Public Meetings - Westchester County, New York

The joint meeting of the Budget & Appropriations, Infrastructure & Housing, Seniors & Youth, Litigation, and Public Safety & Veterans committees convened at 10:15 AM and adjourned at 12:02 PM. Legislators considered several bond acts, grant acceptances, and partnership agreements, and received the first quarter budget report. A quorum was present; Legislator Nolan and Legislator Puja were absent. Discussion Items - 2026-263 – Legal services contract (Shepard Mullen): The County Attorney’s office requested authorization to hire outside counsel to resolve a dispute with surety NGM over a performance bond on a terminated contractor (MBM). The dispute involves a takeover agreement. Mark Gardner (County Attorney) and Irish Shulman (Shepard Mullen) presented. Legislators asked about debarment of the surety; staff will report back in 30–45 days. The item was approved by Budget & Appropriations and Litigation committees. - 2026-264 – Various County Road Rehabilitation Program: Bond act for $11,805,000 to design and construct improvements on four roads (Theodore Friend Avenue in Harrison, Anderson Hill Road in Harrison, Aqueduct Road in White Plains, Long Ridge Road in Bedford). PCI scores ranged from 51 to 73. Work includes milling, resurfacing, drainage, markings. Deputy Commissioner Hernane DeAlmeida and Robert Abbamont presented. Legislators discussed coordination with Con Edison and school bus schedules. Approved by both committees. - 2026-266 – Sexual Risk Avoidance Education Program: Grant of $260,000 from NYS Office of Children and Family Services to continue a program in seven municipalities (Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, Ossining, Peekskill, Port Chester, White Plains, Yonkers). Youth Bureau Executive Director Ernest McFadden presented. The program includes classroom instruction on healthy relationships and job placement. 90% completion rate; serves approximately 105–110 youth per year (60% female, 40% male). No county cost. Legislators expressed strong support. Approved by Budget & Appropriations and Seniors & Youth. - 2026-271 – Information Technology Upgrades: Bond act to replace laptops, data storage, and data center equipment for the District Attorney’s office. Keith Hoffman (Labs and Research) presented. Last major laptop purchase was during COVID. Upgrades part of a five-year plan. Approved by Budget & Appropriations and Public Safety & Veterans. - 2026-272 – Regional Partnership with Putnam County for Technical Rescue: Authorization to accept $100,000 in state funding via a competitive grant (Fiscal Year 23) for technical rescue equipment and training. Commissioner Spear and Deputy Chief Chris Johnson presented. The grant was the largest in the state. Equipment includes rope rescue, shoring tools, PPE. Partnership ensures interoperability. Approved by Public Safety & Veterans. - 2026-273 – Replacement Laboratory Equipment: Bond act for $550,000 to replace 13 end-of-life items for public health testing, environmental monitoring, forensic investigations, and medical examiner operations. Keith Hoffman presented. Majority of equipment 10–21 years old. Items include BOD analyzers, PCR system, trace evidence unit, etc. No lead time concerns. Approved by Budget & Appropriations. - First Quarter Budget Report: Budget Director Larry Snow presented the first quarter forecast. Key points: Sales tax flat to budget; healthcare benefits projected $9.3 million over budget (net of $4.4 million in prescription rebates); fare evasion on buses at 40%, costing $1 million per month; state transportation aid increased by 7.4% ($5 million); vacancy savings projected at $1.7 million; fund balance at 21% of operating expenditures (triple-A ratings from S&P and Fitch, not Moody’s). Discussions included enforcement of fare evasion (no material improvement despite recent legislation), healthcare cost drivers (catastrophic cases, AI billing), and child care subsidy waitlist (500–600 families). The report was received and filed. Key Outcomes - 2026-263: Approved for Budget & Appropriations (5 ayes: Woodson Samuels, Holstein, Barr, Pierce, Tubiolo; Williams Johnson not voting? – actually recorded as yes; also passed Litigation). - 2026-264: Approved by Budget & Appropriations (ayes: Woodson Samuels, Holstein, Barr, Pierce, Tubiolo, Williams-Johnson) and by Infrastructure & Housing (ayes: Tubiolo, Pierce, Barr). - 2026-266: Approved by Budget & Appropriations (6 ayes) and Seniors & Youth (3 ayes: Alvarado, Cunzio, Tubiolo). - 2026-271: Approved by Budget & Appropriations (ayes: Woodson Samuels, Holstein, Barr, Pierce, Tubiolo, Williams-Johnson) and Public Safety & Veterans (ayes: Clemens, Cunzio, Smith, Woodson Samuels). - 2026-272: Approved by Public Safety & Veterans (voice vote with ayes). - 2026-273: Approved by Budget & Appropriations (voice vote with ayes). - First Quarter Budget Report: Received and filed by Budget & Appropriations (motion by Alvarado, second by Cunzio, unanimous). - Meeting minutes for May 18, 2026 and May 26, 2026 approved by respective committees.

The meeting convened joint committees including Health, Budget & Appropriations, Infrastructure & Housing, Seniors & Youth, and Public Safety & Veterans. The session addressed grant agreements, bond acts for lab equipment, roads, IT upgrades, emergency services, and the first quarter budget forecast. The minutes record the meeting being called to order at 10:39 AM, while the transcript indicates a 10:11 AM start; the Sexual Risk Avoidance item is numbered 2026-266 on the agenda but ACT-2026-133 in the minutes. Consent Calendar - Minutes from prior meetings (May 18 and May 26, 2026) were approved by the respective committees. - Several items were signed and referred to the Board of Legislators after committee votes. Discussion Items - Sexual Risk Avoidance Education Program (Item 2026-266 / ACT-2026-133): Youth Bureau Executive Director Ernest McFadden presented the seventh year of a New York State Office of Children and Family Services grant. The program serves approximately 105–110 youth annually, ages 11–18, through classroom education (boundaries, consent, character) and employment skills. Each municipality's enrollment ranges from 15–18; participants are about 60% female and 40% male; the classroom completion rate is 90%. No county match is required; municipalities contribute about $32,000, with $25,000 going to the classroom provider. Legislator Alvarado expressed 100% support, citing direct benefits in Yonkers, and Legislator Barr praised the program's dual classroom/employment approach. - Bond Act – BLR2F Labs & Research Equipment Acquisition '26–'30 (Item 2026-273): Chief Administrator Keith Hoffman requested a $550,000 bond to replace 13 pieces of laboratory equipment, including BOD analyzers, a microwave digestion system, PCR systems, and forensic tools. Many items are 15–21 years old, beyond their expected 10-year useful life; some require refrigerants now banned by New York State DEC. Hoffman confirmed current operability but noted parts are increasingly difficult to obtain. Legislators asked about safety and service timelines; Legislator Barr recommended marking "life safety" and "energy efficiency" on the project sheet. - Litigation – Surety Bond Dispute (Item 263): Mark Gardner (County Attorney's Office) and Ira Shulman (Shepherd Mullen) discussed a dispute with surety NGM (recently acquired by Nationwide) over a performance bond for terminated contractor MBM. Shulman, who has served the county for 24 years, said the objective is to compel the surety to fulfill its bond obligations; he expects concrete results in 30–45 days. Legislator Barr asked about responsible bidder law and possible debarment. The item was approved by Budget & Appropriations and Litigation. - Various County Road Rehabilitation Bonds (Item 264): Deputy Commissioner Rob presented an $11,805,000 bond request for design and construction on four roads: Theodore Friend Avenue (0.8 miles), Anderson Hill Road (2.4 miles), Aqueduct Road (0.17 miles), and Long Ridge Road (1.2 miles), with PCI values and traffic data provided. Construction is planned as roving one-lane milling and paving with flaggers; coordination with schools and utilities was discussed. Legislators also discussed New York State DOT projects and Con Ed coordination. The bond act passed. - Information Technology Upgrades (Item 271): Jason Carrow presented the second year of a five-year IT replacement plan covering laptops/desktops, data storage, and data center equipment. No new recurring maintenance or licensing costs are anticipated; laptop purchases had not been made since COVID. The bond act passed. - Regional Partnership with Putnam County (Item 272): Emergency Services Commissioner Spear and Deputy Chief Christopher Johnson presented a $100,000 competitive state grant for technical rescue and urban search and rescue equipment. Westchester and Putnam received the maximum amount and the largest grant awarded in the state. Funds will purchase rope rescue gear, PPE, shoring tools, and transit. Legislators discussed fire safety education and clarified that the "23" in the grant title refers to fiscal year 2023, not retroactive funding. Approved. - First Quarter Budget Report: Budget Director Larry Soule presented the first quarter forecast. Key points: sales tax (over 40% of revenue) held flat; healthcare costs projected $9.3M over budget net of $4.4M in prescription rebates; daycare subsidies show a deficit due to a later-than-assumed start to a freeze, with a 500–600 family waiting list; bus fare evasion remains 40%, with fare box collections down $3M; New York State provided a 7.4% increase in operating assistance ($5M); vacancy savings of $1.7M are projected. The county ended 2025 with a $4.2M operating surplus. Legislators discussed healthcare cost drivers, bus enforcement, and fund balance levels. The report was accepted. Key Outcomes - The following items were approved and referred to the Board of Legislators: - Sexual Risk Avoidance Education Program (motion by Barr, seconded by Imamura) - BLR2F Labs & Research Equipment Bond (motion by Imamura, seconded by Barr) - Litigation surety bond item - Road Rehabilitation Bond Act - IT Upgrades Bond Act - Putnam County Technical Rescue Partnership - The First Quarter Budget Report was accepted. - A Receive & File item concerning improved cell phone coverage was filed. - Committees adjourned; the transcript records a 12:02 PM adjournment while the minutes state 11:29 AM.

The Budget & Appropriations Committee of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, chaired by Legislator Tyrae Woodson-Samuels, convened on Monday, June 8, 2026, at 10:15 AM in the Michaelian Office Building. The meeting also included joint sessions with the Infrastructure & Housing, Seniors & Youth, Public Safety & Veterans, and Litigation committees. The committee considered several bond acts, acts, and a first quarter fiscal update, all of which were approved unanimously and referred to the full Board of Legislators. The meeting adjourned at 12:02 PM. Discussion Items Bond Act RB250 – Various County Roads Rehabilitation Program (2026) Deputy Commissioner Hernane DeAlmeida and Director Robert Abbamont presented a bond act for $11,805,000 to finance design, construction management, and construction for four road sections: Theodore Friend Avenue (County Road 54, 0.8 miles, PCI 73, average daily traffic 8,832 vehicles), Anderson Hill Road (County Road 18, 2.4 miles, PCI 63, 6,248 vehicles), Aqueduct Road (County Road 124, 1.17 miles, PCI 51, 13,698 vehicles), and Long Ridge Road (County Road 3, 1.2 miles, PCI 71, 6,653 vehicles). Work includes milling, resurfacing, drainage repairs, and pavement markings. Design will take about nine months, construction another nine months. Legislators discussed coordination with utility companies (Con Edison) and New York State DOT, which is spending $146 million on paving in Westchester County this year and next. The item was signed by committee and referred to the Board. Act 266 – Sexual Risk Avoidance Education Program Youth Bureau Executive Director Ernest McFadden presented a seven-year grant program funded by New York State Office of Children and Family Services, with no cost to the county. The program serves 105–110 youth aged 11–18 across seven municipalities, with a 60% female, 40% male ratio. It includes a classroom component (90% completion rate) and an employment component. Legislator Alvarado expressed full support, noting the program prepares youth for employment. Legislator Nambiar inquired about expanding to other areas like Rye Neck; the director noted that other organizations can apply via the annual RFP. The item was approved unanimously. Bond Act BDA03 – Information Technology 2025–2029 Chief Administrator Charles Forzano and Manager of Network Operations Jason Carrow presented a $1,235,000 bond for the second year of a five-year IT plan, covering laptop/desktop replacement, data storage, and data center equipment. The District Attorney’s office had not purchased laptops since COVID. There are no recurring licensing costs. The item was approved unanimously. Act 272 – Regional Partnership Agreement with Putnam County Commissioner Susan Spear and Deputy Chief Chris Johnson presented a partnership to accept $100,000 in state funding (federal pass-through) for technical rescue and urban search and rescue equipment. Westchester received the maximum amount and the largest grant in the state. The funding will purchase rescue rope, harnesses, PPE, battery-powered tools, and structural monitoring equipment. Legislator Smith raised concerns about fire safety education; Commissioner Spear noted ongoing discussions about public messaging, especially for seniors and teenagers. The item was approved unanimously. Bond Act BLR2F – Labs & Research Equipment Acquisition (2026–2030) Chief Administrator Keith Hoffman presented a $550,000 bond for 13 pieces of lab equipment, mostly replacements for end-of-life items (some 15–21 years old). Equipment includes a BOD analyzer, microwave digestion system, incubators, a DNA real-time PCR system, and forensic trace evidence analyzers. All items are critical for public health, environmental monitoring, and forensic investigations. Legislator Barr suggested checking the 'life safety' and 'energy efficiency' boxes on future project sheets. The item was approved unanimously. Act 263 – Sheppard Mullin Retainer for NGM Insurance Co. Surety Dispute Senior Assistant County Attorney Mark Gardner and Ira Schulman, Esq. of Sheppard Mullin presented a retainer for legal services related to a surety dispute with NGM Insurance (acquired by Nationwide in March 2026) over a performance bond for a terminated contractor (MBM). Schulman noted progress in negotiations and expected resolution within 30–45 days. Legislator Barr asked about potential debarment of the surety. The item was approved unanimously by both Budget & Appropriations and Litigation committees. First Quarter Fiscal Year 2026 Update (Receive & File) Budget Director Lawrence Soule and Christina Rampata presented the first quarter update. Highlights: sales tax held flat to budget; healthcare benefits projected to exceed budget by $13–14 million (net of $4.4 million in prescription drug rebates); daycare subsidies face a deficit due to a freeze that began later than assumed; bus operating assistance is down due to 40% fare evasion and lower OmniCard sales; state transportation operating aid increased by 7.4% (about $5 million above budget); vacancy savings of $1.7 million are projected; fund balance is estimated at $536 million (about 21% of operating expenditures). Legislators discussed fare evasion enforcement, health insurance cost drivers (including AI use by insurers), and the potential for technology-based fare collection. The report was received and filed. Key Outcomes - All bond acts (RB250, BDA03, BLR2F) and acts (266, 272, 263) were signed by committee and referred to the Board of Legislators with unanimous votes. - The First Quarter Update (Item 269) was approved for receive and file. - Minutes from May 18 and May 26, 2026 were approved. - The committee adjourned at 12:02 PM.

The Social Services, Disabilities and Human Rights Committee of the Westchester County Board of Legislators met on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 11:04 AM in the Michaelian Office Building, White Plains. Chair Nancy Barr presided with Legislators Imamura, Williams, Williams Johnson, Puja (remote), and Gashi present. The committee received an extensive update from Carin Horowitz, Director of the Westchester County Office for People with Disabilities (OPD), covering the office’s advocacy, information and referral services, community outreach, workforce initiatives, and upcoming programs. The meeting adjourned at 12:00 PM. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The committee approved the minutes from the Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (11:00 AM and 1:00 PM), Monday, March 30, 2026 (10:00 AM), and Tuesday, April 14, 2026 (11:00 AM) meetings. The motion was moved by Williams and seconded by Williams Johnson, with all present voting in favor. Discussion Items - Office Overview and Paratransit: Director Horowitz reported that the OPD has six full-time staff members and one part-time employee funded through transportation for paratransit ticket sales. The office processes approximately 125 new paratransit applications per month and about 90 recertifications. About 2,500 calls are received monthly, with roughly 500–600 not related to paratransit. The vast majority of calls involve paratransit inquiries, but the office also handles housing, employment, special education, and discrimination issues. The OPD is working to shift more operational paratransit calls to the Transportation Department while retaining application processing and acting as an advocate for unresolved complaints. - Interdepartmental Collaboration and ADA Contacts: The office is assessing the knowledge and awareness of ADA contacts in County departments to provide training where needed. Director Horowitz emphasized the office’s role as a resource for both constituents and departments, helping with reasonable accommodations and legal procedures. Examples included proactive calls from a property manager about emotional support animals and an architect about accessibility in building rehabilitation. - Community Education and School Programs: The OPD runs two school programs: 1) a disability awareness program (for kindergarten through sixth grade) that uses volunteer speakers, including individuals with disabilities, to present to students. This season, the program reached over 500 students across eight schools. 2) BEAT Plus (Be Educated About Transportation), a collaboration with the Transportation Department, teaches high school students with disabilities about bus safety, pedestrian safety, and independence. This year, five schools with about 45 students participated, including a culminating bus trip. The programs are parent-driven, often initiated through PTAs. - Internship Program – Partnership for Inclusive Internships (PII): A new three-year grant-funded program with the ARC of Westchester and AHRC of New York City will provide paid internships for individuals with disabilities. The OPD is the County coordinator. In the first year, five interns will be placed; the second year, eight; and the third year, 12. Each intern will be paid around or slightly above minimum wage, with a job coach provided. The cost per intern is approximately $20,000–$25,000 over the three-year program, covering training and marketing. The program aims to diversify the County workforce and may continue through Access VR funding after the grant period. Interest has already been expressed by Parks, Recreation, and Conservation (Parks and Rec), Human Resources, and IT. A training for Parks and Rec supervisors on accommodating employees with disabilities is scheduled soon. - Outreach and Resources: The OPD’s monthly newsletter, Out and About, reaches 3,000–4,000 subscribers and highlights disability-related resources and events. A new brochure with QR codes linking to the office website and disability resource guide is being finalized. The online resource guide allows organizations to apply for listing directly. The office is building a training library on disability etiquette, reasonable accommodations, and accessibility. - 50th Anniversary and Events: The OPD celebrated its 50th anniversary in December 2024. Upcoming events include the annual Playland Day for people with disabilities on July 15, 2026, paired with the ADA anniversary celebration, and a fall event for National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Collaboration with local colleges (Mercy, Purchase, WCC, Manhattanville, Iona) is ongoing, including trainings on accommodations for faculty and staff. - Airport Accessibility: Legislator Barr raised a concern about a missing curb cut at the airport terminal. Director Horowitz noted that the OPD had previously made recommendations to the airport modernization study team, including a hearing loop system, and will follow up to include accessibility recommendations in the current study. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: The minutes from four prior meetings were approved unanimously. - Action Items for OPD: - Assess ADA contact knowledge in County departments and provide training as needed. - Conduct a training session with Parks and Rec on accommodating employees with disabilities. - Continue outreach to County departments for job descriptions and intern placements for the PII program. - Finalize the new brochure with QR codes and update the disability resource guide. - Schedule a mini-training session on accessible events and flyers. - Follow up on the airport curb-cut request and contact the airport modernization study team to incorporate accessibility recommendations. - Explore collaboration with senior centers and other community organizations. - No other business or public testimony was heard.

The Public Safety & Veterans and Legislation committees of the Westchester County Board of Legislators held a joint meeting on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 1:11 PM in the Michaelian Office Building. The session focused on a proposed charter amendment to remove the county attorney’s office from handling violations of probation (VOPs), a staffing crisis in the District Attorney’s office, and the operational inefficiencies of VOP court calendars. The meeting adjourned at 2:28 PM. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The minutes of previous meetings of both committees were approved unanimously (8 ayes). Discussion Items 1. Charter Amendment Proposal: County Attorney John Nonna explained that the county attorney’s office handles civil matters and lacks criminal‑law expertise. He proposed deleting the sentence in the charter that permits the county attorney to handle VOPs, arguing that such cases should remain with the District Attorney. District Attorney Susan Cacace and First Deputy Nancy Barry attended. 2. DA Office Staffing Crisis: District Attorney Cacace reported that her office is 16 assistant district attorneys short (a 12% decrease), with a hiring freeze in place. Attorneys are leaving for higher‑paying DA offices in New York City, Rockland, Orange, and Dutchess counties. Starting salary for an ADA is about $83,000, compared to $97,000 for a county attorney. The DA warned that if her office cannot continue handling VOPs, the county would have to pay for special prosecutors at $300–$400 per hour. 3. Characterization of VOPs: Debate ensued over whether VOPs are civil, criminal, or quasi‑criminal. County Attorney Nonna described them as criminal actions that terminate upon sentencing; District Attorney Cacace noted case law treats them as civil proceedings. Commissioner of Probation Rocco Pozzi (participating remotely) stated that VOP hearings involve serious liberty interests and require legal representation, but the department’s probation officers are not law‑trained. 4. Court Calendar Inefficiencies: Legislators and the DA raised concerns that VOP hearings are no longer scheduled on dedicated days, causing attorneys to wait hours or return on multiple dates. The supervising judge was said to have changed the calendar, fragmenting hearings across different days and court parts. The DA noted that sex‑offense VOPs have separate calendars, but general VOPs now cause “mayhem.” 5. Potential Solutions: Several legislators discussed unfreezing positions, increasing ADA salaries, exploring law‑school fellowships (e.g., with Pace University), or adopting alternative models used in other states (e.g., administrative hearing officers). District Attorney Cacace indicated that a meeting with the county executive’s office on May 13 regarding unfreezing spots had not yet yielded action. Key Outcomes - No Vote on Charter Amendment: The proposed legislation to remove the county attorney from handling VOPs was discussed but not voted on. The chair noted it had been previously introduced and considered; the meeting was informational. - Agreement to Continue Dialogue: Legislators committed to further discussions on DA office staffing, court calendar management, and possible charter changes. A separate meeting on these issues was suggested. - Statistics Shared: The DA reported her office handles approximately 22,000 cases annually, with VOPs estimated at “low thousands” (about 5% of total cases). The number of VOPs requiring follow‑up appearances was to be provided. The county attorney’s office is down 7–8 attorneys. The commissioner of probation confirmed that VOPs are essential for public safety and that legal representation is necessary.

The joint Legislation and Public Safety committees met on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 1:11 PM in the Committee Room of the Michaelian Office Building. The primary agenda item was a discussion on violations of probation (VOPs) and proposed charter legislation to remove the County Attorney’s Office from handling these cases. District Attorney Susan Cacace, First Deputy District Attorney Nancy Barry, County Attorney John Nonna, Chief Deputy County Attorney Stacey Dolgin-Kmetz, Assistant Chief Deputy County Attorney Justin Adin, and Commissioner of Probation Rocco Pozzi participated. The meeting adjourned at 2:28 PM without a vote on the legislation, as it had been previously approved in committee. Minutes Approval - The minutes from May 4, 2026, and May 18, 2026, were approved unanimously by voice vote (motion by Legislator Cunzio, seconded by Legislator Gashi). Discussion Items - Proposed Charter Amendment: County Attorney John Nonna explained that his office lacks criminal law expertise and does not believe it should handle VOPs, which stem from criminal proceedings. The proposed amendment would delete the sentence in the county charter that currently allows the County Attorney’s Office to handle these cases. He noted that special prosecutors are already appointed for conflict cases where the DA is recused. - District Attorney’s Staffing Concerns: District Attorney Cacace stated that her office has experienced a 12% decrease in legal staff (16 vacancies out of 130 authorized positions) due to a hiring freeze, lack of salary increases since 2024, and pay disparity with the County Attorney’s Office (starting salary $83,000 vs. $97,000). She warned that if staffing worsens, the office may be unable to handle VOPs, forcing the county to pay for special prosecutors at rates of $300–$400 per hour, compared to $158 per hour for court-appointed 18-B attorneys. She emphasized that VOPs are civil under penal law, though the county attorney argued they are quasi-criminal. - Probation Commissioner’s Position: Commissioner Pozzi stated that regardless of legal classification, there is a clear need for legal representation of probation officers at VOP hearings. He opposed splitting responsibility between offices, arguing that one entity should handle all VOPs due to the seriousness of potential liberty deprivations. - Legislator Comments: Legislator Nolan noted that other counties (Nassau, Suffolk, Dutchess, Putnam) handle VOPs through their DA’s offices. Chairman Gashi clarified that the legislation does not mandate the DA to handle VOPs, only removes the obligation from the County Attorney. Several legislators (e.g., Barr, Nambiar) supported the amendment, arguing that criminal law expertise is best suited to the DA’s office. Legislator Holstein requested data on county attorney hours spent on VOPs. Legislator Williams Johnson raised alternative models (e.g., administrative hearings or probation courts) used in other states, though Commissioner Pozzi noted New York law requires court involvement. Legislator Ulaj supported keeping VOPs with the DA due to staff expertise. - Calendar Management Issues: DA Cacace and First Deputy Barry described inefficiencies in VOP court calendars, with cases being adjourned to multiple days and ad hoc scheduling, increasing attorney time and costs. They suggested the problem may be due to judge discretion and training. Key Outcomes - No vote was taken on the proposed charter legislation; it had already been approved in a prior committee meeting. - Chair Smith committed to scheduling another joint meeting of the Legislation and Public Safety committees to further discuss staffing issues, pay parity, and potential solutions with the District Attorney and Commissioner of Probation. - The committees agreed that the broader issues of hiring freezes, salary competitiveness, and court calendar management require separate follow-up discussions.

The Westchester County Board of Legislators met on Monday, June 1, 2026, in the Legislative Chamber, Michaelian Office Building, White Plains, with remote participation available via WebEx. Chairman Vedat Gashi presided; all 17 legislators were present, with Nancy Barr participating remotely. The meeting opened with a Pride Month celebration, followed by a formal regular meeting. The Board approved a $40 million bond package for the Eastview Pumping Station, adopted a graphic firearm safety warnings local law, advanced Complete Streets projects for multiple municipalities, approved numerous appointments and agreements, and received several communications for referral. All roll-call votes were unanimous; two appointment/reappointment items passed 16-0 because Minority Whip Nolan was away. The transcript shows a consent agenda was moved and passed 17-0 at the start, while the final minutes do not record a separate consent-calendar vote and instead list individual unanimous votes on each substantive item. Pre-Meeting Pride Month Celebration - Legislator Imamura presented a proclamation declaring June 1, 2026 as Benjamin Alani Day. Alani, an Air Force veteran and VFW Post 200 commander, expressed opposition to the ban on transgender military service, described his experience serving under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," and said local voices and resolutions are not "for nothing." - Legislator Ulaj presented a proclamation declaring June 2, 2026 as Croton Pride Day. Croton Pride co-founders accepted and spoke about the importance of affirming communities, saying LGBTQ people are being scapegoated and that allyship must be action. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved 17-0 with no changes. As noted above, the final minutes instead show individual roll-call votes for all substantive items. Public Comments & Testimony - There were no in-person or online registrants for public comment. - A public hearing on authorizing Capital Project WD305 – County Water District 3 Eastview Pumping Station was opened; no speakers appeared and it was closed. Unfinished Business: WD305 Eastview Pumping Station - Approved 17-0, all held over from May 18, 2026: environmental resolution (RES-2026-53); act authorizing the County to proceed with WD305 subject to a State Comptroller order (ACT-2026-117); act authorizing the BOL Chairman to petition the State Comptroller (ACT-2026-118); state regulations resolution for a verified application (RES-2026-54); capital budget amendment (ACT-2026-119); and a bond act authorizing $40,000,000 for the project (ACT-2026-120). - Also approved 17-0: a resolution setting a public hearing for June 15, 2026 at 7:30 PM on Local Law Intro 2026-26, which would repeal the County Attorney's authorization to present criminal Violations of Probation proceedings. Standing Committee Items - Local Law 3-2026 – Graphic Safety Warnings: adopted 17-0. It adds a requirement for firearm dealers to post a graphic image of the dangers of firearms next to the existing written warning; the County Health Department will develop or approve the image, and the County Clerk will provide it with firearm licenses. Legislators Smith, Tubiolo, Clements, Williams, Imamura, and Barr spoke in support. Williams cited roughly 65-75 suicides per year in Westchester and data showing 50% of gun violence in the county involves suicide by firearm; Barr noted that suicide attempts with guns are more likely to be fatal. - Appointments: Dr. Teresa Hsu was appointed to the Community Services Board (17-0); James H. Hughes IV was appointed to the Community Services Board (16-0); Marni Marron was reappointed to the Advisory Council on People with Disabilities (16-0). - Mortgage Tax Receipts: approved 16-0, authorizing the Commissioner of Finance to distribute approximately $17.28 million in mortgage tax receipts for October 1, 2025 through March 31, 2026 to cities, towns, and villages under Section 216(3) of the NY State Tax Law. - Regional Hazardous Materials Grant Agreements: approved 17-0 for FY2023 and FY2024 regional partnership agreements with Dutchess and Putnam Counties. The FY2023 item is expected to bring approximately $122,500 in state homeland security funding for hazmat training, exercises, equipment, and supplies. - County Center Facility Improvements: approved 17-0 a $5,000,000 bond act (RCC17) for locker rooms, restrooms, arena/sports lighting, and related improvements. Design is expected to take about 12 months; speakers said upgraded facilities are needed to accommodate the Westchester Nix and make restrooms ADA compliant. - Complete Streets Municipal Assistance Program: approved 17-0 four related items: a capital budget amendment, a $4,000,000 bond act for design, an act authorizing intermunicipal agreements with 11 municipalities, and a $1,395,000 bond act for construction. Separately, an IMA with Mount Kisco authorizing construction of "Mount Kisco Streetscape Sidewalk Improvements Phase 3B" with County reimbursement of up to 50% of costs was approved 17-0. The program funds sidewalks, crosswalks, bike lanes, flood mitigation, and related improvements; a per-municipality funding breakdown was read into the record. - Opioid Settlement: approved 17-0 an act authorizing participation in the national opioid settlement against Associated Pharmacies, Inc., and other wholesale distributors. The County expects a one-time payment of approximately $100,000, and the County Attorney's office recommended participation over separate litigation. Communications Received and Referred All communications were received, filed, and referred on unanimous motions. These included: a $11,805,000 bond act for Various County Roads Rehabilitation Program (2026); an act for a Sexual Risk Avoidance Education Program grant with NYS OCFS and municipal agreements with Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, Ossining, Peekskill, Port Chester, White Plains, and Yonkers; a $1,235,000 bond act for Information Technology 2025-2029; a Putnam County regional partnership agreement for the FY2023 Technical Rescue/Urban Search and Rescue Assets Grant; a $550,000 bond act for Labs and Research Equipment Acquisition (2026-2030); a retainer for Sheppard Mullin LLP for a surety dispute; a memo of legislation on improving cell phone coverage; and the Clerk of the Board's First Quarter FY2026 Update. A Town of Pound Ridge application to establish the Scotts Corners Water District was received for informational purposes only. Call of the Districts and Announcements - Legislators announced the Sacred Heart volleyball state championship, Yonkers Hispanic Day Parade (June 7), Yonkers Pride Festival (June 13), Yonkers Juneteenth celebration (June 20), Ward Pound Ridge fire tower races, and Croton Summerfest with a pride flag raising (June 7). Legislator Woodson-Samuels honored his longtime high school track coach Jan Mitchell. Memorial Resolutions - Memorial Resolution 9-2026 was adopted unanimously honoring recently deceased community members. The minutes include additional honorees beyond those listed in the agenda: Alina Toone, Jeremiah Toone, and Julieann Culhane-Kearney. Legislators gave tributes to Judge Lawrence "Larry" Ecker, Donike Gocaj, Kenneth Fusco, and members of the Toone family. Key Outcomes - Approved all six WD305 Eastview Pumping Station actions, including the $40,000,000 bond. - Adopted Local Law 3-2026 requiring graphic firearm safety warnings. - Approved $5,000,000 bond for County Center improvements. - Approved Complete Streets design and construction bonds of $4,000,000 and $1,395,000, plus related IMAs. - Approved appointments, reappointment, mortgage tax distribution, regional hazard agreements, and opioid settlement participation. - Referred all communications to the appropriate committees. - Adjourned at 8:32 PM; next regular meeting is June 15, 2026 at 7:00 PM.

The Westchester County Board of Legislators Labor Committee met on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 2:08 PM in the Committee Room at the Michaelian Office Building, White Plains, NY. Chair Jenn Puja presided. The transcript also shows Legislators Williams Johnson and Barr participating, while the minutes list Legislator Puja, Legislator Clements, Legislator Nolan, and Legislator Ulaj as present and Legislator Tubiolo as absent. The committee discussed EV charging station financing, lease-out legislation, and mandatory hospitalization coverage requirements, and honored the memory of labor advocate Dylan Baye. Consent Calendar - Minutes of the May 4, 2026 joint meeting were approved unanimously. Discussion Items EV Charging Station Projects - Rich McSpedon reported on a county proposal to invest approximately $5.5 million in EV charging stations across 24 municipalities, with examples including White Plains (7 locations, 75 ports) and Yonkers (6 locations, 60 ports). - Chair Puja raised questions about whether the county's project labor agreement (PLA) law, including the $250,000 trigger, and prevailing wage requirements would apply to these county-funded projects, and how funds would be distributed among municipalities. - Legislators noted that installations would be on municipal-owned property (e.g., parking lots, libraries, DPW lots), and discussed whether a PLA would be with the county or each municipality. - Irvington and Bronxville were mentioned as municipalities pursuing projects; the list of 24 municipalities was requested for follow-up. Lease Out Legislation - The committee discussed draft "lease out" legislation that would require project labor agreements, prevailing wage, and apprenticeship standards for construction work on county-owned property leased to private entities (e.g., parking lots, rooftops for solar panels, Playland, Westchester County Airport). - Chair Puja explained it reverses the "lease back" legislation previously passed, and provided two draft versions created with ChatGPT for review. - Members expressed support, emphasizing the importance of protecting public property and ensuring fair labor standards on publicly owned assets. Mandatory Hospitalization Legislation - Discussion centered on proposed legislation requiring all contractors and subcontractors on county-funded or induced projects to provide hospitalization coverage to employees. - Chair Puja noted similar state legislation exists and discussed applying the requirement through the Westchester County IDA using tax incentives as leverage. - Legislators raised concerns about subcontractor oversight, third-party compliance, and random site checks. - Members expressed strong support for the measure, comparing it to the county's leadership on earned sick leave. Other Business - A member introduced a memo for potential legislation to protect the workforce from AI replacement, specifying that AI should be used only as a tool. Legal counsel reportedly indicated AI would likely serve as a research aid. - Members shared anecdotes about automation in garbage trucks and delivery robots, with support for protecting jobs. - Anthony Reda from Westchester Community College reported no updates on prior business. - The committee recognized the sudden passing of Dylan Baye from 32BJ, a longtime labor advocate, and adjourned in his honor. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved. - Adjourned at 2:43 PM on motion by Legislator Nolan, seconded by Legislator Clements, with all present voting aye. - Follow-up actions: Rich McSpedon will supply the list of 24 municipalities and answer questions on PLA applicability, prevailing wage, and money flow; Chair Puja will connect with Peter McCart; lease-out draft will be shared and forwarded to legal; mandatory hospitalization will be discussed with the IDA; AI memo will be revisited after law department response. - The next meeting is planned for July, with scheduling to be announced.

The Cultural Affairs Task Force, chaired by Legislator Terry Clements, met on May 27, 2026, to receive an overview of upcoming cultural heritage events in Westchester County parks. First Deputy Commissioner Peter Tartaglia of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation presented the schedule. (Note: The agenda for this meeting listed the date as Thursday, May 21, 2026, creating a discrepancy with the provided meeting date of May 27, 2026. The summary below follows the instructed date.) Discussion Items - Overview of Summer Heritage Festivals: Commissioner Tartaglia detailed 12 free, outdoor heritage festivals co-sponsored by the County Parks department. These events are managed by respective cultural groups and feature food, entertainment, and vendors. The schedule is as follows: - Polish Cultural Heritage Celebration: Sunday, May 31, at Kensico Dam Plaza - Asian American Cultural Heritage Celebration: Saturday, June 6, at Kensico Dam Plaza - Albanian Heritage Festival: Sunday, June 7, at Kensico Dam Plaza - Irish Heritage Festival: Saturday, June 27, at Ridge Road Park - African American Heritage Festival: Sunday, June 28, at Kensico Dam Plaza - Hispanic Heritage Festival: Sunday, July 12, at Kensico Dam Plaza - Italian Heritage Festival: Sunday, July 26, at Kensico Dam Plaza - Heritage of India Cultural Festival: Sunday, August 2, at Kensico Dam Plaza - Jewish Heritage Festival: Sunday, August 16, at Kensico Dam Plaza - Muslim Heritage Festival: Sunday, August 23, at Kensico Dam Plaza - Arab American Heritage Festival: Sunday, September 13, at Ridge Road Park - Ecuadorian Heritage Event (larger, not part of the main series): Sunday, August 9, at Croton Point Park - 250th Anniversary of the United States: In response to a question from Chair Clements, Commissioner Tartaglia mentioned a large reenactment of the Battle of White Plains planned for late October/early November at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation. The event is co-sponsored by the Office of Tourism, and details will be provided later. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or decisions were taken. The meeting served as an informational briefing. Chair Clements thanked Commissioner Tartaglia for his presentation, and the meeting was adjourned at 11:12 AM.