MINUTES
OTHERS: Budget Dept.: Dianne Vanadia, Brian Fitzpatrick; CBAC: George Hosey, Barbara Strauss, Fran MacEachron; C.E.’s Office: Bill Randolph, Ingrid Bart; DPW: Commissioner Landi; Deputy Commissioner Butler; DOT: Commissioner Church, Deputy Commissioner Stanton, Richard Stiller, Patty Chemka; DOT/Airport: Christopher Burkart, Joel Russell, Rob Bracchitta; LWV: Jo Brill; BOL: Legislator Bronz, 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)
DPW: CAPITAL BUDGET:
· Commissioner Landi and Deputy Commissioner Butler briefed the Committee on various Department of Public Works Capital Projects.
· Mr. Landi stated that most of the roads and bridges are in good shape.
· Included in the discussion were the following:
Ø RB019: Central Westchester Parkway, CR #150, White Plains & North Castle: Requesting $1.4 m for the year 2000, already appropriated 600,000. Ultimate cost is $2 million. 2000 request will widen the east side and install barriers.
Ø RB041: Long Ridge Road: received some fed and state money. 500,000 vehicles per day travel this road – will be some lane closures throughout the work period.
Ø RB069: Broadway, CR #29A, North Castle: receiving outside funding daily (fed dollars is the bulk of the share; earmarked for T-21 money) there will be lane closures.
Ø RB01F: Palmer Road over Putnam R-O-W, Yonkers: $300,000 for minor repairs to be done on 2003.
Ø RB01G: Odell Avenue over Putnam R-O-W, Yonkers: replacement of the bridge over R-O-W to be completed in 2004.
COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS
MINUTES – OCTOBER 25, 1999
PAGE 2
AIRPORT: CAPITAL PROJECTS:
· Commissioner Church gave a brief overview of the DOT Capital Budget. (Handout on file)
· A0029: New Terminal/ARFF/GHE - Project managed by DPW
· A0046: Hangar E-Access Road: This is for the last element of this project which is to build a landscape buffer
· A0047: Noise Abatement Monitoring System: need to upgrade software system as well as relocate noise monitors
· A0050: Security Fencing/Cameras: ongoing program to improve security around aviation areas.
· A0056 & A0056A: Heavy Equipment Acquisition: ongoing programs to update equipment
· A0060: Fuel Farm Improvements: $1.1 million increase in cost is due to the combination of 2 projects (60 & 68). This project includes the relocation of utility lines as well as fire equipment installation.
· A0066 &A0066A: Various Airport Infrastructure Improvements/Rehabilitation Program: Ongoing program – infrastructure improvements
· A0069: Aircraft Deicing Study Implementation: Deicing study underway
· A0071: Airport Layout Plan Update & Environmental Management: negotiating contract with regard to the scope of this project. 2 projects were merged together. Committee requested detail be provided to the Environment Committee.
· It was asked if projects will be funded with cash to capital since there is a $8 million surplus. Mr. Bracchitta stated that $4.4 million will be.
· Mr. Abinanti requested an analysis of the benefits vs. cost of the parking lot.
DOT: CAPITAL PROJECTS:
· T001P: Bus Acquisition Program: goal is to reduce the age of the fleet down to the national average.
· T0006: Transit Communication: This project involves updating fare boxes as well as an ongoing voice & dated communication system with each bus. Mrs. LaMotte questioned the $14 million estimated cost of this project when there are other pressing issues such as the big problem of getting commuters to the train stations. The Commissioner reminded the Committee of the high cost of shuttle buses. Mr. Stanton informed the Committee that the federal government will fund 80% of the capital projects costs but will not fund operating costs. The money slated for capital projects is not transferable to operating costs.
COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS
MINUTES – OCTOBER 25, 1999
PAGE 3
· The Committee questioned the cost of the Paratransit system vs. usage. Paratransit vehicles accommodate 9 passengers plus two wheelchairs. Very often the vehicles are only transporting a couple of passengers at a time. There are currently 3 contracts (2 private operators). The County provides the vehicles as well as the eligibility lists. DOT is looking at alternatives. Mrs. LaMotte asked about the eligibility procedure citing a problem one of her constituents is having with the Paratransit system. Commissioner Church stated that there is an appeal process and the department is keeping a daily record of Paratransit problems.
· T012C: Personalized Local Transit Vehicles – Phase II: buses to be used on commuter routes and less sparsely populated areas.
· Committee asked for a breakdown of bus passes used vs. cash. DOT will get back to Committee.
· T0024: Alternative Bus Technology: hand-out on file.
· The future of transportation will be an issue discussed in the Environment Committee.
AGENDA ITEMS:
On motion of Legislator LaMotte, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, agenda Items (II) 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 25, 26 and 29 were Received and Filed by a vote of 5-0 with Legislators Abinanti, Mosiello and Swanson out for the vote.
On motion of Legislator LaMotte, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, agenda Items (II) 19, 32, 34, 35, 36, 37 and 39 were placed in a “Land Swap” file (VIII) by a vote of 5-0 with Legislators Abinanti, Mosiello and Swanson out for the vote.
A&C CALENDAR:
A&C Calendars for October 28, 1999 were distributed.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further items for discussion, on motion of Legislator LaMotte, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, the meeting was adjourned at 12:05p.m.