MINUTES

COMMITTEE ON COUNTYOFFICERS AND DEPARTMENTS

FEBRUARY 4, 2002

 

 

 

PRESENT:           CHAIR SWANSON, LEGS: BRONZ, SPRECKMAN, RYAN, YOUNG, PINTO, LAMOTTE

 

ALSO PRESENT:  MRS. SCHECTER, MR. RANDOLPH, MRS. KEATING

 

ITEMS DISCUSSED:

 

          Chair Swanson called the meeting to order at 4:05 P.M.  Dr. Lipsman was in for his reappointment as Commissioner of Health.  Mr. Young asked if the County is putting out brochures in Spanish and Dr. Lipsman stated that they are presently doing so.  The County has an official translator and is helping in the conversion.  Dr. Lipsman stated that he has not received complaints regarding the number of Spanish language employees in his department. 

 

          Mr. Young asked if there was anything that the Board should be made aware of during their term.  Dr. Lipsman stated that the County may need to be ready for a medical emergency or anything new.  Tobacco is also a major health threat.

 

          Mr. Young asked about TB.  Dr. Lipsman stated that it has declined.  Immigrants seem to bring it to this Country.  They are seeing an increase in the Hispanic population within the County.  

 

Mr. Ryan asked if there were any new developments in diet drugs.  Dr. Lipsman stated that there are not statistics on this matter.

 

On motion of Mrs. Spreckman, seconded by Mr. Young, Dr. Lipsman was approved 7-0.

 

Next, the committee interviewed Matthew Aquino for his position on the Taxi and Limousine Commission.  This is his first term.  He has already attended a meeting.

 

Mr. Young stated that he frequently uses Mr. Aquino’s station and has been very impressed.

 

Mr. Aquino does not own a Limo and is on the Board as a lay person.  He is looking out to make sure everyone who takes a taxi is being driven by a qualified driver.

 

On motion of Mrs. Swanson, seconded by Mr. Pinto, Mr. Aquino was approved 6-0.  Mrs. Bronz was out for the vote.

 

Mr. Spivak was in next to be interviewed for the Taxi and Limousine Commission.

 

Mr. Spivak has been to some meetings.  He has been in the Limo business since 1992.  Mr. Spivak gave the committee a rundown on his background and community activities.

 

Mr. Young asked if Mr. Spivak noticed a difference between the small and large companies.  He stated yes but does not want to put anyone out of business.

 

Mr. Ryan asked how the reciprocity between Westchester and the City of New York was working.  Mr. Spivak stated that some of the problems years ago have been ironed out. 

 

Mr. Pinto stated that there seems to be a glitch with PutnamCounty now and Mr. Spivak stated that he has also heard that.

 

Mrs. LaMotte asked about time commitment with the National Guard and running a business.  Mr. Spivak stated that he has his son-in-law helping him in the business.

 

On motion of Mrs. Swanson, seconded by Mr. Pinto, Mr. Spivak was appointed 6-0.  Mrs. Bronz was out for the vote.

 

On motion of Mrs. LaMotte, seconded by Mr. Pinto, the meeting adjourned at 4:52 p.m.