JOINT MEETING WITH LEGISLATION/ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH
COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION
MEMBERS: Stewart-Cousins, Chair, Abinanti, Ryan, Latimer, Maisano and Oros
HEALTH &
ENVIRONMENT MEMBERS: Kaplowitz, Ryan, LaMotte
BOL: Steve Bass, Ann Giordano
GUESTS: Liz Salvi (Law), William Randolph, (CE), Michael Alberts, Chairman of the Plumbing Board, Elaine Price (Consumer Protection), Chuck Rutkowski, (Auto Merc. Switch), Ralph Butler (DPW), Pat Ploeger (PMCA), Edward Malone (Brookfield Metal), Charles Graap (Brookfield Metal), John Gaccione (Consumer Protection), Christine Magno (Law), Mary Lynn Nicolas (Law), Joe Marcogliese (Health), Jovy Celaj (CE Intern)
Chairwoman, Andrea Stewart-Cousins called the meeting to order at 1:20 pm
Chairwoman Stewart-Cousins welcomed Michael Alberts, Chairman of the Plumbing Board and asked him to address the committee regarding their request to discuss more reciprocity in the Westchester County Plumbing Law. The proposal would allow plumbers with certifications from outside of the county to be certified as licensed plumbers in Westchester. Mr. Alberts reported that Putnam County honors our license but we do not reciprocate. Mr. Albert advised that there are various differences between the laws of the two counties, and he had not, as yet, discussed this and other possible issues with the Plumbing Board. Chairwoman Stewart-Cousins said the committee would keep the discussion open pending final proposals on this and other issues from the Plumbing Board.
The item on Mercury switches was then discussed with Elaine Price of Consumer Protection and merchants who would be effected by the legislation if passed.
Chuck Rutkowski of Auto Merc. Switch said that mercury switch elimination is a good idea and suggested that when a car is inspected, the switch could be changed, thereby, eliminating the burden on the yards.
Ed Malone, Brookfield Metal felt that the switch could be taken out of cars in a short amount of time and hoped government would stop buying cars that have mercury in them. Elaine Price said that Voluntary Compliance is happening right now.
After discussion, it was agreed that the County Attorney would continue to work on legislation, modifying the penalty section to insure education and substantial compliance. Environment & Health agreed to continue the discussion at their 3:00 meeting while Legislation will address it in the next meeting. Lamotte made a motion to adjourn the Environment & Health, seconded by Ryan.
Before adjourning Legislation, Chairwoman Stewart-Cousins invited Pat Ploeger, representing the Plumbing industry to continue the earlier discussion regarding the Plumbing law.
Ms. Ploeger said the members of her association were uncomfortable with the idea of licensing Putnam’s plumbers without their taking the Westchester County test. She indicated that the Putnam licensing requirements are different and might open the door to allow less qualified plumbers to work in Westchester.
The Plumbing Board Chair said he and the Plumbing Board would scrutinize both Putnam and Westchester Laws and get back to the committee after their boards’ consideration.
Motion to recess at the call of the chair by Latimer and seconded by Oros at 2:05 pm
NOTE:
When Environment & Health met at 3:00 pm, Amendments that were made by the County Attorney’s office on Mercury Switches Legislation were discussed. George Latimer made a motion to accept the changes and Lois Bronz seconded the motion. Vote was 5-0