COMMITTEE ON BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES

JUNE 22, 1998

 

ATTENDANCE:

B & A MEMBERS: Latimer, Abinanti, Carsky, Kaplowitz, LaMotte, Mosiello, Stewart-Cousins, Swanson, Young

OTHERS: Budget Dept.: Kate Tooher, Leslie Bennett, Dianne Kearney; CBAC: George Hosey, Barbara Strauss; DPW: Commissioner Landi, Ralph Butler; C.E.’s Office: Bill Randolph; DEF: Commissioner Trelewicz, Bob Matarazzo; Playland: J. Montalto; WCC: Dr. John Flynn, Lou Torrecelli; Personnel: Paula Redd Zeman; BOL: Legislator Bronz, Robert Hoch, Barbara Arrington Dodds, David Marcus, Robert J. Boland, Tina Seckerson

Chairman Wishnie called the meeting to order at 10:05 a.m.

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

MINUTES:

On motion of Legislator Young, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, the motion to approve the Minutes of May 26, 1998, was carried by a vote of 8-0. (Legislator Abinanti)

BOND ACTS:
  1. COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the

issuance of $130,000 in bonds – Fenimore Road at Railroad Station, Scarsdale. (6/1/98)
  • Rehab of bridge at Fenimore Road at the Scarsdale Railroad Station. Mrs. Carsky informed the Committee that it is actually the Hartsdale Railroad Station, not Scarsdale.

On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the motion to approve his item was carried by a vote of 9-0 with Legislator Carsky signing "Without Prejudice".

COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES – JUNE 22, 1998

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12. COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $100,000 in bonds – Stone Hill Road over Cross River, Lewisboro. (6/1/98)
  • Rehab of bridge at Stone Hill Road over Cross River in Ward Pound Ridge Park

On motion of Legislator LaMotte, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 9-0 with Legislator Carsky signing "Without Prejudice".

13. COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $2,700,000 in bonds – Central Park Avenue, Yonkers. (6/1/98)
  • $2,700,000 required to finance construction funds to reconstruct approximately 5.2 miles of Central Avenue in Yonkers from McLean Avenue to Rutland Road. (to the New York City line)
  • This portion of Central Park Avenue is a county road.
  • In design since last year.
  • Scope of work includes resurfacing and drainage, lighting and safety improvements
  • There will be daily lane closures.

On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Wishnie, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 9-0 with Legislator LaMotte signing "Without Prejudice".

14. COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $1,500,000 – Pea Pond Road. (6/1/98)
  • Reconstruction if approximately 2.5 miles of Pea Pond Road in Bedford
  • Scope of work includes resurfacing and drainage, lighting and safety improvements.
  • Previous bonding legislation in the amount of $200,000 was passed under Act No. 11-1997 for design. No funds have been borrowed against this authorization. This Bond Act supersedes and repeals Act No. 11-1997 and is for a total bonding amount of $1,500,000.

COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES – JUNE 22, 1998

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On motion of Legislator LaMotte, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 9-0.

15. COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $2,475,000 in bonds – Ice Casino Improvements. (6/1/98)
  • To finance design and construction funds for various improvements at the Playland Ice Casino, including: replacement of air conditioning and ice refrigeration systems to comply with new federal regulations; rink rehabilitation work; and installation of a sound system in all rinks.
  • Previous bonding legislation in the amount of $300,000 was passed under Act 23-1997. The total estimated cost of improvements under the requested bonding legislation is $2,775,000 which includes the $300,000 authorized under Act 23-1997 and an additional bonding authorization of $2,475,000.
  • Roots of this project are due to a federal mandate (re: refrigeration system which comprises about 95% of the project). The chiller system is energy inefficient.
  • Legislators LaMotte and Kaplowitz stated that they would like to see the long range financial planning for this facility.
  • According to Mr. Montalto with regard to the Ice Casino at this point: there is a good amount of competition which put a stress on earnings; none of the ice rinks are making a lot of money now; the money lost is lost against budgeted revenue; planning a marketing program just for the ice casino; looking hard at how it is being staffed (trying to staff more economically); have just adjusted rates to be more competitive.
  • Need to put together a multi-year budget

16. COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $160,000 in bonds – Ossining SSD Pump Station. (6/1/98)
  • For the design of a rehabilitation of the Croton Pump Station and the Country Club Lane Pump Station. The design will include structural and mechanical repairs to these pump stations.
  • Both are old stations and need to brought up to standard.

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  • Ossining Sewer District experienced a substantial tax increase this year.
  • Mr. Kaplowitz suggested to Commissioner Trelewicz that they begin to integrate the six alternatives and expand design work in the future.
  • Life span of equipment runs 20-25 years, building 50 years

On motion of Legislator Stewart-Cousins, seconded by Legislator Young, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 9-0.

17. COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $500,000 in bonds – North Yonkers Pump Station. (6/1/98)
  • To finance construction funds to replace the existing chlorine system at the North Yonkers Pump Station with a liquid hypochlorite system. The new system is needed to address potential safety hazards presented by the chlorine system. Gaseous chlorine is dangerous. With gaseous chlorine would have to plan an evacuation plan for a ½ mile radius.
  • Capacity will remain the same
  • This project was done in phases. This would be the third part of a multi-phase project.
  • The total estimated cost of improvements under the requested bonding authorization is $750,000 to be financed $500,000 in bonds and $250,000 in cash.
  • Enclosed system so odor should not be offensive. Similar to HDH used in pools. Same job using the product in a different form.

On motion of Legislator Stewart-Cousins, seconded by Legislator Swanson, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 9-0.

18. COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $4,500,000 in bonds – Yonkers Joint Treatment Plant – Sludge Long Term Solution. (6/1/98)
  • To finance construction of an expansion to the dewatering facilities to provide extra sludge handling capabilities at the Yonkers Joint Treatment Plant.

COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS

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  • This project will provide a storage duration of 36 hours.
  • This is a smaller expansion (half the size) then was previously proposed. Two more hoppers will be added; major odor control equipment will be in place and the cost of the project was reduced by $2 million.
  • Mrs. Swanson asked for reassurement that the doors will close automatically.
  • Trucks will go as soon as they are done, there will be no caravaning otherwise there will be fines.
  • Legislator Stewart-Cousins would like to hold an informative meeting with DEF representatives present in her community before taking action on this item.
  1. COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the

issuance of $8,974,000 in bonds – Library/Learning Resource Center Expansion and Renovation. (6/1/98)
  • To finance construction of a library expansion and a renovation of the existing library building at Westchester Community College.
  • Will entail the construction of an addition of similar size to the existing library building (45,605 gross square feet) and the renovation of the existing building which was erected in 1967 as one of the original college buildings.
  • The expanded and renovated library will include space for the growth of the collection, increased seating, and other learning programs. Related necessary utility work is included.
  • Timing on this project is critical. Trying to keep the Library operational during the work.
  • Project is 50% state funded.
  • The college has outgrown the facility. When first opened the college had an enrollment of 4,000-6,000 compared to the current enrollment of 11,000.

On motion of Legislator Carsky, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 9-0 with Legislator Mosiello signing "Without Prejudice".

COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES – JUNE 22, 1998

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**Legislator Carsky requested a listing of how non-recurring funds have been spent in the past.

 

PAY PLAN AMENDMENT:

Proposed Act amending the Personnel Rules with regard to the schedules of

pay. (6/1/98)
  • Amended by Personnel to reflect a couple of minor changes.
  • Title Change Only – Supervising Case Manager: Cost projection amended to reflect a $9,160 expenditure
  • Title Change Only – Supervisor of PC Applications in Office for the Aging. Trust Account - T686 (earmarked for Older American Citizens Act)
  • Flat rate for Medical Examiner Pathologist & Assistant Medical Examiner: No retro-activity involved
  • One Assistant Commissioner of Social Services position has been reallocated to Director of Small Business Services.
  • Deputy Purchasing Agent - changing allocation from a Grade XIII to a Grade IV.
  • Effective date to reflect the beginning of a pay period (i.e. July 27th)

A & C CALENDAR:

Mr. Boland reviewed the June 18, 1998 A&C Calendar results with the Committee.

AGENDA ITEMS:

2, 3, 11,19, & 20: Various Gifts:

On motion of Legislator Carsky, seconded by Legislator Abinanti, the motion to Receive and File agenda items 2, 3, 11, 19 & 20 was carried by a vote of 9-0.

COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES – JUNE 22, 1998

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4 & 9: Re: Super Majority Vote to Raise Taxes:

The Committee will discuss this matter in depth, at a future meeting.

Mr. Abinanti expressed his interest in obtaining a survey of what other counties are doing.

23: Re: Bus Wraps: Bill Randolph informed the Committee that Larry Schwartz will discuss this matter with the Committee at a future meeting.

ADJOURMENT:

There being no further business, on motion of Legislator Stewart-Cousins, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, the meeting was adjourned at 12:15 p.m.