committee on legislation

minutes, october 18, 1999

10:00 a.m.

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

Mosiello

staff:               Adenekan, Hoch,

THE PURPOSE OF THE JOINT MEETING TO SIGN-OUT 2/3 VOTE TO RAISE TAXES LEGISLATION FOR PUBLIC HEARING:

Legislator Mosiello moved motion to sign out legislation for public hearing.  Seconded by Bronz.  All in favor  4-0.

Motion made by Legislator Mosiello to adjourn.  Seconded by Maisano.   All in favor 4-0.

The Chair stated that the committee would re-convene at 1:00p.m. today.

There is a detailed tape on file.

Legislator Stewart Cousins introduced Ms. Trendowski, the leading trainer for the TIPS program (Training for Intervention Procedures).  The Chair asked the committee members to introduce themselves. 

Ms. Trendowski gave an overview of the TIPS program.  She stated that she has been with the program for 15 years.  The program started in 1982. TIPS is a practical, common sense approach to serving alcohol responsibly in any setting.  There are two levels of TIPS certification: trainer and server.  To become a TIPS trainer, an individual must successfully complete a two-day workshop.  Certified trainers are qualified to instruct all TIPS programs.  Servers who successfully complete the three-hour to six-hour server session are TIPS-certified for three years.    If an individual fails the test, they will be allowed to take it over.  Several states either mandate training for all servers or offer incentives for licenses who voluntarily train their servers. 

COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION

MINUTES - OCTOBER 18, 1999

Page 2

Ms. Trendowski distributed an informative package on the TIPS program to each committee member.  (copy on file)

The Chair stated that the County Attorney feels that legislation could be passed to enable the Westchester County Bars to include this type of training in their businesses.  She stated that a pilot program for the County could be created.  

Legislation Bronz asked if the Westchester Bar owners were interested in investing in the TIPS program.  The Chair stated that they were very interested in the program. 

Ms. Trendowski stated that trainers had to be re-certified every year.

Servers have to be re-certified every three years.  She demonstrated procedures observed to determine if the individual is under the influence of alcohol.  She stated that there are four behavioral clues; eye inhibition, judgement, reaction, and coordination.  (examples: visual intoxication – glassy or unfocused eyes, slurred speech, lost of train of thought, lighting a cigarette from the wrong end, stumbling, dropping things etc.)  Ms. Trendowski engaged the members in role playing using different scenarios of an intoxicated individual.  She stated that the individual should never be so intoxicated that reasonable discussion can not take place.  It is the responsibility of the server to monitor the number of drinks and behavior of the individual. 

The Chair requested a list of success stories and thanked Ms. Trendowski for her presentation. 

MINUTES  - October 12, 1999

Legislator Mosiello moved the minutes.  Seconded by Legislator Ryan.  All in favor 7-0.

Legislator Mosiello made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Abinanti.

All in favor 7-0.  The meeting adjourned at 2:25 p.m.