COMMITTEE ON BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES

NOVEMBER 2, 1998

 

ATTENDANCE:

B & A MEMBERS: Wishnie, Abinanti, Carsky, Kaplowitz, Mosiello,

Stewart-Cousins, Young

OTHERS: Budget Dept.: Kate Tooher, Brian Fitzpatrick; CBAC: George Hosey, Barbara Strauss, Fran MacEachron; C.E.’s Office: Bill Randolph, Mike Wittenberg, Larry Schwartz; General Services: Norm Jacknis, Stuart Wadler; County Clerk’s Office: County Clerk Spano, Eugene Rogers; WCC: Dr. Hankin, Fred Boyar, Don Weigand; LWV: Jo Brill; Planning Dept.: Fran McLaughlin, Commissioner Lannert, Rob Doscher; Others: Ted Dunn; BOL: Chris Chang, Sally Schecter, Barbara Dodds, Robert J. Boland, Tina Seckerson

Chairman Wishnie called the meeting to order at 10:15 a.m.

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

MINUTES:

On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Carsky, the motion to approve the Minutes of October 26, 1998, was carried by a vote of 4-0. (Legislators Stewart-Cousins, Abinanti and Young out for vote)

WCC TEACHERS’ CONTRACT:

9. COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Forwarding the proposed agreement between the Westchester Community College Federation of Teachers and the County. (10/19/98)
  • Mr. Wittenberg stated that this is the only contract where he had to represent two parties, both the college and county.
  • Of all the contracts this one expired the earliest (1995). It is a 6 year contract.
  • Cost is covered by reserves for the years prior to 1998/1999.
  • Increase is 2% for 1995 and1996; 2.5% in 1997; 3% for years 1998, 1999, and 2000. There is no bonus lump sum payment as in the CSEA contract.

COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES – NOVEMBER 2, 1998

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  • For 1998/1999 fiscal year the college will use current appropriations plus savings to cover the cost.
  • 15.5% simple; compounded average of 2.58% per year
  • Cost for 95/96: $ 368,667

96/97: $ 744,708

97/98: $1,224,157

98/99: $1,813,882

99/00: $2,421,298

00/01: $3,046,936

  • Mrs. Carsky asked if there was any discussion with regard to employee contribution to health benefits. Mr. Wittenberg stated that in the beginning there was but since this contract was negotiated after the CSEA contract and there was no such arrangement in that contract it did not hold up here.

On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Mosiello, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 7-0 with Legislator Carsky signing "Without Prejudice".

42. COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Rangers’ Contract: Proposed Local Law authorizing the County to amend its lease agreement with the New York Rangers Hockey Club, as Lessee, to change the terms of the renewal option from that of a five-year term to a six-month term with an additional six month option to renew at a rental of $5,000 per month and an ice time rental of $200.00 per hour. (9/22/98)
  • This has no effect on the Ice Casino Capital Project that has been withdrawn by the Administration.

On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Stewart-Cousins, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 7-0.

SOIL AND WATER DISTRICT IMA’S

36. COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Proposed legislation authorizing a cooperative agreement with the Westchester County Soil and Water Conservation District whereby the County will provide staff to assist the district in district matters. (9/22/98) (Also referred to ENV)
  • The Committee questioned the start date of the 5 year contract. Mr. Doscher informed the Committee that the start date would be the date of BOL action.

COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES – NOVEMBER 2, 1998

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On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Stewart-Cousins, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 7-0.

CAPITAL PROJECTS:

General Services:
  • BGS26-Workforce Automation: Increase due to 3 major components: Replacement of Health Department billing system; replacement of jail management system and upgradings of County’s financial and payroll systems.
  • Currently replacing computer systems in every department.
  • Working on an electronic filing system for legal and engineering documents.
  • Mrs. Stewart-Cousins inquired as to the Hospital’s involvement in this. Dr. Jacknis responded that the County provides finance and payroll systems to the Hospital therefore those systems will be upgraded with ours. We are not involved with any other computer systems with the Hospital.
  • Year 2000: Is each department ready for Y2K? Dr. Jacknis stated that he works with each department on a regular basis on this matter.
  • Important to meet with Dr. Jacknis on a regular basis.

County Clerk:
  • BCC01: Electronic Exchange of Legal Data: The Office Administration was already thinking of this and the County Clerk along with Dr. Jacknis have been involved in meetings with Court Administration on this matter. Westchester will be a pilot program although the program is more wide spread than just Westchester.
  • The County Clerk’s Office along with the C.E. agreed to do a feasibility study in the amount of $80,000-$90,000 to study issues to make sure the program fits in with OCA’s plans.

 

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Planning Department:
  • Commissioner Lannert discussed the Planning Department’s only 1999 Capital project which is for feasibility studies (BPL02, BPL2A). These monies are used to finance feasibility studies for various anticipated projects which are of an amount that does not warrant bonding.
  • The Commissioner also mentioned that the Geographical Information Project (BPL08) is now proceeding with both Planning and MIS participation.

Reduction of Non-Point Source Pollution:

37. COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Proposed Act authorizing an Intermunicipal Agreement with the Town of Mamaroneck for the preparation of a Watershed Management Plan to reduce non-point source pollution entering Long Island Sound. (9/22/98) (Also referred to ENV)
  • Mr. Kaplowitz informed the Committee that from an environmental stand-point, the Environment Committee approved it unanimously.
  • The total cost of the project is $98,616.
  • The Town of Mamaroneck will reimburse the County for certain costs with a payment not to exceed $45,000.
  • Mr. Doscher informed the Committee that the County received a 319 grant to pay for the studies and the $45,000 is the cost of one of the studies.

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

A&C CALENDAR:

Mr. Boland briefly reviewed the November 5th A&C Calendar.

ADJOURNMENT:

There being no further items for discussion, on motion of Legislator Mosiello, seconded by Legislator Stewart-Cousins, the meeting was adjourned at 11:56 a.m.