*MINUTES
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 PRESENT: Thomas Geiger, Esq.; Lottie Harris; Mae Carpenter; David Jackson.
Mrs. LaMotte called the meeting to order at 4:05 p.m.
APPOINTMENTS
PUBLIC UTILITY SERVICE AGENCY:
Thomas M. Geiger, Esq. Is a resident of Pleasantville and has been appointed as a Commissioner of the Public Utility Service Agency by County Executive Spano, for the term of January 1, 2001 through December 31, 2004. Mr. Geiger is partner with the law firm of Oxman, Natale, Friedman, Geiger and Tulis, P.C., who deal with a number of Fortune 500 corporations that drafts contracts and monitors deregulation procedures. He has also been involved in numerous energy resource groups and is very knowledgeable in the field. On the motion of Legislator Oros, seconded by Legislator Pinto, the appointment was approved by a 7-0 vote.
WOMEN’S ADVISORY BOARD
Lottie Harris: Is a resident of Scarsdale and has been appointed as an At-Large member of the Board for a term to expire December 31, 2001. Ms. Harris serves as Executive Director of the Child Care Council of Westchester, representing the Council in the general community, provides leadership and technical assistance to child care providers and parents. She is proud to be a member of this Board who has been very supportive of child care and who have made numerous contributions to support the child care association.
Legislator Young stated for the record, being the Board and the Child Care Council has a dual relationship, his contracting firm has had bids with the rehabilitation and renovation plans of the child care facility.
*APPROVED 3/21/01;VJP/GO
On the motion of Legislator Spreckman, seconded by Legislator Stewart-Cousins, the appointment was approved by a 7-0 vote.
COMMISSIONER OF SENIOR PROGRAMS & SERVICES:
Mae Carpenter: Is well known to the County Legislature for her outstanding service with the Office for the Aging. She said since the Office is only a name change, the transition has been busy undergoing the Millenium Aging Study, which will produce a massive outreach to communities. The outreach will consist of information about dual services of the department, purpose of the department and what are the needs for our seniors. The study will also consist of finding the number of seniors in the County and how they can utilize the department with services such as recreation, transportation and health issues.
There was a brief discussion about home assisted living and how funding can be achieved. Daily phone calls to single living seniors were asked by Legislator LaMotte, if a system can be put into place. Mrs. LaMotte mentioned that a Lions Club in her district is interested in placing such a system, but seeks financial aid to help them offset the cost.
Mrs. Carpenter said the cost is extreme and the Club may want to contact non-profit organizations, hospitals or through the local fire and police agencies.
She also suggests to seek aid through local churches and maybe explore the issue with Commissioner Kelly from EMS.
On the motion of Legislator Young, seconded by Legislator Pinto, the appointment for Mrs. Carpenter was approved by a 7-0 vote.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR-TAX COMMISSION
David Jackson: Mr. Jackson has been appointed by County Executive Spano on February 5, 2001, to fill the unexpired term of Margaret Iacomini, which ends September 30, 2001. He is a resident of Queens and has been serving as Director for one month. He will be responsible for examination, adoption and administration of all tax assessment rolls and procedures for Westchester County.
Mr. Jackson served as the Assistant Assessor in the Department of Finance in Norwalk Connecticut and prior to that he served as the Chief Assessor of Real Property Assessment Division for the Department of Finance and Revenue in Washington D.C.
He said it was too soon to tell how the County fairs, he is currently reviewing laws, policies and procedures of Westchester County. He is knowledgeable about re-evaluation, but said some communities are not ready to take part of the process, some are willing.
On the motion of Legislator Stewart-Cousins, seconded by Legislator Pinto, the appointment was approved by a 7-0 vote.
The minutes of February 14th were approved by Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator Oros. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried 7-0
The minutes of February 26th will be held over until the next meeting.
With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m. on the motion of Legislator Young, seconded by Legislator Pinto.