MINUTES
MAY 6, 2002
B&A MEMBERS: Wishnie, Abinanti, Alvarado, Kaplowitz, LaMotte, Oros, Swanson, Stewart-Cousins
ENV. & HEALTH MEMBERS: Kaplowitz, LaMotte, Ryan Swanson
OTHERS: C.E.’s Office: Bill Randolph, Sal Carrera, David Meyers, Jovy Celaj; CBAC/LWVW: Barbara Strauss; DOT: Larry Salley, J.P. Murray; Airport: Joel Russell; Budget: Kate Carrano, Arthur Vietro; BOL: Chris Chang, Sally Schecter, Robert Boland, Tina Seckerson
Chairman Wishnie called the Budget Committee meeting to order at 9:20 a.m.
MINUTES:
On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislators LaMotte and Swanson, the motion to approve the Minutes of April 29, 2002 was carried by a vote of 5-0 with Legislators Abinanti, Oros and Stewart-Cousins out for the vote.
BOND ACTS:
C73: T001K: Articulated Buses - $1,050,000:
· To finance the acquisition of approximately ten articulated buses.
· The 2002 Capital Budget contains an appropriation of funds for this capital project, which contemplates the acquisition of approximately twenty buses.
· It is anticipated that bonding legislation for the remaining ten buses will be requested at a later date.
· The total estimated cost of the current bus acquisition is $5,250,000 to be financed with approximately $4,200,000 in non-County funds expected to be received from New York State Dedicated Transit Funds (“SDTF”) as well as the County bonds in the amount of $1,050,000.
· Justification - Allows for efficiencies of operation. Also, are wheelchair accessible.
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On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 4-1 with Legislator Swanson being recorded in the negative and Legislators Abinanti, Alvarado and Oros out for the vote.
C74: WCC71: WCC Satellite Space Improvements - $1,253,000
· Amount of bond is $1,253,000 to finance acquisition of equipment for a new WCC satellite site in the City of Mount Vernon as well as the expansion of the WCC satellite located in the City of Peekskill.
· Asking to bond in full amount, inclusive of $87,000 which was previously appropriated for this project but has not yet been bonded.
· The new Mt. Vernon satellite will focus professional development, workforce development and academic support. Equipment is needed for the computer labs, business lab, general education classrooms, academic support center, and culinary arts lab and support areas.
· The Peekskill site will expand its technical service area to support the growing program in digital video, audio and computer art and design. The funding will support the technical support area, classrooms and computer lab and faculty and administrative offices.
On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Stewart-Cousins, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 5-0 with Legislator Swanson signing “Without Prejudice” and Legislators Abinanti, Alvarado and Oros out for the vote.
JOINT MEETING WITH THE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH:
Chairman Kaplowitz called the Environment and Health Committee meeting to order at 9: 33 a.m.
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A7.* Transportation Legislation: Proposed Acts for various Capital Budget amendments and grant acceptance agreements for the Westchester County Airport. (4/22/02) (Also referred to Env. & Health)
(Note: Discussion was started at last week’s meeting as well as a preliminary meeting with both Committee Chairs, staff, and DOT representatives)
Reference 1:
The County would enter into a grant agreement to accept from the FAA up to approximately $2,205,000 in Airport Improvement Entitlement Funds as Operating Revenue, to offset operating security costs incurred in connection with additional security measures necessitated by the events of September 11, 2001.
Reference 2:
The County would enter into a grant agreement to accept from the FAA of up to approximately $2,191,113 as Operating Revenue made available under the Aviation and Transportation Security Act. These finds would be for operating security costs, incurred in connection with additional security measures necessitated by the events of September 11, 2001.
· The Summary of Westchester County Airport 2002 Federal Grant Allocation was distributed and reviewed.
· It was explained that once the federal government allowed an acceleration of what was a capital program to be used for an operational function (specifically, security) it was decided that the funds will be shared in same proportion as other grant funds.
· It was asked if we would be jeopardizing any future capital funds by accepting this now. The answer was that we will not as this is over and above any capital.
FOR THE BUDGET COMMITTEE:
On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Stewart-Cousins, the motion to approve References 1 & 2 was carried by a vote of 7-0 with Legislator Abinanti out for the vote.
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FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH COMMITTEE:
On motion of Legislator LaMotte, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, the motion to approve References 1 & 2 was carried by a vote of 4-0.
Reference 3a:
· The County would enter into a grant agreement to accept funds from the FAA of up to approximately $180,000 for project A0084. In addition, the County would contribute up to approximately $20,000 in Airport Special Revenue Funds to finance the County share of the project not covered by the grant. This work is necessary for the provision of security and emergency access to Basins A & B. while no change in the estimated cost is anticipated, in the event of a cost increase, the grant amount would increase up to a maximum fifteen (15%) percent above the original grant offer.
Reference 3b:
· An Act to amend the County 2002 Capital Budget for project A0084 to add $180,000 in FAA funds and $20,000 in Airport Special Revenue Funds.
· This project does not include any type of airport expansion.
FOR THE BUDGET COMMITTEE:
On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Swanson, the motion to approve References 3a & 3b was carried by a vote of 7-0 with Legislator Abinanti out for the vote.
FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH COMMITTEE:
On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Swanson, the motion to approve References 3a & 3b was carried by a vote of 4-0.
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Reference 4a:
· A grant agreement to accept funds from the FAA of up to approximately $280,000 in Discretionary Funds for project A0089. The County would contribute up to approximately $20,000 in Airport Special Revenue Funds to finance the County share of the project not covered by the grant. The funds would be used for the acquisition of security vehicles, fingerprinting equipment and security training system. While no change in the estimated cost is anticipated, in the event of a cost increase, the grant amount would increase up to a maximum fifteen (15%) above the original grant offer.
Reference 4b:
· An Act to amend the County 2002 Capital Budget for project A0089 to ad $280,000 in FAA funds and $20,000 in Airport Special Revenue Funds.
FOR THE BUDGET COMMITTEE:
On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the motion to approve References 4a & 4b was carried by a vote of 7-0 with Legislator Abinanti out for the vote.
FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH COMMITTEE:
On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the motion to approve References 4a & 4b was carried by a vote of 4-0.
Reference 5a:
· A grant agreement to accept funds from the FAA of up to approximately $270,000 for project A0091. The County would contribute up to approximately $30,000 in Airport Special Revenue Funds to finance the County share of the project not covered by the grant., The funds would be used to better secure the ramp areas. While no change in the estimated cost is anticipated, in the event of a cost increase, the grant amount would increase up to a maximum fifteen (15%) above the original grant offer.
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Reference 5b:
· An Act to amend the County 2002 Capital Budget for project A0091 to ad $270,000 in FAA funds and $30,000 in Airport Special Revenue Funds.
· Will be an electronic space embedded in tarmac. Vehicles will have equivalent of ez-pass when vehicles don’t have this authorization an alarm will go off. Currently this is done visually. This will allow for more efficiency and keep track of who is going in and out.
FOR THE BUDGET COMMITTEE:
On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislators Stewart-Cousins and Alvarado, the motion to approve References 5a & 5b was carried by a vote of 7-0 with Legislator Abinanti out for the vote.
FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH COMMITTEE:
On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Ryan, the motion to approve References 5a & 5b was carried by a vote of 4-0.
Reference 6a:
· To amend the County 2002 Capital Budget by amending the financing of project A0055 by reducing the Airport Special Revenue Funds by $500,000 and increasing Bonds by $500,000. The $500,000 in Airport Special Revenue Funds from A0055 will be transferred to A0071 increasing the projects appropriation. These funds would be used for airport layout plan while project A0055 is being reevaluated.
Reference 6b:
· An Act to amend the County 2002 Capital Budget for project A0071 that would allow for the transfer of Airport Special Revenue Funds of $500,000 from A0055 to A0071.
· For security master plan
· Decision was made to use cash
· No taxpayer monies, no tax levy - all monies coming from enterprise fund
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· If nothing changes from today, the enterprise fund will be depleted by 2004 or 2005.
· Committee members expressed disappointed that it wasn’t done all at once – there will be additional $500,000 coming out. The response was that there was a decision more info on security fencing for SEQRA was needed
FOR THE BUDGET COMMITTEE:
On motion of Legislator Alvarado, seconded by Legislator Swanson, the motion to approve References 6a & 6b was carried by a vote of 7-0 with Legislators Swanson and Oros signing “Without Prejudice” and Legislator Abinanti out for the vote.
FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH COMMITTEE:
On motion of Legislator LaMotte, seconded by Legislator Swanson, the motion to approve References 6a & 6b was carried by a vote of 3-0 with Legislator Swanson signing “Without Prejudice” and Legislator Ryan out for the vote.
Reference 7a:
· To enter into a grant agreement to accept funds from the FAA of up to approximately $270,000 for project A056A. The County would contribute up to approximately $30,000 in Airport Special Revenue Funds to finance the County share of the project not covered by the grant. The funds would be used to purchase a snow removal vehicle. While no change in the estimated cost is anticipated, in the event of a cost increase, the grant amount would increase up to a maximum fifteen (15%) above the original grant offer.
Reference 7b:
· An Act to amend the County 2002 Capital Budget for project A056A amending the financing of project A056A by reducing Bonds by $300,000 increasing federal aid by $270,000 and increasing Airport Special Revenue Funds by $30,000.
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FOR THE BUDGET COMMITTEE:
On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Alvarado, the motion to approve References 7a & 7b was carried by a vote of 7-0 with Legislators Swanson and Oros signing “Without Prejudice” and Legislator Abinanti out for the vote.
FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH COMMITTEE:
On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Swanson, the motion to approve References 7a & 7b was carried by a vote of 3-0 with Legislator Swanson signing “Without Prejudice” and Legislator Ryan out for the vote.
Committees requested a copy of the Airport Policy statement as well as a revised cash-to-capital schedule.
ADJOURNMENT: ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH COMMITTEE:
There being no further items for discussion for the Environment & Health Committee, on motion of Legislator LaMotte, seconded by Legislator Swanson, the meeting was adjourned at 10:44 a.m.
BOND ACTS:
C17: A056A: Heavy Equipment Acquisition - $475,000:
· Bonding authorization in the amount of $475,000 to finance the acquisition of the following equipment: runway snowplow, aircraft airstart, aircraft pushback tractor, and aircraft rescue and fire fighting (“ARFF”) fire truck.
· The estimated cost for this component of this capital project is $775,000 to be financed as follows: approximately $270,000 in non-County funds expected to be received from the FAA, a cash component of $30,000 to be received from Airport Special Revenue Funds, as well as the above-referenced County bonds in the amount of $475,000.
On motion of Legislator LaMotte, seconded by Legislator Alvarado, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 8-0.
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CBAC APPOINTMENTS:
Committee reviewed the resumes of Joseph Vittoria and Arthur Stampleman to fill the vacancies on the CBAC.
On motion of Legislator Abinanti, seconded by Legislator Alvarado, the motion to approve the above referenced appointments to the CBAC was carried by a vote of 8-0.
1ST QUARTER PROJECTIONS:
· Budget Department projects a savings of $9,893,411 by year-end
· No change in the retirement system rate above what was budgeted for 2002. The rate for 2002 is projected at 2.9% up from 0.4% in 2000 and 1.5% in 2001.
· No state legislation at this time with regard to a retirement incentive.
· Savings plans from departments are on target.
· Shortfalls in economically sensitive areas are projected as follows:
Ø Sales tax – figures through March are flat with 2001. Projecting a $1.5 million shortfall against budget, but a $3 million growth over 2001 actual
Ø Hotel tax revenues – continuing downward trend. Projecting a shortfall of $300,000.
Ø Interest income projected to be short $500,000.
· Unanticipated payments from Austin Avenue lease will generate $581,350 in revenue.
· Revenue from tobacco settlement is received and $657,000 above the budgeted number. The revenue from the tobacco continues to be below that projected in the original Master Settlement. Through 2002, actual receipts are $12,148,895 less than originally estimated.
· Early intervention and pre-K appear to be on target with budget.
· Actuarial estimates of the funding requirements for 6-N indicate a shortfall in the budgeted amount of $3 million. It is anticipated that by mid year we will have to make a budget transfer into the 6-N fund. The fund balance in the 6-N fund today is only made up of unrealized capital gains.
· Medicaid is projected to be $5.9 million over budget. $3 million from the enacted HCRA legislation in January, and an additional $2.9 in higher escalation rates in Medicaid.
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· Caseloads on whole are projected to decrease by approximately 332 by year end.
· MOE penalty is now estimated at $5.7 million Federal Aid.
A&C CALENDAR:
All question and requests for info were referred to Bob Boland.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further items for discussion, on motion of Legislator Abinanti, seconded by Legislator Swanson, the meeting was adjourned at 11:37 a.m.