New York City Council
Committee on Governmental Operations, State & Federal Legislation
Mar 05, 2024
·
11:30 AM
5 hr 31 min
Summary
A hearing on the Fiscal 2025 preliminary budget for New York City, focusing on city agency budgets, staffing, operations amid fiscal challenges, and the impact of budget cuts city services. Discussions cover decarbonization initiatives, legal services, administrative trials and hearings, election preparedness, and records management. Features testimony from the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), the New York CIty Law Department, the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH), the NYC Board of Elections, the Department of Records And Information Services (DORIS), and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Lincoln Restler Opens Budget Hearing on DCAS, NYC Law Department, OATH, and DORIS
Council Member Lincoln Restler chairs his inaugural budget hearing, scrutinizing city agency budgets and emphasizing decarbonization and fiscal effectiveness. - Restler lays out the session's focus on testimonies from key …
0:00:41
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5 min
Dawn M. Pinnock, Commissioner of the Department of Citywide Administrative Services, on the Fiscal Year 2025 Proposed Budget
Dawn M. Pinnock discusses the Department of Citywide Administrative Services' (DCAS) proposed budget for fiscal year 2025, emphasizing the agency's achievements and future plans. - DCAS aims to enhance city …
0:07:43
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6 min
What is the impact of budget cuts on annual electric vehicle purchases?
The budget cuts could reduce electric vehicle purchases by approximately 350 to 375 annually, despite the city being on track to meet its current year goal. - Commissioner Pinnock estimates …
0:14:42
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55 sec
Will DCAS meet the mandate for an electric fleet by 2038 and the FY 2025 goal of 5,100 electric vehicles?
DCAS is on track to achieve the 2025 goal of 5,100 electric vehicles but is discussing funding restoration with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). - Commissioner Dawn M. …
0:15:42
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65 sec
Why was the funding for electric vehicle purchasing reduced, and what actions are being taken to address it?
The Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) did not make the decision to cut electric vehicle purchasing funds but is actively seeking restoration of these funds amidst downward pricing trends …
0:16:50
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3 min
What factors are causing DCAS capital plan to decline, and what is the commitment rate?
The decline in DCAS capital budget is attributed to capital stretch and cuts, totaling a $1,000,000,000 reduction across various projects. - Capital stretch and cuts imposed by the administration lead …
0:20:51
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62 sec
What is the impact of budget cuts on DCAS' energy conservation projects?
Energy conservation projects in DCAS' capital plan face a $585 million cut and a $295 million stretch but still maintain a $3 billion budget for ongoing and planned projects. - …
0:22:04
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161 sec
Is the mayor committed to decarbonizing public sector buildings despite budget cuts?
Despite recent budget cuts, there is an ongoing commitment to decarbonizing public sector buildings, with continued funding for energy conservation work and hiring of chief decarbonization officers. - An affirmative …
0:24:47
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4 min
Can the city meet its greenhouse gas emission reduction goals despite budget cuts, and when?
The NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services acknowledges it will not meet the original 2025 greenhouse gas emission reduction goal but is optimistic about future achievements. - The Department of …
0:29:35
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3 min
What causes the variation in anticipated DCAS revenue?
The fluctuation in anticipated revenue is attributed to the unpredictability of civil service exam fees and the stable income from lease renegotiations. - Civil service exam fees fluctuate based on …
0:33:08
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42 sec
How do private rentals of city-owned properties work, and what opportunities are there for nonprofit organizations?
Deputy Commissioner Jesse Hamilton explains the process and opportunities for renting city-owned properties, highlighting the role of nonprofit organizations. - The city has about 350 short-term leases and 75 long-term …
0:33:51
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73 sec
How is DCAS addressing the issue of scaffolding in NYC?
The Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) is actively working to remove scaffolding by expediting local law inspections and repairs. - DCAS utilizes funding from the Office of Management and …
0:35:06
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90 sec
How does the hiring policy shift affect the Department of Citywide Administrative Services' staffing and program management?
The Department of Citywide Administrative Services debates if it has enough staff to run programs effectively due to a shift in hiring policy, aiming for an aggressive hiring approach especially …
0:37:11
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59 sec
Which positions are exempt from the hiring freeze, and how has the ability to hire new staff been impacted?
Following the lifting of the high hiring freeze approximately 2 weeks ago, the ability to hire new staff is positively affected, with life and safety or revenue-generating positions remaining exempt. …
0:38:10
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49 sec
Lincoln Restler critiques the detrimental impact of budget cuts and staffing challenges on the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) and its ability to support New York City agencies
- Restler notes a 22% decrease in DCAS's budgeted headcount over five years. - He emphasizes that such budget cuts and hiring freezes severely impair DCAS and, by extension, the …
0:39:00
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128 sec
What steps are taken to repair the leaking conditions at the Family Court in the Bronx?
Council Member Gale A. Brewer inquires about the repair plans for the rainwater leakage affecting the Family Court in the Bronx. - Brewer is concerned about the rainy conditions within …
0:41:40
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81 sec
What are the efforts to address vacant commercial spaces in New York City?
The Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) addresses vacant commercial spaces by issuing RFPs to utilize such spaces for revenue generation. - Initiatives include putting out RFPs for commercial spaces …
0:43:01
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53 sec
Is there a plan for utilizing all city-owned space, including renting out commercial areas?
Commissioner Dawn M. Pinnock outlines a plan to rent out all commercial spaces, emphasizing a comprehensive approach to utilizing all city-owned space. - A full-scale assessment has been conducted to …
0:44:21
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30 sec
Are New York City jobs being made accessible without a college degree?
The Department of Citywide Administrative Services is making certain jobs accessible without requiring a college degree, impacting around 20,000 positions. - The initiative involves analyzing 40 job titles for potential …
0:44:51
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78 sec
Can the city store be moved to a more visible location to increase public awareness?
Council Member Gale A. Brewer suggests relocating the city store to increase visibility, and Commissioner Dawn M. Pinnock shows openness to the idea. - Brewer proposes 280 Broadway or other …
0:46:16
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54 sec
Is the preliminary budget allocation sufficient for eligible non-public schools applying to DCAS for security guard services?
The budget includes about $44,700,000 to cover security services for 209 eligible programs. - Approximately $44,700,000 is added to the budget to restore the required $19,800,000. - This adjustment covers …
0:47:33
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58 sec
What is the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS)'s goal for time to publish a list after an exam?
The Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) aims to publish a list about 5 and a half months after a civil service exam. - The current cycle time is approximately …
0:48:31
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24 sec
What influences the delay in publishing exam results, and are staffing issues a concern?
Commissioner Dawn M. Pinnock explains the complex process involved in publishing exam results and acknowledges staffing challenges. - Some exams have multiple parts, including practical exams that require skill demonstration. …
0:48:55
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70 sec
Can the 219-day timeline for publishing exam lists be improved?
Commissioner Dawn M. Pinnock suggests that offering more exams could potentially shorten the 219-day timeline for publishing lists. - The Department generally averages 108 exams per year. - This fiscal …
0:50:05
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32 sec
How does DCAS communicate with agencies regarding test lists and job postings?
DCAS regularly communicates with agencies to assist employees seeking upward mobility through APO meetings held every 2 to 3 weeks. - Meetings focus on upcoming exams, upcoming lists, and workforce …
0:50:38
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45 sec
What is the role of the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) in supporting asylum seekers in the city?
The Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) does not provide direct services to asylum seekers but plays a supportive role through licensing, bill management, and contracting expertise. - DCAS assists …
0:51:44
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46 sec
What type of services does the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) provide directly or through contracts?
The Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) does not provide any direct services but handles bill paying and has executed leases, piggybacking off of a federal emergency services contract for …
0:52:30
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25 sec
Are Randall's Island, Floyd Bennett Field, and Creedmoor psych facility asylum seeker facilities contracted through the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS)?
The Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) confirms they contract locations like Randall's Island, Floyd Bennett Field, and Creedmoor psych facility for asylum seekers through a longstanding citywide requirements contract. …
0:52:56
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53 sec
What discrepancies exist in the comptroller’s report on security guard contracting, and how does DCAS address these issues?
The comptroller’s report on security guard contracting contains inaccuracies, particularly regarding the status of contracts and negotiated rates, which DCAS is addressing. - The report inaccurately describes DCAS’s master contract …
0:53:50
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5 min
What is the actual hourly rate for security guards at migrant centers, and who is responsible for their hiring?
Council Member Paladino raises concerns about the reported hourly wages of security guards at migrant centers and queries about the companies providing these services. - Council Member Paladino questions the …
0:59:31
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3 min
What role does the federal government play in procuring contracts for city services?
Roman Gofman explains that the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) utilizes federal procurement to secure contracts for city services, such as security guards and environmental services. - The federal …
1:03:00
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101 sec
Is there a cap on the number of beds the state is willing to fund at the three asylum seeker sites?
The Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) clarifies that funding and reimbursement decisions are not in their purview, pointing to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for answers. - …
1:06:11
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136 sec
What is the current vacancy rate in the Department of Citywide Administrative Services' (DCAS) human capital division, and would hiring more staff quicken the pace at which city agencies can hire workers?
The Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) has a 14% vacancy rate in its human capital division, and hiring more staff could expedite city agency hiring processes by centralizing certain …
1:08:28
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118 sec
What is the timeline for the FY 2023 Workforce Profile Reports?
The Deputy Commissioner for Human Capital confirms that the FY 2023 Workforce Profile Reports, critical for assessing city worker positions, will be released soon. - The Department of Citywide Administrative …
1:10:26
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50 sec
Does DCAS have current data on citywide hiring and the city workforce?
The Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) will follow up with specific agencies to provide data on citywide hiring and the current city workforce. - Council Member Lincoln Restler inquires …
1:11:19
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27 sec
What are the plans for the 40 acres on Rikers Island now under Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) control?
Plans for utilizing the 40 acres recently cleared on Rikers Island for renewable energy projects like solar panels or composting have not been discussed yet. - The feasibility study has …
1:11:47
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68 sec
How many buildings are covered by the new one-time investment for facade and roof repairs? Can the number of buildings with scaffolding be quantified? What impact will the budget cuts have on project delays and scaffolding removal?
The Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) identifies 6 locations impacted by the new investment, covering specific buildings for façade and roof repairs. - DCAS lists 3 buildings for facade …
1:12:57
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145 sec
How will budget cuts impact facade and roof projects? Will scaffolding be up for longer periods of time?
Budget cuts have impacted some life safety projects but not facade projects at the moment. - The current budget cuts did impact some life safety projects. - The budget cuts …
1:15:23
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77 sec
What is the budget breakdown for asylum seeker spending in the DCAS 2025 preliminary budget?
The $354,000,000 in growth in the DCAS 2025 preliminary budget is primarily attributed to asylum seekers spending. The Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) explains that $403,000,000 of the $463,000,000 …
1:16:44
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43 sec
Is the city analyzing and making progress on reducing underutilized leased space?
The Department of Citywide Administrative Services has launched a citywide space savings initiative to optimize the city's footprint in light of remote work schedules, aiming to assign agency-specific targets by …
1:17:27
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84 sec
What led to the decline in average building cleanliness for DCAS managed spaces and how is it being addressed?
The decline in average building cleanliness for DCAS managed non court spaces was due to staffing attrition, physically taxing work, and shifting priorities, leading to staff shortages and impacts on …
1:19:03
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77 sec
What is the status of Woods Island ownership and the push for it to become another Roosevelt Island?
The Commissioner states that the Department of Citywide Administrative Services has only a small portion on Woods Island. - The Department may provide more information on Woods Island ownership next …
1:20:24
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25 sec
What is the status of 22 Reade and the burial ground issue?
The Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) does not have plans to sell the property, but there are discussions about potentially demolishing and rebuilding it. - DCAS has no intention …
1:20:49
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27 sec
Lincoln Restler welcomes Judge Sylvia Hinds-Radix, providing context around the NYC Law Department's operations
Lincoln Restlerdiscusses the preliminary budget for the New York City Law Department. - The law department's fiscal 25 preliminary budget totals $220,300,000, including personnel services and other than personal services. …
1:26:41
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104 sec
Judge Sylvia Hinds-Radix on Fiscal Year 2025 Preliminary Budget for the New York City Law Department
Judge Sylvia Hinds-Radix, Head of the New York City Law Department, discusses the department's fiscal year 2025 preliminary budget and highlights key initiatives and achievements. - The Law Department represents …
1:28:26
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20 min
What contributed to the dramatic drop in the budget for the law department between fiscal year 2024 and fiscal year 2025?
The law department's budget for fiscal year 2025 decreased primarily due to underfunding in major cases and technology-related costs, resulting in a potential 30% reduction in spending. - The Other …
1:49:37
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116 sec
Lincoln Restler discusses the decrease in staffing levels at the New York City Law Department
There has been an 18% decrease in the number of lawyers in the New York City Law Department over the last 5 years, impacting the department's capacity to handle its …
1:51:35
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68 sec
How is the New York City Law Department managing with decreasing staff levels?
The New York City Law Department is managing with decreasing staff levels by adjusting salaries and implementing strategies to attract younger attorneys. - There has been a decrease in staff …
1:52:48
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156 sec
How are savings determined from the most recent pegs and what is the impact on agency operations?
Savings are determined based on revenue generation, attrition, and vacancies, with one-time reductions and efforts to fill vacancies to meet budgetary needs. - Savings are achieved through revenue generation and …
1:55:24
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3 min
Does the department anticipate settling more cases instead of going to trial due to lower staffing levels?
The Head of the New York City Law Department explains the considerations involved in settling cases and going to trial. - The department evaluates the exposure for the city in …
1:58:38
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67 sec
How is prosecutorial discretion contributing to the increase in youth incarceration rates?
Council Member Lincoln Restler discusses the significant rise in youth incarceration rates and the influence of prosecutorial discretion under the Adams administration. - The number of youth in detention has …
2:01:05
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142 sec
What actions are being taken to reduce felony arrests and youth detention in NYC?
The New York City Law Department is discussing actions with the probation department to reduce felony arrests and youth detention facilities. - Meetings are being held with the probation department …
2:03:28
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162 sec
What considerations inform prosecutorial decisions regarding youth felony charges and detention facilities in NYC?
The NYC Law Department considers a holistic approach in making prosecutorial decisions, taking into account various factors such as the capacity of detention facilities and the overall situation of youth …
2:06:13
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151 sec
Has the hybrid working model made a significant difference in hiring processes across New York City agencies?
Council Member Gale A. Brewer inquires about the impact of implementing a hybrid working model on hiring abilities across all New York City agencies, with a focus on legal departments. …
2:08:54
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3 min
What is the technology budget shortfall and how is it being addressed?
The technology budget has been low and efforts are being made to reallocate resources and enhance systems to address the shortfall. - The department is enhancing its network infrastructure to …
2:12:12
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62 sec
What is being done to address unlicensed smoke shops in NYC?
The New York City Law Department is working on bringing nuisance actions against smoke shops to address the issue. - The law department is hoping for legislative changes in Albany …
2:13:15
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104 sec
What is being done to address the increasing number of cases against the city in FY 24?
The New York City Law Department has implemented a new risk management division and is working with agencies to identify issues causing the increase in lawsuits against the city, particularly …
2:14:59
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144 sec
What is the update on the Callahan consent decree and its impact on the migrant situation?
There is ongoing litigation in the Callahan consent decree regarding the migrant population. - The New York City Law Department is working with litigants and the Legal Aid Society to …
2:18:04
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120 sec
What is the hiring plan for FY 25 and beyond at the New York City Law Department?
The New York City Law Department aims to hire up to their head count for various divisions in order to address specific needs and work with OMB for further hires …
2:20:05
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113 sec
What steps are being taken to address the increase in police misconduct settlements in NYC?
The law department communicates with the police department to address issues of police misconduct and make necessary tweaks on an ongoing basis. - The law department engages in communication with …
2:22:37
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6 min
How many cases does the additional $33,700,000 in city funds cover for court-ordered monitors related to the OTPS shortfall?
The funding covers 7 cases of court-ordered monitors, with NYCHA being the largest source of spending. - 7 cases of court-ordered monitors are covered by the additional city funds. - …
2:28:46
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129 sec
What drove the increase in payouts for judgments and claims in the 1st 4 months of fiscal year 2024?
One class action lawsuit accounted for the majority of the increase in payouts for judgments and claims during the first 4 months of the fiscal year. - One class action …
2:31:00
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53 sec
Why has only 1,300,000 been sought for new needs when 17,000,000 has been spent on asylum seeker legal case work through a contract?
The budget for asylum seeker legal case work has exceeded $17,000,000, with an additional $1,300,000 centrally added for new needs. - The total amount spent on asylum seeker legal case …
2:32:01
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58 sec
How many attorneys are focused on identifying potential impact litigation cases in the Law Department's affirmative litigation division?
The work continues in the affirmative litigation division, shared by the whole division, with at most twenty people involved. - The affirmative litigation division in the Law Department handles identifying …
2:33:01
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65 sec
Lincoln Restler discusses concerns about the NYC Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) operations and budget constraints
- OATH's fiscal 2025 preliminary budget totals $59,400,000, with a breakdown of $46,100,000 for personnel services. - OATH is the city's central, independent administrative law court conducting hearings for various …
2:37:23
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93 sec
Asim Rehman on the Budget and Structure of the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH)
The Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) has a preliminary budget of $59.4 million for fiscal year 2025, with $46.1 million allocated to personnel services and $13.3 million to …
2:39:29
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5 min
Does OATH have the resources needed to handle the increasing caseload efficiently?
OATH states they have the resources needed to handle the increasing caseload efficiently despite budget cuts. - OATH believes they can manage the caseload increase within the city's fiscal constraints. …
2:45:29
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124 sec
How can OATH improve efficiency with additional resources?
OATH explains the factors affecting timely resolutions and decisions in their Trials and Hearings Divisions. - There has been a 125% increase in real estate and land use cases, which …
2:47:33
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139 sec
Will the number of per diem hearing officers increase this year?
The Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) explains that the number of per diem hearing officers varies, with around 180-200 actively taking work each year, and this is manageable …
2:49:52
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46 sec
What steps are being taken to meet the ambitious headcount reduction goal?
The NYC Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) has entered into an attrition plan and engaged in discussions with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to backfill critical …
2:50:40
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3 min
Which agencies have shown the greatest increase in summons issuance under Mayor Adams?
The police department has seen a 287% increase, DEP has experienced a 391% increase, and the category of health has shown a 340% increase in summons issuance under Mayor Adams. …
2:54:25
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3 min
Do you track dismissal rates and agency-specific information related to violations at OATH?
OATH provides a dismissal report to agencies with gross numbers of dismissals, categorized by reasons such as filing errors or merit disagreements. - The dismissal report does not include percentages …
2:58:18
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3 min
What demographic information is tracked for individuals who receive summons in NYC?
The Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) does not track demographic information for individuals who receive summons in NYC. - OATH captures information listed on the summons, such as …
3:02:06
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161 sec
Should Revenue-Generating Agencies Like OATH Be Exempt from Budget Cuts?
OATH, as a revenue-generating agency, receives revenue through fees paid by individuals, which then goes into the city's coffers. - OATH does not prefer to be called a revenue-generating agency …
3:05:34
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133 sec
How long does it take to collect fines from smoke shops? What portion of them are paying?
Council Member Gale A. Brewer discusses the difficulties in collecting fines from smoke shops, highlighting a lack of clarity on payment timelines and compliance. - Brewer expresses concerns about the …
3:07:47
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3 min
How is the OATH handling the Carter cases in NYC?
The OATH has successfully reduced processing times and eliminated backlog of Carter cases in NYC. - The OATH worked with DOE, the mayor, and the state education department to handle …
3:10:57
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156 sec
Who is responsible for tracking unpaid summonses and how does the summons process work at OATH?
Council Member Gale A. Brewer asks about the process for tracking unpaid summonses and the responsible entity, expressing concern over revenue loss, and Asim Rehman of OATH clarifies the procedure. …
3:13:33
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99 sec
What is the current number of open special education cases, and are there increasing trends in case numbers at OATH?
The Chief Administrative Law Judge does not have the current number of open special education cases on hand but commits to providing this information and any related data trends. - …
3:15:24
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120 sec
How is there a dramatic increase in summons with a smaller increase in revenue?
Chief Administrative Law Judge Asim Rehman attributes part of the revenue disparity to the varying rates of summonses found in violation. - The discussion centers on a 60% increase in …
3:17:25
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78 sec
How do dismissal rates, summonses, and revenue interrelate, and what role does OATH play?
Chief Administrative Law Judge Asim Rehman explains that OATH does not assess dismissal rates in relation to revenue, highlighting its limited function in collections. - Rehman clarifies that OATH focuses …
3:18:43
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3 min
Why are transcription service savings being realized only now, and will OATH consider producing an updated annual report?
Asim Rehman clarifies savings from transcription services are realized by renegotiating with the vendor to remove non-essential services, and considering the production of an updated annual report to educate New …
3:21:46
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111 sec
Is there a plan to reproduce an updated version of the annual report for OATH to educate New Yorkers about the agency's work?
The Chief Administrative Law Judge and Commissioner of OATH explains that while there isn't a singular standalone printed copy, much of the information from the previous annual report is available …
3:23:51
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111 sec
Why did help sessions decrease, and is staffing being increased despite a headcount reduction?
A decrease in help sessions is attributed to low staffing and unreported assistance types, with an increase in staffing underway. - The decrease in help sessions was partly due to …
3:25:42
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110 sec
Lincoln Restler welcomes the NYC Board of Elections and discusses the NYC Board of Elections' fiscal budget for 2025 and their preparedness for upcoming citywide elections
NYC Council Member Lincoln Restler discusses the NYC Board of Elections' fiscal budget for 2025 and their preparedness for upcoming citywide elections. - Lincoln Restler welcomes the BOE team to …
3:32:15
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89 sec
Michael J.Ryan, Executive Director, NYC Board of Elections ops to submit written testimony and go straight to questions
Michael J.Ryan, Executive Director of the NYC Board of Elections opts to go straight to questions. - Michael J.Ryan confirms his role as the executive director of the Board of …
3:34:11
·
107 sec
Why is the BOE budget not updated according to actual headcount?
The Executive Director of the NYC Board of Elections explains the flexibility and advantage in the budget planning process despite the discrepancy between the actual headcount and the budgeted positions. …
3:36:09
·
122 sec
How does the projected budget for FY 25 compare to anticipated spending for FY 24?
The projected budget for FY 25 is anticipated to be about $5,000,000 higher than the spending for FY 24, with fluctuations influenced by factors like the coworker budget and election …
3:38:14
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104 sec
What is being done to address the decline in poll site workers showing up for work?
The Board of Elections is taking measures to address the decline in poll site workers showing up for work. - The BOE has an election day worker portal for sign-ups …
3:39:59
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3 min
How does the NYC Board of Elections decide on staffing plans for poll sites, and what causes voting delays?
The NYC Board of Elections follows state guidelines for staffing plans but can develop its own; delays are seldom due to poll worker shortages but rather late-opening sites and voter …
3:43:19
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63 sec
What was the compensation increase for poll site workers during the De Blasio administration, and how can it further improve?
The chapter addresses the increase in compensation for poll site workers during the De Blasio administration and explores further improvements. Council Member Lincoln Restler highlights the significance of adequately compensating …
3:44:37
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4 min
How is the New York City Board of Elections (NYC BOE) addressing concerns regarding poll worker appointments and increasing non-partisan recruitment?
The NYC Board of Elections details efforts to reduce reliance on political party recommendations for poll worker positions, emphasizing a shift towards independent volunteerism. - Local political parties traditionally have …
3:49:31
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4 min
What measures are in place to safeguard the NYC Board of Elections from cyber threats?
The NYC Board of Elections has implemented various measures to protect against cyber threats. - Cybersecurity issues have been treated as emergencies since 2016, with tabletop exercises conducted regularly. - …
3:54:01
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4 min
What constraints does the NYC Board of Elections face regarding poll worker compensation for non-government-owned sites?
The NYC Board of Elections faces constraints in compensating non-government-owned poll sites due to tax exemptions and market rates. - They can legally mandate compensation for some non-government-owned sites due …
3:58:34
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6 min
What are the barriers to implementing early voting centers facilitating voting across assembly districts in NYC?
Michael J.Ryan explains technological and legal barriers prevent NYC from establishing early voting centers that allow voting across assembly districts. - Current ballot marking devices lack sufficient memory to handle …
4:04:46
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7 min
What is being done to address the challenges of early voting in schools?
The NYC Board of Elections acknowledges the difficulties faced with utilizing schools as early voting sites and is actively seeking alternative solutions. - Approximately 700 out of 1200 election day …
4:12:50
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4 min
Who decides on the approved voting machine vendors?
The locality decides based on the approved list from the state board of elections. - The decision on the voting machine vendors is ultimately made by the locality. - It …
4:16:53
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46 sec
Why is overtime used by the NYC Board of Elections and how does it compare to hiring full-time staff?
Overtime is used by the NYC Board of Elections instead of hiring more full-time staff due to the changing election schedule and the fiscal imprudence of upsizing staff. - The …
4:17:43
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105 sec
What is the voting process for prisoners in Ryker's Island and what laws govern it?
The Executive Director of the NYC Board of Elections explains the voting process for prisoners in Ryker's Island and the laws that govern it. - The New York City charter …
4:19:28
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127 sec
Why is it challenging to implement a voting access program for detainees on Rikers Island?
The NYC Board of Elections explains the current partnership with the Department of Correction and the challenges in implementing a voting access program for detainees on Rikers Island. - The …
4:23:26
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4 min
How many interpreters and translators are required for election day, and does the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act introduce new language access requirements for NYC?
The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act does not introduce additional language requirements for NYC, but conversations with the Attorney General's office about compliance are ongoing. - The NYC Board …
4:28:09
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5 min
Lincoln Restler discusses the Department of Records And Information Services' preliminary budget for fiscal year 2025, including its functions and upcoming operations
Lincoln Restler discusses the Department of Records And Information Services' preliminary budget for fiscal year 2025, including its functions and upcoming operations. - The preliminary budget totals $14,600,000, with $4,300,000 …
4:33:55
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3 min
Pauline Toole, Commissioner of the Department of Records And Information Services, on Enhancing Public Access to Historic and Contemporary City Records
Pauline Toole outlines the Department of Records And Information Services' efforts in record management, digital initiatives, and public engagement. - Details the department's key functions including records practices and policy …
4:38:08
·
11 min
How does the Department of Records and Information Services plan to handle the FY 25 budget cut?
The Department of Records and Information Services plans to manage the FY 25 budget cut by allocating most reductions to previously allocated funds for the expansion of the electronic records …
4:49:35
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68 sec
Can the Department of Records and Information Services (Doris) fulfill its mission with reduced staff?
Commissioner Pauline Toole explains that the staff reduction numbers from FY19 do not account for positions that were potentially funded through grants, indicating the Department of Records and Information Services …
4:50:50
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56 sec
Have they secured grants for hiring additional staff?
The Department of Records and Information Services has secured one grant and applied for others to fund additional archivists. - Currently, they have one grant secured. - They have applied …
4:51:47
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44 sec
What programs in the Department of Records And Information Services require more resources and are seeking city funding?
The Department of Records And Information Services collaborates with the office of management and budget to identify programs needing more resources and to explore funding opportunities. - Commissioner Pauline Toole …
4:52:36
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27 sec
Who decided to eliminate two vacant positions and why?
DORIS solely decided to eliminate two vacant positions after considering the likelihood of filling them and the availability of other resources. - Doris, not OMG, makes the decision to eliminate …
4:53:06
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30 sec
Does implementing a PEG on the Agency Records Management System (ARMS) slow agency adoption?
Commissioner Pauline Toole confirms that implementing a peg on the Agency Records Management System (ARMS) does slow agency adoption. - This confirmation directly addresses Council Member Lincoln Restler's concern. - …
4:53:38
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22 sec
Which agencies will not adopt the electronic record management system, and over what timeframe?
Commissioner Pauline Toole does not provide a specific number of agencies not adopting the ERMS but highlights the citywide scope of the records management responsibility. - Commissioner Toole is unable …
4:54:00
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37 sec
What is the impact of the delayed implementation of electronic record management?
Commissioner Pauline Toole describes the impact of the delayed implementation of electronic record management as primarily affecting agency level record accumulation due to non-compliance with retention schedules. - Agency record …
4:54:39
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60 sec
What changes were made to the email retention policy for non-policy makers and what were the reasons?
Commissioner Pauline Toole clarifies that the email retention period for non-policy makers was revised to 3 years to save costs and manage data effectively. - The shift in email retention …
4:55:40
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3 min
When was the email retention period policy developed?
The policy on email retention period was developed a year ago after the conclusion of the Adult SURVIVORS Act claims in November. - Discussions about the email retention policy began …
4:59:37
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39 sec
How has the email retention policy changed for non-policy makers without a litigation hold?
New York City's email retention policy change for non-policy makers who left before 2019 now mandates a 3-year retention period, down from 8 years, to reduce storage costs. - The …
5:00:17
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122 sec
How does the Department of Records And Information Services (DORIS) handle staffing challenges and material transfers in the digital age?
Pauline Toole, Commissioner of the Department of Records And Information Services (DORIS), discusses the efficiency gained through digital records transfers and an innovative project utilizing interns to create an app …
5:03:28
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164 sec
What is the warehouse capacity for historical archives?
The Department of Records And Information Services indicates having sufficient warehousing capacity for historical archives. - The combined warehouses in Queens and Brooklyn currently have enough capacity. - Concerns from …
5:06:15
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51 sec
What is the current record retrieval time from the Department of Records And Information Services (DORIS), and how does staffing affect it?
Record retrieval time from off-site facilities by the Department of Records And Information Services (DORIS) averages 1.5 days, despite a staffing reduction. - The current record retrieval time is about …
5:07:45
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82 sec
What improvements have been made in the processing of vital records requests?
The Department of Records has significantly reduced the processing time for historic copies of vital records from 17 to 7 days. - A talented IT team revamped the way information …
5:09:11
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49 sec
Why did the number of records digitized decrease significantly in the first four months of this fiscal year, and what impact did staffing reductions have on this?
The decrease in digitized records is due primarily to the completion of large projects in the previous fiscal year and is not related to staffing reductions. - Most digitization work …
5:10:02
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87 sec
Lacey Tauber, Legislative Director at the Brooklyn Borough President's Office, on Support for Community Board Budgets
Lacey Tauber testifies on the insufficient funding and support challenges faced by NYC community boards, proposing the creation of a new Office of Community Boards. - Discusses the critical role …
5:14:27
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3 min
Susan Kassapian on the Decline of Consumer Protection for Homeowners and Tenants
Susan Kassapian discusses how changes at the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) since 2016 have adversely affected consumer protection in New York City. - Kassapian outlines a policy …
5:17:59
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4 min
Anthony Feldmesser, Chapter Leader, United Federation of Teachers (UFT), on the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH)'s Non-compliance with Union Negotiations and Remote Work Practices
Anthony Feldmesser, representing the UFT, testifies on the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH)'s refusal to comply with union negotiations and improper remote work practices. - Feldmesser discusses the …
5:23:14
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7 min