PRESENT: Chair: M. Kaplowitz. Members: V. Pinto, J. Maisano,

U. LaMotte.

LEGISLATORS: K. Carsky, G. Oros.

STAFF: Rob Hoch; Charlotte Ryer, Sec’y.

ALSO PRESENT: Jack Robbins (Stokes-Greene); Gillian Grozier (Alpine Industries); Irene Saltzburg (Friends/Marshlands); Fedora DeLucia (Somers); Ann Cohen (CWCWC); Bill Randolph (CE’s ofc.); Carol Coggeshall (Soil & Water Bd.); Nancy Seligson (EMC).

The meeting was called to order at 3:40 p.m.. Chair Kaplowitz introduced Jack Robbins to give an update on the property known as Stokes-Greene. A brief discussion and interaction with the Legislators ensued. Mr. Robbins noted that there has been no new developments regarding the property since the last time the Commissioner met with the Environment Committee. An RFP in regard to the current proposal, is presently being reviewed, along with other possibilities regarding the property. To date, nothing has been finalized. Legislator Carsky commented that the $2-million worth of property has been carried on the County’s books for seven years and now, the market is at it’s best for investing in houses. Legislator Pinto added that the County Executive has to make the decision as whether to sell the property or keep it for enhancements. He also asked that a request be made to the County Executive to set a time schedule to give this issue some direction. Legislator Oros had some concerns regarding the outcome of the property. Mr. Robbins added that one of the plans under review is the idea of possibly changing the property line, (a little) so if a decision (by the County) to dispose of the property is reached, some part of it will remain a parkland. Chair thanked Mr. Robbins and Commissioner Adel for their update and participation. He then mentioned a letter of thanks submitted by Jack Robbins, to the Committee for their efforts concerning the Important Bird Areas.

Next, Chair introduced Gillian Grozier of Alpine Industries, to discuss indoor air pollution. Alpine Industries provides environmental products to assist air purification. Ms. Grozier gave her presentation on "Air-Quality", a copy is in the Environmental Committee file. The presentation focused on the cause and effect of indoor pollution through low levels of various pollutants in the home and over time. She emphasized that the average indoor exposure exceeded outdoor exposure for every chemical in every season by an average of 2 to 5 times, noting that the air we breathe indoors contains 2 to 5 times more hazardous chemicals than if the time had been spent outdoors. Some of these pollutants are found inside building materials and paints, carpeting, furniture, etc., which emit chemical fumes, noxious gases, odors and vapors. Other causes can be found in centralized heating and ventilating systems that gather dust and moisture in the ductwork, and causes mold, mildew spores, bacteria and dust mites. In Ms. Grozier’s closing statement, she made a recommendation that the Environmental Committee together with the County Executive and the Board of Legislators consider a volunteer effort in raising air quality awareness in the County, by declaring an Air Quality Awareness Month.

Legislator LaMotte mentioned that asthma is connected to air quality and a non-profit organization in NYC is planning a seminar on asthma because of the large population in parts of the City seriously affected. She added the question as to why the EPA hasn’t gone after carpet manufacturers to change the chemicals used in carpet fibers, which is a contributing factor to indoor pollution. Ms. Grozier explained that there are many contributors to indoor pollution, and it would not be feasible to single out one component.

Legislator Maisano questioned if there is a difference in the amount or degree of indoor pollution according to the type of building, such as office, apartment or residential home. Ms. Grozier responded that the difference evolves around the press/media – media tends to publicize residential homes more than apartment or office building problems.

Chair Kaplowitz suggested that with exposure and creating pressure to alert the consumer of the dangers, along with the use of labels to indicate the compound of chemicals and substances used by different product manufacturers, would create competitive opportunities for better quality products. Irene Saltzburg added that a carpet manufacturer supplied a label with instructions for persons with allergies to air the carpet outdoors for several days before installation. Ms. Grozier added, that due to the construction growth rate in a particular area (town), her company knows in advance who will be requesting their service.

Fedora DeLucia added that due to indoor pollution (in a new office building), over the years she has developed a chronic cough. Ms. Grozier noted that in an office ventilating system (blower), usually 20-25% of the air is re-circulated – which means 75-80% is being circulated and is responsible for germs floating through the air and the cause for sickness (i.e., colds, flu) to circulate. Chair thanked Ms. Grozier for her presentation and her input.

Next, agenda items were reviewed and the following items were received and filed: I-4: PCB’s/Byram River; J-4: Friends/Marshlands Curator; and K-4: Future of Tappan Zee Bridge. The minutes of January 12^th and 19^th were approved and accepted on the motion of Legislator Pinto, seconded Legislator Maisano, with a vote 4-0.

Chair requested that a copy of the Committee Blueprint 1999, be given to all members and guests, to bring back to next week’s meeting. The Committee continued with a brief discussion of old business. Chair suggested inviting DEP to give an update on the Croton Water Treatment Plant project and its on-going status.

Legislator LaMotte announced that the Town of Bedford has held a series of meetings consisting of 17 different groups with different interests regarding Town issues, enhancements and future developments. She noted that there has been a large attendance with lots of input and information gathered to present to the Town Board and Planning Board before the Town finalizes the master plan. Legislator LaMotte suggested that this is a good idea to get the private groups around the individual towns to work cooperatively to present their input to the local planning and town boards before starting their master plans.

Legislator Maisano gave a quick update on New Rochelle regarding David’s Island. In the past, it had been advocated to make all or part of the island a park. He expressed that for the first time, the elected officials in New Rochelle agreed with this idea. The Mayor (of NR) stated in his State of the City Address, that he would like to approach the Westchester County government regarding the purchase of part of David’s Island to be used for a County park.

With no further business to discuss, on the motion of Legislator LaMotte, seconded by Legislator Pinto, the meeting adjourned at 4:35 p.m.