COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION
MEMBERS: Stewart-Cousins, Chair, Bronz, Abinanti, Rogowsky, Oros, Ryan and Latimer, Maisano
BOL: Steve Bass, Ann Giordano, Vito Pinto,
GUESTS: William Randolph (CEO), Andrew Newman (CEO), Stacey Dolgin-Kmetz (Law), Susan Gerry (Law), Elaine Price (Consumers Protection), Trashhauler segment guests; Larry Schillinger, Esq., Richard Blancato, Esq., and Dan Limotone. (see list)
Chairwoman, Andrea Stewart-Cousins called the meeting to order at 12:08 p.m. And asked for approval of the draft minutes of May 6th and June 3rd. The minutes were moved by Abinanti and Bronz all in favor: 5-0, June 3rd was moved by Bronz, seconded by Abinanti all in favor: 5-0 (Maisano and Latimer out for vote)
Chair Stewart-Cousins discussed the progress of board’s resolution to implement the Amber Plan in Westchester County. She also commented on the fact that over the weekend two girls in California were found as a result of the Amber Plan which is a partnership of police, broadcasters and the public.
The Chair advised that, apparently, the Governor also thought it was a good idea as we were informed that the Amber Alert would be implemented throughout the state. As a result, our resolution would support the broader plan and call for participation in an upcoming training session in Westchester’s Police Academy. It was agreed that we should also call for a regional Amber Alert system, which would coordinate New York’s efforts with New Jersey and Connecticut.
The word “support” changed to “join” as we agreed on making the resolution stronger. The Westchester Task Force on Amber was also dropped, as a broader state plan would contain statewide participants.
The resolution was moved by Chair Bronz, and was seconded by Legislator Rogowsky seconded. All in favor: 6-0. (Latimer out for vote)
The Chair next introduced guests who commented on the current Trashhaulers Law, claiming the $20,000 licensing fee was much more than a small business can bear. In addition, because the scrap business, unlike the Trashhauler industry has no geographic boundaries, pay for the materials they receive, and are not a transfer station, they felt they should be, more appropriately, placed in the Class E category. They also asked the committee to consider creating a type of registration specific to their business.
In an attempt to clarify the classification, Bruce Berger of the County’s Solid Waste Department advised he would provide the committee with appropriate definition to help us clarify the differences, as legislated, between wastehaulers, transfer stations, etc.
A discussion of waste paper followed with the suggestion that the follow the N.Y.S. Dept. of Environmental Control as it pertained to licensing facilities.
The following speaker, Mr. Limitone, addressed the committee regarding the licensing fee of $20,000. At Bronx River Hauling, his company, he claims to process 500 yards a week. Others, he explained processed 5000 yards a day. Mr. Limitone suggests the fee be more reflective of the size of the business and the work it processes.
Hearing the concerns, Chair Stewart-Cousins requested the Trashhauler subcommittee chaired by Legislator Abinanti be reconvened at a later date for the purposes of addressing these and other concerns about trashhauling licensing, and fees.
The next item of discussion was proposed legislation regarding the restaurant “specials” price disclosure. Legislator Wishnie was present to address the committee and explain his opinion about how the law would add extra protection for consumers.
Consumer Protection Director, Elaine Price spoke in agreement with the proposal. The committee discussed the cost of enforcement and how enforcement would take place. The committee agreed to continue the discussion on the proposal at a later date.
Finally, the Chair asked the committee to receive and file the following items on the agenda:
#4, #12, #13, #23, #39, #41, #44, #47, #80
On motions of Legislators Rogowsky and Bronz the above items were received and filed.
The following items were appointed to subfiles with motions of Legislators Rogowsky and Abinanti:
# 46 will go into 45
# 54, #56, #57, #58, #69, #70, #77, #78, #79
Legislator. Rogowsky moved to adjourn the meeting and Legislator Abinanti Seconded. Meeting was adjourned at 1:45 pm