*MINUTES

COMMITTEE ON COUNTY OFFICERS & DEPARTMENTS

MONDAY, JUNE 25, 2001

4:00 P.M.

 

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

 

ALSO PRESENT:  Marc Fenichel, CE Liaison.

 

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

 

Board of Ethics

James DeLuca:  Is a resident of New Rochelle and has been appointed as a member of the Board of Ethics for the term January 1, 2001 through December 31, 2003, filling in the unexpired term of Linda Martin Esq.  Mr. DeLuca served as trial counsel for various insurance companies and he is well known to many as City Judge in New Rochelle, since retired.  Judge DeLuca read recent newspaper articles regarding the process of obtaining waivers for County employees and agrees that the County needs some assistance to properly grant waivers to employees.  He suggested that an applicant come to the Board of Ethics to file the proper paperwork and the necessary request prior to approval of the Board of Legislators.  He has attended one Board meeting and does not foresee any problems. 

 

On the motion of Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator Spreckman, this appointment of Judge DeLuca is hereby approved by a 7-0 vote.

 

 

E.M.S. ADVISORY BOARD

David Dawson:  Is a resident of White Plains and has been appointed as a member of the Westchester County Emergency Medical Services Advisory Board for the term January 1, 2001 through December 31, 2002.  He has overall 24 years of experience in the Ambulance industry beginning as an EMT driver progressing to Regional Director of Marketing for the 3^rd largest Ambulance Company in the United States.

 

Mr. Dawson has attended all meetings since the new Board took over and is very pleased with the membership as well as the input and planning to improve the EMS system.

 

 

*APPROVED 7/23/01; BS/ACS

COMMITTEE ON COUNTY OFFICERS & DEPARTMENTS                MINUTES                                                                                          PAGE 2

 

His concerns include what travels on I287, improved communications and disaster preparedness, which is essential for Westchester County.  Mrs. LaMotte asked to be updated on the issues discussed in the various committees.

 

On the motion of Legislator Swanson, seconded by Legislator Stewart-Cousins, the appointment is approved by an 8-0 vote.

 

ETHICS WAIVERS

Legislator Kay Carksy (Item 9D) requested the Committees on COD and Legislation to review the process of the County’s Ethics Law granting waivers to County employees.  She suggests legislation be drafted to transfer the power to approve waivers to the Board of Ethics.

 

Mr. Jeffrey Cohen, Chairman of the Westchester County Board of Ethics is present to lend his view on the matter.  He has discussed this matter with other members of the Ethics Board and there was a general sense that if the Board of Legislators deemed it appropriate to send waivers to the Ethics Board and have them make the ultimate decision.  He feels if the Ethics Board, not as a Commission, makes the determination, there should be guidelines to consider.

 

Discussion pursued with regard to the criticism that the Board has received in recent months and how the County benefits from these requests.  Mr. Cohen suggests alternate or flexible waivers, such as an employee can work for a firm for 6 months but not on certain cases or change the request to 6 months opposed to 1 year.  He offered assistance from the Ethics Board to aid the Legislature’s capacity.  The amount of work in making a determination was discussed as well as a suggestion to hold “hearings” where both Boards meet with individuals and more responsibility is given to the Ethics Board.

 

Both sides were available for suggestions, Mr. Cohen said he will look into other Counties and report back to the Chair. 

 

With no other business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m. on the motion of Legislator LaMotte, seconded by Legislator Spreckman.