COMMITTEE ON BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES

AUGUST 19, 1996

ATTENDANCE:

B & A MEMBERS: Swanson, LaMotte, Darcy, Young, Abinanti

OTHERS: C.E.’s Office: Barbara Monohan; Budget Dept: Joe Phelan, Leslie Bennett, Tom Coleman, Dianne Kearney, Brian Fitzpatrick; Law Dept: Denise D’Ambrosio, Terry O’Rourke; Legislator Carsky; CBAC: George Hosey; BOL: Robert J. Boland, Glenn Guzi, Pat Gorski, Dan Rodriguez, Tina Seckerson

Co-Chair Swanson called the meeting to order at 3:05 p.m.

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

8. A/C Equipment - Chloroflouro Carbons - $200,000:

To be bonded in 1997.

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

10. Infrastructure Improvements - Correctional Complex - $500,000:

Expect to start this project in 1996, (continuation of a project)

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

24. Sprain Lake Golf Course Clubhouse Renovation - $200,000:

According to Mr. Phelan this is for the beginning of a new project that the Administration would like to proceed with ASAP in 1996 and bond in 1997. He cautioned that there are always unforeseen conditions which could lead to additional findings.

On motion of Legislator Darcy, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 4-0 with Legislator Young signing "Without Prejudice" and Legislator Abinanti out for vote.

COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES - AUGUST 19, 1996

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26. Muscoot Park - Phase II Improvements - $500,000:

Mr. Phelan stated that this is a work in progress.

Architecture of building determines the price

Start date for project is 1996.

On motion of Legislator LaMotte, seconded by Legislator Swanson, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 5-0 with Legislators Swanson, Abinanti, Darcy and Young signing "Without Prejudice".

29. Playland/Picnic Pavilion Rehabilitation - $300,000:

Scheduled to start in 1996 and be bonded in 1997.

On motion of Legislator Abinanti, seconded by Legislator Darcy, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 5-0.

38. Acquisition & Replacement of RTI Equipment and Furniture - $160,000:

On motion of Legislator Darcy, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 5-0 with Legislators Swanson, Young, Darcy and Abinanti signing "Without Prejudice".

44. Roadway/Improvements - $42,000:

On motion of Legislator Abinanti, seconded by Legislator Darcy, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 5-0.

50. Reconstruction of County Center Roofs - $600,000:

Project is scheduled to start in 1996.

Mr. Abinanti requested that the Committee schedule a meeting, two months from now, with the Departments of Budget and Public Works for a progress report on this project. The Committee agreed.

On motion of Legislator Abinanti, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 5-0 with Legislators Swanson, Abinanti, Young and Darcy signing "Without Prejudice".

11. Pen F-Unit Heating & Ventilation - $785,000:

Mr. Phelan stated that this project will provide for 126 additional beds - project savings on staff costs.

Co-Chair Swanson stated that this item will be addressed at a future item with other jail, courthouse and hospital issues.

COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES - AUGUST 19, 1996

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Denise D’Ambrosio was in to update the Committee on the Annis v. County of Westchester lawsuit. There has been a jury verdict as follows:

County Colaneri Mosca

Compensatory $216,000 $ 1 $ 50,000 = $266,001

Punitive ---- $25,000 $250,000 = $275,000

$216,000 $25,001 $300,000 $541,001

The County made a motion for a new trial which was submitted on July 23rd.

Ms. D’Ambrosio asked that the Committee go into Executive Session to discuss the matter further. On motion of Legislator Darcy, seconded by Legislator Young, the Committee moved into Executive Session at 4:10 p.m. to discuss this pending litigation.

On motion of Legislator Abinanti, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the Committee moved out of Executive Session at 4:39 p.m. and resumed their regular order of business.

The 2nd Quarter Report includes state aid reductions; assumes no savings (shortfalls) for the Early Retirement Program; assumes sales tax performance will continue consistent with first half of 1996 and includes aid shortfall due to federal and state reductions in child care and EAF.

According to Mr. Coleman the County is in a little better shape than last year at this time.

Hospital doing better on a case level basis. Bottom line projection is that the sponsor’s contribution will be made and the hospital will break even.

Mr. Abinanti requested that the Budget Department provide the Committee with 1995 actuals in a format which they can use to compare with the 2nd quarter report. Mr. Phelan agreed to provide same.

Mr. Phelan stated that there is a possibility that the Health Department will lose an additional $4 million due to the Education and Transportation Program (mandatory). He said that the Health Department cannot be blamed or criticized for the State’s failure to pay.

Mr. Phelan reminded the Committee that this report is a management tool to work on these things now, to correct them, not to bury them.

RTI: Budget Department projects a potential shortfall of $1,290,000 while Commissioner Stolzenberg projects a potential shortfall of $590,000.

COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES - AUGUST 19, 1996

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Monday: 8/26: 3:00 p.m. BKS Management Letter (Continuation)

Wednesday: 9/4: 3:00 p.m. Continuation of 2nd Quarter Projections

Monday: 9/9: 3:00 p.m. Cash Flow

There being no further items for discussion, on motion of Legislator Darcy, seconded by Legislator Abinanti, the meeting was adjourned at 5:35 p.m.