COMMITTEE ON BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES

JUNE 14, 1999

 

 

 

ATTENDANCE:

 

B & A MEMBERS:         Wishnie, Carsky, LaMotte, Kaplowitz, Mosiello,

Stewart-Cousins, Swanson, Young

 

OTHERS:                       Budget Dept.:  Leslie Bennett, Dianne KearneyVanadia;  CBAC:  George Hosey;  C.E.’s Office: Bill RandolphSymra Brandon, Michael Goodstein, David Meyers;  DEF:  Commissioner Landi;  Planning:  Fran McLaughlin, Joe Adelman;  PRC:  Commissioner DeSantis, Paul Reitano;  BOL: Barbara Dodds, Robert Boland, Chris Chang, Tina Seckerson

 

Chairman Wishnie called the meeting to order at 10:10 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 June 7, 1999 was carried by a vote of 6-0. 

 

FILING OF COUNTY’s COUNTY’S REPORT WITH THE OFFICE OF THE STATE COMPRTROLLER:

 

Commissioner Pucillo explained that the report being electronically transmitted today.  They did not meet the 5/31 deadline due to the County’s Y2K conversion of its financial system.  The County’s financial system is now Y2K compliant.

The financial report will be printed and finalized by end of month.  They are currently writing footnotes.

 

MORTGAGE TAX RECIPTESRECEIPTS:

 

 

Commissioner Pucillo explained that for the first time they are electronically wiring checksthe  beginning June 15th.  By law must be transmitted by June 15th.

Amount of mortgage tax receipts are sSlightly up from previous year due to increase in property values.

 

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


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

 

 

III.       BOND ACTS:  (Note:  All bond acts have been reviewed, in detail, by 

         sub-committees)

 

 

1.       Bond Act:   Authorizing the issuance of $900,000 in bonds – Air Conditioning Equipment Replacement and Chloroflouro Carbons.  (7/20/98)

 

This Bond Act has been superseded by Bond Act #3 (B0038)

 

10.          Bond Act:  (RGIP2):  Authorizing the issuance of $400,000 in bonds – Park Wide Comfort Station Rehabilitation.  (5/25/99)

 

·       Mrs. LaMotte began by informing the Committee that the reason for some of the smaller amounts (i.e. $100,000) is due to 10% for design phases. 

·       Mr. Kaplowitz informed the Committee that there is no per unit cost on a smaller bond than a larger bond.

·       Dianne Vanadia informed the Committee that oftentimes a project’s deign has to be at a certain point before a SEQR review can be completed.

·       This bonding legislation is required to finance the cost of recreational area improvements at Tibbetts Brook Park and Ridge Road Park as part of a project to rehabilitate comfort stations.  Commissioner DeSantis stressed that they intend to rehab all of the parks comfort stations but had to prioritize which ones had to be done first based on current condition as well as park usage.

 

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

 

10.Bond Act:  (B0021):  Authorizing the issuance of $2,200,000 in bonds – Michaelian Office Building Modernization.  (5/25/99)

 

10.Bond Act:  (B0038):  Authorizing the issuance of $1,900,000 in bonds – Air Conditioning Equipment Replacement and Chloroflouro Carbons, DPW Locations.  (5/25/99)

 

10.Bond Act:  (B0045):  Authorizing the issuance of $88,000 in bonds – Putnam Right-of-Way/South County Trailway Improvements.  (5/25/99)

 

10.Bond Act:  (RB02D):  Authorizing the issuance of $360,000 in bonds, Bronx River Parkway over Bronx River, North of Leewood Drive – Yonkers and Eastchester.  (5/25/99)

 

10.Bond Act:  (RB02E):  Authorizing the issuance of $240,000 in bonds – Bronx River Parkway over Bronx River, South of Leewood Drive, Yonkers and Eastchester.  (5/25/99)

 

10.Bond Act:  (RB011):  Authorizing the issuance of $500,000 in bonds – Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains/Harrison/Mamaroneck.  (5/25/99)

 

10.Bond Act:  (RB012):  Authorizing the issuance of $600,000 in bonds – Westchester Avenue, East and Westbound, between White Plains Avenue and Purchase Street.  (5/25/99)

 

10.Bond Act:  (RB025):  Authorizing the issuance of $200,000 in bonds – Tuckahoe Road, Yonkers.  (5/25/99)


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10.Bond Act:  (RGIP2):  Authorizing the issuance of $400,000 in bonds – Park Wide Comfort Station Rehabilitation.  (5/25/99)

 

Mrs. LaMottee began by informed the Committee that the resaon for some of the smaller amounts (i.e. $100,000) is due to 10% for design phases. 

Mr. Kaplowitz informed the Committee that

 

 

 

 

11.          Bond Act:  (RGC05):  Authorizing the issuance of $125,000 in bonds – Mohansic Golf Course Rehabilitation, Tees/Greens.  (5/25/99)

 

·       This bonding legislation is required to finance the cost of preparation of surveys, preliminary and detailed plans, specifications and estimates necessary for planning tees, greens and fairways rehabilitation at the Mohansic Golf Course.

·       The $8 million cost estimate for the total project is being reduced as they continue to evaluate the current facility and project.  So far it has been reduced down to $5 million and may be reduced further.  Committee will be kept apprised.

 

 

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

$8 million number is being reduced as they continue to evaluate the project,.  Continue to investiagte current facility.  Reduced down to $5 million.  May be a further reduction.  Committee will bne kept apprised.

 

 

12.          Bond Act:  (RGC12):  Authorizing the issuance of $1,100,000 in bonds – Dunwoodie Golf Course Parking Improvements.  (5/25/99)

 

·       The Commissioner stated that the eExisting parking lot is a detriment to the facility.  This bonding legislation will finance the cost of recreational area improvements, including realignment and reorganization of the entrance area and main parking lot.

·       Several hundred parking spaces will be provided.

 

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

 

13.          Bond Act:  (RMAC1):  Authorizing the issuance of $100,000 in bonds – V.E. Macy Park Improvements.  (5/25/99)

 

 

·       This project will implement the Woodlands South County Family Recreation Center development plan.  It involves the conversion of the former “Cantina” restaurant at the Woodlands Lake portion of V.E. Macy Park into an all-around recreation center.

·       This plan is for the site to serve as an all-around recreation center, focusing on the new South County Trailway.


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·       Previous bonding legislation in the amount of $150,000was approved by Act 21-1998 for the dredging/rehabilitation of Woodlands Lake.  Additional bonding legislation for $100,000 is necessary to accomplish design of the remaining project components.

 

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

 

 

14.          Bond Act:  (RPA01):  Authorizing the issuance of $150,000 in bonds – General Infrastructure Program – Pathways and Trails.  (5/25/99)

 

·       To finance the cost of the preparation of surveys, preliminary and detailed plans, specifications and estimates necessary for planning improvements to the Bronx River Reservation Pathway System, including design of a resurfacing, widening and site improvements of the existing Bronx River Reservation System from Bronxville to Kensico Dam Plaza.

·       The Commissioner explained that the $150,000 is intended to accomplish design of the $1.8 million Bronx River project.  The departments of PRC and Planning are also applying for T-21 money.

 

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

 

15.          Bond Act:  (RP23B):  Authorizing the issuance of $450,000 in bonds – Colonnade Rehabilitation.  (5/25/99)

 

·       To finance the cost of the preparation of surveys, preliminary and detailed plans, specifications and estimates necessary for planning the rehabilitation of the colonnades at Playland Amusement Park.

·       Previous bonding legislation in the amount of $100,000 was approved by Act 24-1998 for this project.  The Commissioner explained that after reviewit was determined that the cost of design is estimated at $550,000 rather than $100,000.The Committee questioned the increase in cost and the Commissioner stated that it is a complicated and multi-faceted project and the ultimate cost of the project has gone up.

 

On motion of Legislator Wishnie, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the motion toapprove this item was carried by a vote of 5-0 (Legislator Swanson out for vote).


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1.       Bond Act:  (B0038):  Authorizing the issuance of $900,000 in bonds – Air Conditioning Equipment Replacement and Chloroflouro Carbons.  (7/20/98)

 

·       This Act is superseded by Bond Act III, 3 and therefore will be removed fromthe agenda.

 

20.     Bond Act:  (SY038)  Authorizing the issuance of $8,800,000 in bonds – Yonkers Joint Treatment Plant – Engine Replacement and Blower Reconditioning.  (5/25/99)

 

·       The Committee was requested, via (6/8/99) memo from Budget Director Kate Tooherto postpone consideration of this legislation due to an increase in project cost, requiring a 2000 capital appropriation.  The legislation will be amended upon adoption of the 2000 capital budget.

 

18.          Bond Act:  (RZD003): Authorizing the issuance of $550,000 in bonds – Sprout Brook Ash Disposal Phase IV.  (5/25/99)

 

·       To finance the cost of preparation of surveys, preliminary and detailed plans, specifications and estimates necessary for planning the opening of Cell 4 at the Sprout Brook Ash Disposal Facility, including the fourth phase for ash disposal for a project to allow the continued use of the County’s Sprout Brook facility for the disposal of clean ash.

·       Phase III of the Sprout Brook Ash Disposal facility is approaching capacity.  It will be necessary to open Phase IV to continue the County’s current practice of disposing of clean ash.

·       The alternative to disposing of clean ash at Sprout Brook would be to transport it to locations outside the County at greater expense.

·       The ultimate cost of this project is estimated at $9.5 million.

·       Several Legislators stated that they would like to speak to Legislator Oros who represents this area before voting the matter out.  Chairman Wishnie suggested voting it out of Committee and holding it over if Legislator Oros has any unanswered concerns with regard to the project.

 

On motion of Legislator Carsky, seconded by Legislator Wishnie, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 6-0 with Legislators Kaplowitz, LaMotte, Swanson, Carsky and Mosiello signing “without Prejudice”.


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18.          Bond Act:  (T001K):  Authorizing the issuance of $3,920,000 in bonds – Bus Acquisition FTA14.  (5/25/99)

 

19.          Bond Act:  (RZD003S0S75):  Authorizing the issuance of $550,000 in bonds – Sprout Brook Ash Disposal Phase IV.  (5/25/99)

 

Bond Act Amendment:  (S0S75)  Authorizing the issuance of $1,600,000 in bonds – Pump Station Rehabilitation Program – Ossining Sanitary Sewer District.  (5/25/99)

 

Bond Act:  (SY038)  Authorizing the issuance of $8,800,000 in bonds – Yonkers Joint Treatment Plant – Engine Replacement and Blower Reconditioning.  (5/25/99)

 

Bond Act:  (RD008):  Authorizing the issuance of $1,250,000 in bonds to finance the work necessary to utilize Croton Point Landfill Gas as fuel to generate electrical power to serve Croton Point Park, the pump stations for the Croton Point Landfill leachate collection system and fuel for boilers at nearby Metro-North Facilities.  (5/25/99)

·       To finance a project for improvements to pump stations serving the Ossining Sanitary Sewer District.

·       This project includes normal necessary replacement and rehabilitation and the improvement of the efficiency of the pumping station byreducing energy and work force costs.

 

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

 

A&C CALENDAR:

 

The Committee reviewed the June 17th A&C Calendar.  Answers to questions pending back-up information.

 

WCC BUDGET:

 

Mr. Boland informed the Committee that August 2nd is the last day for additions to the WCC Budget.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

 

There being no further items for discussion, on motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Swanson, the meeting was adjourned at 11:10 a.m.