COMMITTEE ON BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES

MARCH 4, 1996

MEMBERS: Wishnie, Darcy, Young, Delfino, Abinanti

OTHERS: Law Dept: Marilyn Slaatten, Denise D’Ambrosio; DEF: Tony Trelewicz

Sal Celona, Dan Donohue; PRC: Sal DeSantis, Bob Young; Budget Dept:

Joe Phelan, Robert Kopenhaver; C.E.’s Office: Jamie Hastings, Neil DeLuca, Gina Angiulo; Planning: Lynn Oliva, Gerry Mulligan; WCMC:

Fred Miller; Planning Board: George Hosey; Legislators: Oros, Latimer; BOL: Pat Gorski, Robert Boland, Tina Seckerson

Co-Chair Wishnie opened the meeting at 3:02 p.m.

DISCUSSION: (There is a cassette tape on file for more detailed information)

County Attorney in re: Proposed Act authorizing the County Attorney to settle the lawsuit of Beverly A. Christian, as Administratrix of the Estate of Darryl Christian, Beverly A. Christian, Individually and as the Natural Guardian of the infant, Samantha Christian v. Westchester County Medical Center, County of Westchester, New York Medical College, Xiao Yu, Elaine Ato-Radzion, Erik Larsen, Nausheen Akhtar. (Item II, 15)

The County Attorney explained that this is a $3.5 million medical malpractice suit. For the purpose of discussing the pending litigation and proposed settlement Ms. Slaatten requested the Committee go into Executive Session.

On motion of Legislator Darcy, seconded by Legislator Young, the motion to go into Executive Session at 3:04 p.m. was carried by a vote of 4-0. (Legislator Abinanti out for vote)

On motion of Legislator Darcy, seconded by Legislator Young, the motion to go out of Executive Session at 3:17 p.m. was carried by a vote of 4-0. (Legislator Abinanti out for vote)

On motion of Legislator Darcy, seconded by Legislator Young, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 4-0. (Legislator Abinanti out for vote.

• Mr. Wishnie asked why there were no tax warrant charges for Water District #3. Commissioner Trelewicz stated that Water District #3 includes the Robert Martin complex as well as 19 Bradhurst and everything is billed directly based on a surcharge for water use.
• Mr. Delfino inquired as to why 19 Bradhurst is included in Water District #3. The Commissioner stated that it was approved by the Board of Legislators in 1987 because at that time they couldn’t get water service at that location.

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• Mr. Phelan explained that the primary function of Water District #3 was to provide service to the Grasslands Reservation. It is financed through the General Fund. The Gates of Heaven cemetery as well as other not-for-profits are included in this district. Commissioner Trelewicz added that this is the only water district handled this way.
• Mr. Boland stated that the other entities using Water District #3 are paying the lower County rate and not being surcharged.
• Robert Martin Complex is in the district while 19 Bradhurst is outside the district. In the proposed 1996 Budget showed $599,000 in revenues. In the approved budget, showed $718,000 in revenues. According to the Commissioner the difference is due to cash to capital ($200,000). Mr. Boland inquired as to what the $200,000 is to be used for. Mr. Phelan stated that they will have to get the answer and Commissioner Trelewicz will provide it to the Committee. Mr. Wishnie asked why the Bradhurst building was included in Water District #3. The Commissioner stated that it was apparently the easiest access for water. He further stated that they also created their own sewer district although he does not know why. (approved by the BOL 8/6/87)

3. Hudson Hills:

COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Proposed Resolution endorsing and expressing support for the proposed acquisition by the County of the property commonly referred to as Hudson Hills for the subsequent construction of a public golf course. (1/29/96)

• Commissioner Oliva gave an overview of the financing for this project. (Chart on file)
• Mr. Darcy inquired as to when the County will pay IBM if the deal is approved. Commissioner Oliva stated that we will have to pay IBM in 1997 because they will obtain their approvals on the subdivision in February of 1997 and we’ll close.
• Mr. Wishnie stated that the Committee and the Board need to focus on whether or not it is a good deal for Westchester County to purchase this piece of property at what is a good price for use at a later time as a golf course. He further stated that if the preliminary figures stand it will be a good idea. Both the Town of New Castle and the Ossining School District support this deal because while it carves out a piece of property for a golf course, it will not entirely be taken off the tax rolls. This project, if approved, will generate revenues, maintain open space and address Westchester’s golf problem.
• Mr. Abinanti questioned whether an appraisal had been done. Commissioner Oliva stated that it had but discussing it would require the Committee go into Executive Session.
• Mr. Delfino questioned how the purchasing of bonds will be handled for this $10 million project. He stated his concern that although the purchase is one bond and the construction another public perception might not be favorable. Ms. Oliva and Mr. DeSantis informed the Committee that the County Executive has made it perfectly clear that the full cost of this project is not to exceed $10 million and it must be self-sustaining. Commissioner Oliva stated that the acquisition of the land is one project with a cost not to exceed $4.3 million and the construction cost is another project with a cost of $5.4. Mr. Abinanti pointed out that

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the Resolution states $4.6 as the acquisition price. Mr. Darcy asked if construction will be

cut back on to accommodate the higher acquisition price. Ms. Oliva stated that she only

wants to spend $3.6 for acquisition and does not plan to go higher than $4.3. Mr. Abinanti

expressed his concern with that concept as we have guaranteed IBM a certain price and

from the resolution it would appear that $4.6 is that price.

Co-Chair Wishnie called for a recess at 4:15 p.m. to allow the Commissioner of Planning time to get the appraisal for this property to the Committee for discussion and review.

At 4:35 p.m. Co-Chair Wishnie called the meeting back to order to discuss some agenda items.

4. Agenda Items:

1.* COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Proposed Resolution in support of Westchester Community

College additional state aid. (2/26/96)

On motion of Legislator Darcy, seconded by Legislator Young, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 3-0. (Legislators Abinanti and Delfino out for vote)

3.* COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Forwarding a package of court-ordered certiorari refunds. (2/26/96)

On motion of Legislator Darcy, seconded by Legislator Young, the motion to Receive and File this item was carried by a vote of 3-0. (Legislators Abinanti and Delfino out for vote)

4.* COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Acceptance of a gift from NYNEX for co-sponsoring the opening celebration of the new Westchester County Airport terminal. (2/26/96

On motion of Legislator Young, seconded by Legislator Darcy, the motion to Receive and File this item was carried by a vote of 3-0. (Legislators Abinanti and Delfino out for vote)

5.* COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Acceptance of a gift from the Hudson Valley Bank to be used by the Office of the County Clerk for advertising and promotional expenses for the Family History Fair. (2/26/96)

On motion of Legislator Young, seconded by Legislator Darcy, the motion to Receive and File this item was carried by a vote of 3-0. (Legislators Abinanti and Delfino out for vote)

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8.* HON. KATHERINE CARSKY AND HON. JOSEPH DELFINO: Forwarding a letter from the Economic Development Council of the County Chamber of Commerce re: the proposed sale of the New York City Water System to the New York City Water Board.

Mr. Wishnie informed the Committee that over the weekend the court decided that this sale was illegal therefore unless there is an appeal this is a moot point.

On motion of Legislator Darcy, seconded by Legislator Young, the motion to Receive and File this item was carried by a vote of 3-0. (Legislators Abinanti and Delfino out for vote)

9.* HON. RICHARD WISHNIE: Forwarding a letter from the President of the Westchester County CSEA protesting proposed salary increases for the County Executive, County Clerk, Commissioners and Managers. (2/26/96)

On motion of Legislator Darcy, seconded by Legislator Young, the motion to Receive and File this item was carried by a vote of 3-0. (Legislators Abinanti and Delfino out for vote)

10.* HON. RICHARD WISHNIE: Forwarding a letter from constituents protesting the proposed raise for the County Executive and County Clerk. (2/26/96)

On motion of Legislator Darcy, seconded by Legislator Young, the motion to Receive and File this item was carried by a vote of 3-0. (Legislators Abinanti and Delfino out for vote)

11.* HON. RICHARD WISHNIE: Forwarding a letter from the Ossining Receiver of Taxes proposing a consolidation of taxes due into one annual tax bill. (2/26/96)

Memo to County Attorney (3/8)

13.* HON. RICHARD WISHNIE: Forwarding a letter from Cardiology Consultants of Westchester, P.C. in support of the proposed long-term lease option on the Medical Office Building located at 19 Bradhurst Avenue. (2/26/96)

On motion of Legislator Darcy, seconded by Legislator Young, the motion to Receive and File this item was carried by a vote of 3-0. (Legislators Abinanti and Delfino out for vote)

5. MINUTES:

On motion of Legislator Darcy, seconded by Legislator Young, the motion to approve the Minutes of February 23, 1996 and February 26, 1996 was carried by a vote of 3-0. (Legislators Abinanti and Delfino out for vote)

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On motion of Legislator Darcy, seconded by Legislator Young, the motion to go into Executive Session at 4:50 p.m. for the purpose of examining the appraisal of the proposed purchase of the Hudson Hills property was carried unanimously.

On motion of Legislator Darcy, seconded by Legislator Delfino, the motion to come out of Executive Session at 5:24 p.m. was carried unanimously.

On motion of Legislator Young, seconded by Legislator Abinanti, the motion to go into Executive Session at 5:26 p.m. for the purpose of discussing the appraisal further was carried unanimously.

On motion of Legislator Abinanti, seconded by Legislator Young, the motion to come out of Executive Session at 5:39 p.m. was carried unanimously.

The Committee will meet next on Wednesday, March 6th at 1:35 p.m. with regard to Hudson Hills and the Pep’e Fareri Lease Agreement Extension

There being no further items for discussion, on motion of Legislator Darcy, seconded by Legislator Abinanti, the meeting was adjourned at 5:40 p.m.