MINUTES

COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT

Tuesday, February 13, 2001

3:00 P.M.

 

 

PRESENT:  ENV:  M. Kaplowitz, Chair;  U. LaMotte;  V. Pinto; 

J. Maisano.

 

STAFF:  C. Ryer, Sec’y.

 

ALSO PRESENT: 

 

 

DISCUSSION:

The meeting was called to order at 3:12 p.m., by Chair Kaplowitz.  After a review and scheduling of upcoming meetings, he introduced the Yorktown Superintendent of Highways, Eric DiBartolo, to discuss storm water runoff and liquid snow removal.  Chair continued with a recap of last week’s discussion on the same issue.

 

Mr. DiBartolo explained that three years ago he set out to look for a more cost-effective liquid de-icing solution.  After an experimental trial period, the present system currently being used by Yorktown is a liquid-based salt/brine (23%) - beet/hop and water (77%) solution, which remains a liquid in temperatures as low as -51° (below freezing.)  He further explained that the solution is mixed with water and stored in tanker trucks until disbursement.  He also explained that due to the Clean Water Clean Air Act, the sand/salt solution will not be used much longer because of the dust it produces in the Spring/Summer clean up.  Mr. DiBartolo also explained the process of preparing and producing the solution, and invited the Committee members to come to his garage and take a look any time, adding that in regard to the Town budget, the snow line cost has dropped $120,000, across the board.  Next, Mr. DiBartolo showed pictures of catch basins and fossil filters (with netting) to catch debris while giving a brief description of how they operate to catch storm water runoff.

 

MINUTES

COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT

TUESDAY, February 13, 2001

PAGE 2

 

 

Chair Kaplowitz suggested setting up an advisory committee to exchange innovative solutions for storm water runoff management from various state and local municipalities.  This discussion is to be continued at a later date, and scheduled with an extended invitation.

 

Legislator Pinto noted that agenda item #26 (Localized Interpretation of Clean Air Act), was put on hold with the former County Attorney, and now that he is no longer here, can this item be reconsidered with the Committee on Health, for further action.  Chair Kaplowitz suggested submitting the item to the new County Attorney.

 

With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 3:48 p.m., on the motion of Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator Maisano, with all in favor.