MINUTES
COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH
PRESENT: M. Kaplowitz (Chair); V. Pinto; U. LaMotte; S. Swanson; J. Maisano.
BOL & STAFF: T. Bernard/Prog. Spec.; C. Ryer, Sec’y.
ALSO PRESENT: Legislator G. Oros; Bill Randolph (CE’s ofc.); Bonni Rucker (DSS Child Welfare); Edna Sussman (FCWC).
DISCUSSION:
Chair Kaplowitz called the meeting to order at
Sub-committees and “meetings in the field” were discussed next. Chair Kaplowitz expressed how well these two areas have functioned over the past few years, and to make these options available for each Legislator to present Environment and Health issues in their district. The following sub-committees will remain active: Indian Point and Storm Water Advisory (Kaplowitz); Long Island Sound (Maisano); and the Watershed (LaMotte). Chair asked if any other sub-committees are considered, to present them within the next few weeks, and one press release will be prepared as an informational announcement for the public to respond to. With regard to field meetings, Chair suggested to meet on a quarterly schedule, with each member’s district.
Committee Blueprints were then discussed, noting that the
Health Committee is now the Environment & Health Committee. Each Legislator was asked to note their
thoughts, goals and objectives for the
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newly formed Committee and bring them back to the next meeting in order to create an E&H blueprint for 2002-2003 term.
Agenda item #8 was next for discussion, involving the Westchester County Health Care Corporation. Bonnie Rucker of DSS, gave a brief overview of the subject matter, which shall provide employee health services as required by the Department of Laboratories and Research. A motion to approve was entertained, which was moved by Legislator LaMotte, seconded by Legislator Pinto and carried 5-0, with all in favor.
With regard to agenda item #15, Ms. Rucker gave brief overview of the legislation authorizing the County, through its Department of Social Services, to enter into four (4) agreements with the Westchester County Health Care Corporation, if adopted. Part I (Comprehensive Family Assessments) was moved by Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator LaMotte; Part II (Counseling Services for Foster Care Children) was moved by Legislator LaMotte, seconded by Legislator Pinto; Part III (Medical Services for Woodfield Cottage) and Part IV (Various Foster Care Services) was moved by Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator LaMotte. All motions were carried 5-0, with all in favor.
Next, a review of the revised Resolution for the Millennium Pipeline and Indian Point was discussed. Legislator Maisano expressed his discomfort with the language recommended changes. With a brief discussion and minor revisions, the amendments were approved and moved by Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator LaMotte and Legislator Maisano (WOP), motion carried 5-0.
Lastly, the remaining agenda items were reviewed and item #3 (Water Quality of Mamaroneck Harbor, was referred to the Committee on Public Works Committee on the motion of Legislator Maisano, seconded by Legislator LaMotte and carried 5-0, with all in favor.
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A joint meeting will be scheduled with the Committee on Legislation to discuss items #4 and 6, relating to clean air and outdoor smoking. With regard other matters for consideration, Chair Kaplowitz requested that each member review the last agendas of 2001 from the Environment and Health Committees in order to ensure that any items for the new E&H Committee would be forwarded to the Board agenda. The following agenda items was received and filed on the motion of Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, with a vote of 5-0: items #2, 11, 12 and 13.
With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 4:25 p.m.