MINUTES
COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT
Tuesday, November 9, 1999
3:30 P.M.
PRESENT: Chair: M. Kaplowitz. Members: V. Pinto; U. LaMotte.
J. Maisano
STAFF: Steve Bass; Barbara Dodds; Charlotte Ryer - Sec’y.
LEGISLATORS: Kay Carsky.
ALSO PRESENT: Brent Archer (Columbia Energy); Louise Doyle (WC Health Dept.); Marion Rose (Sierra Club/CWCWC); Gudrun LeLash (FCWC); Ingrid Brent (CE’s Ofc.); Ed Hoffmeister, Jerry Mulligan (Plng. Dept.); Katherine McLoughlin (NYCCU/W).
Chair Kaplowitz called the meeting to order at 3:35 p.m., and reviewed the minutes of October 19th. On the motion of Legislator LaMotte, seconded by Legislator Pinto, the minutes were approved, after a minor correction, and accepted by a vote of 3-0. Chair emphasized that we are approaching “Budget” season and there will be fewer Environment Committee meetings as we prepare for the coming year. The agenda will be reviewed and items will be prioritized for next year’s meeting schedule.
The draft for the proposed Millennium Pipeline Resolution was reviewed next, and corrected after a brief discussion. Legislator Carsky noted that there should be minor changes and corrections in the language. Legislator Pinto commented that he was hoping another facility could be found because of the construction that will eventually disrupt the community. Bill Randolph added, that as President of the Mt. Vernon City Council, in the last Council meeting Mt. Vernon residents were adamantly opposed to the construction of a gas pipeline. Legislator LaMotte commented that after attending a meeting with residents of Eastchester, it appears that the last few miles of the pipeline are causing the most concern and are in the problem areas, and the issue must be addressed.
MINUTES
Chair Kaplowitz commented that the corrections presented by Legislator Carsky are satisfactory, and express alternative options which invites the opportunity for discussion between the two parties (Con Ed and Columbia Gas). Chair requested that Mr. Randolph, through the Administration and Planning Department to act as an intermediator, to try to bring the two sides together to reach a mutual agreement.
Chair Kaplowitz then entertained a motion to accept the proposed resolution with the changes, and on the motion of Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, was approved with a vote of 4-0.
The next topic for discussion was the application to expand the June Road Cemetery. Stacey Dolgin-Metz gave a brief description of the involvement process noting that the New York State Real Property Law states that, “it is unlawful for any person to use any land in Westchester for sanitary purposes without the consent of the Board of Legislators.” She further explained that applications will not be entertained unless it is in written form from the legislative body of the town in which the proposed use is to take place. Ms. Dolgin-Metz also noted that this Board can refer to the County Planning Board and Health Department for their comments, a SEQRA review is usually required for this application, and the Board should consider the matter within 90-days after receiving all the required information for determination. Notice of the application will be published once each week for six successive weeks, as provided by law – then a public hearing will be held. Jerry Mulligan added that the Planning Board would like to get additional information from the Town of North Salem as to their proposal requirements. Chair Kaplowitz entertained a motion to accept the application to expand the June Road Cemetery. Chair suggested that the Planning Department prepare the proposed legislation with the aid of the Law Department and Health Department, and then return to the Committee for their review. Chair entertained a motion to accept the expansion of the June Road
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Cemetery as proposed, and on the motion of Legislator LaMotte, seconded by Legislator Maisano, with a vote of 4-0, it was agreed the application move on to the applicable County Departments.
The following items were received and filed on the motion of Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator Maisano, with a vote of 4-0: III, LLL, W-4, E-5, G-5, S-5, D-6, F-6, H-6, I-6, K-6, M-6, V-6, and X-6.
Chair Kaplowitz read correspondence from the Westchester County Soil & Water Conservation District’s meeting of September 20, 1999, regarding Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D). He asked that a file be set up in the Committee files. Chair also requested that Marion Rose prepare a resolution for the next meeting with regard to this issue.
With no further business to discuss and on the motion of Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator Maisano, the meeting adjourned at 4:35 p.m.
A TAPE OF THE MEETING IS ON FILE.