MINUTES

COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH

Monday, March 3, 2003

3:00 P.M.

MEMBERS PRESENT:       M. Kaplowitz, Chair; U. LaMotte; V. Pinto; J.

Maisano; M. Rogowsky

BOL STAFF:                         T. Bernard, S. Kirkpatrick

GUESTS:                               Patrick Natarelli (Planning Dept.), Hope

Corbin

DISCUSSION:

Chair Kaplowitz called the meeting to order at 3:20 pm.

Agenda Item #185: Green Building Energy Proposal in Westchester Community College Master Plan

Legislator LaMotte suggested to Mr. Natarelli that the entire Community College should be looked at for retrofitting or for solar and other environmentally friendly and renewable sources of energy.  A federal EPA grant which is potentially a source of funding for the project does not have its budget for this fiscal year in place yet.

Legis. LaMotte expressed frustration that the process is not moving forward.  She suggested that the various environmental organizations in the county be kept informed by the planning department because of their expertise.

Minutes

The draft minutes of January 6, January 27 and Feb. 3, 2003 were unanimously adopted with minor changes.

Sewage Diversion

Chair Kaplowitz updated the members on sewage diversion reminding everyone of the final public meeting in Yonkers on March 12.  He will be receiving an amended version of the SEQRA proposals from the county executive based on the public input at the meetings.

MINUTES

COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH

Monday, March 3, 2003                                                                  PAGE 2

Chair Kaplowitz will contact the chairs of B&A, PW and C&ED to meet jointly on Monday March 17 at 9:00 am.  It is important to move forward quickly especially in light of the pressures from the DEP.

Legislator LaMotte asked how this would come back to the Committee.  Chair Kaplowitz anticipates the Committee will be lead agency.

Legislator LaMotte reminded the Committee of the need to take Peach Lake and Putnam County into consideration in the proceedings.  The NWWC study will be complete by the end of the summer.  It might be possible to coordinate activities and expenditures to maximize funds and effort.

The county attorney’s office was requested to look at the conflict of interest issues related to Savin preparing the SEQR and doing the engineering work for the diversion project.  Chair Kaplowitz understands the EIS work will be done by Saccardi and Schiff in conjunction with the County Planning Dept.  Legis. Rogowsky would like to go back to the public with the issue resolved.

There is a question regarding the $5.5M for Peach Lake with relation to Putnam County:  Whether they are also contributing $5.5M or whether they would be responsible for ½ of the $5.5M?  Tara will work with Sue Gerry in the County Attorney’s office as she is handling a lot of the legalities associated with this issue.

Future Meetings:

          Mental health  - NAMI.

          Pest Management

Legislator LaMotte shared the concerns of a constituent that County and State requirements for examination of radiological equipment are duplicative in effort and expense.  Tara will speak with Dr. Lipsman to attempt to clarify and resolve the issue.

Legislator Pinto moved, Legislator LaMotte seconded and committee voted unanimously to adjourn at 4:00 pm.