COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION
MEMBERS: Stewart-Cousins, Chair, Bronz, Ryan, Abinanti and Rogowsky,
BOL: Ann Giordano, Steve Bass
GUESTS: (CEO), William Randolph (CEO), Andrew Neuman (CEO), Liz Salvi (Law), Brendon McGrath (Law) Josh Lipsman (Co. Health Dept.), Elaine Price (Consumer Protection), Joe Margoliese, (Co. H.D.), Mary Lynn Nichols (Law), Rosemary McLaughlin (LWV)
Chairwoman Stewart-Cousins opened the meeting at 12:41 pm and welcomed Dr. Josh Lipsman, Mr. Margoliese and Elaine Price to talk about proper disposal of mercury containing products and new legislation to expand on the previous pieces of mercury legislation passed. New legislation would impact outdoor thermometers and fluorescent lights, among other non-dental items.
Dr. Lipsman said that although dental offices constituted a high degree of the problem, with no scientifically measured breach or widespread enforcement capability, the problem was being addressed mostly by education.
After a lengthy discussion on the practicality of regulating disposal of commercial fluorescent lights, the conversation turned to ways to help residents dispose of their mercury products and other hazardous materials expeditiously and safely. Among the ideas was to possibly set up a voluntary mercury-recycling program. Dr. Lipsman said he would take the suggestions, including creating a threshold for businesses to be included in the proposed legislation, and look into some voluntary recycling solutions for residents.
Chairwoman Stewart-Cousins suggested that the follow-up meeting be joint with the Environment & Health Committee as they also have the item on their agenda.
A discussion on the pending smoking legislation followed with the Chair citing the 2nd public hearing on the smoking worksite law recently held. It was agreed that no new issues had been raised but Legislator Rogowsky wished to discuss the possibility of granting waivers—possibly two years--for pre-existing private smoking rooms.
No agreement was reached on amending the current legislation to accommodate that request.
Chairwoman Stewart-Cousins thanked Dr. Lipsman and all guests for coming.
The committee read the minutes from February 10, 2003 and October 7, 2002.
Leg. Bronz, Leg. Ryan made a motion to accept the minutes of February 20, 2003 as written.
Leg. Bronz and Leg. Abinanti made a motion to accept the minutes of Oct. 7, 2003 as written.
The committee then went over the agenda referrals and on motions of Leg. Rogowsky and Leg. Bronz they received and filed the following all in favor: 5-0
Subtopics: Property Tax Relief Act
Prohibition of Outdoor Smoking
Itemizing Budget by County Executive
Itemizing Costs in the County Tax Bill
#120, 129 to subfile
#135 Commuter Tax
#138 Cell Phone Use
#139 Support for Dairy Industry
#142 Organic Yard Waste Program
#146 State Takeover of Medicaid
Rogowsky moved to adjourn and Ryan seconded. Chairwoman Stewart-Cousins adjourned the meeting at 1:58 pm