COMMITTEE ON BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS

COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AND HOUSING

MINUTES

JUNE 1421JULY 21, 1999

 

 

 

ATTENDANCE:

 

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

Stewart-Cousins, Stewart-Cousins, Swanson, Young, Young

 

 

CAH MEMBERS:  Oros, Spreckman, Bronz, Young

 

OTHERS:                       Budget Dept.:  Kate Carrano, Meredith WaltmanLeslie Bennett, Dianne KearneyVanadia;  CBAC:  George Hosey;  C.E.’s Office: Bill Randolph, Mike Wittenberg, Larry SchwartzBill RandolphSymra Brandon, Michael Goodstein, David Meyers;  DEF:  Commissioner Landi;  Planning:  Fran McLaughlin, Joe Adelman;  aePRC:  Commissioner DeSantis, Paul ReitanoPersonnel Dept.:  Paula Redd Zeman; MaryAnne Mikulsky;;  WCC:  Dr. Hankin, Mark Gesoff, Harry Phillips, Fred Boyar, Lou Torrieri;  CBAC:  George Hosey, Barbara Strauss;  BOL: Legislator Ryan, Rob Hoch, Barbara Dodds, Sally Schecter, Chris Chang, RBarbara Dodds, Robert Boland, Chris Chang, Tina Seckerson

 

Chairman Chairmean Wishnie and Oros called the meeting to order at 10:10 10a.m.

 

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

 

MINUTES:

 

On motion of Legislator KaplowitzCarskyKaplowitz, seconded by Legislator YoungKaplowitzYoung, the motion to approve the Minutes of June 714, 1999July 7, 1999; July 8, 1999 and July 12, 1999 was carried by a vote of 7-0 (Legislator Abinanti out for vote)

 

 

AGENDA ITEMS:

 

7.*     COUNTY EXECUTIVE:  Early Retirement (County):  Proposed Local Law in relation to electing a retirement incentive program for eligible County of Westchester employees (except Westchester Community College employees) pursuant to the provisions of Chapter Seventy of the Laws of Nineteen Hundred and Ninety-Nine.  (7/12/99)

 

8.*        COUNTY EXECUTIVE:  Early Retirement (WCC):  Proposed Local Law approving a Resolution by the Westchester Community College Board of Trustees, dated June 30, 1999, electing to provide the benefits of a retirement incentive program pursuant to the provisions of Chapter Seventy of the Laws of Nineteen Hundred and Ninety-Nine.  (7/12/99)

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·       Estimated total number of employees to take early retirement is 80 at a cost of $2 million.

·       Mrs. Swanson inquired as to where the money is coming from.  Ms. Redd Zeman stated that the money has already been budgeted and the Budget Department would have the specifics.  Each department is required to have a plan for savings.

·       Lines of those retiring are “frozen lines” and there is a process for backfilling those positions.

·       Committee would like to see a “savings” column included in the breakdown.

 

On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Young, the motion to approve items 7 & 8 (captioned above) was carried by a vote of 8-0.

 

 

WESTCHESTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE BUDGET:

 

·       $1.5 million net increase in net salary account.  $150, 000 is  due to negotiated contractsalary settlements with CSEA and WCCFT.  Salaries at the College have not been increased in 10 years.Under Ethnic Studies (4480)reduction $140,000 because those people were moved up into net annual regular salaries.  WCC has not increased its share of salaries in 10 years.  As a result positions have had to be left open for a longer period of time resulting in less service from those jobs just to pay for the salary increase.  Dr. Hankin explained that they have also had to rely on early retirement savings.  For the 1998-1999 period, early retirement cost was $313,000 but they saved over $564,000 over the 2 years.

·       So far 14 people have expressed interest in early retirement.

·       Pending Regular increase of $150,000 due to 3 new jobs that have been added.  (1 new faculty member & 2 programming speciapositionslists)   Even in the height of the College’s growth they did not add any new faculty members and are beginning to hurt in this area.  Dr. Hankin stated that it is his intention to budget for one new full-time faculty member eachper year for 10 years.  He further stated that WCC has one of the highest ratios of part-time faculty to full-time faculty in the State of New York and people (i.e. State Education Department, Regional Accrediting bodies, SUNY, etc.) are beginning to look at it and question it.

·       Increase in employee health insurance is because there are a number of new positions as well as increasing rates.  There are 8 new jobs that were not in there next year.  Mr. Phillips stated that if the College had its own health insurance it would save a lot of money.

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·       Dr. Hankin stated that the Total Equipment number goes down partly because it was an inflated number in 1997-1998 and 1998-1999 Due to the Peekskill satellite and becausethey had in such a large number for increase in tax levy and they decided to make up savings here.

– made savings here

·       Capital financing – 125 tax levy & 125 financingCapital financing – The Budget department recommended they put another $250,000 in.  WCC balked at that so as a compromise they added $125,000 in tax levy & $125,000 into the financing account itself.

 

Workers Compensation Insurance:  Dr. Hankin stated that they are now chargedon the basis of own experience.  They went out and got three independent bids showing that they could do it for less, so the County dropped their rates.

Data Processing – will need cty services for another year

·       Workers Compensation Insurance is down Dr. Hankin explained due to an agreement reached last year that the county would stop charging them on the basis of pro-rated salary and instead charge them on the basis of their own experience.  They went out and got three independent bids showing that they could do it for less, so the County dropped their rates.

·       Data Processing – will need county services for another year

·       Total college expenses up 3.5%

·       State aid: Although the State budget has yet to be adopted Dr. Hankin said he received a call from Albany that they State will be giving them $75.00 more per FTE student in aid.  He further stated that reductionthe College is very cautious and therefore the budget does  – does not reflect anything not already in hand.  If the funding is received it would amount to $690,000. They would have to make another adjustment because as the State aid increases the charge back rate decreases due to the formula and so they would have to subtract $100,000.  The net savings would be $575,000 by which number they could lower the fund balance they are using.  Dr. Hankin reminded the Committee that State aid lags one year.  The College had a reduction in FTE’s last year which is now being reversed.  That reduction as well projects like the Peekskill expansion project reduces State aid because they have to use more of the State aid in the island account.

 

·       Student Tuition:  at 2350 max state will allow is 2500.  Student Tuition:  Student tuition has risen 74% over the last several years.  Tuition at the College is currently at $2350.  The maximum the State will allow is $2500.  Dr. Hankin stated that he does not believe that tuition should be increased without getting State and/or County aid.  The Board of Trustees is holding the line on tuition increases until it sees the willingness of the County to participate.

·       Dr. Hankin explained that they are asking for a large fund balance to balance this budget because without additional tax levy increases there are no other sources.

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Bdo ftrustees holding line on tuition increases

County share - Tax levy 1.63% increase

·       County share - Tax levy 1.63% increase in the College’s budget.  If you look at it as a total of the County tax levy it is .0006% of increase.

·       Mr. Kaplowitz inquired as to the cCurrent state of fund balance.  According to Mr. Boyar, the fund balance is :  currently at $2.7 million (excluding this year).  As of August 1998, the College’s last fiscal year end, it is $3.7 million.  The expectation for August of 1999 isanticipate $1.2.

·       Dr. Hankin stated that student enrollment is on the increase.

·        for this year

·       Capital financing:  Mr. Boyar stated that as they were getting closer to printing the budget it was identified that they would have to make a payment oforinterest only on the library project of approximately $250,000. for interest only on library project bonding.  Working with the Budget Department they reached a compromise to increase tax levy by Compromise – tax levy went up $125,000.

·       Budget does not reflect proposed changes with regard to public works at the College.

·       Mrs. Stewart-Cousins inquired if the budget reflects the possibility of an extension somewhere in the southern tier of the county.  Dr. Hankin stated that it is not because that is done through the island accounts and hopefully would be self-sustaining.  Dr. Hankin that they are talking about making a branch campus rather than an extension campus. 

·       Mrs. Stewart-Cousins inquired as to the decrease in Ethnic Studies.  Dr. Hankin stated that it is due to the multi-cultural program project that was moved up into net annual regular salaries.  Mr. Boyar further explained that 2 positions which were previously in Ethnic Studies were moved into net annual regular salary account but there was no decrease in the program itself.

·       Mrs. Carsky asked what the percentage increase in employee health insurance after 8 new employees.  Mr. Boyar stated that they estimate 10-12%.  Dr. Hankin stated that school districts that have the same basic coverage as the College pay a lot less per employee.  He said given the opportunity they would go out on their own they may be able to do better than they are now.  Mrs. Swanson stated that if the College goes out on its own for insurance they would have to look at the impact on the rest of the County.

·       Mr. Kaplowitz congratulated the College on saving $1.5 million in expenses (actual projected 1998 vs. projected 1998) and asked how it was accomplished.  Mr. Boyar stated that a lot of it was due to salary savings because of early retirement.  Dr. Hankin stated that positions are being kept vacant longer and longer.

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·       Mr. Boland asked when the Committee can expect to receive the list of reserves and accounts payable that was previously requested.  Mr. Boyar stated that they are working on it.  Mr. Boland asked for a more definitive time frame.  Mr. Boyar stated that they will provide it as soon as they can.

 

ASC – satellite

% increase in employee health insurance costs – 10-12%

plan on doubling size of Peekskill office.  Start-up costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

·       The Committee will discuss the WCC Budget further at next week’s meeting.

 

 

TEAMSTERS AGREEMENT:

 

 

4.*     COUNTY EXECUTIVE:  Teamsters Agreement:  Forwarding an Act to approve the agreement between the County of Westchester and Local 456, International Brotherhood of Teamsters.  (7/12/99)

 

Due toconcerns of Legislator Abinanti it was decided by the Administration that the scheduled pWESTCHESTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE BUDGET:

 was carried by a vote of 8-06-0.

 

AGENDA ITEMS:

 

 

 

16.*Hudson River Waterfront Acquisition:  Proposed legislation authorizing the County to acquire Hudson River Waterfront Property known as the Habirshaw Club Property.  (6/21/99)  (Also referred to CAH)

 

The property is located at 35 Alexander Street in Yonkers and was the site of the Habirshaw Club and consists of approximately 1.97 acres of land (1.23 acres above water, .74 acres under water) with a one-story structure.

The site has approximately 124 linear feet of water.

The property is contiguous to the County’s former Naval Militia site, which is the northern boundary of the proposed County esplanade park component of the Yonkers Waterfront Revitalization Project.

The property, once improved as a park, would form a natural terminus to the County esplanade park.

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COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY AFFAIRS & HOUSING

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Mr. Pietropaolo assured the Committees that there would be expansion of the Yonkers Pump Station.

Mr. Oros asked if the Yonkers City Council passed a resolution in support of the acquisition of this property.  Ms. Brandon stated that they did recently pass a resolution and are in support of this acquisition.

Mr. Oros inquired as to whether an appraisal had been done.  Mr. Pietropaolo stated that Scenic Hudson had an appraisal done.  The Committees would like to see the appraisal.

Scenic Hudson has an option to purchase the property for $850,000 which must be exercised no later than July 13, 1999.

Scenic Hudson will contribute approximately $682,716 toward the purchase price of a conservation easement on the property and the County will pay the remaining approximate amount of $167,284, which is expected to be reimbursed to a State account.

The property will be conveyed to the County, via an assignment agreement with Scenic Hudson, subject to the conservation easement running to Scenic Hudson that would restrict development on the property, require its use as a public park and provide for indemnification of Scenic Hudson by the County for personal injury, death, accidents, negligence or damage relating to the property.

Bond Counsel is Hawkins, Delafield & Wood

Mr. Oros expressed his concernas to bonding the $950,000 (taken from the general purpose – acquisition account) rather than using cash.  The Committees would like a detailed explanation on this matter from the Administration.

Breakdown of the $950,000 is:  $682,000 for Scenic Hudson; $167,000 anticipated State grant; $100,000 combined County & Scenic Hudson closing costs.

Under the terms of this agreement, the County will put approximately $682,716 from bond proceedsinto an escrow account as security to ensure the timely completion of park improvements.  If the park is not constructed according to the material terms set forth in the development agreement, Scenic Hudson will either a) draw down on the funds in order to finish the work, with any remaining money to be retained by the County, or b) take the full $682,716 as consideration for its investment.

Mrs. Carsky asked if there would be any need in the future to expand the Yonkers Pump Station.  Mr. Robertson stated that dechlorination facilities are a concern for all of the County’s sewage plants but there .

Mrs. Stewart-Cousins assured the Committee that the City of Yonkers’ plan is for recreational purposes only and would remain open to all.

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COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY AFFAIRS & HOUSING

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The County Planning Board has approved this project.

 

FOR B&A COMMITTEE:

 

On motion of Legislator Stewart-Cousins, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 9-0 with Legislators Swanson, Young, LaMotte, Carsky and Mosiello signing “Without Prejudice”.

 

FOR CAH COMMITTEE:

 

On motion of Legislator Stewart-Cousins, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 9-0 with Legislators Swanson, Young, LaMotte, Carsky and Mosiello signing “Without Prejudice”.

 

COUNTY EXECUTIVE: 

 

Ms. Drummond explained that the New York Metropolitan Region, inlcuding Westchester and Rockland Counties, has been designated as an eligible metropolitan statistical area (EMSA) to be provided formula entitlement funds under HOPWA.  New York City has been designated as the eligible applicant for the EMSA for the purpose of submitting applications to HUD, receiving the grant, insuring that the grant is administered in accordance with HOPWA, and selecting project sponsors to carry out activities authorized under HOPWA.

 

The County would enter into IMA’s for the distribution of Fiscal Year (Year 8) HOPWA grant funds as follows:

City of Mt. Vernon $429,335;  City of New Rochelle $107,000;  City of Yonkers  $394,000. 

The County would use the portion that is not disbursed

 

 

INVEST IN KIDS:

 

 

16.*COUNTY EXECUTIVE:  Hudson River Waterfront Acquisition:  Proposed legislation authorizing the County to acquire Hudson River Waterfront Property known as the Habirshaw Club Property.  (6/21/99)  (Also referred to CAH)

 

GAISMAN PROPERTY:

 

Archdiocese needs to close on this property by the end of the month.

The legal description of the Gaisman Estate, provided by the Trust for Public Land, contained approximately 1/3 of an acre of encroachments by adjoining property owners onto the approximately 123-acre parcel.  This legislation would provide for removal of the 4 encroachments, which create a legal impediment to the transfer of title to the Estate to the State, the Town and the County.

The Committee expressed concern with regard to encroachments on County properties.  A letter will be sent to Sal Carrera, Director of Real Estate noting the Committee’s concern and inquiring as to whether inspections of County property with regard to encroachments are being performed.

Committee requested a map and a list of the owners of the encroachments.

 

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

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Legislator Carsky suggested that a letter be sent to the County Attorney, from the Committee, requesting that the County beging to do surveys of County properties.  She noted that currently the County does not have good surveys, for title purposes, of the BRPR.  Mr. Wishnie stated that he will also seek County Planning Board input.

FILING OF COUNTY’s COUNTY’S REPORT WITH THE OFFICE OF THE STATE COMPRTROLLER:

 

Commissioner Pucillo explained that the report being electronically transmitted today.  They did not meet the 5/31 deadline due to the County’s Y2K conversion of its financial system.  The County’s financial system is now Y2K compliant.

The financial report will be printed and finalized by end of month.  They are currently writing footnotes.

 

MORTGAGE TAX RECIPTESRECEIPTS:

 

 

Commissioner Pucillo explained that for the first time they are electronically wiring checksthe beginning June 15th.  By law must be transmitted by June 15th.

Amount of mortgage tax receipts are sSlightly up from previous year due to increase in property values.

 

On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Swanson, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of

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On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Swanson, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 6-0.

 

 

III.BOND ACTS:  (Note:  All bond acts have been reviewed, in detail, by 

         sub-committees)

 

 

1.Bond Act:   Authorizing the issuance of $900,000 in bonds – Air Conditioning Equipment Replacement and Chloroflouro Carbons.  (7/20/98)

 

This Bond Act has been superseded by Bond Act #3 (B0038)

 

Bond Act:  (RGIP2):  Authorizing the issuance of $400,000 in bonds – Park Wide Comfort Station Rehabilitation.  (5/25/99)

 

Mrs. LaMotte began by informing the Committee that the reason for some of the smaller amounts (i.e. $100,000) is due to 10% for design phases. 

Mr. Kaplowitz informed the Committee that there is no per unit cost on a smaller bond than a larger bond.

Dianne Vanadia informed the Committee that oftentimes a project’s deign has to be at a certain point before a SEQR review can be completed.

This bonding legislation is required to finance the cost of recreational area improvements at Tibbetts Brook Park and Ridge Road Park as part of a project to rehabilitate comfort stations.  Commissioner DeSantis stressed that they intend to rehab all of the parks comfort stations but had to prioritize which ones had to be done first based on current condition as well as park usage.

 

On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Mosiello, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 6-0 with Legislator Swanson signing “Without Prejudice”.

 

Bond Act:  (B0021):  Authorizing the issuance of $2,200,000 in bonds – Michaelian Office Building Modernization.  (5/25/99)

 

Bond Act:  (B0038):  Authorizing the issuance of $1,900,000 in bonds – Air Conditioning Equipment Replacement and Chloroflouro Carbons, DPW Locations.  (5/25/99)

 

Bond Act:  (B0045):  Authorizing the issuance of $88,000 in bonds – Putnam Right-of-Way/South County Trailway Improvements.  (5/25/99)

 

Bond Act:  (RB02D):  Authorizing the issuance of $360,000 in bonds, Bronx River Parkway over Bronx River, North of Leewood Drive – Yonkers and Eastchester.  (5/25/99)

 

Bond Act:  (RB02E):  Authorizing the issuance of $240,000 in bonds – Bronx River Parkway over Bronx River, South of Leewood Drive, Yonkers and Eastchester.  (5/25/99)

 

Bond Act:  (RB011):  Authorizing the issuance of $500,000 in bonds – Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains/Harrison/Mamaroneck.  (5/25/99)

 

Bond Act:  (RB012):  Authorizing the issuance of $600,000 in bonds – Westchester Avenue, East and Westbound, between White Plains Avenue and Purchase Street.  (5/25/99)

 

Bond Act:  (RB025):  Authorizing the issuance of $200,000 in bonds – Tuckahoe Road, Yonkers.  (5/25/99)

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Bond Act:  (RGIP2):  Authorizing the issuance of $400,000 in bonds – Park Wide Comfort Station Rehabilitation.  (5/25/99)

 

Mrs. LaMottee began by informed the Committee that the resaon for some of the smaller amounts (i.e. $100,000) is due to 10% for design phases. 

Mr. Kaplowitz informed the Committee that

 

 

 

 

Bond Act:  (RGC05):  Authorizing the issuance of $125,000 in bonds – Mohansic Golf Course Rehabilitation, Tees/Greens.  (5/25/99)

This bonding legislation is required to finance the cost of preparation of surveys, preliminary and detailed plans, specifications and estimates necessary for planning tees, greens and fairways rehabilitation at the Mohansic Golf Course.

The $8 million cost estimate for the total project is being reduced as they continue to evaluate the current facility and project.  So far it has been reduced down to $5 million and may be reduced further.  Committee will be kept apprised.

 

 

 

$8 million number is being reduced as they continue to evaluate the project,.  Continue to investiagte current facility.  Reduced down to $5 million.  May be a further reduction.  Committee will bne kept apprised.

 

 

Bond Act:  (RGC12):  Authorizing the issuance of $1,100,000 in bonds – Dunwoodie Golf Course Parking Improvements.  (5/25/99)

 

The Commissioner stated that the eE.  This bonding legislation will finance the cost of recreational area improvements, including realignment and reorganization of the entrance area and main parking lot.

 will be provided.

Bond Act:  (RMAC1):  Authorizing the issuance of $100,000 in bonds – V.E. Macy Park Improvements.  (5/25/99)

 

This project will implement the Woodlands South County Family Recreation Center development plan.  It involves the conversion of the former “Cantina” restaurant at the Woodlands Lake portion of V.E. Macy Park into an all-around recreation center.This plan is for the site to serve as an all-around recreation center, focusing on the new South County Trailway.