MEMBERS PRESENT: B. Ryan (Chair), R. Wishnie, L. Mosiello,
S. Swanson.
BOARD STAFF: R. Vega, Program Specialist; S. Kirkpatrick, Secretary.
OTHERS: A. Neuman, CE’s office; John Parker, West. County Police Union Rep.; Nick Gasparre, Chief-fire, West. Co. Dept. of Emergency Services.
The meeting was called to order at 2:10 p.m.
DISCUSSION:
County Police
Chairman Ryan introduced John Parker who updated the committee on the effort of the police union to gain support of the State legislative delegation for State funding for the 30 police officers who patrol the state owned parkways in Westchester County. Officer Parker said WCPBA president Len Spano was in Albany today lobbying with 30 other officers. It is his understanding that $2.6 will be put back into the State budget to fund patrols and that the County will need to fund these services at least through May pending contract renewal and reimbursement.
Legislator Mosiello supports the County contributing part of the costs because the parkway police also patrol the parks, treatment plants and other county facilities. Legislator Wishnie pointed out that some of the officers are part of specialized teams that would be difficult to replace. He further is optimistic that the Board will vote the necessary funds. Legislator Ryan expects that the lack of funds on the State level will actually result in an earlier budget.
Public Safety & Criminal Justice April 14, 2003
Donation of Chemical Tanker for Emergency Training
Chief Nicholas Gasparre reported on the proposed donation of a used chemical tanker from GATX Rail to the county for use in training. Approx. $2.1M was budgeted (including $1M for fabrication and design) for this tanker that is not free to the county.
GATX will purge the car of old chemicals. Metro North will bring to car probably to the North White Plains siding for free. Trucking the tanker to the fire training center will likely be provided without charge also.
This specific car was recommended by GATX for the County training use because of its design and medium range size. Burners and fireplaces need to be designed and put in place.
The legislators discussed the history of this item on the A&C agenda. Legislator Wishnie, Legislator Mosiello seconded and the members voted unanimously that the Committee recommend to A&C and the Co. Exec. acceptance by gift of the rail tank car from GATX.
At 3:00 pm the committee voted unanimously to adjourn the committee meeting.