COMMITTEE ON APPOINTMENTS
MINUTES: WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2006; 4:00 P.M.
PRESENT: Chair: Swanson. Members: Bronz, Oros, Pinto. Staff: Vita. CEO’s office: Neuman, Randolph.
GUESTS: Health Commissioner Joshua Lipsman; his family; Irene Delgado, Human Rights Commission.
Mrs. Swanson called the meeting to order at 4 p.m.
Mrs. Swanson welcomed Dr. Lipsman and his family, who were visiting from Maryland for a few days. She asked the Administration to have the Book of Boards and Commissions updated by the February 6th committee meeting. Mr. Neuman replied that the book is being updated, but it will not be ready on the 6th when Mrs. Swanson returns in March, the book will then be ready and he will schedule a meeting to discuss the contents.
REAPPOINTMENTS:
COMMISSIONER OF HEALTH:
Commissioner Lipsman drew some confusion as to his attendance at today’s meeting. The committee began discussions about his exemplary work over the past five years, and Mr. Neuman asked the Chair for an adjournment of his confirmation at the request of the Administration. The Chair was aware that the Commissioner was on extended leave until the end of February, but he did make himself available for this interview, and asked what the reason for postponement.
Mr. Neuman was asked several times by the Chair and committee members for a suitable reason for adjournment, and was not able to provide a suitable response.
The members continued to discuss the Commissioner’s responsibilities during the past five years and commended him on his professionalism, his administrative services, and timely response to health issues faced with the County.
A motion was made by Legislator Oros, seconded by Legislator Bronz to continue the interview with Dr. Lipsman.
The members briefly discussed the persistence of the Administration without a logical reason for postponement, and the awkward situation that the committee was placed under and embarrassment in the presence of the Commissioner and his family.
On the motion of Legislator Oros, seconded by Legislator Bronz, the meeting moved into Executive Session at 4:30 p.m. to discuss to discuss a personnel matter.
On the motion of Legislator Oros, seconded by Legislator Bronz, the committee moved out of Executive Session at 4:45 p.m.
With apologies for all the confusion, the reappointment of Dr. Lipsman as the Commissioner of the Westchester County Health Department was unanimously approved 4-0. Motion made by Legislator Oros, seconded by Legislator Bronz.
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
Irene Delgado – is a resident of White Plains, New York, and was appointed by the County Executive on January 3, 2006 as a member of the Humans Rights Commission, for a term to expire December 31, 2007. She is employed by Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry as the Assistant Dean of Operations. Her extensive educational background includes a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, an M. S. in Applied Counseling, Post Masters Certificate in Management, and MBA in Marketing with Distinction and a BS in Pre-Law.
Mrs. Delgado just completed her Doctorate Degree; responded to an ad for an opening in the HRC and was recommended to serve on this Board. She is learning how the government works and suggests high schools add a course about government operations. She would like to help communities in need, and believes she can help educate them about the services available from this commission.
On the motion of Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator Oros, the committee approves the appointment of Irene Delgado as a member of the Human Rights Commission. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried 4-0.
Regarding the reappointment of Ralph Butler to the Pluming Examiner’s Board, according to Mrs. Swanson, he cannot serve because he is not a resident of Westchester County. She will seek an opinion from the County Attorney.
The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 8, 2006 at 4 p.m.
With no other business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m.
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