COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION
MINUTES – OCTOBER 23, 2000
members: Stewart-Cousins (Chair), Ryan, Mosiello, Oros, Abananti, Bronz.
staff: Adenekan, Bass
GUEST: Liz Salvi, (Cty Atty), Barbara Finkelstein(Women’s
Agenda), Anne Janiak(Women’s Agenda) William
Randolph (CE)
The Chair called the meeting to order at 1:20 p.m.
The Chair explained that she had invited officials from the Board of Elections to come to the meeting and inform the committee of the process of the absentee ballot and to try to determine if there is something legislatively that could be done to prevent absentee ballot fraud. She stated that she would make another attempt at inviting the officials to the meeting, as they could not come to the meeting today.
The Chair asked Legislative Oros to lead the discussion on this issue.
Legislative Oros stated that he is looking for directions on the process of how to set-up a Compensation Legislative Panel. He stated that his concerns were; to set up a review group, a broad-base group comprised of different segments of the public as well as one or two colleagues that are familiar with the legislative process. There will be meeting held every year or every two years, to review the work of the legislators. They would examine what other colleagues throughout the State of New York are receiving and determine Counties of comparative magnitude, budget and population to Westchester such as Kings County in the State of Washington and/or Dave County in Florida. Also look at what colleagues are receiving at the State level. He further stated that the pay increases should be reviewed at a definite time to ensure that the Board has a certain time to take action. The public would be aware that there would be a salary review during even numbered years(between August and December)
COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION
MINUTES- OCTOBER 23, 2000
Page 2
and the BOL would have to act on the recommendations of the Review Board by December 31.
Legislator Latimer suggestions were; there would be a total of 7 appointees, approved by the BOL. First meeting – January of even numbered years. Recommends: September 30 of even numbered years; Action: November 30 of even numbered years. There would be no deliberations in odd numbered years.
After much discussion, it was agreed that there are three major points: 1. The Compensation Advisory Board would make a
recommendation to the BOL on whether or not a
raise is warranted. The BOL would vote on a salary
increase if recommended by the Advisory Board.
2. The members of the Compensation Advisory Board
would be appointed and approved by the BOL. There
would be a total of seven members. Two appointments
from the Majority Leader and two from the Minority
Leader. The Chairman of the BOL would recommend
the other three members. The only requirement-resident
of Westchester County. New members would be
appointed at the beginning of each new BOL term.
3. The Compensation Advisory Board would meet in
January of even numbered years. Recommendations
would be made by April 30th of the same year. Action
taken by the BOL no later than June ending. There will
be no deliberations in odd numbered years. The next
term would reflect the new salary.
The County Attorney would be asked to draft legislation for discussion at the next Legislation Committee meeting.
COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION
MINUTES – OCTOBER 23, 2000
Page 3
The Chair explained that the Resolution was not included in the package of the Pesticide Reduction Law. The Administrative would like the BOL to make a separate statement encouraging other municipalities and local governments to do what the BOL have done.
It was agreed by the committee to send a letter with a copy of our legislation to the Administration.
REDESIGNATION OF THE PERSONNEL OFFICE
Legislator Ryan moved legislation for all purposes, seconded by Legislator Bronz. All in favor 5-0 (Legislators Mosiello and Oros – WOP)
MINUTES – OCTOBER 16, 2000
Legislator Ryan approved, seconded by Legislator Oros.
All in favor 5-0
AGENDA ITEMS
Item # 17 Taxi and Limousine Commission
Legislator Bronz moved, seconded by Legislator Mosiello. Vote
5-0.
Item # 57 Parkland Designation
Legislator Ryan moved legislation to the Budget Committee.
Seconded by Legislator Oros. Vote 5-0.
Item # 61 Background Checks and Fingerprints for School
Employees
Legislator Mosiello moved legislation to Sub-file – State legislative Package. Seconded by Legislator Oros. Vote 5-0
Item # 65 Living Wage - Sub – File
Item # 66 IMA with New York City Trade and Waste Commission
Legislator Bronz moved to Receive and File legislation.
Seconded by Legislator Mosiello. Vote 5-0.
Item # 77 Gun-Free School Zones
Legislator Mosiello moved the legislation to be placed in
Sub-File. Seconded by Legislator Oros. Vote 5-0.
COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION
MINUTES- OCTOBER 23, 2000
Page 4
Item # 79 Trash Haulers Legislation
Legislator Mosiello moved to Receive and File legislation.
Seconded by Legislator Oros. Vote 5-0.
Item # 81 Open Space Acquisition and Parks Improvements
Legislator Bronz moved, seconded by Legislator Ryan. Vote
5-0.
Item # 91 Living Wage Law - Place in Sub-File
Item # 92 Rogers-Allen Act Legislation
Legislator Oros moved to Receive and File legislation.
Seconded by Legislator Bronz. Vote 5-0
Item # 93 Gun-Free School Zones
Legislator Mosiello moved legislation to Sub-File. Seconded
by Legislator Oros. Vote 5-0.
Item # 94 Repeal of Wicks Law
Legislator Oros moved legislation to Sub-file “State Legislation Package”. Seconded by Legislator Bronz. Vote – 5-0.
Legislator Ryan made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Legislator Bronz. All in favor 5-0.
The meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m.