Members: Andrea Stewart-Cousins (Chairperson), Lois Bronz, Ursula La Motte, Suzanne Swanson

Staff: Don K. Sandford (Deputy Clerk), Dolores Heredia.

Guest: Joe Brill (League of Women Voters of Westchester), John Cantor (County Executive WCMC), May W. Aisen ( Larchmont)

The meeting was called to order at 2:05 PM.

The first item for discussion was the Minutes for April 1, 1996. After reviewing the minutes, Legislator Swanson motioned to accept, second by Legislator Ursula, all in favor [4-0].

Also discussed was the language change for the proposed Local Law to require the Medical Examiner and his office to be under the supervision of the Commissioner of Health. This item was still in the process of being changed to make the language gender neutral.

The next issue for discussion was the Health Symposium. Legislator Stewart-Cousins discusses that she spoke with three of the four directors. Legislator Stewart-Cousins feels Greenburgh is the best location since it is centrally located and Greenburgh offered a room that can accommodate 70 people. In addition, their board will chip in to attain refreshments, etc. Therefore if the Committee agrees, the meeting will be held in Greenburgh 4-7 PM on Monday, April 29. Legislator Stewart-Cousins finalized by stating that she would take a look at the Greenburg location.

Next issue for discussion is the lunch with Commission Stolzenberg at the Medical Center on April 23. Legislator Stewart-Cousins informed the committee that the invitation has been extended to everyone. Legislator Stewart-Cousins hopes some of the budget issues can also be addressed on April 23.

The next issue for discussion was the Joint Meeting with Public Safety & Criminal Justice, to visit the correctional facility to observe both food services and healthcare for inmates. No date has been set for this meeting; however, it was suggested that it be scheduled after the hospital visit.

Item 1 M. regarding the proposed New York State 96-97 Executive Budget and its potential impact on County residents was the next item for discussion.

Legislator La Motte states that she has not meet anyone who believes that the proposals will come down and whether this should be an item we should wait on.

Legislator Stewart-Cousins suggested that we meet with them. It has been noted that

we will invite Commissioner Rappaport (and appropriate rep.) on April 16, and Don Sandford will draft a resolution based on the letter in item 1 M.

Item 1-T, regarding the manner rape victims are treated at area emergency rooms was the next item discussed. Legislator Stewart-Cousins spoke with Tony Downs and Amy Paulin who will create a proposal that will be able to be used when the hospitals are approached. Therefore this issue is moving along.

Item 1-F according to Legislator Stewart-Cousins was forwarded to the Health and Medical Center Committee by Legislator George Latimer, to see if the HMC was interested in pursuing. The Committee will send administration a letter asking for an update on item 1-F

Legislator Bronz suggested with respect to the packet of information received from Dr. Rappaport regarding the health issues in the African American Community that we put same on the agenda to discuss it with him when he attends our meeting. Legislator Bronz also suggested inviting Legislator Clinton to a joint meeting so that a "position paper" is done in conjunction with Minority Affairs.

The final item for discussion was item I-X, regarding parking rates at the Westchester County Medical Center. Legislator Swanson suggested that we write to the County Executive and ask about the money for the Medical Center for chits ($75,000 and $20,000 in 1995 for Ruth Taylor). The $20,000 was never spent. This money was supposed to help parking costs at Ruth Taylor. Because Ruth Taylor is a specialty, with no long term facility charges Ruth Taylor should have as much money to alleviate the charges for people who remain there all day. The Legislators’ proposed that they write and ask whether this money was spent for Ruth Taylor? Given to Ruth Taylor? or Disbursed to mitigate parking costs?

Legislator La Motte mentioned a problem with the "time frame" for parking. A patient who had remained there for 28 day period was not permitted a 30 day permit even if the patient was willing to pay for the two additional days. Legislator Stewart-Cousins believes we should ask them to reconsider their policy of monthly parking. A letter should be sent. Legislator Stewart-Cousins clarifies the questions we are to ask:

-What happened to $20,000 that was supposed to allotted for chits for Ruth Taylor ?

-Was the $75,000 allotted to alleviate parking charges?

Legislator Swanson moved to adjourned, second by Legislator Bronz, all in favor. [4-0]

The meeting adjourned at 2:55 PM.

They all welcome an opportunity to spend time with the Legislators and the Health and Medical Committee. Legislator Stewart-Cousins specifically spoke with the director of "Open Door" Marge Greasnor. Who answered that the Ossining facility could accommodate 40 or 50 people. Legislator Stewart-Cousins also spoke with Ann Nolan from Peekskill, and Carol Morris in Mount Vernon. Carol Morris also agreed to host. The last person Legislator Stewart-Cousins spoke with is Carol George of Greenburg. Ms. George is also interested in hosting the event at the Greenburg location

Legislator La Motte questioned how this event would be set up. Will the invitees be in alphabetical order? Legislator Stewart-Cousins suggested that her preliminary idea was that they send a "wish list" of the kinds of things they want us to know. Legislator Stewart-Cousins would like to see in addition to the history, that other issues such as: funding, health care, future plans, etc. are shared at the podium.

Legislator Swanson suggested we should have a brief history of the people attending.

Legislator Bronz discussed the audience and how we should have a cross section of providers, clients, elected officials, and appointed officials.

Legislator Swanson mentioned that the next step in this process is to "get the word out".

In addition the issue of parking may be a consideration.