Valerie Goldstein (WCHD), David Weld (ALDF)

The meeting commenced at 1:45 PM.

The first item for discussion was agenda item #2. The invited guest was David Weld, the Executive Director of the American Lyme Disease Foundation, Inc. Mr. Weld requested this meeting to discuss the issue of tick-borne diseases in Westchester. Mr. Weld discussed such problems as the recent discovery of Ehrlichiosis and Babesiosis. According to Mr. Weld, Babesiosis may in some instances be fatal, and although it is primarily found in Long Island he believes it will reach Westchester shortly. Along with these two new diseases, the deer population is increasing dramatically. This increase is also creating an increase in the number of ticks. In addition to the diseases in Westchester, Mr. Weld had concerns regarding the procedures of the Health Department. Mr. Weld stated that his organization is not being informed/invited to Health Department meetings. He also believes that in the last five years the Health Department has not spent its allotted Lyme Disease funds. Lastly, he believes that the most recent funds allotted to the Health Department will result in fragmented research since these funds are being divided. Leg. La Motte addressed a letter Mr. Weld forwarded to the Committee last year regarding the Medical Center’s absence at an

important Lyme disease event. Valerie Goldstein of WCHD clarified that the absence was due to monetary purposes. The event took place in San Francisco and it was a budgetary problem why this event was not attended. Mr. Weld reiterated that in the last five years the allocated funds for Lyme disease have not been spent. Leg. Bronz asked whether there has been success in educating the medical community on Lyme disease. Mr. Weld believes that the medical community is slowly becoming more aware of Lyme disease. After the discussion, Leg. La Motte moved to receive and file, seconded by Leg. Bronz. All in favor [4-0].

Next the Committee discussed the minutes of April 1, 1997. Leg. Bronz moved to approve, seconded by Leg. Swanson. All in favor [4-0].

Finally, the Committee discussed agenda item 6, 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 to invite Commissioner Spiegel during the first week in May.

Leg. Bronz moved to adjourn, seconded by Leg. La Motte. The meeting ended at 2:40 PM.