COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS Joint with PARKS & RECREATION and TRANSPORTATION
MINUTES: JULY 12, 2004
BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS PRESENT: Acting Chair: Wishnie; Legislators: Abinanti, Bronz, Mosiello, Rogowsky, Ryan, Stewart-Cousins
PARKS PRESENT: Acting Chair: Pinto; Legislators: Alvarado, Spreckman, Ryan
TRANSPORTATION PRESENT: Chair: Mosiello; Legislators: Bronz, Ryan, Rogowsky, Spreckman, GUESTS: CE’s office: B. Randolph, A. Neuman, S. Carrera; Budget: K. Carrano, A. Vietro; PW: R. Butler; Planning: L. Kelly, N. MacMillan, F. McLaughlin, P. Natarelli, E. Hoffmeister; DOT: L. Salley, R. Bracchitta; Parks: J. Condon, D. McBride, N. Squallante, D. DeLucia; LWV: B. Strauss; K. Eddings, Journal News; Jacobs Hill Sr. Housing Project: W. Balter, P. Grealy, D. Post; BOL: B. Boland, R. Indelicato, S. Vanderberg, S. Bass, B. Dodds, D. Simpson
With a quorums present, the Committees on Budget and Parks were called to order at 10:09 a.m.
Glen Island Casino lease extension
Note: The Committee on Budget reported out this item at their 6/1/04 meeting. Questions asked by the Parks Committee regarding this item satisfied, they also reported the item out.
ITEM A11/A12/C73(BPL01)
An IMA between the County and the Town of Cortlandt, an Act to amend the County’s 2004 Capital Budget increasing the appropriation for BPL0 and a $1,155,000 bond issuance.
The IMA between the County and Cortlandt is in connection with the Housing Implementation Fund project known as the Jacob’s Hill Village Senior Development. The Capital Budget amendment will increase the appropriation for BPL01 by $5,500,000. $1,155,000 of this increased appropriation will be issued in bonds to finance the infrastructure improvements associated with this project. More specifically, $1,100,000 for costs related to rebuilding the Route 6 intersection at the Development entrance, and $55,000 for all related soft costs.
Some members expressed skepticism regarding the overall property appraisal process for these projects.
On the motion of Legislator Bronz, seconded by Legislator Ryan the item carried 5-1, with Legislator Mosiello voting in no.
Ø With a quorum present, the Committee on Transportation was called to order at 10:16 am.
ITEM A2
A Resolution on behalf of the Commissioner of Parks Recreation & Conservation, transferring funds within the 2004 Department in the total amount of $176,000. Only Committee approval is required for this Resolution.
For Budget: On the motion of Legislator Ryan, seconded by Legislator Bronz the item carried 7-0.
For Parks: On the motion of Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator Alvarado the item carried 4-0.
ITEM A21
An Act authorizing the County to acquire an undivided one-third interest in an easement from the Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christianity for alternate access to the 182 acre Taxter Ridge parcel located in the Town of Greenburgh. The easement (200 ft. long & 20 ft wide) will provide alternate access from Sheldon Ave to Taxter Ridge.
Although there will be no payment for the easement, the agreement will require the County, State & Town to indemnify and hold harmless the Unification Church from all claims and expenses arising from use of the easement, other than their own negligence. Greenburgh has agreed to take on all responsibility of entire project.
For Budget: On the motion of Legislator Bronz, seconded by Legislator Rogowsky the item carried 7-0.
For Parks: On the motion of Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator Alvarado the item carried 4-0.
PLAYLAND
At the suggestion of Mr. Ryan, the Committee on Parks passed a motion to consider Committee agenda item RP23A. After some discussion the item was reported from the Committee on Parks. Originally jointly referred this item was reported out of the Budget Committee at their 5/3/04 meeting.
ITEM A25/C71(BLA01)
Legislation authorizing the County to enter into a lease agreement with the New York State though its DOT, whereby the County will lease property adjacent to Tibbetts Brook Park in the Yonkers in order to construct all-purpose athletic fields for the use of all County residents. Attached is a $7.3 million Bond Act to finance the construction costs associated with the project.
The appropriation for this project is contained in the County’s 2004 Capital Budget as Project BLA01, Parkland Acquisition/ Westchester Legacy Program.
Considerable discussion ensued. Legislators Stewart-Cousins and Spreckman expressed a desire to see a written agreement from the City of Yonkers identifying their intentions regarding the project.
o Legislator Abinanti requested a breakdown of the Legacy Program budget.
It was decided the item would be held until additional discussion could be had.
Ø The Committee on Parks adjourned at 11:29 am.
ITEM A27-31
Five Acts authorizing the County of Westchester to amend the 2004 Capital Budget for projects A056A Heavy Equipment Acquisition; and A0050 Security Fencing and Cameras and to enter into grant agreements with the Department of Transportation for these projects.
A056A:
1a. Amending grant agreements to accept $112,000 in FAA funds & $6,250 in NYSDOT funds representative of cost escalations associated with the replacement with a snow thrower.
1b. A new grant agreement to accept $736,250 in FAA funds and $19,375 in NYSDOT funds to replace the snow thrower and acquire an additional de-icing vehicle.
1c. Act amending the 2004 Capital Budget increasing non-Airport special Federal aid and Airport Special Revenue Funds.
A0050:
2a. Grant agreements to accept $380,000 in FAA funds & $10,000 in NYSDOT funds which will provide for 30 additional security cameras at the Airport.
2b. An Act amending the 2004 Capital budget to increase appropriations and Federal funding.
For Budget: On the motion of Legislator Abinanti, seconded by Legislator Rogowsky item carried 6-0.
For Transportation: On the motion of Legislator Latimer, seconded by Legislator Spreckman the item carried 4-0.
Ø The Committee on Transportation adjourned at 11:42 am.
ITEM C38(RCP7E)
Issuance of $200,000 in bonds to finance the cost of construction of a comfort station adjacent to the ball field at Croton Point Park, including infrastructure, associated site work and landscaping.
Previously reported from Committee, no additional discussion was had.
On the motion of Legislator Abinanti, seconded by Legislator Rogowsky the item carried 7-0.
With no further business to discuss the meeting adjourned at 11:48 am.
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