COMMITTEE ON BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS

MINUTES

APRIL 26, 1999

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)

On motion of Legislator Carsky, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the motion to approve the Minutes of April 19, 1999 was carried by a vote of 8-0.

• Authority to enter into an IMA with Mt. Vernon Youth Bureau to operate a Safe and Accessible Places to Learn and Play After School (Safe Places) Program in the amount of $100,000 for 1/1/99-12/31/99.
• This is not a school based program but rather a community based program.
• $50,000 will be provided by the agency (Mt. Vernon Youth Bureau) and $50,000 will be provided by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services.
• The program is after school, between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
• This is part of a trust account as a pass through from NYS. The other part of this trust account is the Ossining Cap Award.

On motion of Legislator Young, seconded by Legislators LaMotte and Carsky, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 8-0.

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INVEST-IN-KIDS PROGRAM:

• To amend eight inter-municipal agreements, authorized under Act 88-1988 in order to increase the contract budgets. Ms. Boyar stated that the money has probably already been spent.
• Ms. Stewart-Cousins stated that she would like to see a breakdown of the entire program (i.e. who gets what, where, etc.) Ms. Boyar stated that she is working on a directory such as that for the new program.

On motion of Legislator Swanson, seconded by Legislator Young, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 8-0.

BUDGET TRANSFER RESOLUTION:

• Ms. Stewart-Cousins questions and concerns with regard to the disparity between computers, technology advancement and the overall manner in which money is spent on the Women’s’ and Men’s Units have not been satisfactorily addressed.
• Ms. Stewart-Cousins expressed her concern that this is a real savings and not a deprivation. Commissioner Pozzi stated that it is his understanding from Jane Black, Administrator from the Department of Correction, that all requests for materials and supplies were granted. He further stated that the Women’s Unit has their own Law Library and access to computer training is provided specifically to the Women’s Unit, not the Men’s. He is not aware of any discrepancy between the level of information between the units. They are looking into and are committed to assuring that all services are equal for both units.

• Ms. Stewart-Cousins also expressed her concern with regard to savings in contractual services and making sure that they are actual savings. The Commissioner will look into it.

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On motion of Legislator LaMotte, seconded by Legislator Stewart-Cousins, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 6-0 with Legislators Swanson and Young out for vote.

GIFT ACCEPTANCE:

On motion of Legislator Carsky, seconded by Legislator Young, the motion to Receive and File this item was carried by a vote of 8-0.

18. HON. KATHERINE CARSKY: Forwarding a copy of her letter to the

• There was discussion with regard to the County’s purchase of this property for which the cost was $5.3 million. The property is comprised of a mansion, carriage house and several cottages.
• This matter is also being discussed in the Community Affairs and Housing and Environment Committees.
• Mr. Kaplowitz, Chair of the Environment Committee, reported that the Environment Committee has kept this matter on the front burner and has had an update from the Administration for the 1^st quarter and plans to have one for the 2^nd quarter. Environment is actively looking at this.

• Mrs. LaMotte stated her opinion that the property (mansion) needs tremendous upkeep and the County probably should sell it. The bigger policy question is, should the County be involved in commercial enterprises?
• The property is located adjacent to the watershed area whereby the Village of Croton gets it’s water supply.

• Mr. Kaplowitz noted that there were questions with regard to the septic systems on the property as well as the effect on the water quality for the Village.

• The Committee requested the secretary combine items 11 & 18 and make it one item with two parts.

• The Committee reviewed the April 29^th A&C Calendar.
• Mr. Boland informed the Committee that at last week’s A&C meeting the BOL requested that the IT items with regard to telephone lines be withdrawn pending further information. The Administration held it over. Mr. Boland stated that they are still pursuing answers with regard to lines the new contract will cover.

• (8) Authority to enter into an agreement with BKS for auditing services to determine the compliance of certain hotels and motels with regulations in regard to the Westchester County Room Occupancy Tax, in an amount not to exceed $70,000. Mr. Kaplowitz asked if it would still be possible, as a matter of policy, to have that amount paid out of the 15% allowed for administrative expenses. Ms. Bennett informed the Committee that according to the law 15% of the proceeds, after accounting for administration and operations, goes to Tourism related activities. Committee requested a breakdown of the 15%.

• (14) & (15) Re: Contract with listed Providers for Preschool Children with Disabilities, including evaluations for Handicapped Children in an amount not to exceed $24.5 million and a Contract with listed Providers of Itinerant Related Services to Preschool Children with Disabilities in an amount not to exceed $8.5 million: Committee asked how much of the $33 million is reimbursable. Ms. Tooher stated that for Pre-K 59 1/2% is aid. Committee asked to be kept updated on this matter.

• Re: IMA with Rockland County whereby Westchester will provide bacteriological and/or chemical analysis of water and bacteriological analysis food samples provided by Rockland County, in accordance with the listed rates. Committee requested a list of those rates.
• (29), (30) & (31): CDBG projects: Legislator Carsky stated that she had written a memo to the Chairman asking for a breakdown of the funding going for housing and housing related activity. She received a reply from the Planning Department that needed further elaboration. The Committee expressed their concern regarding this matter and will pursue it further.

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• Legislator Stewart-Cousins questioned items numbers 39-48 which dealt with Domestic Violence. Back-up will be provided for these items.

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