COMMITTEE ON BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES

NOVEMBER 9, 1998

 

ATTENDANCE:

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

Stewart-Cousins, Swanson, Young

OTHERS: Budget Dept.: Kate Tooher, Dianne Kearney, Brian Fitzpatrick, Leslie Bennett; CBAC: George Hosey, Barbara Strauss; C.E.’s Office: Bill Randolph; Planning Dept.: Fran McLaughlin; Planning Board: George Ilse; Others: Ted Dunn, Anthony Aurrichio; Dept. of Correction: Commissioner Pozzi, Deputy Commissioner Davis; Dept. of Public Safety: Commissioner D’Aliso, Mary Ellen Solicito; Labs & Research: Millard Hyland, Tom McGimpsey; Fire Services: Walter Groden; Assn Fire Dist. West. Cty: Bob Broderick; DPW: Deputy Commissioner Butler; BOL: Legislator Bronz, Legislator Ryan, Chris Chang, Sally Schecter, Barbara Dodds, Robert J. Boland, Tina Seckerson

Chairman Wishnie called the meeting to order at 10:50 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 November 2, 1998, as amended, was carried by a vote of 6-0. (Legislators Abinanti and Mosiello out for vote)

CAPITAL BUDGET:

Department of Correction:
  • BCR45: Pen Laundry Project – H Block: $500,000 (Under Review): Commissioner Pozzi explained that currently laundry is sent out to Medical Center. This laundry project is being studied further. The Commissioner stated that this project would allow for purchase of equipment and renovation of an area where they could do their own laundry and thus generate savings.

COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES – NOVEMBER 9, 1998

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  • There was a question with regard to medical treatment for female inmates. Deputy Commissioner Davis stated that all medical facilities are co-ed.

Agenda Item #28: Bond Act: $900,000 in bonds – Air Conditioning Replacement and Chloroflouro Carbons:

  • Mr. Butler informed the Committee that this building (pen kitchen) will remain in use as it was rated structurally sound. The Committee had questions with regard to usage of the pen kitchen and concerns with regard to spending money on this building. Committee will not take any action on this item until discussing in further detail.

Department of Public Safety:
  • BPS07: Expansion of Parking and Shelter for Specialized Vehicles: The Commissioner explained that the non-County money is coming from the E911 account. The Committee questioned whether this would be an appropriate use of E911 funds and asked if the County Attorney’s has opined on same. Ms. Tooher will look into this matter and get back to the Committee.

Labs & Research:
  • BLR02: Equipment Acquisition: Increase from $590,000 to $650,000 due to expansion of Public Health Lab. Dr. Hyland stated that they anticipate no extra staffing needs for the expansion and the possibility of generating more revenue exists.

Fire Services:
  • BFT06: Fire & EMS Radio System Upgrade: brought $625,000 into 1999 from under review. The purpose of this is for an analysis (utilization review) and the possibility of creating 1 or 2 base stations.
  • Mr. Swanson stated the need to scope out the usefulness of the tower. Ms. Tooher suggested having Dr. Jacknis in to discuss the use of the tower in more detail.
  • Mr. Groden stated that this study will have to cover both application and technical use since such a study has never really been done before.

COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES – NOVEMBER 9, 1998

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  • BFT09: Replace Oil Fire Pits/Aircraft Fire Simulator: This will be for training of local firefighters as well as Airport personnel. The question of whether this expense can be charged to the Airport was asked. Ms. Tooher responded that a capital expense such as this cannot be charged to the Airport but the Airport can be required to pay a user fee.
  • The Committee questioned the $300,000 figure for 1999. Ms. Tooher said that she will check on the details. (Response received 11/10 – ON FILE)

3RD QUARTER PROJECTIONS:

Currently projecting a surplus of $15,840,175.

  • Sales Tax: Sales tax is currently growing at a slow pace 1.5% to 2 ¼% Ms. Tooher stated that people are holding back on discretionary spending. Currently projecting that sales tax revenue will be down by $1.6 million by the end of the year.
  • Miscellaneous: Increase due to pilot payments that are coming in that were not anticipated. (i.e. IBM in North Castle)
  • Contract Settlements: still projecting that any outstanding contract settlements will be equivalent to the CSEA settlement. Budget Department will have the final cost with regard to the CSEA settlement by the end of the week and will be coming down with a budget amendment.
  • Committee requested a vacancy listing.
  • Hotel tax is doing well as the hotel industry raised its rates.
  • Austin Avenue: Ms. Tooher explained that the county has received the last payment. Mr. Boland stated that he did not believe the new formula was used in deriving this figure.
  • GS: +$3,154,890 due to dietary workers that did not come back. There is also a high vacancy count in IS as 32 workers chose not to come back to the County. The County has been unsuccessful in recruiting replacements.

A&C CALENDAR:

Mr. Boland reviewed the November 12th A&C Calendar with the Committee.

ADJOURNMENT:

There being no further items for discussion, on motion of Legislator Abinanti, seconded by Legislator Stewart-Cousins, the meeting was adjourned at 12:30 p.m.