MINUTES
COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT
Joint w/COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
Tuesday, April 4, 2000
3:00 P.M.
PRESENT: ENV. Chair: M. Kaplowitz. Members: V. Pinto;
U. LaMotte; J. Maisano.
COMM. AFFAIRS Chair: K. Carsky. Members: G. Oros
STAFF: Charlotte Ryer
ALSO PRESENT: Hope Corbin (Env. Intern); Karen & Jules Schultz (Sierra Club); Paula De Caro (LWV/NR); Gudrun LeLash (FCWC); Ingrid Bent, Bill Randolph (CE’s ofc.); K. McLouglin (NY/LCV).
DISCUSSION:
Chair Kaplowitz called the meeting to order at 3:04 p.m. A letter was received from Irene Saltzburg and the Friends of Marshlands requesting that the Blind Brook also be tested for water quality, which will be placed on the Board agenda. Chair noted that the petitions to ban MTBE are due to be returned by April 15th. He requested that a copy of the petition be distributed to each Legislator asking them to make one last effort to obtain signatures from their constituents. The minutes of March 21st, was moved on the motion of Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, and carried with a vote of 3-0. (Legislator Maisano was out for the vote.) The following agenda items were received and filed: #’s 9, 39, 40, 41 and 42. Agenda item #’s 34, 36 and 43, which are in regard to the County Airport, will be discussed on Monday, April 10th at 10:00 a.m., in a joint meeting with the Committee on Budget and Appropriations.
The Committee on Community Affairs was called to order by Chair Carsky at 3:30 p.m. with a quorum. She noted that the Committee had two resolutions for consideration, the first being a declaration that Westchester County observe “County Government Week”, April 9-15, 2000 (requested by NACO).
MINUTES
The resolution was accepted and moved by Legislator Oros, seconded by Legislator Carsky for the B&A Committee, with the support of the Environment Committee and all in favor. Chair Carsky emphasized that the purpose of today’s joint meeting is to review the resolution requesting that the Bronx River Parkway be exempt from the State Governor’s new regulation, which allows open pick-up trucks (under 5,000 lbs.) on all state parkways. The section of the parkway being considered is 10½ miles on the national register’s historic passage from Yonkers to the Valhalla Dam. It will also curtail the dumping of debris, and preserve the environment along the parkway. After a brief discussion, the resolution was amended. Chair Carsky entertained a motion to accept the resolution as amended, which was moved by Legislator Oros and seconded by Legislator Carsky for the B&A Committee. The motion was also moved by Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator Maisano, for the Environment Committee, and carried with a 6-0 vote, all in favor. Chair Carsky also noted that current EPA regulations regarding lead-based paint activity is a big issue for the Committees on Health, Community Affairs, and Environment, and all are invited to attend the Department of Health’s meeting on Tuesday, April 11th at 7:30 p.m. Chair Kaplowitz responded that the issue would appear on the Budget Committee’s agenda toward the end of the month. The B&A Committee adjourned at 3:45 p.m. on the motion of Legislator Oros, seconded by Legislator Carsky.
The Environment continued their discussion with the review of the upcoming scheduled meetings. Legislator Maisano commented on the meeting regarding IKEA and questioned what is the best way to hold this forum. Chair Kaplowitz expressed that the educational aspect of dealing with controversial issues in public discussions has been beneficial in the decision making process. A brief discussion continued. Katherine McLoughlin expressed that the open concept is good, and is a service to the community.
With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 4:07 p.m.