Committee on Public Works, Transportation, Labor and Parks
MINUTES: June 19, 2006; 11:30 AM
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS, TRANSPORTATION, LABOR AND PARKS MEMBERS: Chair: J. Alvarado; Legislators: W. Burton, V. Pinto, A. Stewart-Cousins, S. Swanson
IN ATTENDANCE: CEO: K. Pasquale, B. Randolph; BOL STAFF: B. Bochow, D. Toledo
With a quorum present, the Committee on Public Works, Transportation, Labor & Parks was called to order at 11:50 am.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION:
ADDED STARTER
Correspondence from the City of Yonkers requesting support for a home rule message from Westchester County Board of Legislators to the State of New York allowing two acres at the southern end of the Daniel P. Thomas Material Recovery Facility site to be used for a new animal shelter for the City of Yonkers.
Karen Pasquale from the County Executive’s Office indicated that the Mayor of Yonkers, Phil Amicone, contacted the County Executive’s Office about relocating an animal shelter. In 1976, this land was park land and was de-dedicated. A Home Rule message is necessary because a portion of the land will be changed in use. The four legislators that represent Yonkers have been notified of this proposed Home Rule message through a letter from the Mayor of Yonkers. There are bills of this Home Rule message in print in the New York State Legislature, but the legislation will not move without a resolution from the County Board.
Legislator Pinto noted his belief that the County Recreation and Parks Commission must act on the Home Rule resolution before the County Board can issue its approval. He based this on the precedent that the rededication of parkland first requires authorization from the Parks Commission.
Legislator Stewart-Cousins stated her concern that the County Board had received a statement of support regarding the Home Rule message from the Mayor of Yonkers and not the legislative body. She suggested calling a recess to contact Parks officials and Yonkers City Councilmen to ensure the necessary support before moving forward.
On a motion by Chairman Alvarado, seconded by Legislator Stewart-Cousins the Committee on Public Works, Transportation, Labor, & Parks recess to the call of the Chair at 12:00 pm.
With a quorum present, the Committee on Public Works, Transportation, Labor, & Parks reconvened at 12:43 pm.
Karen Pasquale determined through telephone conversations during the recess that the Yonkers Mayor’s Office has not adequately educated the Yonkers City Council on this particular issue.
Legislator Pinto believed that the legislation should not be expedited because members of the Yonkers City Council only support the Home Rule message preliminarily.
Legislator Abinanti noted the necessity of a vote of support from the City of Yonkers citing the finality of amending state law.
Legislator Stewart-Cousins relayed to the committee the understanding that the Mayor of Yonkers would reach out the Yonkers City Council regarding this Home Rule message.
On a motion by Legislator Burton, seconded by Legislator Swanson, the Committee on Public Works, Transportation, Labor, & Parks adjourned at 12:53 pm.
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