COMMITTEE ON BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES

MARCH 10, 1997

3:00 P.M.

ATTENDANCE:

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

OTHERS: C.E.’s Office: Jamie Hastings, Director-IGR; Budget: Joe Phelan, Director; CBAC: Barbara Strauss; LWV: Esther Shay, General Services: Susan Egginton-Administrator; BOL: Legislator Albanese, Legislator Oros, Legislator Latimer, Robert J. Boland-Budget Analyst, Dan Rodriguez- Asst to Chairman, Glenn Guzi-Program Specialist, Tina Seckerson-Secretary to Committee

Co-Chairs Wishnie and Swanson called the meeting to order at 3:08 p.m.

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

Tax Exemption Legislation:

1. A Local Law adding Chapter 473 to the Laws of Westchester County in relation to property tax exemptions for veterans.

2. A Local Law amending Chapter 470 of the Laws of Westchester County in relation to tax exemptions for senior citizens.

On motion of Legislator Darcy, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the motion to approve both of the above-referenced items was carried by a vote of 7-0.

• The Committee reviewed a memo prepared by the Health Department and General Services with regard to the proposed relocation of the Department of Health. The memo which included the following information is on file with the Budget Committee:
• Projected costs to move to New Rochelle are approximately $150,000.
• Tenant improvements are included in the base rent of $16.25 per square foot.
• RFP process was closed in February of 1997.

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• Based on the best and final offers submitted by the owners of 222 Bloomingdale Road and 145 Huguenot Street, the financial analysis revealed that the New Rochelle site was $1,400,000 less costly than the White Plains building over the 10 year term.
• Breakdown of Health Dept. employees by district office location is: Yonkers-66; New Rochelle-38; White Plains-26; Rye/Port Chester-42; and 19 Bradhurst-233.
• The C.E. is committed to citing a satellite Health Department Office north of Route 287 to accommodate the Land Development Office of Environmental Health. It is anticipated to occupy between 2,500 and 4,000 square feet of space either in a County owned facility or low cost alternative.
• Mr. Delfino voiced his concern that the "final" numbers with regard to 222 Bloomingdale Road given today (1997 free rent; 1998-2007 $19.90 SF) may not in fact be the last numbers given. He cited the fact that when the Committee was given the information previously (last week) the numbers were different (i.e. $22.00 for years 1-2).
• Mr. Delfino also informed the Committee that a lease agreement for 222 Bloomingdale Road would include use of modular office systems (furniture) and shared photos displaying the furniture.
• At this point Mr. Yasgur entered the meeting to update the Committee on the status of the IS/CSEA litigation. The Committee agreed to meet with Mr. Yasgur at this time and continue the discussion with regard to the proposed Health Department relocation at the conclusion of the update, when Ms. Egginton would be available to meet with them.

Mr. Yasgur informed the Committee that the appellates are due on March 19th, the County’s briefs due on April 17th and May 12th will convene arguments before the appellate division.

Mr. Oros suggested that since this matter is in litigation that the Committee go into Executive Session for further discussion.

On motion of Legislator Abinanti, seconded by Legislator Darcy, the motion to go into Executive Session at 3:30 p.m. was carried by a vote of 7-0.

On motion of Legislator Darcy, seconded by Legislator Abinanti, the motion to go out of Executive Session at 4:00 p.m. was carried by a vote of 7-0.

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• Ms. Egginton was asked why the "final" numbers for base rent being given today are different than the numbers that were given to the Committee last week. She responded that she believed at that time she had informed the Committee that there were still negotiations going on and that the numbers today did in fact represent the best and final numbers. She further stated that 145 Huguenot Street, New Rochelle and 222 Bloomingdale Road, White Plains were close in terms of evaluation/appropriateness. The final decision came down to a financial consideration as well as the County Executive’s commitment to the downtown New Rochelle area.
• Mr. Delfino stated his confusion as to how it would be more beneficial to rent empty space rather than furnished space (222 Bloomingdale Road). He asked if the furniture factor had been weighed in making the decision to relocate to 145 Huguenot Street. Ms. Egginton assured the Committee that the furniture factor had been taken into consideration.

On motion of Legislator Darcy, seconded by Legislator Abinanti, the motion to approve this item, for public hearing only, was carried by a vote of 7-0.

• The Committee inquired as to why Mr. Langeloh was not present to discuss the requirements of the RANS legislation.
• Ms. Hastings stated that the County Executive had sent correspondence to the Budget Co-Chairs stating that Commissioner Langeloh will provide the following reports on a quarterly basis, as he has done in the past:

• A memo from the County Attorney to Chairman Oros was shared with the Committee stating that the C.E. was concerned as to the availability of the information requested by the BOL as well as the practicality and enforceability of the changes which would affect only future RANS. The C.E. will consult with various departments regarding his concerns. She suggested that Chairman Oros meet with the C.E. directly on this matter.

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• Mr. Abinanti stated that the Budget Act is very clear in that all budget transfers are to be made in advance of over-expenditures and this directive should be followed.
• This matter will be discussed further.

On motion of Legislator Darcy, seconded by Legislator Young, the motion to approve the Minutes of March 3, 1997 was carried by a vote of 7-0.

There being no further items for discussion, on motion of Legislator Darcy, seconded by Legislator Young, the meeting was adjourned at 4:50 p.m.