COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION
MINUTES – OCTOBER 16, 2000
members: Stewart-Cousins (Chair), Ryan, Mosiello, Oros, Maisano, Latimer, Bronz.
staff: Adenekan, Bass
GUEST: Liz Salvi, (Cty Atty), Kerri Conn (Yorktown H.S.)
Krystyn Tendy (Yorktown H.S.), Elaine Price,
Director (Consumer Protection), Paula Zeman(P.O.)
The Chair called the meeting to order at 1:25 p.m.
The Chair explained to the committee that due to concerns raised at the public hearing on the Pesticide Reduction Law, the legislation was recommitted to the Environment & Legislation Committees. After all concerns were discussed and addressed by the Chair of the Pest Management Committee, the County Attorney and the members of the Legislation Committee at the last meeting, the Chair asked if there were further discussion on this Law.
There being no further discussion, Legislator Latimer moved the legislation. Seconded by Legislator Bronz. All in favor 6-0.
Legislator Stewart-Cousins asked Ms. Elaine Price, Director of Consumer Protection to address this issue.
Ms. Price stated that there are individuals who continue to operate without having the Home Improvement License. She further stated that when these violations of the law are uncovered, the matters are referred to the 0ffice of the Westchester County District Attorney. The license to operate a home improvement business will be for a period of two years. Ms. Price said new legislation proposed that the civil penalties for any violation of the Consumer Protection Code is recommended to change from $500 to $1000 which would better serve to deter potential violators. The word “willful” is deleted from the legislation to help facilitate easier prosecution of violators of the Home Improvement License.
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After discussion, Legislator Oros moved the legislation for all purposes. Seconded by Legislator Latimer. All in favor 6-0.
The Chair thanked Ms. Price for her presentation.
MINUTES (October 2 & 10, 2000)
October 10th, 2000
Legislator Bronz approved the minutes. Seconded by Legislator Ryan. All in favor 6-0.
October 2nd, 2000
Legislator Ryan approved the minutes. Seconded by Legislator Oros.
All in favor 6-0.
The Chair informed the committee of the upcoming Agendas.
Legislative Compensation Panel
Redesignation of the Personnel Office
Living Wage
Ephedrine Ban
Use of Cell Phones while driving
Human Rights Commission
The Chair asked Ms. Paula Zeman, Personnel Officer, to address the committee on this issue.
Ms. Zeman stated that the important duties performed by this department are consistent with the proposed redesignation as a new department of County government to be known as the Department of Human Resources and headed by a Commissioner of Human Resources. She further stated that she has added a number of services and functions. One area is Staff Training and Development,
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a comprehensive group of training initiatives that is useful to departments. The EEO Affirmative Action Office has been expanded to facilitate on-going training in sexual harassment and discrimination.
Ms. Zeman stated that training such as diversity and sensitivity has enabled the office to dispose of 95% of the complaints through mediation and conflict resolution. Using a database with a specialty category has increased the recruitment services of the Personnel Office. Ms. Zeman advised she would still be the Personnel Officer by State Law despite new designation. There will be no need to hire another “Personnel Officer”.
After discussion, Legislator Stewart-Cousins thanked Ms. Zeman and informed her that the legislation will be reviewed by the committee.
The Chair informed the committee that she would invite representatives from the Board of Elections to the next meeting to explain the absentee ballot issue that occurred in Yonkers recently. She stated that this would be an opportunity to see if there is something that the committee could do legislatively.
Legislator Bronz made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Legislator Maisano. All in favor 6-0.
The meeting adjourned at 3:10 p.m.