MINUTES
HEALTH COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Abinanti, Stewart-Cousins, Carsky,
Swanson
OTHERS: C.E.’s Office: Bill Randolph; Budget Dept.: Kate Carrano; CBAC: George Hosey; PRC: Jack Robbins; Law Dept: Alan Scheinkman; Planning: Gina D’Agrosa; Finance Dept.: Steve Broege; BOL: Robert Boland, Chris Chang, Sally Schecter, Tina Seckerson
NOTE: The Budget Committee met jointly with the Public Safety Committee at
9:00 a.m. regarding 911. See Public Safety Minutes for detail.
Chairman Wishnie called the Budget Committee meeting to order at 10:20 a.m.
DISCUSSION:
B9.* COUNTY ATTORNEY: Lawsuit Settlement: Proposed Act authorizing the County Attorney to settle the Lawsuit entitled Rossini Contracting Corp. v. County of Westchester and Liberty Lines. (6/5/00)
· The County Attorney gave a brief description of the legislation. This is an action for an alleged breech of contract brought against the County by Rossini Contracting Corp. Rossini claimed that the County wrongfully retained $206,259.13 that was due them for the construction labor, materials, goods and services they provided under the contract. Rossini had a separate claim against Liberty Lines in the amount of $11,500.00 for work associated with the removal of contaminated soil at the site. Liberty Lines has since paid Rossini this sum in settlement of all claims against them in the lawsuit.
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· Rossini Contracting Corp. was hired to do work in bus garage in Yonkers, specifically to replace fuel tanks. The timing of certain parts of the construction period was critical. Specifically, the County needed Rossini’s replacement of the fuel tanks and the site restoration/repaving work to be done during the summer months to minimize the disruption to the County buses maintained by Liberty Lines.
· The importance of the timing of the construction was recognized by a special clause within the contract that allowed for the County to claim liquidated damages against the contractor.
· Rossini experienced delays in completing the project. Due to the delays the County elected to delete certain work from the contract and issued a credit change order for the project.
· The County completed the remaining contract work on its own or through other agents.
· Several Rossini subcontractors filed liens totaling in excess of $100,000 against Rossini for non-payment of work performed on the job. As a result the County had to hold any and all remaining payments to Rossini.
· Through its counsel Rossini entered into negotiations with the Law Department and the Department of Public Works to try to settle Rossini’s remaining claims. Rossini asserted that through there were delays in construction that County was in part responsible.
· The proposed settlement in the amount of $135,942.20 would be in full settlement of all claims.
On motion of Legislator Noto, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 9-0.
Legislator Stewart-Cousins called the Health Committee meeting to order at 10:30 a.m.
8. Parking Lot Improvements at Grasslands: Proposed legislation authorizing certain parking lot improvements at Grasslands. (5/22/00) (Also referred to Health)
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· Mr. Scheinkman stated that last year WCHCC purchased the parking garage from Grasslands Parking Associates, Inc. The acquisition of the garage by WCHCC enabled WCHCC to reduce the parking rates charged at the Medical Center and put to rest years of complaints about excessive rates.
· The County by agreeing last year to contribute $2.3 million towards various parking lot improvements enabled WCHCC to use funds it had set aside for these parking lot improvements for the purpose of reducing parking rates. This legislation is the final step in that commitment.
· As the design phase of the project is near completion authorization is being sought for bonding to finance the cost of construction.
FOR THE BUDGET COMMITTEE:
On motion of Legislator Noto, seconded by Legislator Wishnie, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 7-0 with Legislators Carsky and Young being recorded in the negative and Legislators LaMotte, Stewart-Cousins, Noto and Swanson signing “Without Prejudice”.
FOR THE HEALTH COMMITTEE:
On motion of Legislator Stewart-Cousins, seconded by Legislator Swanson, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 3-0 with Legislator Carsky being recorded in the negative and Legislators Stewart-Cousins and Swanson signing “Without Prejudice”.
ADJOURNMENT FOR THE HEALTH
COMMITTEE:
There being no further items for discussion in the Health Committee, on motion of Legislator Swanson, seconded by Legislator Stewart-Cousins the Health Committee meeting was adjourned at 10:45 a.m..
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15. Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act Funds: Proposed Act granting the County authority to apply for funds under the Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act for various qualifying Hudson river Estuary Projects. (3/27/00) (Also referred to ENV)
· This Legislation was discussed in detail at the Budget Committee meeting held on May 22, 2000. At that meeting the Committee had some questions and concerns with regard to the fourth part of the project: the biodiversity study and asked that it be severed from the rest of the package. This revised legislation accomplishes that.
· Concern was expressed by several Committee members that not enough attention is being given in Parks and DPW to maintaining infrastructure. This will be discussed further at a future meeting.
On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 9-0.
5.* Mortgage Tax Receipts: Proposed Act authorizing payment of Mortgage Tax Receipts. (6/5/00)
· The Committee was informed that there is a $2.6 million drop in payments since last year due to a back-log in the County Clerk’s Office.
· Legislator LaMotte stated that it is imprudent not to give the County Clerk the support and equipment necessary to get on-line to get the job done.
· It was suggested that a notice go out to the municipalities explaining the back-log and informing them that the next payment will be a bump up.
On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Young, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 9-0.
A&C CALENDAR:
The Committee reviewed the A&C Calendar for June 16, 2000.
There were several requests for back-up information.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further items for discussion, on motion of Legislator Noto, seconded by Legislator Carsky, the meeting was adjourned at 11:00 a.m.