COMMITTEE ON BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES

APRIL 8, 1996

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

OTHERS: Office for the Aging: Mae Carpenter; C.E.’s Office: Jamie Hastings, Barbara Monohan; Budget: Tom Coleman, Leslie Bennett, Brian Fitzpatrick, Olivia Rhodes, Joe Phelan; DEF: Commissioner Trelewicz; Bob Matarazzo; DOT: Commissioner Petrocelli, John Murray, Patty Chemka,; Planning: Gina D’Agrosa; WCMC: Marianne Oros; CBAC: George Hosey, Barbara Strauss; BOL: Pat Gorski, Robert Boland, Tina Seckerson

After a two minute recess, Co-Chairs Swanson and Wishnie called the meeting back to order at 2:00 p.m.

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

(20) Proposed act authorizing the County’s participation in the New York State Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

• SNAP is funded through the NYS Office for the Aging
• Funding for 1995-1996 was $524,000; funding for 1996-1997 is $524,590
• Primary objective of SNAP is to reach frail elderly therefore sponsors must have agreed to administer a home-delivered meals program.
• 14 municipalities currently participate in the program. Must be in the federal program to be eligible for the state program. (In the federal program the municipalities must match 30-40% of funds)
• $107,000 will be retained for registered dietitians and administrators salaries who also work for 2 other grant programs.
• On motion of Legislator Abinanti, seconded by Legislator Darcy, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 7-0.

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

• These funds will be used to purchase transit vehicles, automated fare collection and radio equipment and maintenance and supervisory vehicles.
• This is an entitlement grant program
• According to Commissioner Petrocelli, the $803,000 in federal operating assistance will reimburse the County for transit related expenses that are incurred by the County’s Bee-Line System. Without this reimbursement, service will have to be cut to offset the lost federal aid.

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MINUTES - APRIL 8, 1996

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• The Committee inquired as to the timing and why this grant was sent down to the BOL so late. The Commissioner stated that they did not want to submit it to the Board before the Public Hearing was held and the Public Hearing, in this case, was scheduled after the Budget was adopted. In the future perhaps items such as this can be submitted before the Public Hearing is held to give the Board more time to consider it.
• Mr. Abinanti suggested that in the future all legislation should be sent down to the Board with a written summary answering the following questions: (1) What is the need for what we’re doing? (2) A detailed description of the plan. (3) Why is this plan better than the alternatives?
• Mrs. LaMotte stated that this seems to be a normal schedule of replacement. She suggested that perhaps the Planning Department should come in at a future Budget meeting to explain the replacement process.

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

• This is a discretionary grant program for acquisition of the Central Maintenance Facility.
• The Commissioner stated that this is the same principle as purchasing buses.
• They are currently in the process of getting two appraisals which are being paid for out of the Planning Department’s operating budget. The Commissioner estimated the collective cost of the appraisals to be less than $10,000.
• Mr. Abinanti requested a copy of the conditions that come with the grant. The Commissioner stated that he would be happy to make a copy of the grant available to the Committee if they want it.
• Mr. Abinanti asked if the money from the grant, should it be approved, could be applied to another transportation area if this purchase is not approved. Mr. Petrocelli stated that they would have to file a grant amendment request.
• Mr. Darcy stated that there will probably be a great many questions after the appraisals are completed. This legislation would only give DOT the permission to apply for the money; not spend it.
• Mr. Abinanti suggested that the legislation be amended to clearly state that no money will be spent.
• Mr. Boland informed the Committee that when the Capital Budget was approved it was stated that we would be applying for these federal funds.
• Mr. Delfino stated that it is not an unreasonable request to get a communication - would like to see it in writing - a statement that no monies will be expended without coming back to BOL. Mr. Abinanti would like to see a copy of grant application. Ms. Hastings said that the request will be taken under advisement.
• When grant approved by federal govt.; grant agreement is then signed, then a grant budget drawn up; money is spent when a check is actually written otherwise it sits in Washington (like a checking account money is not taken out until ready to be spent)

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• Timing: Transportation bill for 96-97 fiscal year is currently being earmarked in Washington and the process will go on for the next several weeks. According to the Commissioner, the downside of waiting is that it puts you at a disadvantage with other more aggressive agencies that have already committed the money.
• Mr. Darcy explained that it may well be that after appraisals the BOL may feel that it is not worth $40 million and may not want to go ahead with this. Want to be sure we still have the option of walking away from the deal.
• Mr. Wishnie stated that he feels that the County is jeopardizing the money by waiting, but would defer action on this item per the Committee’s wishes.

The Committee took the following action with regard to Item # 8 (captioned above):

At 3:05 p.m. Co-Chair Wishnie called for a two minute recess.

Co-Chair Wishnie called the meeting back to order at 3:15 p.m.

31. Renovations For Access for Disabled, WCMC:

• to comply with ADA requirements at Macy Pavilion and Main Tower
• $190,000 for design & construction to be done in phases over 5 years
• previous appropriation will be utilized very shortly

37. Elevator Rehab - Main Hospital and Cedarwood Hall:

• to modernize all passenger & service elevators for main Hospital (6) & Cedarwood Hall (2)
• current elevators were installed in 1975; original manufacturer is out of business; the elevator service is not reliable; hardware that needs to be replaced is no longer made
• estimate 20% improvement in elevator service
• $1.165 million for design and work

39. Pump Station Rehabilitation Program - North Yonkers SSD

• For design and construction of the rehab of the Dobbs Ferry and Hastings Pump Stations, including structural repairs to buildings and mechanical repairs to pumps
• Will work to improve efficiency by reducing energy and manpower costs
• Hastings is underway; almost done. Dobbs Ferry has been designed and is ready to go.

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40. Pump Station Rehabilitation Program - Ossining SSD

• Projects are designed, this is for construction of the rehab of the Crotonville and Archville Pump Stations
• Upgrading to modern standards
• 15 year bond - rather small impact on homeowner
• should reduce some electrical charges
• Study was done, that was how priority list was comprised

41. Pump Station Rehabilitation Program - Peekskill SSD

• Design & construction of the rehab of the Water Street Pump Station
• Equipment is getting to end of useful life; can’t even get some of the parts anymore

Mr. Boland informed the Committee that the total cost of the SSD projects is $7 million of which $3.3 ; Cash is $3.3

Mr. Phelan stated that cash is available in each district budget

Mr. Boland requested a breakdown of the financing of each project. Mr. Phelan will provide

Ms. Hastings stated that if approval for the Saxon Woods Bond Act is not given this week cannot guarantee that pool will be open in 1997 or will continue to remain open for the entire 1996 season.

MINUTES: On motion of Legislator Wishnie, seconded by Legislator Abinanti, the motion to approve the Minutes of April 1, 1996 was carried by a vote of 7-0.

17. Proposed legislation to provide for salary increases for elected officials and officers appointed for a fixed term.

On motion of Legislator Abinanti, seconded by Legislator Young, the motion to Receive and File this item was carried by a vote of 7-0.

2. 1995 annual dog licensing report.

On motion of Legislator Swanson, seconded by Legislator Abinanti, the motion to Receive and File this item was carried by a vote of 7-0.

21. Court-ordered certioraris

On motion of Legislator Swanson, seconded by Legislator Young, the motion to Receive and File this item was carried by a vote of 7-0.

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22-29. Acceptance of gifts for Parks Tree Trust fund & Parks Earth Day Celebration:

On motion of Legislator Swanson, seconded by Legislator Young, the motion to Receive and File items 22-29 was carried by a vote of 7-0.

There being no further items for discussion, on motion of Legislator Wishnie, seconded by Legislator Swanson, the meeting was adjourned at 3:45 p.m.