COMMITTEE ON BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES

SEPTEMBER 14, 1998

 

ATTENDANCE:

B & A MEMBERS: Wishnie, Abinanti, Kaplowitz, LaMotte, Latimer, Mosiello

Stewart-Cousins, Swanson, Young

OTHERS: Budget Dept.: Leslie Bennett; CBAC: George Hosey; C.E.’s Office: Bill Randolph; BOL: Chris Chang, Barbara Dodds, Robert J. Boland, Tina Seckerson

Chairman Wishnie called the meeting to order at 10:17 a.m.

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

MINUTES:

On motion of Legislator Young, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the motion to approve the Minutes of September 9, 1998, was carried by a vote of 8-0. (Legislator Latimer out for vote).

CSEA CONTRACT:
  • Mr. Mosiello expressed his concern with regard to the Domestic Partner clause in the contract, i.e. financial ramifications & message being sent to people.
  • Mr. Kaplowitz stated that he asked for a breakdown of cost factors for each component.
  • The Committee would like to know how the County will monitor the domestic partner piece of the contract.
  • Mr. Boland informed the Committee that Kate Tooher and Mike Wittenberg are working on responses to the Committee’s questions and concerns with regard to the CSEA Contract. Ms. Bennett stated that they will be ready for next Monday’s budget meeting.
  • Mr. Latimer stated that we should look to IBM, Bell Atlantic and the State government to see what their experience has been and for comparability with regard to the contract.
  • Mr. Latimer reminded the Committee that the Board always has the tools (i.e. independent audits) to use as a check and balance system.
  • Mr. Abinanti stated that they should be looking at the total benefit cost package.

COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES – SEPTEMBER 14, 1998

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  • Mr. Kaplowitz stated that perhaps employee contribution to health benefits should be looked at. Mr. Boland stated that this matter has been discussed and recommended by the BOL in previous years but it is a negotiation matter.
  • Mr. Kaplowitz requested the annual average cost

 

1999 SALES TAX EXEMPTION:
  • Mr. Latimer informed the Committee that there is an October 1st deadline by which a resolution must be enacted.
  • Mr. Latimer recommended Committee take it as a "Without Prejudice" action thus letting everyone know that it will be on the Board agenda for the September 22nd meeting and giving the caucuses an opportunity to discuss and debate the issue before the vote. He further suggested the Legislators discuss this matter with their local municipal officials. Mrs. LaMotte suggested that they broaden the base by discussing the issue with various representatives of the New York metropolitan area.
  • Mrs. Swanson stated that in conversations with the local officials from the municipalities she represents, concern was expressed that the next step would be to exempt sales tax on a permanent basis. The local officials further stated that they would not be in favor of this until there are assurances from the state to somehow make up the lost sales tax monies to the schools and local municipalities.
  • Mr. Kaplowitz asked if the Committee could get information pertaining to the effect of the September tax free week; the experience of Orange County who chose not to participate; and the experience of White Plains.
  • Mr. Latimer informed the Committee that he has requested qualitative as well as quantitative information as well as the Westchester County Association’s report on sales tax exemption. He further stated that it is his understanding that the basis of the Westchester County report is the January sales tax exemption week.

On motion of Legislator Latimer, seconded by Legislator Abinanti, the motion to approve this item, "Without Prejudice", was carried by a vote of 9-0.

 

COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES – SEPTEMBER 14, 1998

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AGENDA ITEMS:

  1. COUNTY EXECUTIVE: Right of First Refusal – Kitchawan Park Preserve: Proposed legislation which would authorize the County to accept a Right of First Refusal on certain real property located within the County’s Kitchawan Park Preserve in the Town of Yorktown. (6/15/98) (Also Referred to CA)
  • Mr. Kaplowitz informed the Committee that the Law Department has been in contact with the Town of Yorktown and they approve of this action.

On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator LaMotte the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 8-0 (Legislator Latimer out for vote).

A&C CALENDAR:

Items C 12 & 14: Re: Contracts for elevator rehabilitation and boiler maintenance, Courthouse: Mr. Young expressed his concern that the County is still contracting out work to be done in the courthouse in light of the agreement with the Dormitory Authority. Mr. Boland informed the Committee that Chairman Latimer has told the Administration that the BOL is looking closely at any agreements or contracts dealing with the courthouse. Mr. Young stated that he is sure that elevator work is included in the Dormitory Authority contract. Mr. Boland will check. Mr. Young, as Chairman of the Committee on Minority Affairs will review the contract for specifics.

ADJOURNMENT:

There being no further items for discussion, on motion of Legislator Abinanti, seconded by Legislator Stewart-Cousins, the meeting was adjourned at 11:30 a.m.