MINUTES
OTHERS: C.E.’s Office: Bill Randolph; Budget Dept.: Kate Carrano, Anthony Finateri, Vernon Huff, Daniel Cabrera; Law Dept.; Jim Robertson, Karen Ramos; PRC: Joseph Montalto, Paul Reitano, Joe Stout, David DeLucia, Lorraine Velez; Planning: Ed Hoffmeister, Fran McLaughlin; LWVW/CBAC: Barbara Strauss; BOL: Sally Schecter, Robert Boland, Christopher Chang, Tina Seckerson
Chairman Wishnie called the Budget Committee meeting to order at 10:12 a.m.
MINUTES: On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Young, the motion to approve the Minutes of May 14, 2001 was carried by a vote of 6-0.
DISCUSSION:
A4: Capital Budget Amendments: Proposed Acts which would amend the 2001 Capital Budget and revise the financing plans for three County projects. (5/7/01)
· RP13A: Maintenance Facility, Carpenter Shop & Garage at Playland: Projects concerns the construction of a new maintenance building under the Dragon Coaster. Amendment of $700,000 is being requested because of the distance from utility and water infrastructure in the park, there are plumbing problems which need to be resolved.
· Committee asked what are the other options as far as location. Committee asked for the total cost of the maintenance building with the additional $700,000 request. Mr. Montalto stated that the options are slim to none. They are at a point in the park where space is a premium, there is no where else to go. They would have to give up something else. He further stated that the total cost is $2.4 million.
· Committee asked about the affect on debt service. The park has broken the $1 million mark in attendance for the past three years. As of today they are a couple hundred thousand ahead of last year in revenue. Think park is on upswing. It was determined that on a per resident visit Playland is supported the least by tax payer funds in comparison to other parks. Anticipate revenues will continue to climb.
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· Committee asked about other marketing items. They have increased the catered out events in the park by over 90%. PRC officials are confident about the marketing efforts and the park’s growth in the future. Mr. Stout reminded the Committee that the park is 73 years old and is by far the most visited park in the county. The cost is $4.54 per visitor per cap. Debt service is charged to the Playland budget. Committee requested a cost sheet for the Old Mill.
· RP23E: Music Tower Stage at Playland: Projects concerns the design and construction of a new stage to replace the existing stage. Recent reevaluation of the project was completed based on current stage usage and revenue generation. Evaluation concluded that in order for the county to contract with performers, who will attract more visitors, the stage facilities must be upgraded to include toilet, shower and kitchen facilities as well as storage and private dressing rooms. Amendment is for $1.5 million. Committee expressed concern with regard to the cost of this project and the need for the upgraded stage facilities. Committee requested a breakdown of the $1.5 million. Mr. Montalto stated that most of cost is for stage and electronics. Committee decided to hold this item pending further information.
· RP23B: Colonnade Rehabilitation at Playland: Project includes the repair and rehabilitation of the colonnades and towers located. Additional funding is needed to reconstruct the towers and colonnade in a more historically accurate manner. The additional funding will provide a greater degree of historic integrity to the park as it will permit an accurate reproduction in a manner like the original Art Deco treatment, such as in the roof line, lighting, and replacement of muraled panels. Amendment amount is $3.8 million. Time frame: will start this fall – will probably take 2 years. Financed over three years – bonding has been phased.
· Amusement park made money; beach, pool & ice rink lost money.
· Largest strain right now at Playland is the ice rink.
On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Stewart-Cousins, the motion to approve items RP13A and RP23B was carried by a vote of 6-0 with Legislators Kaplowitz, Stewart-Cousins, Swanson, Young and Noto signing “Without Prejudice”.
BONDS:
C9. RP23B: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $4,900,000 in bonds – Playland Colonnade Rehabilitation. (5/7/01)
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· The $4,900,000 is requested for two reasons: 1) $4,150,000 is requested to finance the cost of construction of the tower replacement phase to the Playland Park colonnade of this project including construction inspection and 2) to finance the design of the Colonnade replacement phase in the amount of $750,000.
· There are 10 towers throughout the park. This represents a safety issue. The towers are falling apart. Committee stated that they want to be sure that the designer architects look at the most cost effective ways to do this. There was a question with regard to the design cost. Should be lower, around $550,000 (which would represent 10%) instead of $750,000. No action taken at this time.
C10. RP23E: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $140,000 in bonds – Playland Music Tower Stage. (5/7/01)
· This request is based upon a recent reevaluation of the project.
· The reevaluation determined that in order for Playland to contract with performers, which will attract more visitors, the stage facilities must be designed to include toilet, shower and kitchen facilities, and storage and private dressing rooms.
On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Stewart-Cousins, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 6-0.
C11. RP030: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $2,990,000 in bonds – Playland infrastructure reconstruction. (5/7/01)
· This is required to finance the cost of construction of Phase II of this project, which consists of infrastructure improvements to various areas throughout Playland.
· This is the last stage of this phase. There is a life safety factor to this project due to the transformers located above people’s heads which will be addressed . Other items to be addressed include: new communication system from ride to ride, public address system, new lighting system.
On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Young, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 6-0.
C2. BLR2A: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $410,000 in bonds – Department of Labs and Research – acquisition of various equipment. (5/7/01)
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· Various equipment for Forensic Science and The Public Health Division. These are the nuts and bolts that drive the lab. It was asked if we can lease rather than purchase the equipment. Leasing is only available for hardware piece. Would not be able to have appropriate software package. Length of lease is 5 years. Life cycle much longer than 5 years. Will not pay for itself – do not generate any revenue in forensics.
On motion of Legislator Stewart-Cousins, seconded by Legislator Noto, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 6-0.
C3. RGIP7: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $150,000 in bonds – General Infrastructure – Active Recreation Area. (5/7/01)
· No action taken at this time pending revised bond act.
C4. RGIP9: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $710,000 in bonds – General Infrastructure – Paving Resurfacing. (5/7/01)
· To finance the cost of design and construction of the asphalt resurfacing at the Sprain Ridge Park entrance road and parking area.
· Committee requested a revised 19-20.
On motion of Legislator Stewart-Cousins, seconded by Legislator Swanson, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 6-0.
C5. RCP7A: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $200,000 in bonds – Croton Point Park Redevelopment - Infrastructure. (5/7/01)
· To finance the cost of secondary connections for the new group picnic facilities at Croton Point Park. The connections will include water, sanitary and electric utilities.
· Committee requested a map of the location of the picnic facilities.
On motion of Legislator Stewart-Cousins, seconded by Legislator Noto, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 6-0.
C6. RCP7B: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $375,000 in bonds – Croton Point Day Uses and Picnic Areas. (5/7/01)
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· To finance the cost of the construction of a new group picnic area at the reserved picnic site at Croton Point Park.
· The total estimated cost of improvements under the requested bonding authorization is $240,000 to be financed $375,000 in bonds and $45,000 in cash.
On motion of Legislator Stewart-Cousins, seconded by Legislator Noto, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 6-0 with Legislator Swanson signing “Without Prejudice”.
C7. RGC05: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $1,800,000 in bonds – Mohansic Golf Course Rehabilitation. (5/7/01)
· To finance the cost of construction and rehabilitation of the Mohansic Golf Course. Tees and greens will be rehabilitated.
· Committee requested a revised 19-20.
On motion of Legislator Wishnie, seconded by Legislator Noto, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 6-0 with Legislator Swanson signing “Without Prejudice”.
C8. RGC07: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $400,000 in bonds – Hudson Hills Golf Course. (5/7/01)
· To finance cost of design and construction management for the maintenance and clubhouse buildings at Hudson Hills Golf Course.
· Committee questioned the construction of the clubhouse. To the recollection of some Committee m embers Mr. Julius stated that the project would not include the construction of a clubhouse.
· No action was taken on this item at this time.
A&C CALENDAR:
A&C Calendar was distributed.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further items for discussion, on motion of Legislator Noto, seconded by Legislator Stewart-cousins, the meeting was adjourned at 11:57 a.m.