*M I N U T E S
COMMITTEE ON
PRESENT: Chair: LaMotte. Members: Pinto, Stewart-Cousins, Swanson, and Young. Staff: Vita.
ALSO PRESENT: Bill Randolph, CE Liaison; Paula Zeman, Human Resources Commissioner; Louis Mosiello, Legislator, District 14; William Ryan, Legislator, District 5; Vassal Yablonsky. CE Liaison.
Mrs. LaMotte called the meeting to order at 4 p.m.
Mr. Mosiello asked the support of the COD Committee members for their approval to present the Westchester County Distinguished Service Award to two members of the Great Hunger Memorial. He explained that this award has not been given in several years and it is the highest form of recognition given by the Board of Legislators. Those who are awarded this honor have significantly benefited the general welfare and common good of the County of Westchester.
Mr. Mosiello explained that James Houlihan, Chairman of the Great Hunger Memorial Committee and Pat McEvoy, a member of the Committee, have both been instrumental in making the Memorial a reality. They have made tremendous strides to raise over half million dollars for the memorial. In doing so, they have honored the memory of those who perished during the tragic Irish famine. Therefore Mr. Mosiello would like to recognize their efforts for their outstanding work and present these two individuals with this distinguished award.
On the motion of Legislator Young, seconded by Legislator Pinto, the Resolution to present the Distinguished Service Award to James Houlihan and Pat McEvoy is approved by a 5-0 vote. All in favor, none opposed.
A ceremony will be held on June 26th, all legislators will be invited.
*APPROVED 4/30/01;VJP/ACS
COMMITTEE ON COUNTY OFFICERS & DEPARTMENTS MINUTES
MONDAY, APRIL 23, 2001 PAGE 2
Onto regular business, Mrs. LaMotte thanked Ms. Zeman for taking time out of her busy schedule to discuss a problem regarding civil service examination notices.
Mrs. LaMotte received a letter from the Town of Bedford stating that the delivery of civil service exam notification was delayed on several occasions and applicants were unable to participate in taking exams. Mr. Pinto experienced the same problem on several occasions within his School districts.
Ms. Zeman explained that there was a problem with the Printer Company previously under contract with the County Personnel Department in November 1999. Any applicants/candidates were admitted to take the examinations. In January 2001, complaints came again from the Town of Bedford. Rather than find a new printing company, Ms. Zeman and staff call on the local municipalities for their email addresses. She then sent out questionnaires to all for their suggestions and comments to have the announcements sent via email. This process would expedite the notification process and each candidate, department, town, village and school district would have access to their own individual notice.
Ms. Zeman said since January 2001, the problem has been remedied, but the Town of Bedford has not responded to the questionnaire or the request for email information.
Mrs. LaMotte said with Town Hall, currently undergoing renovations and the Supervisor’s long-time secretary has since retired, she will speak with Mr. Dinin’s office and have the questionnaire reviewed and any other information that is needed be forwarded to Ms. Zeman.
Mrs. Stewart-Cousins took the opportunity to commend Ms. Zeman and her staff for their efforts to promptly respond to requests and inquiries made by the Board and the public.
On the motion of Legislator Stewart-Cousins, seconded by Legislator Pinto, the Item, 1D is received and filed by a 5-0 vote.
COMMITTEE ON COUNTY OFFICERS & DEPARTMENTS MINUTES
On the motion of Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator Stewart-Cousins, the minutes of April 2, 201 were approved by a 5-0 vote.
Agenda Item 10D: As per Mr. Young’s’ letter of April 17, 2001, Reverend Heywood is unable to fulfill his responsibilities to the Rent Guidelines Board and withdrew his name until a future date. The item is hereby received and filed by a 5-0 vote.
Reappointment to the Hispanic Advisory Board, Pre Qualification Board, and the Board of Ethics will be prepared for approval of the Committee for April 30th, along with various appointments that are scheduled.
Ms. Debra Mytystik, Women’s Advisory Board and Chief Edward Bruno, Fire Advisory Board, will be rescheduled for another date. Both were unable to attend today’s meeting.
At the request of Legislator Swanson, Legislator Ryan was called into the meeting to discuss the composition of the Fire Advisory Board. At the time of its conception, Mr. Ryan and Mrs. Swanson were part of the Administration’s discussions of the makeup of the new board. Mr. Ryan said it was a tremendous job, there were numerous meetings with paid and volunteer firefighters, all unions, including Putnam and Westchester Chapters, and the Fire Associations, then finally a meeting of all participants.
Mr. Ryan further explained that Mr. Hashmall was the head of any interviewing and appointments made, he and Mrs. Swanson were not party to that process. A list was to be given to the Board, but to his knowledge, neither a list nor resolution was presented to the Board.
Mrs. LaMotte and the committee members thanked Mr. Ryan for his time. Mrs. LaMotte requested a list from the Administration that will include names, terms and expiration dates.
With no other business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m., on the motion of Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator Swanson.