COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS
MINUTES: August 1, 2005
BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS MEMBERS: Chair: Kaplowitz; Legislators: Alvarado, Bronz, LaMotte, Meyers, Ryan, Stewart-Cousins
HOUSING MEMBERS: Chair: Bronz; Legislators: Alvarado, Pinto
TECHNOLOGY MEMBERS: Chair: LaMotte; Legislators: Pinto
IN ATTENDANCE: CE’s office: B. Randolph, A. Neuman, S. Carrera; Budget: L. Bennett, A. Vietro; Planning: N. Drummond, S. Marino, L. Kelly, E. Hoffmeister, E. Cavorti, F. McLaughlin; Law: L. Alesio; Finance: S. Broege; W.C.C.: J. Hankin, S. Phillips, L. Torrieri, F. Boyar; DEF: R. Matarazzo; I.T.: A. Elliott, S. Wear; LWV: B. Strauss; D. Hughes, Constituent; BOL: B. Boland, R. Indelicato, S. Vanderberg, M. Nardi, Intern
With a quorum present, the Budget & Appropriations Committee was called to order at 10:17 a.m.
A13
An Act authorizing the conveyance of 0.13 acres of County-owned property, located along Elm Street in the Village of Dobbs Ferry, to the Village of Ardsley. It has been decided the property, a small portion of the County’s Putnam Right-of-Way parcel that was acquired in the early 1990’s, is not needed for any County purpose, nor is it anticipated to ever be. In accordance with Local Law 221-2001, the property was first offered and declined by Dobbs Ferry. Ardsley expressed an interest in the property which borders both Villages.
The property will be used as a parking and lawn area for those accessing the South County Trailway from Ardsley. The property will be purchased for $1.00. A clause in the deed will revert the property to the County if parking improvements are not completed in 5 years or if it ceases to be used for park and municipal purposes.
On the motion of Legislator Bronz, seconded by Legislator Myers, the item carried 6-0.
A&C Item
A Resolution for the County to enter into a lease agreement with 222 Mamaroneck Avenue, LLC for space located at the same for a 5 year term commencing 1/1/06 and terminating on 12/31/10. The 2,600 square foot space, located on the first floor will is occupied by the Office of Tourism. The base annual rent of $76,081.75 will be paid in equal monthly installments of $6,340.15.
A charge of $35.00 per hour will be charged for use before or after business hours. 3 reserved parking spaces will be provided as part of this use.
Mr. Carerra, director of Economic Development and Real Estate, explained the space is retail space that usually goes for more than the agreed current base rent of $29.26 dollars per square foot. The rent includes electrical costs, which are usually separate. Although retail space usually costs much more than commercial space, it was decided Tourism needed the visibility that retail space offered. The Human Rights office is located on the second floor of the building.
A time line for the Departmental moves facilitated by Probation’s move from 112 East Post Road was requested.
Mr. Carrera also informed members his expertise was requested by Pitt Associates in regards to 2 real estate leases entered into by the Medical Center in Orange County. The short termed lease space is currently being sublet, the longer termed larger space, a totally equipped turnkey doctor’s practice is vacant. The 18 year lease was entered into 2 years ago; the current balance is $432,000. If the lease is reneged upon, the Medical Center will be responsible for the rent until the space is occupied.
Members inquired if the lease was approved by the Medical Board.
With a quorum present, the Committee on Technology convened at !0:39 am.
C144(BIT09)
A $230,000 Bond Act to fund the purchase of hardware, software and consulting services for the development of GIS applications and infrastructure used in among other areas, mapping, environmental reviews, emergency response planning and the integration of geographic information into other County Databases. There are several projects scheduled for 2005.
For Budget: On the motion of Legislator Bronz, seconded by Legislator Myers, the item carried 7-0.
For Technology: On the motion of Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the item carried 3-0.
MINUTES
On the motion of Legislator Bronz, seconded by Legislator Stewart-Cousins, the minutes for July 11, 2005 were approved as amended, unanimously.
ITEM A1
Acceptance of a gift of books valued at $660.00 from Arthur Hurlbut to be used at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation and various County Parks.
On the motion of Legislator LaMotte, seconded by Legislator Alvarado, the item carried 7-0.
Item A2
A package of court ordered refunds totaling $2,918,553.17 to be paid by the Commissioner of Finance.
On the motion of Legislator Stewart-Cousins seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the item carried 7-0.
ITEM A8
An Act authorizing the retention of Ohrenstein & Brown, LLP as of Counsel to the County Attorney, to represent the County and County Executive in a lawsuit entitled DiBattista et al v. County of Westchester et al. Plaintiffs in the case contend the County was in breach of contract when it increased the amount of health care co-payments and deductibles for retired CSEA employees, effective September 1, 2004.
This law firm was selected for its expertise in this area and previous experience with the County. The rate of pay is $180 per hour for a total not to exceed amount of $50,000; the total not to exceed amount for 2005 is $20,000.
On the motion of Legislator Myers, seconded by Legislator Stewart-Cousins the item carried 7-0, as corrected.
A20
A Resolution authorizing an application be filed for a grant from the Hudson river Estuary Program as required by the New York State DEC in an amount not to exceed $30,000 ($22,500 in grant funds and $7,500 in County matching funds). Upon approval of said request, a project agreement will be entered into enabling the County to continue assisting local governments in building a GIS Database and establishing base line parcel level data for municipal open space plans. The grant will cover all work involved.
On the motion of Legislator Stewart-Cousins seconded by Legislator Bronz, the item carried 6-0.
C169(SPK20)
$1,425,000 in Bonds to finance a Forcemain Rehabilitation project at the Peekskill Waste Water Treatment Plant. The bonding will fund the design and construction management for the repair and/or replacement of the existing 2 focemains at Water Street and the installation of an additional forcemain.
On the motion of Legislator Kaplowitz seconded by Legislator Myers, the item carried 6-0.
C171(SBV20)
$600,000 in Bonds to finance a Forcemain Rehabilitation Project at the Bronx Valley Sanitary Sewer District. The bonding will fund the design and construction management for the repair and/or replacement of the existing line and the installation of a backup forcemain for the Sprain Lift forcemain.
An amended version will be provided reflecting addition of standard language.
On the motion of Legislator Bronz, seconded by Legislator Alvarado, the item carried 6-0.
A18- WCC BUDGET REVIEW
Dr. Hankin, President Westchester Community college provided members with a complete review of the college’s proposed 2005/2006 Capital and Operating Budgets (a copy is on file for review upon request).
The Committee has recommended a Sponsor Contribution Addition of $140,000 to fund the cost of two new faculty members.
On the motion of Legislator Stewart-Cousins, seconded by Legislator Bronz, the item carried 6-0 with the noted addition.
Committee on Housing convened at 11:47 am.
A16/C180(BPL01)
Legislation authorizing the County to enter into an inter-municipal agreement with Yonkers in connection with the Housing Implementation fund project known as 217-227 South Waverly Street Affordable Housing Project. In addition to the IMA, the legislation includes $385,000 in Bonds for infrastructure improvements associated with the project. $350,000 for public infrastructure improvements and $35,000 for related County soft costs.
Members inquired why the Westchester IDA and not the Yonkers IDA were participating in the project. The inclusion of specific language was requested, and a revised version will be provided.
For Budget: On the motion of Legislator Alvarado, seconded by Legislator Stewart-Cousins the item carried 6-0, as amended.
For Housing: On the motion of Legislator Alvarado, seconded by Legislator Pinto, the item carried 4-0, as amended.
With no further business to discuss the meeting adjourned at 12 pm.
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