COMMITTEE ON BUDGET AND APPROPRIATION
MINUTES
APRIL 9, 2003
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Budget & Appropriations: Wishnie, Alvarado, Kaplowitz, Stewart-Cousins, Swanson,
Public Works: Ryan, Wishnie
OTHERS PRESENT: CE’s office: B. Randolph, A. Neuman; DPW: R. Butler; DEF: R. Matarrazzo; Planning: F. McLoughlin; Budget: L. Bennett, A. Vietro; BOL Staff: S. Schechter, R. Indelicato, S. Vanderberg, P. Neglia
With a quorum present, the Committee on Budget and Appropriations was called to order at 9:35 a.m.
Minutes
On the motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Swanson, the minutes for March 31, 2003 were approved 5-0.
With a quorum present, Acting Chair Ryan called the Committee on Public Works to order at 9:37 a.m.
ITEM C134
Bond Act for $500,000 dollars (DPW), the project will replace about 1,000 signs (collectively averaging 20 years old) bringing them up to current DOT standards, lessening the County’s risk of liability. The new signage will be aesthetically compatible with the environment and have a 13-14 year reflective year life. Commissioner Butler said the County was responsible for servicing all signage along the Bronx River Parkway.
For Budget: On the motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Stewart-Cousins the item was carried 5-0.
For Public Works: On the motion of Legislator Wishnie, seconded by Legislator Ryan, the item was carried 3-0.
Bond Act for $220,000 dollars (DEF), Deputy Commissioner Matarazzo said this is part of the pump station generator program, which addresses pump stations that lack emergency pump generators. This bond will cover design, management and construction costs.
For Budget: On the motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Alvarado the item was carried 5-0.
For Public Works: On the motion of Legislator Wishnie, seconded by
Legislator Ryan, the item was carried 3-0.
Bond Act for $108,000 dollars (DEF), Mr. Matarazzo said under this project alarms would be installed at 3 pump stations, in the New Rochelle Sewer District, and monitored from the main station 24-hours a day. Problems could be identified and adjustments made remotely. Avoiding the need to send out a crew to rectify problems is both more time efficient and less costly.
For Budget: On the motion of Legislator Stewart-Cousins, seconded by Legislator Alvarado the item was carried 5-0.
For Public Works: On the motion of Legislator Wishnie, seconded by Legislator Ryan, the item was carried 3-0.
Bond Act for $1,120,000 (DEF) for the construction of a building and provide new underground piping at the Peekskill Sewage Treatment Plant, which will control the odors generated there. Mr. Matarrazzo said these improvements would upgrade the plant as a whole. The cost includes in addition to design, construction and management; all permits, certifications and legal fees anticipated due to the nature and scope of this project.
Legislator Wishnie said it was important that the leadership and community be notified of all impending projects.
Several members said it was imperative that Legislator Oros (not in attendance) also be notified of all future projects. Mr. Neuman (CEO) said a meeting would be arranged with DEF at Mr. Oros’ earliest convenience.
For Budget: On the motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded, without prejudice, by Legislator Stewart-Cousins the item was carried 5-0.
For Public Works: On the motion of Legislator Wishnie, seconded by Legislator Ryan, the item was carried 3-0.
This Bond Act for $600,000 (DEF) - odor abatement, North Yonkers Pump Station is requested in anticipation of the impending Beczak Project on the waterfront. The odor abatement project would enclose the area where plant bi-products are visible, improve ventilation, control plant odors and cost more than $2,000,000 dollars. There are presently no odor abatement measures in place. Although there have been no complaints about odor made, the Department felt this would be a proactive step in avoiding possible problems later on.
Legislator Kaplowitz was concerned as to the amount of the bond, and suggested the amount be amended.
Mr. Matarrazzo said bond amounts are based on the suggestion of DPW in lieu of current industry rates. Although the department hopes for a lesser bid than the amount allocated, they believe lowering the bond amount could necessitate their returning for additional funds, thereby delaying the project.
Legislator Stewart-Cousins noted the Beczak Project was a new development in terms of the facility, not location. She was skeptical such a fiscal undertaking was necessary as a preventative measure for a problem that does not yet exist.
The Committee conceded to Mr. Nueman’s suggestion that the bond be held over until tours of the plant could be arranged.
Mr. Boland requested an updated 1920 for this project.
Mr. Boland noted the following items for member review:
# 3-Contract- New Water Service, Mohansic Golf Course, Yorktown
#7-Agreement-Provision of background investigation services- Solid Waste Commission.
With no further business to discuss, the on the motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Alvarado, the meeting was adjourned at 10:25 am.