PRESENT: Chair: Pinto. Members: Abinanti, Carsky, Latimer, Maisano, Noto, Ryan, and Wishnie. Staff: Hoch, Vita.

ALSO PRESENT: Legislators Ursula LaMotte, District 2, Tom Abinanti, District 12; Anthony M. Landi, Commissioner-DPW/DEF; Sal Celona, Commissioner-PRC; Sal Celona, Director of Water Quality-DEF; Joyce Lannert, Commissioner-Planning; Leslie Bennett, Deputy Director-Budget; John Hsu, Deputy Commissioner-DPW; Robert Kopenhaver, Budget Analyst; Lowell Tooley, President-Bronx River Conservancy.

Mr. Pinto called the meeting to order at 4:45 p.m.

Mr. Pinto said Chairman Latimer referred this item to the Committees on Legislation and Public Works by unanimous consent on April 26, 1999. The Act authorizes the Board to approve the abolishment of Westchester County Water District #4 via referendum.

Mr. Celona gave a brief history of Water District #4, which was created in 1983, comprised of portions of the City and Town of Rye and the Villages of Port Chester and Rye Brook. The district was created for several purposes, such as financing capital improvements; represent resident in water rate proceedings and studying the feasibility of acquiring the New York-American Water Company. In time, the Company made the needed capital improvements, counsel was hired to represent residents in rate proceedings, and reasons that created the District no longer exist. Mr. Celona said it would be in the best interest of the residents to dissolve the District by County Board approval and subject to referendum on the November 2, 1999 ballot.

*For additional information, a tape is on file.

Mr. Latimer asked if all government leaders were aware of the issue and had the opportunity to review all alternatives and recommendations, Mr. Celona replied yes.

Mr. Wishnie asked if there were any County operating funds for administrative costs, Ms. Bennett replied that the Water Agency received approximately 10% to 15% of the costs.

On the motion of Legislator Noto, seconded by Legislator Latimer, the Act was approved by a vote of 8-0.

Mr. Pinto said Board Analyst, Bob Boland asked the members of this committee to review the cost replacement of the guardrails along the Bronx River Parkway and various roads throughout the County.

Commissioner Landi said the work under this contract (No. 99-235) provides all labor, material, and equipment required for the removal and replacement of guardrails along the Bronx River Parkway and various county roads for a three-year period.

Mr. Landi illustrated the various railings used by the County which consisted of wood with steel posts, steel posts with wood, cable wiring with wood posts and concrete with weave steel, all of which are on various portion of the parkway and the roads.

Mr. Landi said the railings (rustic boxed) have been crashed tested and are preferred by the BRP Conservancy, but it is more expensive than others. He also mentioned these were recommended by the Department of Public Works and will be used in a proposed pilot program.

Mr. Tooley thanked the membership for the opportunity to discuss this issue and gave a brief history of the Bronx River Parkway

In light of the current reconstruction of the Harney Road Bridge, Mr. Tooley suggests the County use the timber beam and post to replace the existing damaged guardrail around the bridge area as a pilot project. This would be used only of the BRP and maybe look to other areas to make the same installation. He also suggests the pilot program to include signs, bridge, and all that would make the Parkway look attractive again. The committee members agreed to move forward with the different railing only to be used as an experimental pilot program.

Commissioner DeSantis said the Bronx River Parkway is preserved as a park and being the first parkway and most scenic in the County, he is concerned with turning it into a highway. Mr. DeSantis understands the need for the guardrails, but only by the standards set by the NYS Department of Transportation. There are concerns with road erosion, curbing, and speed limits and speeding, these are the issues that need to be addressed in order to keep the BRP a parkway, not a highway. Deterrents are needed to eliminate these problems and he is willing to assist the Conservancy and make recommendations to improve and protect the conditions of the parkway.

The members discussed various deterrents to keep the parkway safe, such as prohibiting oversized on the parkway, increasing police patrols, installing speed traps and enforcing speed limits. Also discussed were the difference between costs and liability of the various types of railings.

On the motion of Legislator Wishnie, seconded by Legislator Maisano, the members approved A & C Contract No. 99-235, for repairs and replacement of various guardrails along the Bronx River Parkway and various County roads. The Committee also approved a pilot program with different railing along Harney Road.

With no other business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m.