MEMBERS: Ryan, Wishnie, Kaplowitz, and Mosiello. Staff: Hoch

OTHERS PRESENT: William Calcutti (Yorktown P.D.), Linda Cooper (Supervisor, Yorktown); Tex Dinkler, Michael Driscoll (Somers P.D.); James Feeney (Somers F.D.); Jay Hashmall (Dep. County Exec.); Bill Hecker (Mohegan Lake F.D.); Andrew Klein (Bedford); Bill Kowack (Volunteer Fire Companies); Michael McTygue (Yorktown PBA); Bob Meyer (Pound Ridge); Mary Beth Murphy (Supervisor, Somers); Tom Newman (Bedford P.D.); Joe Piazzi (Briarcliff); Rick Straust (Mohegan Lake F.D.); Irwin Shriro (Somers F.D.).

The Chairman had the committee introduce themselves to the audience.

Yorktown Supervisor Linda Cooper complimented the committee on their report on Mutual Aid and complimented the fire, police, and EMS services from the various districts in Yorktown. She recognized the need for incentives to attract volunteers to EMS and fire services in the future and asked that Yorktown be treated equitably in the mutual aid system. The Chairman stated that the purpose for having this meeting in the community is to hear local issues and show the public the committee’s process.

He then asked committee members to speak about certain agenda items. Mr. Wishnie spoke on creating a separate EMS region for Westchester. He stated that the County was working closely with state officials and was hopeful that progress would soon be made. The Chairman discussed 60 Control issues. Mr. Mosiello discussed his proposed local law to ban realistic looking toy guns. Mr. Kaplowitz spoke on 311 as a non- emergency help line and incentives for volunteer firefighters and EMS workers.

The Chairman introduced Deputy County Executive Jay Hashmall. Mr. Hashmall reviewed the County’s public safety activities in Northern Westchester which included opening the Northern Westchester Police Command and new parks patrols. As a result of the 60 Control Task Force, the County will scrap the old CAD system and it has received RFP’s for a new system. New low-band radios will be offered to departments and their purchase is encouraged to help Mutual Aid. Four new dispatchers have been hired for 60 Control and their training will be completed soon. He stated that the County would hire two onsite firefighter trainers who can also train at firehouses. He added that the EMS dispatchers would soon be trained to give first aid instructions over the phone.

The Chairman opened the meeting for comments by the audience. Bill Kowack thanked the Chairman on behalf of the volunteer companies for making the 60 Control Task Force more representative.

He stated that Mr. Ryan and the County have proven that they are listening and that the Public Safety Committee has the full support of the volunteers.

Jim Feeney rose to speak about fire code enforcement. He stated that housing overcrowding is a major problem in Westchester, and that every fire and police official has a responsibility to report code violations. He suggested that members find out their legal liabilities in each town.

The Chairman had everyone in the room introduce themselves(see page 1).

Mr. Wishnie mentioned the impact of the Littleton, CO tragedy. He mentioned that he was able to retrieve information from the Internet for bomb making and would like to explore ways of making this information unavailable to children.

Andrew Klein of the Bedford P.D. spoke about the County possibly funding a Noxbox program that would allow key access to houses for emergency response. The committee discussed the liability of anyone having access to the Noxbox keys. Mr. Klein believes that a computer-controlled system exists for unlocking the homes. This system is used in the Mohegan Lake district and only officers carry the key.

The Chairman stated that the committee meets weekly and all are welcome to attend.

Mr. Wishnie stated that Andy Spano has made a commitment to emergency services.

Michael McTygue said he was concerned over the treatment of North County police departments. Mr. Wishnie stated that the County does not intend to take over any police departments. Mr. Hashmall reiterated that Cortlandt was unique and that the County was only supplementing police service for a fee.

Chief Shriro of the Somers F.D. stated that the County does not have a uniform program for fire police to work with other emergency services. They must join Putnam County in order to get a fire police I.D. Mr. Piazza described Putnam County’s arrangement. Chief Shriro emphasized the importance of having I.D. when responding in another municipality.

The meeting adjourned at 9 p.m.