. This is dependent upon the confirmation of the “headliner”.
For the event two stages will be included in the area. Music will begin at noon
each day and would continue to 3:00 a.m.
Mr. Dreskin said he hopes the Greig Farm Field Day will be the first of many
annual concert events, resulting in a long lasting sense of community.
Mr. Dreskin will submit monthly updated reports to the Town Board on the
progress of the concert plans including status of additional required permits
Board of Health requirements and ticket sales.
Supervisor Blum Bump questioned the 10 million liability comprehensive policy
where liability is 10 million and the property is not less than that. Mr.
Dreskin thought 1 million on the property.
Councilman Ross said he did feel that 45,000 ticket sales were too high for the
first year, 35,000 more reasonable amount.
Councilwoman Crane said 35,000 or 45,000 if it is a well run event.
Councilman Ramsey agrees with Sue if it is a well run event 35,000 or 45,000
would not make much difference. One of my concerns is the traffic control; we
would have to be sure we do have a good back up to handle this.
Councilwoman Bordewich wanted to know the difference between 45,000 and 35,000
to the promoters.
Mr. Dreskin said there is a big difference I feel our break even is going to be
35,000 a day. We will have people coming in on Friday and than on Saturday.
Councilwoman Bordewich wanted to know if the beer and wine was going to be sold
in a specific tent at a certain location.
Mr. Dreskin said he has seen in both ways at a tent and also walking around with
your beverage. This will be up to the Sheriff and State Police and also our
attorneys.
Councilwoman Bordewich said she too agrees with Jim about 45,000 the first year
and thinks 35,000 is more reasonable amount. The first year is kind of a test
for us.
Supervisor Blum Bump questioned if people internationally attend these
festivals.
Mr. Dreskin said yes they do, last year we had ticket buyers from all continents
around the world, all 50 states, buyers from Alaska, Iceland. Yes people do
travel and they look for a B&B or a motel.
Mr. Dreskin said they would set a cap on the number to attend and than notify
that no more tickets will be sold and if you come you won’t get in. We will work
with you, the State Police and the Sheriff’s Office if the people come than it
will be up to them, let them in or not.
Councilman Ramsey said he would like to see more detail in this plan, traffic,
security etc as the numbers go up with the attendance.
RESOLUTION 2004 #31
RE – Green Acres Production LLC
Resolution was offered by Supervisor Marirose Blum Bump, seconded by Councilman
James Ross and carried.
Copy Attached
Supervisor Blum Bump- Yes
Councilman Ross- Yes
Councilwoman Crane- Yes
Councilwoman Bordewich- Yes
Councilman Ramsey- Yes
Supervisor Blum Bump read a motion authorizing the Town of Red Hook to take the
Backup Grantee Position or the Co-Hold with Dutchess County Land Conservancy
Position in the Conservation Easement held by Dutchess Land Conservancy and
Dutchess County on the John Steiner Farm.
The County requires the Town of Red Hook to have some relationship in the
Conservation Easement and the Town can decide which of the two positions will
define the Town’s relationship. The County Legislature requires the information
by September 15, 2004 in order to specify how the easement will be held and for
the item to be on the County Legislature’s agenda for October 2004.
Councilman Ramsey said he would like to see us be the third party backup, as
Dutchess County has a vested interest in the easement so let them bear the cost,
as we have to consider the taxpayers.
Councilwoman Bordewich said she agrees with Harold.
Councilwoman Crane said yes we should be the third party backup grantee.
Councilman Ross also agreed.
Supervisor Blum Bump will discuss Town’s position on the John Steiner Farm
Easement with Attorney Al Trezza and Attorney Joel Sachs as the information is
required by the County Legislature on September 15, 2004.
Motion by Councilwoman Crane, seconded by Councilman Ramsey as carried
authorizing the Town of Red Hook to take the Backup Grantee Position in the
Conservation Easement on the John Steiner Farm.
Supervisor Blum Bump- Yes
Councilman Ross- Yes
Councilwoman Crane- Yes
Councilwoman Bordewich- Yes
Councilman Ramsey- Yes
RESOLUTION 2004 #32
RE – Lead Agency for SEQRA Review John Feller Farm.
Resolution offered by Supervisor Marirose Blum Bump, seconded by Councilwoman
Sue Crane and carried.
Copy Attached
Supervisor Blum Bump- Yes
Councilman Ross- Yes
Councilwoman Crane- Yes
Councilwoman Bordewich- Yes
Councilman Ramsey- Yes
Supervisor Blum Bump said need a public hearing with respect to Town of Red Hook
to partially fund its purchase of an Agricultural Conservation Easement on the
Feller Farm in the Town of Red Hook, Dutchess County, New York.
Motion by Supervisor Blum Bump, seconded by Councilwoman Crane and carried that
a public hearing be held September 29, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. at the town hall,
authorizing partial funds of the purchase of development rights of the John
Feller Farm.
Supervisor Blum Bump- Yes
Councilman Ross- Yes
Councilwoman Crane- Yes
Councilwoman Bordewich- Yes
Councilman Ramsey- Yes
Supervisor Blum Bump asked Scenic Hudson what time frame would we have to act
in.
Scenic Hudson said once we know the town is committed it is usually 90 to 120
days. I sincerely hope we can close this deal by the month of January.
Supervisor Blum Bump said we now have the signed document from Mr. Feller so we
can now move ahead.
Motion by Councilwoman Crane, seconded by Councilman Ross accepting the short
form of the SEQRA for the John Feller Farm.
Supervisor Blum Bump- Yes
Councilman Ross- Yes
Councilwoman Crane- Yes
Councilwoman Bordewich- Yes
Councilman Ramsey- Yes
Supervisor Blum Bump requested that if anyone had items they would like to see
on the Agenda please get them to her as soon as possible.
Councilman Ross said he had one item he had asked to be put on the agenda for
tonight and it was not on.
Supervisor Blum Bump said in answer to your question I did call the Association
of Towns and spoke to Kevin Crawford, Attorney about the item you requested. His
response that if a mistake was made to a town document it can be corrected
without board action, no action by board is required merely redrafting the
mistake. I think this is in quite a few situations I have come across, and when
in doubt I will call the Association and talk with one or two attorneys who work
with us. If this doesn’t satisfy your question we will discuss this further. I
will pursue this further as I have no problem trying to resolve different
things; I have no problem making a big effort to reach some priority on Town
Board action. Hope the Town Board can work together solving these problems and
will pursue it further. Happy to put on Agenda for next time.
Councilman Ross said it did not satisfy as you did not answer my question, so we
will discuss this further.
Motion by Councilwoman Bordewich, seconded by Supervisor Blum Bump that we take
a few minutes break.
Motion by Supervisor Blum Bump, seconded by Councilman Ramsey and carried
resuming the Town Board at 11:05 p.m.
COMMITTEE AND BOARD REPORTS:
Councilman Ramsey said before he went on with the reports he was not completely
understanding of what Jim was saying about changes in town maps, with the Town
Boards approval or knowledge. I have a concern about outside consulting
attorneys and not having been notified a number of times. I am not sure what the
policy is on that should we be going to outside attorneys?
Supervisor Blum Bump said lets put this on the workshop agenda. I think we have
been using Al Trezza as our attorney for close to 20 years and we have been
using Joel Sachs. In speaking to the previous Supervisor he consulted with Joel
Sachs very frequently. If we are looking at this from a budget stand point I
have not exceeded the usage of this attorney more than other years, well within
the budget, well within the guidelines. I consult with Debbie frequently about
our budget. I am willing to discuss this but I don’t want the real message to be
that the Town Supervisor, the Budget Officer or the Bookkeeper is spending money
unauthorized, it wouldn’t be true and I am simply following the pattern of this
office. The precedent has been set for the past 20 years. If there is something
you would like on the agenda please let me know tonight after the meeting or
tomorrow.
Councilman Ramsey asked if he could please finish his statement. You alluded
that I thought that yourself, the budget director or our bookkeeper were doing
something wrong., by no means did I mean that, nor did I say that, all I was
asking was what is the policy of going to an outside consultant, whether it’s
the Town Attorney or an outside the board be notified or should they not be
notified.
Supervisor Blum Bump said that was a very good question and she would put it on
the agenda for the next workshop.
Disaster Preparedness Committee:
Councilman Ramsey reported on the Disaster Preparedness Committee the meeting
was held August 20, 2004. A program was set up to be held September 18, 2004
with coordinator Chief Ken Davidson. Budget information was drafted and
submitted to the director. The committee is still waiting to see if each of the
Villages should be represented. A letter requesting this was sent by both Mayors
of Red Hook and Tivoli.
Supervisor Blum Bump said she would like to clarify this. We have temporary
committee to draw up and write Disaster Plan. A new committee has not been
appointed. This current committee was appointed May 26, 2004 and this committee
will end once this new plan has been written.
The actual Disaster Preparedness Committee has a definition by the law the
members who need to be on it. That committee is a hold over from last year a new
committee has not been appointed.
Supervisor Blum Bump said she would put this topic on the next agenda, to be
discussed at the next workshop.
Economic Development Committee:
Councilman Ramsey reported on the Economic Development Committee meeting held
August 31, 2004 reported they were happy meeting with the Town Board. They will
be given a summary of their initial work to the Town Board at a community
meeting late winter or early spring. Discussion was held on taxes, the committee
will look in tax rates from similar towns. Next meeting is September 28, 2004.
Recreation Committee:
Councilman Ramsey reported that the Recreation Committee was working on the
storage barn, near the pool. Rec. commission is conferring with Ted Kudzy on the
renovations headed by Douglas Strawinski who donated his service as General
Contractor. The renovation is expected to be done before winter.
Bid will be going out on the tennis courts to be completed before winter.
Saturday November 6 will be leaf clean up day.
Highway Department:
Councilman Ramsey read the highway has completed and turned in their budget.
Highway Superintendent Hildenbrand has requested that we go out for bid of
Highway Materials, with bids to be opened at our October 12th town board
meeting.
Motion by Councilman Ramsey, seconded by Councilman Ross and carried bids for
Highway Materials.
Supervisor Blum Bump wants to be able to read and review the request for highway
materials before voted upon. Will vote at the end of meeting.
Councilman Ramsey said both the Village of Tivoli and the Village of Red Hook
have spoken to him regarding volunteer service award, they are investigating a
volunteer fireman in our community and asked if they could come before the
board.
Councilman Ramsey said he would like this to be on our Agenda for the next board
meeting.
Supervisor Blum Bump said we will have a presentation and than discuss it so we
will have it on the Agenda for October meeting.
Ethics Committee:
Councilwoman Bordewich said the Ethics Committee has been proceeding looking at
other Town’s Ethic Committees will probably have something by end of year.
Building and Zoning:
Councilwoman Bordewich reported on Building and zoning
22 building permits
78 CO’s issued, inspections
Dog Control:
Councilwoman Bordewich report on Dog Control, patrolling and working on
licensing with Town Clerk. One injured dog picked up, owner paying on the
charges at no cost to the Town.
Recycling Center:
Councilwoman Bordewich said on Recycling, TJ Hackett said the total tonnage was
85 tons. All Freon was removed from 57 units. Trying to find a better way of
handling these, as you have to have a minimum of 30 to get them serviced.
Working on new handouts for residents and is registering his opposition to the
new site plan as it stands he feels traffic control and the elderly residents
would be affected as the proposal is too small for the area allowed. He is also
working on his budget.
Councilman Ramsey said they had a meeting on the West Kerley Corners Road with
Legislator Molinaro, Highway Superintendent Hildenbrand, the County and a number
of residents regarding the speed limit. The County consented to go back and
resurvey the road per our request, asked that we put a larger police presence on
that road. Supervisor Blum Bump has consented to do so.
Supervisor Blum Bump said he has been receiving letters from residents on Old
Post Road and River Road regarding the speeding of cars. Letters will be turned
over to our road committee.
Water Department:
Councilwoman Crane said the Water Board will be meeting next Wednesday. Water
Report for 85,000 gallon usage a day without Bard College, what it has been all
along.
Water main break on 5 Elm Street due to tree roots.
Budget was discussed with Budget Officer Larry Kopzcak and Rich Cain.
Purchasing Department:
Councilwoman Crane reported on Purchasing Agent Ted Kudzy, 31 purchase orders
$21,995. Largest to Colarusso.
RFP Architect Service in progress.
Work commenced on the Storage Barn at Rec. Park that has been leased from Rec.
Park Pool.
Senior Service Committee:
Councilwoman Crane said the Senior Service Committee have been working on Senior
Service Expo, 40 venders will come to the Firehouse explain the Services they
will provide 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Friday.
Agricultural Committee:
Robert McKeon Chairman reported on the Agricultural Committee. They have been
working on the PDR. Will attend a conference at Vassar on October13th.
Conservation easement proposal has been submitted to Agriculture & Markets. Will
continue to work on our proposal for a Planning Consultant that can be used by
various committees.
Have received over 50% service for the large landowner at no cost to taxpayer.
Zoning Board of Appeals:
Councilman Ross reported the Zoning Board meets tomorrow.
Planning Board:
Councilman Ross reported the Planning Board met last Wednesday. They had a
couple of public hearings and a couple were postponed.
They needed an archaeological study for Bard College bldg. which was postponed.
Supervisor Blum Bump gave a listing of future meetings to be held.
Motion by Councilman Ramsey, seconded by Supervisor Blum Bump and carried
authorizing Highway Superintendent Hildenbrand to advertise for Highway
Materials, but to be opened at the October 12, 2004 Town Board meeting.
Motion by Councilman Ross, seconded by Councilman Crane and carried auditing and
approving for payment bill from the General Fund and the Highway Fund Bill No.
to in the amount of $
Supervisor Blum Bump- Yes
Councilman Ross- Yes
Councilwoman Crane- Yes
Councilwoman Bordewich- Yes
Councilman Ramsey- Yes
Motion by Supervisor Blum Bump, seconded by Councilwoman Crane and carried
meeting adjourned 11:27 p.m.
Town Clerk
Margaret E. Doty