COMMITTEE ON COUNTY OFFICERS AND DEPARTMENTS
MONDAY, APRIL 3, 2000
4:00 P.M.
PRESENT: Chair: LaMotte. Members: Latimer, Oros, Pinto, Spreckman, Stewart-Cousins, Swanson, and Young. Staff: Schecter, Vita.
ALSO PRESENT: Legislator Lois Bronz, District 8; Ingrid Bent, County Executive Intern; Daniel Franklin, Joel Klein, Bill Randolph, County Executive Liaison; Joe Pecora, County Employee.
Mrs. LaMotte called the meeting to order at 4:05 p.m.
Daniel Franklin, Jr.: A Pleasantville resident, read a newspaper article about the upcoming Citizen Consumer Advisory Council, wrote back to the paper and volunteered to become a member. He has a diverse background in consumer affairs, project administration, fundraising, and nonprofit organization administration. He is currently employed by Consumers Union, as a Manager for Special Projects and Acting Labor Relations Director, responsible for local government and community relations.
Mr. Franklin has attended two meetings since he was appointed in October 1999, and finds Elaine Price, Consumer Affairs Director, effective as well as efficient in her new position as Director and welcomes her energy and enthusiasm. He mentioned that the others on the Council are a great group of people and looks forward to working together on some projects. He suggests the Council propose a review of labeling herbal supplements, which consumers seem to buy over the counter and not know the complete background of these supplements and their potential. He is willing to assist the County with any other cases they deem questionable.
Mrs. Swanson was impressed with Mr. Franklin’s background and asked if he was filling in an expired term and he replied that Mr. Hosey’s term had expired. Mrs. Swanson requested an update on all lists of Boards, Councils, and Commissions as soon as possible.
Amended 4/10/00-ugl
*APPROVED-4/24/00;VJP/BS;6-0
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Mrs. LaMotte thanked Mr. Franklin for his input and said his confirmation will
be voted on by the full Board at the April 10th meeting.
On the motion of Legislator Swanson, seconded by Legislator Spreckman, Daniel Franklin, Jr., was approved as a member of the Citizen Consumer Council, by a vote of 8-0.
Joel Klein: a resident of Croton-on-Hudson, with an extensive background in archeology and utilities and has been appointed by the County Executive as a member of the Citizen Consumer Advisory Council, as the Area 6 representative (Peekskill/Cortlandt/Croton/Buchanan). Mr. Klein is a 20-year employer of Foster Wheeler Environmental Corporation responsible for the operation of deregulation issues. He worked on the gas pipeline for 10 years researching how cost and impact would relate to the consumer.
When asked about his relation with the Dormitory Authority, he said he was involved in some ongoing contracts. He mentioned that he has attended several Council meetings, noting there are some problems that need review, such as clothing tax, herbal medicines and utility problems. He has a special concern with the phone company and the way consumers are treated and would like to focus on this area.
Mr. Oros suggests the Board look into this, because of numerous constituent complaints he receives regarding the phone company.
Mrs. LaMotte thanked Mr. Klein for his time and said his confirmation will be voted on by the full Board at the April 10th meeting.
On the motion of Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator Swanson, Joel I. Klein, was approved as a member of the Citizens Consumer Advisory Council, by a vote of 8-0.
Mr. Joseph Pecora, a constituent of Legislator Oros, appeared before the Committee at the request of Mr. Oros for the purpose of discussing a County related work problem. Mr. Pecora made strong accusations regarding abusive treatment of personnel staff at the Ossining Sewer Treatment Plant.
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He stated that foul language, harassment and misinformation has been going on at the plant for several years and his complaints have fallen on deaf ears. He reported that supervisors have misinformed Management about the status of spills, other incidents have been covered up, equipment is broken and has not been repaired or replaced. There have been incidents were employees have been drinking on the job, which he has documented. He has documentation on tape when bringing these accusations to the Union, the Administration, and the Supervisors at the plant. He wants the Board to know the situation and wants action taken. He is being terminated on April 20th.
Mr. Oros and Mrs. Stewart-Cousins agreed that there are similar situations going on within several plants in the County and they are trying to rectify the situations.
Mr. Latimer said there were a host of issues to be sorted through and suggests the Chair discuss them at length with Mr. Pecora and prioritize the documents in order and report back to the Committee for further action. All members were in agreement with Mr. Latimer’s suggestion.
On the motion of Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator Stewart-Cousins, the following individuals were reappointed to their respective Commissions or Boards, by a vote of 8-0.
Mary S. Moore, Citizens Consumer Advisory Council.
Eileen Pilla and Jeanne Richman, Planning Board.
Ralph Butler and William T. Regan, Electrical Licensing Board.
Mrs. Swanson asked for an updated list of all reappointments and asked for the replacement of Ralph Butler on the Plumbing Licensing Board.
With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 5:10 on the motion of Legislator Young, seconded by Legislator Pinto.
*Amended 4/10/00-ugl