COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION
MEMBERS: Stewart-Cousins, Chair, Bronz, Abinanti, Ryan, Oros, Latimer
PARKS COMMITTEE
MEMBERS: Mosiello, Chair, Spreckman, Simpson, Neglia, Bronz
BOL: Steve Bass, Ann Giordano,
GUESTS: Liz Salvi (Law), William Randolph, Rosemary McLaughlin (LWV), Stan Motley, (Parks Commissioner), Joe Montalto (Playland Director), Mary Lynn Nicholas (Law), Leslie Bennett (Budget), Andris Espinosa (LGBT Advisory Bd.), Richard Ian Riley (CE Intern), Steve Frey (AFL-CIO), Keith Eddings (Journal News)
Chairwoman, Andrea Stewart-Cousins called the meeting to order at 11:52 am.
Chairwoman Stewart-Cousins opened the meeting by asking the members of the committee to read and approve the minutes of April 1st and 8th. Bronz and Abinanti made a motion to approve the April 8th minutes with amendments. Oros made a motion to move the April 1st minutes, seconded by Bronz. All in favor: 5-0.
The proposed Living Wage Legislation was discussed and the committee decided to sign the legislation out for public hearing. The County Attorney advised they would be drafting a memo regarding the proposed legislation’s impact for discussion with the committee. Chairwoman Stewart-Cousins noted that the proposed legislation was drafted by a coalition of groups who used legislation from counties who have passed or are considering passing similar legislation, as a model. Therefore, in addition to the memo, the Chair asked the attorney to work on draft legislation that more appropriately reflects Westchester’s departments and procedures. To begin the process, however, committee members moved the current legislation out for public hearing by motions of Abinanti and Latimer. All in favor: 5-0.
Parks Committee Chairman Louis Mosiello opened the joint Legislation/Parks and Recreation part of the meeting to begin discussion of the proposal to reconstitute The Playland Commission.
Joining the discussion were Playland’s Joe Montalto and Commissioner Motley who discussed Playland’s Master Plan and the possibility of creating a public management corporation to run the park. The management corporation would manage funds, hire, and fire employees, and generally conduct business w/ less government involvement. The Playland Commission, on the other hand, would decide on leases and the Commissioner of Finance and Budget Director would monitor purchases and Playland’s finances. Playland would still be operated as a park, the historic character would not change, Westchester County would own the park, but the Parks Board would not be involved. Lastly, the Park could not expand.
Questions arose about board members and the commission’s responsibilities. For example, will the members be elected or appointed? It was agreed that a series of meetings/hearings should be set up to continue the discussions about Playland’s future. Legislator Mosiello agreed to have the Parks Committee take the lead on further discussions.
It was advised that two public hearings on the Master Plan are scheduled--May 30th and June 4th.
Lou Mosiello entertained a motion to adjourn. It was moved by Spreckman and seconded by Bronz.
Chairwoman Stewart-Cousins continued the Legislation Committee’s meeting with a discussion on the revised proposed Domestic Partner Registry Law. Members of the County Atty.’s office pointed out changes they made at the request of the committee following the Public Hearing.
Chairwoman Stewart-Cousins advised that since substantive changes to the legislation had been made another public hearing was required.
Before closing, legislators questioned whether hospitals, nursing homes and health care facilities should be included in the law, along with correctional facilities. The County Attorney agreed to further research jurisdictional issues surrounding the inclusion of these institutions.
Forms required by the legislation were also discussed. It was suggested that the NY State Bar Association provide the documents so as to avoid having different types of forms.
Finally, a discussion took place with regard to including those who live outside of Westchester County and not employed by Westchester County. It was agreed that the law should be limited to county employees or those living within Westchester County. Like the previous questions, the county attorney was asked to compare our proposed practice with that of New York City and the pending State Legislation and report back to the committee.
Chairwoman Stewart-Cousins accepted motions to adjourn the meeting by Maisano and Abinanti at 1:47 pm.