PRESENT: Chair: Ryan. Members: Carsky, Kaplowitz, Mosiello, Swanson, and Wishnie. Staff: Robert Hoch; Emilia Vita.

Mr. Ryan called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m.

The minutes of June 1, 8 and 15 were approved by a vote of 6-0 on the motion of Legislator Wishnie, seconded by Legislator Swanson.

Mr. Ryan noted his recent discussion with County PBA President Gary McGrath regarding the County police staffing level of 230 police officers, 5 below the complement of 235 approved in the County Budget. Mr. Ryan said that McGrath feels this staffing shortage has a negative impact on morale in the Public Safety Department and a full complement of officers is needed to provide police services in the County.

Mr. Wishnie stated that all County departments were put on a 6 month savings plan for 1998. The Administration now needs to hire the 5 positions and bring the staffing level up to 235.

Mr. Wishnie would like to know the number of incidents and arrests reported at Grasslands and the number of police assigned to the reservation.

Mr. Ryan mentioned again the concern expressed by Mr. McGrath for the cancellation a month ago of the County Police car assigned to the Reservation.

Mrs. Swanson inquired about reason(s) for the County Police being taken off regular assignment at the Reservation and if the Public Benefit Corporation would continue to pay (present cost estimated at $400,000) for County Police services they may require from time to time.

Mr. Wishnie stated that when the Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) agreement was put together, there was a basic understanding that police service would remain the same.

For more details, a tape is on file

It is Mrs. Swanson’s understanding that the Medical Center is to first call the County Police for police service. The Town of Mount Pleasant Police would be called second. Mrs. Swanson mentioned that Mount Pleasant, being a small police department, does not want the added responsibility of the campus. She compared this back-up arrangement to the back-up role of the Elmsford Police for response to the WestHab housing. Mrs. Swanson would like the Committee to discuss the matter of police coverage at the Reservation with Commissioner D’Aliso.

Pointing out that police department budgets are unique with a "patchwork" effect, Mr. Mosiello asked if there is a loss in revenue or will these services be an added expense for the County. He asked to have this reviewed within the contract agreement. He also asked if the Board or this Committee has the right to impose services on the PBC.

Mrs. Swanson said the County’s contract with the PBC is not yet complete and she was unsure of its status since the hospital is no longer part of the County operation. She suggested that the PBC pay the charge back for police service noting the similarities with fire services on the reservation.

Mr. Ryan will advise the Administration of the Committee’s interest in these matters and the need for a meeting to discuss both the level of service required at the Reservation and how that service is paid for.

Mrs. Swanson mentioned to the members that over the weekend, several police officers and firemen in her district inquired about the status of the County’s computer-aided dispatch system.

Mr. Ryan said he had discussed CAD with County Executive Spano, Special Advisor Larry Schwartz, and County Information Officer Norm Jacknis. Mr. Ryan said the present system – in particular, the critical "rip and run" feature - has not worked as it should. The failed system is nearly four years old. Mr. Ryan has recommended acquiring a new system with a proven track record. The Administration agrees. Mr. Jacknis has already met and discussed the County’s needs with several new vendors.

Mrs. Carsky asked who had the responsibility to input the information into the CAD system

Mr. Wishnie said the CAD software is the responsibility of MCI System House Telecommunications, the company also used by New York City, who may be on the verge of canceling their contract with MCI. Mr. Ed Dolan, who was responsible for placing the E911 system in Westchester County, has offered his services to resolve the County’s problems with the CAD system.

Mr. Wishnie further mentioned that Dr. Jacknis spoke with MCI representatives within the last two weeks. What can be now be delivered by MCI is completely different from the original agreement.

Mr. Ryan said the County made a huge mistake when it purchased an untested CAD system rather than a system with a proven track record. He pointed to the defects in the "rip and run" feature.

Mr. Ryan will ask Information Officer Norman Jacknis to keep the PSCJ Committee members informed of the new CAD systems and contract proposals getting a serious look by the Administration.

On other Committee business, Agenda Items J and K, concerning amendments to the box cutter law, were received and filed. Special Item 2, regarding restrictions on the sale of laser pointing devices, was received and filed.

Mrs. Carsky pointed out that the Omnibus Youth Crime Prevention bill dealt with box cutters, laser pointers and spray paint. Recent actions by the Board of Legislators restrict the sale of the first two items. Spray paint has not yet been dealt with and it needs to be addressed. Mr. Ryan acknowledged the problem with graffiti and stated that restrictions on the sale of spray paint would be put before the Board for a vote shortly.

With no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 9:55 a.m. on the motion of Legislator Wishnie, seconded by Legislator Mosiello.