The meeting commenced at 3:45 PM.

The first item for discussion was the minutes of April 8, 1997. Leg. Noto moved to approve, seconded by Leg. Mosiello. All in favor [3-0]

(Leg. Delfino and Leg. Latimer out for vote).

Next the Committee discussed a Home Rule Resolution which would support a bill that amends the Civil Service law to add a new subdivision to prohibit the Delegation of Correction Officer Function to non-county employees. Leg. Abinanti stated that this bill is designed to preserve the position of Correction Officer as a non-transferable governmental responsibility. Joe Spano and Robert Buckley both spoke in favor of the Resolution. Leg. Abinanti asked Mr. Buckley to provide information to which he referred regarding the INS service in Jersey where a private firm performing correction functions abandoned their post which led to the destruction of a building. Leg. Mosiello moved to sign-out, seconded by Leg. Noto. All in favor [5-0].

Next the Committee discussed a Home Resolution supporting a bill which would amend the Civil Service law regarding the Detective Promotion Procedures. Leg. Abinanti stated that the bill is designed to require that a certified Public Safety Officer selected by Westchester County to serve in the position of detective for more than 18 months must be designated a detective. If the County administers examinations, this bill does not apply. Gary T. McGrath stated that would protect current detectives but would not infringe management prerogatives. He explained that a Court of Appeals held in a case regarding Rochester that there is no such thing as detective tenure under Civil Service. This ruling affected lower Westchester where tests are not given and where, in practice, a person serving in a detective position for more than 36 months is designated a detective. If a test is given, those serving as detectives will be exempt from the test. Leg. Mosiello moved to sign-out, seconded by Leg. Noto. All in favor [5-0].

Next the Committee discussed a Home Rule Request to support two identical bills introduced by Assemblyman Ronald Tocci and Senator Nicholas Spano. Perry Ochacher, explained that this is the same legislation that the Board has been discussing for 3 years and supported last year. This legislation would lift the current cap on the issuance of bonds without public referendum in the County from $10 to $25 million dollars but subject the $10 to $25 million dollar range to permissive referendum (as opposed to the current mandatory referendum). Leg. Mosiello moved to sign-out, seconded by Leg. Abinanti. All in favor [4-1] (Leg. Latimer voted in the negative).

Next the Committee discussed its upcoming meetings. Leg. Abinanti discussed the Birchwood Swimming Club. Ms. Hernstadt, a member of the Birchwood Swimming Club, requested that the Legislators act quickly in order to have the Swimming Club opened by Memorial day. The Committee agreed to discuss the plumbing licensing law on May 13th, 1997.

Next Leg. Abinanti discussed his memo regarding the Handgun Accountability Act which is a response to the discussion which took place at the Board’s Public Safety Committee. Leg. Abinanti stated that he supports the proposal by the New York State Pistol and Rifle Association for a state-of-the-art computer system as an addition not a substitute for his proposal. Leg. Abinanti asked the members to read his memo.

Next Leg. Abinanti stated that he is inviting the Commissioners of Elections to discuss financial filing by computer. Leg. Abinanti distributed copies of memos he sent to the Commissioners.

Next the Committee discussed agenda item C-1, legislation regarding Read Sanctuary. Leg. Latimer moved to receive and file, seconded by Leg. Mosiello. All in favor [3-0] (Leg. Delfino and Leg. Noto out for vote).

Leg. Mosiello moved to adjourned. The meeting ended at 4:30 PM.