A hearing on the nomination of Muriel Goode-Trufant for the position of Corporation Counsel.

The hearing focused on Goode-Trufant's qualifications, her vision for the Law Department, and her approach to various legal issues facing the city.

Discussions included:

• Attorney-client privilege
• Handling conflicts between the mayor and council
• Use of emergency executive orders
• Strategies for recruiting attorneys
• Approach to proactive litigation.

Features testimony from Muriel Goode-Trufant, the nominee for Corporation Counsel, and the public, including former city workers affected by vaccine mandates.

A hearing on waste containerization efforts in New York City, focusing on the Department of Sanitation's plans for citywide implementation, including:

• New requirements for businesses and residential buildings
• A pilot program for large on-street containers
• The expansion of curbside composting

Discussions covered implementation challenges, costs, and concerns from Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), as well as environmental considerations and related legislative proposals.

Features testimony from the Department of Sanitation (DSNY), Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), environmental advocates, and the public.

A hearing on two pieces of legislation related to accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and basement apartment legalization.

Discussions focused on:

• Creating a regulatory framework for ADUs
• Establishing a pilot program to convert existing basement or cellar apartments to habitable dwelling units
• Addressing the city's housing crisis while improving safety for existing illegal units

Key points included allowing one ADU per property, setting safety standards, and potential impacts on affordability and neighborhood character.

The legislation is part of the broader "City of Yes" zoning initiative to increase housing supply citywide.

Features testimony from the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), Department of Buildings (DOB), Department of City Planning (DCP), and the public.

A hearing on deed theft targeting vulnerable homeowners, particularly seniors and people of color.

Discussions focused on:

• Current agency efforts to combat deed theft
• The inadequacy of existing protections
• Two proposed bills:
  • Intro 888 requiring disclosure of property market value for unsolicited purchase offers
  • Intro 901 expanding homeowner counseling services.

Council members emphasized the need for a more coordinated, aggressive approach across city agencies to prevent deed theft and assist victims.

Features testimony from the Department of Finance, NYC Aging, Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP), and the public.

A hearing on addressing workforce vacancies and civil service challenges in New York City government.

Discussions focused on:

• High vacancy rates across city agencies
• Streamlining hiring processes
• The role of the Office of Management and Budget in hiring approvals
• Worker retention challenges
• The impact of staffing cuts on city services, particularly in the Parks Department

The council emphasized the urgency of filling vacancies to improve city services and called for greater transparency in hiring trends and vacancy rates.

Features testimony from the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), Office of Labor Relations (OLR), District Council 37 (DC 37), and the public.