COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS

MINUTES

JULY 30, 2002 @ Mamaroneck Library

MEMBERS:  PINTO, WISHNIE, ROGOWSKY

STAFF:  ETTERE, NEGLIA

OTHERS:  GEORGE LATIMER (LEGISLATOR); COMMISSIONER TONY LANDI (DEF); SEE ATTACHED LIST

The meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m.

A&C ITEM # 5 (July 25, 2002 calendar)

This contract is to replace operable partitions and acoustical wall treatment in meeting rooms, corridors and lobbies at the Westchester County Center, White Plains in the amount of $359,450.

Legislator Rogowsky had some questions and awaited clarification on a few things.  He had received information prior to the meeting that he deemed satisfactory.  Therefore, there was no discussion.

ITEM #1

Item #1 is a letter from Legislator George Latimer asking that the Committees on Public Works & Environment/Health discuss the water quality of Mamaroneck Harbor. 

Legislator Latimer made some opening remarks regarding the history of pollution over the years at Mamaroneck Harbor specifically Johnston Beach.

Commissioner Landi briefed everyone on the Westchester County Wastewater Collection and Treatment System Rehabilitation Program (written statement on file).  He also stated that DEF, the Health Department and local officials have been working together to find the source of pollution.

Mr. Gabe Sganga, Health Department, discussed the levels of contaminants recorded from Mamaroneck Harbor.  The levels have consistently risen during heavy rains.  He believes that non-point sources (geese & dog fecal matter, automobile & garbage truck secretions, etc.) are causing the pollution.

COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS

MINUTES – JULY 30, 2002 @ MAMARONECK LIBRARY

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Lengthy discussions were held among all present.  Many ideas/suggestions were offered to help pinpoint the source of pollution, avoid further pollution and rectify the present damage.

§ Health Department to sample water on weekends.

§ County DEF to properly notify the local municipality of overflow or pump failures at the Treatment Plant and provide monthly operation reports upon request.

§ Update list of I & I projects to include work already completed.

§ Illegal Hook-ups

· Systematic Inflow Testing to identify illegal hook-ups

· Point-of-Sale Notification

§ Is there a need to update the 1994 sewer map?

§ Create a County-wide Sewer Authority.

§ Evaluate the impact of leaking garbage trucks that idle on local streets and washing of such vehicles.

§ Seek other revenue sources (State & Federal).

§ Do neighboring communities have an impact on pollution levels?

§ County oversight on local sewer/sewage system operations.

This Committee will continue to work on these issues and future meetings will be held on the progress.

Legislator Wishnie made a motion to accept the minutes of June 10 & July 15, 2002 and was seconded by Legislator Rogowsky.  The vote was 3-0.

On motion of Legislator Wishnie, seconded by Legislator Rogowsky the meeting was adjourned at 9:42 p.m.