MINUTES
COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT
Tuesday, May 30, 2000
3:00 P.M.
PRESENT: Chair: M. Kaplowitz. Members: U. LaMotte;
G. Latimer, J. Maisano.
LEGISLATORS: K. Carsky
STAFF: Steve Bass; Charlotte Ryer.
ALSO PRESENT: Gina D’Agrosa, Mindy Moore (Plng. Dept.); Ingrid Bent, B. Randolph (CE’s ofc.); Karen Shultz (Sierra Club); Hope Corbin (MK’s-Intern); Hugh Greecham (DPW); Katherine McLoughlin (NY/LCV); Gudrun LeLash (FCWC).
DISCUSSION:
Chair Kaplowitz called the meeting to order at 3:25 p.m., and reviewed the minutes of April 25th. After review, correction were made and the minutes were accepted on the motion of Legislator LaMotte, seconded by Chair Kaplowitz, and carried 3-0. (Legislator Maisano was out for the vote.)
Gina D’Agrosa introduced Mindy Moore, Assistant Planner, who has been directly involved with the Town of Pound Ridge, to discuss plans on the control of non-point source pollution in Long Island Sound (LIS). Ms. D’Agrosa explained that two plans (maps) have been developed and approved (June 1997 and January 1998) by the participating municipalities. One of the maps shows the actual LIS Watershed area in Westchester County, and Pound Ridge does have a LIS watershed component. The Section 319 (CWCWC) Grant money also allowed a component for a demonstration project, which will be the Pound Ridge project and will be conducted in a town park. Ms. D’Agrosa added that the County has been waiting a few years for a demonstration project to come to fruition, and this is the project. Ms. Moore explained that the project entails the construction of a sediment basin area, which will allow
MINUTES
COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT
TUESDAY, May 30, 2000
the town to dredge out the sediment that has been filling in the pond, town to dredge out the sediment that has been filling in the pond, and enable the town to make good use of the pond.
Chairman Latimer questioned how the pond interact with the Mill River and the LIS. Ms. D’Agrosa explained that the pond drains out into Mill River, which eventually drains into the LIS. She added that this project will prevent additional sedimentation, that could be blown through the pond and into the LIS during a major storm, and eventually, the water quality of the Pound Ridge Town Pond and the Sound will improve. Chairman Latimer asked for the dollar amount allotted for the project. Ms. Moore stated that the total grant money for the demonstration project is $67,500. Ms. D’Agrosa noted that funds should be available for the County to tap into for improvements and enhancements in the surrounding watershed areas. Legislator LaMotte added, that should a lake task force be developed, that the Town of Mt. Kisco be included. Chair Kaplowitz entertained a motion to accept the IMA, which was moved by Legislator LaMotte, seconded by Chairman Latimer with a unanimous vote of 4-0, all in favor.
The next item for discussion was the four-part grant application to request funding for the Hudson River Estuary, through the CWCWC for the purpose of improving the quality and conditions of the waterways in Westchester. Chair Kaplowitz noted that the application was severed, and the first part will relate to items #1, #2, and #3. Item #4 will be discussed in a separate meeting. Ms. D’Agrosa noted that the first (3) items relate to Croton Point’s feasibility study and research/education center, and the Hudson River. The application is also to seek the appropriate partner(s) to take on such an endeavor. A brief discussion continued and the Committee agreed that the County should apply for the available State funding. Chair Kaplowitz entertained a motion to accept items 1, 2 and 3. The motion was made by Chairman Latimer, seconded by Legislator Maisano and carried with a vote of 4-0.
MINUTES
COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT
TUESDAY, May 30, 2000
PAGE 3
Chair Kaplowitz, next, presented a draft resolution from the Putnam County Legislature, to form a new Resource Conservation and Development Council, which would cover many of the counties in lower New York State. This group would provide programs for protecting and improving natural resources, attract new forest industries, and other environmental and economic developments. The Committee discussed the issue briefly, and agreed to support this effort. The application must be presented by July 7, 2000. The motion to accept was moved by Legislator Maisano, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, and carried with a vote of 4-0.
Regarding other Committee business, Chair Kaplowitz then read a letter from Governor Pataki stating that the ban of MTBE will be in full effect by the year 20004. Legislator LaMotte mentioned that she has invited Commissioner Larry Sally (WC/DOT) to attend the Environment Committee meeting in North Salem, which is scheduled for Tuesday, June 13th at 7:30 p.m. This meeting will also host the first meeting of the Mass Transit Subcommittee. Legislator LaMotte also presented an article entitled “Smart Growth” regarding landscape, and requested that a copy be distributed to all Committee members. Chair Kaplowitz noted that he visited the Tappan Zee Bridge and would like to circulate a draft resolution on TZ issues. Legislator LaMotte added that Cell Towers had been erected in Bedford by the State without prior notification to officials or anyone.
The following agenda items were received and filed: #’s 29, 33, 34, 34, 36, 38, 43, 52, 54, 61, 62, and 62.
With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m.