SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON PARKS & RECREATION
MINUTES
AUGUST 5, 2002
MEMBERS: MOSIELLO, PINTO, ALVARADO
STAFF: ETTERE & NEGLIA
OTHERS: BILL RYAN (LEGISLATOR); BILL RANDOLPH, ANDREW NEUMAN, IAN REILLY, LARRY SCHWARTZ (CE OFFICE); JOE MONTALTO (PLAYLAND); JOSEPH STOUT, DAVE DELUCIA (PARKS); RALPH BUTLER (DPW); GINA D’AGROSA (PLANNING); EDNA SUSSMAN (FCWC)
The meeting was called to order at 1:13 p.m.
BOND ACTS
RGC08 – Authorizing the issuance of $1,000,000 in bonds – Parks, Recreation and Conservation Club House.
This item was discussed at length at a July 8, 2002 joint meeting with the Committees on Budget & Appropriations (B&A) and Public Works (PW).
Ralph Butler, Acting Commissioner of the Department of Public Works (DPW), briefed the Members about the purpose of this bond act. Bond Act RCG08 a 9 million dollar appropriation which funded the golf course, maintenance facility, roadwork, parking lot, landscaping on the course & design of the clubhouse. RGC08 is for the construction of the clubhouse which is the last phase of this project. The clubhouse is @ 3400 sq. ft. and will house a small restaurant/café, small locker rooms, a pro shop area, and a basement which will be used to store the electric carts. Construction of the golf course is well underway and a spring 2004 opening is expected.
Legislator Mosiello stated his position for the record. He informed the Committee that he has not taken a position of support on this project because he felt there was an effort to circumvent the law with regard to the County’s 10 million bond cap. He disagrees with the County Attorney’s ruling that this project did not conflict with that provision. He also stated that as Chairman of the Committee he does not intend to block any items from going to the floor for a full Board vote but made it clear that this Committee looks at projects at a “what’s best for the Westchester County
SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON PARKS & RECREATION
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parks system” perspective as opposed to the monetary issue which he feels should be under the scrutiny of the B&A Committee.
Legislator Pinto made a motion to approve Bond Act RGC08 and was seconded by Legislator Alvarado. The vote was 3-0 with Legislator Mosiello signing “without prejudice”.
RCP09 – Authorizing the issuance of $500,000 in bonds – Parks, Recreation and Conservation Croton Point Seawall Stabilization.
This item was discussed at length at a July 8, 2002 joint meeting with the Committees on Budget & Appropriations (B&A) and Public Works (PW).
Dave DeLucia, Department of Parks, Recreation & Conservation (PRC), stated that this bond act is for the design and in depth study (archeological & structural research) to see how the County can best fix/repair/replace the Croton Point Seawall (which is expected to be a 10 million dollar project). It will also fund the construction documents and is a necessary appropriation.
Legislator Pinto made a motion to approve Bond Act RCP09 and was seconded by Legislator Alvarado. The vote was 3-0.
RBR01 – Authorizing the issuance of $150,000 in bonds – Parks, Recreation and Conservation Bronx River Reservation Pathways.
Dave DeLucia, PRC, informed the Committee that the County has been talking about connecting the missing link of the Bronx River Parkway Pathway for over 20 years. The pathway runs from Bronxville to the Kensico Dam. Last winter, the County had researched the option of creating a continuous path and found that it was possible. These funds will pay for the study and design of this portion of the Pathway. The estimated cost of construction is @ ½ –1 million dollars. D21/railroad funds will most likely be available, which will lessen the cost to Westchester County.
Legislator Pinto made a motion to approve Bond Act RBR01 and was seconded by Legislator Alvarado. The vote was 3-0 with Legislator Mosiello signing “without prejudice”.
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RP044 – Authorizing the issuance of $300,000 in bonds – Design of new pool facilities at Playland Park.
Joe Montalto, Director of Playland Park, informed the Committee that the pool is in poor condition. There is a leak that is beyond repair and the surrounding area is detioriating. It is more cost effective to build a new pool than to fix the current damage.
Legislator Pinto made a motion to approve Bond Act RP044 and was seconded by Legislator Alvarado. The vote was 3-0.
ITEM #17 – DELLWOOD PROPERTY LEASE AGREEMENT
Larry Schwartz addressed the Committee on this item. He informed the Committee that sometime ago Gene Conroy was looking to build affordable senior housing in White Plains. The City of White Plains directed him to the Pettinichi property but because of the height and density of the project the Wood Crest Heights Civic Association, Legislator Ryan and the Administration were opposed. Mayor Delfino and the City of White Plains had always expressed an interest in the Dellwood property (which is general municipal land – not parkland) because it was the only available property that was not landlocked. They were interested in opening it up to White Plains residents to be used in some positive, recreational way. The County also expressed an interest, at the City’s cost, to open that land to all County residents. Legislators Ryan & Bronz had been involved in a number of conversations. When Gene Conroy withdrew his interest in building senior housing in the City of White Plains, all involved agreed on a revised plan. It was a proposal to build 17 affordable townhouses on the Pettinichi property. This property is @ 9 acres and only about 1 acre will be used to build and the rest will be preserved as open space. The City asked that we offer first choice to City employees (such as police, fire, and teachers). It was also agreed that the County enter into a 30 yr. lease (maximum allowed under charted) with the City of White Plains to operate and maintain the Dellwood property as an “open area”. The City would also fund and reconstruct an existing driveway and utilities, etc.. It will be open to all County residents. Mr. Schwartz also expressed the Administration’s desire to have both proposals, Pettinichi and Dellwood, passed simultaneously.
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Legislator Alvarado made a motion to sign out Item #17 for public hearing only and was seconded by Legislator Pinto. The vote was 3-0.
MINUTES
Legislator Alvarado made a motion to approve the minutes of May 13, May 20th (joint w/ LEG), June 24 & July 8, 2002 (joint w/ B&A & PW) and was seconded by Legislator Pinto. The vote was 3-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 2:06 p.m.