COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION
MINUTES: June 19, 2006, 12:30 PM
LEGISLATION MEMBERS: Chair: Young; Legislators: Rogowsky, Abinanti, Bronz, Burrows, Oros, Stewart-Cousins
IN ATTENDANCE: CEO: K. Pasquale; B. Randolph CA: L. Cipollo, R. Hoch; BOL: S. Bass, B. Bochow, J. Ng; S. Swanson, J. Alvarado, V. Pinto GUESTS: R. Pellegrino
With a quorum present, the Committee on Legislation was called to order at 12:38 p.m.
MINUTES
(Burrows,Oros) Move to approve the minutes of May 15, 2006. Motion passed 5-0.
NEW YORK STATE HOME RULE REQUEST: AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE LEASE OF CERTAIN PARKLANDS IN THE TOWN OF MT. PLEASANT
Legislator Bronz requested the item be held over.
NEW YORK STATE HOME RULE REQUEST: AN ACT TO LEASE CERTAIN PARKLANDS FOR ANIMAL SHELTER PURPOSES
The Committee on Public Works, Transportation, Labor and Parks reconvened at the request of Chairman Alvarado.
Legislator Burrows presented the New York State Home Rule request which sets aside certain parcel of land north of Stew Leonard Drive, approximately two acres of property, for the purpose of building an animal shelter. He noted the concern that the County Legislature has not received a resolution from the Yonkers City Council. He underscored the urgency due to the recess of the New York State Legislature in three days.
Karen Pasquale discussed her efforts to communicate the board’s concerns to the City of Yonkers that they had not received correspondence indicating the City Council was in favor of the Home Rule Request.
Legislator Abinanti noted that New York State law must be amended to allow the Legislature to dedicate the land for the purposes of an animal shelter. He underscored the need for city support before moving ahead.
Legislator Stewart-Cousins suggested they move the legislation out of committee, and vote on the matter pending a letter of support from Yonkers Councilmember’s.
(Abinanti,Bronz) Move to recess to the call of the Chair. Motion passed 6-0. Committee on Legislation recessed at 1:10 PM.
At the request of Chairman Young the Committee on Legislation reconvened at 1:20 PM.
(Stewart-Cousins,Abinanti) Move to approve the New York State Legislative Home Rule requesting enacting A11931/S8276 authorizing discontinuation of the use of certain park lands for the purpose of locating a solid waste resource recovery unit and to authorize a parcel of such lands to be utilized for animal shelter purposes. Legislation passed 6-0 (Without Prejudice-Oros, Abinanti).
Sex Offenders Legislation
Legislator Oros introduced discussed legislation protecting young people from pedophiles. His proposal would prohibit level three sex offenders from living within a certain radius of a County facility that is frequented by children (e.g. County parks). He noted that NYS, and specifically Westchester County, is one of the leaders in housing level three sex offenders, and the recidivism rate for sex offenders is very high. He highlighted the precedent of other counties prohibiting sex offenders from living near areas frequented by children.
Legislator Abinanti suggested researching the precedent of Suffolk County in prohibiting sex offenders from living near schools.
Legislator Young declared there was a general consensus to move forward with the discussion of the proposal.
(Oros, Abinanti) Move to adjourn The Committee on Legislation. Motion passed 6-0. Committee on Legislation adjourned at 1:30 p.m.
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