MINUTES

COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT

SEPTEMBER 17, 1996 3:00 P.M.

Present: Chair Carsky, Legs: LaMotte, Delfino and

Latimer

Also Present: Comm. Trelewicz, Deputy Comm. Mattarazzo, Comm. Kelly-Yonkers, Comm.

Preston and Deputy Comm. Lee-Mount Vernon, Ms. LeLash, Mr. Yoegel, Mrs.

Keating

Items Discussed:

Chair Carsky called the meeting to order at 3:10 P.M. There was a discussion about the Watershed regulations and the fact that they must be adopted by November.

The Committee discussed recycling with the cities of Mount Vernon and Yonkers along with Comm. Trelewicz and Deputy Comm. Mattarazzo.

Comm. Trelewicz stated that roughly 1/3 of the population from Yonkers and Mount Vernon recycle. Mount Vernon is at 9% and Yonkers is at 20%. The Commissioner stated that Mr. Hogan is willing to met with multi-family owners, condo associations and coop management firms to discuss this issue. White Plains is very aggressive and they are up to 35%

Comm. Preston stated that in Mount Vernon collection is a problem. Mount Vernon only has two vehicles to pick up recyclables and there are many multi-family units in the city. Mount Vernon needs more equipment and is trying to obtain same. Leg. LaMotte suggested looking to see if any more money was left in the federal grant to purchase such equipment.

Comm. Kelly stated that paper creates a tremendous volume and is very heavy. He feels that Yonkers is doing pretty well except for the Southwest section and where there are several multi-family dwellings. Each facility has unique problems.

In Mount Vernon, storage is a problem. Comm. Kelly feels that in Yonkers the focus should be in the schools to educate the children. However, in a high rise building, if there is no storage in the basement, how many residents will recycle in their own apartments if they do not have the space.

In Yonkers they are going around and visiting all the buildings. They are also re-evaluating their program and planning to have a separate recycling division under the Department of Public Works.

Leg. LaMotte suggested that possibly we can learn something from New York City and Comm. Trelewicz stated that New York City is cutting back 60%

Westchester County must be at 40% by the end of 1997.

Leg. LaMotte asked if Comm. Trelewicz had been in touch with OBEX in Stamford who handle #5 and #6 plastics. He was not aware if someone from his department had spoken to them yet.

Leg. Delfino stated that White Plains is doing a great job in the apartment building. When you go to the shoot in his building there is a place for papers and a bin for recyclables. You see this on a daily basis and this reminds you to do it.

Mount Vernon needs vehicles and manpower.

There was a discussion between Comm. Trelewicz and Comm. Kelly regarding broken glass but the gentlemen have different opinions and will take it up at a later date.

Comm. Kelly stated that there will be a meeting sometime in October with Mount Vernon, White Plains, New Rochelle and Greenburgh in Yonkers to discuss not only recycling, but garbage and snow removal. The County Dept. of Environmental Facilities offered their assistance and would be willing to met with them at any time.

Chair Carsky thanked everyone for coming and on motion of Leg. LaMotte, the meeting adjourned at 4:25 P.M.