MINUTES
PUBLIC SAFETY MEMBERS: Ryan, Kaplowitz, Mosiello, Swanson, Wishnie
OTHERS: C.E.’s
Office: Bill Randolph; Budget Dept.: Kate Carrano; Journal News:
Keith Eddings; CBAC/LWVW: Barbara Strauss; DPS:
Louis Liberatore, Louis Codella; Bargaining Association: Michael Wittenberg; County Attorney’s Office: Stacey Dolgin-Kmetz, Jim Robertson, Tami
Altschiller, Lori Alesio; DSS: Ted
Chairman Wishnie called the Budget Committee meeting to
order at
Chairman Ryan called the Public Safety
Committee meeting to order at
MINUTES:
On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator
Carsky, the motion to approve the Minutes of
A25: PBA Agreement: Proposed agreement between the County and the Police
Benevolent Association, Inc. (
· Mr. Wittenberg explained that this is the first collective bargaining agreement that the County has entered into with the PBA in the last 10 yrs. In the past they have always reached an impasse and end up in interest arbitration. Mr. Wittenberg stated that the Administration chose to enter into an agreement with the PBA because of the COBA contract. He explained that COBA got the benefit of savings of 207C based on new procedures. Some of the savings were shared with correction officers in negotiations.
COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS
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· During negotiations with the PBA it was taken into account that their members have never abused 207C. Injuries have always been accurate and people come back to work in a timely fashion. A judgment was made not to hold 207C against the PBA because they are good employees. Currently there are about 13 members out on 207C, all appropriately.
· PBA was given the same things as COBA. This agreement is more expensive than if we went to arbitration because during arbitration they are always compared to other police departments, this time they were compared to COBA. (About $100,000 more than if we went to arbitration) The PBA gave the County back a free training day which at no additional compensation will save us $75,000-$100,000.
· Cost of contract : 782,316 for 1st year and another 884,000 for the 2nd year.
· Not included in budget is the cost of spouses of people who retire.
FOR THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE:
On motion of Legislator Mosiello, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, 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 Noto, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 7-0 with Legislator Carsky signing “Without Prejudice”.
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE ADJOURNMENT:
There being no
further items for discussion, on motion of Legislator Mosiello, seconded by
Legislator Kaplowitz, the meeting was adjourned at
A22:
· Reference 1: This is a new agreement authorizing the County, acting by and through DSS, to enter into an agreement with WCHCC for a term commencing September 1, 2001 through December 31, 2002 whereby the County will refer patients for provision of intensive in-home parent training to TANF eligible parents with intellectual disabilities who have children that are at risk of foster care placement. This contract is subject to the resolution of state budget.
COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS
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On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the motion to approve Reference 1 was carried by a vote of 6-0 with Legislator Swanson out for the vote.
· Reference 2: Authorizing the County, acting by and through DSS, to enter into an agreement with WCHCC for a term commencing September 1, 2001 through August 31, 2002 whereby WCHCC shall establish a Children’s Advocacy Center at the WCHCC Children’s Hospital. Currently about 50 exams per year on 65-70 children are currently performed at St. Joseph’s.
On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the motion to approve Reference 2 was carried by a vote of 6-0 with Legislator Swanson out for the vote.
· Reference 3: Authorizing the County to amend an agreement with WCHCC for comprehensive health care services to the inmates at the County’s Department of Correction. There was a discussion with regard to anticipated claims and paying for worst case scenarios. The risk is being shifted to the medical center. This is buying an insurance policy for catastrophic care (One year contract). There was concern as to whether this is a fair premium for services being offered. Committee did not act on this item at this time.
· Reference 4: authorizing the County to enter into an agreement with WCHCC for the term commencing September 1, 2001 through December 31, 2002 whereby the County will provide police services to WCHCC. This would amount to one additional shift. There was concern with regard to why there aren’t any contracts with other emergency services. Committee did not act on this item at this time.
A24: COUNTY ATTORNEY: Initiation of Lawsuit: Proposed Act authorizing the initiation of a lawsuit against A&D Carting, Inc. (6/04/01)
· This would authorize initiation of a lawsuit against A&D Carting to collect monies due as the result of A&D’s use of the Charles Point Resource Recovery facility (434,093.36), plus all costs of the litigation.
· The County has made numerous attempts to amicably resolve this matter.
· At no time has A&D contested any of the invoices and all efforts to collect the monies currently due and owing have been unsuccessful.
COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS
MINUTES – SEPTEMBER 10, 2001
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Financial Report:
The Committee reviewed the County’s Financial Report.
BKS Management Letter & Department of Finance Response:
· GAAP: auditors feel the County needs to refocus efforts. Finance Commissioner stated that the County reviews the impact of complying with the requirements of GAAP annually and again decided not to make the necessary adjustments to revenues.
· Trusts & Grants: accounting system doesn’t handle it the way it should in the auditor’s view. GASB 34 will affect this. Needs to have budgetary comparisons and oversight. Commissioner Pucillo’s response is that the BKS comments with regard to Trusts and Grants has been a problem in the accounting software package.
· Dept of Mental Health: auditor’s tress a need for centralization. The Finance Commissioner stated that the difficulty encountered with the accounting and financial reporting for these programs is complex. The problem is further exacerbated by the manner in which the State funds these programs and prepayments. Finance will meet with the Department of Mental Health and the Budget office to review the BKS recommendation.
· Sewer Districts: finance will review with DEF the recording of revenues on an accrual basis of accounting. If the County should comply with GAAP this will become necessary. Finance will attempt to insure that all encumbrances are recorded in a timely fashion.
Cash Flow:
· Currently $44 million ahead of projections
· $40 million over as of August 1st
COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS
MINUTES – SEPTEMBER 10, 2001
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A&C CALENDAR:
The A&C Calendar was distributed to the Committee.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further items for discussion, on motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Noto, the meeting was adjourned at 11:45 a.m.