*M I N U T E S

COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY & CRIMINAL JUSTICE

TUESDAY, JUNE 1, 1999

9 :00 A.M.

 

 

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

 

The meeting was called to order at 9:20 a.m.

 

The minutes of April 12^th and April 26^th were approved on the motion of Legislator Wishnie, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, by a vote of 4-0.

 

A report from Police Chief Kapica, of Greenburgh, regarding the Westchester County Police Act was received and distributed.

 

Mr. Ryan said the report is applicable to the issues that this Committee has been asked to review by Police Officers and Administrators.  He asked the members to review the report as it will be discussed at a future meeting.

 

Mr. Wishnie suggested that a letter be sent on behalf of the committee, thanking Chief Kapica for the information.

 

Mr. Ryan mentioned that the 60 Control Task Force will attend a press conference today 10 a.m., to release the Task Force recommendations on 60 Control and Fire and Medical Emergency Services.

 

At the last Board meeting, Legislator Oros put Agenda Item E over for further review by the Committee.  The item authorizes the County to enter into agreements with various counties and New York City for the purpose of formalizing an EMS Mutual Aid Plan.

 

When this Committee reported the item to the Board, it requested details for EMS plans, procedures, and protocol that were unknown at the time. 

 

Mr. Ryan said additional information was needed from the County Attorney’s office to discuss with the Committee.

 

 

*For additional information, a tape is on file.

Amended 6/10/99-rh

APPROVED 6/21/99-RGW;SRS

MINUTES

COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY & CRIMINAL JUSTICE

TUESDAY, JUNE 1, 1998

PAGE 2____________________________________________________

 

Mr. Ryan briefly reviewed the report and said it was straightforward with two plans in place for inter-County response and intra-County response.

 

Mr. Wishnie asked if Westchester County is being asked to participate in a regional mutual aid plan with the City of New York and other counties, and is there a second piece for EMS Agencies in Westchester County.  According to the cover letter which refers to participation in a Westchester County Emergencies Medical Services Mutual Aid Plan, Mr. Wishnie said New York City will not participate in this IMA with the County.  The County Attorney must first render an approved document, which should be shared with local agencies before the Committee can approve the IMA.

 

Mrs. Swanson agreed with Mr. Wishnie, noting that the Task Force worked hard on the mutual aid plan.  The County cannot go into local communities and tell them the plan is good  if they do not have a final draft to present.  Unless the other entities know what plan is in place, they will not be agreeable to an IMA with New York City.

 

Mr. Ryan said he will ask for an immediate response from the County Attorney as to the status of the plan and have it forwarded to this Committee for immediate action.  He also asked Mr. Randolph to research the structure of the State Department of Health’s protocol for emergencies, which would involve the need to marshal fire fighters and fire equipment in the lower Hudson Valley.

 

Mrs. Swanson impressed upon the Administration that this is a time-sensitive issue.

 

With no other business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 9:40 a.m.