COMMITTEE ON BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS

COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AND HOUSING

MINUTES

JUNE 14218, 1999

 

 

 

ATTENDANCE:

 

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

Stewart-Cousins, Stewart-Cousins, Swanson, Young, Young

 

 

CAH MEMBERS:           Oros, Spreckman, Bronz, Young

 

OTHERS:                       Budget Dept.:  Leslie BennettKate Carrano, Dianne KearneyVanadia;  CBAC:  George Hosey, Barbara Strauss;  C.E.’s Office: Bill RandolphBill RandolphSymra Brandon, Michael Goodstein, David Meyers;  DEF:  Commissioner Landi;  Planning:  Commissioner Lannert, Norma Drummond, Kim Holland, Paul PietropaoloFran McLaughlin, Joe Adelman;  Youth Bureau:  Ann Boyaer;  PRC:  Commissioner DeSantis, Paul ReitanoLaw Dept.:  Jim Robertson, David Vutera;;  BOL: Barbara Dodds, Robert Boland, Chris Chang, Tina Seckerson

 

Chairman Chairmen Wishnie and Oros called the meeting to order at 10:10 10a.m.

 

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

 

MINUTES:

 

On motion of Legislator CarskyCarsky, seconded by Legislator KaplowitzKaplowiitz, the motion to approve the Minutes of June 71421, 1999 was carried by a vote of 96-0.

 

AGENDA ITEMS:

 

 

 

16.*   Hudson River Waterfront Acquisition:  Proposed legislation authorizing the County to acquire Hudson River Waterfront Property known as the Habirshaw Club Property.  (6/21/99)  (Also referred to CAH)

 

·       The property is located at 35 Alexander Street in Yonkers and was the site of the Habirshaw Club and consists of approximately 1.97 acres of land (1.23 acres above water, .74 acres under water) with a one-story structure.

·       The site has approximately 124 linear feet of water.

·       The property is contiguous to the County’s former Naval Militia site, which is the northern boundary of the proposed County esplanade park component of the Yonkers Waterfront Revitalization Project.

·The property, once improved as a park, would form a natural terminus to the County esplanade park.

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·       The property, once improved as a park, would form a natural terminus to the County esplanade park.

 

·       Mr. Pietropaolo assured the Committees that there would beno expansion of the Yonkers Pump Station.

·       Mr. Oros asked if the Yonkers City Council passed a resolution in support of the acquisition of this property.  Ms. Brandon stated that they did recently pass a resolution and are in support of this acquisition.

·       Mr. Oros inquired as to whether an appraisal had been done.  Mr. Pietropaolo stated that Scenic Hudson had an appraisal done.  The Committees would like to see the appraisal.

·       Scenic Hudson has an option to purchase the property for $850,000 which must be exercised no later than July 13, 1999.

·       Scenic Hudson will contribute approximately $682,716 toward the purchase price of a conservation easement on the property and the County will pay the remaining approximate amount of $167,284, which is expected to be reimbursed to a State account.

·       The property will be conveyed to the County, via an assignment agreement with Scenic Hudson, subject to the conservation easement running to Scenic Hudson that would restrict development on the property, require its use as a public park and provide for indemnification of Scenic Hudson by the County for personal injury, death, accidents, negligence or damage relating to the property.

·       Bond Counsel is Hawkins, Delafield & Wood

·       Mr. Oros expressed his concernas to bonding the $950,000 (taken from the general purpose – acquisition account) rather than using cash.  The Committees would like a detailed explanation on this matter from the Administration.

·       Breakdown of the $950,000 is:  $682,000 for Scenic Hudson; $167,000 anticipated State grant; $100,000 combined County & Scenic Hudson closing costs.

·       Under the terms of this agreement, the County will put approximately $682,716 from bond proceedsinto an escrow account as security to ensure the timely completion of park improvements.  If the park is not constructed according to the material terms set forth in the development agreement, Scenic Hudson will either a) draw down on the funds in order to finish the work, with any remaining money to be retained by the County, or b) take the full $682,716 as consideration for its investment.

·Mrs. Carsky asked if there would be any need in the future to expand the Yonkers Pump Station.  Mr. Robertson stated that dechlorination facilities are a concern for all of the County’s sewage plants but there .

·Mrs. Stewart-Cousins assured the Committee that the City of Yonkers’ plan is for recreational purposes only and would remain open to all.

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·       Mrs. Carsky asked if there would be any need in the future to expand the Yonkers Pump Station.  Mr. Robertson stated that dechlorination facilities are a concern for all of the County’s sewage plants but there are no plans to expand the facility.

·       Mrs. Stewart-Cousins assured the Committee that the City of Yonkers’ plan is for recreational purposes only and the park would remain open to all.

 

·       The County Planning Board has approved this project.

 

FOR B&A COMMITTEE:

 

On motion of Legislator Stewart-Cousins, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 9-0 with Legislators Swanson, Young, LaMotte, Carsky and Mosiello signing “Without Prejudice”.

 

FOR CAH COMMITTEE:

 

On motion of Legislator Stewart-CousinsBronz, seconded by Legislator LaMotteStewart-CousinsYoung, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 94-0 with Legislators Swanson,Oros, Young, and SpreckmanLaMotte, Carsky and Mosiello signing “Without Prejudice”.

 

 

7.*     COUNTY EXECUTIVE:  Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS:  Proposed Act authorizing the County to enter into IMA’s with the City of Mount Vernon, the City of New Rochelle and the City of Yonkers to provide funds and administer funding from Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program for Fiscal Year 1999.  (6/21/99)  (Also referred to CAH)

 

·       Ms. Drummond explained that the New York Metropolitan Region, including Westchester and Rockland Counties, has been designated as an eligible metropolitan statistical area (EMSA) to be provided formula entitlement funds under HOPWA.  New York City has been designated as the eligible applicant for the EMSA for the purpose of submitting applications to HUD, receiving the grant, insuring that the grant is administered in accordance with HOPWA, and selecting project sponsors to carry out activities authorized under HOPWA.

·       The County would enter into IMA’s for the distribution of Fiscal Year (Year 8) HOPWA grant funds as follows: City of Mt. Vernon $429,335;  City of New Rochelle $107,000;  City of Yonkers  $394,000. 

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Ms. Drummond explained that the New York Metropolitan Region, inlcuding Westchester and Rockland Counties, has been designated as an eligible metropolitan statistical area (EMSA) to be provided formula entitlement funds under HOPWA.  New York City has been designated as the eligible applicant for the EMSA for the purpose of submitting applications to HUD, receiving the grant, insuring that the grant is administered in accordance with HOPWA, and selecting project sponsors to carry out activities authorized under HOPWA.

 

The County would enter into IMA’s for the distribution of Fiscal Year (Year 8) HOPWA grant funds as follows:

City of Mt. Vernon $429,335;  City of New Rochelle $107,000;  City of Yonkers  $394,000. 

 

 

·       The County would use the portion that is not disbursedto the cities, ($649,400) of its Year 8 HOPWA grant to assist sixty families through its rental assistance program for persons with AIDS.

·       Funds from previous HOPWA funding cycles are being used to fund an existing rental assistance program for up to 60 families.  The funds from this Year 8 (Fiscal Year 1999) HOPWA grant may be used to continue the support of these families as the other grants are expended.

·       The Committees requested a breakdown of where the families currently being assisted are from as well as where the families on the waiting list are from.

 

FOR B&A COMMITTEE:

 

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

 

FOR CAH COMMITTEE:

 

On motion of Legislator Bronz, seconded by Legislator Young, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 4-0.

 

 

 

INVEST IN KIDS:

 

·       Ms. Boyer explained that this was the first part of the RFPs that went out in February.

·       This is for the Summer Intern, Apprentice and Business Programs and “ABC” (Arts Bridging cultures) Programs that will operate for the period July 6, 1999 through August27, 1999.

·       This Act would authorize the County to enter into IMAs with Greenburgh Central School District #7, Hastings Youth Advocacy, Mt. Vernon Youth Bureau, Peekskill Youth Bureau and White Plains Youth Bureau.

·       Overall looking at 22 programs.

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·       Ms. LaMotte stated her concern that Invest-In-Kids has never been in the Mt. Kisco area where there is need.  Ms. Boyer explained that originally the Urban Youth Initiative identified specific communities, back in 1992.  Prior to 1994 Cynthia Walquist started adding ability for communities that could demonstrate, based upon Department of Planning data, low income-moderate income pockets to come in under lesser amounts of requests under the RFP.  It is her understanding that this is how Eastchester, Tuckahoe and Hastings camein.  This year she got an inquiry from the Bedford School District asking if they could come in on behalf of the Mt. Kisco area but they did not bring in an application.

·       Mrs. Bronz stated that she pursues her “not-for-profits” and reminds them to initiate the process.

·       Mrs. Stewart-Cousins requested a breakdown of recipients.

 

FOR B&A COMMITTEE:

 

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

 

FOR CAH COMMITTEE:

 

On motion of Legislator Bronz, seconded by Legislator Young, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 4-0.

 

 

CAH ADJOURNMENT:

 

There being no further items for discussion, on motion Legislator Bronz, seconded by Legislator Young, the CAH meeting was adjourned at 11:25 a.m.

 

A&C CALENDAR:

 

·       The Committee reviewed the July 1, 1999 A&C Calendar.

·       Mr. Boland informed the Committee that there was an increase in the Tourism appropriation from what the BOL had approved in the Budget and Chairman Latimer suggested that the Budget Committee review it.

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AGENDA ITEMS:

 

On motion of Legislator Carsky, seconded by Legislator Swanson, the motion to Receive and File Items II,1 & II, 2 (captioned below) was carried by a vote of 9-0.

 

II 1.:  Acceptance of a gift from the Louis R. Cappelli Foundation to be used for

         fireworks at the New York Philharmonic.

 

II 2.:  Forwarding a package of court-ordered certioraris.

 

STATE BUDGET:

 

Mrs. LaMotte stressed her concern with regard to the impactof the late State budget on the County budget.  She suggested that she and her colleagues call their state representatives and let them know how they are feeling about the impact on the County budget.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

 

16.*  COUNTY EXECUTIVE:  Hudson River Waterfront Acquisition:  Proposed legislation authorizing the County to acquire Hudson River Waterfront Property known as the Habirshaw Club Property.  (6/21/99)  (Also referred to CAH)

 

GAISMAN PROPERTY:

 

Archdiocese needs to close on this property by the end of the month.

The legal description of the Gaisman Estate, provided by the Trust for Public Land, contained approximately 1/3 of an acre of encroachments by adjoining property owners onto the approximately 123-acre parcel.  This legislation would provide for removal of the 4 encroachments, which create a legal impediment to the transfer of title to the Estate to the State, the Town and the County.

The Committee expressed concern with regard to encroachments on County properties.  A letter will be sent to Sal Carrera, Director of Real Estate noting the Committee’s concern and inquiring as to whether inspections of County property with regard to encroachments are being performed.

Committee requested a map and a list of the owners of the encroachments.

 

On motion of Legislator Carsky, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 8-0 with Legislators Stewart-Cousins, Mosiello, LaMotte, Swanson and Young signing “Without Prejudice”.

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Legislator Carsky suggested that a letter be sent to the County Attorney, from the Committee, requesting that the County beging to do surveys of County properties.  She noted that currently the County does not have good surveys, for title purposes, of the BRPR.  Mr. Wishnie stated that he will also seek County Planning Board input.

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)

 

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”.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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)

 

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)

 

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

 

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)

 

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

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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

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

$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.

 

 

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 eE.  This bonding legislation will finance the cost of recreational area improvements, including realignment and reorganization of the entrance area and main parking lot.

 will be provided.

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.

 

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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)