COMMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY & CRIMINAL JUSTICE
MEMBERS PRESENT: B. Ryan (Chair), M. Kaplowitz, L. Mosiello, R. Wishnie
BOARD STAFF: R. Vega, Program Specialist
S. Vanderberg, Secretary
OTHERS: B. Randolph, CE’s office;
Al Mignone, Chief, Purchase FD:
Steve Surace, WC Fire Council
The meeting was called to order at 2:14 p.m.
The minutes for the Committee meetings of 1/28, 2/11, and 2/25/02 were approved, 3-0.
Public Hearing
The Public Safety and Environment/Health Committees will hold a joint meeting on March 21, 2002, from 7 pm to 10:30 pm, at the Westchester County Center. The purpose of the meeting is to conduct a public hearing on two resolutions now before the Board of Legislators: a resolution introduced by Mr. Ryan calling for an independent, non-governmental review of the Indian Point Radiological Emergency Preparedness Plan, and a resolution introduced by Mr. Kaplowitz calling for the closing and decommissioning of the Indian Point nuclear plants.
Mr. Wishnie distributed to the members information he obtained at the Riverkeeper-sponsored forum on Indian Point recently held at the
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White Plains Library. He has suggested to Board Chair Lois Bronz that a Committee of the Whole meeting be arranged to cover the health impacts on area residents of the Indian Point nuclear plants.
Overview of the Department of Emergency Services after its first year of operation: department organization, update on communications improvements, CAD, mutual aid system (Commissioner Pat Kelly and Deputy Commissioner Tony Sutton).
Security in County buildings and facilities – needs assessment and current plans. (DES Deputy Commissioner and Director of Security, Chris Kozlow).
County-wide mobile communication system. (County Chief Information Officer Dr. Norman Jacknis)
Protection of the water supply and security around the Croton and Kensico Dams and the water system infrastructure (NYC DEP Commissioner).
Ongoing discussion with Entergy on the operation of the nuclear plants at Indian Point; safety features, public protection measures. (Jim Steets and other officials of Entergy)
Technical rescue team (fire, ems, and police personnel who are in the process of organizing a Westchester regional team).
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Mr. Wishnie said the proposed “technical rescue team” would be specially trained and FEMA certified. As an urban search and rescue team providing technical rescue assistance and equipment, it would supplement the services of local fire departments in special
emergency situations. Technical rescue is a specialized expertise and most localities cannot afford to train their fire personnel in technical rescue or to purchase and maintain the expensive specialized equipment required by a “technical rescue team.” Both career and volunteer firefighters could join the team. Nationally such teams are comprised of both career and volunteer personnel, all of whom serve on the team on a volunteer basis.
On March 2, Mr. Wishnie and Mr. Ryan met with several mid-Westchester volunteer firefighters at the Thornwood FD. The firefighters are organizing a technical rescue team and the legislators were given an overview of the service. The group is putting together a presentation for County government and will schedule a meeting with the Public Safety Committee in a month or two.
Committee Blueprint
Board Chair Lois Bronz has requested the 2002 Committee blueprints. Mr. Ryan asked members to submit any topics they would like to have placed on the draft blueprint.
Shooting Ranges
Mr. Wishnie said there are a limited number of shooting ranges in the County for use by police personnel. He suggested that WC Dept of Public Safety Commissioner Lou D’Aliso be invited in to discuss the issue with the Committee.
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With no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 2:42 p.m.