The meeting was called to order at 4:15 p.m.

Legislator Pinto made a motion to approve the minutes of February 22, 1999 and was seconded by Legislator Young. The motion was carried by a vote of 7-0.

The Committee asked for a legal opinion from the County Attorney on three questions, to which he responded in writing. Mr. Scheinkman came before the Committee to explain the response.

Question: Can the Laws of Westchester County be amended to require that all County Agency, Board and Commission members be residents of Westchester County?

Answer: Yes. It is not mandated in the Charter now, but it can be mandated if the Board so chooses.

This would be a Charter amendment, so it would require a public hearing. It would have to be adopted by July, and would possibly be subject to referendum.

Question: Can the number of members on the Local Conditional Release Board (LCRB) be changed to a definite number?

Answer: Yes. The number of members can be changed to a definite number as long as the number is not less than three.

Question: Can a member of the Board of Legislators be represented on this Board?

Answer: Yes. A member of the Board of Legislators may be represented on the LCRB if he or she meets the necessary qualification as set forth in the NYS Correction Law and is appointed by the County Executive. However, the term of a County Legislator is two years, while the term for a member of the LCRB is four (4) years. If the local law which mirrors the qualifications required by NYS law also imposes an additional requirement that one member of the LCRB also be a County Legislator, then only a County Legislator who is re-elected would be entitled to continue to serve on the LCRB for four (4) years. Otherwise, a County Legislator who is not re-elected would be forced to vacate the position on the LCRB after two (2) years.

In May of 1998 a memo went to Larry Schwartz asking that the number of members on the Electrical Licensing Board (ELB) be expanded from seven (7), to nine (9) members. It was decided that it would not be expanded. Larry Schwartz came before the Committee to explain this decision. Mr. Schwartz stated that the ELB was operating in a professional and responsible manner and saw no reason for a change. He stated that there have been no complaints and the lawsuit had been withdrawn. Chair Swanson stated that there have been some complaints. Legislator Stewart-Cousins explained that in her capacity as Chair of Legislation she has met with the ELB on several occasions and they are trying to do the task set forth before them. They have a huge level of commitment. Chair Swanson stated that she just wanted to see a broader mix in the ELB.

She is not questioning what any of the individuals have accomplished. There just seems to be a concentration of one type of electrician on the ELB. Legislator Wishnie stated that a number of electrical contractors failed to meet the deadline for grandfathering. However, there is proposed legislation that will extend the time for registering to be grandfathered.

Legislator Pinto made a motion to approve the resolutions confirming the appointment of John Pasquerella, Dennis McSpedon, Gary Lynch, Anthony Landi, Mark Cucinell, Thomas Devine and William Regan as members of the Electrical Licensing Board, and was seconded by Legislator Spreckman. The motion was carried by a vote of 7-0.

After a brief discussion, Legislator Latimer made a motion to approve the resolution confirming the appointment of Andrew Maniglia as a member of the Industrial Development Agency and was seconded by Legislator Pinto. The motion was carried by a vote of 5–2. (Swanson and Oros voted in the negative).

There was also a discussion on the fact that BOL staff member Bob Boland was asked to leave an IDA executive session. Chairman Latimer will follow up with Larry Schwartz to establish a policy and identify under what basis this will occur.

Legislator Young made a motion to receive and file the designation of Order of Assistants for the District Attorney’s Office, and was seconded by Legislator Spreckman. The motion was carried by a vote of 7-0.

Legislator Young made a motion to receive and file the Designation of Deputies for the County Clerk’s Office, and was seconded by Legislator Spreckman. The motion was carried by a vote of 7-0.

Legislator Pinto made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:13 p.m. and was seconded by Legislator Stewart-Cousins. The motion was carried by a vote of 7-0.