MINUTES
OTHERS: Budget Dept.: Leslie Bennett, Dianne Vanadia; Planning: Fran McLaughlin; CBAC: George Hosey, Barbara Strauss; C.E.’s Office: Bill Randolph; County Clerk’s Office: Eugene Rogers; DEF/DPW: Anthony Landi; LWV: Jo Brill; Others: Dorilla Misquero; BOL: Chris Chang, Sally Schecter, Barbara Dodds, Robert J. Boland, Tina Seckerson
Chairman Wishnie called the meeting to order at 10:15 a.m.
DISCUSSION:
ORGANIZATIONAL ITEMS:
· Committee will meet regularly on Mondays at 10:00 a.m. In the event of a holiday the Committee will meet on Wednesday of that week at 10:00 a.m.
· By motion of Legislator Carsky, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, and a vote of 8-0, the Committee quorum was set at 4.
· Chairman Wishnie suggested that a Vice Chair be appointed to the Committee. On motion of Legislator Swanson, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the motion to name Legislator Kaplowitz as Vice Chair to the Budget Committee, was carried by a vote of 8-0.
CBAC RESOLUTION:
· The Committee considered a resolution approving of a Citizens’ Budget Advisory Board (CBAC) for the term January 1, 2000-December 31, 2001.
On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 8-0.
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BUDGET TRANSFER:
· The proposed resolution would authorize transferring of funds within the Department of Emergency Services Budget in the amount of $26,000.
· The transfer is required to fund a contract with Campbell Associates to assist in the development and implementation of the newly formed Department of Emergency Services during the transition period.
· The term of the contract with Campbell Associates is January 1, 2000 through March 31, 2000. The County has gathered resumes and is going through the process to have someone in place by April 1st. If someone is hired before that date Campbell’s services would end.
On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Swanson, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 8-0.
A) COMMUNICATIONS - COUNTY EXECUTIVE:
1.* Gift Acceptance: Acceptance of a gift from DynMeridan Company to be used by the District Attorney. (1/3/00)
On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Swanson, the motion to Receive and File this item was carried by a vote of 8-0.
2.* Gift Acceptance: Acceptance of a gift from the Four M Corporation to be used to produce a documentary film on the history of movie-making in Westchester County. (1/3/00)
· Mr. Kaplowitz disclosed that the Four M Corporation has been a contributor to his campaign in the past.
On motion of Legislator LaMotte, seconded by Legislator Carsky, the motion to Receive and File this item was carried by a vote of 8-0.
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C) BOND ACTS:
1.* BCC01: Authorizing the issuance of $325,000 – Electronic Exchange of Legal Data – County Clerk’s Office. (1/3/00)
· To finance the cost of a pilot project to be conducted through the County Clerk’s Office, in conjunction with the NYS Office of Court Administration, for the electronic transmission and receiving of documents from remote locations.
· The pilot project will streamline the process of storing and transferring legal documents, currently done on paper, between the courts, attorneys’ offices and the County Clerk’s Office.
· It is expected that this will reduce operating expenses, streamline the operation of the County Clerk’s Office and provide more efficient service.
On motion of Legislator Carsky, seconded by Legislator Noto, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 8-0.
2.* RD003: Authorizing the issuance of $550,000 in bonds – Design/Phase IV Sprout Brook Ash Disposal. (1/3/00)
· This legislation would authorize bonding required to finance the cost of preparation of surveys, preliminary and detailed plans, specifications and estimates necessary for planning the opening of Cell 4 of the Sprout Brook Ash Disposal Facility. Most of the work is being done in-house. Cell III is approaching capacity.
· Legislator Swanson noted that she felt it important that the Legislator from the district be aware of and favorable toward this project. Commissioner Landi stated that they have been meeting with Legislator Oros as well as Supervisor Puglisi of the Town of Cortlandt on a regular basis on this matter and saw no reason not to proceed.
· Total cost of project is $9.5 million.
On motion of Legislator Carsky, seconded by Legislator Swanson, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 8-0.
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3.* RD003: Authorizing the issuance of $450,000 in bonds – Parcel Acquisition Sprout Brook Ash Disposal. (1/3/00)
· This legislation would authorize the County to acquire property (6 acres) from Frank Singer.
· The County shall pay $400,000 for the property; plus reasonable and customary closing costs.
· The land is owned by Mr. & Mrs. Frank Singer. The conveyance is subject to a life estate allowing the Singers to remain on the premises during their respective lifetimes. Upon the death of the survivor, the life estate will be extinguished and the County will take possession.
· Legislator Swanson stated that action on this item should wait until the Legislator from the district has a chance to comment.
· Commissioner Landi stated that ongoing meetings have been held with Legislator Oros and Supervisor Puglisi and it is his belief that all questions have been answered.
On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Noto, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 8-0 with Legislators Kaplowitz, LaMotte, Carsky, Stewart-Cousins, Young, and Swanson signing “Without Prejudice”.
NOTE: Items C4-C7 are all sewer system rehabilitation projects pursuant to the Consent Order (NYSDEC) based on the Inflow and Infiltration Programs. They are exempt from SEQR because of the Consent Order.
On motion of Legislator Swanson, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, the motion to approve items C4-C7 was carried by a vote of 8-0 with Legislator Carsky signing item C7 “Without Prejudice”.
4.* SBB86: Authorizing the issuance of $1,025,000 in bonds – Municipal Sewer System Rehabilitation/Blind Brook SSD. (1/3/00)
5.* SM086: Authorizing the issuance of $8,000,000 in bonds – Municipal Sewer System Rehabilitation/Mamaroneck SSD. (1/3/00)
6.* SNR86: Authorizing the issuance of $11,450,000 in bonds – Municipal Sewer System Rehabilitation/New Rochelle SSD. (1/3/00)
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7.* SY086: Authorizing the issuance of $10,240,000 – Municipal Sewer System Rehabilitation/Yonkers Joint SSD. (1/3/00)
8.* SOS03: Authorizing the issuance of $1,500,000 in bonds – Additional Clarifier Tank/Ossining Wastewater Treatment Plant. (1/3/00)
· To fund the design and construction management of a fourth clarifier tank at the Ossining Wastewater Treatment Plant.
· Flows at the plant have periodically exceeded permit effluent levels.
· Complies with recommendation of Black & Veatch Report.
· Construction is scheduled to take place in 2001. Construction management funds will not be expended if the Board of Legislators does not give approval for the construction.
· Ultimate cost of project estimated at $8 million.
On motion of Legislator Wishnie, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 8-0.
9.* SPC01: Authorizing the issuance of $2,600,000 in bonds – Performance Maintenance – Port Chester Wastewater Treatment. (1/3/00)
· This project provides for the replacement of components and equipment which are reaching the end of their useful life.
· Complies with recommendation of Black & Veatch Report.
On motion of Legislator Noto, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 8-0.
10.* SPC80: Authorizing the issuance of $200,000 in bonds – Sodium Hypochlorite – Port Chester Wastewater Treatment Plant. (1/3/00)
· The proposed project will provide for the replacement of the existing chlorine gas effluent treatment system with a liquid sodium hypochlorite system and will be constructed within the facility, not requiring any new building construction.
· Work will be competed by June of 2000.
On motion of Legislator Noto, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 8-0.
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11.* SY002: Authorizing the issuance of $850,000 in bonds – Gravity Thickener – Yonkers Joint Wastewater Treatment Plant. (1/3/00)
· To finance the cost of replacement of the primary gravity thickener sludge collection mechanism at the Yonkers Joint Wastewater Treatment Plant.
· In addition to nearing the end of its useful life, this mechanism needs to be replaced at this time in order to comply with the Consent Order issued by the NYSDEC on August 17, 1998 to rectify permit (SPDES) violations associated with the excessive discharge of suspended solids from the plant.
On motion of Legislator Stewart-Cousins, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 8-0.
12.* SY004: Authorizing the issuance of $500,000 in bonds – Gravibelt filter – Yonkers Joint Wastewater Treatment Plant. (1/3/00)
· This project will provide funding for the enhancement of the waste activated sludge thickening facilities at the Yonkers Joint Treatment Plant.
· The current request will fund design of the project.
· Complies with the recommendations of the Black & Veatch Report.
· Legislator Stewart-Cousins noted her concern that the Committee Report, SEQR Status Sheet and Bond Act describe this project as “enhancement and expansion”. Commissioner Landi assured her that it is not an expansion. Mrs. Stewart-Cousins requested no action be taken on this item until the language in the report, act and SEQR sheet be amended (deleting the word “expansion”) to properly reflect the work to be done. The Committee was in agreement.
13.* SY011: Authorizing the issuance of $1,625,000 in bonds – Fire Suppression Alarm & Security Systems – Yonkers Joint Wastewater Treatment Plant. (1/3/00)
· This project will provide for the installation of a fire alarm, fire suppression system and a security system at the Yonkers Joint Treatment Plant as recommended by the Black & Veatch Report.
· Commissioner Landi explained that the plant was built in 1970 and was in compliance with fire safety codes at that time.
· A fire occurred in the primary boiler room in 1998 making the need for a fire alarm system apparent.
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· Ultimate cost of the project is $6.5 million
· Chairman Wishnie suggested that a meeting be set up in the near future for Commissioner Landi to explain the details of the fire safety system to the DPW Committee.
On motion of Legislator Swanson, seconded by Legislator Stewart-Cousins, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 8-0.
14.* SY012: Authorizing the issuance of $2,600,000 in bonds – Sludge Collection & Processing Equipment – Yonkers Joint Wastewater Treatment Plant. (1/3/00)
· This project will provide for the replacement or upgrading of various equipment associated with sludge collection and processing at the Yonkers Joint Treatment Plant.
· Complies with recommendations of Black & Veatch Report as well as the August 17, 1998 Consent Order.
· Legislator Stewart-Cousins expressed her concern that other, important matters (i.e. closing of the doors) at the YJTP have yet to be completed.
On motion of Legislator Stewart-Cousins, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 8-0.
15.* SY013: Authorizing the issuance of $1,300,000 in bonds – Storage Building – Yonkers Joint Wastewater Treatment Plant. (1/3/00)
· This project involves the construction of a 20,000 square foot storage building at the YJTP.
· Project was recommended by Black & Veatch.
· This will allow for enhanced inventory control and spare parts storage. The area that is currently being used for storage will be converted to maintenance and operations training rooms and records storage.
· Commissioner Landi stated that according to Black & Veatch the current system is inefficient and needs to be centralized and an inventory system developed.
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· Legislator Stewart-Cousins reiterated her concern again that other, important matters (i.e. closing of the doors) at the YJTP have yet to be completed. Since this project does not seem to have an urgency to it she requested it be held until progress is made on some of the other projects. The Committee was in agreement.
16.* SY038: Authorizing the issuance of $10,500,000 – Engine Replacement & Blower Reconditioning – Yonkers Joint Wastewater Treatment. (1/3/00)
· This project is required under the August 17, 1998 Consent Order and provides for the refurbishment of three diesel/methane dual fuel engines, reconditioning of the blowers, and installation of new mixers in the digesters.
On motion of Legislator Stewart-Cousins, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 8-0.
17.* SY42C: Authorizing the issuance of $2,000,000 in bonds – Odor Control Digest Sludge Storage Tanks – Yonkers Joint Wastewater Treatment Plant. (1/3/00)
· This project involves design, acquisition and installation of odor control equipment for the digestive sludge storage tanks.
· Recommended by Black & Veatch Report.
On motion of Legislator Stewart-Cousins, seconded by Legislator Swanson, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 8-0.
18.* SY080: Authorizing the issuance of $3,900,000 in bonds – Effluent Treatment – Yonkers Joint Wastewater Treatment Plant. (1/3/00)
· This project will fund consent ordered work for disinfection system improvements, including the construction of dechlorination facilities and/or relocation of the existing dechlorination facilities, and an addition tot he existing sodium hypocholorite system.
· Project is part of the 1998 Consent Order.
On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 8-0.
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B) COMMUNICATIONS - OTHER:
1.* CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: FRIENDS OF READ WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, INC.: Staffing for County Nature Centers: Requesting additional staffing in Parks for County Nature Centers. (1/3/00)
On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the motion to Receive and File this item was carried by a vote of 8-0.
2.* HON. GEORGE LATIMER: Industrial Development Agency Budget: Forwarding the 2000 Operating Budget for the Westchester County Industrial Development Agency. (1/3/00)
Committee requested a presentation by the IDA Board
3.* HON. GEORGE OROS: Proposed Compensation Panel: Forwarding his proposal for a Legislative Compensation Panel. (1/3/00) (Also referred to Leg)
To be discussed at a future meeting.
A&C CALENDAR:
The Committee reviewed the January 20, 2000 A&C Calendar.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further items for discussion, on motion of Legislator Noto, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the meeting was adjourned at 11:45 a.m.