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

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

The minutes of February 8^th and February 16^th were approved as amended, on the motion of Legislator Wishnie, seconded by Legislator Carsky. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried 6-0.

As requested by the Administration, today’s meeting was to discuss Agenda Item A-SI1A. This item is a proposed IMA agreement with various municipalities located in the Hudson Valley for the purpose of coordinating marine enforcement in the Hudson River Estuary.

After a brief review, several questions were raised relating to the context of the agreement. The members agreed to hold the item over until a representative of the Administration and the Commissioner of Public Safety were present to answer the appropriate questions.

Mr. Ryan presented the Committee members with a draft of State legislation (A.3326 / S.1956) relating to a property tax exemption for volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers. He wanted the members to have the opportunity to review the item and express an opinion and a statement of support, if accepted.

The bill is currently before the Assembly Real Property Tax Committee. This bill was also introduced in the Senate, and represents an agreement between leadership in the two houses.

*For additional information, a tape is on file.

The legislation will assist volunteerism in the State, recognizing properties owned by volunteer organizations and used directly for firefighting purposes or related purposes of volunteer organizations.

Mr. Ryan explained that a locality could grant an additional tax exemption with a cap not exceeding $20,000. In another section of the legislation, a locality can opt to grant a real property tax exemption to volunteers of up to 5%, but not to exceed $3,000 on a primary residence.

The current Section 466 of the RPTL, which would be repealed by this legislation, deals only with volunteer firefighters in villages and only allows an exemption of $500. This bill gives all localities the ability to provide a benefit to those who are volunteering in the community for fire, ambulance, and emergency medical services. The law grants a community the opportunity to provide an incentive that will attract volunteers to communities at a minimal cost to taxpayers.

After a brief discussion, the members agreed to support the Resolution and submitted it to the blue sheet for this evening’s Board meeting.

On the motion of Legislator Wishnie, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, the Resolution was passed by a vote of 6-0.

PLACEMENT OF RUMBLE STRIPS ON COUNTY ROADS: Rob Hoch spoke with the Commissioner of Public Works regarding the placement of rumble strips on County roads. The Commissioner said that placement of rumble strips requires widening of County roads and municipalities have been consistently opposed to any such widening. There has been no money allocated from the State for this purpose.

With no other business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 10:00 a.m.