OTHERS: C.E.’s Office: Bill Randolph, Adam Scheinman, Budget Dept.: Kate Carrano, Meredith Waltman, Arthur Vietro; CBAC: George Hosey, Barbara Strauss; Law Dept.: Alan Scheinkman; Environmental Projects: Robert Funicello; Personnel: Paula Redd Zeman, Mary Ann Mikulsky; CIO: Norm Jacknis; IT: Stuart Wadler; John Elliott, R. Allen Elliott; DOT: Larry Salley; PRC: Sal DeSantis; Real Estate: Sal Carrera; DPW/DEF: Tony Landi, John D’Aquino; DES: Will Nardozzi; Finance: Thurston Hartford; WCHCC Board: Jo Brill; BOL: Legislator Bronz, Robert Boland, Sally Schecter, Chris Chang, Barbara Dodds, Tina Seckerson
Chairman Wishnie called the meeting to order at 10:10 a.m.
DISCUSSION:
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY & CRIMINAL JUSTICE:
Public Safety Committee Chair Ryan reconvened the Public Safety meeting at 10:12 a.m.
PSCJ Attendance: Ryan, Kaplowitz, Latimer, Mosiello, Swanson, Wishnie
A10. Grant Acceptance – Municipal Domestic Preparedness: Proposed Resolution authorizing the County to accept from the U.S. Department of Justice a federal grant as part of the County and Municipal Domestic Preparedness Equipment Support Program. (6/19/00) (Also referred to PSCJ)
COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS
MINUTES – JULY 10, 2000
PAGE 2
· If approved, this resolution would authorize the county to accept from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, $300,000 in a federal grant as part of the County and Municipal Domestic Preparedness equipment Support Program.
· The grant award is for the procurement of specialized emergency response equipment, which will enhance the county’s basic defensive capability to respond to incidents of domestic terrorism.
· The categories of equipment are: personal protective equipment, chemical and biological detection equipment and communications equipment.
· Chief Nardozzi informed the Committee that municipalities do not have to be members of 60-control to utilize the equipment.
· Chairman Ryan stated that Commissioner D’Aliso had discussed this matter previously with the Public Safety Committee.
FOR THE BUDGET COMMITTEE:
On motion of Legislator Carsky, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 9-0 with Legislator Abinanti out for the vote.
FOR THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE:
On motion of Legislator Swanson, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 5-0.
ADJOURNMENT FOR THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE:
There being no further items for discussion, on motion of Legislator Swanson, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, the Public Safety Committee meeting was adjourned at 10:18 a.m.
MINUTES:
On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Carsky, the motion to approve the Minutes of June 26, 2000 was carried by a vote of 9-0 with Legislator Abinanti out for the vote.
COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS
MINUTES – JULY 10, 2000
PAGE 3
Early Retirement Incentive Program:
· WCC: to meet open enrollment must be enacted by July 26, 2000
· County: to meet open enrollment must be enacted by August 4, 2000
· Special mtg.: July 24th – nine votes are required to approve the legislation.
· According to Budget Director Carrano there is funding in this year’s budget to cover the cost of the incentive.
On motion of Legislator Young, seconded by Legislator Latimer, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 9-0 with Legislator Abinanti out for the vote.
A4. Expenditure of E-911 Funds: Proposed Act authorizing the expenditure of $4,970,767 in E-911 surcharge funds for the operation of E-911 system in Westchester. (6/19/00)
· In 1991, the Board imposed a surcharge of thirty-five cents per telephone line per month to pay for the operation and maintenance of the county’s E-911 system.
· The surcharge funds are collected by the local telephone company, which is required to submit the funds to the county Commissioner of Finance on a monthly basis.
· The E-911 surcharge funds held by the county must be expended only for telecommunications equipment, operation and maintenance costs and telephone service costs “necessary to establish and provide an E-911 system” and only upon the authorization of the Board of Legislators.
· A review of the E-911 account for 1998 and 1999 was completed by Mitchell & Titus, LLP, independent accountants.
· Legislator Kaplowitz requested a detailed breakdown of the 1999 expenditure. He would like to know if the county is making money or losing money with E-911.
· Legislator Carsky expressed her concerns with regard to the legality of the expenditure of E-911 funds. She requested a written opinion from the County Attorney's office that states it is legal and appropriate to accrue funds in this account and as to the use of the surcharge. Mr. Kaplowitz requested a legal opinion as to the repayment of administrative expenses..
COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS
MINUTES – JULY 10, 2000
PAGE 4
On motion of Legislator LaMotte, seconded by Legislator Young, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 9-0 with Legislator Abinanti out for the vote and Legislators Carsky, Noto and Swanson signing “Without Prejudice”.
GRANT APPLICATION: PEST MANAGEMENT:
· Westchester County is eligible to apply for funds from the state of New York through the Department of Environmental Conservation, in connection with the Municipal Non-Toxic Pest Management Project, which provides for funding for training public employees in non-toxic pest management methods and for minor structural repairs to prevent pest infestation.
· This State assistance program provides a valuable opportunity for the county to offer training programs to its employees and the employees of local municipalities consistent with the on-going development of County and local policies which are designed to reduce the use of toxic pesticides in public facilities.
· This legislation authorizes the county to apply to the NYS DEC for state funding for this training program on or before March 31, 2001 after which time State funding for the program will terminate.
· The County is not required to provide local matching funds for the project pursuant to this State assistance program.
· The project, as proposed, would further the purposes of both the county’s existing Integrated Pest Management law, as well as that of the proposed Pesticide Reduction law.
· The total not-to-exceed amount of state funding to be sought for the project is $50,000.
· Mr. Kaplowitz requested the net cost of the project.
On motion of Legislator Carsky, seconded by Legislator Stewart-Cousins, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 10-0.
A7. Capital Budget Amendment: Proposed Act transferring appropriated capital funds designated for New Homes Construction. (6/19/00)
· To transfer appropriated capital funds designated for New Homes Construction (project BPL09) to New Homes Land Acquisition (project BPL10). The ultimate goal of both projects is to increase the amount of affordable housing in the County.
COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS
MINUTES – JULY 10, 2000
PAGE 5
· This funding transfer does not result in any net increase to the budget.
· Committee amended the Committee Report to include: “The County will be able to purchase land and then contract with for-profit or not-for-profit developers for housing which meets County housing affordability guidelines and all local land use regulatory requirements. The target of this program is 80% of median income as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.”
On motion of Legislator Stewart-Cousins, seconded by Legislator Abinanti, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 8-0 with Legislators Latimer and Noto out for the vote.
22. Real Property Donation: A legislative package relating to the donation, by Mrs. Henriette Suhr, of real property located in the Town of New Castle to the County of Westchester for use as parkland. (3/27/00)
· This matter was discussed in detail at several previous Budget Committee meetings.
· The Committee was assured by the Administration that funding mechanisms for maintenance of the property and house are in place.
· There was a discussion with regard to the County’s intention to sell the Stokes-Greene property.
On motion of Legislator Wishnie, seconded by Legislator Latimer, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 10-0 with Legislators Carsky, LaMotte, Swanson and Noto signing “Without Prejudice”.
COMMITTEE ON HEALTH:
Health Committee Chair Abinanti called the Health Committee meeting to order at 12:00 p.m.
Health Attendance: Abinanti, Carsky, Stewart-Cousins, Swanson
9. WCHCC Agreements: Proposed legislation authorizing the County to enter into various agreements with the Westchester County Health Care Corporation. (6/19/00) (Also referred to Health Comm.)
COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS
MINUTES – JULY 10, 2000
PAGE 6
· There were three agreements considered.
· Reference 1: An Act authorizing the County to enter into an agreement with the WCHCC for a term commencing January 1, 2000 through December 31, 2001 whereby the WCHCC will provide certain community mental health services.
· Reference 2: An Act authorizing the County to enter into an agreement with the WCHCC for a term commencing January 1, 2000 through December 31, 2000 whereby the County will provide certain Employee Assistance Program services and receive a license of space at 19 Bradhurst Avenue for an office for Employee Assistance program staff.
· Reference 3: An Act authorizing the County to enter into an agreement with the WCHCC for a term commencing June 1, 2000 through December 31, 2001 whereby the WCHCC will furnish medical consulting services necessary for satisfactory implementation of the Uniform Attendance Standards of the Department of Correction, including, without limitation, reviewing the medical status of employees to determine fitness for duty.
FOR THE HEALTH COMMITTEE:
On motion of Legislator Abinanti, seconded by Legislator Stewart-Cousins, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 5-0.
FOR THE BUDGET COMMITTEE:
On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 9-0 with Legislator Latimer out for the vote.
HEALTH COMMITTEE ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further items for discussion for the Health Committee, on motion of Legislator Carsky, seconded by Legislator Stewart-Cousins, the Health Committee meeting was adjourned at 12:07 p.m.
COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS
MINUTES – JULY 10, 2000
PAGE 7
C) BOND ACTS: (NOTE: All bond acts have been reviewed by sub-committees of the Budget committee)
· Items C28-33 are all Waste Water Treatment Plant Phase II – automation Projects.
· Legislator Stewart-cousins requested a synopsis of the work being done with regard to compliance to the Black & Veatch study.
28. SBB10: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $200,000 in bonds – Blind Brook Waste Water Treatment Plant Automation. (5/22/00)
On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Wishnie, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 7-0 with Legislators Latimer, Abinanti and Swanson out for the vote.
29. SNR10: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $250,000 in bonds – New Rochelle Waste Water Treatment Plant Automation. (5/22/00)
On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Wishnie, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 8-0 with Legislators Latimer and Abinanti out for the vote.
30. SOS10: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $450,000 in bonds – Ossining Waste Water Treatment Plant Automation. (5/22/00)
On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Wishnie, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 8-0 with Legislators Latimer and Abinanti out for the vote.
31. SPK10: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $650,000 in bonds – Peekskill Waste Water Treatment Plant Automation. (5/22/00)
On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Wishnie, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 7-0 with Legislators Latimer, Swanson and Abinanti out for the vote.
COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS
MINUTES – JULY 10, 2000
PAGE 8
32. SPS10: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $800,000 in bonds – North Yonkers Pump Station Automation. (5/22/00)
On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Wishnie, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 8-0 with Legislators Latimer and Abinanti out for the vote.
33. SY010: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $1,650,000 in bonds – Yonkers Joint Treatment Plant Automation. (5/22/00)
On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Wishnie, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 7-0 with Legislators Latimer, Swanson and Abinanti out for the vote.
16. B0014: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $200,000 in bonds – Exterior Infrastructure Repairs/White Plains Complex. (5/22/00)
· To finance the final phase of a project to rehabilitate the building exterior of the Michaelian Office Building.
· The work involves masonry repairs, window repairs/sealant or replacements, water proofing and painting.
· Project is required to maintain the building envelope to reduce/eliminate water and air filtration that causes damages to the building integrity.
On motion of Legislator Wishnie, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 8-0 with Legislators Latimer and Abinanti out for vote.
17. B0015: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $350,000 in bonds – Interior Infrastructure Repairs/White Plains Complex. (5/22/00)
· To finance the second of a multi-phase project to rehabilitate the building interiors (common areas only) of the White Plains Complex, including MOBI, 112 East Post Road and 85 Court Street.
· Work involves painting, ceilings, hardware security systems, building management systems and electrical distribution upgrades to service entrances.
· Project required to maintain the interior infrastructure of county buildings.
COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS
MINUTES – JULY 10, 2000
PAGE 9
· Current request will fund rehabilitation of corridors and additional rehabilitation of toilets in MOBI and 112 East Post Road.
On motion of Legislator Wishnie, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 7-0 with Legislator Noto signing “Without Prejudice” and Legislators Latimer, Abinanti and Swanson out for the vote.
18. B0029: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $3,500,000 in bonds – County Office Reallocations. (5/22/00)
· To finance the relocation of several departments from 150 Grand Street (leased) and 85 Court Street (owned) to 112 East Post Road.
· This will include the design and construction of space to be occupied and moving costs.
· Departments to be relocated include the Departments of Social services, Health, community Mental Health (TASC), STOP-DWI, and Planning (Section 8).
· Legislator LaMotte requested that the Committee receive a list of space and what it is being used for.
On motion of Legislator Young, seconded by Legislator Wishnie, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 6-1 with Legislator LaMotte being recorded in the negative, Legislator Noto signing “Without Prejudice” and Legislators Latimer, Abinanti and Swanson out for the vote.
19. BFT08: Proposed Bond Act authorizing the issuance of $330,000 in bonds – Equipment and Apparatus for Fire Training Center. (5/22/00)
· To finance the purchase of one replacement fire truck to be used for training purposes at the Fire Training Center.
· A previous Bond Act No. 53-1999 authorized the design and construction of a flashover simulator in the amount of $140,000. Since it was determined that a flashover simulator would not be purchased due to safety concerns, Bond act 53-1999 was subsequently rescinded by Bond Act 66-2000.
COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS
MINUTES – JULY 10, 2000
PAGE 10
On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 7-0 with Legislators Latimer, Abinanti and Swanson out for the vote.
· The committee reviewed the July 13th A&C Calendar. Several back-up items were requested.
· The Committee reviewed Item 28 from last week’s A&C Calendar which was held over. Item 28 is a Resolution authorizing the County of Westchester to enter into an agreement with Bargaining Associates for the provision of consultant services in connection with labor negotiations and related matters for a term commencing on January 1, 2000 in an amount to exceed $175,000.
· Chairman Latimer explained to the Committee that the reason he had held this matter over was that the County Attorney’s office was committing the County to a two year contract with Bargaining Associates for handling labor matters without the Board of Legislators being made aware of this commitment. The Chairman briefed the Committee on the proposed contract and solicited any questions from the members. He had no objection to the contract but wanted the Committee’s input before voting for this item on the next A&C agenda.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further items for discussion, on motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Wishnie, the meeting was adjourned at 12:50 p.m.