COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION

MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 19, 1996

MEMBERS: Abinanti, Noto, Mosiello, Latimer.

LEGISLATORS: La Motte, Wishnie.

STAFF: Sandford, Eichorn, Salvi.

GUESTS: George Hosey (CBAC); Michael Bellantoni, Nicholas

Loddo Ben Fratarcangeli, Frank Claps, Joe Tenneli (Landscapers); Bruce DeShay, Thomas Devine,

Mark Cucinel, John Pasquerella, Joseph Angelovi (Electricians).

The meeting was called to order at 3:46 P.M. and the minutes of March 5th and March 12th were approved as modified on motion of Legislator Noto, second by Legislator Mosiello. [4-0]

Legislator Noto requested copies of a proposed state law on smoking. (Item C3)

Joe Tenelli, President of the New York State Turf and Landscapers, requested that landscapers be licensed. He proposed stickers for vehicles doing landscaping work. This would allow police to check immediately if a landscaper at a work site was properly licensed. He proposed that the revenues could go to the local municipalities and the county could administer the program. He further proposed that the business names appear on trucks so that they are easily identifiable. He predicts that the proposal would eliminate fly-by-night operators.

Chairman Abinanti questioned whether new legislation was needed, or if a modification of the home improvement licensing law would be sufficient. Mr. Tenelli’s sole concern was that the rules be unified for people making any type of home improvement.

Chairman Abinanti also inquired if the program is being in other counties or other municipalities. Mr. Tenelli explained that Nassau has such a law, but that there is no enforcement. He will get a list for other localities in Westchester. He will try to get a copy of the new law.

Legislator Latimer suggested that a follow up meeting be set after reviewing other similar laws. He asked Mr. Tenelli to send a letter requesting the exact needs and wishes of the Turf and Landscapers.

Legislation Minutes

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Electrical Licensing

Chairman Abinanti suggested that Westchester may need enabling legislation for electricians. Legislator Wishnie suggested that there is critical need for the public health and safety and that the Board of Legislators should pursue state enabling legislation.

Bruce DeShay of the National Electrical Contractors Assoc. presented a proposal for licensing and regulation of master and special electricians and inspection of electrical work.

Legislator Latimer suggested that if the idea is accepted, a letter or resolution to the state delegation should be sent by the Board of Legislators.

Mr. DeShay informed the Committee that there is no direction or requests from the state at this time.

Chairman Abinanti asked for a letter to the County Attorney requesting a resolution with a hearing to follow.

The meeting adjourned at 4:30 P.M.