COMMITTEE ON BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES

OCTOBER 5, 1998

ATTENDANCE:

Chairman Wishnie called the meeting to order at 10:20 a.m.

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

Mr. Kaplowitz recommended that the words "is estimated" be added to the first sentence with regard to the CSEA contract. The Committee was in agreement.

On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Young, the motion to approve the Minutes of September 28, 1998, as amended, was carried by a vote of 7-0. (Legislator Abinanti out for vote)

• Dr. Adel stated that there are no guidelines available from the state with regard to the criteria of services to be rendered.
• The program is for children from birth to 5 years of age. There are currently 4,300 enrolled. The Early Intervention Program is for infants and toddlers birth to 3 years of age and is supervised by the NYS Health Department. The Pre-school Program is for children 3-5 years of age and is supervised by the NYS Education Department.
• State Mandates: tuition increases; increased fees to vendors.
• Early Intervention Program is currently the fastest growing program.

• Presently the Health Department has 54 employees assigned to this program.

COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES – OCTOBER 5, 1998

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• Mr. Boland stated that the Health Department has exceeded the budget in this area each year from ’92 to ’96. Will this trend continue? Dr. Adel stated that access by the public to this program keeps exceeding expectations. The state imposes costs on the county without expectation, justification and/or warning. Estimated cost of program for 1999 is $71 million.
• Every budget, every county provided service is impacted by this program.

4. COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $1,868,000 in bonds - Bradhurst Modifications. (3/23/98)

• Ultimate cost of this project is $25 million.
• The Committee expressed concern that the work would be duplicated if a new facility is built.
• The work is needed to comply with the 1990 Clean Air Act, which mandates discontinuation of the use of R-22 refrigerants, which damages the environment.
• Need clarification as to whether work is to be done in the Pen kitchen as is stated in the Bond Act.

• To finance the survey of County facilities to provide detailed cost estimates for replacement or upgrades of roofing systems.
• The survey will be used to create a capital program for roof replacements/upgrades, determining a phase-in program and providing detailed cost estimates.
• Mr. Kaplowitz expressed his concern that this work is being done outside rather than in-house. Ms. Kearney stated that it is very possible that DPW is planning to do this design work through engineers in their department but it is being charged through capital and financed with bonds.

• What percentage of in-house engineering staff salaries is capitalized? Ms. Bennett stated it is approximately 80%.

• Committee would like to discuss bonding issues further with Budget Department and Bond Counsel.

• All outside work – to finance the extension of the perimeter fencing off Woods Road, upgrade sections of razor ribbon, relocate a post location and address visitor parking/site improvements.
• Lot is being converted to green space.
• Physical site will not impact plans for Pen replacement.

• To fund a study of the replacement of inmate housing at the County Pen that was constructed in 1916 (Cell Blocks A, B, C and D). The study will include but not be limited to, analysis of design and staffing options and preparation of conceptual design(s).
• Further discussion will be had on this matter after the Public Safety Committee makes a recommendation.

• To finance ongoing replacement and additional acquisition of high technology equipment and/or equipment systems which support clinical program initiatives and ancillary clinical programs at the Westchester County Health Care Corporation.

On motion of Legislator Abinanti, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 7-0. (Legislator Young out for vote)

• To continue priority programming and concept development of projects identified in the Facilities Master Plan of the Westchester County Health Care Corporation and to develop business plans for the Westchester County Health Care Corporation.

On motion of Legislator Abinanti, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 7-0. (Legislator Young out for vote)

There being no further items for discussion, on motion of Legislator Abinanti, seconded by Legislator Swanson, the meeting was adjourned at 12:00 p.m.