Discussion: (There is a cassette tape on file for more detailed information):

On motion of Legislator Swanson, seconded by Legislator Donovan, the motion to approve the Minutes of March 10, 1997 was carried by a vote of 3-0.

Chairman Delfino began by giving a brief overview of the mission of the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC)and how the members are appointed. The County Executive appoints the members of the TLC and by charter the Committee on County Officers & Departments (COD) must confirm the appointment. The resolution then must go before the full Board of Legislators at the next Board meeting, and would be approved based on the recommendation of the COD Committee.

Chairman Delfino inquired as to how Ms. Barnaba found out about the Commission. She responded that she had been asked by Barbara Monohan of the County Executive’s Office if she would be interested in serving on the Commission. She stated that at that time all of the members of the Commission were male and they were looking to appoint a female who had no knowledge of the industry. Ms. Barnaba

is the president of Fleetstar. Mr. Donovan inquired as to what type of business Fleetstar is. Ms. Barnaba responded that it is a construction business. Chairman Delfino inquired as to how many times the Commission has met thus far. Ms. Barnaba responded that they have met three or four times so far this year. Legislator Swanson asked what has been under discussion at these meetings. Ms. Barnaba replied that the Commission has been reviewing the rules and regulations that New York City has and is trying to determine if and how they can be applied to Westchester (i.e. fees and permits required, background checks on drivers) to make the business more competitive and fair.

Chairman Delfino stated that the Commission has a difficult task ahead of it as there are many concerns with regard to the taxi and limo business.

On motion of Legislator Swanson, seconded by Legislator Donovan, the motion to approve the Resolution confirming the appointment of Stephanie Barnaba to the Taxi and Limo Commission was carried by a vote of 3-0.

Chairman Delfino asked Mr. Breen to fill the Committee in a little on the problems and objectives of the Commission. Mr. Breen, who has been in this business for eighteen years, responded that they need regulations, but they don’t want the city regulating them. The city at one time auctioned off his car. It had been impounded for summonses he hadn’t answered. He had an attorney and while they were in court over the matter, his car was auctioned off. He went on to say that what this Commission will do is have a user friendly way of doing background checks. A problem they have now is that they could be hiring criminals as drivers and not know it. It is an entry level job so they do get those kinds of people looking for work. The Taxi & Limo Commission in New York City (NYC) is not user friendly. It takes two days to get licensed there. It is not practical. Legislator Donovan asked why they are required to get licensed in New York City. Mr.

Breen explained that they get ticketed down there with out it. However he will not send his drivers to the Taxi Limo Commission in NYC any more. Legislator Donovan inquired as to who does the finger printing and background checks for the Westchester County TLC. Mr. Breen stated that Consumer Affairs will do the finger printing and Public safety will do the background checks on the licenses. They have been to the Commission’s meetings and they have the mechanisms in place. They just need the manpower. Mr. Breen stated that is costs $275 per sticker per car. If you don’t have it you get towed in the City. If you operate in NYC they want you registered in NYC because they say otherwise it is not controlled. So, if we get our own TLC in Westchester they will see we too have controls. Hopefully they will recognize it. Legislator Swanson asked how it will be user friendly. Mr. Breen responded, that they can just come here in Westchester, get finger printed, get a background check, pay the fee and leave, and not have it take two days.

On motion of Legislator Donovan, seconded by Chairman Delfino, the motion to approve the Resolution confirming the appointment of Mike Breen to the Taxi and Limo Commission was carried by a vote of 3-0.

Mr. Franklin had been president of the TLC, but recently resigned due to time restraints. Chairman Delfino asked him to brief the Committee on the L.I.C. and how it got started. Mr. Franklin explained it started in 1984-85. He got involved in 1986. It is a local trade organization of operation in the County, which has bargaining power. They got things like discounts on beepers for the drivers, etc. It is made up of legitimate operators in the County, they screen them for ethics and licensing. Then the Taxi & Limo Commission in NYC started ticketing them, it was a disaster happening to their operations in Westchester. They went to court with the New York City TLC and lost. The negotiations still continue. Chairman Delfino stated that there will be overwhelming challenges ahead . He sees a major problem in that many drivers do not have sufficient insurance.

Legislator Donovan asked what the insurance requirement is now. Mr. Franklin answered that it is a million dollar liability. A million and a half is required to transport over state lines. Chairman Delfino asked who checks to see how much insurance someone has. Mr. Trevor explained that right now no one does. Someone could have no insurance. It is not a level playing field. That is something else they want to concentrate on. Chairman Delfino said there needs to be a middle ground. He doesn’t want to put the small business man out of business, but everyone needs to meet the requirements. He went on to say that the Commission will have an executive director soon, who will handle day to day operations. Mr. Franklin mentioned that there are 38000 chauffeurs right now. Legislator Swanson asked if you need a separate license to be one. Mr. Franklin said you do not. There is a fee, but no test. You can actually have a convicted felon dropping people off at their suburban homes. Legislator Spreckman asked if the County rules and regulations will supersede the municipalities, will there be a conflict. Mr. Franklin stated that the way the law passed through Albany is that the County will supersede the municipalities but will not interfere with the collection of fees that the local municipalities were collecting for taxis. They are regulated by their own municipalities. Chairman Delfino mentioned that there are eleven members on the TLC and he emphasized that this will be a very difficult Commission.

There was some uncertainty about the residence requirements of this Commission. The COD committee will hold on voting on Trevor Franklin’s appointment until they get confirmation from the legal division.

On motion of Legislator Donovan, seconded by Legislator Spreckman, the motion to receive and file the appointment of Jon Halpern, Scott R. Yablon, James E. Fitzgerald, Jr., and reappointment of Edith Doran, and Joseph F. Limongelli. was approved by a vote of 5-0.

On motion of Legislator Swanson, seconded by Legislator Young, the motion to receive and file the Designation of Deputies for the Dept. of Health, Dept. of Community Mental Health, Personnel Dept., Dept. of Social Services, and Dept. of Public Works was carried by a vote of 5-0.

On motion of Legislator Swanson, seconded by Legislator Young the meeting was adjourned at 10:00. The motion was carried by a vote of 5-0.