COMMITTEE ON BUDGET AND APPROPRIATION

MINUTES

APRIL 21, 2003

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Budget & Appropriations: Wishnie, Abinanti, Alvarado, Bronz, Kaplowitz, LaMotte, Oros, Stewart-Cousins, Swanson,

Public Works:                      Pinto, Wishnie, Rogowsky, Oros, Bronz

Environment & Health:      Kaplowitz, Lamotte, Pinto, Ryan,

                                                Rogowsky, Swanson

CED:                                                Young, Alvarado

OTHERS PRESENT: CE’s office: B. Randolph, A. Neuman, S. Carrera; JMOA: S. Spangler, K. Austin, R. Nead, DPW: R. Butler, R. Abbamont, P. Kruck; DEF: T. Landi; IT: N. Jacknis, R. Levy, R. A. Elliott, K. Foster; Planning: F. McLoughlin, S. Chasney, G. D’Agrosa; Budget: L. Bennett, A. Vietro; Law: S. Gerry; Health: J. Marcogliese; Town of Yorktown: Supervisor Cooper, Councilman N. Bianco, A. Roker; Pound Ridge: Councilman J. Powers; New Castle: Supervisor M. Sinek; Ludlow Park, Yonkers: D. Pennett; CBAC: B. Strauss, F. MacEachron; CWCWC: S. Kapler, M. Rose; CSEA: J. McPhillips; NAACP: S. Spady; D. Rotfeld; HAB: S. Glidden; FCWC: N. Sperd; INTERLOC: J. Raymond; Journal News: M Carey; BOL Staff: B. Boland, S. Schechter, T. Bernard, S. Vanderberg, A. Ettere 

With quorums present, the Committee on Budget and Appropriations was called to order at 9:25 am; the Committee on Public Works was called at 9:27 am.

ITEM C111

Mr. Butler said the goal of Item C111, was to compile all of the County’s assets in one centralized location as opposed to the current paper system, which is managed by each individual department.   This new system will result in better maintenance and standards and provide an opportunity to include more information.

Kevin Austin, JMOA, explained the new program would help to reduce administration costs, help to establish standards and make information available to all departments. 

Stored maps, and floor plans for all facilities can be accessed in a graphic manner, creating an easily accessible standard base plan.  Floor plans can be viewed from different perspectives, identifying electrical outlets, stairwells, furniture etc.

Stored information can be analyzed of done by space, class or square footage.  Data can also be reviewed according to health & safety, allowing for reduced costs and liability benefiting the entire County as a whole.

Mr. Butler said savings to the County as a result of the new program would be reflected in the Capital budgets of each department.  The intent was to train each department to update data on a yearly basis; each department will do inspections currently done by consultants. 

The input of data for each department will be done in phases as designated by the 2002 and 2003.  The 2004 appropriations have yet to be determined.

The input of all necessary date is expected to make the first year very labor intensive, additional modules may be purchased in the future.

For Budget: On the motion of Legislator Bronz, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, the item was moved 8-0, with Legislators Oros, Swanson and LaMotte voting without prejudice.

For Public Works: On the motion of Legislator Ryan, seconded by Legislator Rogowsky the item was moved 5-0.

C122

A Bond Act amending an original Bond Act by $1,300,000 to fund the design completion as well as Phase 1 construction management and construction for the repair of the parking structure and parking lots at the Michaelian Office Complex.  Theis amendment will bring the total amount of the bonding authorized to $1,400,000. The new program will help to avoid the deference of maintenance, which will decrease costs. 

Mr. Butler said the concrete has deteriorated down to the rebars, which will require the placement of both. 

For Budget: On the motion of Legislator Alvarado, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, the item was moved 7-0.

For Public Works: On the motion of Legislator Rogowsky, seconded by Legislator Ryan the item was moved 5-0.

With quorums present the Committees on Environment/Health and Cultural and Ethnic Diversity were called to order at 10:20.

SEWAGE DIVERSION

Legislator Oros suggested those affected by both diversion and upgrade be allowed to have some influence on the plans.  Legislator Rogowsky said thorough environmental disclosures were paramount to the avoidance of possible future litigation in issues such as these.  Legislator Stewart-Cousins said it was important the scope of the SEQR focus be expanded. 

Legislator Pinto said the Committee on Public Works would hold meetings to discuss the effect odor abatement has on affected communities is situations such as this and as a whole. 

All agreed, in an effort to be fair to all affected constituents, it was decided discussions on this issue would continue until the concerns of all had been examined closely.

With no further business to, this joint meeting was adjourned at 10:40 am.