MINUTES
OTHERS: C.E.’s Office: Bill Randolph, Symra Brandon, Ingrid Bent, Larry Schwartz, Robbie Schlaff; CBAC: George Hosey, Barbara Strauss; Budget Dept.: Kate Carrano, Diane Nolan; DSS: Kevin Mahon, Nancy Travers, Jewru Bandeh; IT: Norm Jacknis (CIO), David Leclair, Michael Odestick, Kelly Connolly, Anthony DiGiacomo; Consultant: Henry Campbell; Emergency Services: Liam Murphy, John Novohradsky; Intergraph Public Safety: Tom Hines, Sian Suter, Michael Feeney; SOA: Ken Sach; Pathways to Housing: Sam Tsemberis, Harriet Cohen; BOL: Barbara Dodds, Chris Chang, Sally Schecter, Robert J. Boland, Tina Seckerson
Chairman Wishnie called the meeting to order at 915 a.m.
DISCUSSION:
BUDGET MINUTES:
On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the motion to approve the Minutes of March 6, 2000 was carried by a vote of 8-0.
HUDSON HILLS GOLF COURSE:
· The Committee considered revised legislation reducing the amount of the Bond Act from $1,000,000 to $750,000 for design of the golf course.
· Legislator Carsky stated that she was still awaiting a written response from the Administration to questions asked via memo.
· Chairman Wishnie asked that the Committee sign out the legislation and requested that the Administration answer those questions before this evening’s Board meeting.
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On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 8-0 WITH Legislator Carsky signing “Without Prejudice”.
JOINT MEETING: BUDGET & PUBLIC SAFETY:
Chairman Ryan called the Committee on Public Safety meeting to order at 9:20 a.m.
PSCJ MEMBERS PRESENT: Ryan, Oros, Mosiello, Wishnie, Kaplowitz
CAD (COMPUTER AIDED DISPATCH SYSTEM):
· Dr. Jacknis explained that they went through the RFP process, which was issued last February. They also visited a variety of sites and ultimately chose a product from Intergraph Public Safety. As part of the contract there will be an on-site engineer from the company here as well as a 14 month warranty. Phase one is to get CAD in place, records management system will be in phase two.
· The goal is to have CAD system up and running in six months.
· Ms. Suter of Intergraph gave a brief overview of the features of the CAD System including:
Ø Duplicate call tracking and location verification
Ø Automatic data display from E911
Ø Emergency vehicles and incident locations are displayed on an integrated map system.
Ø Latitude & longitude coordinates (extremely useful when using medical helicopters).
Ø Browsing system
Ø Road closures are mapped and units are routed around them.
Ø Locations of fire hydrants, utility poles, gas, water and sewer lines can be displayed.
Ø Map has a zoom in feature
Ø Event priorities are automatically assigned, but can be overridden.
Ø Events and units are color-coded on the map
Ø Both units and events can be transferred between dispatchers.
Ø Mobile interface: gives a map in the vehicle so they can see where everything is going on which provides a multitude of information.
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Ø Allows for the maintenance of rosters and line-ups and provides an accountability system.
Ø Keeps track of training levels and courses, certifications
· Records Management: New Rochelle is currently using the Sunpro Management System as a standalone system.
· The scope of the project includes getting the CAD System up and running first. The 60 Control staff will be entering a lot of data into the system because some of it is non-transferable. Training sessions will be held (3-5 day course) for administrative, management and GIS people. Some training of local fire departments will be needed.
· Legislator Carsky asked if the whole county will be wired into the CAD System. It was explained that any call that comes to 60 control will come through this system. Through the county’s mutual aid system any department can use this system. Somehow they will all be connected. Yonkers does its own dispatching right now so there will be less communication with them then with someone like New Rochelle. Currently 35 districts – participate in 60 control – roughly half of the fire departments. Legislator LaMotte expressed concern with regard to availability of the CAD System to some of the more northern areas of the county.
· Legislator LaMotte stated that with regard to the road conditions and route indicators, the system is only as good as the information coming in.
· Legislator Kaplowitz inquired as to the security of the system pertaining to hackers. The response was that the system will be on the intranet and if the County decides to put it on the internet passwords will be required. One safety precaution is that after trying to log on three times the system will lock out and notify a supervisor.
· The Committee inquired as to if the system will be made available to the Department of Public Safety. Dr. Jacknis stated that it will be and in fact they will try to integrate the departments as much as possible.
· Committee inquired as to the investment on part of participants that will be required. Dr. Jacknis stated that they are still trying to figure out what local fire departments will need, the cost on the communications side is not known yet.
· Legislator Mosiello stated that the way 60 Control operates now is over the radio. By going the way of the computers he expressed his concern with regard to back-up if the computer system should be down. The response was that it can continue that way (radio) they are just offering a better way of technology. If the computer system goes down, telephone & human operators will still be able to get the information.
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· Legislator Swanson requested a clarification of the 14 month warranty. Mr. Hines stated that it begins 30 days from acceptance of system
· Legislator Ryan stated that the system has tremendous growth potential. He asked what the timeline is. Dr. Jacknis stated that they would like to have the CAD System up and running 6 months from now. The plan generally depends upon how many interfaces have to be developed. Mr. Hines stated that 6-8 months is a realistic amount of time. Legislator Swanson added that we can no longer use what we have as it is obsolete.
ADJOURNMENT: PUBLIC SAFETY:
There being no further items for discussion, on motion of Legislator Oros, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, the Public Safety Committee meeting was adjourned at 10:28 a.m.
JOINT MEETING: BUDGET & COMMUNITY AFFAIRS:
Chair Carsky called the Committee on Community Affairs meeting to order at 10:30 a.m.
COMMUNITY AFFAIRS MEMBERS PRESENT: Carsky, Oros
PATHWAYS TO HOUSING:
· The Department of Community Mental Health plays a role in this program along with DSS.
· By way of introduction the Committee was informed that this program was founded 8 years ago in New York City and grew out of the continued care program for adults with mental illnesses.
· Commissioner Mahon stated that Westchester has the best shelter system. Although it is supposed to be for temporary housing there are 100 families that have been there for 5 years or more and singles in shelters for more than 3 years. They have been there too long.
· All clients served by this program will come from shelters or drop-in centers in lower Westchester County.
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· The mission of the program is to provide housing and then treatment and support services. Dr. Tsemberis stated that in his experience he has found that given the opportunity to set and realize their own goals people do remarkably well.
· Legislator Noto expressed his concern that people who are potentially violent will be placed in apartments and then will only be required to see a case worker twice a month. Dr. Tsemberis stated the clients have to agree to a money management program as well as visits with case workers at least twice per week. Generally it works out to be more like 3-4 times per week. He stated that most people who are mentally ill are withdrawn and afraid but will actually spend more time with their case workers than originally thought.
· Legislator Noto asked about the monitoring of medication. Dr. Tsemberis stated that medications are monitored by the psychiatrists. The case worker would be aware if the client was not taking their medication by talking to them and the reappearance of symptoms. If it is felt that the clients are a risk they are taken to the hospital. Ms. Travers pointed out that medication is not monitored in the shelters.
· Legislator Stewart-Cousins inquired as to the location of apartments and how they are found. Commissioner Mahon stated that they monitor the programs on a monthly basis. Clients are asked where they would like to live. There is a need to recruit landlords. The program will offer independent, scattered site apartments. Apartments are leased to the clients directly or to Pathways.
· Legislator Stewart-Cousins asked how closely potential landlords are examined. Commissioner Mahon stated that the landlords vary widely. There is a 4 person staff property management team that works with the landlords and clients.
· Committee asked about transportation. As part of the start-up costs, there will be 2 vans provided to pick people up to participate in group sessions. Dr. Tsemberis stated that a key variable is to be close to public transportation. Commissioner Mahon stated that transportation has not been a problem as of yet but they are forming a committee to develop a transportation model for Westchester.
· Dr. Tsemberis stated that their hope is to reduce harm and risk as much as possible. There are full time vocational-rehabilitation counselors available. In fact he stated they are inundated with support services.
· Legislator Kaplowitz asked if they are working with businesses as part of this program. Dr. Tsemberis stated that business plays a key role in the program.
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· Legislator Stewart-Cousins inquired as to the assessment process. Those in shelter will probably have been assessed already. There is approximately a ½ day introduction period to the program.
COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE RECESS:
There being no further business for discussion at this time, Chair Carsky recessed the Committee on Community Affairs meeting util 3:00 p.m.
POWER PLUS:
· Last year family assistance and family net dropped 1600 cases. Goal for 200 is 2000 cases. So far this year family assistance has dropped by 200 cases while safety net has gone up.
· After December 2001 the cost shift will be to the state and county as there will be no more federal participation.
· Committee requested a list of the cachement areas.
· Monthly reports will be provided.
A&C CALENDAR:
The Committee reviewed the March 16th A&C Calendar.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further items for discussion, on motion of Legislator Stewart-Cousins, seconded by Legislator Carsky, the meeting was adjourned at 11:45 a.m.