FIRE ADVISORY

ELECTRICIANS

The meeting commenced at 3:40 PM.

The first item for discussion was the electricians licensing law. Leg. Wishnie first brought this item to the Committee’s attention. Leg. Abinanti noted this particular item entails a three step process:

Leg. Wishnie discussed the background of this matter, and mentioned how this issue has been of concern for twenty-five years or more. The committee that has been formed, which is present at today’s meeting, represents every possible segment of the industry (independent, union, non-union, etc.). What this group as a committee has done is to update the drafts of legislation by comparing and looking at other city and county legislation.

Leg. Abinanti asked whether there are any communities that do not license electricians. Joseph Angelori, President of Westchester License Electrical answered that there are three communities. Leg. Abinanti also questioned whether a license is honored anywhere in the County. The committee explained that a person with a valid license from White Plains will be allowed, once he/she paid a fee, to get a reciprocal license elsewhere.

Leg. Noto asked whether the "grandfathering" provision was included, and Leg. Abinanti asked whether there would be an Electrician’s Board. Leg. Wishnie answered that all electricians would be grandfathered in as soon as the legislation is approved by Westchester County. Anyone who comes after the fact, would then have to take a test given by an independent body.

Leg. Abinanti suggested that the Committee Members as well as the County Attorney’s office review the legislation. The next meeting on this issue will be October 8th, 1996.

The next item for discussion was agenda item C-24. A letter from the Chairperson of the Public Campaign Finance Commission requesting an extension of the October 1, 1996 deadline within which it must fulfill its charge was discussed next. Leg. Latimer moved to sign-out this legislation, seconded by Leg. Delfino. All in favor [5-0].

The nest item for discussion was agenda item C-27. A proposed local law in relation to the Fire Advisory Board and the creation of the Department of Fire Safety Services. This legislation would remove the office of Fire Safety Services from the Office of the County Executive and make it a separate department. The County Executive has assured the Committee that this legislation conforms with the Civil Service law.

Leg. Delfino noted for the record that this item was reviewed in COD and unfortunately a joint meeting with the Legislation could not take place. Leg. Delfino also noted that this item was unanimously signed-out of COD.

Walter Groden, the fire coordinator, discussed that these changes codified what is in practice at this time and is responsive to the needs of the committee to see what money is being spent for the fire safety service. The office of Fire Services was under the County Executive’s office and when it was a smaller function it stayed there nicely. However, as things continued to grow the size and scope of the functions continued to grow as well. This resulted in the County Executive’s budget growing as well as the head count growing. The creation of a separate department will afford a clear picture what is being spent by the department of Fire Safety Services to support the efforts of the local fire departments. This is also responsive to the Civil Service standards which require that this be a competitive position, and that the County Executive appoint the Fire Coordinator from a Civil Service list.

Leg. Abinanti questioned whether the Department would not have a Department Head who does not serve at the pleasure of the County Executive; rather, the Department Head would serve as a Civil Service employee? Mr. Groden answered that this possibly would be the case. Leg. Delfino discussed how this legislation does conform with Civil Service law. Leg. Delfino mentioned that he talked with Tony Giambruno, who assured him of the conformity with the Civil Service law.

Leg. Abinanti explained how the policy function of this legislation was reviewed by COD. Leg. Abinanti feels that the role of the Legislation Committee is to make sure that the legislation/writing is technically correct. Leg. Abinanti will ask the County Attorney to come in to speak on this legislation. Leg. Delfino suggests bringing Mr. Giambruno, the Personnel Officer, in at the same time so that all concerns may be addressed. The Committee will meet and discuss this issue on September 24, 1996.

The next item for discussion were the minutes. Leg. Noto moved to accept the corrected minutes, seconded by Leg. Latimer. All in favor [5-0].

Leg. Latimer moved to received and filed the following items:

Seconded by Leg. Noto. All in favor [5-0].

Leg. Latimer moved to received and filed the following items into the Reval File:

:

Seconded by Leg. Noto. All in favor [5-0].

Leg. Latimer moved to receive and file the following items in the Bar-Closing File:

Seconded by Leg. Noto. All in favor [5-0].

The next item discussed was item B-2, a copy of a letter from Hon. Donovan to the Chairman of the Committee on Legislation requesting that the committee formulate and introduce legislation which would allow the recall of elected officials upon the petition of the voters. Leg. Abinanti asked Leg. Noto to discuss an appropriate meeting time with Hon. Leg. Donovan. Leg. Noto moved to received and filed, seconded by Leg. Latimer. All in favor [5-0].

The next item for discussion was item B-4, a copy a memorandum to the Commissioners of Elections re: computerization of campaign finance. This item will be the second item discussed at the October 9th Committee meeting.

The last item for discussion was agenda item C-28, copies of letters sent to all Westchester Mayors, Supervisors and School District Superintendents re: Sales Tax Exemptions. Leg. Abinanti suggests that the Budget Committee should take the lead on this item, and that the Legislation Committee will deal with the legislation writing.

Leg. Noto moved to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 4:45 PM.