MEMBERS: YOUNG, BRONZ

STAFF: CHANG, ETTERE, MORO (BOL)

OTHER: BILL RANDOLPH (CNTY. EXEC.’S OFFICE), HORHAY VARGUS (LIAISON FOR ADMINISTRATION TO HISPANIC ADVISORY BOARD), ROCCO POZZI (COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONS & PROBATION ), R.L. DAVIS (DEPTY. COMMISSIONER)

There is a tape on file for more detailed information.

The meeting was called to order at 1:15 p.n.

Bill Randolph’s Presentation:

Mr. Randolph was asked to come before the Committee to report on the services provided by the County to the Hispanic community. Mr. Randolph stated that the County employs 410 Hispanics, 303 live in this county, 95 are non-county employees, and 12 are out of State. Mr. Randolph gave statistics of how many Hispanic employees there are in each department as well as how many speak Spanish. He also gave the Committee a sample of printed material that is provided in Spanish from various departments. Some of the departments that currently have printed material in Spanish include the Health Department, Transportation, Probation, Environment, Social Services, Mental Health and the Youth Bureau.

Chair Young thanked Mr. Randolph for the statistics and literature then went on to say that he wanted to have a follow up meeting addressing some concerns that were expressed by the Hispanic Advisory Board at the February 18^th joint meeting. The basic concerns were as follows: 1. Services offered in the Department of Social Services – maybe more bilingual services could be provided especially in the larger Cities such as Mt. Vernon and Yonkers. 2.

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There is a need for more bilingual assistance in the disaster and emergency services. 3. Also, Community housing and Consumer Affairs.

Legislator Bronz suggested setting up a shelf where the Spanish literature would be accessible for constituents as well as developing a directory of Hispanic services and contact people.

Next month there will be a follow up meeting with Bill Randolph to address these issues.

Commissioner Pozzi’s Presentation:

Commissioner Pozzi was asked to come before the Committee to discuss the statistics and demographics of who is occupying the jail cells in Westchester County.

Commissioner Pozzi handed out a packet of charts which had gender, race and ethnic breakdowns as compared to other Counties, in addition to literacy and age breakdowns.

They graduate about 100 people per year through GED. They strongly encourage education and educational programs. They educate through BOCES and some other minor programs in corrections. 75 – 85 % of the people coming in, come in with some kind of substance abuse and they really don’t have any programs other that boot camp, for this. They will be starting new programs such as New Start. They also want a vocational center to do meaningful training. BOCES would provide them with instructors, they just have to find the space. They also feel they need a transitional plan. Everyone who leaves should have a plan for what they will do once they are out.. They want to set up a program to give guidance. They want a transitional planning team that will marry Corrections and Probation. The first step would be at the pre-trial date warning center (for non violent, low bail individuals), to give an

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option other than staying in the correctional facility. There would be a day program,

and house arrest in the evening so there would be 24 hour control, outside the correctional facility.

Besides there being a cost savings, they feel it is just the right thing to do. Their efforts will take a community effort. There should be programs all day and programs for them in their transitional housing. They want to see the kids educated and not come back.

The Committee was very encouraged by the plans of the Commissioner and stated that they were willing to help however they could.

Legislator Bronz made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 2:03 p.m. and was seconded by Legislator Young. The motion was carried by a vote of 2-0.