MINUTES
OTHERS: Budget Dept.: Kate Carrano, Arthur Vietro; CBAC/LWVW: Barbara Strauss; C.E.’s Office: Bill Randolph, Jovy Celaj (Intern); WCC: Joseph Hankin, John Fernandos; DSS: Kevin Mahon, Jewru Bandeh, Fred Dennis Packard, Daphne S. Swinton, Nancy Travers, Olivia Rhodes; DPW: Anthony Landi; Playland: Joe Montalto; Law: Lori Alesio, Tami Altschiller; Planning: Fran McLaughlin, Robert Lopane; DoIT: Norm Jacknis, Bob Gallagher, Allen Elliott, Kay Foster; BOL: Barbara Dodds, Chris Chang, Sally Schecter, Robert J. Boland, Tina Seckerson
Chairman Wishnie called the meeting to order at 9:20 a.m.
DISCUSSION:
MINUTES:
On motion of Legislator Stewart-Cousins, seconded by Legislator Swanson, the motion to approve the Minutes of March 11, 2002 was carried by a vote of 7-0 with Legislator Abinanti out for the vote.
AGENDA ITEMS:
DSS Update:
· Medicaid: New York State Government is talking about not having enough money to meet their needs, however, they’re talking about expanding Medicaid. As we expand Medicaid the costs are shifted down to the County without us having much say. We are starting to see Medicaid as the National Health Insurance and as such the costs are
·
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going to continue to grow. In 2002 the HCRA bill was passed unanimously. This bill will add $7,500,000 in tax levy to the budget.
· The state anticipates that the Federal Government will raise its share from 50%-53% of what it pays for every dollar. They call this proposal an FMAP increase. Right now the Federal Government pays 50 cents on the dollar for Medicaid services. The Department of Social Services has heard that this increase from the Federal Government is not going to happen.
· Chairman Wishnie inquired about what would happen if the Federal Government did not increase its contribution.
· Commissioner Mahon stated that if the Feds did not increase its contribution that the County would have to pay the $7,500,000; if it were to be approved the County would not have to pay the $7,500,000 and in fact it would be cost neutral.
· Commissioner Mahon noted that employers are informing their employees, that meet a certain income criteria, that they can drop their insurance provided to them by their company and apply for family health plus, so based on loop holes like this the Department believes that the State may have underestimated their estimate of enrollment in family health plus.
· All the information that the Department is hearing out of Washington is that the Federal Government is not cutting funding for TANF. The Federal Government is talking about considering married couples as a bonus.
· Pathways to Housing: The department of Social Services believes that the program is wonderful. However, the problem is finding housing stock.
Committee Blueprint:
· Legislator Kaplowitz stated that he wanted the Committee blueprint to reflect that he is a regular member of the Committee not Co-Chair.
· On motion by Legislator Oros, seconded by Legislator Andrea Stewart Cousins the motion to approve the Committee Blueprint was carried 8-0 with Legislator Abinanti out for the vote.
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RECEIVE & FILE:
A1.*. Dog Licensing Report: Forwarding the 2001 Annual Dog Licensing Report. (3/11/02)
· Mr. Boland requested that this item not be received and filed.
A8.* Court-Ordered Certiorari Refunds: Forwarding a package of court-ordered certiorari refunds. (3/11/02)
A9.* Gift Acceptance: Acceptance of a gift from Fuji Photo Film, U.S.A., Inc. to be used by the County’s Office of Communications. (3/11/02)
A12.*2001 Tax Commission Annual Report: Forwarding the 2001 Annual Report of the Westchester County Tax Commission. (3/11/02) [ON FILE]
A13.*Gift Acceptance: Acceptance of a gift from the Hudson Valley Bank to be used to sponsor the Philharmonic Concert at the Community College. (3/1//02)
A14.*Gift Acceptance: Acceptance of a gift from New York State to be used to cover the general expenses of the County Clerk’s Citizens Outreach Office. (3/11/02)
A19.*Gift Acceptance: Acceptance of a gift from Cablevision Systems Corporation to be used to sponsor the Third Annual Westchester Film Festival. (3/11/02)
On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Swanson the motion to receive and File the above-captioned items, except for A1. Dog Licensing Report was carried by a vote of 8-0 with Legislator Abinanti out for the vote
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C) BOND ACTS: Note: The following capital projects were reviewed by B&A Sub-committees and discussed at last week’s meeting.
1.* RB012: Westchester Avenue from So. Kensico Ave. to Purchase Street
- $5,300,000 (2/4/02)
· To finance the rehabilitation of Westchester Avenue from So. Kensico Ave. in White Plains to Purchase Street in Harrison.
· Construction will include repair of the existing roadway and shoulder surfaces; cleaning and repair of the drainage system and correction of problem areas; and replacement or installation of other roadway appurtenances, as needed.
· The design for this project was previously funded by Bond Act 127-1999 in the amount of $600,000.
· Legislator Oros expressed concern about supporting a project if the City is not going to take over the road.
· Commissioner Landi stated that they have been trying to encourage all the municipalities to take over the roads that the County repairs
· Legislator Kaplowitz requested that another column titled Previous bonding be added to the internal bond schedule list.
· Legislator Oros inquired whether we should be bonding to pay in house people.
On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Alvarado the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of (8-0) with Legislator Abinanti out for the vote.
2.* RB027: Halstead Avenue-Town of Harrison/City of Rye - $1,800,000 (2/4/02)
· To finance the rehabilitation of Halstead Avenue from Hunter Street in Harrison to North Street in the City of Rye.
· Construction will include repair of the existing roadway wearing surface; replacement of sidewalks and curbs where needed; installation of handicap ramps at intersections where they do not exist; replacement of drainage pipes, catch basin walls, frames and grates; and cleaning of existing drainage structures.
· The design phase of this project was authorized pursuant to Bond Act 208-2000 in the amount of $200,000.
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· Legislator Oros expressed concern about supporting a project if the municipality is not going to take over the road.
On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Alvarado the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of (8-0) with Legislator Abinanti out for the vote.
3.* RB041: Long Ridge Road – Bedford & Pound Ridge - $410,000 (2/4/02)
· To finance the rehabilitation of Long Ridge Road in the Towns of Bedford and Pound Ridge (Route #172) to the Connecticut State line.
· Construction will include the repair of the existing roadway, reconstruction of the road shoulders; improvement of the existing drainage system, and repair, replacement or installation of other roadway appurtenances, as needed.
· The estimated total capital project cost of $3,000,000 is to be financed with approximately $2,590,000 in non-county funds expected from state funds from the Marschiselli Program fund; federal funds from T-21 (transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century) as well as above-referenced County bonds in the amount of $410,000.
· Design phase of this project was authorized by Bond Act 50-2000 in the amount of $500,000.
· Legislator Kaplowitz wanted the committee report and act to reflect the cost of the total project.
On motion of Legislator LaMotte, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of (8-0) with Legislator Abinanti out for the vote.
4.* RB042: Bedford Banksville Road-Bedford & Pound Ridge - $1,390,000 (2/4/02)
· To finance the rehabilitation of Bedford Banksville Road from Millbrook Road in the Town of Bedford through the Town of North Castle to the Connecticut State line.
· Construction will include repair of the existing drainage system; and repair, replacement or installation of other roadway appurtenances, as needed.
· Estimated total capital project cost of $3,100,000 is to be funded with approximately $1,710,000 in non-County funds expected from state funds
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· from the Marschiselli Program fund, federal funds from T-21, as well as bonds in the amount of $1,390,000.
· Design phase funded by Bond Act 129-2000 in the amount of $500,000.
· Legislator Kaplowitz wanted the committee report and act to reflect the cost of the total project.
On motion of Legislator LaMotte, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of (8-0) with Legislator Abinanti out for the vote.
· To finance the repaving, as well as adjustments to drainage structures on North Ridge Street in the Village of Rye Brook between Bobby Lane and King Street.
On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Alvarado the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of (7-0) with Legislators Swanson and Abinanti out for the vote.
6.* RB030: Legion Drive – Town of Mt. Pleasant - $1,000,000 (2/4/02)
· To finance the rehabilitation of Legion Drive from Grasslands Road to Columbus Avenue in the Town of Mount Pleasant.
· Construction will include the repair of the existing roadway wearing surface; installation of sidewalks and curbs where needed; installation of handicapped ramps at intersections where they do not exist; replacement of drainage pipes, catch basin walls, frames, and grates; and the cleaning of existing drainage structures.
· Design phase of this project was funded by Bond Act 154-2001 in the amount of $120,000.
· Legislator Swanson noted that the Town is going to take over the road once it has been rehabilitated.
On motion of Legislator Swanson, seconded by Legislator Alvarado the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of (8-0) with Legislator Abinanti out for the vote.
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7.* RB2CC: Mamaroneck Avenue Bridge over Sheldrake River, Mmk –
$1,600,000 (2/4/02)
· To finance the rehabilitation of Mamaroneck Avenue Bridge over the Sheldrake River in the Village of Mamaroneck.
· Work will include the replacement of the superstructure, deck, utility lines and supports of the bridge, and repairs to the bridge abutments, outfalls, and other appurtenances.
· Stream bank stabilization will also be addressed.
· Design phase of this project was funded by Bond Act 140-2000 in the amount of $200,000.
On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Alvarado the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of (8-0) with Legislator Abinanti out for the vote.
8.* RB091: North Ave. Rehab – New Rochelle - $1,500,000 (2/4/02)
· To finance the rehabilitation of a portion of North Avenue in the City of New Rochelle between Fifth Avenue and Eastchester Road.
· Renovations will include the realigning and widening of the roadway to create left turn lanes and street parking.
· Other improvements will include new catch basins, traffic signals, pavement markings and other street appurtenances.
· The City will be responsible for the design and construction of this rehabilitation project and the City will assume responsibility for maintenance and repair of the entire length of North Avenue.
· Upon retirement of the county bonds, the 3.13 miles of North Avenue owned by the County shall revert back to the City.
· This item was also discussed in conjunction with item A11. Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation of a portion of North Avenue: Proposed Act authorizing the County of Westchester to enter into an agreement with the City of New Rochelle for the rehabilitation of a portion of North Avenue in the City of New Rochelle and, following the retirement of all County bonds issued for the aforementioned project, amending the County road map to eliminate the entire length of North Avenue and thereupon the road shall revert to the City of New Rochelle. (2/4/02) (Also referred to PW)
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On motion of Legislator Alvarado, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz the motion to approve item C8 and A11 was carried by a vote of 8-0 with Swanson out for the vote.
9.* P0013: Pump Replacement Oak Street, Bx Rvr Pkwy - $500,000 (2/4/02)
· To finance the design and construction for the replacement of existing pumps and piping systems inside the Oak Street Pump Station.
· Associated work includes the upgrading of the pump station’s electrical and emergency generator.
· The Oak Street Pump Station is a storm water pump station that DPW operates on the Bronx River Parkway.
This matter was held over for further discussion. The Committee also wanted Gina D’Agrosa from the Department of Planning to review the matter as well before any action was taken.
10.* B0042: Roof Replacement Program, Various County Locations –
$2,000,000 (2/4/02)
· To finance the design and construction of roof replacements at the Department of Corrections facility in Valhalla, including the pen gym, kitchen, training center and the Labs & Research building (First Phase).
· Legislator Abinanti requested a meeting to discuss this matter further.
This matter was held over for further discussion.
11.* RY0N3: Habirshaw Property Improvement - $425,000 (2/4/02)
· To finance the design and construction of park improvements and waterfront restoration at the northern terminus on the Yonkers Waterfront (Habirshaw Property).
· Improvements include, demolition, soil remediation and the construction of paths, parking area and related site improvements.
· Estimated total cost for this capital project is $725,000 including reimbursement to the County of $250,000 from the NYS Environmental Protection Fund upon completion of work associated with the seawall, shoreline and tidal marsh.
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· County will receive and additional $50,000 in federal grant funding, which was awarded to the Beczak Environmental Education Center for construction of a tidal marsh by the County.
This matter was held over for further discussion.
· To finance the design and construction in connection with certain infrastructure repairs to the County-owned facility.
· To bring toilets and elevators into compliance with the ADA and minor construction to relocate various county departments into the facility.
· In addition, funds will support the design of the new Westchester County Office of Emergency Management and the relocation of the Joint News Center.
This matter was held over for further discussion.
13.* B0038: Air Conditioning Equipment Replacement, DPW locations – $1,300,000 (2/4/02)
· To finance the design and construction of the air conditioning equipment replacement and chloroflouro carbon refrigerant at DPW locations, including the Peekskill District Office, the Record Center and various locations throughout the Grasslands Campus, including, Labs and Research, Woodfield Cottage and the Fire Training Center, in order to comply with the Clean Air Act of 1990.
· This project is a phase program to replace refrigerants and equipment using current technology that meets federal requirements.
· Several bonds were previously authorized for this project (details listed in the committee report).
On motion of Legislator LaMotte, seconded by Legislator Alvarado the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of (9-0).
14.* BIT05: IT, County Wide Wireless Communications - $150,000 (2/4/02)
· To finance consulting services and procurement of a County-wide radio system for Fire and EMS dispatch and control.
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· Consultant will assist in the site selection for radio equipment installations, develop operational specifications and performance criteria for the radio system; and assist in evaluating bid responses from radio equipment vendors.
· The committee request a revised SEQRA before it acted on this item.
This matter was held over for further discussion.
15.* RP13A: PRC, Maintenance Facility, Playland - $700,000 (2/4/02)
· To finance the reconstruction and extension of sewer and water lines, as well as extend storm drains to the maintenance building at Playland in order to service this facility and improve fire suppression in the area.
· In addition, water filtration equipment to service the historic Old Mill Ride will also be installed.
· Related plumbing and site work are included within this request.
· A capital Budget Amendment (Act 105-2001) was previously approved by the Board in the amount of $700,000 for RP13A.
· Bonds were previously authorized in the amount of $100,000 (bond Act 23-1998) and in the amount of $1,340,000 (Bond Act 133-2000) which funded design and construction of the maintenance building.
On motion of Legislator Alvarado, seconded by Legislator Abinanti the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of (8-0) with Legislator Swanson out for the vote.
16*. SY011: Environmental Facilities Yonkers Joint Treatment Plant Fire Suppression, Alarm and Security Systems - $4,875,000 (2/4/02) (Also referred to PW)
· To finance the installation of a fire alarm, a fire suppression system, and a security system, at the Yonkers Joint Wastewater Treatment Plant, as recommended by Black and Veatch.
This matter was held over for further discussion.
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A&C CALENDAR:
· Committee reviewed the A&C Calendar for March 21th. All questions and requests for information were referred to Bob Boland.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further items for discussion, on motion of Legislator Alvarado, seconded by Legislator Stewart-Cousins, the meeting was adjourned at 11:47 a.m.