*MINUTES
COMMITTEE ON COUNTY OFFICERS & DEPARTMENTS
MONDAY, JULY 16, 2001
4:00 P.M.
PRESENT: Chair: LaMotte. Members: Oros, Pinto, Spreckman, Stewart-Cousins, Swanson and Young. Staff: Schecter, Vita.
ALSO PRESENT: William Randolph, CE Liaison.
Mrs. LaMotte called the meeting to order at 4:07 p.m.
APPOINTMENTS:
Rent Guideline Board
Jane Morgenstern: Is a resident of Dobbs Ferry and was recommended by Legislator Abinanti for the Public Member position on the Rent Guidelines Board. Ms. Morgenstern is an impartial Labor Arbitrator since 1996, serving the New York City Collective Bargaining Units as well as the NYC Transit Authority, Board of Education and United Federation of Teachers. She is also a Hearing Officer for the NYC Health & Hospitals Corporations as well as a member of the Personnel Review Board. She has also served as Assistant Commissioner, Chief Grievance Hearing Officer under several Mayoral Administration’s (Guiliani the most recent). She is involved in community affairs and feels it is her duty to lend an objective and neutral opinion to the Board. She has worked under both parties , she is not political, and neither a landlord nor a tenant
When asked to give an example that requires objective judgement, Ms. Morgenstern said she is required to listen to both sides of a dispute, review and examine evidence and prepares a report of the outcome. She would lose credibility if she were not objective. She is aware of what is involved with the process of the Guidelines Board and offered to be reached for any other questions at 570-833-4377.
At this time a recommendation will not be made until the other candidate is interviewed today.
*APPROVED 7/23/01; BS/ASC
COMMITTEE ON COUNTY OFFICERS & DEPARTMENTS
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD
Celia Fishman: Is a Chappaqua resident and has been appointed to the EMS Advisory Board for the term January 1, 2001 through December 31, 2002. She is presently a member of the Chappaqua ambulance corps and works weekly for Meals on Wheels with her children as well as the midnight run for the High School. She also prepares meals for local homeless and women shelters with her children. She is as a Float Nurse at Montefiore Hospital, which enables her to choose and be flexible with her assignments. During the summer she volunteers as a Camp Nurse at Island Lake Camp , which is a sleep-away camp in Pennsylvania and also volunteers during the school year.
Ms. Fishman has attended several meetings and is impressed with the progress of certain issues. She is pleased with the number of members on the Board and their diversified backgrounds.
On the motion of Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator Stewart-Cousins, the appointment is approved by a 7-0 vote.
ETHICS BOARD
Donna Marino: Is a Bedford resident and has been appointed to the Ethics Board for the term January 1, 2001 through December 31, 2003, filling the unexpired term of Jack Alemany. She feels that she can offer her opinion to monitor and assist County employees with their requests for waivers. She is a stay-at-home-Mom and had the opportunity to teach civic responsibilities and ran a “mock” election from a convention and to the final election process.
When asked if she was familiar with the recent controversy over Ethics Waivers, Ms. Marino said the Committee has done what is expected. She is not sure if changes are needed, but, if they are, now is the time to make those changes. If the Committee needs a more active body, the change would be encouraged now. She mentioned a mix of County employees who are part of two separate Administrations and need guidelines.
On the motion of Legislator LaMotte, seconded by Legislator Spreckman, the appointment is approved by a 7-0 vote. (Latimer out for vote).
COMMITTEE ON COUNTY OFFICERS & DEPARTMENTS
Items 1D and 2D: Designation of Deputies for the Departments of Human Resources and Probation. Received and filed on the motion of Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator Young.
Item 6D: A recommendation from Legislator Bronz for the position of Public Member on the Rent Guidelines Board. Applicant withdrew due to family matters. Received and filed on the motion of Legislator Stewart-Cousins, seconded by Legislator Pinto.
Item 8D: A letter from the Deputy Counsel/Assistant Commissioner of the Department of Housing and Community Renewal listing the members and vacancies on the Rent Guidelines Board. Received and filed on the motion of Legislator Young, seconded by Legislator Stewart-Cousins.
Women's Advisory Board: Lisi Lord filed her resignation to Camille Murphy. Her name is removed from the active list. Received and filed on the motion of Legislator Stewart-Cousins, seconded by Legislator Spreckman.
The Chair asked that Ms. Ana Gonzalez be rescheduled for another interview for the Rent Guidelines Board position. She did not show for her appointment today.
On the motion of Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator Spreckman, the meeting was adjourned at 5:00 p.m.