COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE
MINUTES: MAY 23, 2005
MEMBERS: CHAIR: Richard Wishnie, LEGISLATORS: Michael Kaplowitz, Martin Rogowsky, Bernice Spreckman, Vito Pinto
IN ATTENDANCE: WESTCHESTER COUNTY CHIEF’S ASSOC. Albert Mignone, Joe Iantorno, WESTCHESTER COUNTY DES: John Jackson, Tony Sutton, CEO: Michael Long, Andrew Neuman, YONKERS FIRE LOCAL 628: Denis Flavin, WESTCHESTER COALITION OF PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS: Hugh Fox, Jr., WESTCHESTER COUNTY CAREER FIRE CHIEFS: Keith Fennelly; WESTCHESTER COUNTY COBA: Robert DelBene, YONKERS FIRE DEPARTMENT: Pat Brady; STAFF: Sally Schecter
The meeting was called to order at 9:10 a.m. by Chairman Richard Wishnie.
On the motion of Legislator Rogowsky, seconded by Chairman Wishnie, the minutes of April 18 were accepted.
Chairman Wishnie commented that since September 11, this day will be considered momentous. It was horrible to wake went on to say that we are still unprepared but we have before the Committee on September 11 and hear what had transpired. Chairman Wishnie went on to say that we are still unprepared but we have before the Committee legislation that will cover the unprepared ness and other issues. It will require special training and special equipment. We hope to sign the legislation out of our Committee this morning and it will be on the Board of Legislator’s agenda tonight to set a public hearing and at our next meeting it will be passed. He thanked all the guests present and those that are not (the career and volunteer firefighters) for putting together this legislation. Commissioner Sutton commented that this agreement has met with everyone’s satisfaction. He had several meetings that proved to be fruitful and the legislation was agreed to by all. The process that they went through brought people together and when it is signed, it will be a landmark decision.
Hugh Fox commented that the discussions were very involved and wanted to thank everybody for their cooperation.
Legislator Kaplowitz thanked everyone also. He clarified the law by saying that the Commissioner will establish a team. There will be an oversight committee. The Commissioner will determine the budget, etc. which will cover all of Westchester. It will involve intensive training. He also wanted to know what is the budget line, the organizing structure, and list of priorities. He expressed concern about the future if the present people involved in this program move on. Legislator Kaplowitz went on to thank Chairman Wishnie for a job well done.
Legislator Pinto also thanked Chairman Wishnie.
Legislator Rogowsky pointed out that this legislation has been in the works for a year and a half and this is exciting and interesting. This legislation is different from the original model. The committee report is not very reflective.
Commissioner Sutton said it is all about training and experience.
Chairman Wishnie said that the Commissioner wants to leave the committee report broad and he might have to come back to the Board of Legislators.
Legislator Rogowsky said the report is a road map. The first line basically says the buck stops at the Commissioner.
Legislator Spreckman said Chairman Wishnie did a good job.
On the motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Spreckman, the motion to sign out the legislation for all purposes was passed.
On the motion of Legislation Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Rogowsky, the meeting was adjourned at 9:45 a.m.
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