The Committees on Budget & Appropriations, Infrastructure & Housing, and Parks & Environment held a joint meeting on September 23, 2026, at the Michaelian Office Building in White Plains. The meeting, chaired by Legislator Woodson-Samuels (B&A) and Vice Chair Imamura (I&H), began at 10:16 AM and adjourned at 12:50 PM. All 24 agenda items were approved unanimously, with Legislator Holstein absent and Legislator Pierce away for one vote. Key actions included approval of bond acts, budget amendments, intermunicipal agreements, and environmental resolutions for capital projects across the county.
Legislator Pierce questioned why properties within a sewer district but on septic systems are not required to connect. Commissioner Kopicki explained that connection costs and easements can be prohibitive. The program reimburses up to $300 for septic maintenance. Legislator Nambiar asked about the number of eligible homeowners and the fiscal impact; staff committed to follow-up on data and potential rate increases.
Planning Commissioner Blanca Lopez presented a $400,000 bond for a comprehensive study of the county's food system, from production to distribution. The study will identify interventions such as cold storage and transportation hubs. Legislators expressed strong support, noting connections to Hilltop Hanover Farm, food insecurity, and job opportunities for veterans.
An environmental resolution, amended bond act ($1.85 million), and IMA were approved for a stormwater wetland at Tibbetts Brook Park. The project will increase flood storage, improve the berm, and add recreational amenities. Construction is expected in early 2027, pending coordination with city events.
A $200,000 bond was approved for a parking demand study at the Grasslands Campus. The study will inform consolidation of parking for multiple DPW projects. Phase 1 results expected in 4-5 months, full study by summer 2027.
Four projects in Tarrytown, Mamaroneck, Tuckahoe, and Sleepy Hollow were approved for $4.195 million in bonds. Projects include sidewalks, pedestrian bump-outs, and traffic calming. Legislator Nambiar noted the critical need in Mamaroneck after a 2024 pedestrian crash.
Consent to transfer ownership of 170 affordable rental units was approved. All units will be income-restricted at ≤60% AMI for an additional 50 years. The new owner, WBP/Balter, will invest $1 million in capital improvements. Legislators raised concerns about monitoring and the adequacy of the investment; staff committed to providing details.
Renewal of the IMA with Insight for bus shelter advertising was approved. Insight pays the county a graduated fee ($225k year one, up to $325k by year five), with 50% shared with municipalities based on shelter counts. Legislators discussed maintenance, snow removal, and advertising revenue.
A $2.54 million budget amendment and bond were approved to create a vestibule at the courthouse entrance, improving ADA access and energy efficiency. Construction will take about 9 months.
A $3 million bond was approved for a new building at the airport to house FAA-funded snow removal equipment. The project now has increased grant eligibility, reducing the county share.
A $30.75 million bond was approved for replacing 17 elevators at the correctional facility ($14.25M) and replacing chillers/cooling towers at the White Plains Complex ($16.5M). Energy savings estimated at $105k/year and 109 metric tons CO2 reduction. Construction will take 14-18 months.
Note: The meeting date per instruction is September 23, 2026, though the agenda and minutes list September 22, 2026.
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?