COMMITTEE ON BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES

NOVEMBER 5, 1998

ATTENDANCE:

Chairman Wishnie called the meeting to order at 10:15 a.m.

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

On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Carsky, the motion to approve the Minutes of November 2, 1998, was carried by a vote of 6-0. (Legislator Abinanti out for vote)

• Update on Parks Masterplan: Phase I was completed in March of this year. It was a lengthy process in which they were collecting parks data. A parks user survey was sent out to get as much public input as possible. An analysis of each park facility was done to establish a complete parks inventory. Mr. DeLucia stated that Phase I guided them in their philosophy as to their role in recreation and conservation. Phase II is based on recommendations from Phase I. Mr. Stout informed the Committee that the Masterplan was approved by the Parks Department, Planning and Parks Boards. A request was made for a copy of the Parks Masterplan and the recommendations made in Phase I.

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• The inventory of County parks and park facilities totals nearly 16,000 acres and 40 parks.

• Status of the 6^th Golf Course: Proposals are due back on November 12^th. There is a Committee comprised of various representatives including, Parks, Administration and Planning representatives that will evaluate the responses and make recommendations.
• This was a discussion with regard to the Putnam Right of Way and trailways. The Committee inquired as to who is responsible for maintaining the trailways. Mr. Stout responded that PRC is responsible. There is a northern crew, consisting of 4-5 people, to maintain the northern parks and the northern County trailway.

• Mr. Wishnie stated that he has been working on a new project to create a not-for-profit corporation to adopt a trailway.
• County Center Roofs: Mr. DeLucia explained that the County Center has a series of roofs. In 1988 all existing roofs remained intact and only addition roofs were worked on. Roofs are leaking and in need of repair, including the barrel roof and the roof on the eastern side of the building. DPW did a comprehensive analysis of the roof.
• Croton Point Park: Pool: about to go to bid and is planned to be replaced for next July.

• Davids Island: Under review - Plan is to turn it into a passive park if it becomes property of the County.
• Mrs. Carsky reiterated her request for a listing of completed capital projects and balances remaining in those projects for the past 5 years. Budget Department is working on it.
• Playgrounds: dangerous ones are gone
• Muscoot Park: Mr. DeLucia explained that the Harney Road Bridge project has a 100 ft. pedestrian bridge. When the Harney Road project is completed, the bridge will be delivered to Muscoot Park.
• Playland: Although it is more cost effective to purchase the rides than lease them, some rides will continue to be leased to change rides and keep up with current ride trends.

• Playland Infrastructure Reconstruction: Re-evaluating the work to be done, may not be the originally estimated $3.5 million.
• Playland Pool Infrastructure: 75 year old pool. Money was put into filter project only. Currently a feasibility study is underway.
• Old Mill: Included in this project is replacement of the water trough and installation of a water filter system. The Old Mill is a historic ride.

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• Mr. Stout stated that Playland is the most visited park by County residents and the and the amount of money spent at Playland per County resident is less per capita at Playland than it is at any other park. In terms of per capita expenditure per visit by Westchester County residents, Playland is the best bargain the County has.

• Project A0025: Electrical System Upgrade: Increase of $400,000. Mr. Bracchita explained that there is an existing appropriation from 1997 to replace a switch gear. Con Ed is making it mandatory that the switch gear be relocated, thus the increase. The $400,000 is being cashed up.
• Project A0029: New Terminal/ARFF/GHE: $150,000 is for litigation. Being cashed up. Litigant is Briante. Monies will be disbursed from this project.

• Project A0040: Rehabilitation of Runway 16/34: able to secure additional federal funds for this project.
• Project A0042: Storm Water Management: Purpose of project is to review and further study storm water management to technologically upgrade Retention Basins. Getting 95% recovery from state and feds. Able to secure approximately $1.5 million in state and federal funding. This is a multi-phased project. Phase I was to commence a storm water plan (approximately $200,000). Phase II was design of Phase I & Phase II construction ($400,000). Both phases were aidable through state and federal governments. Phase I was recently completed and 95% funded. Grant funding has been secured for Phase II. The Committee was informed that various, new deicing methods are being looked at. Mr. Kaplowitz stated deicing is only the first step. There is still a problem with storm water. He further stated that no matter how good the deicing program is there is still an element of deicing material that falls onto the runways and tarmacs and storm water will bring it into Retention Basins A & B. The G.E. Hangar proposal has indicated that there are new technologies that are being incorporated into their retention basins that will ultimately create some opportunity to theoretically not overburden Retention Basins A & B. Retention Basins A & B need to be technologically updated. He stated his environmental concern with regard to the anecdotal evidence of degradation of the Blind Brook. Mr. Stanton stated that all of these things are being looked at as part of the storm water management project.

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• Mr. Bracchita stated that the storm water management project consists of $2 million in bonding legislation which is unused at this time and there is no project identified for it at this time. Therefore, there are sufficient funds to expand upon the storm water management project.
• Mr. Kaplowitz stated his concern that this project should not wait a year and should be accelerated. Mr. Stanton assured that Committee that they are committed to doing this as quickly and prudently as possible.
• A0057: Airport Underground Fuel Storage Tanks: This project is a part of the mandatory removal of underground fuel storage tanks.

• T001I: It was explained that this project is and added starter. The initial 1999 project plan to purchase 20 ADA accessible shuttle vehicles and related spare parts using an existing appropriation has been revised for a total purchase of up to 40 ADA accessible shuttle vehicles. The additional vehicles are requested due to increasing ridership on shuttle routes and the opportunity to provide additional shuttle service in 1999. The Committee suggested that the Capital Budget be left as is and the C.E. submit a capital budget amendment and bonding legislation as has been the practice in the past. This process will be discussed further.
• Alternative fuels will be discussed in detail with the Environment Committee.
• The Committee reiterated their request (asked of the former DOT Commissioner but never received) statistics on liability of articulated buses. Commissioner Church will follow-up.
• T0018: Park & Ride Lot: A master plan of Park & Ride Lots was completed last year. The Committee requested a copy of same. Currently looking at a site on Central Avenue.

• T0006: Transit Communications – Location System: Desperately in need of upgrading. They have major problems with the current communication system. The system is so old that replacement parts cannot even be obtained.

There being no further items for discussion, on motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Carsky, the meeting was adjourned at 12:15 p.m.