*M I N U T E S
COMMITTEE ON COUNTY OFICERS AND DEPARTMENTS
MONDAY, JUNE 26, 2000
4:00 P.M.
PRESENT: Chair: LaMotte. Members: Oros; Pinto; Stewart-Cousins, and Young. Staff: Schecter, Vita.
ALSO PRESENT: Bill Randolph, County Executive Liaison; Laddon Norman, County Executive Intern; Marianna O’Dwyer; Dr. Gregory Smith; Appointees for the Human Rights Commission.
Mrs. LaMotte called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.
Marianna O’Dwyer: A resident of North Salem and Assistant Vice Chancellor at the State University of New York-NYC, was appointed as a member of the Human Rights Commission by County Executive Spano. She currently serves on the Board of Trustees Executive Committee at Loyola School, as well as on the Board of Trustees at the Churchill School, a private school for learning disabled children.
Mrs. O’Dwyer said her family has been Human Rights advocates for years and she always had an interest to join an active group and to be more involved. She was unable to attend the second meeting when they began to develop rules and regulations, and said once the Commission develops guidelines, the process should move along smoothly. She is pleased with the Commission’s diverse background.
All members were impressed with Ms. O’Dwyer’s background and experience.
On the motion of Legislator LaMotte, seconded by Legislator Young, Ms. Marianna O’Dwyer was approved as a member of the Human Rights Commission, by a 5-0 vote.
Revised 7/10/00; UGL
*APPROVED 7/10/00; GO/BS; 8-0O
Minutes Committee on County Officer’s & Departments Page 2
WESTCHESTER COUNTY HEALTH CARE CORPORATION
John Heimerdinger’s appointment was held due to concerns of some Committee members. Since last discussed, those concerns have been met and satisfied. Mrs. LaMotte asked to move Mr. Heimerdinger’s appointment to the Board of Directors for the Health Care Corporation. Legislator Young, seconded the motion, none opposed, motion carried 5-0.
Betsy Stern’s reappointment to the Health Care Corporation will be held over until an interview is scheduled.
Due to relationships between the Board of Legislators and the Hospital Board, this Committee must interview all re-appointments for the Hospital Board only.
Mr. Randolph mentioned to the Chair that there is a time period for Dr. Lipsman’s appointment as Health Department Commissioner. Mrs. LaMotte said the Committee needs to discuss some issues further with Dr. Lipsman and she will schedule him for the meeting on Monday, July 10th, at 4 p.m.
The minutes of the following meetings were approved as amended, by a 5-0 vote:
May 15th-VJP;CIY; June 5th-VJP;CIY
June 12th-GO;CIY; June 19th-ASC;GO
The meeting recessed at 5:00 p.m. until further notice.
The meeting reconvened at 5:40 p.m.
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
Dr. Gregory R. Smith: A White Plains resident, Presiding Elder of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in White Plains and Director of Consumer Marketing for Bell Atlantic has been appointed by the County Executive to serve on the Human Rights Commission.
Dr. Smith attended the first meeting, but missed the second meeting when the vote was taken for rules and regulations. He stressed an important issue that consistency follows the Commission.
Minutes Committee on County Officer’s & Departments Page 3
Dr. Smith said because of the diverse background of the membership, there may be some differences of opinions, some with legal experience, some without, but the end product must be executed fairly. He said recourse is another issue and how the Commission will execute the matter is a concern of most. He feels the guidelines must be fair and healthy and may need changes from time to time, but it must be done properly.
Mr. Oros asked if the membership was too large. Dr. Smith said it was too early to tell, but the Commission needs to set a quorum.
Mrs. Stewart-Cousins agreed that regulations must be in place to set a day, time and quorum in order to move the process along.
Mr. Oros mentioned that the Board of Legislators would host a meeting to meet with the Commissions and their members.
When the rules are set, Mr. Smith suggested the COD Committee look into the Commission’s functions and structure and its impact on the County. They need to keep communication lines open and make it known that the Human Rights Commission is accessible and there is a vehicle in Westchester that is available. It is important that the members stay involved and stay in touch and keep at the “grass roots” of the Commission.
Mr. Young has known Dr. Smith for a number of years and his reputation of committing to issues of importance is a part of his daily makeup. He works with various community groups and takes time to listen and follows through with his commitments.
Mr. Pinto said three constituents have called him asking if the Commission was ready to receive complaints. He also appreciates Dr. Smith’s efforts and willingness to serve on this commission.
On the motion of Legislator Young, seconded by Legislator Stewart-Cousins, the appointment of Dr. Gregory Smith as a member of the Human Rights Commission is approved by a 5-0 vote.
With no other business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m.