WPCNR Parking Zone. By John F. Bailey. June 15, 2004: The city legal and financial team presented in detail the reasons why the city was within its legislative parameters in dissolving the White Plains Parking Authority last night at 7-11 South Broadway, in what most likely was the last official meeting of the WPPA after 57 years. It was announced that the Senate and Assembly were likely to pass the home rule request of the City to dissolve the Parking Authority as early as June 25.
THE PARKING AUTHORITY'S LAST STAND: Tim Sheehan, at far head of the table leans into his agenda and convenes the apparently last meeting of the White Plains Parking Authority Monday night. Photo by WPCNR News.
Common Councilwoman Rita Malmud, observing the meeting, said Ted Peluso, Eileen Earl, architects of the city parking authority takeover, presented their case for why it made sense for the city to absorb the Parking Authority at this time.
She said Corporation Counsel Edward Dunphy presented a 9-page document explaining his lreasons why the city was legally entitled to turn over Parking Authority funds and the fund balance regardless of whether the legislature dissolved the Parking Authority or not.
He also, Malmud said, was “optimistic” that legislation introduced in Albany dissolving the WPPA was expected to be passed by the end of next week, safely assuring the $7-1/2 Million Parking Authority fund balance would transfer into the city’s fund balance on the 2004-2005 books, shoring up the city’s financial position for the keen eye of the bond rating agencies.
Ms. Malmud also reported there were no details provided or timetable on how the city’s new Department of Parking would “transition” into effect as of July 1.
She also noted to WPCNR that the Parking Authority Fund balance would simply become part of the city’s fund balance, and according to her recollection this would add up to a total city fund balance of $24 Million (both designated and undesignated). She said it was explained that the $7.5 Million would not be dedicated to use only for the Department of Parking to meet its budget, that the Department of Parking would simply draw on the city fund balance.
She said it was unclear whether the White Plains Parking Authority Board would ever meet again.
