COMMITTEE ON BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS
MINUTES
JULY 29, 2002
ATTENDANCE:
B&A MEMBERS: Wishnie, LaMotte, Stewart-Cousins,
Alvarado, Swanson, Latimer, Abinanti
OTHERS: Planning: Fran McLaughlin; Parks:
Jack Robbins, Joe Stout, Joseph Montalto; DPW: Ralph Butler; C.E. Office: Ian Riley-Clendenen (Intern), Andrew Neuman, Bill Randolph, Larry Schwartz; CBAC: Arthur Stampleman, Fran MacEachron; CBAC/LWVW: Barbara Strauss; Budget: Arthur Vietro, Kate Carrano, Robert Kopenhaver, Meredith Glenn-Waltham; County Police: Bill Rehm; Journal News: Keith Eddings: County Association: Larry Dwyer; West/Putnam Central
Labor Body AFL-CIO: Carol Craft; LWV: Rosemary MacLaughlin; WCCFT: Anne D’Orazio, Donald Wyngil, James Cobb, Jack Stadler; WCCF: Nina Jones Fink; WCC: Timothy s. Carey, Shirley Contino Phillips, Hammond, Marge Glusker, Betty Hinkel, Ann Keefman, Valerie Sommerville,Elinor Urstadt, Barbara Marks, Betsy Stern, Betty Wamsley, Alison Bert, John Flynn, Fred Boyar, Nelson Huang, President Joe Hankin; BOL: Peter Neglia, Sally Schecter
The meeting was called to order at 9:25 a.m. by Chair Richard Wishnie.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION:
On the motion of Legislator Alvarado, seconded by Legislator Stewart-Cousins, the minutes were accepted by a vote of 5-0. Legislators Latimer and Abinanti were out for the vote.
JOINT MEETING WITH PUBLIC WORKS:
On the motion of Legislator Pinto, the Public Works Committee was called to order with Legislators Wishnie and Rogowsky present.
This bonding is to finance an archeological study, design and administrative expenses associated with the stabilization of the seawall at Croton Point Park in Croton-on-Hudson.
Two points were made by Commissioner Butler –the area is eroding because of the tides and the wall is adjacent to the playground area. A design consultant that specializes in sea walls will be hired to dive in the area and examine the full extent of the damages. The wall is approximately 4000 feet but it is not known if the entire wall needs to be replaced. An RFP will be issued for the consultant. The life of the wall is approximately 40 to 50 years. The County will only bond for the amount that is needed. The bonding will be done in 2003 and will appear in the budget in 2004.
On the motion of Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator Wishnie for the Public Works Committee, the motion was carried by a vote of 3-0 with Legislator Rogowsky signing “without prejudice.”
On the motion of Legislator Alvarado, seconded by Legislator LaMotte for the Budget & Appropriation Committee, the motion was carried by a vote of 5-0 with Legislators Alvarado, Stewart-Cousins, LaMotte, and Swanson signing “without prejudice.” Legislators Abinanti and Latimer were out for the vote.
Item C84 Hudson Hills Club House $1,000,000 RGC08: This bonding is to finance construction of a new clubhouse building containing facilities to support golf play, cart storage and a caretaker’s apartment.
Deputy County Executive Larry Schwartz made the presentation. He has been overseeing construction of this golf course. It will be the 6th golf course that the County owns. All holes will be ready in early September and he has extended an invitation to all legislators to visit the site at that time. It will be open to the public in 2004. The carts will be electric and not gas. The course will be very challenging. Mr. Schwartz asked that the legislators move on this bonding so the project will be completed on schedule. The number of carts and the storage area meet the requirements of OSHA. The storage area doesn’t need to be fireproof because the carts are electric. The living quarters for a caretaker is not being finished at this time. Four of our courses have caretakers. Willson Woods does not because of the proximity of the neighbors. The greens fees will be the same as Bethpage which is a premier golf course - $39-$40. Legislator Rogowsky pointed out that this bond was for the construction, - we have already paid for the design. He requested design information. Legislator Swanson pointed out that archeological work was done under a different bond – BPL2A. Mr. Schwartz gave his word that it will be his responsibility to see that the information he has presented is accurate and he will follow this closely to be sure money is not spent that doesn’t have to be.
On the motion of Legislator Rogowsky, seconded by Legislator Wishnie for the Public Works Committee, the motion was carried by a vote of 3-0. On the motion of Legislator Alvarado, seconded by Legislator Stewart Cousins for Budget & Appropriation, the motion was carried by a vote of 4-1 with Legislator Swanson voting no and Legislator LaMotte voting “without prejudice.” Legislators Abinanti and Latimer were out for the vote.
Item C85, Bronx River Reservation Pathway $150,000, RBR01: This money is to be used to finance the design of a new pathway in the Bronx River Reservation from the Crane Road Bridge at the Scarsdale/Greenburgh border to the County Tennis Club north of Fennimore Road in Scarsdale.
The Governor had announced that there was money available for the Pathway from Palmer Avenue South. Is it possible for the County to obtain some funding from the State for the Pathway? Legislator Carsky had requested this in the hopes that people would walk to the train station and take some of the pressure off of the parking lot.
On the motion of Legislator Wishnie, seconded by Legislator Pinto for the Public Works Committee, the motion was carried by a vote of 2-1 with Legislator Rogowsky voting no. On the motion of Legislator LaMotte, seconded by Legislator Alvarado for the Budget & Appropriation Committee, the motion was carried by a vote of 4-1 with Legislator Swanson voting no. Legislators Latimer and Abinanti were out for the vote.
On the motion of Legislator Rogowsky, seconded by Legislator Wishnie, the motion to adjourn the Public Works Committee was carried by a vote of 3-0.
Item C46, Various Rides and Components, $670,000, RP23A: This legislation is to finance repair and restoration of the historic rides and structures at Playland Park in the city of Rye, including design and reconstruction of the Dragon Coaster tunnel, installation of protective doors for the Derby Racer and repairs to the Carousel.
All of the above are 74 years old and there is a need to preserve the rides. The derby is one of three steeple- chases in the world and it is the only one that has the original jogging motion. The doors would be used to protect the ride in the winter. The dragon coaster tunnel is incomplete. The original was much longer. Parks would like to restore it to what it was supposed to be. They hope to receive some grant money. The roof on the Carousel has been replaced and there is an enclosure but the ceiling and the organ need to be repaired.
On the motion of Legislator Alvarado, seconded by Legislator Stewart- Cousins, the motion was carried by a vote of 4-1 with Legislator LaMotte voting “without prejudice” and Legislator Swanson voting no. Legislators Latimer and Abinanti were out for the vote.
Item C47, Playland Master Plan - $250,000, RP035: This legislation would finance the development of a comprehensive master plan for Playland Park and the Edith Read Nature Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in the City of Rye. The Parks Committee held three public hearings and issued a report that indicated the response from the public was positive toward Playland.
On the motion of Legislator Alvarado and seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the motion was carried by a vote of 5-0 with Legislators Latimer and Abinanti out for the vote.
Item C75, PRC General Infrastructure – $770,000, RGIP7: This legislation would finance construction of improvements to playgrounds at the active recreation areas of the following parks: Blue Mountain Reservation; Croton Gorge; Croton Point; George’s Island; Kingsland Point; Mountain Lakes; and Ward Pound Ridge. The areas include picnic grounds with play equipment, picnic tables, grills, trash receptacles, benches and playing fields. The work will include the installation of play equipment and safety surface. In addition, wood edging, benches, asphalt walks will be replaced or installed, as well as associated landscaping which may include grading and drainage, tree and shrub planting, and the establishment of lawn areas.
On the motion of Legislator Alvarado, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the motion was carried by a vote of 3-2. Legislators Swanson and Stewart-Cousins voted no and Legislators Latimer and Abinanti were out for the vote.
President Hankin of Westchester Community College introduced the people from the College that attended the meeting and thanked Betsy Stern, president of the Foundation. He went on to explain the mission of the College is to educate anyone. He feels he cannot ask the students for a tuition increase of $100 per year. A folder was handed out containing all sorts of information about the College. This is the first time that President Hankin did not agree with the Executive Branch concerning the College’s budget. President Hankin feels he can get health insurance for less than he is paying the County, he is also concerned that the County will only fund the satellite campuses this year and then it will be the responsibility of the College. He will continue to negotiate with the Administration. The public hearing is scheduled for August 5. The budget has to be passed by August 19.
On the motion of Legislator Alvarado, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the Budget & Appropriation Committee was adjourned at 12 noon.