COMMUNITY BOARD SIX
YOUTH/HUMAN SERVICES/EDUCATION COMMITTEE
OCTOBER 27, 2010
PRESENT:
J. BERNARD L. HOROWITZ M. KOLMAN
R. LOHIER G. O’CONNELL A. PANINGBATAN
Y. ROMAN M. SCHMIDT B. SOLOTAIRE
EXCUSED:
L. CIRANDO L. HILL S. TURET
V. TWYFORD
ABSENT:
E. FELDER M. HEYER C. MURRAY
M. RUIZ D.C. VITO
GUESTS:
L. SPITZNER I. NEDELJKOVIC
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*** MINUTES ***
The meeting was called to order at 6:45pm. James Bernard and Mark Kolman, co-chairs of the committee introduced the work of the committee to see about new ideas.
At 6:50pm, Lisa Spitzner from the American Lung Association addressed the committee on proposed legislation (introduced by Gale Brewer of the NYC Council) to create smoke-free parks, beaches and pedestrian areas to reduce second-hand smoke.
• The Surgeon General has said that there is no safe level of second-hand smoke. 3,400 non-smokers will die from second-hand smoke. • ALA believes that New Yorkers have a right to have healthy areas. • Asthmatics have a problem especially for young children. • A study by NYC Health Department showed that 57% of non-smoking New Yorkers have elevated levels of contorine - which is a product in nicotine. • There is also an environmental problem with litter. 75% of litter on beaches is cigarette butts which are non-biodegradable. • 65% of New Yorkers also support the ban against smoking in public recreational areas. • 19% of Brooklyn adults smoke, (See handout)
Brooklynites can take advantage of smoking cessation programs throughout Brooklyn. Enforcement would be done by Parks Enforcement, not NYPD.
City Council Member, Peter Vallone has introduced an amendment to allow limited smoke areas in parks but ALA opposes this amendment.
NYC is not the first city to propose this legislation – Los Angeles and Chicago already have this legislation.
Ray Lohier moved for a letter of support for the legislation and Benjamin Solotaire seconded the
motion.
VOTE: 8…..YEAS 1…..NAY
MOTION APPROVED
Ms. Spitzner will send a model of the letter of support to Craig Hammerman.
Irena V. Nedeljikovic spoke to the committee of interest in the issue of early childhood education. She wants to open an early childhood education program in Brooklyn. They need to figure out 1. What area to open the center? Is there a need in this area? 2. Wants to talk to people with early childhood education programs.
The committee suggested Red Hook. She will follow up with Craig and Yvonne.
Benjamin Solotaire proposed that the committee look at the issue of homeless services – respite beds. Why it got cancelled and how can it be reinstated? He will discuss further with Craig Hammerman.
A discussion followed of the committee’s mission. • Mark Kolman talked about the issue of publishing teacher evaluations. • Margaret Kelley – she should come back. • Yvonne Roman wants to have a public meeting to talk about charter schools – PS15.
There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting was adjourned.