MEMBERS: Ryan, Swanson, Wishnie, and Mosiello. STAFF: Hoch

OTHERS PRESENT: George Hosey, Bill Randolph

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Ryan at 9:15 a.m. Minutes for the March 8th meeting were set aside.

The Chairman asked for a motion to approve agenda items E and F, both items are individual IMA’s authorizing the County to agree on specific funding for the Hawthorne and Valhalla Fire Districts.

Legislator Swanson explained that the Hawthorne Fire District IMA is in the amount of $13,000 and effective from January 1, 1999 through December 31, 2001. Swanson moved the item, Legislator Wishnie seconded. The item was approved 4-0.

Legislator Swanson then explained Item F that is a renewal of an IMA with the Valhalla Fire District. She explained the item is a three-year renewal for equipment and training purposes. Swanson moved the item. Wishnie seconded. The item was approved 4-0.

Legislator Swanson gave an update of the County Jail tour given by the Valhalla Fire Department. She said the firefighters that attended were very appreciative of the tour, since they had never seen the inside of the jail.

Mrs. Swanson felt that the atmosphere at the jail has changed for the better and is a positive reflection on Commissioner Pozzi. Wishnie asked Swanson if there are any women firefighters in the Valhalla Department. She replied that there were women on the Valhalla force as well as women on the jail shock response team who, also serve as firefighters.

The next item was a home rule message requesting that the State award Westchester County its own EMS district. Wishnie explained that Westchester is the largest component of the existing seven-county region yet it only has a few votes on the regional EMS council. Westchester’s EMS community has asked for the creation of the new district. An Assembly bill has been introduced and Senator Leibell is working on the Senate companion bill. Wishnie moved the resolution. Swanson seconded. The resolution was approved 4-0.

The Chairman asked Leg. Mosiello to discuss the next item, a proposed local law relating to the sale, possession, and use of realistic toy guns. Mosiello stated that he would like the County Attorney to discuss the bill with the committee. He stated that the bill was intended to protect civilians, especially children. The law would ban the sale, possession, and use of a toy gun not in compliance with the law. The Chairman suggested to Leg. Mosiello to contact the County Attorney and to keep in touch with Emilia Vita as to the day he will be prepared to address the committee.

The Chairman stated that next week at 9:00 a.m. was unavailable for meeting due to a League of Women Voters legislative day. Leg. Mosiello agreed to discuss the item the following week.

The Chairman asked for a motion to adjourn. Leg. Wishnie moved to adjourn. Leg. Swanson second.

The meeting adjourned at 9:45 a.m.