COMMITTEE ON BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES

APRIL 7, 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: Joe Phelan- Budget Director; DOT: Commissioner Joe Petrocelli; Airport: Joel Russell; Armand Vartibian-Proprietor Skytop Restaurant, Planning Board: George Ilse; Women’s’ Advisory Board: Betty Wurster; LWV: Jo Brill; BOL: Legislator Carsky, Robert J. Boland-Budget Analyst, Glenn Guzi, Program Specialist, 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 LaMotte, seconded by Legislator Darcy, the motion to approve the Minutes of March 31, 1997 was carried by a vote of 7-0.

AGENDA ITEMS:

17. COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Proposed Local Law authorizing the County to enter into a lease agreement with Skytop Restaurant, Inc. for the operation of a first class full service restaurant, bar, coffee shop and specialty food shop at the

Westchester County Airport for a term of ten years with the option of one five- year renewal. (3/24/97)

• Commissioner Petrocelli explained that Skytop was the proprietor of the old restaurant and was chosen as the only respondent that met all of the requirements of the RFP. The County felt it was important to continue the tradition of having the restaurant serve the surrounding area as well as the Airport proper. They opted for a first class dining service.

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• The Commissioner stated that in retrospect the building is too small and all functions in the building are about one-third of the size they should be.
• The County provided the shell space and the proprietor was responsible for improvements. The current restaurant is 4,895 square feet. This is to change the size of an interior corridor - expanding the its floor space by approximately 360 square feet by extending a portion of the restaurant onto the roof over the baggage claim area. The improvement would provide a more functional restaurant with a better view of the airfield.
• Mr. Abinanti expressed his concern that we would be adding to the building. It was clearly designed to keep it a certain size.
• Mrs. LaMotte asked if there are any solutions or alternatives being considered to alleviate the parking problem.
• Mr. Delfino stated that many people have told him how much they have enjoyed eating at the restaurant but have also informed him that the seating overlooks a blacktop roof which has water running over it. He stated that in his opinion we should enhance it to be the best we can.
• The proprietor stated that he does not want to add any more seating he just wants to improve on what he has. He wants to put a glass atrium in to improve the looks of the dining room as well as give it a more open feel.
• Mr. Wishnie asked if the Airport Advisory Board has seen this proposal? The Commissioner stated that he was not sure but would be happy to share it with them.
• Mr. Darcy stated that we have to keep in mind that the legislation previously adopted by the Board was to cap operations at the Airport.
• The Commissioner reminded the Committee that the square footage of the 1st floor of the Airport will not be changing. This is an attempt to accommodate and respond to a businessman’s problem.
• Mr. Vartibian, the proprietor of Skytop Restaurant, assured the Committee that he will not be adding more seating in the restaurant, he is just trying to make it more comfortable for his clientele.
• Mr. Abinanti asked if the fire regulation would change with this expansion of space for the restaurant. The Commissioner will supply an answer.
• Mr. Wishnie asked about the financial terms. Commissioner Petrocelli explained that currently the fixed rent is $144,000. Under the new lease agreement it would be $96,000 but there would be an increase in the County’s share of the percentage of food and beverage revenues. The old is lease was for 5 year with a 5 year renewal option. This new lease will be for 10 years with a 5 year renewal option.

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• Mr. Darcy stated that he would like a little time to look more closely at the numbers.
• Mr. Wishnie asked the Commissioner to inform the Committee as to what the Airport Advisory Board thinks of this proposal.
• Mr. Abinanti stated that we have to find a way to help the proprietor while still protecting the County.

• Mrs. Swanson explained the two proposed amendments (attached) to the Committee Report.
• Mr. Delfino asked if the satellite office will cause a differential in the cost factor. Mr. Darcy stated that it does not necessarily do so, if they utilize available space that belongs to the County. Mrs. LaMotte reminded the Committee that the space has not yet been identified.
• Mrs. LaMotte stated her concerns that we haven’t ever seen a list of the costs of the move; and the fact that we could be entering into a ten year lease not knowing what the new C.E. will want to do with the Health Department next year.
• Mr. Darcy stated that the Committee is in receipt of a March 7th memo providing answers to the questions with regard to moving costs.
• Mr. Wishnie stated that perhaps the Committee should get an estimate from General Services with regard to cost of space in the area being considered for the satellite office as well as possible locations.
• Mr. Abinanti suggested some language changes to the amendment. The Committee agreed to make the changes.

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

On motion of Legislator Abinanti, seconded by Legislator Darcy, the motion to approve the Local Law (proposal to move the Health Department) was carried by a vote of 7-0 with Legislators Swanson, Wishnie, Delfino, LaMotte and Abinanti signing "Without Prejudice".

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Mr. Delfino asked that the Committee move quickly to consider the Skytop Lease as the process will involve a Public Hearing before the matter can be voted on.

Mrs. LaMotte suggested that the Committee wait for comments from the Airport Advisory Board before taking any action.

Mr. Abinanti asked if it would be possible to get a quick summary of what happened last time. Ms. Angiulo suggested that the Committee review the BOL Minutes to get the information.

Mr. Boland stated that he had been out to the Airport last week and commented that the County is spending a lot of money renting the trailers for homeless shelters. He further stated that the homeless can be found walking around all over the Airport. Mr. Wishnie stated that this is a matter better served by the Community Affairs Committee.

There being no further items for discussion, on motion of Legislator Swanson, seconded by Legislator Delfino, the meeting was adjourned at 4:20 p.m.