COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS

 

MINUTES: MAY 16, 2005

BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS MEMBERS: Chair: Kaplowitz; Legislators: Abinanti, Alvarado, Bronz, LaMotte, Myers, Oros, Rogowsky, Ryan, Spreckman, Stewart-Cousins, Wishnie

ENVIRONMENT MEMBERS: Chair: Abinanti; Legislators: Kaplowitz, LaMotte, Maisano, Myers, Rogowsky, Ryan

PARKS & RECREATION MEMBERS: Chair: Alvarado; Legislators: Myers, Pinto, Ryan, Spreckman,

PUBLIC WORKS MEMBERS: Chair: Young; Legislators: Myers, Pinto, Ryan, Spreckman

IN ATTENDANCE: CE’s office: B. Randolph, K. Ryan, A. Neuman; Budget: K. Carrano, L. Bennett, A. Vietro; DEF: J. Phelan; Parks: J. Stout, D. McBride, D. DeLucia; Law: L. Alesio, S. Gerry; Planing: G. D’Agrossa; R. Pozzi; Finance: P. Pucillo; A. Paulin, L. Kessler; E. Hathaway, citizen; J. Nordaren, B. Tetuch, Ferderated Conservationists; P. Marrafino, New Rochelle Waterfront Advisory; K. Gilwitt, Rew Rochelel Sound Report; M. Dolan, Citizens Campaign for Environment; LWV/CBAC: B. Strauss; K. Eddings, Journal News; H. Corbin; BOL: B. Boland, S. Bass, R. Indelicato, S. Vanderberg, J. Perez, D. Toledo, S. Pomerantz

With a quorum present, the Committee on Budget and Appropriations was called to order at 10:10 a.m.

MINUTES

On the motion of Legislator Wishnie, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the minutes for May 2 and May 9, 2005 were approved unanimously.

ITEM A4

Legislation revising the County’s Investment Policy as recommended by the Commissioner of Finance. The proposed revisions include the addition of a new depository and changes to the total dollar limits for some of the depositories.

On the motion of Legislator Wishnie, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz the item carried 9-0.

With a quorum present, the Committee on Public Works was called to order at 10:15 am.

A21

An Act modifying the Peekskill Sanitary Sewer District with the addition of 1 parcel, 1 Red Oak Trail, Cortlandt. This parcel was never part of the District.

For Budget: On the motion of Legislator Wishnie, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz the item carried 8-0.

For Public Works:On the motion of Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator Wishnie the item carried 4-0.

The Committee on Public Works adjourned and with a quorum present the Committee on Parks was called to order at 10:18 am.

A14/C133

Both committees unanimously received & filed the original legislation.

An Act amending the 2005 Capital budget in order to provide funding for an unexpected increase in the cost of constructing a memorial in remembrance of those residents of Westchester County who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Also enclosed is a Bond Act authorizing the issuance of up to $200,000 in additional bonds to finance the cost of constructing the memorial.

The actual memorial will not be complete on September 11, 2005 due to global shortage of steel. Do not expect to use entire amount. Whatever monies are raised will go towards the repayment of the bonds and fund raising efforts will continue.

A new fact sheet reflecting the entire project including all changes, will be provided.

For Budget: On the motion of Legislator Wishnie, seconded by Legislator Bronz the item carried 10-0. Legislators Rogowsky, LaMotte and Oros voted without prejudice.

For Parks:On the motion of Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator Spreckman the item carried 4-0.

A20

An IMA with the City of Mount Vernon and the Village of Bronxville for a license to operate and maintain the County park-Scout Field. The City and Village will pay the County a total annual license fee of $200 and shall us e Scout Field as a municipal recreational facility.

The City of Yonkers was asked but has opted not to be a part of this IMA.

It was requested that the legislation be amended to include the fact that the Park is located in the City of Yonkers.

For Budget: On the motion of Legislator Spreckman, seconded by Legislator Rogowsky the item carried as amended 10-0.

For Parks: On the motion of Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator Myers the item carried as amended 5-0.

C147

An Act issuing $150,000 in Bonds to fund the cost of improvements to Scout Field ball field and area including the stabilization, ecological restoration and environmental enhancements of the Bronx River.

For Budget: On the motion of Legislator Spreckman, seconded by Legislator Wishnie the item carried as amended 9-0.

C152

An Act issuing $400,000 in Bonds to fund the cost of construction of a new cart storage building, landscaping and associated site work at the Dunwoodie golf course in Yonkers.

For Budget: On the motion of Legislator Spreckman, seconded by Legislator Stewart-Cousins the item carried as amended 7-0.

A5

An Act authorizing the settlement of the lawsuit entitled Josephine Barletts and Michael Barletta v. Juan Tejeda, Fernando Tejeda, Nicholas Mascia, Elizabeth Mascia and the County of Westchester in the amount not to exceed $150,000. The proposed settlement requires the County to pay the plaintiffs $150,000; co-defendants J. Tejeda and F. Tejeda - $100,000 and the Mascia’s $50,000.

For Budget: On the motion of Legislator Wishnie, seconded by Legislator Abinanti the item carried as amended 9-0.

A11

An Act compromising the County’s right to be reimbursed for health care and wage benefits was held until such time as Legislator Abinanti is able to discuss in greater detail with the County Attorney’s office off-line.

The Committee on Environment convened at 11:16 am.

A31

An Act and Resolution authorizing the County to submit a joint application with the City of New Rochelle to NYS Department of Environmental Conservation for grant funding pursuant to the State Restoration Program for additional investigation and remediation of environmental conditions at Davids Island in furtherance of the County’s intent to acquire fee title in Davids Island form the city for parkland purposes.

$60,000 is coming from feasibility studies, original environmental hotspots are a result of the former military base’s hospital and other facilities, the base ceased to operate in the 1960’s. This action is part of the County’s due diligence prior to actually acquiring the island.

For Budget: On the motion of Legislator Myers, seconded by Legislator Bronz the item carried as amended 11-0.

For Environment: On the motion of Legislator Myers, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz the item carried 7-0.

For Parks: On the motion of Legislator Myers, seconded by Legislator Pinto the item carried as amended 5-0.

With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 11:34 am.