COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION
MINUTES: JUNE 7, 2004
MEMBERS: Chair: Marty Rogowsky; Legislators: Abinanti, Bronz, Mosiello, Pinto, Stewart-Cousins
IN ATTENDANCE: BOL: Ettere, Schecter, Corbin (Intern); CEO: Andrew Neuman, Bill Randolph; LAW: Brendan McGrath, Liz Cipollo; LWV: Rosemary MacLaughlin; COUNTY TAX COMMISSION: David Jackson; TAX RECEIVERS: V. Bulzacchelli (Pound Ridge); J. Vasi (Lewisboro); D. Dwinell (Greenburgh); K. Roach (No. Salem); G. Fried (Ossining); FIRST AMERICAN: Kathleen Bishop; PUBLIC: John White
The meeting was called to order at 1:15 p.m.
MEDICAID RESOLUTION
Legislator Rogowsky asked that the Committee sign out another resolution which mirrors several resolutions that have recently been unanimously passed by the Board. The resolution calls upon the Governor and the State Legislature to make fundamental structural reform to the financing of the Medicaid program and provide real property taxpayers with relief by capping the local share of Medicaid at the 2003 base levels.
The only changes in this Resolution are to the 8th paragraph, which reflect estimated payments as of June 8, 2004:
'WHEREAS, Westchester County pays approximately $4.2 million weekly. This year’s payments exceed $97.7 million as of June 8, 2004; and’
On motion of Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator Stewart-Cousins, the resolution was approved by a vote of 6-0.
Item # 41 – Home Rule Request
Item # 41 is a Home Rule Resolution requesting that the New York State Legislature adopt S6730/A6385 entitled “An Act authorizing the County of Westchester to lease certain parklands.”
State legislative approval is required to authorize the County to enter into lease agreements for parkland facilities that have a term in excess five years. This particular request would authorize the County to lease (20 years maximum) the Woodlands Lake facility in V.E. Macy Park located in Greenburgh, which will consist of a restaurant building, outdoor terraces, entrance driveway and a parking area, to Colonial Catering II Inc. Significant capital improvement is necessary to make the conversion to and operation of a food service and sports equipment rental facility viable. The tenant will be financially responsible for such improvements. This lease will not in any way alter the public right to use or access any part of the park.
There was a brief discussion.
On motion of Legislator Abinanti, seconded by Legislator Pinto, the item was approved. The vote was 6-0.
Item # 26 – County Tax Code
Item #26 is a proposed amendment to the Westchester County Tax Code which would allow seniors citizens to pay their property taxes in two installments without incurring any penalty.
There were several tax receivers present to discuss the item with the Committee. Ms. Bulzacchelli, Regional District Director of the NYS Association of Tax Receivers & Collectors and Receiver of Taxes for the Town of Pound Ridge, raised many concerns (letter on file) on behalf of the Association and stated that they strongly object this proposal. Issues such the burden and the cost of sending two separate bills, the costs associated with programming changes, printed forms, envelopes and postages and the creation of two separate tax rolls.
There was a lengthy discussion and debate.
MINUTES
Legislator Stewart-Cousins made a motion to approve the minutes of
April 12, 2004 (joint w/ PSCJ), May 10, 2004 (joint w/ HEALTH) and May 17, 2004 (joint w/ CA) and it was seconded by Legislator Bronz. The vote was 6-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 2:35 p.m.
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