COMMITTEE ON APPOINTMENTS
MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, AT 4:00 P.M.
PRESENT: Chair: Swanson. Members: Bronz, Jenkins, Oros. Staff: Vita; Boland.
GUESTS: Alex Garcia-Citizen Consumer Advisory Board; Kathy Thorsberg-Commissioner, Department of Finance; Andrew Kulak-Citizen Consumer Advisory Board.
Mrs. Swanson called the meeting to order at 4 p.m.
MINUTES:
The minutes of March 28, 2007 were approved on the motion of Legislator Bronz, seconded by Legislator Jenkins, by a vote of 4-0. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
CITIZEN CONSUMER ADVISORY BOARD:
Alex Garcia: Is a resident of Yonkers, New York, and appointed by the County Executive as the Area 1 Representative member for a term to expire December 31, 2008. He is the owner of Artemes Systems, LLC, an audio video equipment rental company, and he has always been committed to the community, especially the Mexican community with whom he has been involved in many activities and special events. He mentioned that there is a dance competition on September 8th at the Westchester County.
Mr. Jenkins recently had the opportunity to observe the participation of the Mexican Folklore event and found it very interesting and entertaining.
Mrs. Swanson explained the committee’s open door policy for any issues that the BOL would need to address and invites all newly appointment Board & Commission members back to this committee.
On the motion of Legislator Jenkins, seconded by Legislator Oros, the appointment is hereby approved by a 4-0 vote. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
COMMISSIONER OF WESTCHESTER COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE:
Kathy Thorsberg: Is a resident of Chappaqua, New York and has bee appointed by the County Executive to serve at his pleasure as the Commissioner of the Department of Finance effective April 30, 2007. The County Executive has made a thorough review of Ms. Thorsberg’s credentials and experience, and determined that her appointment as Commissioner is in the best interests of the Department of Finance and the County, and urges to BOL to confirm her appointment.
For the past 6 months, Ms. Thorsberg has been training under the supervision of our outgoing Commissioner Peter Pucillo. She was a stay-at-home mom for seven years before returning to the work force. Previously she was employed at MasterCard International as the VP of Budgeting & Financial Analysis; and at Walt Disney World as Senior Manager for International Marketing Finance and Business Planner for 9 years.
Bob Boland asked when the PITTS contracts end, she replied probably at the end of May or June. He also noted the County Executive is moving towards paperless payroll and will no longer give out paper checks and asked about “payroll cards”. She said the union people have to agree with the process before anything takes place. She believes that direct deposit and Pay TM cards are a safer mode and it could be optional as far a union choice, and this is one issue she would like to move forward soon.
Mr. Oros said it was good to see someone from the private sector and asked how the two entities differ. Ms. Thorsberg said the County differs from private sector because of the various policies and procedures, civil service rules, the charter, and they can not be changed due to certain laws.
Mrs. Swanson liked the idea of improving documentation and hopes that she can move forward with success. Mr. Jenkins also liked the idea of new documentation and online banking especially to pay bills.
Mrs. Swanson wished Ms. Thorsberg well and explained the committee’s open-door policy and asked her to come back to keep the committee and the Board up to date on her progress.
On the motion of Legislator Swanson, seconded by Legislator Bronz, the appointment is hereby approved by a 4-0 vote. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
CITIZEN CONSUMER ADVISORY BOARD:
Andrew H. Kulak: Is a resident of Scarsdale, New York and appointed by the County Executive as the Area 4 Representative for a tem to expire December 31, 2008. He previously served as the Area 2 Representative and has been an active member since 2000.
He is employed as a guardian ship attorney where he evaluates and provides guardianships of properties. As a member of the Board he is concerned with several issues, one which includes constant complaints about not getting a full tank worth of gas at stations.
The members were impressed with his background and knowledge, and thanked him for volunteering his time.
On the motion of Legislator Bronz, seconded by Legislator Jenkins, the appointment is hereby approved by a 4-0 vote. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
MINUTES
The minutes of March 28, 2007 were approved on the motion of Legislator Bronz, seconded by Legislator Jenkins by a 4-0 vote. All in favor none opposed.
The members briefly discussed having the members of the Tenants Association and the Landlords Association in separately to discuss the membership of the Rent Guidelines Board.
AGENDA ITEMS RECEIVED & FILED
County Commissioners & Deputies: Joseph F. Marcogliese, CE Appointment as
Commissioner, for the Department of Environmental Facilities. (1A18-3/12/07).
Mr. Marcogliese withdrew his appointment on May 1, 2007 [letter on file]. On the
motion of Legislator Oros, seconded by Legislator Bronz, the item is unanimously received & filed. Motion carried 4-0.
With no other business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 5:10 p.m.
Minutes Submitted by: Emilia Vita
Approved: 8/6/07
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