committee on legislation
minutes – MAY 31, 2000
members: Stewart-Cousins (Chair), Ryan, Abinanti, Oros,
Maisano, Latimer
staff: Adenekan, Bass
GUEST: Liz Salvi (CA), Bill Randolph, (CE) Ray Russell, Robert Kerrigan Atty., Ingrid Bent
The Chair called the meeting to order at 1:20 p.m.
The Chair requested Mr. Kerrigan and Mr. Russell to address the
committee on the plumbing licensing law.
Mr. Kerrigan stated that although he is the attorney for Ray Russell,
he was speaking as a private citizen. His presentation proposed
amendments to the existing Plumbing Licensing regulations.
His proposal included allowing plumbers already licensed in a municipality to become licensed without county testing.
Mr. Russell stated that he has been dealing with this problem since 1995 and has a license for Bronxville, Somers and Lewisboro,
The Chair informed the guest that there would not be a vote on the legislation at this meeting. She assured the guest that the committee wanted to hear recommendations that could improve the legislation. She stated that the committee would further discuss and hopefully come to a resolution that would accommodate the needs of everyone.
After Mr. Russell and Mr. Kerrigan left, there was a discussion on the rationale for the current licensing procedure which has been in effect since January 1996. It was discussed that;
a. Many master plumbers have already been tested since legislation went into effect.
COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION
MINUTES – May 31, 2000
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b. Many municipalities were licensing and denying licenses based on provincial standards. The County testing seeks to establish a universal measure of competency.
The committee agreed to discuss this matter further with the plumbing board and county attorney’s office.
The Chair thanked the guests for their presentation.
Discussion regarding Property Tax Reductions for People withDisabilities reflected changes in recent legislation passed by the State.
Legislator Abinanti moved to sign out revised legislation for all purposes public hearing. Seconded by Legislator Latimer. All in favor 5-0.
Proposed Compensation Panel:
The chair requested Legislators Latimer and Oros to discuss their proposals for a Legislative Compensation Panel.
Legislator Latimer stated that his reasons for a mandatory compensation panel are that the concepts of having people other than legislators analyze the factors that goes into legislative
compensation would eliminate self-interest. If mandatory, there would have to be a referendum, which would mean if it passes the people of the County, would determine that this is a good strategy. If they defeat it, this would determine that they do not want this kind of mechanism in place.
Legislator Oros stated that the panel could be mandatory or advisory.
He stated that there should be time frames for Board votes on salary increases and no raises in off years, perhaps September of even numbered years.
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MINUTES – May 31, 2000
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It was agreed that Legislators Latimer and Oros would draft legislation to be discussed at the next meeting.
Legislator Stewart-Cousins requested Agenda Item # 2, be placed in Sub-topic file on Trigger Locks.
Legislator Maisano made a motion to move Item # 2 to Sub-topic file.
Seconded by Legislator Abinanti. All in favor 5-0.
Legislator Stewart-Cousins suggested having personnel from the Taxi and Limousine Commission come to the next meeting to discuss the Taxi and Limousine Commission’s Policy.
Legislator Ryan requested a joint meeting with Parks to discuss Parkland Designation, item # 57 on the agenda.
Legislator Maisano requested item # 48, Campaign Finance Reform, for discussion at a meeting in the very near future.
Legislator Stewart-Cousins advised the committee that the County Attorney would start addressing the proposed Human Rights amendments next week.
Legislator Ryan made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Legislator Maisano. All in favor 5-0.
The meeting adjourned at 2:30 p.m.