MINUTES
EDUCATION MEMBERS: Swanson, Ryan
OTHERS: C.E.’s Office: Bill Randolph, Sal Carrera, Larry Schwartz; Budget Dept.: Kate Carrano, Arthur Vietro; Planning: Jerry Mulligan, Fran McLaughlin; CBAC/LWV: Barbara Strauss; Planning: Fran McLaughlin,; PRC: Joe Stout, DPW: Ralph Butler; Journal News: Keith Eddings; WCC: Marge Glusker; Trust For Public Land: Clark Wallace; BOL: Legislator Bronz, Peter Neglia, Sally Schecter, Robert Boland, Christopher Chang, Tina Seckerson
Chairman Wishnie called the Budget Committee meeting to order at 10:18 a.m.
Receive & File:
A1: Gift Acceptance: Acceptance of a gift from Hudson Valley Bank to be used to
sponsor the New York Philharmonic Concert. (6/25/01)
On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Young, the motion to Receive and File this item was carried by a vote of 6-0 with Legislators Abinanti and Latimer out for vote.
A3: Gift Acceptance: Acceptance of a gift from Whitney Radio to be used in
The HIV/AIDS awareness Campaign. (6/25/01)
On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the motion to Receive and File this item was carried by a vote of 6-0 with Legislators Abinanti and Latimer out for vote.
A8.* Gift Acceptance: Acceptance of a gift from Entergy and Consolidated Edison to be used for the County’s radiological emergency preparedness program. (6/25/01)
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On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Young, the motion to Receive and File this item was carried by a vote of 6-0 with Legislators Abinanti and Latimer out for vote.
CBAC Appointment:
Due to the resignation of CBAC member George Hosey there is an opening on the committee. Committee reviewed the resume of Thomas V. O’Reilly and on motion of Legislator LaMotte, seconded by Legislator Young, voted unanimously to approve his appointment to the CBAC.
EDUCATION COMMITTEE: Chair Swanson called the Education Committee meeting to order at 10:24 a.m.
A34: BOCES IMA: Proposed Act authorizing the County to enter into an IMA with the Northern Westchester Board of Cooperative Educational Services to provide co-sponsorship of adult and continuing education programs to be offered to the general public. (6/25/01)
· WCC will receive financial support for the programs from NYS based on state aid that is available because of this particular program
· Northern Westchester BOCES will be responsible for providing all necessary teaching and other personnel together with classroom space and equipment, registering students, preparing and issuing course announcements collecting and depositing tuition funds as directed by the College and providing on-site management services.
· Island acct – not in operating WCC budget
· Term of agreement will be for 1 year commencing September 1, 2001 and terminating August 31, 2002 with the County having an option to renew for 4 additional one year periods. Contract has to be approved by A&C
FOR THE BUDGET COMMITTEE: On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Carsky, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 6-0 with Legislators Abinanti and Latimer out for the vote.
FOR THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE: On motion of Legislator Ryan, seconded by Legislator Swanson, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 2-0.
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A36: BOCES IMA: Proposed Act authorizing the County to enter into an IMA with the Southern Westchester Board of Cooperative Educational Services to provide co-sponsorship of adult and continuing education programs to be offered to the general public. (6/25/01)
· The proposed agreement will provide that the County, acting by and through WCC will furnish financial and administrative support for the programs, including selection of faculty and curriculum, training of program directors and authorizing course completion certificates.
· WCC will receive financial support for the programs from NYS
· Southern Westchester BOCES will be responsible for providing all necessary teaching and other personnel together with classroom space and equipment, registering students, preparing and issuing course announcements collecting and depositing tuition funds as directed by the College and providing on-site management services.
· Term of agreement will be for 1 year commencing September 1, 2001 and terminating August 31, 2002 with the County having an option to renew for 4 additional one year periods. Contract has to be approved by A&C
FOR THE BUDGET COMMITTEE: On motion of Legislator Swanson, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 6-0 with Legislators Abinanti and Latimer out for the vote.
FOR THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE: On motion of Legislator Swanson, seconded by Legislator Ryan, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 2-0.
A37: Mount Vernon Board of Education IMA: Proposed Act authorizing the County to enter unto an IMA with the City School District of Mount Vernon to use the District’s classroom space for evening courses offered by Westchester Community College’s Adult Education Program. (6/25/01)
· Term of agreement will be for 1 year commencing September 1, 2001 and terminating August 31, 2002 with the County having an option to renew for 4 additional one year periods. Contract has to be approved by A&C
· WCC will use classroom space provided by the Mt. Vernon School District for courses offered by the College’s Adult Education Program.
· As compensation for the use of the school facilities, the College will pay fees to the Mt. Vernon School District in accordance with its current published fee schedule.
· Financial support for this IMA will come from state aid and tuition revenues.
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FOR THE BUDGET COMMITTEE: On motion of Legislator Young, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 6-0 with Legislators Abinanti and Latimer out for the vote.
FOR THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE: On motion of Legislator Ryan, seconded by Legislator Swanson, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 2-0.
A38: Somers Central School District IMA: Proposed Act authorizing the County to enter unto an IMA with the Somers Central School District to provide for the co-sponsorship of adult and continuing education programs to be offered to the general public. (6/25/01)
· The proposed agreement will provide that the County, acting by and through WCC will furnish financial and administrative support for the programs, including selection of faculty and curriculum, training of program directors and authorizing course completion certificates and coordinating State University of New York approvals for state aid.
· Somers Central School District will be responsible for providing classroom space, registering students, preparing and issuing course announcements collecting and depositing tuition funds to the College’s account and providing on-site management services.
· Financial support for this IMA will come from state aid and tuition revenues.
· Term of agreement will be for 1 year commencing September 1, 2001 and terminating August 31, 2002 with the County having an option to renew for 4 additional one year periods. Contract has to be approved by A&C
FOR THE BUDGET COMMITTEE: On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 6-0 with Legislators Abinanti and Latimer out for the vote.
FOR THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE: On motion of Legislator Ryan, seconded by Legislator Swanson, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 2-0.
Teach the Teacher: An Act authorizing the County to enter into agreements with school districts located in the County of Westchester and the County of Putnam, whereby Westchester Community College will conduct “teach the teacher” training in networking and information technology. (Referred to B&A by Education Committee)
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· Cisco Systems, Inc., a leading manufacturer of Internet related hardware, has created an educational program called the Cisco Networking Academy Program that uses a combination of web-based, instructor led training and hands-on labs to teach students networking and information technology.
· The program offers two levels of certification.
· Pursuant to an agreement authorized by A&C on November 22, 2000 and executed on December 19, 2000, Cisco will provide the County, acting by and through WCC, equipment, software and course materials. Cisco will also provide training for the College’s instructors.
· WCC agrees to provide all resources necessary to support the program and will endeavor to list at least 10 other institutions for participation in the program. They will come back to the Board if they enter into any other entities besides school districts
FOR THE BUDGET COMMITTEE: On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Swanson, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 6-0 with Legislators Abinanti and Latimer out for the vote.
FOR THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE: On motion of Legislator Ryan, seconded by Legislator Swanson, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 2-0.
EDUCATION COMMITTEE ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further items for discussion by the Education Committee, on motion of Legislator Ryan seconded by Legislator Swanson, the meeting was adjourned at 10:52 a.m.
A41: Glenville Woods: Proposed legislation authorizing the acquisition of Glenville Woods. (6/25/01)
· This is a 26.4 acre parcel located in the Town of Greenburgh that the County is looking to acquire from Ginsburg Development Corporation.
· The Glenville Woods property consists of approximately 65 acres adjacent to the Tarrytown Lakes South County Park, Tarrytown Lakes and the Bayer Corporation Property.
· The property has been divided into three lots as follows:
Ø Lot 1: 20.3 acres to be retained by the seller for residential development
Ø Lot 2: 26.4 acres to be conveyed to the Town of Greenburgh and Westchester County as tenants in common
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Ø Lot 3: 18.3 acres to be conveyed to the Open Space Conservancy (OSC)
· The OSC lot will be managed by the Town of Greenburgh under a lease which is currently being negotiated by the Town and OSC. Lot 2 will be used as a public park and will be operated and maintained by the Town and will be open to all County residents.
· The total amount payable to the seller for both lots 2 &3 will be $2.5 million payable as follows: Lot 2: the State of New York will provide a $400,000 grant to the Town, the Town will provide an additional $867,000 and the County will provide $400,000; Lot 3: OSC will pay $833,000.
· Cost is $1 million under the appraised value.
· Acquisition of this property is consistent with Patterns.
· The Town will assume full responsibility and all costs fort the repair, maintenance and operation of approximately 2.04 of county roads in the Town including: .69 miles of Benedict Avenue; .36 miles of Virginia Road; .16 miles of Aqueduct Road; .12 miles of Jackson Avenue and .71 miles of Old Saw Mill River Road.
· Under the terms of the agreement, the Town will operate, maintain and repair Lot 2 and shall indemnify the County for all liability which may arise concerning Lot 2.
· Following transfer of the roads, the Town shall continue to comply with, and agrees that the County Planning Board shall continue to have jurisdiction, as if the roads were still county roads. The Town shall continue to give notice of hearings and refer actions to the County Planning Board; the Planning Board shall continue to have the right to appear at hearings and make recommendations on proposed actions, and the Town shall continue to not act contrary to said recommendations, in accordance with said laws. Committee had a discussion as to the legality of the Planning Board maintaining this jurisdiction and authority once the roads are taken over by the town. Requested an opinion from the County Attorney.
· Planning Board will review the project tomorrow
· Committee did not take action at this time, pending answers to several questions as well as the Planning Board’s approval of the project.
A43: Rye Property Acquisition: Proposed legislation relating to the acquisition by the City of Rye and the County of an interest in approximately 6.74 acres of real property located in the City of Rye. (6/25/01)
· The property is situated on Milton Road adjacent to Playland Parkway. It is currently owned by Tipo of Westchester Corp. and is operated as the Rye Nursery.
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· The property is improved with several structures totaling approximately 15,000 square feet including greenhouses, a small residence, maintenance buildings and a paved parking area.
· The property is located in the Blind Brook sub-watershed of the Long Island Sound Watershed. It is also within the FEMA-designated 100-year floodplain and is characterized by areas of open field, woods, a steam and wetland areas.
· The purchase price for the property is $2.3 million with $1,775,000 to be funded by the County. The balance of the purchase price will be provided by the City of Rye with its own funds as well as grant award funding from the state of New York.
· The County and the City of Rye will hold title as tenants in common.
· The acquisition of the property will provide nearly 7 acres of open space.
· The City will do an evaluation of the structures on the property to determine which may be suitable for re-use and which ones will be removed.
· Committee expressed concern with regard to fertilizer issues. There haven’t been any so far, but city is doing a study & would be responsible
· City will have full responsibility for operation, management and maintenance of the property as a public park open to all county residents.
· City will assume full responsibility of approximately 2.18 miles of county roads, including 1.76 miles of Midland Avenue and .42 miles of Wappanocca Avenue.
· Following transfer of the roads, the City will continue to comply with, and agrees that the County Planning Board will continue to have advisory jurisdiction as if the roads were still county roads. The city will continue to give notice of hearings and refer actions to the County Planning Board and the County Planning Board will continue to have the right to appear at hearings and make recommendations on proposed actions.
· There was a discussion and question as to the criteria for funding this project. Legislator LaMotte explained that In Lewisboro individuals were asked to contribute to the funding and she wondered why no one from the private sector or environmental groups are contributing to this project.
· There is some time sensitivity to this legislation as they are working with a closing date of 8/1
· Committee requested a map showing county roads involved, report from PRC, Commissioner’s report, and finance agreement
· There is no mention of affordable housing being built as they are awaiting info on Theodore Fremd-discussion of possibility of other parcels of land for affordable housing
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On motion of Legislator Latimer, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, the motion to approve this legislation was carried by a vote 8-0 with Legislators LaMotte and Carsky signing “Without Prejudice”.
RECEIVE & FILE:
On motion of Legislator Latimer, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, the motion to Receive and File items B6, B12, B15, B18, B20 & B45 (captioned below) was carried by a vote of 8-0.
6. HON. GEORGE LATIMER: Collection of Taxes: Forwarding a proposal from Yonkers City Councilman Gordon Burrows regarding the manner in which taxes are collected. (3/26/01)
12. HON. GEORGE LATIMER: NYSAC Testimony on 2001-02 Proposed State Budget: Providing the State Testimony from the Executive Director of the New York State Association of Counties, outlining the impact of the Governor’s proposed 2001-02 State Budget on County Government and services. (2/26/01)
15. HON. GEORGE LATIMER: 2002 Capital Project Planning: Forwarding a memorandum from the Planning Department regarding the 2002 Capital Project Planning Process. (5/7/01)
18. HON. GEORGE LATIMER: April 2001 Tobacco Settlement Payment: Forwarding a letter from the New York State Attorney General regarding the expected receipt of the next payment under the tobacco Master Settlement Agreement. (4/23/01)
20.* HON. GEORGE LATIMER: BRI Report: Forwarding a report prepared by the Building and Realty Institute of Westchester regarding the relationship of new housing to school taxes. (6/25/01) (Also referred to Housing)
45. HON. GEORGE LATIMER: IDA Budget: Forwarding the proposed Industrial Development Agency Operating Budget for the year 2001. (1/8/01) (Also referred to Econ. Dev.)
A&C calendar was distributed
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ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further items for discussion, on motion of Legislator Abinanti, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, the meeting was adjourned at 12:00 p.m.