Patrick Quinn (WCHD), Martina Petersen (WCMC),

JoAnn Month (League of Women Voters).

The meeting commenced at 1:50 PM.

The first item for discussion was agenda item number 6, a copy of 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. Leg. Stewart-Cousins stated she received a thank you letter from the fire department for the Committee’s involvement in this matter. Leg. Swanson stated that she is unaware if any communication at all has commenced. Leg. Swanson will further inquire into this matter with a telephone call or a letter.

Next the Committee discussed agenda item 13, a letter sent by a medical center resident regarding an extremely large increase in rent. Leg. Stewart-Cousins stated that she spoke with Commissioner Stolzenberg regarding this issue. Commissioner Stolzenberg stated that was unaware of the issue. Leg. Stewart-Cousins is troubled that he has not been informed of this matter, especially since the Committee was told by Mr. Speigel that appeals are to be made to Commissioner Stolzenberg and an appeal was made. Leg. Stewart-Cousins is still awaiting an answer from Commissioner Stolzenberg.

Next the Committee discussed agenda item 14, the "Action Alert" from Child Health Plus. Leg. Stewart-Cousins explained that the Committee wrote a letter in support of Child Health Plus, and some legislators were reluctant to sign. Leg. Stewart-Cousins stated the Committee was on the cutting edge of the issue since just recently an editorial was published that Child Health Plus was indeed a good thing to preserve. Leg. Swanson moved to receive and file seconded by Leg. Stewart-Cousins. All in favor [2-0] (Leg. LaMotte and Leg. Bronz out for vote).

Next the Committee discussed agenda item 15, a communication 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 is still awaiting a response. Leg. Stewart-Cousins will forward a letter to the County Attorney requesting an update on this matter.

Next the Committee discussed agenda item 16, a letter from the Secretary of the Town of Somers Board of Fire Commissioners urging continued support for the Enrico "Hank" Longo Burn Center under the new governance plan for the Westchester County Medical Center. Leg. Swanson moved to receive and file, seconded by Leg. Stewart-Cousins. All in favor [2-0] (Leg. LaMotte and Leg. Bronz out for vote).

Next the Committee discussed agenda item 17, a communication from the County Attorney requesting authorization to commence a summary legal proceeding against Maria Blanchette to evict her from Elmwood Hall, Valhalla and obtain the value of the fair use and occupancy of the subject property for the period of time she has been occupying the residence without the consent or permission of Westchester County. Leg. Swanson stated to the Committee that the Budget and Appropriations Committee was unable to address her issue since she is in the middle of litigation. Leg. Swanson moved to receive and file, seconded by Leg. Stewart-Cousins. All in favor [2-0] (Leg. LaMotte and Leg. Bronz out for vote).

Next Leg. Swanson moved to open a "Public Benefit Corporation (PBC)" file, seconded by Leg. Stewart-Cousins. All in favor [2-0] (Leg. LaMotte and Leg. Bronz out for vote). The Committee also agreed to place the operating agreement on the agenda to be referred to the Committee.

Next the Committee discussed EMSA. Leg. Stewart-Cousins stated that the Committee should consider what its position is with regards to keeping EMSA employed as a health provider. Leg. Swanson believes a letter should be written to the administration asking, in light of the new developments, what is their position. Also, the Committee believes that it is fiscally responsible to think about the termination of EMSA, since any savings that the County may have attained have been cut drastically with the advent of the lawsuits.

Next Leg. Stewart-Cousins discussed S.O.S. (Supporting our Sisters, Strengthening our Sons). This programs was recently kicked-off. The event took place at the School Street Gym in Yonkers. Over 200 people attended the program which had such events as clowns for the children, art, a nutritionist, an inspirational speaker, including a play. The kick-off was successful and S.O.S. continues to grow.

Lastly the Committee discussed Ms. Ann Perone and the biohazard labels. Ms. Perone has yet to hear from Dr. Adel. Leg. Stewart-Cousins stated that she will follow-up with Dr. Adel to find out how he would like to handle this matter. Patrick Quinn of the WCHD will also inquire into this matter.

Leg. Swanson moved to adjourn, seconded by Leg. Stewart-Cousins. All in favor [2-0]. The meeting ended at 2:15 PM.