MINUTES
COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT
& HEALTH
Monday, February 11, 2002
3:00
P.M.
PRESENT: M. Kaplowitz (Chair); V. Pinto; U. LaMotte;
J. Maisano;
W.
Ryan.
BOL & STAFF: T. Bernard/Prog.
Spec.; C. Ryer,
Sec’y.
ALSO PRESENT:
Christine Hindle Verber (West. Health Action Coalit.); Stanley Motley, Mary B. Davis, Jack Robbins,
Joe Stout (WC/Dept. Parks & Rec.);
Joe Marcogliese, Alyse Portera; (WC/DOH); Joyce Lannert, Sabrina Charney (WC/Dept.
Plng.); Hope Corbin (MK/Intern); Roberta Wiernik (LWV, FCWC); Marion Rose (CWCWC); Bill Randolph (CE’s ofc.); Edna Sussman (FCWC).
DISCUSSION:
Chair Kaplowitz called the meeting to order at 3:13 p.m.
The Read Sanctuary was the
first topic for discussion. Commissioner Stan Motley gave a brief
background and distributed a handout, outlining the concerns. Commissioner Motley added,
that the parking situation has always been an issue, but he is reluctant to
build more spaces because there is additional parking at Playland
Park, and the Sanctuary is within walking distance. Legislator Maisano expressed that Legislator
Latimer and friends from Read should
have been invited. Chair Kaplowitz noted
that as per Mr. Latimer’s memo, Administrative issues were being addressed and
the involved parties will be invited at a later date for a discussion. Legislator Pinto clarified that Mr. Latimer
was invited, but had a previous engagement and will follow-up on this
discussion. Commissioner Motley reviewed
each item in the handout, a copy is in the E&H
office files. Legislator Pinto suggested
that the next discussion of the Read
Sanctuary be held in the community to allow local participation and
involvement.
MINUTES
COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH
Monday, February 11, 2002
PAGE 2
A Proposed Act with regard to the “County Septic Program”,
which was forwarded from the Committee on Budget and Appropriations, was
discussed next. The Act, if approved,
would authorize the County to accept grant funds from the United States Environmental
Protection Agency to implement the newly created Septic Licensing and Database
Management Program by the Department of Health for a two year period, beginning
April 1, 2002. Joe
Marcogliese explained that the County would be requiring that contractors
be licensed to install new septic systems as well as repairing old
systems. The County Septic Program
includes contractor training and licensing requirements, which would enable
contractors to provide reports through a data collection system by detailing
the condition of septic systems; ensure proper waste water disposal methods are
engaged throughout the County, as well as ensuring that local septic systems
are maintained only by County-licensed contractors who have successfully
completed a comprehensive training program designed to encompass State and
County law. The Program would eventually
enhance the quality of ground and surface water, particularly in the
watersheds. Mr. Marcogliese added that
the first training course for contractors to prepare for the examination,
would be taught in March through the Department of Health. Chair Kaplowitz entertained a motion to
approve, which was moved by Legislator Ryan, seconded by Legislator Pinto and
carried 5-0 with all in favor.
Chair Kaplowitz also entertained a motion to amend the required
number of Committee members for a quorum from 4 to 3, which will take effect
immediately. The motion was moved by
Legislator Ryan, seconded by Legislator Maisano and carried 5-0 with all in
favor.
With a review of the agenda items, the following items
were received and filed on the motion of Legislator Ryan, seconded by
Legislator Pinto and carried 5-0: #’s 3,
8, 9, 15, 16, 28, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 25.
MINUTES
COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH
Monday, February 11, 2002
PAGE 3
The WCHCC Agreements was next for discussion. The Proposed Act was presented in two parts,
whereby various mental health services would be provided upon authorized
approval. After a brief review, Chair
entertained a motion to approve Part 1 & 2, which was moved by Legislator
LaMotte, seconded by Legislator Pinto; then moved by Legislator Pinto, seconded
by Legislator LaMotte and carried 5-0, respectively, with all in favor.
The minutes of January 30th and February 4th
were reviewed next and accepted as amended on the motion of Legislator Pinto,
seconded by Legislator LaMotte, and on the motion of Legislator Ryan, seconded
by Legislator Pinto, respectively. Both
sets of minutes were carried 5-0, with all in favor.
With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned
at 4:40 p.m.