Westchester County Legislature Joint Budget & Litigation Committee Meeting - September 1, 2026

The joint committees of Budget & Appropriations and Litigation met on September 1, 2026, from approximately 10:13 AM to 11:52 AM to discuss a range of capital projects, litigation settlements, and other business. The meeting began with Budget Committee Chair Legislator Woodson Samuels presiding, followed by Litigation Committee Chair Legislator Imamura.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of the July 13, 2026 Litigation Committee meeting were approved unanimously.

Discussion Items

Oasis Center Shelter Acquisition and Renovation (Items 381-384)

The committees considered a combined proposal to purchase and renovate the Oasis Center at 19 Washington Street in New Rochelle, a drop-in shelter operated since 2008. Key details presented by DSS Deputy Commissioner John Beepis and others:

• Purchase price: $1.2 million from the Archdiocese of New York.
• Relocation costs: $500,000 to temporarily house residents during renovation.
• Renovation cost: $9.4 million (plus $250,000 previously appropriated), for a total of $11.1 million.
• Current operations: 50 beds at 100% capacity, annual operating cost of $1.4 million via contractor WestCop. The building is over 100 years old and needs comprehensive rehab.
• Urgency: The Archdiocese planned to sell to the highest bidder; the county seeks to preserve the only drop-in site on the Sound Shore.

Legislators expressed concerns about the lack of a detailed design or cost breakdown, the adequacy of the $9.4 million estimate, and the long-term financial commitment. Legislator Holstein questioned whether alternative solutions (e.g., demolition and rebuild) might be more cost-effective. Legislator Pierce formally requested the DPW cost estimate, appraisal documentation, and a clearer scope of work before voting. Vice Chair Clements noted the Archdiocese would not fund renovations themselves.

After discussion, the committees decided to table these four items without prejudice pending receipt of the requested documents.

Litigation Item: Bankruptcy Recoverable Assignment (2026-363)

County Attorney Mark Gardner presented an item to authorize assignment of a bankruptcy recoverable owed to the Department of Environmental Facilities (DEF). A recovery service would collect approximately $84,051 (netting the county $58,836 after a one-third commission). The debt dates back decades. Legislator Williams Johnson questioned the 33% fee; Gardner explained in-house collection would take longer and cost similarly. The item was approved unanimously by both committees.

Litigation Item: Workers' Compensation Settlement "D.G." (2026-395)

Associate County Attorney Sean Carey described a settlement with former DSS employee "D.G." for $52,433 to extinguish future indemnity and medical obligations related to a 2018 on-duty accident. Estimated savings to the county are $97,153. The settlement was approved unanimously.

Capital Projects (Budget Committee)

The following capital bond acts were discussed and voted on (all passed with unanimous support unless noted):

• Peekskill Sludge System Upgrade (Item 377): $4.29 million for construction to replace primary sludge pumps and raise electrical controls. Legislators noted rising costs for electrical equipment (≈8% annual increase).
• Yonkers Joint Waste Resource Recovery Facility Fiber (Item 389): $2.1 million to upgrade fiber cabling and network equipment for cybersecurity and operational improvements. Legislator Williams Johnson asked about facility-wide cybersecurity plans.
• Peekskill District Office Windows & Doors (Item 379): $2.5 million to replace original single-pane windows and doors with energy-efficient units. Commissioner Patson stated this completes the building envelope modernization.
• Valhalla Campus Electrical Substation (Items 385/386): $750,000 additional funding (total $1.5 million) to relocate and upgrade the substation with a small building and fencing. Escalation factor of 20% included.
• Grasslands Campus Generator Replacement (Item 387): $3.52 million additional for construction to replace three generators (installed 1992). Design ongoing; construction estimated 36 months. Legislator Pierce requested updated cost estimates and lead time information.
• Greenwich Road Bridge Replacement, Bedford (Item 388): $4.85 million additional (total $5.85 million) to replace a concrete slab bridge. Traffic will be reduced to one lane during construction. Legislator Williams Johnson noted community outreach and environmental sensitivity. Cost estimate provided.
• Grasslands Campus HVAC Unit Replacement (Item 391): $2.5 million to replace a 30-ton rooftop unit with a heat pump system. Part of a multi-year capital plan.

Key Outcomes

• Oasis Center items (381-384): Tabled; no vote taken. Requested documents include DPW cost breakdown, appraisal, and design details.
• Litigation items (363, 395): Both approved unanimously by the Litigation and Budget committees.
• Capital projects (377, 389, 379, 385/386, 387, 388, 391): All approved unanimously by the Budget and (where applicable) Infrastructure committees.
• Motions to adjourn: The Litigation committee adjourned at 11:15 AM; the Budget committee adjourned at 11:52 AM.