COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION JOINT WITH PUBLIC SAFETY & SECURITY
MINUTES: May 22, 2006, 1:30 PM
LEGISLATION MEMBERS: Chair: Young; Legislators: Rogowsky, Stewart-Cousins, Oros, Bronz, Abinanti, Burrows, Maisano, Myers
PUBLIC SAFETY MEMBERS: Chair: Burton; Legislators: Stewart-Cousins, Pinto, Kaplowitz, Swanson, Burrows
IN ATTENDANCE: CEO: A. Neuman, B. Randolph; CA: L. Trentacoste; E. Cipollo; DPS: D. Long, T. Belfiore; TLC: B. Monohan, J. DeMarco; BOL: B. Bochow, S. Bass, A. Modugno, M. Amodio
With a quorum present, the Committee on Legislation was called to order at 1:37 p.m.
(Burrows, Oros) move the Minutes of April 24, 2006. Motion passed 5-0.
With a quorum present, the Committee on Public Safety & Security was called to order at 1:41 p.m.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION:
VEHICLE IMMOBILIZATION
Commissioner Thomas Belfiore of Public Safety presented a proposal that would allow for the immobilization, or the use of a boot, on for-hire vehicles that owe a considerable amount of money for unpaid summonses. Mr. Belfiore noted that the problem of unpaid summonses is growing for the Taxi and Limousine Commission. There is presently $412,000 in outstanding fines throughout the County. In collecting these fines, he noted, that it costs the County approximately $5 to collect a $1 back in unpaid fines after summonses are negotiated down to payment. Mr. Belfiore stated that the current situation poses a safety concern because the County is unable to examine vehicles and drivers as well as discipline violators.
Barbara Monahan of the Taxi and Limousine Commission presented the commission’s mission to ensure a safe riding experience for the general public. The commission sets industry standards, vehicle safety requirements, and helps to regulate the hiring of drivers.
Deputy Commissioner Demosthenes Long of Public Safety explained the inability to bring violators before the commission. Over the last three years, there have been 6,000 summonses issued and $20,000 is still unpaid. The problem primarily stems from for-hire vehicles that originate from outside of Westchester County that evade paying fines and ignore summonses. This legislation would allow the County to boot theses vehicles.
Legislator Stewart-Cousins raised the suggestion of discussing with the city of Yonkers any underlying problems with the collection of summonses because it would be the municipality most affected by the proposed legislation.
Legislator Abinanti expressed his concern with possible regulations companies outside of the county. He further expressed that the County Attorney’s office should look into the efforts and costs to collect unpaid summonses.
Legislator Young asked that a schedule of fines be attached to the next version of the legislation.
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
(Rogowsky, Oros) move for public hearing the legislation that would amend the current financial disclosure statement for members of voluntary boards and commissions. Motion passed 6-0.
(Rogowsky, Myers) move to adjourn The Committee on Legislation. Motion passed 9-0. Committee on Legislation adjourned at 1:55 p.m.
(Pinto, Stewart-Cousins) move to adjourn The Committee on Public Safety & Security. Motion passed 5-0. Committee on Public Safety & Security adjourned at 1:55 p.m.
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