COMMITTEE ON BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES

JANUARY 11, 1999

ATTENDANCE:

Chairman Wishnie called the meeting to order at 10:08 a.m.

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

• Mrs. LaMotte raised the question with regard to doctors dropping out of managed care programs (i.e. Mount Kisco Medical Group) based on a recent article in the New York Times.
• There was a discussion with regard to the Mount Kisco Medical Group no longer serving as a POMCO preferred provider (whereby POMCO participants pay an $8.00 co-pay and the doctors accept the usual and customary rate paid by POMCO).

• Commissioner Pucillo explained that the Mount Kisco Medical Group wants to be paid more than we pay. He further stated that if we make an exception here we will have to make the same terms available to all. The usual and customary rates are negotiated by POMCO. Medicare rate is used as a base.
• Mr. Speziale explained that the Mount Kisco Medical Group is not saying that they will no longer accept POMCO, but that they will no longer be a POMCO Preferred Provider. Patients will now have to pay a deductible and a co-pay.
• 3200 out of 3500 physicians in Westchester are POMCO Preferred Providers.

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• Mr. Wishnie suggested that the Administration send out a letter to all POMCO participants explaining what has happened and why.
• The Committee expressed concern that other medical groups/doctors will also decide to drop POMCO.

On motion of Legislator Carsky, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, the motion to approve the Minutes of December 1, 3, 7, 8 and 14-1998 and January 4, 1999 was carried by a vote of 8-0.

IV 1. Croton Point Landfill: Bond Act 203-1998 & Environmental Resolution

230-1998:

• This matter was discussed in detail at the Budget Committee meeting on December 8, 1998 with Commissioner Landi and Savin Engineers.
• The proposed $2 million bond act will fund a $1.3 million aquaculture/hydroponic farm pilot project and $700,000 for the completion of the Compressed Natural Gas Demonstration Program.
• Committee members expressed concern as to the long-term future of this project and its operation.
• Mr. Kaplowitz stated that he has spoken with Croton officials and they are excited about this project. They would be interested in using the compressed natural gas for buses.
• Mr. Wishnie will talk to Chairman about scheduling a Committee of the Whole meeting on this matter.

On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Stewart-Cousins, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 8-0 with Legislators Swanson, Young, LaMotte, Carsky, Mosiello, Stewart-Cousins, and Kaplowitz signing "Without Prejudice".

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II, 22. Harney Road Bridge & Approach: Capital Budget Amendment &

Bond Act for Project P0008:

• Commissioner Landi stated that there have been several public meetings on this matter and there has been a meeting of the minds.
• This is a 12-18 month project.
• The legislation is comprised of three parts: An act authorizing the IMA with the City of Yonkers; A Capital Budget Amendment revising the financing plan for the project; and Bonding authorization to fund the County’s portion of the project.
• This legislation was approved by the Public Works Committee.

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

2. Property Acquisition: Relating to the acquisition by the County of property located in the Town of Cortlandt along the Croton River and downstream of the Croton Dam.

• The property was appraised at $475,000 in 1993.
• Commissioner Lannert explained that after years of negotiations, the Estate in accordance with the wishes of the late Egon Ottinger is willing to sell this important natural resource to the County for $350,000. She further explained that the Estate is under court order to dispose of the property.
• Closing costs are not expected to exceed $50,000.
• Mr. Mulligan stated that the property has intrinsic value and will serve well as part of an open space network.

• Both the Planning Board and the Parks, Recreation & Conservation Board adopted resolutions recommending the acquisition of the property.
• The money for this acquisition will come from the parkland acquisition account. It will restrictions on use but still has to be dedicated as parkland.

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

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Mr. Kaplowitz informed the Committee that the Environment Committee has requested a presentation on this property and will move expeditiously toward making a decision on the matter.

On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Wishnie, the motion to Receive and File various gifts to the County (on file) was carried by a vote of 7-0 with Legislator Young out for the vote.

The Committee reviewed the January 14^th A & C calendar.

• Chairman Wishnie read a memo to the Committee from the Budget Director, Kate Tooher, removing, at the request of the Administration, the following items from the Budget Committee agenda:

• IDA: Committee had some questions with regard to IDA operations and membership. Committee will discuss this matter further.

There being no further items for discussion, on motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Le5gislator Mosiello, the meeting was adjourned at 11:45 a.m.