COMMITTEE ON BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES

OCTOBER 26, 1998

 

ATTENDANCE:

B & A MEMBERS: Wishnie, Carsky, Kaplowitz, Mosiello, Swanson, Young

OTHERS: Budget Dept.: Dianne Kearney; PRC: Commissioner DeSantis; Probation/Correction: Commissioner Pozzi; DOT: Michael Bluestone, Kathryn Napolitano; Planning Dept.: Fran McLaughlin; DPW: Commissioner Landi, Ralph Butler; PRC: George Ilse; CBAC: George Hosey; NYSNA: Eileen Letzeiser, Mary Reiser; Others: Ted Dunn; WCC: Don Weigand; C.E.’s Office: Bill Randolph; BOL: Legislator Bronz, Legislator Ryan, Chris Chang, Barbara Dodds, Robert J. Boland, Tina Seckerson

Chairman Wishnie called the meeting to order at 10:14 a.m.

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

 

MINUTES:

On motion of Legislator Carsky, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, the motion to approve the Minutes of October 19, 1998 was carried by a vote of 6-0.

 

CROTON POINT LANDFILL GAS REUSE "IMPROVEMENT":

Mrs. Carsky informed the Committee that she had sent Chairman Wishnie a memo with regard to this matter several months ago. In that memo she requested the Administration and DEF answer several questions, in a comprehensive report, prior to approving the bonding requested. She reiterated that request and urged the Committee not to act on the bonding legislation until such report is received.

COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES – OCTOBER 26, 1998

PAGE 2

 

BOND ACTS:

32. COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $500,000 in bonds – Pen Housing Replacement Project. (7/20/98)
  • To fund a study of the replacement of inmate housing at the County Penitentiary.
  • The study will include but not be limited to, analysis of design and staffing options and preparation of conceptual design(s).
  • According to Commissioner Pozzi, the building was built in 1916. Replacement or rehabilitation work needs to be done but a study is needed first to make the most intelligent decision. They need to be aware of all the available options before making a final decision.
  • The Committee questioned studies done in 1988 and 1993. The Commissioner stated that everything done previously was basing cost and design on maximum security cells, which they are not convinced now that it is the best way to go. Maximum security cells are the most expensive construction.
  • Recommendation is for "Option C" which calls for phased replacement housing. This option will allow for replacement of housing in two-phases over 4 years (which allows for two of the cellblocks to be replaced at a time)

On motion of Legislator Young, seconded by Legislator Wishnie, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 6-0 with Legislators Young, Carsky, Swanson, Mosiello and Kaplowitz signing "Without Prejudice)

1. COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $600,000 in bonds – Penitentiary Housing Replacement Project. (10/19/98)
  • Required to finance the replacement of the old and deteriorating roof systems at Cellblocks A, B, C and D at the Penitentiary.
  • This legislation would also be used to finance the repair and waterproofing of parapets and necessary asbestos abatement for these cellblocks so that the cellblocks can remain operational for inmate housing.

On motion of Legislator Young, seconded by Legislator Wishnie, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 6-0 with Legislators Young, Carsky, Swanson, Mosiello and Kaplowitz signing "Without Prejudice)

COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES – OCTOBER 26, 1998

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  1. COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $860,000 in bonds – Mount Vernon District Office renovation/infrastructure upgrades. (6/1/98)
  • This is necessary to fund infrastrucure upgrades (design and construction) including rehabilitation to the building exterior, secondary window installation, cooling tower replacement, and improvements to the HVAC system and fire protection system.
  • Mr. Mosiello questioned the renovation work due to the fact that when visiting the building, much of it was empty.
  • Commissioner Landi stated that it is important to maintain (infrastructure) the structure of the building whether we use it or sell it.
  • Mr. Wishnie asked about additional bonding for this building. Commissioner Landi stated that much of it has been put on hold because the C.E. wants to take a second look at what is happening with this building.
  • The Committee will discuss this matter further before taking action. The Committee wants to get a more complete picture of what has happened with this building as well as what is planned for this building in the future.

24. COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $500,000 in bonds – Ossining Wastewater Treatment Plant Performance Maintenance. (6/15/98)
  • This is required to finance the cost of the first phase of equipment and system replacements or enhancements, including related design, engineering and construction at the Ossining Waste Water Treatment Plant.

On motion of Legislator Wishnie, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 6-0.

26. COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $1,000,000 in bonds – Yonkers Joint Treatment Plant Potassium Permanganate Bulk Storage Facility. (6/15/98)
  • For design and construction of a bulk storage facility and feeder system for potassium permanganate at the Yonkers Joint Treatment Plant.

On motion of Legislator Young, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 6-0.

COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES – OCTOBER 26, 1998

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27. COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $2,700,000 in bonds – Yonkers Joint Treatment Plant Automation. (6/15/98)
  • To finance Phase 2 of automation at the Yonkers Joint Treatment Plant.
  • Work will include the installation of equipment to permit the remote operation of certain plant functions and the automation of certain functions at the plant.
  • The total estimated cost of improvements under the requested bonding authorization is $3,000,000 to be financed with $2,700,000 in bonds and $300,000 in cash.

On motion of Legislator Young, seconded by Legislator Wishnie, the motion was made to move this item.

  • Mr. Kaplowitz noted that the Peekskill and Ossining Plants are automated with each other and asked which plant the Yonkers Plant is automated with. Commissioner Landi stated that Yonkers is on its own because of its size although there are certain projects within the plant where the automation process is going on. Eventually all of the plants with be tied in to one computer. There will be a summit meeting next week where Norm Jacknis, DEC and several consultants will be present.
  • Mr. Kaplowitz stated that given the fact that technology has come so far is there an opportunity to pursue this as part of the overall automation and not do the internal plant automation.

Mr. Young withdrew his motion to move this item.

37. COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $100,000 in bonds – Yonkers Joint Treatment Plant – Automatic Skimming System. (7/20/98)
  • This is required to finance the design of an automatic skimming system for the primary and secondary settling tanks at the Yonkers Joint Treatment Plant.

On motion of Legislator Carsky, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 6-0 with Legislators Mosiello, Young and Swanson signing "Without Prejudice".

COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES – OCTOBER 26, 1998

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28. COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $900,000 in bonds – Air Conditioning Equipment Replacement and Chloroflouro Carbons. (7/20/98)
  • Required to finance replacement of the air conditioning system located at the Penitentiary kitchen.
  • The Committee was informed by Mr. Butler that in the facilities guidelines of 1993, the Penitentiary kitchen was rated a good structure and will remain into the future. The replacement of the housing units has nothing to do with the replacement of the refrigeration units.
  • Mr. Kaplowitz suggested that this matter be put on hold until after the site visit to the Penitentiary which is scheduled for 11/9.
  • The Committee will not take any action on this matter until after the site visit.

2. COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $144,000 in bonds – Paratransit Vehicles Phase IV. (10/19/98)
  • To finance the acquisition of approximately 12 replacement vehicles for DOT’s Paratransit Fleet.
  • An additional $576,000 will be provided for this project from non-County funds.

On motion of Legislator Mosiello, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 6-0.

ADJOURNMENT:

There being no further items for discussion, on motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Stewart-Cousins, the meeting was adjourned at 11:30 a.m.