COMMITTEE ON BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES

MARCH 24, 1997

3:00 P.M.

ATTENDANCE:

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

OTHERS: C.E.’s Office: Gina Angiulo-IGR; Budget: Tom Coleman- Deputy Budget Director, Dianne Kearney-Budget Analyst; Planning: Lynn Oliva- Commissioner, Norma Drummond- Director of Community Development; DOT: Joe Petrocelli- Commissioner, William Leverence, Director of Fiscal Affairs; DPW: Tony Landi, Commissioner; CBAC: George Hosey, Barbara Strauss; Women’s’ Advisory Board: Betty Wurster; BOL: Robert J. Boland-Budget Analyst, Tina Seckerson-Secretary to Committee

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):

On motion of Legislator Swanson, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the motion to approve the Minutes of March 17, 1997 (11:30 & 3:00) was carried by a vote of 4-0.

(Legislators Abinanti, Young and Delfino out for vote)

Commissioner Oliva explained that on occasion CDBG funds are reallocated to other projects. In this case $100,000 was awarded to the Village of Tuckahoe - Main Street Bridge Replacement. An additional $100,000 will be added to make the total amount $200,000. The additional dollars will be reprogrammed from the following projects: Bedford Senior Center ($30,774.00); Bedford ADA ($410.00); Hastings Affordable Housing ($4,750.00); Irvington ADA ($15,000.00); Pelham CBD Study ($4,000.00) and Port Chester Program Delivery ($45,066.00). [Note: these are unexpended balances or funds that will not be used].

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The Village of Tuckahoe is required to pay 5% of the costs of a $5,000,000.00 project for replacement of the Main Bridge over Metro-North in the Central Business District of Tuckahoe. This share amounts to $250,000.000 The Village must deposit the entire non-Federal share of the project, which is $1,000,000.00, before work can begin. They will be reimbursed $750,000.00 by the State.

Mr. Darcy expressed his concern that this is the 2nd time that Pelham has been turned down for CDBG funds.

Mr. Boland asked if once a CDBG allocation is approved by the BOL, doesn’t it have to come back before the BOL to be reallocated? The Commissioner stated that changes up to 10% can be made without a public hearing.

The Commissioner explained that in previous years Mr. Delfino had asked that the Board be alerted ahead of time of CDBG reallocations - before they go before A&C and that is why she sent her 2/21 memo to the Board explaining this reallocation.

4. COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Forwarding legislation authorizing the County to enter into an easement agreement which grants an easement from the County to the City of New York of approximately 4 acres on Grasslands Reservation and also grants an easement from the City of New York to the county of approximately 4 acres on the City’s Eastview filter site. (2/26/97)

• Commissioner Landi explained that the easement agreement would be beneficial to the County in the following ways:

• This is an easement for easement swap.
• Mr. Delfino stated that there is a reason for everything and wondered what NYC had in mind for the easement. He stated that he would be surprised if NYC did not have something in mind. Commissioner Landi stated that the City would have to come to the County to change the use or zone of this property. Commissioner Petrocelli informed the Committee that it was the County who initiated the discussion on this matter, not the City, as it would be beneficial for the County’s needs.

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

6. COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Proposed Resolution authorizing the County to submit a request for Federal Capital and Operating Assistance funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration. (3/10/97)

• Commissioner Petrocelli explained that funding received under this grant would contribute to the non-County share of several projects included in the 1997 Capital Budget. These projects include: the purchase of 17 shuttle vehicles, replacement of commuter coaches, replacement of 18 Paratransit vans and automated fare and radio equipment.
• The Commissioner informed that Committee that the $803,500 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 would have to be cut to offset the lost federal aid.

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

1. COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Forwarding the statement of financial condition and statement of operations and changes in fund balance of the Liability and Casualty Reserve Fund. (3/10/97)

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.

2. COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Proposed legislation authorizing the County to acquire certain improvements at the Valhalla Armory. (9/9/96)

Committee will request a copy of the lease before a field trip is set up

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3. COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Proposed legislation to finance the design and construction of the Family Justice Center and the rehabilitation of the existing Richard J. Daronco Westchester County Courthouse. (3/10/97) (Also referred to ps)

Mr. Darcy would like to see a timetable on this matter. Mr. Wishnie reminded the Committee that there is a Committee on the Whole being held tomorrow and this matter can be discussed with the Chairman there.

11. HON. KATHERINE CARSKY: Forwarding a letter from County Health Department employees urging that a central location be found for the Health Department’s offices. (2/26/97) (Also referred to HMC)

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.

13. LEGISLATORS WISHNIE, MOSIELLO, LATIMER AND LA MOTTE:

Forwarding a letter from the Legislative Committee chairman of the Westchester County Assessors’ Association regarding Senior Citizens and Veterans exemptions in Westchester County. (3/10/97)

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

14. COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Forwarding a copy of the 1996 Annual Dog Licensing Report. (1/27/97)

Committee will send a memo to the Finance Commissioner asking that this be made whole.

On motion of Legislator LaMotte, seconded by Legislator Darcy, the motion to Receive and File this item 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 4:07 p.m.