COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION
MEMBERS: Stewart-Cousins, Chair, Bronz, Maisano, Oros, Ryan and Rogowsky
BOL: Steve Bass, Ann Giordano, Perry Ochacher
GUESTS: William Randolph (CEO), Andrew Newman (CEO), Liz Salvi (Law), Stacey Dolgin-Kmetz (Law), Linda Trentacoste (Law), Tom Gardner (Law),Laura Newman (CEO), Suzan Gerry (Law), Kate Carrano (Budget), Milton Hoffman, Alison Green (Human Rights Commission), Rosemary McLaughlin (LWV), Ann Selighson,
Chairwoman, Andrea Stewart-Cousins called the meeting to order at 11:45 am.
Chair Stewart-Cousins opened the meeting and resumed the prior week’s discussion on the proposed amendment to the Consumer Protection Code relating to Home Improvement Contractors. Elaine Price addressed the committee, reviewed the legislation and indicated the legislation before us reflected the points brought up by members of the committee in the prior meeting.
Discussions about the unscrupulous things this law could help discourage included hidden and balloon fees, no disclosure as far as relationships between contractors and lenders, and going after equity loans, etc.
It was clarified that financing done directly with the bank is not covered by this legislation which addresses home contractors, but New York State law regarding predatory lending has been passed and addressed banks.
Contractors violating our law could have their licenses revoked.
Chair Stewart-Cousins indicated the public hearing would be held this evening and the committee would work with additional changes, as required following the hearing.
In the subsequent discussion, Elaine Price discussed proposed legislation increasing bi-annual Home Improvement license fees from $250 to $300. Pursuant to the Laws of West Co., the home improvement license fee also applies to license renewals. Ms. Price advised that this would be the first fee change for this license in ten years while the number of licensees has almost doubled.
The legislation was signed out for all purposes: On motions of Rogowsky and Ryan. All in favor: 6-0
Next, Alison Greene asked support for an amendment to the County’s Human Rights Laws that would require co-op boards to put in writing the reasons for rejecting a purchaser within five days of the rejection.
The Human Rights Commission does not get involved unless the purchaser feels they have been discriminated against and failure for the coop/condo to comply could trigger an investigation.
Ann Selighson testified that this law, in her opinion, would cut down the number of rejections and add to the county’s affordable housing stock.
This legislation was put out for public hearing on motions of Rogowsky and Bronz all in favor: 6-0
Minutes of the June 17th meeting. They were approved as read Oros and Rogowsky
Motion to adjourn Oros and Maisano at 1:05 pm-