MINUTES

COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT

NOVEMBER 6, 1996

PRESENT: Chair Bronz, Leg. Stewart-Cousins

Chair Carsky, Legs: LaMotte,

ALSO PRESENT: Mr. Haloukus, Michael Sakala-

Health Department, John Yoegel,

George Hosey, Lynn Keating

ITEMS DISCUSSED:

Chair Bronz called the Community Affairs Meeting to order. on Motion of Leg. Stewart-Cousins, seconded by Chair Bronz the minutes of October 28, 1996 were approved.

Chair Carsky called the Environment Committee meeting to order. On motion of Leg. LaMotte, seconded by Chair Carsky, the minutes of October 22 and 29 were approved 2-0.

Chair Bronz asked Mr. Haloukus to update the Committees on Alfredo’s Nursery. This situation goes back at least four years. The Health Department goes back two years with a public meeting. The Health Department does not routinely inspect that site, it is up to NYS DEC and the State Health Department.

The Health Department had problems with Alfredo’s and sent all their findings with the State DEC. The State really didn’t have an open health hazard. The problem is the way the site was managed. Summary abatement was taken by the State DEC and telling them to remove the composting by November 22. The site is closed and Alfredo’s has declared bankruptcy.

Alfredo’s took a 78 action and the court upheld the State DEC action. The Health Department went out there several times. Sometimes there is an odor and sometimes there were none.

A new owner has stepped in to operate a long-term health care facility. It is before the town to get a zoning - special use variance.

The complaints are diminishing and if the property is sold, wouldn’t it have to cleaned up by the new owner and Mr. Haloukus said yes.

The DEC is the permit issuing agent and it is up to them to pull the permit. The Health Department did site inspections twice a day for four weeks so that they would have some consistency and they we able to show these finding to the DEC. Mr. Haloukus brought down the State Health Department to see the site and the Westchester County Health Department has been after the State to revisit the requirements before a permit is issued.

Mrs. Bronz asked about talking to the school officials, the school wouldn’t get involved.

Leg. LaMotte asked if this is a larger issue than just composting. Mr. Haloukus said no.

Mr. Haloukus stated that Scarsdale had one but it is now closed.

Leg. Delfino stated that he has noticed the smell in North White Plains at Sweetwaters Restaurant.

Chair Carsky asked what happened after the 23rd. Mr. Haloukus stated that they could ask for an extension, but an end is in sight.

Chair Bronz asked for any information as soon as possible.

Leg. Delfino asked if building has ever been done on a composting site before. Mr. Haloukus stated that he would look into the matter.

Leg. LaMotte asked what is the cost to the County, especially when we did not issue the permit but must send people out there. Mr. Haloukus stated that we are a local health department and the pubic wants to deal with us and we try to accommodate.

It was part of the DEC permit for them to mitigate off-site odors.

Chairs Bronz and Carsky thanked the Health Department for coming.

Chair Carsky stated that next week we are having Goody LeLash and Maureen Morgan on the HOV lanes. The Mayor of Port Chester will also be in to discuss fisheries.

On motion of Leg. LaMotte, seconded by Leg. Delfino, the Environment Committee adjourned.

Anna Standard from Cornell Cooperative Extension is in for the Community Affairs meeting to update the committee on EFNEP.

Cornell needs help to get this grant. Chair Bronz stated that a letter will be sent to the Commissioner of Social Services. The grant must be applied for jointed by Cornell and the Department of Social Services. Chair Bronz stated taht the Committee on Community Affairs will met jointly with the Health Committee next Tuesday to discuss this issue.

On moiton of Leg. Stewart-Cousins, seconded by Chair Bronz, the Community Affairs meeting adjourned at 4:00 P.M.