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Health and the Medical Center MINUTES, March 11, 1997
MEMBERS: Andrea Stewart-Cousins (Chair), Ursula La Motte, Lois Bronz, Suzanne Swanson
STAFF: Dolores Heredia
GUEST(S): Valerie Goldstein (WCMC), George Hosey (CBAC).
The meeting commenced at 1:45 PM.
The first item for discussion was the minutes of March 4, 1997. Leg. Swanson moved to approve, seconded by Leg. La Motte. All in favor [3-0] (Leg. Bronz out for vote).
Next, the Committee discussed agenda item number 1, the 1996 Annual Report of the Commissioner of Mental Health. Leg. Swanson moved to receive and file, seconded by Leg. La Motte. All in favor [4-0].
Next, the Committee discussed agenda item number 2, appointing Harold N. Adel, M.D., M.P.H. as Commissioner of Health. Leg. Swanson moved to received and file, seconded by Leg. La Motte. All in favor [4-0].
Next, the Committee discussed agenda item number 3, a letter from County Health Department Employees urging that a central location be found for the Health Department’s offices. Leg. Swanson moved to receive and file, seconded by Leg. Bronz. All in favor [4-0].
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Next, the Committee discussed agenda item number 4, a letter from the Executive Director of the Mental Health Association regarding cuts in the 1997-1998 New York State Executive Budget Proposal. The Committee will invite the Commissioner of Mental Health and Carolyn Hedlund, Executive Director of the Mental Health Association of Westchester County to further discuss this issue.
Next, the Committee discussed agenda item number 5, correspondence from a constituent regarding parking fees charged at the Ruth Taylor Institute, and agenda item number 9, a letter from a member of the New York Medical College staff regarding parking problems at WCMC. This Committee agreed to establish a "Parking Complaint File". Leg. Stewart-Cousins sent a letter to Kevin Spiegel that addressed this issue and requested his comments by March 18, 1997. Leg. Swanson stated money was set aside in the budget that would help defray the costs for people who could not afford parking fees. Leg. Swanson and Leg. Andrea Stewart-Cousins will work on a letter asking what has been done with the money.
Next, the Committee discussed agenda item number 6, a copy a letter to the Deputy Commissioner of the Westchester County Medical Center regarding the increase in number of alarms at the Grasslands reservation that have been answered by the Valhalla Fire Department. The Committee agreed that first this issue should be brought to the attention of the Commissioner. Leg. Stewart-Cousins suggested a that fine be paid for all false alarms. The Committee will continue to work on this issue.
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Next, the Committee discussed agenda item number 7, a newspaper article entitled County Faces Cuts of $20M in State Aid. Leg. Bronz moved to receive and file, seconded by Leg. Swanson. All in favor [4-0].
Next the Committee discussed agenda item number 12, a proposed act fixing and determining the charges for the care and maintenance of inpatients at the Westchester County Medical Center. Leg. Swanson moved to receive and file, seconded by Leg. La Motte. All in favor [4-0].
Next, the Committee discussed agenda item number 14, an "Action Alert" from Child Health Plus. (1/27/97) Leg. Stewart-Cousins put in a call to Ms. Lindsey Farell and invited her to attend the Committee.
Next, the Committee discussed agenda number 15, A proposed resolution, by Leg. Thomas Abinanti, Chair Legislation Committee, directing the County Attorney to join Erie County in the prosecution of a lawsuit against the Tobacco Companies to recover damages on behalf of the people of the County of Westchester. Leg. Stewart-Cousins and Aldo Vitagliano will work together to form a letter to send to the County Attorney on this issue.
Lastly, Leg. Stewart-Cousins discussed DSS. Leg. Stewart-Cousins believes that there ought to be a Committee focusing on this area since it is over half of the budget. The Committee had a resolution for expanding the scope of the Health and the Medical Center Committee. This resolution, on the advice of Counsel, Aldo Vitagliano, was held and it was forwarded to the Chairman of the Board in order that he may discuss same with Leadership. The Committee will continue to discuss this issue.
Leg. Swanson moved to adjourn, seconded by Leg. Bronz. The meeting ended at 2:50 PM.
(A taped copy of this meeting is on file) |