COMMITTEE ON BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES

MAY 6, 1996

ATTENDANCE:

B& A MEMBERS: Swanson, Wishnie, Delfino, Young, LaMotte, Darcy, Abinanti

OTHERS: C.E.’s Office: Gina Angiulo, Jamie Hastings; DOT: Robert Brachitta; Airport: Joel Russell; Budget Dept.: Joe Phelan, Brian Fitzpatrick; Planning Dept.: Comm. Oliva, Norma Drummond, Larry Salley; CBAC: George Hosey; Parks Bd: George Ilse; CSEA: Cheryl Melton; LWV: Barbara Strauss, Ann Nelson; Legislator Carsky; BOL: Pat Gorski, Don Sandford, Robert J. Boland, Glenn Guzi, Tina Seckerson

Co-Chairs Swanson and Wishnie opened the meeting at 3:05 p.m.

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

(Bond) Act authorizing the issuance of $6,000,000 in bonds - long term sludge solution at the Yonkers Joint Wastewater Treatment Plant. (Recommitted 4/22/96)

• On motion of Legislator Delfino, seconded by Legislator Darcy, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 7-0.

1. COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Proposed Act authorizing the County to enter into an IMA with the City of New York to accept a federal grant from the Housing Opportunities For Persons with AIDS Program for fiscal year 1995. (4/9/96)

• This is the 4th year County would be receiving the grant (HOPWA) which is administered through HUD
• The money first goes to NYC - and is then apportioned to other eligible members (The County, Yonkers and Mt. Vernon receive money)
• Have just been notified by NYC of the amounts for fiscal year 1995 (money has not been spent yet)
• FY 1995 HOPWA projects: Huston-Cortez House and rental assistance program
• Huston-Cortez Expansion: expand shelter from 13 to 19 beds; correct deficiencies and substandard conditions; make facility ADA accessible; add new kitchen and dining room; on-site office and counseling areas
• Mr. Wishnie asked if there are any in-house costs associated with the grant. Commissioner Oliva stated that there are no out-of-pocket expenses for the County as this grant has an administrative component.

COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES - MAY 6, 1996

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• Ms. Swanson asked if the Town of Mt. Pleasant has any say with regard to the building improvements. Ms. Oliva stated she will check.
• Rental assistance Program: contract with Grace Church Community Center began July 1, 1995 for case management, inspections and administration; subsidies for 40 units for 30 months (FY 1993 and FY 1994); additional subsidies for 20 units for 24 months (FY 1995); mirrored to Section 8 program requirements.
• Mr. Abinanti asked when the 1995 monies will begin to be used. The Commissioner stated probably July of 1996. These 20 certificates will go for an additional 24 months.
• Mr. Abinanti asked if there is another, perhaps better site. Commissioner Oliva stated that there is not. This is an emergency housing facility.

2. COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Proposed act authorizing the acceptance of grants from the federal and state governments for engineering design for the Runway 16-34 rehabilitation at the Westchester County Airport. (4/9/96)

• $630,000 federal government and $35,000 from the state for runway rehab
• Mr. Abinanti inquired as to whether the construction of this runway is any different than the previous runway that was done? Mr. Brachitta stated that it is not.

3. COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Proposed legislation authorizing the acceptance of grants from the federal and state governments to install security fencing at the Westchester County Airport. (4/9/96)

• FAA accelerated this project from 1999 to 1996
• Now have a six foot fence which will be brought up to the new FAA regulations of eight feet. (with barbed wire on top). The current fencing is over 20 years old and some portions have been damaged by trees falling, etc.
• Mr. Delfino asked if a dual fence will still be kept around the Airport. Mr. Russell stated that they are in the process of expanding all the perimeter fences from 6 to 8 feet. There is also some deer control fencing up that will stay up.
• Looking to secure grant funds by the end of May.
• Mr. Phelan stated that this project is in the Capital Program for five years. It is in the outyears.
• Mr. Abinanti stated that he would like to make it contingent upon receiving federal funds.
• Ms. Hastings stated that if we don’t get the funds the Administration would have to come back to the Board for bonding legislation.

#2. On motion of Legislator Abinanti, seconded by Legislator Young, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 7-0.

#3. On motion of Legislator Abinanti, seconded by Legislator Young, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 7-0.

COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES - MAY 6, 1996

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• Mr. Phelan gave a general presentation of how bonding works. (handouts on file)
• Mr. Wishnie stated that at the beginning of the year the Administration sent down some 52 bond acts. Mr. Wishnie asked if these numbers took into account the possible approval of all of these bonds. Mr. Phelan stated that they have, theoretically, because of the debt that will be retired.
• Mr. Wishnie asked how much of the County’s bond limitation has been used. Mr. Phelan responded that the County has used 9%.
• Mr. Phelan cautioned the Committee that while all the questions are important, nine months from now no one will remember what the questions are when the timetables for these projects have been missed. He used the Saxon Woods Pool as an example; if this bond act is not acted upon now the pool will not open on time or at all.
• Mr. Phelan stated that Westchester is known for paying down our debt service very quickly.
• Any debt incurred by the Airport will be covered by the Airport
• All General Fund revenues support debt service

MINUTES: On motion of Legislator LaMotte, seconded by Legislator Abinanti, the motion to approve the Minutes of April 29, 1996 was carried by a vote of 7-0.

There being no further items for discussion, on motion of Legislator Abinanti, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the meeting was adjourned at 5:05 p.m.