*MINUTES

COMMITTEE ON COUNTYOFFICERS & DEPARTMENTS

MONDAY, JANUARY 8, 2001

4:00 P.M.

 

 

PRESENT:    Chair:  LaMotte.  Members:  Oros, Pinto, Spreckman, Stuart-Cousins; Swanson and Young.  Staff:  Schecter, Vita.

 

ALSO PRESENT:    Sal Celona, former Westchester County Director of Water Agency; Vasyl Yablonski, Intern-CE’s office.

 

 

Mrs. LaMotte opened the meeting at 4:15 p.m.

 

Mr. Celona asked the Board to approve his request for a waiver in accordance with the provisions of the Westchester County Code of Ethics.  Mr. Celona retired on October 11, 2000, from his position as the Director of the Westchester County Water Agency and took another position with Baker Engineering, Elmsford, on November 6, 2000, as the Director of the Civil/Infrastructure Department. 

 

Legislators LaMotte and Swanson, questioned the language of the Resolution which stated that the incumbent would bid on future projects with the County on behalf of Baker Engineering, utilizing his expertise in this field.  Mrs. Swanson said it was the practice of the Board to sign a waiver statement that states that a person would not engage in any work for the County within one year after leaving County employment.

 

The members agreed to this practice and asked to have Mr. Celona’s request held over until clarifications are made by the CountyAttorney’s office.  The committee will reschedule Mr. Celona for another interview when the matter is resolved.

 

Mrs. LaMotte will schedule a meeting with the Acting Deputy County Attorney on Tuesday, January 9^th at 3 p.m. to discuss the matter further and find a resolution as soon as possible.

 

 

 

Revised 1/12/01;ugl

APPROVED:1/22/01;VJP/GO

Minutes  Committee on County Officers & Departments     Page 2

 

Due to the holiday on Monday, January 15^th, Mrs. LaMotte asked the members to decide on a mutual day to meet.  The members agreed to meet on Wednesday, January 17^th at 11:00 a.m.  Members will be notified if there are any changes.

 

After several discussions relating to the Rent Guidelines Board, it was agreed to have all applicants for the public private and landlord positions interviewed at the same time.

 

Only one applicant has come before the Committee to replace the vacancy left by Ralph Amicucci, who resigned September 2000.  Joseph Whelan’s term as a public member has expired on December 31, 2000.  He will be contacted and asked if he would like to be reappointed to the Board.

 

The subject came up again relating to the staggered terms and expiration dates.  This issue is an ongoing problem within all Boards and Commissions and Mr. Pinto said he would like to see this matter be resolved as soon as possible.

 

On Monday, January 22^nd, at 4 :00 p.m., interviews for the Rent Guidelines Board positions will be scheduled.

 

Mrs. LaMotte introduced the new Intern from the CountyExecutive’s office, Vasyl Yablonski.  Mr. Yablonski is an exchange student from the Ukraine, who is currently attending PaceUniversity as a Political Science Major.  Mrs. Stewart-Cousins acquainted him about the Ukrainian community in Yonkers and said she will look into some activities that might be of interest to him.

 

The minutes of December 18, 2000 were approved as amended on the motion of Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator Swanson, by a 7-0 vote.

 

 

 

 

With no other business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m. on the motion of Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator Swanson.