MINUTES
EDUCATION MEMBERS Swanson, Ryan
OTHERS: C.E.’s Office: Bill Randolph; Budget Dept.: Kate Carrano, Leslie Bennett, Arthur Vietro; CBAC: Fran McEachron; Planning Dept.: Fran McLaughlin; Law Dept.; Jim Robertson; WCC: Ann Rubenzahl, Bridgethe Anderson; Journal News: Glenn Blaine; BOL: Sally Schecter, Robert Boland, Christopher Chang, Tina Seckerson
Chairman Wishnie called the Budget Committee meeting to order at 10:15 a.m.
Chair Swanson called the Education Committee meeting to order at 10:15 a.m.
DISCUSSION:
C2: WCC52: Proposed legislation authorizing the issuance of bonds to finance the design of campus wide traffic and site improvements at the Community College. (4/23/01) (Also referred to Education)
· This item was reviewed, in detail, by a budget sub-committee
· This capital project is a multi-phased project covering improvements needed to address the safety of vehicular and pedestrian circulation.
· Legislation will finance the design of 6 improvements.
· There was a discussion with regard to the consideration of adding additional monies for recycling at budget time, a lot of which would be recoverable. There was discussion as to marketing and using recyclable items such as paper.
FOR THE BUDGET COMMITTEE:
On motion of Legislator LaMotte, seconded by Legislator Swanson, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 8-0.
FOR THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE:
On motion of Legislator Ryan, seconded by Legislator Swanson, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 2-0.
COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS
MINUTES – MAY 7, 2001
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C3: WCC71: Proposed legislation authorizing the issuance of bonds to finance the purchase of necessary start-up equipment for a proposed WCC satellite extension in Yonkers. (4/23/01) (Also referred to Education)
· This item was reviewed, in detail, by a budget sub-committee
· The site will provide information technology and education training.
· The equipment to be purchased includes such items as wide and local area networks, computer hardware and software, workstations, teleconference equipment, and furnishings for classrooms, offices and students lounges.
· The lease for the site has not been signed yet, but it anticipated that it will be shortly.
· Budget Department provided a detailed list of equipment for specific programs in Yonkers.
· The budget approved last year for the college had funding in place for the Ossining and Yonkers sites through tax levy.
FOR THE BUDGET COMMITTEE:
On motion of Legislator Stewart-Cousins, seconded by Legislator Carsky, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 8-0.
FOR THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE:
On motion of Legislator Swanson, seconded by Legislator Ryan, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 2-0.
EDUCATION COMMITTEE ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further items to come before the Committee, on motion of Legislator Ryan, seconded by Legislator Swanson, the Education Committee meeting was adjourned at 10:25 a.m.
1st QUARTER PROJECTIONS:
· Projected year end savings of $10,113,362.
· This projection assumes that the Governor’s Budget is approved with no changes.
· Sales tax: close to being on target; off budget <$400,000>
· Significant shortfalls in interest income: just under $900,000 by end of the year
COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS
MINUTES – MAY 7, 2001
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· Playland revenue estimated at <$550,000> under budget due to reduced activity at the ice casino and a re-evaluation of revenue estimates from new rides. Some of the new rides they anticipated would be up and running are not. A good weather summer could make up the shortfall.
· Right now there is no legislation for an early retirement incentive. Forecast assumes we will pay retirement without an incentive
· MOE: based on state-wide shortfall ; not county specific. Now estimated by NYS at $5.2 million.
· Hotel tax: holding our own
· Auto use tax: right on target with budget
· Early Intervention Program referral up potential <$1.9 million> shortfall offset by $950,000 additional state aid.
· DSS non-homeless caseload decline is slowing however homeless caseload is up and over budget at this time.
· Committee requested a breakdown of IT.
· Utilities running 5% over budget <$515,000> would have been $1 million had DPW not switched to oil from gas during the winter months. Potential shortfall in Transportation of $400,000 for heating bus garages.
A2: Hudson Valley Counties’ Energy Initiative: Proposed Act authorizing County to enter into an IMA with the Counties of Rockland, Orange, Dutchess and Putnam for the Hudson Valley Counties Energy Initiative. (4/23/01)
· The Committee discussed this item in detail at a previous meeting and requested some changes be made by the Law Department. Committee reviewed those changes.
· Committee approved of the two changes made, one with regard to the length of the IMA (not to exceed five years in duration) and “the aforementioned authorization shall expire one (1) year from the date of this Board’s approval”. They expressed concern that there was nothing added with regard to coming back to the Board to expend more money.
· Committee requested Law department add a new Section stating that “No additional funds be expended pursuant to this act without prior approval by the Board of Legislators”.
· Other changes included:
· Add a #8 to committee report: to define conservation issues; develop and promote energy and conservation.
· Add “and to promote energy conservation” in Section 1 of the act
COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS
MINUTES – MAY 7, 2001
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· Add: develop new programs and new strategies. This is to make it clear that the Board is not supporting the old plans, including the millennium pipeline, and would like them to explore new strategies.
On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Carsky, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 8-0.
A&C:
Committee reviewed the Board of A&C calendar.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further items for discussion, on motion of Legislator LaMotte, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, the meeting was adjourned at 11:15 a.m.