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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
The following capital bond acts were discussed and voted on (all passed with unanimous support unless noted):
This meeting is being recorded and summarized. All right, good morning, everyone. I am Legislator Woodman Sanders, Chair of the Budget and Appropriations Committee. This is the first of the double header today. So you will see us later at one o'clock. But we start out today August 31st at 1013 a.m. I will start us out by facilitating a local vote. I am present Ms. Lee Majority Leader Holston. Legislator Not here. Legislative Pierce. Present. Committee Vice Chair Tubio. Present. Majority with Williams. Here. Legislative William Johnson. And Chairman Gotcha. Correct. We are open at 1014 a.m. Others committee chairs. Oh yes. Infrastructure and housing um here. Legislator Holstein. Present. And Chairman. We are open at 10 14 a.m. Okay. And SCP. Um there. Um here. Chairman got working at 1015 a.m. All right, thank you. So the first draw items will be 381, 382, 383, and 384. We'll be taking those together uh before these relevant committees. And we have here uh from this uh Mr. Beep, uh Mr. Scott and Mr. Mooney. Uh the first item we're gonna uh discuss is the environmental resolution, uh the epicenter improvement uh to show the facility that oasis again impairments resolution, CBAC in the land acquisition piece. Gentlemen, thank you for joining us this morning. Uh we can start. Okay, uh good morning. Uh Mr. Chair, members of the committees. Uh we're glad to be here. I'm John Beepis, first deputy commissioner of the West Accounting Department of Social Services. I'll let Mr. Scott introduce good morning, everyone. Uh, my name is Randy Scott, Deputy Commissioner Social Services.