*M I N U T E S

COMMITTEE ON COUNTYOFFICERS & DEPARTMENTS

MONDAY, APRIL 30, 2001

4:00 P.M.

 

 

PRESENT:  Chair:  LaMotte.  Members:  Oros, Pinto, Stewart-Cousins, and Swanson.  Staff:  Vita.

 

ALSO PRESENT:  Chief Ed Bruno, Chief Mark Daman, Fire Advisory Board candidates; Blanche Walker, Women’s Advisory Board candidate.

 

 

Mrs. LaMotte called the meeting to order at 4:10 p.m.

 

REAPPOINTMENTS:

PREQUALIFICATION BOARD:

William J. Hayduk, P.E.,:  a resident of White Plains was appointed as a Professional Engineer representative member to the Board for a term to expire December 31, 2004.  The Department of Public Works held two Prequalification Board meetings and Mr. Hayduk attended both.  He holds a professional Engineer license in both New York and New Jersey, and he is employed as a Chief Engineer with the Department of Public Works.

 

On the motion of Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator Swanson, the reappointment of William Hayduk P.E. is hereby approved by a 5-0 vote.

 

BOARD OF ETHICS:

The following candidates have been reappointed by the CountyExecutive to serve on the Board of Ethics:

Jeffrey A. Cohen, Esq.                   Lawrence Eichler                   Angelo J. Rubino

Robert P. Astorino                 Vincent A. DeIorio

 

Messrs. Cohen, Eichler and Rubino attended all seven meetings, whereas Messrs. Astorino and DeIorio were excused for one meeting each.

 

On the motion of Legislator Swanson, seconded by Legislator Pinto, the reappointment were approved by a 5-0 vote.

 

 

 

*APPROVED 5/14/01; VJP/UGL

COMMITTEE ON COUNTY OFFICERS & DEPARTMENTS        MINUTES

MONDAY, APRIL 30, 2001                                                               PAGE 2

 

APPOINTMENTS:

FIRE ADVISORY BOARD:

Chief Edward Bruno:  Is a resident of Eastchester and Chief of the Mount Vernon Fire Department since 1996.  He has been appointed to the Fire Advisory Board for the term January 1, 2001 through December 31, 2003.  He has attended several meetings and reports that things are moving along and is made-up of a great combination of representatives.  Areas of concern that need to be focused on are Mutual Aid, major communication with radio frequencies and with other municipalities.  A universal radio system has not been put into place as of yet.

 

When Legislator Swanson asked if radios have been put to use, Chief Bruno explained that all radios should be unified and the Board is trying to move into that direction, but it will take along time to be completed.  He said each department has been issued one portable radio to communicate from the department to the site, but each individual should have one of their own for better communication. 

 

Mrs. LaMotte asked to keep the lines of communication open and to call on the committee if issues need to be addressed.

 

Mr. Pinto commended Chief Bruno for a job well done in the City of Mt. Vernon and notes that he is well qualified and highly recommends his appointment to the Board.

 

On the motion of Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator Oros, the appointment is hereby approved by a 5-0 vote.

 

Chief Mark Daman:  Is a resident of White Plains and serves as the Fire Chief of the City of White Plains, which is a combination fire department.  His was appointed to the FAB for the term January 1, 2001 through December 31, 2003.  He has attended several meetings and notes that the Board needs direction in common communications and usage of a universal radio communication system.  He attended a demonstration at the DutchessCounty communication center, which is state of the art equipment and said that radio communication can be easily handled with separate radios frequencies and used for many advantages.  He also mentioned that there is a need to address coupling problems with hook-ups in some areas.

COMMITTEE ON COUNTY OFFICERS & DEPARTMENTS        MINUTES

MONDAY, APRIL 30, 2001                                                              PAGE 3

 

Mrs. LaMotte stated that if there are any problems on the Board to bring them forward to the COD Committee and they will be addressed.

 

Mr. Pinto advised if it is a public safety issue, then the Public Safety Committee should also be notified.

 

[FOR FILE:  Home mailing address for Mark Daman:

                     24 East Elm Street, Valhalla, New York   10595]

 

On the motion of Legislator Swanson, seconded by Legislator Pinto, the appointment is hereby approved by a 5-0 vote.

 

WOMEN’S ADVISORY BOARD:

Blanche Walker:   Is a lifelong resident of White Plains and is the Director of College Careers of Westchester.  She has been appointed to the WAB as a District 5 representative for a term to expire December 31, 2001, filling in the unexplored term of Regina Pock.  Ms. Walker served a variety of positions while employed by College Careers, who assist first generation students with financial aid and keeps in contact with each throughout their four years of schooling.  They also have been involved with incarcerated people who wish to continue their schooling for a better career.  She like to be involved with special issues and enjoys working to help low-income working women.

 

Mrs. LaMotte said Mrs. Walker will be a great asset to the Women’s Advisory board and wishes her success.

 

Mr. Pinto emulates Mrs. LaMotte remarks, noting he has worked with Ms. Walker for several years at school and with college career day.  She is very involved and recommends her highly to the position.

 

On the motion of Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator Oros, the appointment is hereby approved by a 5-0.

 

On the motion of Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator Swanson, the minutes of April 23, 2001 were approved as amended by a 5-0 vote.

 

 

With no other business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m.