The Open Meetings or “Sunshine” laws of New York State and Suffolk County
February 25, 2014
The Open Meetings or “Sunshine” laws of New York State and Suffolk County give the public the right to attend meetings of public bodies, listen to the debates and watch the decision-making process in action. The laws also require that notice of the time and place of all meetings be given prior to every meeting.
Following is a list of upcoming meetings that fall under the auspices of the Suffolk County Department of Health Services. Note: Space may be limited at each of these meetings. Guests are asked to call in advance if they plan to attend.
Wednesday, March 5, 2014, 10:30 a.m.
Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Subcommittee* of the Mental Hygiene Services Advisory Board, 725 Veterans Memorial Highway (North County Complex), Building C-928, Hauppauge, NY 11788
The Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Subcommittee of the Community Mental Hygiene Advisory Board is made up of consumers, parents, advocates, professionals and agency provider who consider developmental disabilities issues and advise the Director of Community Mental Hygiene Services as necessary through the advisory board. Members of the public who plan to attend are asked to call in advance: 854-0095.
*Name change pending change in county charter.
Wednesday, March 5, 2014, 1:30 p.m.
Mental Health Subcommittee of the Community Mental Hygiene Advisory Board
725 Veterans Memorial Highway (North County Complex), Building C-928, Hauppauge, NY 11788
The Mental Health Subcommittee of the Community Mental Hygiene Advisory Board is made up of consumers, parents, advocates, professionals and agency providers who consider mental health issues and advise the Director of Community Mental Hygiene Services as necessary through the advisory board. Members of the public who plan to attend are asked to call in advance: 854-0095.
Thursday, March 6, 2014, 2:00 p.m.
Alcohol and Substance Abuse Subcommittee of the Mental Hygiene Services Advisory Board
725 Veterans Memorial Highway (North County Complex), Building C-928, Hauppauge, NY 11788
The Alcohol and Substance Abuse Subcommittee of the Community Mental Hygiene Advisory Board includes consumers, parents, advocates, professionals and agency providers who consider alcohol and substance abuse issues and advise the Director of Community Mental Hygiene Services as necessary through the advisory board. Members of the public who plan to attend are asked to call in advance: 854-0095.
Thursday, March 6, 2014, 2 p.m.
The Patient Protection Oversight Committee
Suffolk County Department of Health Services’ Administrative Building, 3500 Sunrise Highway, Building 200, Great River, NY 11739-9006
The Patient Protection Oversight Committee was created in 2013 by the Suffolk County Legislature to assist vulnerable residents with accessing needed health care services. Members of various Suffolk County agencies and organizations will meet this month for the first time to discuss implementation of resolution number 351-2013. Members of the public who plan to attend are asked to call in advance: 854-0337.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014, 1:30 p.m.
Community Mental Hygiene Planning & Advisory Board Meeting
725 Veterans Memorial Highway (North County Complex), Building C-928, Hauppauge, NY 11788
The Community Mental Health Planning and Advisory Board is made up of consumers, parents, advocates, professionals and agency providers who consider issues involving this community and advises the Director of Community Mental Hygiene Services as necessary. Members of the public who plan to attend are asked to call in advance: 854-0095.
Wednesday, March 19, 2014, 9:30 a.m.
The Board of Health
Suffolk County Department of Health Services’ Administration Building, 3500 Sunrise Highway, Building 200, Great River, NY 11739-9006
The Board of Health, at the request of the commissioner of health services, considers matters relating to the preservation and improvement of public health. In the event that a quorum cannot be achieved at this meeting, the meeting will be canceled. Members of the public who plan to attend are advised to call 631-854-0100 the day of the meeting to find out if the meeting will take place.
Thursday, March 20, 9:00 a.m.
Environmental Quality Board of Review
360 Yaphank Ave., Suite 2C, Yaphank, NY 11980
The Board of Review hears requests for variances and waivers to the county’s requirements for water and sewage disposal for new construction, and for storage of toxic or hazardous materials, as stated in the Suffolk County Sanitary Code. A listing of each month’s scheduled hearings may be obtained in the days prior to the hearing by contacting the Department of Health Services’ Division of Environmental Quality at 852-5800.
NOTE: Members of the media who plan to attend a meeting or who require additional information about a meeting are asked to call Grace Kelly-McGovern at 854-0095 in advance.