*M I N U T E S

COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY & CRIMINAL JUSTICE

MONDAY, JUNE 21, 1999

9:00 A.M.

 

 

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

 

ALSO PRESENT:  William Randolph, County Executive Liaison; George Hosey, Chair-CBAC.

 

 

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

 

On the motion of Legislator Wishnie, seconded by Legislator Swanson, the minutes of May 24^th, June 1^st, and June 7^th, were approved as amended.  All in favor, none opposed, motion carried 6-0.

 

Mr. Ryan said the corrected copy of the 60 Control Task Force Report has been distributed to all members of the Board. 

 

As a follow up to last week’s meeting regarding drowsy drivers, Mr. Ryan asked the members to focus on what the Committee can do to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law.  He suggested that Legislator Kaplowitz and Oros send a message to the State Legislature on behalf of the Committee and the Board with its suggestions.

 

Mr. Kaplowitz would like to send a letter for all Legislators to sign in support of amending the Vehicle and Traffic Laws.  He would like to explore educational efforts regarding this issue.  He also mentioned several alternatives to alert drivers when they become sleepy while driving.  Mr. Kaplowitz asked Mr. Hoch to draft a letter to the State asking to amend this law and if there is a way for the County to take any action relating to drowsy drivers.

 

 

 

*For additional information, a tape is on file.

/rh

APPROVED 7/26/99 RGW;SRS

 

MINUTES

COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY & CRIMINAL JUSTICE

MONDAY, JUNE 21, 1999

PAGE 2___________________________________________________

 

Mr. Wishnie suggests insurance companies take an active role by holding drivers responsible for their actions.  He also recommended John and Rita Marone make a presentation to the full Board via a committee of the whole at the next Board meeting.  All Legislators should hear about their efforts and steps to make the public aware of the potential tragedy of drowsy driving and acknowledge their efforts for creating ALS.

 

Copies of the Marones' letter to the Committee and additional information will be placed in all legislators’ mailboxes.

 

Mr. Ryan asked Mr. Mosiello if he received a response from the County Attorney on the proposed toy gun law.  Mr. Mosiello said the County Attorney is in the process of amending the language at the request of Legislators Stewart-Cousins and Abinanti, but it has not been discussed in recent Legislation Committee meetings.

 

Legislator Wishnie and Swanson attended presentations for RFP’s for a new CAD system.  They were impressed with the tremendous improvements and progress being made at the facility.  They toured the new classroom facilities where new furniture, TV equipment, and visual aids have been installed.

 

Mrs. Swanson mentioned the need for instructors which was included in the Task Force report.  She was impressed by the vendor demonstrations.

 

Mr. Kaplowitz was told that the hardware and software used was standard equipment, common format, and user friendly.

 

Mrs. Swanson mentioned that certain dispatchers can change configurations to accommodate their own, and Mr. Hoch said Intergraph could dispatch at remote locations.

 

 

 

MINUTES

COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY & CRIMINAL JUSTICE

MONDAY, JUNE 21, 1999

PAGE 3___________________________________________________

 

Mr. Hoch reported that the State Legislature has ended their session, but will be in and out during the summer until the state budget passes.  He said the proposal for a separate EMS district in Westchester County is under review and could be passed as a budget bill.

 

Mr. Kaplowitz asked about the volunteer firefighter tax exemptions.  Mr. Hoch replied that the Assembly could vote on the bill today, but its fate  is unsure in the Senate.  No official memo in opposition has been received from the Conference of Mayors.

 

Mr. Hoch said Senator Spano sponsors the repeal of the County Police Act but passage is unlikely this year.  Two of the three correction officer initiatives are also dead for this session.

 

Mrs. Carsky mentioned a seminar relating to bio-terrorism taking place next week and she will distribute a flyer to each member of the Board.

 

With no other business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 10:00 a.m. on the motion of Legislator Wishnie, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz.