MINUTES
COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT
Tuesday, July 10, 2001
3:00 P.M.
PRESENT: M. Kaplowitz (Chair); V. Pinto; U. LaMotte; J. Maisano.
STAFF: C. Ryer (Sec’y.)
ALSO PRESENT: Hope Corbin (MK-Intern); Diana Saltel, Commissioner Joyce Lannert (Plng. Dept.); Susan Tapper (Asst. to CE); George Preston, Alison Pearsall (DPW); Charlene Indelicato (Cnty. Attny.); Bill Randolph, Marc Fenchel (CE’s ofc.).
DISCUSSION:
The meeting was called to order at 3:12 p.m. by Chair Kaplowitz. The first topic for discussion was regarding the proposed resolution authorizing the County to participate in the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign (CCP). Susan Tapper gave a brief explanation of the project, which would run as a summer (10-wk) program with the assistance of CCP trained graduate students. The overall program engages local governments in taking cost-effective actions that reduce the emissions that cause global warming by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Inventories would be prepared at the community and county levels, with regard to the amount of energy used such as electricity, gas, oil, etc., which is paid for by the County. Legislator LaMotte questioned who would supervise the project, and was informed that the Public Works Department would oversee. Chair Kaplowitz entertained a motion to accept, which was moved by Legislator LaMotte, seconded by Legislator Pinto, and carried 4-0.
The proposed resolution, supporting the Westchester Greenway Compact Plan in the Hudson Valley, was discussed next. Diana Saltel explained that the program is a fee involuntary program that a county or city can choose to participate in by preparing a resolution to reduce
MINUTES
greenhouse gas emissions. The program is comprised of several “milestones” to include; checking baseline emissions inventory, forecast for the year 2010, set emissions reduction target (by area), prepare community and county inventory database for energy use (i.e, electricity, gas, oil, etc.), which is paid for by the county. Funding endorsement from Westchester County is requested, to proceed with the program. Ms. Saltel distributed a map depicting the areas eligible for funding. A brief discussion continued, then Chair Kaplowitz entertained a motion to approve the proposed resolution for the critical environmental areas, the motion was moved by Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, with a vote of 4-0, all in favor.
Planning Commissioner Joyce Lannert and County Attorney Charlene Indelicato, presented the issue regarding Kitchawan Park Preserve Right of First Refusal. County Attorney explained that 14-acres of the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens had been previously sold to Westchester County. Commissioner Lannert emphasized that the County would request to waive its current right of first refusal to the new owner. Chair Kaplowitz moved the motion (WOP), which was seconded by Legislator Pinto, with a vote of 4-0, all in favor.
An announcement was made, noting that the County Executive would be holding a press conference on July 11th at 11:30 a.m., to discuss the purchase of Hilltop Hanover Farm, with the County paying $2.8K for 178 acres of land.
With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 4:05 p.m., on the motion of Legislator Masiano, seconded by Legislator LaMotte.