COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT
MINUTES: June 28, 2004
ENVIRONMENT MEMBERS: Chair: Abinanti – Legislators: Rogowsky, Maisano, Latimer, LaMotte
IN ATTENDANCE: BOL STAFF: Tara Bernard; CEO: Bill Randolph; DOT: Commissioner Larry Salley; Deputy Commissioner Harry Stanton, Bob Funicello
TOPIC:
1) Items to Receive & File
2) A&C Pre-Board Item (Airport storage tanks)
3) Labeling on Depleted Uranium Shipments
DISCUSSION:
Chair Abinanti called the Environment Committee to order at 2:41pm.
Chair Abinanti noted that the following items were discussed at previous meetings and made a motion that they be Received & Filed:
Item # 1-State Law Regarding Agricultural Districts: Correspondence from the County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board regarding a request for an amendment to the NYS Agriculture and Markets law.
Item # 4 - Indian Point: Press release from the Hudson Riverkeeper regarding storage of radioactive waste at Indian Point.
Item # 5 - Indian Point: Hudson Riverkeeper policy paper regarding the safeguarding of Indian Point’s irradiated fuel storage systems.
Seconded by Legislator Rogowsky, all in favor – aye (passed 4-0).
Next, Chair Abinanti asked that Commissioner Salley and his staff explain to the committee members the reasons why they have submitted a request through A&C (currently on the pre-board agenda) for authorization to amend an agreement with the Louis Berger Group, Inc. for additional consulting services related to the planning and implementation of temporary storage tanks at the Airport. After some discussion, Chair Abinanti asked why this is not going out for bid? Mr. Funicello replied that it was due to time constraints, as the project must be completed by September. Although Commissioner Salley explained that this project will cost no more than $200,000, Chair Abinanti expressed concern that the department would come back to the Board asking for more money for other “stormwater management” programs. Commissioner Salley said that was not the case, as the fund this is coming out of – A0042 (stormwater management) – has $2 million in it, which was appropriated by the Board.
The members agreed this was a necessary project and/or expense.
The next items for discussion were two resolutions from other Counties requesting that the US DOT label depleted uranium shipments as “radioactive” to protect emergency responders in case of accident during transport. After some discussion, the members agreed they would not take a position. Legislator Rogowsky made a motion to Receive & File these two items. Seconded by Chair Abinanti, all in favor – aye (4-0).
At 3:15pm, Legislator Rogowsky made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Legislator LaMotte, all in favor – aye.
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