committee on legislation
minutes – JUNE 12, 2000
members: Stewart-Cousins (Chair), Ryan, Abinanti, Mosiello, Bronz, Oros, Maisano, Latimer
staff: Adenekan, Bass
GUEST; Barbara Monohan, Chair/CEO TLC, Elvera Apicella
TLC staff, Bill Randolph (CE’s)
The Chair called the meeting to order at 1:45 p.m.
Legislator Ryan approved the minutes with changes;
delete the word west and Rt. 287, add I-287 in para. 3
Legislator Latimer seconded. All in favor 8-0.
Legislator Stewart-Cousins requested Legislator Latimer to inform the
Committee on the progress that he, Legislator Oros and the County
Attorney, Mr. Scheinkman had discussed concerning the
Compensation Panel.
Legislator Latimer gave each member a copy of a memo from the
County Attorney which basically stated that even with a referendum,
the BOL does not have the power to fix the salary of its membership
through a Legislative Compensation Commission. He also stated
that based on the board’s legal authority, it could only be an Advisory
Panel.
Mr. Scheinkman stated that it would be necessary to amend the Laws
of Westchester County to omit the statutory amount of the salary of the Board of Legislators and to indicate that the salary of the Board would be established by pay plan. He also stated that a Legislative
Compensation Commission could be created with the authority to recommend or propose a pay plan for the Board’s salary, rather than to fix their salaries.
COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION
MINUTES – June 12, 2000
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Such recommendations or proposals could then be accepted or rejected by the Board, including any referendum necessary.
Mr. Scheinkman responded to the question of whether a referendum would be needed on an Advisory Panel. The response was no because there would not be a change in power.
Legislator Stewart-Cousins thanked Mr. Scheinkman for his presentation.
Legislator Stewart-Cousins introduced Ms. Barbara Monohan, Chair/CEO, Taxi Limousine Commission.
Ms. Monohan stated that the Westchester County Taxi Limousine commission had problems with NYC and it was originally felt that Westchester had no standards. She also stated that Westchester County would have reciprocal licensing after the completion of the four programs. Passengers can not be picked up in Westchester and dropped off in NYC. Passengers picked up at LaGuardia could be dropped off in Westchester. She stated that one of the programs consist of implementing a defensive driving course within 6 months of the new TLC license or renewal; a drug testing program that would mirror NYC’s program; critical driving program that would mirror NYS’s program – if driver received 6 or more points, license would be suspended for 30 days; persistent violations (ex.- if you are caught smoking, tires are bald, etc. – and get a certain amount of points within a certain period, your license may be suspended and you will have to take a refresher course).
It was agreed to keep item # 15, re; the Home Rule Request on the Agenda.
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MINUTES – June 12, 2000
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The Chair stated that she had received letters from residents of Yonkers in relation to municipal regulation of the registration and licensing of taxicabs, limousines, livery vehicles, etc.
The Chair also inquired about correspondence received from a municipal office in Elmsford.
Ms. Monohan stated that when applications are received, the municipality is notified. She also stated that the issue with Elmsford had been resolved.
Ms. Monohan stated that there have been very extensive discussions with personnel in Yonkers regarding reciprocity and dual licensing.
She stated that at present there have been no determinations. She noted that the TLC would like to continue the negotiations with Yonkers.
Legislator Stewart-Cousins thanked Ms. Monohan for her presentation and requested the names of personnel from Yonkers that are in negotiation with TLC. She promised to work with Yonkers Legislators on Yonkers TLC.
RECEIVE AND FILE
# 1 Gun Safety Locks
Trigger Locks Sub-file
# 10 Prohibiting the sale of toy guns that are too realistic
#11 Taxi and Limousine Commission’s Tax Stamp Policy
# 25 “
# 44 Banning the use of realistic toy guns
# 60 Proposed Trigger Lock Legislation
# 62 “
# 63 “
# 67 Hate Crimes Legislation
Add Cell Phones Sub-file
# 28, #53, #68
COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION
MINUTES – JUNE 12, 2000
Page 3
Legislator Maisano made a motion to receive and file and to add a sub-file on Cell Phones. Seconded by Legislator Mosiello. All in favor 7-0.
Legislator Bronz made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Legislator Ryan. All in favor 7-0.
The meeting adjourned at 2:55 p.m.
(On file memo from Alan Scheinkman, County Attorney to George Latimer, Chair, County Board of Legislators)