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Record of Proceedings

Joint Budget & Appropriations and Legislation Committee Meeting - September 22, 2026

Board of Legislators & Committees — Tuesday, September 22, 2026
BodyWestchester County, New York
SessionBoard of Legislators & Committees
DateTuesday, September 22, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:34:56

Original source
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0:07

This meeting is being recorded and summarized.

0:10

Good morning, everybody.

0:12

Today is September 22nd.

0:14

I am legislator Woodson Sanders chair of the budget appropriations committee.

0:19

I would have started us out with a roll for vote and presence.

0:22

Leader Holstein.

0:26

Let's say the non BR.

0:28

Let's say it appears.

0:29

Present.

0:30

Committee by Chair Tubbiolo.

0:32

Present.

0:36

Let's say to Lynn Johnson.

0:38

Chairman Goshi.

0:39

Present.

0:39

All right.

0:40

We are open at 1016 a.m.

0:42

for budget appropriations committee.

0:46

What's up first?

0:47

I think it's legislation.

0:48

Good morning.

0:49

I'm David Mamore.

0:50

I'm vice chair of the legislation committee.

0:52

Uh I will be a chairman of the committee.

0:56

Chairman Smith uh being on the Zoom.

0:58

Uh so I will begin by calling Raw.

1:00

Uh Chairman Smith.

1:02

Uh present.

1:03

Good morning, everyone.

1:04

Uh I am here by Chair Clemente.

1:07

Yeah, let's say a bar.

1:08

Yeah.

1:08

Let's say Nolan, Legislator Puja.

1:11

Here.

1:14

Chairman Gashi.

1:15

Um we have a part.

1:16

And we are all to order at 1070.

1:18

All right.

1:19

So the first item we're going to discuss is the septic removal reimbursement items.

1:26

Should I say 443 and 444?

1:29

Um we have our friend with Aiden here from the Law Department.

1:37

Good morning, sir.

1:40

Floor's yours.

1:42

Um, so the county has a septic um reimbursement um program.

1:49

So if somebody lives in a sewer district but they're not connected to the sewer, they have a septic system.

1:56

Basically, they can get um you know, get it infected, get it on bad, and they can get some reimbursements sewer tax, um, but not actually benefiting, you know, not being on the sewer itself.

2:10

Uh the program has been in place for a while, but every you know it's always set for six or so years, and then it'll expire.

2:18

We come back to the board to reauthorize.

2:21

So this would this primarily would extend the authorization for another six years to 2032.

2:28

Um, the other change in here is it will specify the applications for reimbursement has to be made within three years of the date that you get the services done on the department explained as explaining that sometimes they're getting these now.

2:43

You know, somebody's like, oh yeah, six years ago I did my uh I had my things inspected, and now here's my application, and so they want to say you've got three years to get the application of it, right?

2:55

Understood it's pretty straightforward.

2:57

Um no questions from me, legislative peers.

3:00

Hello, as as uh probably the the legislator with the most septics in our district, not that we have the sewer districts that go along with them.

3:07

Do you have a couple of questions?

3:09

So, you know, traditionally people discover that they are in this being included in the sewer district fee, they have septic system and they ask to be removed.

3:19

And I know the other traditional idea is that if you are within a certain distance of the sewer line, you're really supposed to be connected.

3:25

So can you explain to me what why we are what this population is, why they are close enough to they are within a district, they are not leaving the sewer district, but instead are are being um are still within but getting fees to help maintain the sewer the septic system.

3:44

So if that made sense at all.

3:46

Uh it does.

3:47

I can't answer that.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Water And Wastewater Management█████████████████17%
Engineering And Infrastructure████████████████16%
Procedural██████████████14%
Public Transportation███████████11%
Food Assistance███████7%
Flood Mitigation███████7%
Affordable Housing██████6%
Elderly Services█████5%
Public Infrastructure████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Joint Budget & Appropriations and Legislation Committee Meeting - September 22, 2026

The Westchester County Board of Legislators held a joint meeting of the Budget & Appropriations (B&A) and Legislation committees on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 10:17 AM in the Committee Room at the Michaelian Office Building. The meeting, chaired by Legislator Woodson-Samuels (B&A) and Vice Chair Imamura (Legislation), covered a wide range of capital bond acts, local laws, and memos of legislation. Legislators participated in person and remotely. The meeting adjourned at 12:50 PM.

Discussion Items

1. Septage Removal Reimbursement (Items 2026-443 and 2026-444)

  • A resolution to set a public hearing and a local law amending Section 237.311 of the County Laws to extend the septage removal reimbursement program until August 31, 2032, and to set a three-year deadline for reimbursement applications.
  • Guests: Dept. of Environmental Facilities (Commissioner Vincent Kopicki, First Deputy Lou Vetrone, Director of Maintenance Steve Elie-Pierre, Assistant Commissioner Michelle Greenbaum) and Law Dept. (Assistant Chief Deputy County Attorney Justin Adin).
  • Legislator Pierce questioned why properties remain in the sewer district despite having septic systems. Commissioner Kopicki explained that properties are within mapped sewer districts and connection can be costly (often $10,000-$20,000) or require easements. The reimbursement (currently up to $300 per cleaning/inspection) partially offsets sewer taxes paid.
  • Legislator Williams Johnson asked about the number of eligible homeowners and the $30,000 current-year expense (covering the last third of the year) with $80,000 annual estimated expenditure. DEF noted the law allows the commissioner to set reimbursement amounts.
  • Committee voted to refer both items to the full Board of Legislators. The motion carried 8-0 (Legislator Ulaj absent).

2. Real Property Tax Exemption for Senior Citizens (Items 2026-459 and 2026-460)

  • A resolution and local law amending Section 470.11 to add higher exemption levels (55%, 60%, 65%) for seniors with incomes below $50,000, matching state options.
  • Justin Adin (Law Dept.) explained that the change only increases exemption percentages for eligible seniors already applying; it does not expand eligibility. No fiscal impact to the county (only shifts tax burden).
  • Legislator Cunzio raised concerns about municipalities' ability to implement the new levels. Adin noted state guidance from the Office of Real Property Tax Services and that assessors already handle similar exemptions. The committee agreed to provide documentation to municipalities.
  • Both items were referred to the full Board. Vote: 7-0 (Legislator Barr voted without prejudice; Legislator Ulaj absent).

3. Memos of Legislation (Receive & File)

  • Six memos from Legislator Woodson-Samuels: Brownfield Assessment and Redevelopment Initiative (2026-332), First-Gen Homebuyer and Down Payment Matching Act (2026-333), Youth Career Guarantee and Pre-Apprenticeship Pipeline Act (2026-334), OTH and Commercial Conversion Readiness Act (2026-335). Also, a memo from Legislator Cunzio: Strengthen Tethering Law (2026-397).
  • All received, filed, and approved unanimously (8-0, Ulaj absent; 332 had Ulaj without prejudice).

4. Farm Protection Study (Item 2026-406)

  • Bond act for $400,000 to finance a study of the county's full food system, from production to distribution, including equitable access to fresh food. Presented by Planning Commissioner Blanca Lopez and team.
  • The study will involve stakeholders (Soil and Water Conservation District, Ag Board, Cornell Cooperative Extension) and assess cold storage, transportation, and food hub needs. Expected to last about two years, with periodic updates.
  • Legislators expressed strong support. Legislator Williams noted food insecurity in Yonkers. Legislator Pierce asked about inclusion of non-county farms; Lopez confirmed the study covers the entire food system.
  • Approved by B&A and Parks & Environment committees (unanimous).

5. Flood Mitigation - Harrison Avenue, Yonkers (Items 2026-466, 467, 468)

  • Bond act ($1.85 million) and amended IMA with City of Yonkers to construct a stormwater wetland in Tibbetts Brook Park, improve berms, and upgrade drainage in the Harrison Avenue neighborhood.
  • Presented by DEF and Planning. Construction likely in 2027 after coordination with city and parks department. The wetland will provide flood storage, recreational amenities, and educational opportunities.
  • Legislator Tubiolo (district representative) expressed strong support. Legislator Pierce noted coordination with Parks Department.
  • Approved by B&A, Infrastructure & Housing, and Parks & Environment committees (unanimous).

6. Parking Study - Valhalla/Grasslands Campus (Item 2026-447)

  • Bond act for $200,000 to study existing and future parking demand on the Grasslands Campus, to inform planning for multiple ongoing DPW projects.
  • Presented by David Codega (Planning). Phase 1 (western campus) to be completed in 4-5 months; full study by end of 2027. Includes consideration of solar canopies.
  • Approved by B&A and Infrastructure & Housing committees (unanimous).

7. Complete Streets Municipal Assistance Program (Items 2026-448 and 449)

  • Bond act for $4.195 million for construction of four complete streets projects in Tarrytown, Mamaroneck, Tuckahoe, and Sleepy Hollow. Presented by Steven Carriage (Planning).
  • Projects include sidewalk improvements, bump-outs, crosswalks, and traffic calming. Mamaroneck project is near a school where two pedestrians were struck in 2024.
  • Legislator Tubiolo asked about future rounds; staff indicated the program may continue if funding is allocated. Legislator Williams Johnson asked about bus shelter maintenance (related to snow removal) – answered by Mike Swee (Public Works).
  • Approved by B&A and Infrastructure & Housing committees (unanimous).

8. Bus Shelter Program IMA (Item 2026-407)

  • Authorization for IMA with municipalities for the county's bus shelter program, operated under a contract with Insight (advertising company). County receives $225,000 in year 1, increasing to $325,000 by year 5. Revenue is split 50-50 with municipalities.
  • Discussion on snow removal and maintenance. Legislator Williams Johnson noted frequent complaints about shelter cleanliness. Public Works will coordinate with Insight.
  • Approved by B&A and Infrastructure & Housing committees (unanimous).

9. Exterior Infrastructure Repairs - White Plains Complex (Items 2026-416 and 417)

  • Capital budget amendment and bond act for $2.705 million to create a new entrance vestibule at the Richard J. Daronco Courthouse, improving ADA access, energy efficiency, and security.
  • Presented by Robert Abamonte (DPW). Construction expected to take 9 months.
  • Approved by B&A and Infrastructure & Housing committees (unanimous).

10. Snow Removal Equipment Building - County Airport (Items 2026-453 and 454)

  • Bond act for $3 million (net county share after FAA/state grants) to construct a building to house 15 pieces of snow removal equipment. FAA strongly encourages indoor storage for safety and equipment longevity.
  • Lauren Walsh (Airport) noted the grant eligibility increased, reducing county share by $1.869 million. Legislator Pierce raised concerns about potential federal OMB rule changes affecting grant funding.
  • Approved by B&A and Infrastructure & Housing committees (unanimous).

11. Interior Infrastructure Repairs and Elevator Modernization (Items 2026-455, 456, 458)

  • Comprehensive bond act ($30.75 million) for: (a) replacing 17 elevators at the Correctional Facility (25+ years old, energy-efficient upgrades), and (b) replacing chillers, cooling towers, and thermal storage tanks at the Michaelian Office Building (35 years old, undersized).
  • Presented by Robert Abamonte. Bids came in higher than expected, requiring a $1.6 million capital budget amendment. Energy savings estimated at $105,000 annually for chillers; elevators will generate electricity when descending.
  • Approved by B&A and Infrastructure & Housing committees (unanimous).

12. Prisoner Transportation Contracts (Items 2026-445 and 446)

  • Renewal of IMAs with Town of Greenburgh and City of New Rochelle for prisoner transportation, covering increased staff costs. Routine two-year renewals.
  • Presented by Warden Bill Fallon and Deputy Commissioner Gerald.
  • Approved by B&A and Public Safety & Veterans committees (unanimous).

13. Combined Sewer Overflow Rehabilitation - North Yonkers Pump Station (Item 2026-412)

  • Bond act for $3 million for design and construction management of CSO and electrical rehabilitation at the North Yonkers Pump Station (SPS 16), replacing 30-year-old equipment.
  • Legislator Tubiolo asked about overflow into the Hudson River; DEF noted the station partially treats overflow but the issue is largely the city's combined sewer system, which is not within county jurisdiction.
  • Approved by B&A and Infrastructure & Housing committees (unanimous).

14. Underground Pipe Leak Detection (Items 2026-418 and 419)

  • Bond act for $500,000 additional (total $750,000) for design of a leak detection system and replacement of chemical piping at the Yonkers Joint Treatment Plant. Construction estimated at $6 million.
  • Presented by DEF. Additional piping issues were found during inspections.
  • Approved by B&A and Infrastructure & Housing committees (unanimous).

15. Yonkers Joint Resource Facility - Settling Tank Rehabilitation (Item 2026-421)

  • Bond act for $5 million to complete design and construction administration for rehab of primary and final settling tanks. Combining both phases saves mobilization costs.
  • Approved by B&A and Infrastructure & Housing committees (unanimous).

16. Pump Station Rehabilitation - Multiple Locations (Item 2026-452)

  • Bond act for $8 million for design and construction management of four pump stations (Flint Avenue, Sutton Manor, Beach Avenue, Park Circle). Part of a rotating 20-year rehabilitation cycle.
  • Legislator Williams Johnson asked about flooding in Larchmont; staff directed her to the Planning Department for stormwater issues.
  • Approved by B&A and Infrastructure & Housing committees (unanimous).

17. National Night Out IMA (Item 2026-437)

  • Amendment to IMA with Town of Eastchester for National Night Out. Approved by Public Safety & Veterans committee (unanimous).

Key Outcomes

  • All items on the agenda were voted on and approved by the respective committees, with most votes unanimous (8-0 or 7-0, with Legislator Ulaj absent for many votes). Some items had legislators voting "without prejudice" (e.g., Barr on senior tax exemption items, Ulaj on one memo).
  • Several bond acts and local laws were referred to the full Board of Legislators for final approval, including the septage reimbursement extension, senior tax exemption expansion, and multiple capital projects.
  • Public hearings were set for the septage reimbursement and senior tax exemption local laws (dates to be determined).
  • The Farm Protection Study and Complete Streets projects will proceed with design and community engagement, with updates expected during the process.
  • The meeting concluded with adjournment of all committees at 12:50 PM.

Meeting Transcript

This meeting is being recorded and summarized. Good morning, everybody. Today is September 22nd. I am legislator Woodson Sanders chair of the budget appropriations committee. I would have started us out with a roll for vote and presence. Leader Holstein. Let's say the non BR. Let's say it appears. Present. Committee by Chair Tubbiolo. Present. Let's say to Lynn Johnson. Chairman Goshi. Present. All right. We are open at 1016 a.m. for budget appropriations committee. What's up first? I think it's legislation. Good morning. I'm David Mamore. I'm vice chair of the legislation committee. Uh I will be a chairman of the committee. Chairman Smith uh being on the Zoom. Uh so I will begin by calling Raw. Uh Chairman Smith. Uh present. Good morning, everyone. Uh I am here by Chair Clemente. Yeah, let's say a bar. Yeah. Let's say Nolan, Legislator Puja. Here. Chairman Gashi. Um we have a part. And we are all to order at 1070. All right. So the first item we're going to discuss is the septic removal reimbursement items. Should I say 443 and 444? Um we have our friend with Aiden here from the Law Department. Good morning, sir. Floor's yours. Um, so the county has a septic um reimbursement um program. So if somebody lives in a sewer district but they're not connected to the sewer, they have a septic system. Basically, they can get um you know, get it infected, get it on bad, and they can get some reimbursements sewer tax, um, but not actually benefiting, you know, not being on the sewer itself. Uh the program has been in place for a while, but every you know it's always set for six or so years, and then it'll expire. We come back to the board to reauthorize. So this would this primarily would extend the authorization for another six years to 2032. Um, the other change in here is it will specify the applications for reimbursement has to be made within three years of the date that you get the services done on the department explained as explaining that sometimes they're getting these now. You know, somebody's like, oh yeah, six years ago I did my uh I had my things inspected, and now here's my application, and so they want to say you've got three years to get the application of it, right?

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