MINUTES
HOUSING MEMBERS: Bronz, Kaplowitz
OTHERS: Budget Dept.: Kate Carrano, Arthur Vietro, Meredith Waltman; Finance/Benefits: Commissioner Pucillo, Phil Speziale; Planning: Larry Salley, Bill Brady; C.E.’s Office: Bill Randolph; Law Department: Alan Scheinkman; CBAC: George Hosey; BOL: Sally Schecter, Barbara Dodds, Rafael Vega, Tara Bernard, Robert Boland, Chris Chang, Tina Seckerson
Chairman Wishnie called the meeting to order at 9:20 a.m.
DISCUSSION:
2001 PROPOSED BUDGET: MISCELLANEOUS BUDGET:
· Health Benefits: Spent $67.1 million for 2000 and based on discussion with POMCO and actuary (Stergio) it looks like we are close to target. Catastrophic illnesses have decreased in 2000 although prescription drug costs continue to skyrocket. For 2001 received request for $73.8 million but are allowing $76.8 million based on actuary’s information. This number assumes cases of severity will level out while drug costs will continue to escalate. A copy of the actuary report will be given to Mr. Boland along with 6N and 6J. For the last 10 years we have exceeded the appropriated amount for health benefits. The Budget Director stated that they feel more comfortable going with the actuarial estimate than the estimate given by POMCO.
· There was a discussion as to how the number for prescription drug costs was arrived. The Budget Director explained that it was a blending of the actuary’s estimates, as well as Finance & POMCO’s numbers.
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· Legal Aid Society of Westchester (2085): the number that appears in the budget is a place holder. Last year this was considerable disagreement as to the appropriate level of funding and the Board increased the number by $700,000 above the C.E.’s recommendation. There has been a contract in place since January at the C.E.’s rate. There is still a loggerhead and to try to break the impasse the County engaged Bennett Kielson to conduct a review of the finances of Legal Aid. It should be completed and available on Wednesday. A meeting is set for Wednesday with Mr. Pittari. Negotiations are ongoing. The amount Mr. Pittari requested $6.7 million which is $500,000 over the $700,000 increase by the Board last year. There was a discussion with regard to the use of video conferencing for arraignments. There was a concern expressed at one point that clients like to have an in-person arraignment so that family members could be present. Mr. Pittari’s position has not changed in that he has a philosophical issue with regard to video conferencing. Video conferencing has an impact in several ways, more efficient, save money in terms of correction officers and police officer IMA’s going back and forth to court, as well as lawyers time in traveling back and forth. There are philosophical issues as to how the Legal Aid Society is viewed. If you view the Legal Aid Society as a non-profit we don’t have control over their assignments and how they run their business so we have no way to enforce efficiencies other than reducing funding. If they are viewed as a governmental entity they are expected to live within their budget. Committee would like to have the County Attorney as well as a Legal Aid Society representative report back after their meeting on Wednesday. Committee would like an estimate as to the savings of video conferencing.
HOUSING COMMITTEE:
Chair Bronz called the Housing Committee meeting to order at 9:58 a.m.
A7: Affordable Housing – New Rochelle: Proposed legislation authorizing
the County to purchase approximately 1.94 acres of real property in the City of New Rochelle; to enter into an IMA with the City of New Rochelle for the City to perform demolition on the property and other services in connection with the acquisition and to convey the property to the New Rochelle Community Housing Development Corporation for thew purpose of constructing affordable housing. (11/13/00) (Also referred to Housing)
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· Project is being requested by the City of New Rochelle as part of their West End 2000 development.
· New Homes Land Acquisition money to assist the city in developing 102 unit assisted senior affordable rental housing and 16-20 single family townhouses for first time home buyers all of which will be available to low income residents of the City.
· The properties consist of 16 parcels presently owned by 15 separate individuals. The parcels will be acquired directly by the County following appraisals and negotiations with each owner and then conveyed to the New Rochelle Community Housing Development Corporation (NRCHDC) for $1.00 each.
· The City is prepared to use Eminent Domain to acquire the property if it needs to.
· Mr. Salley stated that the City is in support of this project.
· Committee expressed concern with regard to the families that are being displaced. Mr. Salley stated that an extensive relocation plan has been developed.
· Committee would like to see something from the City Council with regard to the relocation process. Total cost of Phase I: approximately $11 million. Phase II includes additional 54 townhomes on adjacent properties to be acquired.
· It was questioned whether there is any county property where Habitat could build affordable housing. Mr. Salley stated that with very few exceptions the County does not own very large parcels of land that have not been dedicated to parkland.
· This project has been discussed for ten years.
· Mr. Salley stated that the area has been steadily deteriorating.
· There was a discussion as to the appraisal and proposed cost of the parcel.
· The County’s portion will be bonded thereby increasing the actual cost over the term of the bonds.
· Time Frame: time sensitive because the city wants to begin negotiations with individual property owners so they can begin the acquisitions. Interviews with residents have been going on for the last four months to put together a plan. State wants to see action on this also. Mr. Salley stated that they would be happy to set up a site visit.
· The Committees did not act on this item at this time pending further information and a possible site visit.
COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS
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HOUSING COMMITTEE ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further item for discussion for the Housing Committee on motion of Legislator Bronz, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, the meeting was adjourned at 10:38 a.m.
2001 PROPOSED BUDGET: MISCELLANEOUS BUDGET:
Arts & Cultural Affairs:
· Arts in Westchester: 3rd year of the agreements for funding
· Special Studies: $300,000 appropriation. $100,000 to go to arts council as a pass through to go to the 7 wonders. $35,000 for Arts Council directly for administrative expenses (Committee would like to know exactly what this going for)
· Westchester Historical Society: continuation of appropriation of last several years
· Westchester Library System: letters from library system requesting more money due to success of delivery system.
Economic Development:
· Tourism (2135): represents statutory requirement of appropriating 15% of revenues into the Trust Fund. This does not represent the operation of the Office of Tourism.
· Westchester County Association (2172): roll from the year before. Continuation of agreement.
· Westchester Entrepreneurial Assistance (2197) Board add that has been in for 2 years. This is for a ten week training course for entrepreneurs all over the county.
· Education Challenge Grant (2058): requesting 2nd year.
· Residents’ Tuition – Other Community Colleges (2115): reimbursement for county residents that go to other community colleges other than Westchester. FIT is now included and is our largest consumer. Increase due to rolls that understates 1999 due to timing on claims submitted by colleges to Finance Department.
· Westchester County Extension Services (2170): increase due to funding for second position for pest management
Legally Mandated:
· Unemployment Insurance (1720) expected to come down a bit
· Certiorari Proceedings (2020): coming down and may indeed come down lower than the projected $8 million
COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS
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· Independent Audit (2065): BKS contract for year end audit. Committee asked what audits have been completed of community organizations and requested copies.
· State Court Rental (2123): reached an agreement with state court office for 100% reimbursement of appellate court rental costs. Revenue can be found in state and federal aid. A schedule will be provided.
· Taxes on County Property (2130): Schedule provided
· Glen Island: Committee requested a report on how much they are paying us.
Miscellaneous:
· County Membership Fees (2030): Membership fees for NACo, NYSAC, C.E.’s Association
· Crime Victims Assistance Agency (2040): overseen by the Probation Department
· Invest in Kids (2081): continuation of appropriation for last 4 years
· Special Studies (2120): Includes $65,000 to assist Budget Department and the entire county as we move toward developing a budget program
Insurance:
· Insurance (4280): for property insurance. Ms. Carrano received a letter from Risk Management Director that property market was changing dramatically. May require an addition of $50,000. Committee requested a schedule of what is covered under this account.
· 6-N Fund (4937): General liability and civil rights claims.
· We are the only triple A rated County that does not have catastrophic insurance.
Infrastructure:
· Capital Projects: (2200): Cash that is sitting for capital projects
Fringe Benefits:
· Retirement Systems: $5.9 million. We had a higher number of people at higher salaries retire in 2000. They are projecting 100 for early retirement incentive for 2001. A lot of people jumped this year because they thought the enhancements offered were only for this year.
Mrs. Carrano noted that the Budget Department was able to purchase a new budget system which allowed us to have a budget system that was virtually paperless.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further items for discussion, on motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the meeting was adjourned at 11:35 a.m.