COMMITTEE ON BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES

APRIL 1, 1996

BA MEMBERS: Wishnie, Swanson, Darcy, Young, Delfino, Abinanti, LaMotte

OTHERS: C.E.’s Office: Jamie Hastings, Gina Angiulo; DPW: Comm. Landi, Ralph Butler; Planning: Gina D’Agrosa; Capital Projects: Dave Laemle; Budget: Tom Coleman, Dianne Kearney, Brian Fitzpatrick; DOT: Deputy Comm. Murray, Patty Chemka; CBAC: George Hosey; BOL: Legislator Carsky; Pat Gorski, Robert Boland, Tina Seckerson

Co-Chair Wishnie opened the meeting at 3:05 p.m.

DISCUSSION: (There is a cassette tape on file for more detailed information)

MINUTES: On motion of Legislator Darcy, seconded by Legislator Young, the motion to approve the Minutes of March 21, 1996 and March 25, 1996 was carried by a vote of 4-0. (Legislators Swanson, Abinanti, and Delfino out for vote)

Deputy Commissioner Murray, of DOT, was in to discuss the following two Agenda Items:

(9) A Resolution authorizing the County to apply for Section 9 Capital and Operating Assistance Funding from the FTA. (3/11/96)

• This funding would be used to purchase the Central Maintenance Facility and Bus storage Facility the County currently leases in Yonkers. The current lease expires in July of 2002 with a 10 year renewal option. The building was built in 1950 and was owned by Phelps Dodge before being sold to the current owner, AGR Realty who rehabilitated the building in 1981.
• Two independent appraisals are being sought but the purchase price is expected to be somewhere in the vicinity of $40 million.
• Purchasing the building would reduce the County’s operating account by $2.3 million (rental cost) and increase the capital account by $900,000
• Deputy Commissioner Murray explained that this legislation would only authorize the funding opportunity, there is no obligation or commitment on the County’s part. He stated that there will be no agreement with the owner until there is enough federal money in the bank. If the County does not draw down on the money it goes back to the federal government.
• Mr. Abinanti stated that it was his feeling that the County paid for the garage several times over and now wants to buy it. He asked how much it cost to build the facility originally. Mr. Murray responded that it was approximately $17 million. Mr. Abinanti stated that it was funded through the IDA.
• Deputy Commissioner Murray explained that due to the April 1, 1996 deadline the application was ready to be sent out pending BOL approval.

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• The Committee requested the total cost of operation for the bus facility for their 4/8 meeting.
• Mr. Delfino inquired as to whether any other facility has been looked at. Mr. Murray said that they are having trouble finding another comparable facility even for appraisal purposes.

(8) A Resolution authorizing the County to apply for Section 9 Capital and Operating Assistance Funding from the FTA. (3/11/96)

The County is seeking up to $7,217,415 in Federal Capital and $803,806 n Federal Operating Assistance funds. This grant will require $2,608,160 in local matching funds. The funds will be used to purchase approximately 30 buses.

Commissioner Landi and Deputy Commissioner Butler of DPW were in to discuss:

(5) A Proposed act authorizing a cost sharing agreement and subsequent installment purchase agreement between the County and New York Power Authority for new led lenses in County maintained traffic signals. (3/11/96)

• The Commissioner explained that this sot sharing agreement with NYPA would be for LED lenses in County maintained red traffic signals.
• The current electric costs to the County for maintaining traffic signals is $60,000 per year of which $27,000 is for the red signals. If this act is approved it would save the County $21,000 in electric costs per year. The total cost of the project is $125,000. The basis of this project would be to save energy.
• NYPA will go out and publicly bid the project.
• The minimum life expectancy of the LED lenses is 5 years
• LED lenses are new technology.
• Mr. Abinanti asked if any other municipalities have entered into this type of agreement. Commissioner Landi stated that there are none that he is aware of.

BOND ACTS (III) RE: INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS:

Agenda Item 1: Replacement of Water Supply System, County Airport

• For replacement of entire water system at the Airport with new mains in a loop system
• This is for Phase II of the project which would loop the water on the west side to the north side
• Currently in design (to be competed in May) this would be for construction.

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• Mr. Boland pointed out that the insurance companies have recommended portions of this project be done right away. Mr. Butler stated that concern was in reference to a water pressure problem that was corrected in Phase I of the project.

Agenda Item 3: Waterproofing and Exterior Repairs, Central Heating Plant

• Project includes repairs to exterior walls, parapets and roofs at Central Heating Plant at Grasslands Reservation. Exterior facade repairs are required to minimize water infiltration into building. Other work included will be waterproofing, masonry joint repairs, roof restoration, & misc. repairs.

Agenda Item 4: Replacement of Paving Blocks, Courthouse Complex

• The existing blocks have caused a number of maintenance problems over the years.
• Bonding legislation will find Phase I of this project (Low-rise Building)
• A future phase will replace pavers around the Courthouse Tower.
• Design will follow the same pattern as the city of white Plains
• Design & construction will be done in-house

Agenda Item 5: Testing of Oil Tanks and Replacements

• This is an ongoing project. The total number of tanks is 180 of which 80 have already been replaced. This bonding legislation will fund the replacement of (40) tanks in Phase V (Peekskill D.O., Mt. Kisco Office Building, various locations at the Medical Center, the Jail, the fire Training Center, Lasdon Park, Muscoot Lake, Ridge Road Park and Playland)
• Mr. Abinanti questioned the results of they study that was done with regard to the replacement of these tanks. Commissioner Landi stated that would provide whatever information he could with regard to the study, although he was not sure what would be available as it was done before he was Commissioner of DPW.
• Mr. Abinanti questioned the basis of the decision to replacement rather than repair. Mr. Butler stated that the cost for repair vs. replacement is somewhat equal. He further stated that the deadline for repair/replacement by the DEC is 1988.
• Mr. Abinanti questioned how many tanks are on the Valhalla campus. Mr. Butler estimated about 35. Mr. Abinanti inquired as to whether any thought has been given to consolidating the tanks into one field. The Commissioner stated that he felt it was an interesting thought but could not be sure of the cost of such an undertaking.
• Currently excavating needs to be done to inspect the tanks. With the new tanks excavating will be eliminated due to a monitoring device.

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Agenda Item 36: Renovation of First Floor, Macy/Main Tower, WCMC

• Project is for a hospital based ambulatory suite, with full operating room facilities, which will help to free up main operating rooms.
• Mr. Abinanti stated that he thought ambulatory suites were planned for the Bradhurst Building. Ms. Oros explained that this project is for a different kind of ambulatory suite; when based in a hospital general anesthesia can be used; the ambulatory suites planned for Bradhurst will only be able to use local anesthesia.
• Mr. Abinanti stated that he had no objection to the plan but expressed his concern that he has never seen a plan, in writing, of intended space use of the Medical Center & the Bradhurst Building. Mr. Darcy asked if this project is inclusive of space available due to the new lease of the Bradhurst building. Ms. Oros stated that the re-use of the Macy Pavilion space has not been worked out yet but she could ask the Commissioner to more clearly define what their intentions are for this space.

Saxon Woods Pool:

Commissioner Landi stated that it is important for the BOL to move on this issue in order to have the pool open for the 1997 season. The Committee will discuss this item further at a future meeting.

Resolutions (2) for contracts with Lobbyists:

These resolutions would approve contracts with Aldo Vitigliano and Perry Ochacher for 10 months (April-December)

On motion of Legislator Darcy, seconded by Legislator Abinanti, the motion to approve these two resolutions was carried by a vote of 7-0.

(20). Proposed Act authorizing the County’s participation in the New York State Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program through a grant award agreement with the State of New York & subcontracts with local municipalities within the County. (3/25/96)

Before voting on this item Mr. Abinanti requested the following questions be answered about the program: Who receives the money? Does it differ from the amount of money received last year and if so, how?

There being no further items for discussion, on motion of Legislator Darcy, seconded by Legislator Abinanti, the meeting was adjourned at 4:47 p.m.