COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION

MINUTES,JULY 12,1999

 

MEMBERS:  Stewart-Cousins(Chair), Abinanti, Bronz, Maisano,

                      Ryan,Latimer, 0ros, Mosiello

 

STAFF:   Hoch,

 

GUESTS:  Stacy Dolgin-Kmetz(Law Dept.),Susan Gerry(Law Dept.)Norm Jacknis(CIO)Paul Pietropaulo)Planning), Legislator Pinto,  Bill Randolph(Office of CE) Edmund P. Reilly, Jim Robertson(Law Dept), Liz Salvi(Law Dept.) Alan Scheinkman(County Attny.), Legislator Swanson, Larry Wilson-NYS Turf & Landscapers Assoc.

 

The chair called the meeting to order at 1:20 p.m.

 

Agenda Item 155-Altering  Composition of PRC BOARD

Mr. Scheinkman presented an updated version of the local law sponsored by Mr. Pinto, that would make the legislator-member of the Parks Recreation & Conservation Board a non-voting member.  Mr. Scheinkman explained that the amended legislation would require a referendum since it proposes to take away powers from an elected official.  Mr. Mosiello asked why this legislation is necessary.  Mr. Pinto explained that there had been conflicting legislation offered in the past which created confusion as to whether the legislator-member was a  voting member of the PRC Board.  The PRC Board was also concerned about having a quorum for votes, and the ethics of the legislator having a vote on the PRC Board and at the Board of Legislators on the same item.  Mosiello stated that the legislator member could recuse himself from the vote if necessary and the newly proposed legislation requiring attendance at

board and commission meetings would solve the quorum issue.  The Chair stated that in light of these matters, and with the new information that a referendum is required, the Board may want to reconsider the necessity of the law.  Pinto agreed and requested time to discuss these new issues with the PRC Board.

 

*Tape on file

Committee on Legislation

Minutes, July 12, 1999

Page 2

 

Agenda Item 42 – Delinquent School Tax Payments

Mr. Pinto presented the local law he is sponsoring that would alter the penalty scheme for delinquent school tax payments and asked that the item be put out for public hearing.   The committee discussed the details of altering the February penalty deadline to allow all taxpayers enough time to make their payment.  Mr. Pinto stated that seniors would benefit from the change.  The Chair asked for a motion to sign the item out for a public hearing.  Mrs. Bronz made the motion.  Mr. Mosiello seconded.  All in favor, 8-0.

 

Status of RESCO and Ash Pit

The Chair noted that Commissioner Landi was again not present at the meeting and that this item will be discussed at a later date.

 

Item 168 – Creating the County Computer Bank 

Mr. Oros stated that he had problems with  the County getting in the middle of accepting and disposing of donated computers.  He believes that the bank will diminish the efforts of private organizations. He also feels that this is not the County’s business and is generally suspicious of County government.

 

Bronz pointed out that this is an opportunity for private parties who usually have no place to go when disposing of obsolete computer equipment.

 

Mosiello stated that it is a good idea but the County should not get involved.

 

The Chair asked Mr. Randolph to explain the motivation behind the legislation.  Randolph indicated that the intent was to increase the computer literacy and competitiveness for children in Westchester County.  It is also more costly to bid out surplus equipment than it is to donate it under the proposed plan.

COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION

MINUTES, JULY 12, 1999

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Mr. Maisano is in favor of donating surplus computer equipment but is against the creation of the computer bank.

 

Mr. Abinanti stated that the legislation does not change the County’s purchasing policy, just who in the administration has the right to donate computers.

 

Dr. Jacknis and Mr. Robertson joined the committee debate.  Robertson stated that the legislation was part of a policy decision to put all computer matters under the CIO.

 

Oros repeated his concern with taking this one item out of the hands of the purchasing agent.

 

Jacknis agreed to hold the legislation for further discussion.

 

Item 169, Removing Class D from SWMP Licensing Scheme

Mr. Robertson of the Law Department and Mr. Pietropaulo of the Planning Department gave the committee their recommendation that the removal of the Class D haulers from the licensing scheme would not have a significant impact.  Mr. Wilson of the NYS Turf & Landscape Association expressed his support for the plan.  The Chair

Stated that the Department of Environmental Facilities will give the committee its recommendation next week, and plans to move the resolution at that meeting.

 

Item 203 Mandating appointed members of County Agencies, Boards and Commissions

Mrs. Swanson presented this legislation which would require County residency for persons appointed to agencies, commissions and boards.  Mosiello moved the legislation.  Abinanti had a number of questions about the legislation and asked that it be held until such questions were answered.  Mosiello withdrew the motion.

 

 

COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION

MINUTES, JULY 12, 1999

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Minutes

The minutes of 6/18/99 were moved as amended by Maisano.  Abinanti seconded.  All in favor 8-0.

 

The minutes of 7/7/99 were moved as amended by Maisano.  Abinanti seconded.  All in favor 8-0.

 

Mr. Abinanti moved that the committee adjourn.  Mr. Maisano seconded.  All in favor 8-0,  The committee adjourned at 2:55p.m.