COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION Joint w/ Committee on Health
MINUTES: MAY 10, 2004
MEMBERS: Chair: Marty Rogowsky; Legislators: Bronz, Latimer, Mosiello, Oros, Pinto, Stewart-Cousins
HEALTH MEMBERS: Chair: Andrea Stewart-Cousins; Legislators: Alvarado, Latimer, Oros
IN ATTENDANCE: BOL: Ettere, Vega; LWV: Rosemary MacLaughlin; CEO: Bill Randolph; LAW: Jim Robertson, Brendan McGrath, David Rothman; HEALTH: Josh Lipsman; CONSUMER PROTECTION: Elaine Price; COUNTY CLERK: Edward J. Brady, Jr., Steven J. Levy; Dennis Gallego; FOOD INDUSTRY ALLIANCE: Patricia Brodhagen; KRASDALE FOODS: Mitch Klein; CITIZENS: Ed Krauss
The meeting was called to order at 1:45 p.m.
Item #18 - Board of Plumbing Examiners
Item # 18 is a proposed local law that would amend Chapter 277, Article XV, Sections 277.505, 277.507 and 277.508 of the Laws of Westchester County to eliminate the requirements that the Board of Plumbing Examiners shall prepare and supervise examinations and prepare a manual of rules relating to the conduct of the exams; allow the Board to contract with an outside organization to create and administer licensing examinations; and eliminate the statutory examination fees, so as to make the administration of licensing exams under said law consistent with the Electrical Licensing Law.
This item was previously discussed in Committee on April 26, 2004. Legislator Rogowsky stated that an email sent to him from the County Clerk’s office indicated that they had spoken with the Chair of the Electrical Licensing Board. The Chair stated that they were very pleased with the current system. Legislator Rogowsky further stated that other amendments, such as those proposed by plumbers at the last meeting, can be taken up separately and encouraged the Administration and the County Clerk to look into those issues raised.
With no further discussion, Legislator Pinto made a motion to approve Item #18 and it was seconded by Legislator Bronz. The vote was 7-0.
The Committee on Health was called to order at 1:50 p.m.
Item #19 - Mercury Advisory Signs
Item #19 is a proposed local law that would add a new Chapter 698 to the Laws of Westchester County entitled “Mercury in Fish – Advisory Signs.” This legislation is intended to ensure that pregnant women, women who may become pregnant, and nursing mothers, as well as parents of young children, are made aware of the danger of the consumption of certain kinds of fish containing high levels of mercury, which can cause adverse effects on the developing nervous system of a fetus or young child.
Commissioner Lipsman addressed the Committee emphasizing the dangers of methylmercury (a form of mercury that commonly contaminates fish) to a fetus or young child. He strongly urged that this advisory is not intended to keep people from eating fish because fish are part of a heart healthy diet. The FDA and EPA recently issued a new joint-agency consumer advisory statement on this matter. The intention of the proposed County advisory is to warn and educate the above individuals that need to take notice of the fish they eat and how much they consume. This warning would also advise said individuals not to eat shark, swordfish, king mackerel, or tilefish as they contain the highest levels of mercury; advise that other fish and shellfish should be eaten in moderation; and that they should check local advisories about the safety of locally-caught fish.
Patricia Brodhagen, Executive Director of Public Affairs & Consumer Affairs for the Food Industry Alliance (FIA) of New York State, informed the Committee that she had been working with the Administration on developing a strategy to best inform the residents on the dangers of mercury in fish. She also stated that the FIA would like to assist in an educational outreach (including OB/GYN and Pediatrician offices) rather than require the posting of signs in all retail food establishments and that the posting of signs may put them at risk for litigation should a sign be stolen, moved or misplaced. A brochure outlining the FDA/EPA advisory is in the process of being printed by the FIA’s national organization.
There was a lengthy discussion addressing concerns such as the length, content and placement of the proposed advisory sign; the possibility of education through bi-lingual public announcements and brochures and if restaurants should be included.
The Members recommended that the Administration, Dept. of Consumer Protection and the Food Industry Alliance meet to further discuss issues regarding the actual signage. It was also indicated that it may be necessary to contact the Westchester/Rockland Chapter of the NYS Restaurant Association.
The Committee on Health adjourned at 2:40 p.m.
MINUTES
Legislator Pinto made a motion to approve the minutes of April 19, 2004 and it was seconded by Legislator Latimer. The vote was 7-0.
RECEIVE & FILE
Legislator Pinto made a motion to receive and file Items #10 (Medicaid Reform - UL) and #40 (Medicaid Reform- Fulton Cty.) and it was seconded by Legislator Stewart-Cousins. The vote was 7-0.
On motion of Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator Bronz the meeting was adjourned at 2:46 p.m.
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