COMMITTEE ON BUDGET AND APPROPRIATION
MINUTES
MARCH 24, 2003
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Budget & Appropriations: Wishnie, Kaplowitz, LaMotte, Swanson,
Oros, Bronz
Environment & Health: Kaplowitz, LaMotte, Pinto, Ryan, Swanson, Bronz
Public Safety: Ryan, Kaplowitz, Swanson, Wishnie, Bronz
Public Works: Pinto, Ryan, Wishnie, Bronz, Oros
OTHERS PRESENT: CE’s office: B. Randolph, A. Neuman, I. Riley, S. Carrera; WCDOT: H. Stanton; WCDP: L. Liberatore, D. Ritucci, B. Rehm; Law: L. Alesio; DPW: R. Butler; Planning: F. McLoughlin; Budget: K. Carrano, A. Vietro; CBAC/LWVW: Barbara Strauss, F. MacEachron; TJA: K. Eddings; Iona Prep: M. Maramba, D. Quinn, T. Swanick, D. Tarpey, A. Baxter, C. Stiglin , M. Loeffel, P. McCabe, T. Marshall, F. Piraino, R. Scibor; BOL Staff: S. Schechter, R. Indelicato, R. Vega, P. Neglia, S. Vanderberg
With quorums present in each Committee, this joint meeting was called 9:21 a.m.
Recommitted by Majority Leader Young, Mr. Rehm (WCPD) said this $400,000 dollar project (10% of the total cost) would fund the design phase of this project. The lack of space at Public Safety Headquarters makes it almost impossible to move emergency vehicles and equipment.
Mr. Butler (PW) said the proposed structure will be raised, covering the existing spaces. The $3 million dollar total cost takes into consideration the parking structure spaces ($25,000 each), surface spaces ($7,000 to 8,000 each), and the phasing of the project (so as not to lose the existing limited spaces).
In an effort to expedite the process, pre-cast materials are being considered. It is hoped the design of this parking structure will allow for additional levels to be added if needed in the future.
For Budget: On the motion of Legislator Wishnie, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz the motion was carried 3-1. Legislator Swanson voted without prejudice.
For Public Safety: On the motion of Legislator Wishnie, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz the motion was carried 4-0. Legislator Swanson voted without prejudice.
For Public Works: On the motion of Legislator Wishnie, seconded by Legislator Ryan the motion was carried 3-0.
Legislators Bronz and Oros were out for the vote.
Recommitted by Majority Leader Young, this item authorizes the issuance of $300,000 for a helicopter engine, and will ensure the safe operation of the county’s only helicopter. Both Legislators Pinto and Ryan felt the helicopter was a key element, germane to the process of monitoring and maintaining the public safety and well-being of the residents of Westchester.
Previously discussed at length, Committee members felt no need for further dialogue.
For Budget: On the motion of Legislator Wishnie, seconded by Legislator LaMotte the motion was carried 4-0.
For Public Works: On the motion of Legislator Ryan, seconded by Legislator Wishnie the motion was carried 3-0.
On the motion of Legislator Swanson, seconded by Legislator Wishnie, the Committee on Public Safety was adjourned at 9:36 a.m.
Authorizing the issuance of $300,000 for Floor Plan Digitization software and consultant, all part of the Facilities Asset Management Program (a 4-phase project). Mr. Butler said Phase One was funded in 2002 and this issuance would facilitate its continuance. The floor plan digitization will update and document all County facilities, identifying all safety issues, fire alarms, room utilities, etc. It will assist in preparation of future design, provide a cost savings and reduce the potential of change orders. A list of all items covered by this amount will be provided for member review.
The Facilities Management component, an intrinsic part of the program; investigates all roofs, waterproofing, windows, exterior masonry, and interior electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems. Mr. Butler believed knowledge of County facilities prior to providing estimates would reduce costs; the potential of change orders and create capital projects, which are holistic in nature. The Department of Information Technology had been instrumental in developing the system.
Submitted for member review was a list of all projects, not yet started, but identified during Phase One, which will be part of future phases.
Once the consultant has finished setting up the computer software, Mr. Butler said he would like to expand the project beyond Public Works to include Park facilities.
Mr. Carrera (County Energy Coordinator) said DPW has maintained constant dialogue with NYPA, who have been currently inspecting all County buildings and rating all projects for energy efficiency. An update reflecting all findings will be provided to the Board upon completion.
A consultant was used for the pilot project, and its scope was expanded upon completion. A copy of the pilot program and results will be provided for member review.
Legislator Wishnie said Dr. Jacknis would be invited in to give a presentation on the software.
It was decided this item would be held over until specific cost saving projects and consequent phases could be identified.
On the motion of Legislator Ryan, seconded by Legislator Wishnie the Committee on Public Works was adjourned at 10:11 a.m.
Ms. Alesio (Law) said these joint items would allow the County to retain outside counsel to pursue the recovery of monies Westchester may have overpaid pharmaceutical companies for Medicaid prescriptions. The law firm being considered is currently representing Suffolk County in a similar action.
The County stands to recover several million from pharmaceutical companies who had inflated drug prices. She said outside counsel was necessary as the case would be very labor intensive and the County lacked staff with the required expertise. The law firm would cover all out of pocket expenses in exchange for 25% of the monies recovered.
Since the County would only be entitled to 25% of the total amount recovered, Legislator Oros noted the law firm would receive 25% of the 25% of the County’s share. He suggested the State Attorney General’s office be contacted to file suit against these companies; this would allow the County to keep all monies recovered on its behalf.
It was decided this item would be held until the State Attorney General’s office could be contacted on this matter.
Authorizing the issuance of $1,246,000 dollars for a low emission technology program, $5 million of the program’s $6 million dollar total cost will be provided through state and federal grants.
Mr. Stanton (Transportation) said this program would allow for the integration of 16 new buses into the present bus fleet and low emission filters. Currently the entire fleet uses ultra low sulfur fuel.
Tests reveal the filters reduce 90% of particle matter, 95% of carbon monoxide and 100% of hydrocarbons from bus emissions.
For Budget: On the motion of Legislator Swanson, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz the motion was carried 6-0.
For Environment & Health: On the motion of Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator LaMotte the motion was carried 6-0.
This item for will facilitate the retrofitting of the 162 eligible buses in the County’s fleet beginning with 81 buses bringing them up to new bus standards at a total cost of $750,000 dollars. The County’s share is $150,000 dollars, the remaining $600,000 dollars will be provided through the Congestion Mitigation Air Quality program from the Federal government to the State.
For Budget: On the motion of Legislator Swanson, seconded by Legislator Bronz the motion was carried 6-0.
For Environment & Health: On the motion of Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator LaMotte the motion was carried 6-0.
With no further business to discuss, on the motion of Legislator Bronz, seconded by Legislator Oros, for Budget and on the motion of Legislator Pinto seconded by Legislator LaMotte for Environment & Health the meeting was adjourned at 10:43 a.m.