COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS
MINUTES: May 10, 2004
BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS MEMBERS: Chair: Kaplowitz; Legislators: Bronz, LaMotte, Mosiello, Oros, Rogowsky, Stewart-Cousins, Ryan
GUESTS: CE’s office: B. Randolph, K. Ryan; Budget: K. Carrano, L. Bennett, A. Vietro; PW: R. Butler; Planning: P. Natarelli, N. MacMillan, F. McLaughlin, L. Kelly; DOT: L. Salley, Law: L. Alesio; Parks: D. McBride; J. Madeo, J. Mounty-Mountco Co.; A. Annunziata, Builders Inst. West.; LWV: B. Strauss, F. MacEchren; K. Eddings, Journal News; M. Bodin, J. Pollak; H. Corbin; BOL: B. Boland, R. Indelicato, S. Vanderberg, S. Bass
With a quorum present, the Committee on Budget and Appropriations was called to order at 10:15 a.m.
Legislator Kaplowitz circulated 2 letters from the County’s State delegation regarding the County’s appropriation of State Transit Operating Assistance funds.
Copies of each are on file for review.
ITEM A18
An Act compromising the County’s claim to be reimbursed for health care benefits paid to a County Employee.
On the motion of Legislator Bronz, seconded by Legislator Rogowsky the item carried 8-0.
ITEM A20
An Act extending an IMA with Rockland County, accepting a $60,000 grant from New York State and to enter into IMA’s with various Hudson River Communities. All related to the “Riverwalk Project”. All money is to be channeled through a trust fund.
A list of the Trust Account numbers was requested.
On the motion of Legislator Oros, seconded by Legislator Rogowsky the item carried 8-0.
ITEM A11
An Act authorizing Use and Dissemination agreements with various municipalities for the use of New York State’s traffic and Criminal Software.
With a quorum present, the Committee on Public Safety was called to order at 10:33 am.
For Budget: On the motion of Legislator Oros, seconded by Legislator Rogowsky the item carried 8-0.
For Public Safety: On the motion of Legislator Rogowsky, seconded by Legislator Mosiello the item carried 4-0.
The Committee on Public Safety adjourned at 10:38 am.
ITEM 1st Quarter Forecast
County Budget Director Kate Carrano provided the following highlights during her first quarter forecast presentation:
A return to fund balance of $6,095,599
No significant changes to Governor’s budget expected
July 1st “late start” in the implementation of the new Auto Vehicles charges resulting in $3.3 million shortfall.
No change in retirement system billing cycle or rate
No early retirement incentive
Amount of contingency line in Misc. budget will be expensed by year’s end
Sales tax on target
Mortgage tax will meet budget targets
A complete copy of the Forecast is on file for review.
ITEM C26(B0018)
Issuance of $180,000 in bonds to finance an upgrade to the Fire Alarm System at the Valhalla Campus. This appropriation will fund the design and construction management of the upgrade.
On the motion of Legislator Stewart-Cousins, seconded by Legislator LaMotte the item carried 7-0.
ITEM C38(RCP7E)
Issuance of $200,000 in bonds to finance the to finance the construction of a comfort station adjacent to the ball field site at Croton Point Park, including , associated site work and landscaping.
It was decided the item would be held until further discussion could be had.
ITEM C39(RG1P8)
Issuance of $100,000 in bonds to finance general infrastructure various dams and bridges.
It was decided the item would be held until further discussion could be had.
ITEM C40(RKD01)
Issuance of $540,000 in bonds to finance Kensico Dam Plaza infrastructure improvements.
It was decided the item would be held until further discussion could be had.
ITEM C60(T012C)
An Act to amend the County’s 2004 Capital Budget in order to increase the 2004 appropriation for the 30-foot Bus Acquisition Program by $2,200,000 and issue a related bond act in the amount of $1,179,000 to finance the purchase of up to 21-30 foot transit vehicles, spare parts and equipment.
On the motion of Legislator Bronz, seconded by Legislator Stewart-Cousins the item carried 5-0, Legislator Mosiello voted without prejudice.
With a quorum present, the Committee on Housing convened at 11:55 am.
ITEM A12/C21
An Act authorizing the county to purchase and convey 12,450 sq. feet of real property located at 153-157 S. Fifth Ave. in Mount Vernon for the purpose of developing 82 units of affordable housing units. Also attached is a $1,045,000 in Bond Act to finance this purchase. Extensive discussion ensued regarding the appraisal process.
For Budget: On the motion of Legislator Stewart-Cousins, seconded by Legislator Bronz the item carried 5-1. Legislator Mosiello voted in the negative.
For Housing: On the motion of Legislator Alvarado, seconded by Legislator Pinto the item carried 3-0.
ITEM A16/C52
An Act authorizing the County to enter into an amended agreement with New Rochelle in connection with the Housing Implementation Fund Project known as -West End 2000 Project. And issuance of $3,150,000 in bonds to finance infrastructure improvements related to this affordable housing project.
It was decided this item would be held until the 5/17/04 meeting.
The Committee on Housing adjourned at 1:00 pm.
Due to time constraint, the Committee recessed at 1:05 pm.
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