MINUTES
HOUSING MEMBERS: Bronz, Kaplowitz, Spreckman, Latimer
OTHERS: C.E.’s Office: Bill Randolph; Budget Dept.: Leslie Bennett, Robert Kopenhaver; CBAC/LWV: Barbara Strauss; STVCC: Richard P. Streicher; Planning: Jerry Mulligan, Larry Salley, Norma Drummond, Bill Brady, Fran McLaughlin; Westchester IDA: Michael Glickstein (Intern); Law Dept: Jim Robertson, Daniela Infield, David Rothman; BOL: Legislator Ryan, Matthew Silvestri (Intern), Sally Schecter, Robert Boland, Christopher Chang, Tina Seckerson
Chairman Wishnie called the Budget Committee meeting to order at 10:15 a.m.
B20: HON. ANDREA STEWART-COUSINS: Reopener of Correction Officer 25 Year Retirement Plan: Forwarding a letter from the President of the Westchester County Correction Officers Benevolent Association regarding reopening of the Correction Officer 25 Year Retirement Plan. (5/7/01) (Also referred to LEG)
On motion of Legislator Stewart-Cousins, seconded by Legislator Carsky, the motion to Receive and File this item was carried by a vote of 6-0 with Legislators Abinanti and Latimer out for the vote.
HOME RULE REQUEST:
· Requesting the enactment of Assembly bill 3353/Senate bill 2136 entitled “An act to authorize the granting of police service credit in an optional 20 year retirement plan to Paul Weather, Sr. for certain services as a public safety officer.
· Legislator Stewart-Cousins explained that Mr. Weather’s title was not originally considered to be police service
On motion of Legislator Stewart-Cousins, seconded by Legislator Young, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 6-0 with Legislators Abinanti and Latimer out for the vote.
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A3: Sale of Land to Mamaroneck: Proposed Local Law authorizing the County to sell to the Village of Mamaroneck approximately 2.4 acres of land for $350,000. (5/7/01)
· Village of Mamaroneck appraiser agreed with County’s appraisal of the property which consists of 2.4 acres, most of which is in a natural state. 16,000 square feet used as a parking area.
· Committee requested a copy of lease
On motion of Legislator Carsky, seconded by Legislator Young, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 6-0 with Legislator Swanson signing “without Prejudice” and with Legislators Abinanti and Latimer out for the vote.
NACO RESOLUTION:
· Resolution designating votes at the NACo convention on behalf of Westchester County.
On motion of Legislator Swanson, seconded by Legislator Young, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 6-0 with Legislators Abinanti and Latimer out for the vote.
A19: Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS: Proposed legislation authorizing the County to enter into an IMA with the City of New York to enable Westchester County to receive Year Ten grant monies under the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS. (5/21/01) (Also referred to Housing)
· This legislation has already been approved by the Housing Committee.
· Pound Ridge to join the consortium after 26 years, making Mt Pleasant the only community that has not joined.
· Year 10 grant monies from HUD to NYC to Westchester
· White Plains, New Rochelle and Yonkers are eligible
On motion of Legislator Stewart-Cousins, seconded by Legislator Carsky, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 6-0 with Legislators Abinanti and Latimer out for the vote.
A12: WCHCC Agreements: Proposed legislation authorizing the County to enter into various agreements with the Westchester County Health Care Corporation. (5/21/01) (Also referred to Health)
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· Reference 1: WCHCC will provide primary and dental care services for the County, acting by and through the Department of Health for Westchester, Rockland and Putnam County individuals with HIV/AIDS for the period March 1, 2001 through February 28, 2002.
· Reference 2: The County acting by and through its Department of Labs and Research shall provide microbiological services to WCHCC for the term commencing January 1, 2001 and terminating December 31, 2001 for inmates of the County Correctional Facility being provided with medical services pursuant to a separate agreement with WCHCC. The approximate annual revenue to the County in the amount of $50,000 will be payable by the WCHCC at the rates set annually by the Department of Labs and Research for its services. Committee asked for clarification of the fees.
On motion of Legislator Young, seconded by Legislator Stewart-Cousins, the motion to approve References 1 & 2 was carried by a vote of 6-0 with Legislators Abinanti and Latimer out for the vote.
A18: White Plains Property Acquisition: Proposed legislation authorizing the County to purchase property located on Lake Street in White Plains for general municipal purposes. (5/21/01)
· Homes will be 2 & 3 bedroom units
· Eligibility will be open to all county residents and while it is not restricted there are preferences (i.e. municipal employees, school dist, volunteer ambulance corps, firefighters) Board can establish that they do not want preferences. Committee expressed concern that there are ways to manipulate preferences, which could close the doors to people. The “preference” list will be done in conjunction with White Plains
· The conservation easement is to prevent future development. Committee expressed concern that they want to make sure it stays as green space. The neighborhood concerned about tying it into the park but wants it to stay green
· Committee expressed several areas of concern including:
· Should specify who receives the conservation agreement
· What happens to the property if the transaction does not proceed ahead (i.e. not conveyed to a developer)?
· City and County have to meet with regard to the site plan. Committee would like to have a signed letter from the City Council stating their approval of the project.
· Committee did not take action on this item at this time.
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HOUSING COMMITTEE: Housing Committee Chair Bronz called the Housing Committee meeting to order at 11:45 a.m.
A15: Affordable Senior Housing: Proposed legislation authorizing the County to purchase and subsequently convey approximately 3.78 acres of real property located at 19 Narragansett Avenue in the Village of Ossining for the purpose of providing affordable senior housing. (6/4/01) (Also referred to Housing)
It was determined that before this item can be acted upon the “Statement of Needs” needs to be acted upon by the Housing and Legislation Committees.
ADJOURNMENT:
FOR THE BUDGET COMMITTEE:
There being no further items for discussion, on motion of Legislator Young, seconded by Legislator Swanson, the meeting was adjourned at 12:15 p.m.
FOR THE HOUSING COMMITTEE:
There being no further items for discussion, on motion of Legislator Bronz, seconded by Legislator Spreckman, the meeting was adjourned at 12:15 p.m.