Westchester Insider: Westchester County: UPDATED MEETING NOTICES – May 2024.

MEETING NOTICES –May 2024.

 

Go to meetings.westchestergov.com to watch.

                                                                                                           

Meetings will be held as follows:

 

The Refuse Disposal District Advisory Board (RDDAB) meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, May 1^st, at 3:00 p.m. and will be held in-person at the Material Recovery Facility Education Center, NYS Thruway Exit 6A, 1A Stew Leonard Drive (Across from Stew Leonard's). Members of the public may view this meeting online at: meetings.westchestergov.com

 

Asian American Advisory Board Meeting

May 1 from 7 to 8 pm

Join from the meeting link

https://westchestergov.webex.com/westchestergov/j.php?MTID=m48d19e4bf7683366c6b109a101c7fb28

Join by meeting number

Meeting number (access code): 2439 327 3919

Meeting password: U26BpX2Psme

 

Citizens Consumer Advisory Council Meeting

Webex Meeting Info:

Monday, May 6, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.

https://westchestergov.webex.com/westchestergov/j.phpMTID=mb82eb9ca6d0ddc90b51622777bd4ac3c

Join by meeting number

Meeting number (access code):  2424 973 7808
Meeting password:  yUwJGFSv247

 

Westchester County Department of Planning Board Meeting

Tuesday, May 7 at 9:00 a.m.

Cassella Conference Room 420

148 Martine Avenue

White Plains, New York 10601

Members of the public may view this meeting online at: meetings.westchestergov.com

 

Westchester County Electrical Licensing Board

In person meeting info:

Tuesday May 7, 2024 @ 3:00 p.m.

148 Martine Avenue, Room 527

White Plains, NY 10601

Members of the public may view this meeting online at: meetings.westchestergov.com

 

Webex Meeting Info:

https://westchestergov.webex.com/westchestergov/j.php?MTID=m4f2b5121324166755ae92b8e0d848dbb

Tuesday May 7, 2024 @ 3:00 p.m.

Join by meeting number

Meeting number (access code): 2427 196 2626

Meeting password: 5J5a8MHSajf

 

Solid Waste Commission Meeting

Wednesday, May 8 at 3 p.m.

Solid Waste Commission Conference Room, Room 352

112 East Post Road, 3^rd Floor

White Plains, NY 10601

Members of the public may view this meeting online at: meetings.westchestergov.com

 

Westchester County Dept. of Laboratories & Research Board of Managers Meeting

Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 9 a.m.

Department of Laboratories Administrative Conference Room G108

10 Dana Road

Valhalla, NY 10595

Members of the public may view this meeting online at: meetings.westchestergov.com

 

Webex Meeting Info:

Join from the meeting link

https://westchestergov.webex.com/westchestergov/j.php?MTID=m5a1284aeb17c4b907c2935e4572cfdbf

Join by meeting number

Meeting number (access code): 2438 963 5827

Meeting password: f3wRD8gp9xn

Tap to join from a mobile device (attendees only)  
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Join by phone  
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Join from a video system or application
Dial 24389635827@westchestergov.webex.com 
You can also dial 173.243.2.68 and enter your meeting number.

 

Westchester County Youth Board Meeting

Tuesday, May 14 at 5p.m.

148 Martine Ave., 9^th floor

White Plains, New York 10601

Members of the public may view this meeting online at: meetings.westchestergov.com

 

Westchester County Historic Preservation Advisory Committee

Wednesday, May 15 at 3:30 p.m.

Cassella Conference Room 420

148 Martine Avenue

White Plains, New York 10601

Members of the public may view this meeting online at: meetings.westchestergov.com

 

Westchester County Board of Health Meeting

Thursday, May 16 at 8:30 a.m.

Westchester County Health Department Office

10 County Center Road, 2nd Floor

White Plains, New York 10601

Members of the public may view this meeting online at: meetings.westchestergov.com

 

Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation & Conservation Meeting

Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 4 p.m.

PRC Headquarters Conference Room 2^nd Floor

450 Saw Mill River Road

Ardsley, NY 10502

Members of the public may view this meeting online at: meetings.westchestergov.com

 

Westchester County Soil & Water Conservation District Board Meeting

Friday, May 17, 2024 @ 9:00-11:00 a.m.

Department of Planning Conf. Rm. 420

148 Martine Avenue, 4^th Floor

White Plains, NY 10601

Members of the public may view this meeting online at: meetings.westchestergov.com and/or Join from the meeting link

https://westchestergov.webex.com/westchestergov/j.php?MTID=mecc4bdba2822962532c7d3c2e719ff4c

Join by meeting number

Meeting number (access code): 2439 619 2519

Meeting password: EnmxR4pSJ28

 

Dept. of Public Safety Police Board

Tuesday, May 21 at 3 p.m.

Conference Room Room 218

1 Saw Mill River Parkway

Hawthorne, New York 10532

Members of the public may view this meeting online at: meetings.westchestergov.com

 

Westchester County Board of Plumbing Examiners

In person meeting info:

Tuesday May 21, 2024 @ 3:00 p.m.

148 Martine Avenue, Room 527

White Plains, NY 10601

Members of the public may view this meeting online at: meetings.westchestergov.com

 

Webex Meeting Info:

Tuesday May 21, 2024 @ 3:00 p.m.

https://westchestergov.webex.com/westchestergov/j.php?MTID=m7aeedaee0a4b4bc85f615042f0e01658

Join by meeting number

Meeting number (access code): 2436 703 3523

Meeting password: WkfSEYSx462

 

Probation Advisory Board will be meeting on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 5 P.M. at Richard J. Daronco Courthouse 111 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, White Plains, NY – in Probation Commissioner Rocco A. Pozzi Conference Room 623.  Pursuant to the open meetings law, Board members must attend the meeting in person. Members of the public may join in person or via https://meetings.westchestergov.com

 

Westchester County Fire Advisory Board Meeting

Thursday, May 30, 2024

DES

4 Dana Road, Valhalla

Room 1

Westchester Insider: Westchester County Board of Legislators: **PRESS RELEASE**WESTCHESTER WATCH: LEGISLATIVE HIGHLIGHTS.

 

WESTCHESTER WATCH: LEGISLATIVE HIGHLIGHTS.

Reopening of Mental Health Clinic, Infrastructure Upgrades, Senior Tax Exemption, Emergency Contracts & Going Green.

 

White Plains, NY — At their regular Board meeting, the Westchester County Board of Legislators voted unanimously to approve a $1 million bond act for a critically needed mental health clinic in White Plains, and a $1.5 million bond act to revitalize Merestead Park to preserve its historic significance. Additionally, items in the areas of contracts, sustainability, and tax amendments were moved forward, reflecting the Board's proactive stance addressing pressing community issues and enhancing public services.

 

Board Chair Vedat Gashi (D - New Castle, Ossining, Somers, Yorktown) said, “This year, we are already making great strides, doing the work on behalf of the people of Westchester County. From approving projects for a Mental Health Clinic, addressing the county’s critical mental health needs, to maintaining critical infrastructure and alleviating financial burdens for vulnerable residents, the efforts we made at last night’s Board Meeting continue to contribute to the overall betterment and well-being of the residents of Westchester County.” 

Mental Health Clinic

The Board approved a $1,000,000 Bond Act to fund a Mental Health Clinic at 112 East Post Road, White Plains. The clinic aims to increase access to essential mental health services for residents who require immediate assistance, particularly those individuals with complex needs.

 

Budget & Appropriations Chair Legislator Jewel Williams Johnson (D- Elmsford, Greenburgh, Tarrytown, White Plains) said, “I am super thrilled we passed transformative legislation last night that marks a significant milestone in our commitment to the well-being and prosperity of our community. Our approving funds for the first new mental health clinic in our county since the closing of all of them in 2011, enhances our public health infrastructure and increases mental health resources, which has been one of my goals since I was first elected to the BOL. I am more than grateful for our Commissioner of Community Mental Health, Michael Orth and his staff who are working hard to bring this to fruition. The approved funding to revitalize two parklands adds to our environmental and recreational goals and the streamlining of our emergency contracts process enhances our response capabilities. I am very pleased as we also passed legislation, taking advantage of recent state law, to provide much-needed tax relief to senior citizens. I am hopeful this will ease financial burdens and enable our seniors to enjoy a more secure and comfortable life. Each initiative was unanimously approved and is a step forward in building a more supportive, vibrant, and resilient County for all our residents.”

 

Human Services Committee Chair Nancy Barr (D - Harrison, Port Chester, Rye Brook) said “Access to quality mental health care continues to be a challenge, especially for those who have complex diagnoses. The bond amendment the Board approved tonight will fund the cost of design, construction management and construction of the County’s new mental health clinic in White Plains.  The building, which already houses the Department of Health, is centrally located near other County services, making it ideal for helping clients with the wide array of problems that may contribute to, or be caused by, their illness. This is another great example of the Administrative branch and the Legislative Branch of County Government working together to bring life-saving services to the community.”

 

Legislator Erika Pierce (D - Bedford, Lewisboro, Mt. Kisco, North Salem, Pound Ridge, Somers) said, “Given the ongoing mental health care crisis in our nation, investing in the mental health of our County residents is critical to us as a Board and I am excited to see this first of hopefully two clinics move forward.”

 

Infrastructure Upgrades

 

Merestead Farm House

The Board approved a $1.5 million bond act to revitalize the Farmhouse at Merestead Park in Mount Kisco, a cherished landmark dating back to the 19th century. This initiative involves not just restoration but also additional design and construction services. The Farm House, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, holds immense cultural significance, making this a much-anticipated restoration effort. Merestead, a park donated to the County by the Patterson family in 2002, spans 130 acres and includes several historic buildings such as a mansion, farm, and carriage house. Despite its beauty, the park has significant investment needs, complicated by deed restrictions inherited upon donation. Over the past four years, efforts have been underway to alleviate these restrictions, enabling this beloved property to be restored to its former grandeur.

 

Legislator Erika Pierce said, “This was a long awaited big night for Merestead Park. Not only did we vote to support the settlement of the special proceeding, which concluded with all parties – including the Patterson family – happy with the outcome, but we also voted on the bond to commence work on the historic farmhouse at Merestead. This farmhouse, once restored, will breathe life into this park and symbolize our commitment as a County to the proper stewardship of our history and our County assets.  And with the deed restrictions lifted per the settlement, we can plan the future for this beautiful park, and put it to use for the benefit of Westchester residents.

 

Legislator Catherine F. Parker (D- Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Rye) said, “Larchmont participated in Westchester’s Fields for Kids program almost 20 years ago that saw Larchmont take over maintenance of County roads within the municipality in exchange for Alma Field at Flint Park. Given the need for the County to upgrade drainage for the field we are happy to partner once again to see Alma Field get some much needed amenities.

 

Flint Park Improvements, Alma Field Turf Replacement and Expansion

The County and the Village of Larchmont have entered a 15-year inter-municipal (IMA) agreement to develop Alma Field, covering 27 acres. The project will make over this versatile sports field to accommodate soccer, lacrosse, Little League baseball, and softball, with planned enhancements including lighting, seating, picnic areas, scoreboards, and drainage systems. The total project cost is $2.2 million, with the County financing $1 million for design, permitting, and construction management in exchange for granting all County residents access to the facilities.

 

Sustainability

 

Source Separation

The Board is rolling out new recycling measures to make “going green” easier for businesses. Their proposal adjusts the Westchester County Source Separation Law with simple changes like requiring separate waste and recycling bins in public places and clarifying rules on food composting. By streamlining reporting requirements and aligning with state laws on hazardous materials disposal, the Board aims to make recycling second nature for businesses. These steps reflect the Board's commitment to creating a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable Westchester County for all.

 

Legislator Pierce said, “This update to our law makes it clear that recycling is the law in Westchester County. Businesses must provide appropriate receptacles for recycling wherever they accept trash so we continue to divert recyclables and reduce waste.”

 

Contracts

 

Emergency Contracts

The Board passed a Local Law to streamline emergency contracting procedures throughout the County by extending emergency contracts beyond the current one-year term. With supply chain challenges persisting since the COVID-19 pandemic in addition to unforeseen project complexities, emergency contracts have faced delays and complications which the Law will help remediate. The law also mandates detailed reporting to ensure transparency and accountability. These changes will enhance the County's ability to respond effectively to urgent situations while maintaining oversight and adherence to legal requirements.

 

Income Eligibility for The Senior Property Tax Exemptions

The County is amending its local law regarding the Senior Citizen Property Tax Exemptions in response to authorization from the New York State Real Property Tax Law. This adjustment aims to broaden the eligibility criteria by excluding their social security income from the adjusted gross income calculation. This change will give seniors living on fixed incomes increased benefit from tax relief, easing the financial burden for those with limited resources and ensuring they can better afford their homes and age in place.

 

Legislation Chair Colin D. Smith (D- Cortlandt, Peekskill, Yorktown) said, “This legislation aligns with federal guidelines. Now, eligible Westchester residents can claim this benefit, and we have made more seniors eligible for property tax relief.”

 

Legislator David J. Tubiolo (D- Yonkers, Mount Vernon) said, "As an original co-sponsor of the Senior Citizen Property Tax Exemption, I applaud County Executive Latimer for his initiative and leadership on this issue, and my colleagues for their collaboration. When originally passed, this legislation was intended to expand the scope of eligibility for our senior population who are living on fixed incomes. As legislators, we have a responsibility to do our best to ensure a sustainable quality of life for all populations under our charge, but especially those on fixed incomes who chose to age in place. By eliminating Social Security from the income calculation for eligibility, it is my hope that even more seniors in our County will become eligible for this benefit. Although the property tax levied by the County is only one component of the overall cost of property taxes levied amongst the many municipalities, every little bit helps."

 

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: VIDEO: COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER GIVES WESTCHESTER WEEKLY UPDATE.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer Gives Westchester Weekly Update.

 

Watch the News Conference Here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auFaF3McSdM

 

Westchester County Consumer Protection Department Warns Residents for Spring Contracting Season.

 

 

(White Plains, NY) – Spring has sprung – and with the warmer weather comes home renovations.  The Westchester County Consumer Protection Department is reminding County residents that Westchester County laws require that all home improvement contractors are properly licensed to work in Westchester and not on the list of “renegade renovators.”

 

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “Operating without a home improvement license is a violation of law in Westchester County, so if you’re hiring a contractor to do home improvement work, please make sure you ask the contractor to show you a license from our Consumer Protection Department.”

 

A list of all licensed contractors and a list of contractors that homeowners should avoid (“renegade renovators”) can be found on the Westchester County Consumer Protection Department webpage. 

 

Consumer Protection Director Jim Maisano stated: “Contractors must follow all requirements set forth on Article XVI in County Law – ‘Licensing of Persons Engaged in Home Improvement Business.’ There are over 8,000 licensed contractors in Westchester to pick from, you have options and we are here to help.”

 

Consumers should know that the Department is vigilant in following up on formal complaints against contractors and will take legal action against contractors who operate without a license or violate the terms of their contracts. Complaints can be filed online on the Department’s webpage.

 

Tips for Hiring Home Improvement Contractors:

·         Licensed home improvement contractors must display a green sticker on the rear bumper of their vehicles, which indicates the expiration date of their license.

·         For any hired work there must be a written contract between the parties.  All work to be performed must be spelled out, including the estimated start and completion dates and the total price, including the costs of labor and materials and any schedule of payments.

·         Review the Department’s webpage which offers helpful advice to consumers about hiring a contractor including a printable pamphlet.

·         Get references from friends.

·         Review proposals from at least three licensed contractors.

·         Be wary of all unsolicited phone calls and door-to-door sales.

 

Additional information is available at www.consumer.westchestergov.com or contact the Department of Consumer Protection at (914) 995-2155 or email at ConPro@westchestercountyny.gov for assistance.