MINUTES
OTHERS: Budget Dept.: Kate Carrano, Leslie Bennett, Diane Nolan, Brian Fitzpatrick; PRC: Commissioner DeSantis, Joe Stout, Neil Squillante, Richard Belizze; Playland: Joe Montalto, Lorraine Velez; ; Planning; Commissioner Lannert, Larry Salley, Mark Massari, Jerry Mulligan; C.E.’s Office: Bill Randolph, Ingrid Bent; LWV: Jo Brill; CBAC: George Hosey; CSEA: Jane Fiore; BOL: Legislator Bronz, Barbara Dodds, Chris Chang, Sally Schecter, Robert Boland, Tina Seckerson
Chairman Wishnie called the meeting to order at 9:15 a.m.
DISCUSSION: (There is a cassette tape on file for more detailed information)
2000 PROPOSED BUDGET: DEPARTMENT OF PRC:
· Increase of 7 positions includes: 1 DSS funded administrator for a pilot program (Pride in Work Program) which position will be contingent on the number of hirings that come from the program; 1 Staff assistant (Playland); 1 maintenance mechanic at the County Center
· Washington’s Headquarters: one curator will be put there on an as needed basis. There are 6 curators and 3 itinerant assistant curators (recreation specialists). The 3 were hired last year (1999) as an add to the budget
· Gross revenue: addition of $2 million. Will come from taking over the parking lots at Fisher Avenue and the County Center. Currently there are negotiations with Metro North with regard to taking over their lot.
· Bronx River Parkway: Greenway is the responsibility of PRC, the roadway is the responsibility of DPW.
· Legislator Carsky stated her concern that the Bronx River Parkway is a park that is generating revenue but doesn’t seem to see the benefits (i.e. maintenance, care, etc.)
COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS
MINUTES – NOVEMBER 29, 1999
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· Legislator LaMotte suggested that PRC work with Metro North regarding special drop off for passengers when there are events at the County Center to make it more convenient for people.
· Adopt a trailway: Currently, have no major effort going forward. Hopefully in this year they will be able to do something this year.
· Mt. Kisco Office: Mrs. LaMotte stated that she has heard that PRC will be moving out of Mt. Kisco. Commissioner DeSantis stated that it is not imprudent for them to be centrally located and if the Administration were to move them he would not be adverse to it, although there are no plans at the moment.
· Non-Recurring Repairs (4310): One time things outside of the operating budget that may take place this year that require the department address them. (i.e. purchase of picnic tables, fencing).
· Contractual Services (4380): Variety of contractual agreements that are entered into throughout the year.
· Playland: Tax levy is dependent upon attendance which is weather related. Playland is viewed as a total cost center.
· Ice Casino: There have been some problems which they are addressing. The cost of the ice casino is $243,000. Ice fees have been raised recently which they plan to keep on hold form now, they are bringing on professional staff, and plan to improve the physical appearance of the casino.
· Golf: Legislator Kaplowitz asked about the quantitative indicators. The Commissioner stated that golf is weather related. He further stated that repairs at Maple Moor also affected these numbers. There are about 4,000 unmet public golf rounds in this area.
· Credit Card Use: Looking to implement some type of Smart Card use in 2000 to be completed by 2001 in Playland and/or golf courses.
· Legislator Kaplowitz requested an update on the North County Trailway damage. Commissioner DeSantis stated that they are waiting for results of FEMA site visits. Concerned about timeliness of funding sources and DPW and PRC’s ability to get the funding source and turn it into repairs before the spring of 2000. They are vigorously pursuing this matter and looking for reimbursement from FEMA and the state. A meeting on this matter with the Administration and Budget Department will be held shortly.
· Attendance numbers are calculated by paid attendance.
· Legislator Carsky stated that she would like to see the Bronx River Parkway Reservation listed with the other parks.
· Salary adjustments are missing from some department summaries because the transfer has already occurred and has been moved up to the salary line.
MINUTES – NOVEMBER 29, 1999
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· Legislator Carsky stated that we have seen a dimunition, especially in southern Westchester parks, of personnel (i.e. Tibbetts). The Commissioner stated that PRC has participated in the reduction of county government over the years. There is a good faith effort made with a number of people coming on board this year. He further stated that the C.E. has made a commitment to PRC with his commitment to open space and some increased personnel.
· Mr. Wishnie stated that it would be helpful to have a schedule of the number of parks personnel 10 years ago (individually by park) and proposed for 2000.
2000 PROPOSED BUDGET: DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING:
· Mr. Wishnie asked about the Director of Real Estate. Commissioner Lannert stated that the position will remain with planning but there is a bit of flux right now.
· There is a new procedure this year-whereby before any expenditure resolution goes before A&C it will go to Planning to for SEQR review process.
· Housing Implementation Fund: going out and working with municipalities on developing projects. Mrs. LaMotte asked if all municipalities are aware that this money is available. Mr. Salley responded that they are.
· Technical Services (4420): Significant decrease due to Love contract. Budget amendment this year from DSS to Planning since it was a housing issue.
· Lead Safe Westchester Program: In 1999 Westchester was awarded a $4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development which will be spent over the next 3 years . Planning is administering the program. Mrs. LaMotte stated that this is an area where the county needs to be more pro-active. Pamphlets and educational brochures should be distributed to people buying old houses. This is a joint application between Planning and the Department of Health. The Health Department has the citing and enforcement powers.
· Single Room Occupancy-Moderate Rehabilitation Program in Chappaqua and Thornwood: money came directly from HUD.
· Rental assistance payments on behalf of 1900 households. Mrs. Carsky requested a list of where those households are.
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· Mrs. LaMotte asked for an update on how the establishing procedures to select water quality protection project is progressing. Commissioner Lannert stated that most of this is required under the Memorandum of Agreement with the DEP, DEC, Putnam, Westchester et al. Anyone of the parties to the agreement has the right to object to proposals. A watershed presentation will be set up in the beginning of 2000.
· Section 8: Commissioner Lannert stated that although there are never enough vouchers, they are finally allowing for more reasonable rents for Westchester. She further stated that the County is attempting to become its own Public Housing Authority (PHA) which would give us the ability to apply for rent outside of the DHCR (Division of Housing and Community Renewal). They have their own allocation. Mr. Salley stated as many as 400 more housing units could become available if the County became a PHA, which would still leave a waiting list of 3,000-5,000.
· CDBG Trust Accounts: Position count of 30 is incorrect, other trust accounts were added into this number. It is probably closer to 23. They also work on other programs such as HOME and the Emergency Shelter Grant.
· Mr. Kaplowitz asked about the NYC DEP’s 17 million available for east of Hudson Land purchase, Croton Watershed land purchase. Commissioner Lannert stated that the DEP is not providing us with maps of properties that they are looking at since they are still negotiating.
· Trailways: Mrs. Carsky noted the Bronx River Reservation project and the Kensico-Tarrytown trailway project using ISTEA grants are 5 year old grant. Design is planned to be completed in the fall, but Mrs. Carsky pointed out that the grant is over in May. Is there any danger of losing the grant since we haven't moved on it for 5 years. Mr. Mulligan stated that they are in design for the Bronx River. There was a delay with the state on the Kensico-Tarrytown project. Both project grants have been granted extensions. The Planning Department is confident that we will be granted extensions. Mrs. Carsky stated that she would like to see this project moved up in front of all other trailway efforts.
· Mr. Wishnie noted that recently Governor Pataki had appointed a Committee for access to the river over the railroad tracks and asked if the County is involved in that process and what the status is. Commissioner Lannert stated that there have been seven sites identified, two of which are in Westchester (one in Ossining). A list and map of the sites will be made available to the Committee.
COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS
MINUTES – NOVEMBER 29, 1999
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MINUTES:
On motion of Legislator Carsky, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, the motion to approve the Minutes of November 22, 1999 was carried by a vote of 7-0.
A&C CALENDAR:
The December 2, 1999 A&C Calendar was distributed to the Committee.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further items for discussion, on motion of Legislator Mosiello, seconded by Legislator Stewart-Cousins, the meeting was adjourned at 10:55 a.m.