COMMITTEE ON BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES

MARCH 2, 1998

ATTENDANCE:

B & A MEMBERS: Wishnie, Kaplowitz, Mosiello, Stewart-Cousins, Swanson, Young

OTHERS: C.E.’s Office: Bill Randolph; Budget Dept: Budget Director Kate Tooher, Dianne Kearney; Law Department: County Attorney Alan Scheinkman, Stacey Dolgin-Kmetz, Tom Gardiner; Planning: Fran McLaughlin; Planning Board: George Ilse; CBAC: George Hosey, Barbara Strauss, Fran McEachron; Yorktown: Supervisor Linda Cooper, Assessor Robert Killeen, Councilman Nick Bianco; PRC: Commissioner DeSantis, Dave DeLucia; DOT: Commissioner Langeloh; BOL: Legislator Ryan, 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 Mosiello, the motion to approve the Minutes of February 23, 1998 was carried by a vote of 6-0.

On motion of Legislator Young, seconded by Legislator Stewart-Cousins, the motion to Receive and File Items 5, 6, 8, & 10-18 (captioned below) was carried by a vote of 6-0.

5.* COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Annual Dog Licensing Report: Forwarding the 1997 Annual Dog Licensing Report. (2/23/98)

6.* COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Gift Acceptance: Acceptance of a gift from Abby Simpson to be used towards the cost of programs at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation. (2/23/98)

8.* COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Tax Commissioners’ Annual Report: Forwarding the Tax Commissioners’ Annual Report which will be used for the apportionment of the 1998 County tax levy. (2/23/98)

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10.* COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Acceptance of Gift: Acceptance of gift from April Sunderland to be used for the Tree Trust. (2/23/98)

11.* COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Acceptance of Gift: Acceptance of gift from Judy McQuade to be used for the Tree Trust Fund. (2/23/98)

12.* COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Acceptance of Gift: Acceptance of gift from Hardscrabble Lake Associates of the of the Washburn Road Pump Station. (2/23/98)

13.* COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Acceptance of Gift: Acceptance of gift from Shawn Callahan to be used for the Tree Trust Fund. (2/23/98)

14.* COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Acceptance of Gift: Acceptance of gift from Stanley Farber to be used for the Tree Trust Fund. (2/23/98)

15.* COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Acceptance of Gift: Acceptance of gift from Carl Zraunig to be used for the Tree Trust Fund. (2/23/98)

16.* COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Acceptance of Gift: Acceptance of gift from Kelly Wells to be used for the Tree Trust Fund. (2/23/98)

17.* COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Acceptance of Gift: Acceptance of gift from Paul Farber to be used for Educational Programs at Lenoir Park. (2/23/98)

18.* COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Acceptance of Gift: Acceptance of gift from Frank Caiola to be used for the Tree Trust Fund. (2/23/98)

4. HON. MICHAEL KAPLOWITZ: Segmentation Rate - Lakeland School District: Forwarding a report dealing with the tax segmentation rate which he believes is improperly applied in the Lakeland School District. (1/5/98)

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4.(a) A Local Law amending Section 283.201(3) of the Laws of Westchester County to require that, in the case of a school district lying in more than (1)

town, any special equalization rate computed by the New York State Board of Real Property Services for the segment of a town located within such school district shall be used to ascertain the full value of the real property located in such segment.

• The segmentation rate would only have an affect on a school district that accompanies more than one town. There are six municipalities that would be affected, 3 in Putnam County and 3 in Westchester. Cities are not affected.
• It was explained that according to Section 1314 of the Real Property Tax Law if there is a 10% difference between the overall town full value and district full value, a segment rate is developed. Section 1314 requires the use of the segment rate in inter county tax apportionment. Currently the segment rate is not permitted for intra county apportionment. The County Advisory Rate is used in the intra county apportionment. Due to this, Supervisor Cooper explained that the Town of Yorktown absorbs an inequitable portion of the Lakeland School District tax apportionment.
• It was asked why the County Code failed to recognize the segmentation equity. Ms. Dolgin-Kmetz and Mr. Gardiner explained that they had researched back to 1948 when it was adopted and found that there was no explanation.
• Mr. Wishnie suggested that the Committee hold the legislation until the Legislators have an opportunity to review it.

BOND ACTS:

8. COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $850,000 in bonds - Halstead Avenue Bridge Rehabilitation. (1/26/98)

• This structure has a 1995 New York State bridge condition rating of 5.000, indicating that structural repairs are necessary. The 1997 NYS bridge condition rating is 4.000. The Committee report will be amended to reflect the 1997 rating.
• Work to be accomplished includes: rehabilitation of the structural steel bearing plates, repair of the concrete deck, new approaches and sidewalks, and scour protection.

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• Mr. Kaplowitz stated that while researching these bond acts, Mrs. LaMotte stressed her concern that the infrastructure work to be done is on bridges near County facilities and would like to make sure that DPW is cognizant of the facilities that are around and make sure the work is timed to have a minimal effect upon operation of same.

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

9. COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $660,000 in bonds - East Lincoln Avenue Bridge Rehabilitation. (1/26/98)

• This structure had a New York State bridge condition rating of 5.361 in 1995 and 5.000 in 1997. The Committee Report will be amended to reflect the 1997 rating.
• Work to be done includes repairs to the concrete arch, repairs to the wingwalls, improvements to drainage on approaches, new wearing surface and embankment work.

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

10. COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $220,000 in bonds - Palmer Road Bridge Rehabilitation. (1/26/98)

• In 1997 the bridge had a New York State rating of 4.000. The Committee Report will be amended to reflect this rating.
• Work to be done includes repairs to and waterproofing of the concrete arch, repointing of masonry and installation of a new wearing surface.

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

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11. COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $200,000 in bonds - Croton Point Camping Facilities. (1/26/98)

• A brief overall of work completed and to be done at Croton Point Park was given by Mr. DeLucia.
• This authorization would fund modifications at Croton Point Park to include the construction of a heated shower and restroom building for the RV Campsite.
• The Commissioner informed the Committee that between here and Albany this is the only RV site on the Hudson River.
• Commissioner DeSantis informed that Committee that eventually DPW, DEF and PRC intend to harness the methane fuel gas that is being generated from the cap and ultimately power the entire park.
• The current revenue at the park is approximately $250,000 per year and it is anticipated that it will increase.

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

12. COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $120,000 in bonds - Dunwoodie Golf Course Improvements. (1/26/98)

• This would fund the design of modifications to the Dunwoodie Golf Course, including the realignment and reorganization of the entrance area and main parking lot, redesign, repair and stabilization of the subgrade, drainage work, tree planting and a new cart path entrance from the 9th hole to the 10th tee, lighting and landscaping improvements.
• Mr. Kaplowitz stated that Mrs. LaMotte had previously expressed her concern with regard to the effect of the lighting on the neighborhood. The Commissioner assured the Committee that there will be no projection of lighting beyond the perimeter of the parking lot.

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

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13. COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $300,000 in bonds - Lasdon Park Infrastructure Improvements. (1/26/98)

• This authorization would fund improvements at Lasdon Park, including design and construction to replace the main house and pump house roofs.

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

14. COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $150,000 in bonds - Woodlands South County Family Recreation Area

Development Plan. (1/26/98)

• This plan is for the site to serve as an all around recreation center, focusing on the new South County Trailway.
• This authorization will fund the design of upgrades to the public areas of the site. Design work to be accomplished includes: dredging a portion of the Woodlands Lake, resurfacing the entrance road and parking area, and associated site work (such as picnic area development) and repairing the remaining building.
• Commissioner DeSantis informed the Committee that this project also focuses on an area of Macy Park that has been underutilized in recent years.
• The problem stems from lack of response to an RFP to re-establish a viable business at the Cantina Restaurant on the Saw Mill River Parkway. Because of the lack of appropriate accessibility to this former business site it became apparent that another business was not going to re-establish at this site. Proceedings were started through the Law and Planning Departments to take this off the town’s tax assessment so that the County can deduct $50,000 to $60,000 from its payment. In its place a section of the main building (wood) is being demolished, maintaining the historically significant main stone structure, using it as a comfort station and support facility for the Putnam Trailway. There is some revenue potential for the future and re-use as a park site in a more equitable fashion.
• Mr. Kaplowitz asked if the site will be accessible to those traveling southbound on the parkway. Mr. DeLucia stated that they will be working with the State DOT to direct people there in a safe manner.

On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Stewart-Cousins, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 6-0 with Legislator Swanson signing Without Prejudice.

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15. COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $200,000 in bonds - Tibbetts Brook Park Site Work. (1/26/98)

• This is to fund the next phase of improvements at Tibbetts Brook Park, including the design and construction of pathway resurfacing.

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

16. COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $100,000 in bonds - Carpenter Shop and Garage, Playland. (1/26/98)

• This funding would be used for design of a building under the Dragon Coaster a Playland to house the carpentry, plumbing and upholstery shops. The Committee was informed that rebuilding the structure in another area of the park (adjacent to the maintenance facility) rather than under the Dragon Coaster.

On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Stewart-Cousins, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 5-1 with Legislator Swanson voting in the negative and Legislators Young, Mosiello, Stewart-Cousins and Kaplowitz signing Without Prejudice.

17. COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $100,000 in bonds - Colonnade Rehabilitation, Playland. (1/26/98)

• This project will restore the colonnades and towers to their original condition.
• Working with an architect to come up with some conceptual ideas.
• Mr. Kaplowitz stated that he would like for the Committee to be briefed on the plans for Playland and make a site visit before taking action on this matter. Commissioner DeSantis stated that the Administration is giving due consideration to having PRC conduct a complete parks tour for the Legislature.

On motion of Legislator Wishnie, seconded by Legislator Young, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 4-2 with Legislators Kaplowitz and Swanson being recorded in the negative and Legislators Stewart-Cousins, Mosiello and Young signing Without Prejudice.

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18. COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $352,000 in bonds - Bus Acquisition. (1/26/98)

• This would finance the purchase of approximately 17 shuttle vehicles and related spare parts.

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

30.* COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Liberty Lines Contract: Forwarding proposed

• The purchase price of the Central Maintenance Facility will be $33 million with the County receiving approximately $24 million from the federal, state and MTA which results in a net cost to the County of $9 million. The Legislators were assured by the County Attorney that if the total aid in the amount of $24 million was not received the project will not go forward. The bonding legislation of $9.5 million was submitted to cover the $9 million cost for acquisition with $500,000 for closing costs.
• Legislator Mosiello expressed his concerns with regard to the bus wraps currently used on 4 buses with a potential use of up to 30. The current contract for bus wraps will expire in March of 1998. A meeting will be arranged to discuss Legislator Mosiello’s concerns with regard to renewal or non-renewal of this contract.
• The Committee asked if approval of this legislation will result in the loss of any other potential grants. Commissioner Langeloh responded that other potential grants will not be impinged by the acceptance of this one.

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

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Mr. Boland reviewed the February 26, 1998 A&C Calendar (on file) with the Committee. Included in his review were the following points:

5. Re: License agreement with Funtastics Amusements, Inc. for operation of the Souvenir Stand on the Boardwalk, Playland: The agreement was revised at the request of the Chairman of the Board to specifically state 3 years.

8. Re: Adopt-a-Road Program: This program is still a long way from reaching its goal. The Committee suggested that the County should publicize the program as well as the cost of adopting a road to garner more interest in the program.

15. Re: Amendment to contracts with 5 listed Managed Care Plans. The amendment provides for contract services to include dental services for children under 21.

19. Re: acceptance of completed work and final contract amount with Arben Corp. for rehabilitation of Mill Street Bridge: The Committee was interested in

There being no further items for discussion, on motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Mosiello, the meeting was adjourned at 12:05 p.m.