COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION
MEMBERS: Stewart-Cousins, Chair, Legislators Oros, Rogowsky,
Ryan, Abinanti, Bronz
BOL: Ann Giordano, Steve Bass, Bob Boland, Leg. Richard Wishnie, Leg. Vito Pinto
GUESTS: (CEO), William Randolph (CEO), Andrew Neuman (CEO), Linda Trentacoste (Law), Stacey Dolgin-Kmetz (Law), Brendan McGrath (Law), Susan Geri (Law)
Chairwoman Stewart-Cousins opened the meeting at 11:52 and invited the Budget Director; Kate Carrano to discuss the Westchester County Spending Limitations Act which is usually included in the county’s State Legislative Package for renewal one year before the act expires. Over the years, the sales taxes collected have been used to offset expenses in several municipalities and keep property/school taxes lower.
Questions arose about the original statute and Ms. Carrano agreed to research and present the legislation to the committee at a future meeting. In the meantime, the committee agreed to move the legislation to allow the state delegation to begin working on the legislative request.
Moved by Leg. Rogowsky and seconded by Leg. Abinanti. All in favor: 6-0
The Chair asked Andrew Neuman to discuss the County Executive’s Executive Order regarding Pedophiles on county property. The committee wished to determine whether the Executive Order was a sufficient protective measure for children or whether legislation codifying the order was necessary.
After general discussion, the County Attorney suggested that some questions would require an executive session due to a pending court case which involved the Executive Order. A motion was made by Leg. Ryan and seconded by Leg. Rogowsky to go into executive session.
The committee moved out of executive session at 12:35 p.m. and agreed to see how the county’s Executive Order stands up in court. In the meantime, Pedophiles, according to the order are not allowed to engage in activities that attract children on county property.
Chairwoman Stewart-Cousins entertained discussion on a resolution introduced by Legislator Abinanti that would support provisions of the federal budget resolution for fiscal year 2004 (H. Con. Res. 95) which would provide at least $30 billion in one-time federal assistance to state and local governments.
Although the committee was generally in agreement and Chairwoman Bronz had previously sent a letter supporting a resolution for additional federal aid, it was argued that more than one proposal was before Congress—including one which would give the state jurisdiction over the additional revenue.
The committee asked for further research to ensure that the resolution we support brings maximum dollars to the county.
Finally, Joe Montalto joined the committee to further discuss an item severed from the state package. The proposal to “alienate parkland” was revisited with respect to the bathhouse area at Playland Park. It was, once again, presented as the proposed site for a Children’s Museum. Because of the expense involved in developing the project, it is necessary to extend the time period a normal lease agreement would allow—thus it is classified as parkland alienation. The site, however, will for all intents and purposes remain parkland.
Leg. Rogowsky moved the legislation seconded by Leg. Oros for all purposes. All in favor: 5-0 – Leg. Abinanti out for vote.
The Chair requested approval of draft minutes of April 14, 2003. Moved by Leg. Rogowsky, seconded by Leg. Oros.
Leg. Bronz’s motion to adjourn meeting was seconded by Leg. Ryan at 1:02 p.m.