OTHERS: C.E.’s Office: Bill Randolph, Liddon Norman, Larry Schwartz, Eric Langeloh; Budget Dept.: Kate Carrano, Dianne Vanadia; CBAC: George Hosey, Barbara Strauss; Planning: Commissioner Lannert; DPW: Robert Abbamont, John Egner; Labs & Research: Tom McGimpsey; Law Dept.: David Vutera; NYS Dormitory Authority: Frank Vinci, Jim Gray; BOL: Legislator Bronz, Robert Boland, Sally Schecter, Chris Chang, Tina Seckerson
Chairman Wishnie called the meeting to order at 10:06 a.m.
DISCUSSION:
MINUTES:
On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Young, the motion to approve the Minutes of June 19, 2000 was carried by a vote of 7-0.
C. BOND ACTS:
20. BLR02: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $700,000 in bonds – Labs and Research Equipment Acquisition. (5/22/00)
· Required to finance the acquisition of specialized laboratory instrumentation for Labs & Research.
On motion of Legislator LaMotte, seconded by Legislator Carsky, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 7-0.
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21. BPS08: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $195,000 in bonds – BPS Shelters for Gas Pumps and Oil and Transmission Fluid Dispenser. (5/22/00)
· To finance the design and construction of two shelters, one for the outdoor fuel pumps and one to provide cover for the oil and transmission fluid dispensing area at the Public Safety Headquarters in the Town of Mount Pleasant.
· The shelter for the fuel pumps will protect staff and equipment from the elements as public safety vehicles are being refueled.
· The shelter for the oil and transmission fluid dispensers will provide cover, preventing rainwater from mixing with these fluids, which could damage vehicles.
· Police Officers and other County employees refuel and change oil and transmission fluids in County vehicles 24 hours a day.
On motion of Legislator Carsky, seconded by Legislator Young, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 7-0.
22. RB2AA: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $1,000,000 in bonds – Fulton Avenue Bridge, Mechanical/Electrical Rehabilitation, Mount Vernon. (5/22/00)
· Required to finance the replacement of deteriorated equipment at the Fulton Avenue Bascule Bridge in Mount Vernon.
· This will allow for the maintenance of service for the waterway as required by the Coast Guard.
· Bonding legislation is needed to fund the replacement of gear drives/reducers, shaft bearings and roller bearings and the installation of a new control system and drive motors of the Fulton Avenue Bascule Bridge.
On motion of Legislator Young, seconded by Legislator Carsky, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 7-0.
23. RB2CC: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $200,000 in bonds – Mamaroneck Avenue Bridge over Sheldrake River, Mamaroneck. (5/22/00)
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· Required to finance the design of the replacement of the existing bridge structure at Mamaroneck Avenue over the Sheldrake River in the Town of Mamaroneck.
· The structure has a 1996 New York State bridge rating of 3.877, indicating a need to replace the structure.
· All environmental concerns with regard to this project will be addressed during the design phase.
On motion of Legislator Young, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 7-0.
A. COMMUNICATIONS: COUNTY EXECUTIVE:
3.* Various environmental protection, economic prosperity and
community development well-being grants: Proposed legislation
authorizing the County to apply to the New York State Department of State
pursuant to the program for Historic River Towns of Westchester Growing
Smarter Together Project. (6/19/00) (Also referred to Economic
Development)
· The County is eligible to apply for funds from NYS, through the Department of State, in connection with the Quality Communities Demonstration Program 1999-2000 (Program) which provides funding for projects which will enhance the opportunities and incentives for innovative planning and community development techniques that link environmental protection, economic prosperity and community well-being.
· This legislation would authorize the County to apply to the NYS Department of State for State funding pursuant to the Program for the Historic River Towns of Westchester (HRTW) Growing Smarter Together Project (Project) and would guarantee County funding of its share of the Project.
· The project, as proposed would include the convening of a series of community workshops and a regional planning conference with HRTW, a 12 member consortium, and the Hudson River Greenway in order to explore the issue of Growing Smarter Together through tourism and economic development, riverfront renewal and downtown revitalization.
· The project, as proposed, meets all of the principles of the program
· Committee would like to set up a meeting on the Tourism in the county.
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· The State funding which will be sought through these applications will cover up to 50% of the total cost of the project which is $37,000.00 The total not to exceed amount of State funding to be sought for the project shall be $18,500.00. The County will be required to provide the matching funds for the project in the amount of $18,500.00 which shall take the form of in-kind services.
On motion of Legislator LaMotte, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 7-0.
RECEIVE & FILE AGENDA ITEMS:
A1.* Gift Acceptance: Acceptance of a gift from Louis Cappelli to be used at the Philharmonic Concert. (6/19/00)
A2.* Gift Acceptance: Acceptance of a gift from the Marine Corps League to be used to sponsor a Float in the parade recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the Korean War and its Veterans. (6/19/00)
A5.* Gift Acceptance: Acceptance of a gift from Donald Cecil to be used for the purchase of laptop computers for the Jandon Scholars. (6/19/00)
A6.* Gift Acceptance: Acceptance of a gift from Country Bank to be used in the July 1st parade recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the Korean War and its veterans. (6/19/00)
A13.* Certiorari Refunds: Forwarding a package of court-ordered certiorari refunds. (6/19/00)
On motion of Legislator seconded by Legislator the motion to Receive and File items A1, A2, A5 A6, and A13 was carried by a vote of 7-0.
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COURTHOUSE UPDATE:
· Phase I: Tower Façade/Roof
· Phase II: New Annex
· Phase III: Tower Interior Renovations
· Separate consultant for Phase I – separate design team for phases II & III.
· Had scheduled a 12 month design period. Had 2 architects working on project.
· Phase I bid was very successful –came in $1 million under budget.
· Phase II bid was not quite as successful. The construction bids came in about $24 million over budget of $85 million caused by three main factors: (1) market conditions, (2) complexity and clarity of the project-bid included both new construction and annex together which is a large and complicated job; (3) program growth that added square footage to the job.
· Set out to identify ways to rebid the project. Separate annex bid from interior rehab – doing that now. Looked at ways to simplify and be more cost effective.
· The Dormitory Authority is looking at simplifying the project. They have removed the curved glass wall which accounted for $3 million in savings
· Finishing process of re-design. Hope to have the job advertised again within the next couple of weeks.
· Will revisit tower design and scope.
· Project Budget: $140 million total.
· Annex Bid $64 million (August 2000)
· Tower Bid $21 million (Tentative, October 2001)
· January 2000 through August 2000 will account for 9 months delay in job. This will account for some escalation in cost.
· Estimate 30 months to complete the annex from original estimate of 24 months.
· Total delay of project is 19 months.
· The bids for the annex will determine the scope of the interior work of the tower.
· Concern was expressed by Legislator LaMotte and other committee members that the cost conditions were not anticipated and the Dormitory Authority will not absorb any of the cost overruns.
· Mr. Schwartz stated that the County is holding the Dormitory Authority accountable and responsible for rectifying the situation.
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· Legislator Young stated that his estimate of overrun would be a maximum of 8% and the 30% overrun is unacceptable and we need to look at alternatives now. He reminded the Committee that the Dormitory Authority is supposed to be the expert in this area. In previous meeting with them the Board was assured that the County would not have to put anymore than the $140 million into this project.
· Legislator LaMotte asked for clarification of the increased square footage.
· Legislator Carsky asked for clarification as to what percentage of the overrun is attributed to program growth and who is responsible for overage, the County or bondholders.
· Contract with Dormitory Authority is being reviewed by the County Attorney and the Committee would like a review of the contract.
· There was discussion with regard to the Tybek insulation and the fact that it was not supposed to be flammable. County is looking to collect damages from the Dupont Corporation.
SUHR PROPERTY:
· Mr. Schwartz informed the Committee that an updated appraisal (last one was done 5 years ago) is being done on the Stokes-Greene Property. The NYC DEP is interested in acquiring this property for their watershed program. Mr. Schwartz stated that estimate we could get $ 2million for the 20 acres. Mrs. LaMotte stressed that it is her feeling we could probably get far more than $2 million and would like to be sure that the county will be competitive with the price and not just settle. She also stated that the Stokes-Green property and the Suhr property should not be linked as there are still specific concerns with regard to the Suhr property that need to be addressed.
· Legislators Carsky and LaMotte stated that they are still interested in obtaining a business plan for maintenance of the Suhr property. Mr. Schwartz stated that he is sure that there is a plan for maintenance. The Committee would like to see it in writing.
· The Committee will meet on this matter again on July 10th.
A&C CALENDAR: The Committee reviewed the June 29, 2000 A&C Calendar.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further items for discussion, on motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Stewart-Cousins, the meeting was adjourned at 11:50 a.m.