In attendance:
Objective:
Recovery Effort and Staten Island Land Fill:
A Review of the Most Critical Issues Discussed:

In attendance:

GIVE YOUR VOICE Members, Mayor Giuliani, Mayor-Elect Bloomberg, J. Greenspan, Steve Fisher, Detective ALI, Commander Nigro, Mr. Ottomat, Rosemary Okeife, WTC Family Group, and the September Mission attended the meeting.

Objective:

To work to together with the Mayor and other city officials to improve and expedite communications between the city and relatives anxious about recovering the remains and possessions of their loved ones. The goal is also to immediately address concerns raised about the thoroughness of the recovery operation including procedures used to spot, identify and preserve human remains.

Recovery Effort and Staten Island Land Fill:

Jennie Farrell opened the meeting with a review of two objectives. This was to update the new Mayor-Elect of the issues.

• First, to ensure that every effort is made to spot, recover, preserve, identify and deliver any human remains to the families of the victims.
• Second, to provide a voice and an ear for all victims' families.

Mrs. Farrell reminded the committee that those who lost someone who was a civilian has no structure, no organization through which to find answers or through which to even raise questions particularly regarding the recovery process.

A Review of the Most Critical Issues Discussed:

1.) Staten Island Land Fill Hours of Operation. When asked about the hours of operation, the Mayor's staff members stated that work at Fresh Kills is a 24 hr. operation. The committee questioned the statement and went on to note that there was a reduction in the number of men from 600 to 200, that issues concerning overtime have decreased the hours of operation and that observations of "unwatched conveyor belts" that process debris have been made. The Mayor and the committee agreed that increasing the number of hours was in the best interest of the recovery effort and went on to discuss the issue of manpower.

2.) Firemen Needed to Support Recovery Effort. Recovery duty at the Fresh Kills landfill is being substantially increased at the request of GIVE YOUR VOICE and support from Mayor Giuliani. Reports of unwatched conveyor belts, periods of no active raking through the debris, problems between sectors and other issues at Fresh Kills were presented to support the benefits of placing additional manpower at the site. Debris from the destroyed World Trade Center is taken to the Fresh Kills landfill in Staten Island, where 200 police officers have currently been assigned to screen the material for human remains. As a result of the discussion, 40 to 50 additional cops and 25 firefighters will immediately be assigned to the recovery task. We thank all those who supported this increase.

3.) Recovery Update. To date, 2655 human remains have been identified from more than 11,400 recovered. We find it difficult to include this information in our update but recognize the importance of updating all GYV members of all facts presented.

4.) Tours of Ground Zero and Fresh Kills. Tours will be given at Ground Zero, Medical Examiner Office and Freshkill Landfill

5.) Family Assistance Center Opens. Following the December 10th meeting, Mayor Giuliani requested that a new Family Assistance Center open to provide additional outreach to civilian families trying to cope with the many problems associated with obtaining financial assistance charities. GYV relayed the vast number of emails received daily that describe the enormous financial distress civilian families are trying to cope with at this time. We thanked the Mayor for his "helping hand" and went on to offer constructive feedback on the center. Member Anthony Licciardi conducted a "test pilot" of the center and offered these comments:

• More information Needed. The center needs to include the full spectrum of charities that are available to civilians for financial aid. Information on only two charities were provided. HRA representatives agreed and will take the proper steps to ensure that civilian families receive a complete list of all the charities that can be contacted for assistance.

• Staff needs additional training. When asked about the knowledge base held by the center's staff, HRA commented that many are currently in training. They requested that we allow some time for "staff training" and confirmed that they will soon be at a point where all personnel will be properly equipped to knowledgeably serve the families that visit the center.

6.) Return Personal Belongings to the Victims' Families. Personal effects that have been recovered include a wide variety of items such as photographs and jewelry. Member Michael Cartier inquired about the process used to determine when a personal belonging is actually tested for DNA. It was confirmed that all belongings are tested and then must follow a decontamination process. Property is then cataloged with the remain for identification and recovery by the family. The Mayor's staff reported that 90% of personal effects have been identified and reclaimed by family members.

7.) DNA Testing. Member Marie Granieri introduced a discussion concerning the DNA process itself and the time requirement involved. She recommended that Mr. Shayler, Director of Forsenics Biology provide an outline or a description that civilians can use as a point of reference to understand the DNA process. The Mayor agreed that it would be helpful and that it should be written as an "understandable" document. Mr. Shayler will report back with a date when the document will be available.

8.) Plan for a World Trade Center Memorial GIVE YOUR VOICE graciously thanked Mayor Giuliani for his December comments to the press concerning the building of a World Trade Center Memorial. "The dream of building a world class office complex at the World Trade Center site may have to give way to a "beautiful memorial" he said. The mayor proposed compensating WTC lease holder Larry Silverstein for loss of his development rights by letting him build in other neighborhoods. "You could transfer air rights to [the far West Side] and you could recreate some of what was at the World Trade center, let's say 20 blocks north," Giuliani told the press.

Afterwards, the committee members shared their personal thoughts on the subject. GYV member Steven Campbell stated that he thought nothing should be built on top of "sacred ground". Member Michele Cartier offered the recommendation for an "eternal flame" of light that would be forever lit in remembrance of all who died. Other members held the opinion that the city should indeed build but that most of the space should be set aside for a monument in "remembrance". Mayor Giuliani stated the topic brings on various positions and commented that 65% of people surveyed felt that the city should rebuild. He recognized the need to reach out for input from the families of the victims' and assured the committee that no formal planning meetings have been held to discuss the matter. Member Monica Iken will play a key role in the project.

Closing Remarks

The meeting adjourned at approximately 10 p.m. (EST). Jennie Farrell thanked all those in attendance. The next meeting will be schedule during the week of December 24th.