MINUTES

COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT

Tuesday, October 2, 2001

3:00 P.M.

 

 

PRESENT:  M. Kaplowitz (Chair);  U. LaMotte;  V. Pinto;  J. Maisano.

 

 

STAFF:  C. Ryer, Sec’y.

 

 

ALSO PRESENT:  Hope Corbin;  Katherine McLoughlin (NY/LCV);  Bill Randolph (CE’s Ofc.);  Edna Sussman (FCWC).

 

 

DISCUSSION:

Chair Kaplowitz called the meeting to order at 3:20 p.m., with a review of the minutes of June 26^th and July 10^th, respectively.  The minutes were moved on the motion of Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator LaMotte and carried 4-0, with all in favor.

 

Next, the Committee reviewed agenda items, beginning with the latest items placed on the agenda.  Special item “A” was referred from the Committee on Community Affairs on September 18^th, and was in regard to considering a debris collection system on the local waterways.  After a brief discussion, the ENV Committee agreed that this item should be handled by the newly created Storm Water Advisory Committee (SWAC), and therefore, has been forwarded.  The following agenda items were received and filed on the motion of Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator LaMotte and carried 4-0, with all in favor:  #’s 56; 57; 58; 59; 61; 62; 63; 64; 65; and 66.  A request was made to check with Board Chairman Latimer with regard to item #63, to be sure nominations were recommended for appointment to the Westchester County Agricultural Farmland Protection Board.

 

Various correspondence was reviewed next.  Chair Kaplowitz mentioned that the ENV Committee made a significant impact on the WCC Budget for the coming year, with regard to the recycling program, emphasizing

MINUTES

COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT

Tuesday, October 2, 2001

PAGE 2

 

 

on ideas such as using bio-degradable cutlery on campus. WCC’s budget will now include an extensive recycling plan.  Legislator LaMotte added that the County should take the lead in recycling by including recycling bins within their plans and layouts when renovating and remodeling office space.  Legislator LaMotte also presented a publication on “Smart Communities”, which is available in her office for all legislators to review.

 

Correspondence was received from the “Friends of Marshlands” (dated Aug. 5^th), with regard to the Board’s support to make the water quality issue at Blind Brook, a priority and the support of a moratorium to conclude the County Airport expansion.  Chair Kaplowitz added that Board Chairman Latimer is responding, and the Airport issues would be topics for discussion in the coming session.  This item has been referred to SWAC.  A publication was received from the Cornell Cooperative Extension entitled, “Homeowner Lawn Care and Water Quality Almanac”, it is a color version, calendar-like book, to assist homeowners with taking care of their lawns during the different seasons of the year.  This item has been referred and forwarded to the SWAC Library in the County Planning Department.

 

A letter was received in July, from Legislators Abinanti, Bronz and Swanson, with regard to Governments United in Action for Responsible Development (GUARD), which was organized by local governments in response to proposals regarding the Tappan Zee Bridge.  This item will be the topic of the next meeting scheduled for October 16^th, at 3:00 p.m.

 

With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 4:06 p.m., on the motion of Chair Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Pinto.