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Record of Proceedings

Joint Committee Meeting on Social Services, Budget, and Infrastructure: Oasis Center and Other Capital Projects - September 1, 2026

Board of Legislators & Committees — Tuesday, September 1, 2026
BodyWestchester County, New York
SessionBoard of Legislators & Committees
DateTuesday, September 1, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:39:26

Original source
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0:06

This meeting is being recorded and summarized.

0:08

All right, good morning, everyone.

0:10

I am Legislator Woodman Sanders, Chair of the Budget and Appropriations Committee.

0:14

This is the first of the double header today.

0:18

So you will see us later at one o'clock.

0:20

But we start out today August 31st at 1013 a.m.

0:25

I will start us out by facilitating a local vote.

0:29

I am present Ms.

0:30

Lee Majority Leader Holston.

0:32

Legislator Not here.

0:34

Legislative Pierce.

0:35

Present.

0:36

Committee Vice Chair Tubio.

0:37

Present.

0:38

Majority with Williams.

0:39

Here.

0:39

Legislative William Johnson.

0:41

And Chairman Gotcha.

0:43

Correct.

0:43

We are open at 1014 a.m.

0:47

Others committee chairs.

0:49

Oh yes.

0:52

Infrastructure and housing um here.

0:59

Legislator Holstein.

1:04

Present.

1:04

And Chairman.

1:05

We are open at 10 14 a.m.

1:08

Okay.

1:09

And SCP.

1:22

Um there.

1:27

Um here.

1:34

Chairman got working at 1015 a.m.

1:40

All right, thank you.

1:41

So the first draw items will be 381, 382, 383, and 384.

1:48

We'll be taking those together uh before these relevant committees.

1:52

And we have here uh from this uh Mr.

1:59

Beep, uh Mr.

2:01

Scott and Mr.

2:03

Mooney.

2:06

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.

2:19

Gentlemen, thank you for joining us this morning.

2:22

Uh we can start.

2:23

Okay, uh good morning.

2:25

Uh Mr.

2:26

Chair, members of the committees.

2:28

Uh we're glad to be here.

2:29

I'm John Beepis, first deputy commissioner of the West Accounting Department of Social Services.

2:34

I'll let Mr.

2:35

Scott introduce good morning, everyone.

2:37

Uh, my name is Randy Scott, Deputy Commissioner Social Services.

2:41

Tom Ronnie, reimbursement manager.

2:44

Good morning.

2:45

He's also our capital budget specialist.

2:48

Hey, just I want to indicate for the record we have legislator immamore here as well as Vice Chair Larry Clemens.

2:54

Do we have anyone else?

2:55

Oh my god, can you see?

2:56

I believe that as well.

2:58

Okay, great.

2:59

Thank you.

3:00

Thank you, Mr.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Engineering And Infrastructure████████████████████████24%
Public Infrastructure███████████████████████23%
Pending Litigation███████████████15%
Procedural████████8%
Water And Wastewater Management████████8%
Homelessness█████5%
Budget Equity Analysis████4%
Public Health████4%
Workforce Development██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Joint Committee Meeting on Social Services, Budget, and Infrastructure: Oasis Center and Other Capital Projects - September 1, 2026

Note: The agenda listed the meeting date as Monday, August 31, 2026, but the meeting was held on September 1, 2026, per the official instruction. This summary uses the latter date.

The joint meeting of the Committees on Social Services, Disabilities & Human Rights, Budget & Appropriations, and Infrastructure & Housing was called to order at 10:14 AM. Legislators discussed and voted on several capital projects, a settlement for unclaimed funds, and a workers' compensation settlement. The Oasis Center items were tabled pending additional documentation.

Consent Calendar

  • Minutes Approval: Minutes from July 13, July 20, and July 27, 2026, were approved unanimously.

Discussion Items

Oasis Center Infrastructure Improvements (Items 2026-381, 382, 383, 384)

  • Overview: The Department of Social Services (DSS) presented a proposal to acquire and renovate the Oasis Emergency Overnight Shelter at 19 Washington Avenue, New Rochelle. The total project cost is $11.1 million, comprising $1.2 million for purchase, $500,000 for temporary relocation of residents, and $9.4 million for comprehensive rehabilitation (plus an existing $250,000 appropriation). The building is over 100 years old, currently leased from the Archdiocese of New York, and serves as a 50-bed drop-in shelter (the only one on the Sound Shore). Current occupancy is at 100%. DSS operates 297 drop-in beds countywide, with >90% winter occupancy.
  • Key Speakers and Positions:
    • John Befus (First Deputy Commissioner, DSS) and Randolf Scott (Deputy Commissioner) presented the project, citing urgency due to the Archdiocese's interest in selling to the highest bidder.
    • Legislator Holstein expressed concerns about the cost estimate lacking detailed design work and asked for a cost breakdown, including current lease costs (up to $1.4 million annually for operations).
    • Legislator Pierce noted the absence of design documents and requested the DPW cost estimate and property appraisal (assessed at $1.6M, appraised at $1.3M, offer $1.2M).
    • Vice Chair Clemens confirmed the Archdiocese will not make repairs, and the site is at risk of sale to others.
    • Legislator Johnson asked about lead times, contingencies (asbestos, lead remediation included), and historical registry eligibility.
    • Legislator Tubbio inquired about relocation plans (to Grasslands or hotels) and project timeline (6 months planning, 18 months construction).
    • Diane (Budget) clarified the existing $250,000 appropriation had no expenditures and will serve as cushion.
  • Outcome: The four items were tabled (continued) to allow DSS to provide the requested DPW cost breakdown, property appraisal, and current operating cost details. No vote was taken.

Settlement for Unclaimed Funds – Global Geophysical Services (Item 2026-363)

  • Overview: The county will receive $84,051.82 in unclaimed funds from a bankruptcy court in Illinois, dating back to the 1980s/90s. An unclaimed recovery service will take a one-third commission ($25,215.05), netting the county $58,836.77.
  • Key Speaker: Mark Barker (Law Department) explained the debt was discovered in June 2026; using a specialist service is faster and cheaper than hiring a law firm.
  • Outcome: Approved unanimously.

Workers' Compensation Settlement – DG (Item 2026-395)

  • Overview: A settlement for a DSS supervisor injured in July 2018 (struck by a car while working). The county will pay $52,433 to extinguish future indemnity and medical obligations. Estimated savings of $97,153 compared to continuing claims.
  • Key Speaker: Sean Kerry (Associate County Attorney) detailed the accident, workers' compensation track, and the third-party settlement of $1.2 million. The settlement avoids future litigation risk.
  • Outcome: Approved unanimously.

Peek Skill Plant Primary Sludge System Upgrade (Item 2026-377)

  • Overview: $4.29 million for construction to replace aging sludge pumps and raise electrical controls above flood level. Total project cost $5.79 million.
  • Key Speakers: DEF Commissioner Vincent Kopicki noted cost escalation of 8% per year for electrical equipment. Legislator Williams Johnson requested a five-year capital plan.
  • Outcome: Approved unanimously.

Yonkers Joint Waste Resource and Recovery Facility IT Upgrade (Item 2026-389)

  • Overview: Funding for fiber cabling and network equipment to upgrade cybersecurity and infrastructure, damaged since Superstorm Sandy (2012).
  • Key Speaker: Lenox Harris (Deputy CIO) confirmed this is one of several facilities to be upgraded.
  • Outcome: Approved unanimously.

Peek Skill District Office Windows and Doors Replacement (Item 2026-379)

  • Overview: Additional $2.5 million to replace original single-pane windows and doors with energy-efficient units. Design expected to complete in September 2026.
  • Key Speaker: Patson (DPW Commissioner) presented the scope.
  • Outcome: Approved unanimously.

Electrical Substation at Valhalla Campus (Items 2026-385 & 386)

  • Overview: Additional $750,000 to relocate and enclose an aging transformer (over 50 years old) from a basement to a pad-mounted structure with fencing and landscaping. Total project now $1.5 million (original $900K). Includes 20% escalation.
  • Key Speaker: Robert Abamont (DPW) explained the increased scope.
  • Outcome: Approved unanimously.

Generator Replacement at Grasslands Campus (Item 2026-387)

  • Overview: Additional $3.52 million to replace three generators (installed 1992) at DOCF, H Block, and Jail Annex. Design underway, construction 36 months due to lead times. Estimate includes 25% escalation.
  • Key Speaker: DPW noted 36-month timeline includes long lead items.
  • Outcome: Approved unanimously.

Greenwich Road Bridge Replacement, Bedford (Item 2026-388)

  • Overview: Additional $4.85 million to replace a concrete slab bridge (condition rating 4.07) over the Mianus River. Design at 90% stage; construction 18 months with one-lane traffic.
  • Key Speaker: DPW provided cost estimate of $4.4M construction plus CM; total amended bond $5.85M. Legislator Holstein expressed surprise at cost but acknowledged community engagement.
  • Outcome: Approved unanimously.

HVAC Rooftop Unit Replacement at 800 Michaelian Office Building (Item 2026-391)

  • Overview: Additional $2.5 million to replace a 33-year-old 30-ton HVAC unit with a heat pump system. Design complete Q3 2026, construction 9 months.
  • Key Speaker: DPW noted this is the first of several units to be replaced.
  • Outcome: Approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

  • Items Tabled (Continued): Oasis Center (2026-381 through 384) were tabled pending provision of DPW cost breakdown, property appraisal, and current operating costs. No vote taken.
  • Approved Items: All other discussed items (2026-363, 395, 377, 389, 379, 385, 386, 387, 388, 391) and minutes were approved unanimously.
  • Next Steps: DSS to circulate requested documents; committees will reconvene to vote on Oasis items. The meeting adjourned at 11:52 AM.

Meeting Transcript

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.

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