*M I N U T E S
COMMITTEE ON COUNTY OFFICERS & DEPARTMENTS
MONDAY, JUNE 4, 2001
4:00 P.M.
PRESENT: Chair: LaMotte. Members: Latimer, Oros, Pinto, Spreckman, Stewart-Cousins, Swanson, and Young. Staff: Schecter, Vita.
ALSO PRESENT: Richard Wishnie, Legislator, 9th District; Bill Randolph,
CE Liaison.
Mrs. LaMotte called the meeting to order at 4:08 p.m.
Danna Wood, applicant for the African American Advisory Board, was unable to attend and will be rescheduled at another time.
APPOINTMENTS:
E.M.S. Advisory Board:
Chief John Kapica: Is a resident of Lake Carmel and has been appointed to the EMS Advisory Board for the term January 1, 2001 through December 31, 2002. He serves as the Chief of Police in the Town of Greenburgh’s Police Department since 1992 and has worked up the ranks within the Greenburgh P.D. since 1971. He is a certified NYS Emergency Medical Technician and has served as the President of the Greenburgh Police Association; delegate, member and vice-president of the Hudson Valley Regional Emergency Medical Services Council. Chief Kapica was instrumental as a member of the County’s 60 Control Task Force; served on the Interview Committee for the Commissioner of Emergency Services; as well as a member of the County Emergency Medical Services Task Force.
Mrs. Swanson said the County Executive appointed the Chief Chairman of the Advisory Board, which is well deserved.
Mr. Wishnie also said Chief Kapica is the most important reason why Westchester County has its own EMS Council, and said the County will benefit his input on the EMS Advisory Board.
*APPROVED-7/9/01-VJP;BS
All members were impressed with the Chief’s extensive background and years of dedicated service to the County and the Town of Greenburgh.
On the motion of Legislator Swanson, seconded by Legislator Pinto, the appointment is hereby approved by a 6-0 vote. (Latimer, Oros, out for the vote).
Carlos M. Bernard: Is a resident of Hartsdale, and has been appointed to the Tax Commission Advisory Board to fill the unexpired term of Martin Gasparino which expires December 31, 2004. He majored in Business and Finance, owns his own import/export distribution business and is the President of Sir Speedy Printing Company in Pleasantville, which services the needs of small and mid-market businesses within the Central Westchester area. He was also the Chief Executive Officer of Comint Leather Goods, Inc. where he directed the operation of an import distribution company supplying major U.S. retailers and controlled all aspects of financial management for business with sales of $45 million annually. He is involved with adopting the tax-equalization rates, but he does not determine them.
After a brief discussion about the duties and responsibilities of the members of the Advisory Board, the Chair thanked Mr. Bernard for his input.
Mrs. Stewart-Cousins said Mr. Bernard is competent, highly qualified and capable to serve this Board and gives her full support and recommends his appointment to the Board.
Mr. Young said he is familiar with Mr. Bernard’s background, as he serves on other Advisory Boards and has worked with him on several issues in his Minority Affairs Committee. He also recommends his appointment.
On the motion of Legislator Stewart-Cousins, seconded by Legislator Young the appointment is hereby approved by a 6-0 vote. (Latimer, Oros, out for the vote).
WOMEN’S ADVISORY BOARD:
Debbie Matystik: Is a resident of Hawthorne and has been appointed as an at-large member of the WAB with a term to expire on December 31, 2001. This is her first year on the Board and has been very impressed with the level of women who are serving. She is the Director of Volunteer Services at the Jewish Home and Hospital in the Bronx. She was also the Executive Director of the Victims Assistance Services of Westchester; the Director of Safety & Security of the Yonkers Office for the Aging; Consultant with the Hands of Healing Home Care Agency; representative of the National Federation of Interfaith Caregivers.
Ms. Matystik is involved in numerous community activities and is the recipient of a host of citations, and has served in numerous capacities as instructor, advisor and Chair of several organizations.
Mr. Oros was impressed with the two Master Degrees that Ms. Matystik holds, as well as her impressive background. All members agreed that she has an extensive and outstanding background.
On the motion of Legislator Swanson, seconded by Legislator Young, the appointment is hereby approved by a 5-0 vote. (Latimer, Spreckman, and Stewart-Cousins, out for vote).
The minutes of May 30, 2001, were approved by a 4-0 vote.
Mrs. LaMotte will schedule the Ethics Board Chairman to discuss current issues and get input and advice from the chairman.
On the motion of Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator Swanson, the meeting adjourned at 4:55 p.m.