MINUTES
COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
JULY 31, 2000
Attendance:
B&A Members: Wishnie, Carsky, Stewart-Cousins, Swanson, Young, Kaplowitz, LaMotte.
Education Members: Swanson, Ryan, Oros
Economic Development Members: Oros, Young
Community Affairs Members: Carsky, Oros, Bronz
Others: Budget Dept. Kate Carrano, CBAC: Barbara Strauss, George Hosey, CE’s Office: Bill Randolph, Liddon Norman; BOL: Robert Boland, Sally Schecter, Peter Neglia, Chris Chang, Lynn Keating, Tara Bernard; Eugene Magnetti-Tourism; Sal Carrera-Real Estate; Frank Crowley WCCFT;
DOT; Larry Salley, Joel Russell, Chris Bernhart; Law, Alan Scheinkman; IT: Allen Elliott, Sam Wear; DPW: Anthony Landi;
Chair Wishnie called the meeting to order at 10:15 a.m.
On motion of Mrs. Carsky, seconded by Mr. Young the minutes of July 24 were approved as amended.
On motion of Mrs. Swanson, the Education Committee was called to order at 10:20 a.m.
AGENDA ITEMS:
Westchester Community College Budget 2000-2001 Act:
On motion of Mr. Young, seconded by Mr. Kaplowitz, Budget Committee signed out the Community College Budget Act 7-0. On motion of Mr. Ryan, seconded by Mrs. Swanson, the Education Committee signed out the Community College Budget act 3-0.
Use of County-owned Transit Vehicles:
The Committee discussed County Transit Services - IMA’s with municipalities. Mr. Salley stated that not-for-profits can also apply for use of the vans. Mrs. LaMotte asked if school districts could use these vans after school and Mr. Scheinkman stated that school districts do not qualify as municipalities and the State could not authorize this. Mr. Scheinkman felt that the County might be able to work something out through the town. Mrs. Carsky felt that some communities may have access to these buses while others may not. Mr. Oros asked about monitoring the use of these buses and Mr. Salley stated that they have to monitor the use to comply with FTA standards. On motion of Mr. Kaplowitz, seconded by Mrs. Stewart-Cousins the act was signed out 7-0.
Act authorizing the acceptance of grant funds from U.S. for purchase of Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Vehicle. (A0056):
This new vehicle will be purchased with Airport Enterprise funds - not taxpayer money. On motion of Mr. Young, seconded by Mrs. LaMotte, the Fire truck was approved 7-0.
Acceptance of grant funds from U.S. Airport for Airport Noise Monitoring: (A0047)
Mr. Salley explained the noise monitoring system at the Airport. He stated that our present system is 10 years old. Seven monitors will be relocated and six new monitors will be installed. On motion of Mrs. LaMotte, seconded by Mr. Young, the grant for the Noise Abatement Monitoring System was approved 7-0.
1) Acceptance of grants from U.S. for Aircraft Rescue Fire Vehicle Access Road.
2) Act amending 2000 County Capital Budget for design and construction of Phase IV-Parallel Taxiway and Taxiway System (A0032)
3) Act authorizing the acceptance of additional grants from US for design and construction of Phase IV- Parallel Taxiway and Taxiway Ststem (A0032)
4) Act amending 2000 County Capital Budget for rehab of various Taxiways (A0054).
Next was an Act to Repeal Act 68-2000 - Perimeter Access Road at the Airport. At present the County is not in a position to do construction - we are only getting funding for design at this time. We will now be receiving Federal funding rather than the original act which was county bonding. This is only for the repair of 20 year old taxiways - not expansion. There was a lengthy discussion on this item since there was much confusion regarding same. There will be $900,000 from non-County sources and $100,000 from the Airport funds. On motion of Mr. Kaplowitz, seconded by Mrs. Stewart-Cousins the Airport Acts were signed out 6-0. Mrs. Swanson was not present when the vote was taken.
On motion of Mr. Ryan, seconded by Mrs. Swanson, Education closed at 11:30 .
Act authorizing IMA’s with Municipalities for Geographical Information Services:
Mr. Allen Elliot and Mr. Sam Wear of IT were in regarding the GIS IMAs. Mr. Elliott stated that existing IMAs expire in October. Over the past five years with the 12 municipalities in the program we most likely realized $100,000. On motion of Mr. Kaplowitz, seconded by Mrs. Carsky the act was signed out 6-0. Mrs. Stewart-Cousins was out for the vote.
Tourism:
Salvatore Carrera, Director of Economic Development/Real Estate and Eugene Magnetti of the Westchester County Visitors and Convention Bureau were in to discuss Tourism. Mr. Magnete suggested that the County must maximize the economic value of tourism. We must enhance our cultural and tourist attractions as well as the hospitality industry, and have more activity in Westchester County. We can also improve the process through computerization, and the new website.
Mrs. Carsky asked about the Governance and Mr. Carrera explained the process. Mrs. Swanson asked where the funds came from and Mr. Carrera stated that the County put in $522,259. We received $66,491 from the “I Love New York Program”, $60,000 from Co-op advertising and an additional $6000 from Convention Coop travel.
Resolution designating the Westchester Convention and Visitors Bureau as the Tourist Promotion Agency for Westchester County:
A resolution providing for matching funds from the New York State “I Love New York” grant was discussed. On motion of Mrs. Swanson, seconded by Mrs. Carsky, the resolution for matching funds was approved 6-0. Mrs. Stewart-Cousins was not present when the vote was taken.
Bronx River Parkway RePaving (F0004):
Bronx River Parkway Signage (P0010):
Both bond acts regarding signage and repaving for the Bronx River Parkway that had been recommitted from a prior meeting were signed out 6-0.
A&C Agenda:
Committee members were advised to contact Mr. Boland if they had any questions regarding the Agenda.
On motion of Mrs. Swanson seconded by Mrs. LaMotte, the meeting adjourned at 12:10