April 25, 2007

Highlights Of Actions Taken By The County Board Of Legislators At Its April 23rd Meeting

Legislation approved:

Leaf blower pollution

The County Board approved a law to require, by January 1, 2009, that county employees and contractors only use portable leaf blowers that meet exhaust emission standards set earlier this year by the federal Environmental Protection Agency for work done on county-owned property, including parkland. Westchester is under mandates from the state and federal governments to reduce air pollution because it has unacceptable levels of ozone, as determined under the federal Clean Air Act.

Tourism designation

At the request of County Executive Andrew Spano, the County Board designated the County Office of Tourism as a “Tourist Promotion Agency” so it can promote tourism and apply for matching state funds. With its new designation, the Office of Tourism will be eligible for a state grant of about $75,000 to be used to market Westchester as a tourism destination.

Airport rules and regulations

The County Board approved new rules and regulations for the County Airport, which have not been updated since 1979. There have been significant changes in protocols for airport administration and operations from the federal Transportation Security Administration, especially in response to the September 11, 2001 terrorism attacks, including the authority to access secured areas and possess weapons. Fines for violating the new airport rules and regulations have been raised from a maximum of $100 to a cap of $10,000, with a provision to require violators to reimburse the airport for any expenses it had to pay to address violations.

Funding approved:

Culvert study

The County Board approved $300,000 for a study to explore the condition of roadway culverts at various locations and establish future rehabilitation projects. The study will also determine future construction costs and provide recommendations for implementing State Department of Environmental Conservation storm water regulations.

North Yonkers Pump Station

The County Board approved three capital projects at the North Yonkers Pump Station: $6.5 million, in addition to previously-authorized $1.5 million, for an electrical equipment upgrade; $3.75 million, in addition to $1.25 million approved in the past, for pump station upgrades; and $1.6 million, in addition to the previously-approved $600,000, for odor control.

Record Center rehabilitation

The County Board approved $400,000 for rehabilitation projects at the Record Center in Elmsford. The funds will be used to design several projects, including a new generator system, a new archive vault system, a warehouse office area, replacement of the roofing system, replacement of the security alarm system and modification to the vault wall infrastructure system.

Pleasantville Road Bridge

The County Board approved $315,000, in addition to the previously-approved $200,000, to replace the Pleasantville Road Bridge, which is located over the Pocantico River.

County office building windows

The County Board approved $275,000 to replace windows in the Michaelian Office Building in White Plains.

Appointments Approved:

• New Rochelle residents Sterling Jasper and Keith B. Parker as public members of the County Rent Guidelines Board.
• Mount Vernon resident Virginia S. Hawkins as a consumer representative member of the County Community Services Board.
• Scarsdale resident Robert P. Fisher, Jr. to the County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Board.
• Yonkers resident Cecile D. Singer as a District 15 representative member of the County Women’s Advisory Board.
• Bedford resident Joseph F. Iantorno as a member of the County Fire Advisory Board representing the Westchester County Association of Fire Chiefs.

 

 

If you would like additional background information, please contact Betsy DeSoye at (914) 995-3277.