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

ALSO PRESENT: George Hosey, Chairman-CBAC; Robert Broderick, President-Westchester County Association of Fire Districts.

Mr. Ryan called the meeting to order at 9:10 a.m.

Legislator Carsky approved and moved the minutes of February 1, 1999, as amended, seconded by Legislator Wishnie. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried 6-0.

The minutes of February 8, 1999 were held over until next meeting.

Mr. Wishnie distributed a newspaper article to each member titled: "The Dispatcher and Domestic Terrorism", found in the February issue of Firehouse magazine. Mr. Wishnie said the article emphasizes the importance of two issues: (1) concern with domestic terrorism and (2) emergency communications preparedness. He said 60 Control dispatchers need to be prepared for various types of events in addition to those they have dealt with in the past.

Mr. Ryan asked Mr. Wishnie to provide a summary of their meeting with the Westchester County Fire Council.

Messrs. Wishnie and Ryan met with Fire Council members, who oversee the Fire Chiefs, Districts, and the Volunteer Firefighters Association. The legislators updated the Association on current activities that are taking place at the Fire Training Center and the status of 60 Control.

*For additional information, a tape is on file.

A question and answer period took place regarding the problems and issues facing the Fire Training Center and the CAD system. Good suggestions were presented toward establishing a better, well organized operation.

Mr. Ryan said that this input will become a very valuable resource over the next few weeks. He wants to discuss these public safety issues with community members and organizations who are involved in fire and EMS services. Such meetings can give the County a clearer look at what type of information is needed to review the County’s role in fire emergency services, and help get the operation running more smoothly and efficiently.

The Chair asked Mr. Hosey and Mr. Broderick if they had any comments with regard to fire services.

Referring to the Mutual Aid Fire Services Study, Mr. Broderick asked that the Committee move forward with the improvement of the radios as well as communications and personnel at 60 Control. He said these issues have been major problems in all aspects of the department.

Mr. Ryan mentioned that sub-committee activities of the 60 Control Task Force has been quite helpful in securing pertinent information.

Mr. Ryan noted the Association of Fire Districts has a representative (Ken Hoffarth) who sits on the Task Force, who is not only a participant in discussions but is also a member of the sub committee on communications. He said steps have been taken to have fire service organizations represented in all critical topic areas.

Looking over last year’s blueprint, Mr. Ryan asked committee members to review the blueprint and have suggestions ready by the next meeting on how to restructure it so that it may be suitable for 1999. In light of the important topics and various issues that have been reviewed, discussed, or acted upon during the last session, Mr. Ryan asked for comments for the upcoming session.

Miscellaneous Goals: Mr. Kaplowitz said that holding committee meetings in the field to enhance public outreach would be beneficial to the committee. He volunteered the North County (Yorktown) to discuss the various problems of the area, such as the smaller fire departments, mutual aid, and resident concerns over the disbanding of the Cortlandt Police Department. He noted that other committees have been successful with taking their meetings to outside communities, and local officials seem to be more comfortable airing their views in this forum.

Mrs. Swanson announced that on March 10, 1999, at 7 p.m., the Valhalla and Hawthorne Fire Departments will conduct a tour of the County jail. If anyone is interested in attending, they are to submit their names to Mrs. Swanson as soon as possible.

Mr. Wishnie suggests the Committee invite fire and police chiefs of the southern portion of the county to discuss their views and input on the various issues and activities that are being discussed.

Mrs. Carsky asked to clarify those items that have been accomplished on the Committee blueprint:

POSSIBLE OUTPUTS

• Remove: Interim Report on the State of the Mutual Aid plan;
• Remove: Resolution for State implementing the placement of rumble strips alongside targeted roads on State highways. An update from Commissioner Landi will be requested.
• Pending Administration Response: Emergency preparedness;

PSCJ Issue Brief: - problems facing volunteer firefighters, personnel, and other incentives. With reference to this issue, Mr. Ryan reported that the Legislation Committee recently suggested an amendment to the Real Property Tax Law.

This amendment will expand the law to allow all municipalities to participate in the tax incentive program, and add emergency personnel and ambulance workers to the list of those eligible for the incentive.

By local option, the law allows the municipality to provide a tax exemption of up to 10% of the assessed evaluation. This would assist localities that are faced with problems attracting or retaining volunteers. This is only a proposed amendment, and has to be considered and passed by the State Legislature.

Mr. Mosiello asked on what level of taxation would reductions be granted? Mr. Ryan said it would be considered on the local level only; not the County.

Numerous versions of proposed legislation to amend the State Penal Code regarding the sale and use of laser pointing devices have been introduced in the state legislature. Mr. Ryan stated that the committee succeeded in making this issue visible on the state level.

Mr. Ryan again asked the members to review the blueprint and schedule target dates for community meetings and have them ready for next week’s meeting.

With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10 a.m. on the motion of Legislator Swanson, seconded by Legislator Wishnie.