committee on legislation

minutes,  september 7, 1999

 

 

 

members:         Stewart-Cousins(Chair), Latimer, Bronz, Oros, Ryan, Mosiello

 

 

staff:                Hoch, Adenekan

 

 

GUESTS:             Liz Salvi,(CAO), Zelle Andrews (Cty. Exec. 0ff.) Jo Brill (LWV) Legislator Kay  Carsky, Karen Pasquale(C.E. office), Anne Nelson, (LWV) Perry Ochacher, Bill Randolph (CEO) Bob Spolzino (BOL)

 

 

There is a detailed tape on file.

 

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

 

Ms. Brill, President of the League of Women Voters of  Westchester, addressed the committee on the implementation of electronic reports of and access to campaign finance records.  Ms. Brill gave members information on campaign finance records – computerization resources: NYS Board of Elections, NYS Assembly  Committee on Election Law, Office of the Counsel to the Governor, NYC Campaign Finance Board, Monroe and Suffolk Counties, City/County of San Francisco Ethics Commission (information on file)

Ms. Brill stated that the League is suggesting a Phase I computerization within the 1999 election season, a pilot project in which candidates and committees can participate on a voluntary basis.  Phase II sets forth a framework for post-election follow up.

 

Ms. Brill demonstrated an example of electronic filing software from the state.  She stated that the League will assist in the training of  the legislators who volunteer to comply electronically. 

 

 

LEGISLATION COMMITTEE

MINUTES  -  Page  2

 

Mr. Ochacher gave the committee a memo outlining the successes of the 1999 Joint Legislative Program.   (memo on file)  He stated that the offices of Assemblyman Brodsky and Senator Spano have committed to work to pass the County EMS bill by the end of the year.  Mr. 0chacher stated that  Assemblyman Tokasz expressed an interest in holding a public forum in Westchester to get input from the voters on boat safety.  Mr. 0chacher informed the committee that the regional package which was initiated at the beginning of the year, has been drafted and the Hudson Counties have signed.  Dates are being determined to invite the counties and press to discuss issues for regional cooperation. 

 

Ms. Pasquale informed the committee that the bill to provide disability benefits for Westchester County  Corrections Officers did not pass.  A state-wide bill was passed instead.  The 25 year retirement benefit plan for the Officers was passed and signed into law but the heart bill did not pass.

 

Mr. 0chacher stated that Assemblywoman Galef has offered to set-up a meeting with the Speaker and members of the Westchester BOL to

discuss the specific impact of the budget on Westchester County. 

 

Legislator Latimer  asked whether the County’s clean vessel grant would have priority to money which would “cripple” funding for municipal harbor patrol on the sound shore.  He also inquired about the $25,000 appropriation and the additional $35,000 from Senator Leibell - how much would be spent on the boat.

 

Ms. Pasquale responded that the $60,000 does not affect municipal funding and would be sufficient for the purchase of the boat.  She stated that she would contact the Parks Department and update the committee on the boat, equipment, timetable etc.

 

Legislator Latimer  and Chair Cousins  thanked Karen, Bob and Perry for their outstanding work. 

 

 

LEGISLATION COMMITTEE

MINUTES  -  Page 3

 

 

Minutes  (August 30, 1999)

The Chair made a change to the August 30, 1999 minutes.

     ….. Page 2

            ……… “if work had been done on this legislation she hoped that a draft would be presented soon”.

Legislator Mosiello moved that the minutes be approved as amended. Seconded by Legislator Ryan.  All in favor 6-0.

 

Motion to adjourn by Legislator Ryan.  Seconded by Legislator Latimer.

 

The meeting adjourned at 2:45 p.m.