M I N U T E S
COMMITTEE ON COUNTY OFFICERS & DEPARTMENTS
4:00 P.M.
PRESENT: Chair: LaMotte. Members: Oros, Pinto, Spreckman, Stewart-Cousins, Swanson, and Young. Staff: Schecter, Vita.
ALSO IN ATTENDANCE: County Attorney Alan Scheinkman; Deputy County Attorney Stacy Dolgin-Kmetz; Senior Assistant County Attorney Kyle McGovern; William Randolph, Liaison to the County Executive.
Mrs. LaMotte called the meeting to order at 4:10 p.m.
After introduction of the new committee members, the County Attorney presented a resolution for an ethics waiver for Kyle McGovern, Senior County Attorney.
Pursuant to Section 883.21 (h) (2) of the Westchester County Code of Ethics, Mr. Kyle McGovern came before the Committee seeking approval to accept a position with the law firm of Bingham Dana LLP. Most members were familiar with the law firm’s name and the County Attorney explained that Bingham Dana LLP provides legal services to the County by contract with the Law Department and has worked with Mr. McGovern on the Liberty Lines/Environmental lawsuit. Since Mr. McGovern had originally intended to leave County service for another position, Bingham Dana offered a superior position.
Mr. Scheinkman said Mr. McGovern has worked in his department as an Assistant County Attorney since May 1994 and was promoted in June of 1998 to Senior Assistant County Attorney. He has provided professional and substantial services during his service with the County. Mr. Scheinkman said Mr. McGovern had no involvement with the selection of, nor the authority, to approve any fees for services rendered by Bingham Dana LLP.
Revised 2/7/00-ss
Approved: 2/14/00;CIY/VJP; 5-0.
MINUTES
COMMITTEE ON COUNTY OFFICER & DEPARTMENTS
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Mr. McGovern asked to approve his request as a time sensitive matter, due to the fact that Bingham Dana wants him to start working on January 20th and the next Board meeting is not scheduled until February 28th.
Mr. McGovern understands that while doing business with the law firm, he would not make any appearance before any Westchester County department or agency in relation to any contract, case or proceedings for one year following his termination from County service.
Mrs. LaMotte opened the floor for questions. All were in favor for a unanimous consent vote, but were concerned with the procedures of the Ethics Board. Mr. Oros mentioned that this committee should focus on a workable law to provide proper guidelines to follow in such cases as this.
Legislators LaMotte and Stewart-Cousins agreed to make this issue a joint subject matter between the Committees on Legislation and COD and agree to support this matter by unanimous consent.
Mr. McGovern was granted his waiver by a unanimous consent (7-0) and wished good luck and great success.
With regard to the reorganization of the new committee, the members agreed to meet every Monday, at 4 p.m. unless otherwise notified. A quorum of three (3) was set to open a meeting and a quorum of four (4) to vote. Mr. Pinto suggests that the same guidelines and procedures be followed from the previous committee.
Mrs. LaMotte will review the prior committee blueprints, and suggested that the members of this committee should have a list of questions ready at the time of interviews.
The members briefly discussed Item 1D, a request to involve Electrical Inspectors to be part of the selection process for the Electricians Licensing Board. There were many issues relating to this item and will be subject to a future meeting.
On the motion of Legislator Stewart-Cousins, seconded by Legislator Pinto, the meeting adjourned at 4:40 p.m.