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Legislation Committee MINUTES, June 25, 1996
MEMBERS: Thomas J. Abinanti, Paul J. Noto, Louis A. Mosiello, Joseph M. Delfino
LEGISLATORS: Bernice Spreckman, Katherine S. Carsky, Suzanne Swanson
STAFF: Patricia F. Gorski, Donald K. Sandford, Dolores Heredia, Lori La Salvia, Glenn Guzi
GUESTS: Harriet Lieb, Charlotte Schienberg (LWVW), Elizabeth Salvi (Law Dept.)
Senior Citizens: Pally Robaini, Anita Persise, Rose Loughlin, Sheila Fitzpatrick, Richard Erental, Jeanne Cainns, Raymond Schepkowski, Barbara Autratt, Rose Barbalati.
Landscapers: Larry Wilson, Joe Tinelli, Frank Claps, Michael Bellatoni.
Bar Owners: Roy Dolan, Joe Garig, Roy Kefecth, Jeff Donofrie, Gerry Cueley, John Fitzgerald, Denis Curtis, Daniel Coughlan, Gary Torigiou, Frank McKrerman, Sean Lynoll, Brendan Fay, Niam Scannell, Jack Faughnan, James Clarke, Pat McKnight, Jane Berman. Frank Cappola, Attorney.
The meeting commenced at 3:50 PM.
The first order of business was item C-7, a letter from the Turf and Landscape Association requesting that the current Westchester County Consumer Affairs licensing procedures include landscape contractors and gardeners who are not currently included. In addition, they request that any commercial vehicles used for landscaping purposes display the company logo and any other required stickers. Leg. Abinanti was concerned about excluding young students who wish to work after school. The Turf and Landscape Association felt they are blamed for the unscrupulous use of lawn chemicals when, in fact, the kids use them improperly. County preemption, student exemption, and the
Legislation Committee MINUTES, June 25, 1996 Page - 2 -
identification of commercial vehicles are the issues the Legislation Committee will review and address.
The next order of business was a discussion with representatives of the Office of the Aging, from the City of Yonkers. Rose Loughlin discussed how 25%-26% of the population of Yonkers are seniors. Leg. Spreckman noted that due to this high percentage, the Yonker’s Senior Citizens should receive at least 25% funding. Sally Robinson, Director of the Office of the Aging, explained that Yonker’s senior citizens receive only 10% of the total amount of funds for which they are eligible. Leg. Abinanti proposed that this issue may better be addressed in the Budget Committee. Leg. Abinanti requested from Ms. Robinson a fact sheet in order that they may review the statistics in conjunction with the legislation to determine whether this is a budgetary matter.
The next issue for discussion was 3:00 AM bar-closings. Attorney Frank Capolla, the representative for the bar owners, shared drunk-driving statistics with the Committee. Mr. Capolla felt that a 3:00 AM bar-closing time hurts some communities more than it benefits other communities. Mr. Capolla asked that the Committee reexamine the legislation and give the bar owners an opportunity to self-police. A bar owner in Portchester explained her designated driver rules under which the bar gives free coffee, tea and even a sandwich to the designated driver. In addition bar owners feel that the climate of drinking has changed and people are becoming more responsible. The President of the New Rochelle Tavern Association felt that a 3:00 AM bar-closing time will not save lives, but cost more lives since people will drive to other communities while they are drunk. In addition, there will be an economic loss to Westchester County since there will be a loss of tax dollars and jobs. This item will be further addressed.
The meeting adjourned at 4:45 PM
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