PRESENT: Chair: Ryan. Members: Kaplowitz, Mosiello, Swanson, and Wishnie. Staff: Dodds, Hoch, and Vita.

Mr. Ryan called the meeting to order at 9:20 a.m.

On the motion of Legislator Swanson, seconded by Legislator Wishnie, the minutes of September 8, 1998, were approved as amended by a vote of 5-0.

Mr. Ryan reported on his recent discussion with Fire Coordinator Walter Groden concerning the construction of new classrooms at the Fire Training Center. A number of months ago, the County DPW declared the HVAC contractor to be in default of the contract. A new contractor has been on the job for about two weeks and the project completion date has been pushed back to November.

Several legislators, including Mr. Ryan, Mrs. Swanson, and Mr. Kaplowitz from this Committee, attended the Westchester County Volunteer Fireman’s Association (WCVFA) convention business meeting held September 10 in Peekskill. Mr. Ryan commented on two items on the meeting agenda.

First, the Association would be sending a letter to County Executive Spano to express their displeasure with his newly appointed "60 Control Task Force." They feel they should have been called upon for advice and input pertaining to its formation and the selection of task force members. They also question why the Fire Advisory Board is not being utilized for this review of "60 Control."

Second, County Fire Coordinator Groden reported the following:

• the residential burn simulator will be completed by year-end;
• new classrooms are still under construction;
• "

• Control" is working with County Information Officer Norm Jacknis to resolve the CAD system problem;

• due to low attendance, key training sessions were cancelled in 1998;
• New York State’s Training 2000 program;
• Camp Smith, in the Town of Cortlandt, as the State’s second training site.

Mr. Wishnie mentioned that in conjunction with the WCVFA training activities, the County Administration will provide up to $5,000 per year to assist with training.

Mr. Kaplowitz updated the members on 311-non emergency communication system. Currently under review are IMA’s that will make 311 calls available. He said this should be completed by the end of the year. Mr. Kaplowitz mentioned the complaints of public officials in his district that E911 was being swamped with non-emergency calls such as those connected with the recent power outage in Heritage Hills in Somers.

On the motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Wishnie, Item R (311 non-emergency telephone line) was received and filed by a vote of 5-0.

Mr. Wishnie stated that the County Executive had appointed a task force to deal with the need for water sprinklers in apartment buildings to help extinguish fires. The task force will consider real property tax incentives for landlords who install sprinkler systems. On the motion of Legislator Wishnie, seconded by Legislator Swanson, Item H was received and filed by a vote of 5-0.

On October 5, Correction Commissioner Rocco Pozzi will attend the Committee meeting to discuss with the members the Committee

agenda items dealing with

• the treatment of visitors to the County jail (Item I)
• the protection of correctional employees from prison privatization (Item E)
• parole reform (Item F)

Relative to agenda Item N, the Proposed Act authorizing $500,00 in bonds for the penitentiary housing replacement project at the Grasslands Reservation, Mr. Wishnie explained the need for the bonding and mentioned that the work had to be done. Mrs. Swanson agreed, noting the facility is deteriorating and a "Band-Aid" approach to repairs would not solve the problem.

Committee members agreed to tour the facility. An appointment will be scheduled for October/November and all legislators will be invited to attend.

On the motion of Legislator Swanson, seconded by Legislator Wishnie, Item N was received and filed by a vote of 5-0. {The item will be noted for tracking purposes only pending a scheduled tour date}.

With no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 10 a.m.