The meeting commenced at 2:10 PM.

This Committee meeting was a continuation of the previous meeting on signage and ticks. Commissioner De Santis discussed how some Westchester parks, because of the nature of the park, have higher tick levels. Ticks are controlled by cutting and grooming lawns. The Comm. mentioned that in areas such as tent camp-sites this is usually done. Leg. La Motte questioned the use of chemicals, and the Comm. noted that the Parks Department does not use chemicals unless there is an infestation. A reason for this is the danger of pesticides as well as the cost of the pesticides, since there is a lot of acreage to cover. In addition, the Comm. feels that nature has a way of getting rid of ticks, for example a heatwave.

Leg. Stewart-Cousins discussed the obvious needs for signs and questioned the already existing signs. Comm. DiSantis stated that the signs are posted at trial heads, restroom accommodations, and any bulletin boards that may be available in the park. (A sample of such signs was given to the Committee to keep on file).

Leg. La Motte discussed how pets should be of major concern since they can act as a "primary source" of transmittal to owners. Leg. La Motte mentioned how her own preventive care is to brush her pet with a comb and insecticide prior to coming indoors. Leg. La Motte feels there should be more public awareness on pets. Leg. Stewart-Cousins feels that the education issue is important on all levels.

Valerie Goldstein, of the Westchester County Health Dept., brought in materials, such a videos, water bottles, and frisbees that warn/inform the public of the dangers of ticks.

The Committee will continue to work on this matter.

The next issue for discussion was the synopsis forward by the Greenburgh Health Center on the public meeting. The committee agreed to have the issues of this synopsis broken down into one or two items/areas in order to be addressed by the different Commissioners in upcoming meetings.

The following items were received and filed:

Motion to receive and file item number 8 by Leg. Swanson, second by Leg. Bronz. All in favor [4-0]

Motion to receive and file item number 5 by Leg. La Motte, second by Leg. Bronz. All in favor [4-0]

Motion to receive and file item number 10 by Leg. Swanson, second by Leg. La Motte. . All in favor [4-0]

Leg. La Motte motioned to accept minutes, second by Leg. Stewart-Cousins. The meeting adjourned at 3:00 .