The meeting was called to order at 4:10 p.m.

Legislator Stewart-Cousins motioned to receive and file the Designation of Deputies for the Department of Transportation, and was seconded by Legislator Pinto. The motion was carried by a vote of 5-0.

Legislator Pinto motioned to approve the minutes of March 11, 1998 and was seconded by Legislator Young. The motion was carried by a vote of 5-0.

Chair Swanson asked Mr. Schmidt what prompted him to apply for the public position on the Rent Guidelines Board. Mr. Schmidt responded that he saw the ad in the paper and he wanted to do something in the County in which he lives. He wanted to participate in a public Service. Chair Swanson asked Mr. Schmidt to explain a little bit of what he did as a rental examiner at the NYS Dept. of Housing and Community Renewal. Mr. Schmidt responded that he analyzed and drafted legally binding orders involving the rent control and stabilization laws of New York. For example if there was a capital improvement, he had to review the paper work to see if it was justified, and find out if there was

an overcharge. He did this for about six (6) months back in the mid 1980’s. Chair Swanson asked Mr. Schmidt what his understanding of the duties and function of the RGB was. Mr. Schmidt stated that he believed they determine if an increase is warranted or not under the rent stabilization laws. Also there are the issues of rent control vs. rent stabilization. Chair Swanson asked if he was on any rent boards. Mr. Schmidt stated that he sometimes sits for Small Claims Assessment Review (SCAR). This is where people challenge their taxes on private houses. He does it a few times a year. Legislator Pinto asked Mr. Schmidt if the fact that he defended one of the world’s former largest landlords from premise liability suits with substantial claims would prejudice him in any way because they are looking for someone to give a purely objective view. Mr. Schmidt felt it would not prejudice him in any way. He is not a tenant or a landlord and he would come in with an open mind.

Chair Swanson asked Mr. Tenenzapf what prompted him to apply for the position. Mr. Tenenzapf explained that he grew up as a tenant in apartments in Westchester and he has past personal experience as a landlord owning cooperative apartments in Westchester. He understands both sides. He currently owns his own home, and no longer owns the co-ops , so he is not a tenant or landlord. Chair Swanson asked what his understanding of the public member position was . Mr. Tenenzapf responded that the individual would have to be extremely fair and impartial. He went on to say that he is currently not a tenant or landlord but he has professional experience as landlord’s attorney litigating landlord-tenant matters, commercial and residential in Westchester County’s local court system, and was a tenant for his whole youth so he is familiar with relevant issues.

Chair Swanson explained that Ms. D’Ambrosio was seeking a waiver from section 883.21(h)(2) of the Code of Ethics so that she may work for Epstein, Becker and Green, P.C., a law firm which provides legal

services to the County of Westchester. A detailed explanation was given in the letter submitted by Ms. D’Ambrosio. Ms. D’Ambrosio will not appear before any agency in relation to any contract, case, proceeding or application to which she personally rendered substantial services during her employment.

Legislator Pinto motioned to approve the waiver from section 883.21(h)(2) of the Code of Ethics to allow Denise D’Ambrosio to work for Epstein, Becker and Green, P.C. and was seconded by Legislator Spreckman. The motion was carried by a vote of 4-0. Legislator Young was out for the vote.

There being no further business Legislator Oros motioned to adjourn the meeting at 4:53 p.m. and was seconded by Legislator Stewart-Cousins. The motion was carried by a vote of 4-0.