COMMITTEE ON BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS JOINT with PUBLIC SAFETY

MINUTES: SEPTEMBER 26, 2005

BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS MEMBERS: Chair: Kaplowitz; Legislators: Abinanti, Alvarado, Bronz, LaMotte, Myers, Oros, Rogowsky, Ryan, Spreckman, Stewart-Cousins, Wishnie

PUBLIC SAFETY MEMBERS: Chair: Wishnie; Legislators: Kaplowitz, Spreckman, Rogowsky, Ryan LEGISLATORS: V. Pinto, C. Young

IN ATTENDANCE: CE’s office: B. Randolph; Budget: K. Carrano, L. Bennett, A. Vietro; DPW: R. Butler; Planning: J. Mulligan, F. McLaughlin, R. Lopane; Finance: P. Pucillo; Probation: R, Chace, J. Cannon; D. Kackson, Tax Commission; Labs & Research: Dr. Hyland, L. Fasnacht, M. Schmidt; LWV: B. Strauss; H. Corbin; BOL: B. Boland, R. Indelicato, S. Vanderberg, L. Gantress, B. Bochow

 

With a quorum present, the Budget and Appropriations Committee was called to order at 9:14 a.m.

Proposed Energy Plan
Legislator Kaplowitz briefed members on the details of his proposed Energy Plan for the County as presented at his 9/20/05 Press Conference- entitled “Energy Crisis 2005”. The plan includes the creation of County Department on Energy, which will function on the same level and in cooperation with all other existing County Departments, the appointment of an “Energy Czar” who will be the “go to guy” on all County energy related matters and the establishment of a County Energy policy. A complete press package is on file and available for review upon request.

ITEM A15
An Act amending the 2005 Capital Budget by increasing the appropriation for the Old Mamaroneck Road Rehabilitation Project by $150,000 specifically for the replacement of a gas main. The additional funding has been provided by Con Ed, which has agreed to pay the costs incurred in connection with the replacement of the Old Mamaroneck Road gas main.

 

On the motion of Legislator Myers seconded by Legislator Wishnie, the item carried 6-0.

ITEM A27

An Act authorizing the County to enter into an agreement with Croton-on-Hudson to convey an existing access road adjacent to the Metro-North Rail Yard and Croton Point Park for $1.00. The Road is currently used as an access road and will be dedicated by the Village as a public thoroughfare. The County will also convey an easement for the installation, repair and maintenance of traffic control signs adjacent to the Road to the Village which will in turn convey easements for the maintenance and repair of County utility lines and structures within the road.

 

On the motion of Legislator Wishnie seconded by Legislator Alvarado, the item carried 6-0.

With a Quorum present the Committee on Public Safety convened at 9:26 am.

ITEM A22

An Act amending Board Act No. 224-2001 authorizing the extension of certain salary and benefits protection for County officers and employees called to active duty. The most recent amendment, Act No.185-2004 is due to expire 10/15/05; this Amendment will keep it effective until 4/15/06.

For Budget: On the motion of Legislator Wishnie seconded by Legislator Alvarado, the item carried 7-0.

For Public Safety: On the motion of Legislator Rogowsky seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, the item carried 4-0.

ITEM A26

An Act extending an IMA with the County and the City of Mount Vernon for a juvenile violent crime reduction program. The original IMA entered into expired on 8/31/05. This Act will extend the IMA 4 more months providing time to continue the program and expend the full amount of its award.

For Budget: On the motion of Legislator Alvarado seconded by Legislator Bronz, the item carried 8-0.

For Public Safety: On the motion of Legislator Rogowsky seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, the item carried 3-0.

The Committee on Public Safety adjourned and the Committee on Budget recessed at 9:45 am and reconvened at 11:25 am.

ITEM C182

A $750,000 Bond Act to finance the cost of new and replacement equipment and computer systems for the Forensic Science, Toxocolgy, Medical Center and Public Health divisions of the Department of Labs and Research.

On the motion of Legislator Wishnie seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the item carried 11-0.

ITEM C189

A $1,160,000 Bond Act to finance the construction in connection with the installation of emergency generators to power life safety systems at 112 Post Road and 85 Court Street. This amount includes $160,000 in previously authorized bonds.

On the motion of Legislator Wishnie seconded by Legislator Alvarado, the item carried 12-0. Legislator Abinanti voted without prejudice.

A list of County facilities with Emergency Generators will be provided.

ITEM A19/C194(BPL18)

A 2005 Capital Budget Amendment (increasing the appropriation) and the related $300,000 Bond Act for Capital Project BPL!8 - Facility Asset Management. The Budget Amendment and Bond Act will fund the cost of a facility assessment of the WCHCC Patient Care Facilities, including the Tower, Pancake and Macy Pavilion. The assessment will include digitization of floor plans, documentation of current space utilization and field investigations.

A copy of the State legislation authorizing the
A Resolution from the Medical Center in support of this Legislation was requested asap.

On the motion of Legislator Wishnie seconded by Legislator Stewart-Cousins, the item carried 12-0, with Legislators Abinanti and Oros voting without prejudice.

ADDED STARTER
An Act amending the 2005 County Operating Budget for the purpose of establishing expenditure and revenue appropriations in the amount of $57,000,000 and an agreement with WCHCC to give them the $57,000,000 under certain conditions.

Much discussion was had on the item and several amendments to the language were requested.

Legislator Abinanti made a motion to retain certain language approved in the previously version which has been removed in this version. As there was no second, the motion died.

On the motion of Legislator Wishnie seconded by Legislator Rogowsky the item carried as amended, 11-0. Legislators Abinanti and LaMotte voted without prejudice.

With no further business to discuss the meeting adjourned at 12: 50 pm.