COMMITTEE ON BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES

FEBRUARY 26, 1997

 

 

 

ATTENDANCE:

 

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

 

OTHERS: C.E.’s Office: Gina Angiulo, Dave Laemle; Budget: Joe Phelan, Dianne Kearney, Brian Fitzpatrick; LWV: Anne Nelson; CBAC: Barbara Strauss, George Hosey; DEF: Comm. Trelewicz, Bob Matarazzo; DPW: Comm. Landi, Ralph Butler; BOL: Legislator Stewart-Cousins, Legislator Carsky, Robert J. Boland, Glenn Guzi, Tina Seckerson

 

Co-Chairs Wishnie and Swanson called the meeting to order at 3:10 p.m.

 

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

 

MINUTES: On motion of Legislator Darcy, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the motion to approve the Minutes of February 19, 1997 was carried by a vote of 7-0.

 

BOND ACTS:

 

(111.) PROPOSED BOND ACT - $6,500,000 - SLUDGE LONG TERM SOLUTION, YONKERS JOINT TREATMENT PLANT.

 

  • To implement long term solution for de-watering at Yonkers Plant.
  • Commissioner Trelewicz explained that DEF believes the larger building is needed but if the compromise is to go with a smaller building then they would request trucking all weekend. He stated that they are hanging on the edge and something should have been done already. Instead of going with 10 hoppers can go with 5 and truck all weekend. He further stated that DEF has been in contact with Legislator Stewart-Cousins on this issue and has answered some concerns in writing.
  • As the Legislator representing the area, Co-Chair Wishnie requested Legislator Stewart-Cousins address the Committee on this matter. Mrs. Stewart-Cousins stated that the residents of the area still have some valid concerns and although the community is will agree to some level of compromise their major concern has and still is - odor control. She further stated that the community needs to see some covers as proof of the County’s good faith efforts. She requested a schedule of operation (including the number of trucks and the time of day they will be running) be put in writing so that she may share it with the community. The Commissioner stated that he should be able to provide same by the end of the week.
  • The Commissioner stated that a major part of the money being requested will be used for odor control.

 

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  • Mr. Abinanti inquired as to the cost differential between this plan and the original one. Commissioner Trelewicz stated that the original cost was $6 million and the cost for the project currently being proposed will be $4.8 million. Mr. Phelan asked if there is a trip date when we can anticipate the cost for this project to increase if it is not approved now. The Commissioner stated that cost will go up in the future but anticipates that it should remain fairly constant for this year.
  • Mrs. Stewart-Cousins requested the Committee hold off on any action until she has an opportunity to share the information she has received with the community.

 

(46.) COUNTY EXECUTIVE: PROPOSED BOND ACT AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $2,500,000 IN BONDS - COURTHOUSE REHABILITATION. (REFERENCE # 46)

 

  • This authorization would fund the rehabilitation and upgrade of ten elevators and the replacement of steam traps throughout the Courthouse complex.
  • Commissioner Landi stated that no matter what happens to the building the elevators need to be rehabilitated. Mr. Butler explained that the structure of the cars and rails would remain - but everything else will be new. The construction time is 4 years - it takes 6 months to rehab one car.
  • Commissioner Landi explained that the steam traps need to be replaced (cost $100,000) as they are failing and causing leaks as well as stopping heat from going to various parts of the building. Mrs. LaMotte stated that if left unattended the leaks may cause further damage driving the cost of repair up.

 

On motion of Legislator LaMotte, seconded by Legislator Delfino, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 7-0 with Legislators Swanson and Young signing "Without Prejudice".

 

 

(76.) PROPOSED BOND ACT - $900,000 - REPLACEMENT OF PAVING BLOCKS, COURTHOUSE COMPLEX.

 

  • To replace paving block around the Courthouse Complex with poured-in-place concrete.
  • Commissioner Landi stated that there is a liability issue which is of major concern.
  • Mr. Darcy asked what is being done about the falling debris from the building. The Commissioner stated that they are trying to keep people away from the perimeter of the building.

 

On motion of Legislator LaMotte, seconded by Legislator Darcy, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 6-1 with Legislator Young being recorded in the negative and Legislators Abinanti and Swanson signing "Without Prejudice".

 

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Commissioner Landi stated that the remaining bond acts are issues relating to infrastructure, life safety of code requirements.

 

(72.) PROPOSED BOND ACT - $1,500,000 - A/C, HOT WATER AND STEAM PIPING, DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION.

 

(73.) PROPOSED BOND ACT - $1,400,000 - REPLACEMENT OF STEAM MAINS, WCMC.

 

(74.) PROPOSED BOND ACT - $1,500,000 - REPLACEMENT OF DOMESTIC HOT WATER MAINS, VALHALLA CAMPUS.

 

  • The Commissioner explained that items 72-74 are capital project items already in design (50% currently designed) and are related to infrastructure problems.
  • Mr. Abinanti asked when they will be bonded. Mr. Phelan responded that they will be bonded in two phases - a piece in the fall and the balance next year.

 

On motion of Legislator LaMotte, seconded by Legislator Darcy, the motion to approve items 72, 73 and 74 was carried by a vote of 6-0 with Legislator Swanson and Young signing "Without Prejudice" and Legislator Abinanti out for the vote.

 

 

(75.) PROPOSED BOND ACT - $3,700,000 - CONVERSION OF BURNERS, CENTRAL HEATING PLANT - VALHALLA CAMPUS.

 

  • This would fund the cost increase for the construction and installation of replacement gas tanks and burners and the replacement of masonry chimneys serving the burners.
  • The total project cost if $3.7 million
  • Mr. Phelan stated that the project has been reviewed by bond counsel.

 

On motion of Legislator Darcy, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 5-1 with Legislator Swanson being recorded in the negative, Legislator Young signing "Without Prejudice" and Legislator Abinanti out for the vote.

 

(77.) PROPOSED BOND ACT - $1,375,000 - OIL TANK REPLACEMENT.

 

  • DEC requires the periodic testing (and replacement if required) of all fuel storage tanks. This project implements the phased replacement of approximately 25 tanks. It is currently in design. Will probably go out to bid in April/May 1997.

 

On motion of Legislator LaMotte, seconded by Legislator Darcy, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 5-0 with Legislators Swanson and Young signing "Without Prejudice" and Legislators Delfino and Abinanti out for vote.

 

Mr. Phelan stated that he will provide the Committee with a schedule of bonds (spread sheet).

 

 

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Grieco Property: Mrs. Swanson requested an itemization of closing costs.

 

Fixed Term: Retro for 1994 (3.5%), 1995 (4%), and 1996 (0%)

Total retro: $139,000 - According to Mr. Phelan this comes out of current cash

flow

 

 

 

There being no further items for discussion on motion of Legislator Darcy, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the meeting was adjourned at 4:30 p.m.