COMMITTEE ON BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES

NOVEMBER 19, 1998

ATTENDANCE:

Chairman Wishnie called the meeting to order at 9:45 a.m.

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

• Mr. Boland inquired as to the settlement of 2 lawsuits by the FAA. Mr. Bracchitta explained that some was cashed up to fund some capital projects.
• Airport has an accumulated surplus of $4.8 million
• Interest on the settlement was $1.9 million
• Auto Supplies (3010): increase has to do with replacement blades on plows
• Services by Dept. of Finance (5375): $100,000: To conduct performance audits to be done by an independent firm.
• Supplementary Programs (4953): Requested: $400,000 Allowed: 0: Hoped to designate a revolving fund to assist minority & women owned business to participate in contracting jobs at the Airport. They have been unable to identify a legal mechanism to do that. Speculative programs cannot be funded. They will continue to pursue a legal mechanism and will put it into place at that time. Ms. Tooher explained that once the mechanism is found DOT can come back to the Board to amend the Enterprise Fund. Committee requested a status report on this project within the next 60 days.

• The Committee requested a schedule to back-up Non-recurring Repairs, Repairs & Maintenance and Equipment Service & Rental and Auto Supplies

• There will be a bigger involvement on the part of the Airport with regard to environmental issues.

COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES – NOVEMBER 19, 1998

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• Difference in departmental income due to closing of Airport for runway work.
• Utilities (3200): decrease of $29,000: estimate that the decreasing cost of fuel will drive the cost of utilities down.
• Technical Services (4420): Money put in for the possibility of hiring of engineering consultants re: airport regulations and construction
• Support Services (5190): $5,000 for printing and mail services

• Position Count (Operating): 9 positions in expenses that were moved to operating. The Committee requested a list of positions.
• Position Count (Operating): Requested-77 Allowed-58: Exterior advertising campaign. Planned to use revenue to fund additional positions. Funding did not materialize and positions were eliminated.
• Additional Equipment (2400): Request was for equipment for new employees. When they decided not to hire new employees they withdrew the request for equipment.
• Centralized Maintenance Facility: Committee asked for a breakdown of the $2,317,492

• Telephone (4160): moved Para-Transit info and reservation system out of Para-Transit (4925)
• Repairs & Maintenance (4200): Includes bus shelter maintenance program which was previously a trust account (T497 – 9004)
• Insurance (4280): Para-Transit cost was previously included (4925)

• Contractual Services (4380): several contracts involving Para-Transit
• The Committee requested back-up on the 6N account (4937)
• Centralized Maintenance Facility: Budget Department will provide a schedule for each facility.

• Services by Dept. of Law (5325): Additional expense due to analysis of franchises which will be done either by the Law Dept. or a contract through the Law Dept.
• Less Services to other Departments: Committee requested a schedule of the $2.259 million requested and the $388,240 allowed by Budget.

COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES – NOVEMBER 19, 1998

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• There was an in-depth discussion on the proposed bus fare increase as well as the proposed mid year bus service reductions. Bus Operating Assistance is the biggest single item in the budget. They are proposing a ten cent fare increase to raise revenues. The proposed 1999 mid-year (July) bus service reductions would result in a savings of $727,095. Must come up with $2 million in new revenue per year to make up 4% increase in costs per year. The cost of maintaining the fleet is much more expensive (i.e. old equipment, EPA regulations).

• The proposed ten cent fare increase is estimated to net $458,000.
• Mr. Stanton stated that they think the state will have to respond to increases in all of the downstate New York area. Mr. Stanton stated that although other fares will go up proportionately with the 10 cent fare increase, they will stop charging for transfers.

• Discounts for students: The County does not offer any kind of a discount program for students. Mt. Vernon and New Rochelle School Districts purchase tokens at full price and sell them back to the students at a reduced rate. Yonkers purchases a discount package for their students. The impact of the fare increase on students will depend on the individual school district.
• Para-Transit: Funded: 12% from fares; 25% state aid and the balance from tax levy. The fare is $2.80 each way. Actual cost is approximately $25.00 each way. There is an application process that is followed and various types of eligibility (i.e. temporary, conditional and unconditional). Enrollment is currently 3,700. Staffing: there are 8 positions of which 6 are currently filled.

• Asking to create four Grade 2 positions for current hourlies who count people at bus routes.
• Station Maintenance goes up by CPI each year. DOT will check on the figure for 1999 ($13,292,459) and get back to the Committee.

• Mr. Wishnie questioned the apparent lack of user-friendly parking at the Airport. He informed Mr. Stanton that there was a woman at the Board’s meeting on Monday evening stressing her concern and relaying her experience with regard to parking at the Airport with regard to picking up and dropping off passengers. Mr. Stanton stated that as a result of federal advisories all Airports are operating at a high level of security. They are trying to avoid cars being left unattended. Mr. Stanton stated that they will continue to work on public relations with regard to this matter and will work with the County Police also. Mr. Kaplowitz suggested that drop off and pick up locations should be clearly designated.

COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES – NOVEMBER 19, 1998

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ADJOURNMENT:

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