WHITE PLAINS CITIZENETREPORTER SETS RECORD VISITS FOR YEAR 7,017,658 VISITS! 2,098,003 VISITORS MADE 6 VISITS A DAY EVERY DAY. 63,330 UNIQUE VISITORS MADE 133,730 VISITS IN DECEMBER. WPCNR AVERAGED 17,284 VISITORS A WEEK, VISITING 31,270 TIMES.

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WPCNR QUILL & EYESHADE. By John F. Bailey. December 8, 2008: WPCNR has learned from a source familiar with fire department operations, speaking on condition of anonymity, that White Plains Professional Fire Fighters have settled and, (according to City Hall Monday afternoon already ratified) a wage increase sequence calling for 3-1/2% in the first year of the contract 2007-2008, retroactive to July 1, 2007 and  3-1/2% the second year 2008-2009  and calling for 4% in 2009-2010. Usually Fire and Police Department contracts parallel each other.

Another change in the contract, according to WPCNR’s source is that the fire fighters have agreed to a 24-hour consecutive tour of duty system, in which each firefighter is on duty for 24-hours consecutive duty tour, which the source said would go virtually do away with almost all of the overtime the department now spends due to firefighters calling in sick on a regular 8-hour shift.  As our source put it, “Each fire fighter is on 24 hours, and he’s off three days, that way he only shows up for duty for 24 hours every three days. He’s there. He has to stay on duty. It’ll virtually eliminate overtime. This is a smart contract, it is good for the city and the firefighters, the council should pass it.”

The source said the contract is simply money-based with the 24 hour duty change the only change, there are no other givebacks. The source said he did not know what the police union had agreed to, but said the 24 hour duty rule was not part of the police settlement.

The City of Hackensack Fire Department, serving a city of 42,000 persons  (White Plains has a population of 57,000, 200,000 during day) operates  a 24-hour duty system this way according to the Hackensack Fire Department website:

 

 

The departments is set at 100 members and is under the command of Acting Chief Thomas Freeman (Car 1). Deputy Chief of Operations Bruce Goldberg (Car 2) is second in command.

The department protects 42,000+ residents (U.S. Census Bureau nightime population) and that figure swells to over 100,000 during the day.

There are 4 platoons with twenty-three officers and firefighters on each, under the command of a Deputy Fire Chief/ Platoon Commander. They work a 24 hour shift and are then off duty for 72 hours.
These personnel operate four Engine Companies, one Ladder Company and one Heavy Rescue Company out of four fire stations located at strategic points in the city.

The department also has one reserve engine, one reserve 110′ ladder truck, one reserve heavy rescue unit and a 14′ boat for water rescue incidents.

All firefighters and officers are subject to call back in the event of a major incident.

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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From the Westchester County Board of Legislators. December 8, 2008: County Executive Andy Spano and the County Board of Legislators, today announced that there will be no raises for commissioners, directors or any non-represented management employees for 2008 and 2009. The pay plan has been completely withdrawn.

 

“I know that there are many Westchester residents who are hurting in this economy. I fear that the economy will get worse before it gets better,” said Spano. “If it weren’t for the loss of revenue and for expenses out of our control, I would have not proposed any tax increase. I know that even the small tax increase is not what the public wants. That was the reason I slashed my proposed budget by over 11 million dollars, eliminating positions, cutting overtime, equipment and supplies. That was also the reason I eliminated salary increases for 2009, cutting in half my original proposal. But after hearing from the public, we decided to eliminate the 2008 raises as well.”

 

Board Chairman Bill Ryan said, “As our residents feel the impact of the weakening economy, government must control expenses as best we can and save money wherever possible. The Democratic majority and the County Executive have decided that now is not the appropriate time to move forward with pay raises. Perhaps down the road, when we have pulled out of this recession and our economy is stronger, we can revisit the issue of increased compensation.”

 

            Spano acknowledged his commissioners and management staff who, he said, have worked very hard to reduce the cost of government, saving  taxpayers millions of dollars. 

 

“They have done an outstanding job and if times were better, they would be getting the increase they deserve. But we all have to tighten our belts in times like  this – and sometimes that hurts,” Spano said.

 

Jose Alvarado, chair of the Board’s Budget and Appropriations Committee said, “It is not that the raises aren’t deserved, it is simply that the time is not right. On a daily basis, I see firsthand the excellent work done by county employees and this action of not granting pay raises at this time is not a reflection on their overall good work on behalf of county residents. This decision is a response to the economic realties that we are all facing today.”        

       

Spano said, “No one likes to raise taxes. No one likes to pay taxes at all. That’s why the Board’s majority and I have been working together to find ways to reduce the tax levy even further. Eliminating the salary increase is just one step.”

 

Spano said he hopes that local governments and school districts, some of which are proposing tax increases that the public can ill afford, will look to the County as a model for holding down taxes in this troubled economy.  He offered the County’s assistance in helping them to cut and reduce expenses, where possible.

 

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WPCNR QUILL & EYESHADE. Special to WPCNR. December 8, 2008 UPDATED 5:57 P.M. EST:  Paul Wood, City Executive Officer said this evening he would advise WPCNR “ASAP” of the terms of the  new police and fire contracts. He reported, in response to a WPCNR question, “All I can tell you right now is that both unions have ratified the contracts.”

This means all that is left is Common Council approval or denial, to come December 17.

Earlier, City Hall confirmed  today to WPCNR that Mayor Joseph Delfino has come to an agreement with the police and fire unions serving the city. Melissa Lopez, spokesperson for the Mayor’s Office confirmed this to WPCNR today, and said the Common Council would be meeting in a Special Meeting December 17, 2008 to ratify or decline the agreement.

The  wage agreement  of the settlement is reported to be 4% by union members and by those with knowledge of the terms, but was not disclosed by city hall. The length of the proposed contracts were not disclosed, even when WPCNR asked.

No other details were issued at this time from the Mayor’s Office.  Ms. Lopez  told WPCNR  the Mayor has not reached a  wage settlement with the Civil Service Employees Association.  She said the terms of the police and fire settlement were outlined to the Common Council at an executive session recently.

Subsequently, Ms. Lopez contacted WPCNR and said Paul Wood, city Executive Officer said that the increase  reported to be 4%  to WPCNR was not correct, but Mr. Wood  would not say what the raise hike was.

Four Common Council members contacted this morning to confirm the settlement and the amount of the raise have as of 3:30 P.M. have not returned WPCNR’s phone calls, though the council was informed of the settlement at a recent Executive Session.

 

 

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WPCNR QUILL & EYESHADE. December 8, 2008: Monday, the public will get a chance to give their County legislators, and county guardians of the environment Committe more “input” on the county’s $1.7 Billion 2009 budget plan, how they feel about the County Executive plan for rewarding “middle management” raises.  For a perspective on the kind of money to be made in the various county departments, WPCNR suggests going to the lohud site which conveniently lists all the salaries of the county kingpins. That site is at http://www.tjnnews.com/salary/salaries_west_08.php

There is also a hearing, not so widely known taking place at 7:30 P.M. on the acceptance and subsequent bond issue dictated by a Department of Environmental Conservation consent order that will find the county spending $234,7 Million to add additional raw sewage treatment processes in New Rochelle and Mamaroneck sewer plants — that will, at this time be paid entirely by taxpayers of 4 towns.

Rounding out the trifecta, is the first meeting of the White Plains Board of Education at 7:30 this evening in White Plains at 5 Homeside Lane where residents may weight in the public comment session about the Board’s silence on the school budget situation in view of New York State financial difficulties, and the current impasse in teacher negotiations. Teachers are currently working without a contract and are at last report engaged in a mediation procedure with the New York State Public Employer Relations Board. The School Board Agenda is included in this story:

 

The County budget hearing at 10:30 this morning in the Michaelian Building on Martine and Court Street in White Plains is expected to have a contingent of anti-county government advocates speak on the county wisdom of advocating for raises for middle-managment postions, among the county’s unwillingness to cut the budget more. Residents desiring to speak should arrive early to go through security.

The Official Schedule for the busy legislators is as follows:

Monday, December 8, 2008

 

9:30 AM

Budget & Appropriations—Hon. Jose Alvarado, Chair; Coordinator: Tara Bernard (995-6297)

 

·         2009 Westchester County Budget

·         2009 Westchester County Special Revenue Districts Budgets

 

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10:00 AM

Regular Meeting of the County Board of Legislators

 

Highlights:         

 

·         Public Hearing, Vote on Volunteer Tax Exemption

·         Public Hearing, Vote on Pay Plan Amendment

·         Vote on Westchester Medical Center Cooperation Agreement

 

 

See full agenda and agenda documents online at www.westchesterlegislators.com (click on the blue box on the right)

 

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1:00 PM
Special Meeting of the County Board of Legislators

 

·         2009 Westchester County Budget

 

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7:00 PM
Public Hearing on the BNR Consent Order, the mandated $235 million LI Sound clean-up project impacting Blind Brook, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle and Port Chester sewer districts.

 

 

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

 

3:00 PM

Environment & Energy—Hon. Tom Abinanti, Chair; Coordinator: Christopher Crane (995-2104)

 

Joint with

Budget & Appropriations—Hon. Jose Alvarado, Chair; Coordinator: Tara Bernard (995-6297)

 

·         BNR Consent Order: Mandated $235 million LI Sound clean-up project impacting Blind Brook, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle and Port Chester sewer districts.

 

The sewer hearing in the Michaelian Building  at 7:00 PM is the more intriguing. It involves an issue that was not discussed at all one week ago before the news media at an Environmental & Energy  Committee meeting because Legislator James Maisano of New Rochelle could not attend because of a doctor’s appointment.  

The sewer hearing  involves the  consent order that the county “has” to agree to — the state mandate that calls for spending $234.7 Million (and up?) to upgrade the Mamaroneck sewer treatment plant and the New Rochelle treatment plant by 2017. The hearing is just a formality, apparently, according to the Environmental  & Energy Committee, because the Committee has gone on record as saying “we have to do it” due to the heavy fines involved. The $234.7 Million will be paid for only, at this time, by the residents and businesses of Blind Brook, New Rochelle, Port Chester and White Plains, In White Plains alone, this could cost residents $50 to $200 or more in county sewer taxes by 2014 (not so far away), the equivalent of a 2% tax increase.

The 3 P.M. Tuesday meeting of the Environmental Committee is to report out the $234.7 Million bond bill on the sewer plant corrections.

The School Board Agenda:

Opening of Meeting:

            Pledge of Allegiance

Moment of silence in memory of Allyson Alfano, Louis DeLuca, Helen Zacconi and Larry James

Oral Announcements by the Board President and Board Members

            Recognition of Scholar-Athletes

 

 

 

II.         Communications: 

 

           

 

III.       Public Participation:  (The Board will entertain comments from the public on any issue, with a time limit of three minutes per person, and a maximum total of 25 minutes.)

 

 

 

IV.       Superintendent’s Report:

            Budget Calendar

            Update on Capital Projects

           

           

 

V.        Summary Action Items:

 

1.                  Recommended approval of minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 3, and the Special Meeting of November 17, 2008.

 

2.                  Recommended acceptance of the following donations:

                        A new Records Board from Dr. Elliott and Kendall Storm for the High School pool

Over 2,000 comic books from Elzan Sampson for use by the Art Department as

            instructional resources

 

 

 

 

– 2 –

 

 

3.                  Recommended approval to add the following to the list of organizations permitted use of facilities:  Westchester Road Runners Club and Walkabout Clearwater Sloop.

 

4.         Recommended approval to arrange for the appropriate program and services for students with

            disabilities, as recommended by the Committee on Special Education:  65 cases, as per

            attachment.

 

            5.         Recommended approval to arrange for the appropriate program and services for students with

            disabilities, as recommended by the Committee on Preschool Special Education:  33 cases, as

            per attachment.

 

            6.         Recommended approval that all employees previously granted a conditional appointment and

who have not received conditional clearance from the State Education Department be granted another conditional appointment for 20 days. 

 

            Civil Service Staffing:

 

7.         Recommended acceptance of the resignation for the purpose of retirement of Tommy Pearson, Custodial Worker, High School, effective 12/30/08.

 

8.         Recommended approval of a request for unpaid leave of absence for Tina Manorqui, Benefits Clerk, Education House, from 1/2/09-3/1/09.

 

9.         Recommended approval of an increase in hours for Kusumlata Negi, Food Service Helper, Post Road School, from 3.75 to 5 hours per day, effective 11/5/08 (replacing T. Yorey).

 

10.       Recommended approval of the 26 week probationary appointments of the following:

                        Jeanson Dantes, Custodial Worker, Post Road School, effective 12/5/08 (replacing

                                    C. Reyes)

                        Pedro Molina, Custodial Worker, Church Street School, effective 12/5/08 (replacing

A. Vena)

 

11.       Recommended approval of the substitute appointments as per Board approved “Substitute,

            Summer School and Supplemental Rates,” as per attachment.

 

Teacher Staffing

 

12.       Recommended acceptance of the resignation of Marc Mojon, Teaching Assistant, Church Street School, effective 11/27/08.

 

13.       Recommended approval of the extension of the probationary period for Francesca Salvi, Teaching Assistant, Church Street School, from 1/30/09 to 1/30/10.

 

14.       Recommended approval of the appointment to tenure of the following Teaching Assistants: 

Samantha Caponera, Ridgeway School, effective 2/6/09

Brittney Telesco, George Washington School, effective 1/30/09

 

 

 

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15.       Recommended approval of a request for unpaid leave of absence for the following Teaching Assistants:

Isa Bala, Middle School-Eastview, effective 11/27/08-12/16/08

John Fitzsimmons, Church Street School, effective 11/25/08-12/7/08

Brittney Telesco, George Washington School, effective 11/25/08-12/15/08

 

16.       Recommended approval of a decrease in hours for Jacklyn Snavely, Regular Substitute

Teaching Assistant, New York Presbyterian Hospital, from 6.5 to 6.0 hours per day, effective

                        11/12/08.

 

17.       Recommended approval of the appointment* of district-wide per diem substitute teachers and

            substitute teaching assistants, building substitute teachers, and a Homebound Instructor, as per

attachment.

 

18.       Recommended approval of requests for extensions of childcare leaves, effective 2/2/09-6/30/09, for:

Teresa Alfalla, English Teacher, High School

Laura Green, Elementary Education Teacher, Church Street School

 

19.       Recommended approval of a request for a childcare leave for Liza Cruz, Special Education Teacher, Middle School-Highlands, effective 11/19/08-6/30/09.

 

20.       Recommended approval of a request for a leave of absence without pay (military leave) for

            Michael Sanchez, Social Studies Teacher, Middle School-Highlands, effective 2/23/09-

            4/30/10.

 

21.       Recommended approval of the 2008-2009 appointments as per Board-approved Substitute, Summer School and Supplemental Rates of:

Les Roby, to the position of County-wide Challenge Coordinator

Anthony Anderson, to the position of YES Program Advisor

 

22.       Recommended approval of the appointment of Patricia Ricci, Adult Basic Education Teacher,

            ESOL Day Program, Rochambeau School, effective 12/9/08.

 

23.       Recommended approval of compensation for the following, as per attachments:

            a.         2008-09 Interscholastic and Co-curricular appointments

            b.         2008-09 Extended Day Program

            c.         2008-09 Professional Development Activities, Lead Teachers, Mentors, ELL Training

                        (LAZOS), Technology Activities (Nokia & Computer Lead Teachers)

 

24.       Recommended approval of the Regular Substitute appointments of:       

 

Ann Baker  (Replacing L. Green)

BA – Goucher College  (Economics)

MAT – Manhattanville College  (Elementary Education)

Certification:  Permanent, Elementary Education N-6    

Assignment:   Elementary Education Teacher, Church Street School

Dates of Service:  2/2/09-6/30/09

 

– 4 –

 

 

                        Natasha Eaton  (Replacing L. Cruz)

BA – Lehman College/CUNY  (Sociology)

MA – College of New Rochelle  (Special & Elementary Education)

Certification:  Initial, Childhood Education & Students with Disabilities 1-6

Assignment:  Special Education Teacher, Middle School-Highlands

Dates of Service:  2/2/09-6/30/09

 

*All of these appointments are conditional appointments, subject to and contingent upon, the satisfactory completion of the

finger printing process and investigatory background check required by the New York State Education Law.  The Board of

Education reserves the right to rescind these appointments without notice, upon receipt of any unsatisfactory report

resulting from the aforementioned background check.                                                                                                          

 

 

VI.       Other Action:   

 

1.                  Recommended approval of the appointment to tenure of Kristen DiPierro, Elementary Education Teacher, Ridgeway School, effective 2/1/09.

 

2.                  Recommended approval of the extension of the appointment of Francis Lahey as Interim Assistant Principal, Ridgeway School, effective 11/27/08-12/31/08. 

 

3.                  Recommended acceptance of the Treasurer’s Report for the month of October, 2008

 

4.                  Recommended acceptance of the Revenue and Expense Report for November, 2008.

 

5.                  Recommended appointment of Internal Auditor for 2008-09.

 

6.                  Recommended approval of counsel’s recommendation for a resolution pertaining to tax certiorari settlements.

 

7.                  Recommended approval of the Section 403(b) IRS Code Plan Adoption Agreement resolution.

 

8.                  Recommended approval of resolution to provide legal defense for Michael Lynch regarding Space Age Alarms, Inc.

 

9.         Recommended approval to name the White Plains High School North Gymnasium in honor of

            Harry Jefferson.

 

 

 

VII.      Board Discussion:

 

            1.         Update on Evaluation of Programs

           

2.         Board Committee Meetings

 

 

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WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS. From Governor David Patterson’s  Press Office. (Edited) December 6, 2008: Governor Paterson met with President-Elect Obama and governors from across the country this week and reiterated his call for federal aid to help New York close the state deficit of an estimated $1.5 Billion, and President-Elect Obama lead Governor Patterson to the possibility of more aid to come, whether this means direct aid to ease the Governor’s projected $47 Billion deficit over the next few years is not certain. The governor also repeated  his commitment to deliver a new New York State budget by December 16.

President-elect  Obama  (shown on Election Night) told Governor Patterson this week: “To solve this crisis and to ease the burden on our states, we’re going to need action, and we’re going to need action swiftly. That means passing an economic recovery plan that helps both Wall Street and Main Street. And this administration does not intend to delay in getting you the help that we need.”

Governor David Paterson in White Plains, November 5.

The Governor has repeatedly highlighted New York’s unique position as the epicenter of the national financial crisis, as well as the Federal government’s responsibility to pass a stimulus package to create jobs here in New York. During the meeting, President-Elect Obama stated his commitment to addressing the state budgetary issues Governor Paterson has raised:

In previous news releases, the governor and New York political leaders said they would be seeking immediate aid to fill New York State current budget deficit estimated to be about $1.5 Billion.To read more about the National Governor’s Association meeting this week, click here; to read about Governor Paterson’s recent discussions with lawmakers in Washington DC, click here.

Our State Budget
On December 16th, the Governor will be delivering his budget plan to the State Legislature, five weeks ahead of schedule, to continue the process of setting New York’s house in order. And early next year, the Governor will deliver his first State of the State address, setting a course forward for New York. The time for action is now and the challenge is monumental, as the New York Times recently highlighted:

“It is inevitably and painfully true in this budget crisis that the longer you wait, the more you have to cut down the line. The economic problems surely will only deepen, and there’s no chance, in the foreseeable future, of a miracle infusion of new money. For one-fifth of its revenues, New York depends on Wall Street, whose prospects seem to worsen by the day.”

As Governor Paterson said last week in his Thanksgiving email, New York will come back from this crisis, and we will do so by banding together, making the tough decisions, and doing what is right for the future of our state. That process begins with keeping informed about the latest developments and sharing our ideas for moving New York forward. Please visit www.PatersonForNY.com to get the latest news and to make Your Voice heard.

Our Next Secretary of State
As you are no-doubt aware, President-Elect Barack Obama has appointed New York Senator Hillary Clinton to serve as the Secretary of State in his new Administration. Senator Clinton has been a national leader in the fight for affordable health care and womens’ rights, inspired millions of Americans during her ground-breaking presidential campaign, and has made real changes– both large and small– in the lives of countless New Yorkers during her eight years as New York’s Senator. Governor Paterson said of the appointment:

“Since the founding of our nation, New York has often sent our best leaders to Washington where they confronted the great challenges of their day. We are proud that Senator Clinton will join that venerable tradition as Secretary of State. She is the leader we need to partner with President-Elect Obama to confront the international challenges we face today. I can think of no one more qualified for the position at this critical moment in our history.”

Governor Paterson also announced that he expects to announce his selection for Senator Clinton’s replacement once she is confirmed as Secretary of State. Many New Yorkers have already written to share their thoughts on Hillary, suggestions for candidates to fill the vacancy, and qualities that they’re looking for in our next Senator.