committee on legislation

minutes, july 19, 1999

 

 

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

Ryan

 

staff:                Hoch, Bass

 

guest:                Liz Salvi(Law Dept.),James Hogan(DEF),Thomas J.Coggeri(Farm Bureau), Michael Vetrand(Rogan Bros), Edmund P. Reily,Jr. Susan Gerry(Law Dept.) Chris Russo(Ryebrook), A.M. Landi(WCDEF), Bill Randolph(Office of CE), Steve Changaris(NSWMA), Michael E. White(White & Kretris), Anthony E. Core(Anthony Core P.C.), Mary Harkins, Peter D. Sullivan(Sullivan & Chester), Rose Pepe(CIC), Stacy Dolgin-Kmetz(Law Dept.), T. Gardiner(Law Dept.), Robert Fauz, Legislator Michael Kaplowitz, Legislator Ursula LaMotte, Legislator Bernice Spreckman, Legislator Vito Pinto.

 

The Chair called the meeting to order at 1:25 p.m.

 

Agenda Items 167 and 169

Commissioner Landi and Deputy Commissioner Hogan advised the committee regarding the removal of the Class D license from the County Solid Waste Management Plan.  They advised the committee that eliminating the license would have no significant impact.  The Chair also stated that a letter was before the committee from  Mr. Alan Fuchs, Regional Solid Waste Engineer for DEC stating that elimination of the Class D license would have no significant impact.

 

Mr. Abinanti moved item 169, the resolution amending the County’s Solid Waste Management Plan.  Mr. Ryan seconded the motion.  All in favor 5-0.

 

A public hearing having been held, Mr. Abinanti moved for all purposes item 167, a local law amending the Consumer Protection Law to include landscapes and gardens.  Mr. Maisano seconded – all in favor 5-0.

 

Agenda Item – Trash haulers legislation (public hearing held 7/12/99).  The Chair explained that a public hearing was held on 7/12/99, a number of comments were made on the legislation.

 

Mr. Maisano stated that he believed the cost to the taxpayer would be very severe if this legislation was implemented.  After discussion by Mr. Abinanti that there would be no cost to the taxpayers, the Chair offered to have the Budget Director come to the meeting.  She stated that this would be an educated guess by the Budget Director because the department is not in operation and the Budget Director would not be implementing the operation.  Mr. Ryan stated that the committee should start to identify categories of staff people and resources that would be needed to implement the operation.  The Chair stated that one of the concerns of the NSWM was the sanctity of contract.  Mr. Abinanti addressed the issue by stating that the committee is trying to create a new open market place in Westchester County.  Mr. Maisano stated that he is concerned about the cost of construction contractors.  He requested more information from the attorney.  There was discussion on definition and clarity of wording used.  The Chair requested wording that would be agreeable to all.  Ms. Gerry, Ms. Harkins and Mr. Sullivan met in private to draft agreeable language.

 

The Chair recognized Mr. Michael White, who had sent a letter to be filed in the record regarding concerns that his issues are not being heard by the Board.  He is concerned that the licensing process is an invasion of  privacy, and the law will have the reverse effect of increasing competition.  Mr. Abinanti differed on this matter.

 

Ms. Gerry, Ms. Harkins and Mr. Sullivan presented their amended language on page 5.

 

The Chair stated that the Budget Director would be informed that a question has been raised in reference to cost.  Action: request the Budget Director come to the Monday, July 26, 1999 meeting.

 

 

COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION

MINUTES – JULY 20, 1999

PAGE 3

 

 

 

 

Agriculture & Farmland Protection Board

The Chair invited members of Committee on Environment to join us  in discussion on Agriculture and Farmland Protection.

 

Legislator Kaplowitz informed the committee that there were some changes in the wording of the legislation.  Discussions of the changes were made by Legislators LaMotte, Spreckman and Kaplowitz.

 

Mr. Thomas Coggeri (Farm Bureau) thanked the committee for their work and support.

 

Motion made to move legislation – seconded by LaMotte.  All in favor

5-0.

 

Legislator Bronz made a motion to accept the minutes of July 12, 1999 – seconded by Leg. Abinanti.  All in favor 5-0

 

The meeting was adjourned at 4:40 P.M.