M I N U T E S
COMMITTEE ON COUNTY OFFICERS & DEPARTMENTS
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2000
4:00 P.M.
PRESENT: Chair: LaMotte. Members: Oros, Pinto, Spreckman, Stewart-Cousins, Swanson, and Young. Staff: Schecter, Vita.
Mrs. LaMotte called the meeting to order at 4:10 p.m.
Mr. Spano reported that the Administration and the union have been working together within the last few weeks, focusing on a resolution for a long-term contract (officers have been without a contract for 5 years). Until recent events came about at the jail regarding the women’s unit and arrests of four Correction Officers, contract negotiations are not complete.
He explained the recent situation at the jail effects the operation of the facility and mentioned that the publicized arrests was the County’s position to remove the male officers from the women’s facility, therefore, forcing the union into a litigation mode. He said this is illegal, but there have been cases that have been litigated and won in the past. He suggested to the Administration to review the Bedford Hills Women’s Facility rules and regulations for precautions and what steps are taken to protect inmates and correction staff.
Mr. Spano said there are various operational agreements as well as post bidding that will be effected and/or violated if male officers are removed from the women’s facility. He feels the Administration has pressured the union with the removal of the officers from the facility and in the interim caused operational problems.
Mr. Latimer asked if the Administration gave a time frame for the changes and asked about the staffing at the women facility. Mr. Spano said the Administration was to report within 10 days of the incident and the staff at the women’s facility is grossly inadequate.
Mrs. LaMotte thanked Mr. Spano for his input and asked that the Committee be kept posted on the matter.
Approved: 2/14/00;CIY/VJP; 5-0.
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COMMITTEE ON COUNTY OFFICERS & DEPARTMENTS
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Mr. Gerald Loehr was interviewed by the Committee for an at-large position and as Chair of the Solid Waste Commission.
Mr. Loehr received a call from the County Executive to serve as Chairman of the Commission and said he was impressed by the broad scope of the legislation that was patterned from New York City. The overall aspect of the position is to oversee the carting and hauling industries, both areas that are in need of attention and improvement. He would like to take an appropriate role in improving the law.
After reviewing Mr. Loehr’s resume, Mrs. LaMotte asked what are his present duties. He mentioned that he primarily practices litigation law, trial work, land use, and planning.
Mr. Oros asked Mr. Loehr if he had any dealings with the trash haulers industry when he worked in the New York County DA’s office, he replied no. He mentioned the Rackets Bureau that was involved in organized crime, but he was not directly involved in that unit. Mr. Oros also inquired if his firm represents any hauler industry that would cause a conflict, Mr. Loehr replied no.
Mr. Latimer asked if he had the opportunity to review any proposals or amendments. Mr. Loehr said he reviewed an RFP in which amendments may be made, particularly with a certain class of hauling that is not covered by the legislation. He also noticed that there are no provisions for small home improvements trucks and application of uniform fees needs to be reviewed for fairness of some businesses. An effort will be reviewed to assess the impact of fee applications. There are several issues of the enforcement provision that need to be reviewed also.
Mrs. LaMotte said there are areas of concern that must be fine-tuned and look forward with working with Mr. Loehr.
On the motion of Legislator Stewart-Cousins, seconded by Legislator Pinto, Mr. Loehr’s appointment as Chair to the Solid Waste Commission was approved by a 5-0 vote.
With no other business, the meeting adjourned at 4:40 p.m.