COMMITTEE ON COUNTY OFFICERS AND DEPARTMENTS

MINUTES

APRIL 7, 1997

9:00

 

 

 

LEGISLATORS: DELFINO, SPRECKMAN, YOUNG, DONOVAN

 

STAFF: MONOHAN (CTY. EXEC. OFFICE), RODRIGUEZ, MORO (BOL)

 

 

Chairman Delfino called the meeting to order at 9:05. Chairman Delfino motioned to approve the minutes of March 31, 1997 and was seconded by Legislator Spreckman. The motion was carried by a vote of 3-0 (Legislator Donovan out for vote)

 

Taxi and Limousine Commission Interviews:

 

At the conclusion of each interview, Chairman Delfino explained the process. By Charter the County Executive appoints the members of the Taxi and Limo Commission (TLC) subject to confirmation by the full Board of Legislators based on the recommendation of the Committee on County Officers and Departments (COD).

 

Douglas E. Thornton II

 

Mr. Thornton explained the he has a family owned business, he is the second generation of limo service. He won a contract at the County Airport which expires in the year 2000. He started by working up ranks, washing cars, cleaning and maintenance, to an administrative level assisting his mother who owns the business since his father passed away, about three years now. He assisted in making it the successful business it presently is.

 

 

 

 

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On motion of Legislator Young, seconded by Legislator Spreckman the motion to approve the Resolution confirming the appointment of

Douglas E. Thornton II to the Taxi and Limousine Commission was carried by a vote of 4-0.

 

Katherine Jennings:

 

Chairman Delfino stated that Ms. Jennings brought a different perspective to the Commission, being in the Insurance business. He asked how she heard about the opening. Ms. Jennings responded that being in the Insurance business, she was aware it was being organized, then someone submitted her name. Chairman Delfino

mentioned that it was he who submitted her name. He felt someone in the Insurance business should be involved. Ms. Jennings went on to state that she has been in the business for thirty years. She is aware of the trials and tribulations with the TLC in New York City. This will be a tough job, there will be a lot to discuss. She is Hispanic and a has a large Hispanic clientele, they come to her with their problems. She feels she is right in the heart of what is going on. Chairman Delfino mentioned that he knows they will have the interest of the small businesses in mind as they form the Commission, that it is not the intent to hurt anyone currently in business. He went on to say that maybe they can form pools of insurance or group purchasing to help the small businesses because that is going to be one of the stumbling blocks. Mr. Jennings agreed there is a wide variety of crisis going on. It will be a very difficult process.

 

On motion of Chairman Delfino, seconded by Legislator Spreckman, the motion to approve the Resolution confirming the appointment of Katherine Jennings to the Taxi and Limousine Commission was carried by a vote of 4-0.

 

 

 

 

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James L. Moricone:

 

Chairman Delfino explained that he is aware that Mr. Moricone has been involved with this issue for as long as anyone. He has been on the Limousine Industry Council (LIC) since its conception. Mr. Moricone stated that he was the founder along with Angela Martin. Chairman Delfino asked what he felt he could contribute. Mr. Moricone stated that there is a need in Westchester, the industry is growing and they want to give the small business an equal opportunity. He feels they need to organize, and keep everyone together. Chairman Delfino said he believes Mr. Moricone has earned this position and deserves it, and he knows that Mr. Moricone will always say his piece. Chairman Delfino went on to say he looks forward to working with Mr. Moricone personally.

 

On motion of Chairman Delfino, seconded by Legislator Young, the motion to approve the Resolution confirming the appointment of James L. Moricone to the Taxi and Limousine Commission was carried by a vote of 4-0.

 

Rent Guideline Board:

 

Ralph Amicucci:

 

Chairman Delfino stated that the Apartment Owners Advisory Council (AOAC) has recommended Ralph Amicucci to be a member of the Rent Guidelines Board in the landlord position that was vacated last September. Chairman Delfino explained that there is one vacancy for a landlord position and one in the public position. Chairman Delfino went on to ask Mr. Amicucci why he would want this job. It is one of the hardest jobs around. Mr. Amicucci explained it was a way of giving back. It has its good points and bad points. He has lived in Westchester all his life, if he could do anything to contribute he would be happy. He feels this would be a good way to start. Mr. Amicucci went on to discuss how fairness is an issue. He does sympathize with

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the individuals who complain about loosing their rent control. He also feels that the government should not get involved in fixing prices, he does not believe in regulating prices. Anytime the government has set a price it has not worked out. He feels he can add some value because of his experience and understanding of both sides of the issues. Chairman Delfino stated that he felt it was very important for the Landlord representative to be able to see both sides. Mr. Amicucci asked if he does get confirmed to this position, is it a short term job, what is going to happen with rent control. Legislator Donovan stated that it was in the Senate right now. It will take a very long time to be settled. Chairman Delfino interjected that seven million people are involved. They all then went on to discuss how it first got started, because of lack of affordable housing in the second World War. On motion of Legislator Donovan seconded by Legislator Young, the motion to approve the Resolution confirming the appointment of Ralph Amicucci to the Rent Guidelines Board was carried by a vote of 4-0.

 

On motion of Chairman Delfino, seconded by Legislator Donovan the meeting was adjourned at 9:45 a.m. The motion was carried by a vote of 4-0.