SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON PARKS & RECREATION
MINUTES
APRIL 28, 2003
MEMBERS: MOSIELLO, ALVARADO, PINTO, SPRECKMAN
STAFF: ETTERE & NEGLIA
OTHERS: BILL RANDOLPH (CE OFFICE); COMMISSIONER JOE STOUT & DAVID DELUCIA (PRC); DIRECTOR JOE MONTALTO (PLAYLAND)
The meeting was called to order at 1:00 p.m.
MINUTES
Legislator Alvarado made a motion to approve the minutes of October 7, 2002; February 10 and March 10, 2003 and it was seconded by Legislator Pinto. The vote was 4-0.
A&C Agenda Item # 7 – 4/3/03
Item # 7 – Requesting authority to enter into a revenue share agreement with Fitraco, N.V., Jordanenskaai 25 B-2000, Antwerpen, Belgium for the license of the “Crazy Mouse” and “Volare” Amusement Park rides.
This A&C item was not held over with the understanding that Joe Montalto, Director of Playland, come before the Committee to review this item.
Mr. Montalto explained to the Members that the “Hurricane” ride has had a significant decline in revenue and ridership so it will be replaced by the “Volare” ride in 2004. The proposed agreement will require Fitraco, N.V. to deliver and install the “Crazy Mouse” ride at Playland for operation in the 2003 season and the “Volare” ride for operation in the 2004 season. Each of the two rides will be covered by a one-year warranty for parts and labor. Playland is responsible for the maintenance. The agreement is for a term commencing May 1, 2003 and terminating March 31, 2014. The proposed agreement provides for no county outlay of funds, since the revenues generated by the rides will be shared between the County and Fitraco, N.V. This agreement will bring the County 600K cash this year and then an estimated 11 million in revenue over the course of 10 years for a profit of about 4 ½ million. Mr. Montalto feels that this is a conservative projected number based on 250K/year in ridership. Projected revenues over the next 10 years takes into consideration increase in ticket prices and ridership. The “Volare” ride is in need of a concrete slab for installation that the seller will be responsible for financing. Playland is to assist with manpower and
SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON PARKS & RECREATION
MINUTES - APRIL 28, 2003
PAGE 2
tools. An incentive of revenue sharing is that if the ride becomes non-operational the owner loses out on revenue. Owners of all rides leased or revenue shared have to produce product liability insurance every year.
Legislator Mosiello thanked Mr. Montalto for coming before the Committee and answering all of his concerns on record.
Item # 51 - Croton Point Park Feasibility Study
This is an act to accept a $25K grant from NYSDEC. Proceeds of the grant will be used to conduct a feasibility study and design of an interpretive center utilizing an existing building at Croton Point Park. The County will match the state funding by contributing $25K in capital funds.
Legislator Pinto made a motion to accept the grant and it was seconded by Legislator Alvarado. The vote was 4-0.
BOND ACT - RGC10
RGC10 is a proposed bond act amending an initial authorization of $1,705,000 by $600,000 for a total of $2,305,000 in bonds – Sprain Lake Golf Course and Dunwoodie Golf Course improvements.
PRC stated that due to cost savings measures employed during the Sprain Lake rehabilitation surplus funds are available. Approval from the BOL is needed in order to roll the savings over to another project. They would like to use those funds to expand the scope of the Act to include improvements at Dunwoodie consisting of additional site work associated with the tee and green rehabilitation at the course, including fencing improvements.
On motion of Legislator Spreckman, seconded by Legislator Pinto the Bond Act (RGC10) was approved by a vote of 4-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:25 p.m.