Thomas Abinanti (Chair), Paul Noto, George Latimer, Lou Mosiello

Richard Wishnie

Dolores Heredia, Brian Allen (Intern)

The meeting commenced at 3:50 PM.

The first item for discussion was the minutes of February 3, 1997. Leg. Mosiello moved to approve, seconded by Leg. Mosiello. All in favor [3-0] (Leg. Noto out for vote).

Next, the Committee discussed the redrafted committee report of the Fire Department Services. Leg. Noto moved to amend the existing committee report, seconded by Leg. Mosiello. All in favor [4-0].

Next, the Committee discussed a correspondence from Chairman Oros regarding Executive Order #1, 1997 . This Executive Order provides for project labor agreements and proposes adopting legislation which would mirror the County Executive’s Order to make it a permanent fixture of Westchester County law. Leg. Abinanti noted that this item will be added to the Committee items list, and a meeting on this subject will be scheduled.

Next, the Committee discussed fire arms. Leg. Abinanti has recommended that the Handgun Accountability Act be included as part of the Legislative Package. The concept of the act is as follows:

1. recertification of all handgun licenses every four years.

2. requirement that any new applicants take a firearm safety course.

3. allowing the County Board of Legislators to set the fee for licenses.

David Fusco, a resident of Mamaroneck, stated that the firearm safety course is a good idea; however, the recertification every four years would just create another level bureaucracy. Mr. Fusco believes that just a mere "checkup" on a gun owners is appropriate. Leg. Abinanti explained that this cannot be done; the County Clerk of Westchester County does not have the authority to do a checkup on gun owners. Leg. Abinanti also discussed that the Attorney’s General office did a random mailing of 100 names, and only 20 came back with the appropriate location of the handguns. Hence a mailing without a recertification process may prove inappropriate.

Several members of the League of Women Voters discussed their concern regarding the relationship between domestic violence and gun owners. Other constitutes voiced their opinion and concerns. The Committee will continue to address this issue at its next meeting.

The meeting ended at 5:30 PM.