In attendance:
GIVE YOUR VOICE Members, Marion Fontana, WTC Family Group and the September Mission

Objectives: To update the Family Committee and the Mayor on the outcome of the tour of Ground Zero and Freshkill, obtain an update on important recovery developments and check on the status of OEM materials in development to update/educate victim families about the recovery, DNA testing and identification process.

Tour of Ground Zero/Freshkill - Mayor Approves GYV Request for A Civilian Advocate and Approves Tours for Other Family Members

GYV President Michael Cartier opened the meeting with a heartfelt thank you to Mayor Giuliani and his team for their support in accommodating a tour of Ground Zero, FreshKill and the Medical Examiner's office. Michael said, "It was very important for me to see the operation firsthand. My brother James is still buried there and it's critical that I know that every effort is made to recover him and all loved ones still there. It was a humbling experience and I was very impressed with the expertise behind the entire operation". Michael described Fresh Kill as a "mini-city" run by dedicated people determined to do all that is possible to return loved ones to their families. He thanked everyone for their time in answering his many questions on how the operation works and emphasized the expertise and kindness shown to him by the Medical Examiner's team.

Highlights of Michael's comments included:

• Adequate staffing/manpower at both locations
  
• Care in handling of human remains with respect and dignity
  
• Appreciation for the lengthy time required for DNA testing
  
• Presence of technology (robots) to ensure that nothing is missed during the processing of debris.

Mayor Giuliani stated that perhaps allowing a television on-site would have been beneficial to keep families informed. GIVE YOUR VOICE asked the Mayor if tours could be arranged on an ongoing basis for other families that also wish to participate. The Mayor approved the request and stated that he would make every effort to ease the hurt of families in any way possible.

To do this, GYV is working with the new administration to determine who can serve as a "Civilian Advocate" or contact person that can assist families interested in taking the tour. After the Civilian Advocate has been named, tours for five to six families at a time will be available at the same three locations.

Richard Sheirer (OEM) is tasked with following up on scheduling tours and helping to appoint a Civilian Advocate. We appreciate his help on this important request.

Recovery News

• Recovery. Lee Ialpi reported that during the previous week, recovery of whole bodies had indeed been made. The recovery is now taking place in the deepest section of the site. He also reported that the smoke and burning had officially stopped.

• Manpower & Work Hours Remain Unchanged. GYV members inquired about the increase in manpower and Firemen presence at Freshkills. At present, the increase will stay in effect along with the increase in hours of operation. No changes will be made. OEM also confirmed a question posed by Marion Fontana as to whether or not each recovery is documented both at Ground Zero and Freshkills. OEM confirmed that the recovery is officially recorded at both locations.

• Rules on Work Hours During Inclement Weather. The committee discussed the potential to close the site during freezing temperature. It was noted that work could become counterproductive in the cold. The committee agreed to stop work when the temperature falls below 35 degrees.

• DDC to Maintain Site Management. Richard Schierer stated that he believes the DDC has done an excellent job in the recovery effort. At this point, the city does not recommend bringing in a new outside contractor (i.e. BOVIS) and would prefer that the DDC maintains site management

• Personal Property. It was confirmed that all property belonging to a loved one is placed under the guardianship of the NYPD's Property Clerk Division. Property deemed as found is invoiced at the office of the Manhattan Property Clerk. The office can be reached by telephone at 212.374.4926. It was noted that a letter mailing is in development to provide more information to family members about locating the personal property of a loved one.

Platform to View Ground Zero

Richard Schierer announced the opening of a platform designed by David Rockwell where visitors and fellow Americans can view Ground Zero. The platform is located south of St. Paul's Chapel. At this time, the committee did not feel that it would pose a problem but raised concern at the possibility of onlookers viewing a recovery. The Mayor assured the team that the platform was not close enough to view something so personal to the families and promised to close it if it indeed becomes a problem.

Family Assistance Center

HRA members were asked about their progress in assisting families in need of reaching out to the more than 140 available charities for assistance. They confirmed that they have increased their master list of all charities to 40 and that the progress would continue. GIVE YOUR VOICE members plan to again visit the center to observe the operation and provide feedback at the next meeting.

Closing Remarks - A Universal Thank You to Mayor Giuliani

The meeting closed with a universal thank you to Mayor Giuliani for his tremendous dedication and strong support. The Mayor was very gracious and also commended our efforts and stated that he would like to again meet with the committee in 3 - 4 weeks time. We cannot thank the Mayor enough for his desire to continue to do whatever is possible to help the families who lost a loved one(s) on September 11th.

Meeting with Mayor-Elect Bloomberg on the Horizon

A meeting will be arranged to meet with Mayor-elect Bloomberg. His Senior Staff Advisor relayed the incoming Mayor's full support and desire to continue to help civilian families receive information needed on the recovery, financial assistance and the memorial. Chairman Jennie Farrell is currently making these arrangements.