New York City Council
Committee on Governmental Operations, State & Federal Legislation
Sep 19, 2024
·
10:00 AM
2 hr 53 min
Summary
A hearing on improving government efficiency and public access to city facilities.
Discussions focused on:
- Repealing the mayor's elected official agency engagement request form
- Expanding public bathroom access
- Requiring bicycle storage and water bottle filling stations in city buildings
- Improving 311 operations
- Providing inclusive gender options on forms
- Creating archives of official social media accounts
The committee also heard testimony on a resolution to allow Roosevelt Island residents to elect members of their governing board.
Features testimony from the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), NYC 311, the Department of Records and Information Services (DORIS), the Chief Public Realm Officer, and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Restler's introduction and welcome
Council Member Lincoln Restler opens the hearing of the Committee on Governmental Operations, State and Federal Legislation. He welcomes his colleague David Carr and acknowledges the presence of administration officials. …
0:00:32
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29 sec
Overview of the hearing agenda
Council Member Restler provides a brief overview of the hearing agenda, focusing on bills related to increasing government efficiency and improving public access to city facilities. - The committee will …
0:01:02
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11 sec
Pre-considered legislation on elected official agency engagement request form
Council Member Restler introduces pre-considered legislation to repeal the mayor's elected official agency engagement request form and clarify the city charter's empowerment of agencies to assist elected officials without prior …
0:01:13
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105 sec
Bills addressing public bathroom access in New York City
Council Member Restler discusses two bills aimed at addressing the lack of public bathrooms in New York City: Intro 267 and Intro 694. - Intro 267 requires city government buildings …
0:02:59
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50 sec
Bills addressing city building facilities and leases
Council Member Restler outlines three bills related to city buildings and their facilities: - Intro 162 requires the city to provide bicycle storage in city-owned buildings for employees - Intro …
0:03:49
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35 sec
Bills to improve 311 operations
Council Member Restler introduces three bills aimed at improving 311 operations: - Intro 587 requires 311 to conduct customer satisfaction surveys after agencies close cases - Intro 744 prohibits agencies …
0:04:24
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27 sec
Additional bills for improving government efficiency and efficacy
Council Member Restler presents four additional bills aimed at improving government efficiency and efficacy: - Intro 246 requires city agencies to provide an 'X' option for gender on certain forms …
0:04:52
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47 sec
Acknowledgments and closing remarks
Council Member Restler concludes his opening remarks by acknowledging and thanking various staff members for their contributions to the hearing preparation. - He thanks committee staff, including Jayshree Khanapathy and …
0:05:39
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35 sec
Council Member Sandy Nurse advocates for increased public bathroom access in NYC
Council Member Sandy Nurse emphasizes the critical need for more public bathrooms in New York City, highlighting their importance for human dignity, public health, and inclusion. She introduces her bill, …
0:06:15
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3 min
Council Member Rita C. Joseph presents Intro 267 on public bathroom access
Council Member Rita C. Joseph presents her bill, Intro 267, which aims to improve public bathroom accessibility in New York City. The bill requires certain city facilities to make their …
0:09:25
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125 sec
Council Member Brewer discusses Intro 563 on public water access and Intro 564 on government social media archives
Council Member Gale A. Brewer presents her remarks on two bills: Intro 563, which aims to expand public access to drinking water, and Intro 564, which proposes creating a government …
0:11:44
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3 min
Council Member Eric Dinowitz presents three bills to improve city services and quality of life
Council Member Eric Dinowitz presents three bills aimed at improving city services and quality of life in New York City. He discusses legislation to provide bicycle storage in city buildings, …
0:15:24
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4 min
Council Member Restler announces birthdays and introduces panel members
Council Member Lincoln Restler opens the session by acknowledging two birthdays and introducing a panel of government workers and leaders. He expresses gratitude for their presence and their work for …
0:19:35
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54 sec
Introduction and role of Chief Public Realm Officer
Ya-Ting Liu, the Chief Public Realm Officer for New York City, introduces herself and expresses gratitude for the opportunity to discuss public restroom initiatives. She acknowledges the advocacy of council …
0:21:11
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51 sec
Key areas of public realm work
Ya-Ting Liu outlines the three key areas that define the city's public space work: hardware, software, and orgware. - Hardware: Expanding the public space footprint across 5 boroughs, especially in …
0:22:02
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45 sec
Importance of public restrooms as a public health issue
Ya-Ting Liu emphasizes the importance of public restrooms as a public health and equity issue in New York City. She acknowledges that access to restrooms has been a long-standing concern …
0:22:48
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30 sec
Launch of NYC's 'Ur in Luck' initiative
Ya-Ting Liu announces the launch of 'Ur in Luck', a new initiative by the city to expand access to public restrooms across all five boroughs. - The initiative was announced …
0:23:19
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9 sec
Progress in expanding public restroom access
Ya-Ting Liu outlines the significant progress made in expanding public restroom access in New York City. The city has announced plans for new and refurbished restrooms, including automated public toilets …
0:23:29
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47 sec
Google Map layer for locating public restrooms
Ya-Ting Liu introduces a new Google Map layer that helps people locate public restrooms across New York City. This tool aims to improve accessibility and convenience for residents and visitors. …
0:24:16
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41 sec
Interagency task force and policy exploration
Ya-Ting Liu discusses the establishment of an interagency task force to track progress on public restroom initiatives and explore new policy ideas. The task force aims to improve public restroom …
0:24:58
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23 sec
Support for Intro 694 and collaboration with the City Council
Ya-Ting Liu expresses support for the intent of Intro 694 and emphasizes the need for collaboration between the administration and the City Council to implement public restroom access effectively. - …
0:25:22
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37 sec
Challenges in implementing public restroom access
Ya-Ting Liu outlines four main constraints faced by the city government in implementing public restroom access: citing challenges, balancing upgrades with maintenance, cost and time intensity of building restrooms, and …
0:26:00
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170 sec
Conclusion and call for collaboration on public restroom access
Ya-Ting Liu concludes her testimony by emphasizing the administration's commitment to working with the City Council on expanding public restroom access. She outlines areas where collaboration is needed and expresses …
0:28:50
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46 sec
Introduction and overview of NYC 311
Joseph Morrisroe, Deputy Commissioner of NYC 311, introduces himself and provides an overview of NYC 311's services. He explains that NYC 311 offers 24/7 access to government services and information …
0:29:45
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81 sec
NYC 311 operations and performance statistics
Joseph Morrisroe presents key statistics and performance metrics for NYC 311, highlighting its high volume of customer contacts and exceptional customer satisfaction ratings. - NYC 311 received 37 million customer …
0:31:06
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60 sec
NYC 311's role and responsibilities
Joseph Morrisroe explains NYC 311's role as a platform for providing information and services, emphasizing its relationship with other city agencies and the process of handling service requests. - NYC …
0:32:07
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49 sec
Response to Intro 523 on harassment complaints
Joseph Morrisroe addresses Intro 523, which would require 311 to stop referring non-emergency anonymous calls about harassed properties to agencies for follow-up. He explains the potential issues with this proposed …
0:32:58
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72 sec
Response to Intro 587 on customer satisfaction surveys
Joseph Morrisroe addresses Intro 587, which would require 311 to conduct customer satisfaction surveys after each call intake is closed and to publish agency report cards. He provides NYC 311's …
0:34:12
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23 sec
Response to Intro 744 on duplicate service requests
Joseph Morrisroe addresses Intro 744, which would prohibit agencies from closing 311 requests solely because they have been identified as duplicates of previous requests. He explains NYC 311's perspective on …
0:34:36
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34 sec
Conclusion and handover
Joseph Morrisroe concludes his testimony with brief closing remarks and hands over to the next speaker. - Expresses gratitude for the opportunity to testify - Acknowledges the dedicated and hardworking …
0:35:11
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10 sec
Commissioner Pauline Toole testifies on social media archiving bill
Commissioner Pauline Toole of the Department of Records and Information Services (DORIS) testifies on a proposed local law requiring elected officials and agencies to notify DORIS of all social media …
0:35:25
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4 min
DCAS Executive Deputy Commissioner Laura Ringelheim's testimony on proposed legislation
Laura Ringelheim, Executive Deputy Commissioner of Internal Operations at the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), provides testimony on several proposed bills affecting municipal operations. She discusses DCAS's stance on …
0:40:05
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4 min
City Hall bathroom access for the public
Council Member Sandy Nurse inquires about the availability of City Hall restrooms to the public, following the mayor's Ur in Luck initiative announcement. Ya-Ting Liu clarifies that City Hall bathrooms …
0:45:34
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60 sec
Loo York City working group composition and activities
Council Member Sandy Nurse inquires about the details of the Loo York City working group, including its composition and meeting frequency. Ya-Ting Liu provides information on the group's structure and …
0:46:36
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113 sec
Streamlining the approval process for automated public toilets
Council Member Sandy Nurse discusses the challenges in the approval process for automated public toilets and asks about potential ways to streamline the process. Ya-Ting Liu acknowledges the complexity and …
0:48:28
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126 sec
Bathroom siting process timeline and challenges
Council Member Sandy Nurse inquires about the most time-consuming part of the bathroom siting process, which can take 10 to 16 months in the pre-design phase. Ya-Ting Liu explains the …
0:50:36
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86 sec
Portland Loo cost, construction timeline, and implementation goals
Council Member Sandy Nurse inquires about the cost and construction timeline for the Portland Loo model. Ya-Ting Liu provides details on the project costs and timelines. - The total cost …
0:52:03
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74 sec
Addressing the criminalization of public urination
Council Member Sandy Nurse raises concerns about the criminalization of public urination, given the lack of sufficient public restroom infrastructure. She inquires about any ongoing conversations with law enforcement agencies …
0:53:18
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115 sec
Discussion on the "Loo York" woorking group name pun
Council Member Restler and Chief Public Realm Officer Ya-Ting Liu engage in a lighthearted exchange about the name of the "Loo York" working group, which is spelled as 'loo' - …
0:55:23
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25 sec
Discussion on the appropriate ratio of public bathrooms to New Yorkers
Council Member Restler questions Ya-Ting Liu about the appropriate ratio of public bathrooms to New Yorkers, addressing the implications of Council Member Nurse's legislation requiring one restroom for every 2,000 …
0:55:55
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122 sec
Inquiry into Parks department staffing and bathroom maintenance
Council Member Restler questions Matthew Drury from the Parks Department about current staffing levels and their ability to maintain public park bathrooms effectively. - Drury claims the department utilizes resources …
0:57:58
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132 sec
Administration's efforts to address bureaucratic hurdles in siting new bathrooms
Council Member Restler inquires about the Adams administration's efforts to speed up the process of siting new public bathrooms, addressing the complex bureaucratic hurdles involved. - Ya-Ting Liu mentions ongoing …
1:00:10
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79 sec
Progress update on the Portland Loo pilot project
Council Member Restler inquires about the progress of the Portland Loo pilot project, highlighting the delays in implementation since its announcement. - The project was announced in 2022, the first …
1:01:29
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58 sec
Efforts to improve public access to bathroom location information
Council Member Restler inquires about the administration's efforts to enhance public access to information about the locations of publicly accessible bathrooms. - The city has publicized restroom map layers on …
1:02:27
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108 sec
Council Member Brewer inquires about bathrooms in privately owned public spaces
Council Member Gale A. Brewer inquires about the requirements for bathrooms in privately owned public spaces (POPS). Ya-Ting Liu, Chief Public Realm Officer, explains that bathroom requirements depend on individual …
1:04:48
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65 sec
Council Member Brewer discusses Parks Department bathroom conditions and funding
Council Member Gale A. Brewer questions Matthew Drury from the Parks Department about the condition of park bathrooms and funding for improvements. Drury acknowledges the challenges and outlines the department's …
1:05:54
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3 min
Council Member Brewer highlights bathroom accessibility issues and discrimination
Council Member Gale A. Brewer emphasizes the importance of public bathrooms due to discrimination in accessing private facilities. She highlights the need for improved bathroom access and signage in public …
1:08:55
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59 sec
Council Member Sandy Nurse discusses public bathroom improvements and maintenance
Council Member Sandy Nurse inquires about accommodations for various needs in automated public toilets and suggests exploring the use of vacant storefronts for public bathrooms. She also emphasizes the need …
1:10:37
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3 min
Council Member Restler criticizes parks department underfunding and mayor's communication form
Council Member Lincoln Restler expresses disappointment with the lack of funding for the parks department in the recently adopted budget. He then criticizes a form introduced by the mayor's office …
1:13:48
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3 min
Background on Williamsburg daycare lease issue
Council Member Gutiérrez provides detailed background on a case involving a beloved daycare in Williamsburg that faced lease uncertainty, which inspired Intro 191. She explains the challenges faced by the …
1:17:22
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157 sec
DCAS's role in leasing properties and lease negotiation process
The DCAS representative explains the agency's role in leasing properties from private landlords and the lease negotiation process. They clarify the differences between city-owned properties and those leased from private …
1:20:00
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3 min
DCAS's notification process for lease expirations
The DCAS representative explains the agency's process for notifying tenants about lease expirations, addressing both city agency tenants and cases with private operators. - DCAS has a process to notify …
1:23:20
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37 sec
Timeline for lease expiration notifications and DCAS-managed properties
The discussion covers the timeline for lease expiration notifications and touches on the number of DCAS-managed properties with private landlords and nonprofit operators. - DCAS confirms that they typically notify …
1:23:57
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147 sec
Handling cases of tenant unawareness and lease expiration communication
Council Member Gutiérrez and the DCAS representative discuss how the agency handles cases where tenants are unaware of lease expirations, particularly in situations with high staff turnover. - DCAS makes …
1:26:24
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55 sec
Council Member Restler discusses Intro 191 with DCAS on lease notification process
Council Member Lincoln Restler engages in a discussion with Laura Ringelheim from DCAS about Intro 191, which concerns notifying tenants about lease expirations for city-managed properties. They explore the challenges …
1:27:19
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3 min
Discussion on bike storage requirements in city buildings
Council Member Eric Dinowitz questions DCAS representatives about Intro 162, which requires bicycle storage in certain city-owned buildings. The discussion covers DCAS's existing bike policy, the scope of buildings under …
1:31:08
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4 min
Discussion on implementing 311 customer satisfaction surveys
Council Member Eric Dinowitz discusses Intro 587 with the Deputy Commissioner of NYC311, focusing on the implementation of customer satisfaction surveys for closed 311 cases. The exchange reveals that NYC311 …
1:35:32
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115 sec
Council Member Brewer questions DCAS and DORIS on water filling stations and social media archiving
Council Member Gale A. Brewer engages in a Q&A session with representatives from the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) and the Department of Records and Information Services (DORIS). The …
1:37:45
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3 min
Current status of bicycle storage in DCAS-managed buildings
Council Member Restler inquires about DCAS's data collection on bicycle storage in city buildings. Deputy Commissioner Ringelheim confirms that DCAS tracks bicycle storage for the 55 buildings they manage, with …
1:41:23
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51 sec
Evaluation of buildings without bicycle storage
Deputy Commissioner Ringelheim explains the evaluation of buildings without bicycle storage. DCAS has assessed the 19 buildings lacking bicycle storage and identified reasons for their absence. - 19 DCAS-managed buildings …
1:42:14
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41 sec
Considering bike storage in lease negotiations and importance of bike commuting
Council Member Restler discusses the importance of considering bicycle storage in lease negotiations for city facilities and emphasizes the growing trend of bike commuting in NYC. - DCAS is open …
1:42:55
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74 sec
Cost and tracking of water bottle filling stations in city buildings
Council Member Restler inquires about the cost and tracking of water bottle filling stations in city-owned and leased facilities. Deputy Commissioner Ringelheim provides information on costs and current tracking practices. …
1:44:09
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48 sec
Making water bottle filling stations capital eligible
Council Member Restler explores the possibility of making water bottle filling stations capital eligible. Deputy Commissioner Ringelheim provides insight on the requirements for capital eligibility. - Council Member Restler suggests …
1:44:57
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18 sec
Challenges with 311 and agency responsiveness to illegal parking complaints
Council Member Restler raises concerns about the ineffectiveness of 311 reports, particularly regarding illegal parking complaints. He highlights the frustration of constituents when cases are closed without apparent action. - …
1:45:16
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60 sec
311's focus on intake and referral process
Deputy Commissioner Morrisroe explains 311's primary focus on the intake and referral process. He emphasizes their goal of making the initial contact and information collection as efficient as possible for …
1:46:18
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38 sec
Improving agency accountability in closing 311 cases
Council Member Restler and Deputy Commissioner Morrisroe discuss ways to improve agency accountability when closing 311 cases. The conversation focuses on the challenges of ensuring proper action is taken before …
1:46:57
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4 min
Testimony by Daniel Alam, Senior Policy Analyst from the Office of the Manhattan Borough President
Daniel Alam, representing Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, testified on Intro 267, a bill to increase public bathroom access in New York City. He emphasized the current shortage of public …
1:54:44
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3 min
Testimony by Alison Wilkey, Director of Government Affairs and Strategic Campaigns at Coalition for the Homeless, on Public Bathroom Access
Alison Wilkey, representing the Coalition for the Homeless and the Free to P Campaign, testified on the critical need for public bathrooms in New York City. She emphasized the challenges …
1:58:39
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154 sec
Testimony by Teddy Siegel, Founder of got2gonyc, on Public Bathroom Access
Teddy Siegel, founder of Got To Go NYC, testified about the critical need for public bathrooms in New York City. She shared her personal experience that led to creating a …
2:01:19
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3 min
Testimony by Jon Caceres, Founder & CTO of PeePass
Jon Caceres, Founder & CTO of PeePass, testified in strong support of two proposed bills addressing public restroom accessibility in New York City. He shared insights from hundreds of interviews …
2:04:51
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126 sec
Testimony by Clifton Smith, Member of the Public, on Public Bathroom Access
Clifton Smith testified about the urgent need for more public bathrooms in New York City, sharing personal experiences of himself and others struggling to find restrooms. He highlighted the challenges …
2:08:06
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3 min
Council member praises testimony on bathroom access challenges
Council Member Lincoln Restler commends Clifton Smith for his powerful testimony about the challenges of accessing public bathrooms in New York City. Restler acknowledges the harm caused by lack of …
2:11:27
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36 sec
Discussion on extending subway bathroom hours
Council Member Lincoln Restler addresses Mr. Smith's point about extending subway bathroom hours. The council member acknowledges the importance of the issue and explains the limitations of the City Council's …
2:12:04
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14 sec
Testimony by Marni Sommer, Professor of Sociomedical Sciences at Columbia University, on Menstrual-Friendly Public Toilets
Marni Sommer, a Professor from Columbia University, testified on the need for menstrual-friendly public toilets in New York City. She highlighted the importance of gender equity in public spaces and …
2:12:21
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3 min
Testimony by Andrew Maroko, Associate Professor at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai on Public Toilets and Menstrual-Friendly Facilities
Andrew Maroko, an associate professor at the Institute for Health Equity Research at Mount Sinai, presents findings from a global study on menstrual-friendly public toilets. He emphasizes the importance of …
2:15:59
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142 sec
Testimony by Will Woods, Organizing Intern at Open Hearts Initiative
Will Woods, an organizing intern for Open Hearts Initiative, shares his personal experiences with homelessness and Crohn's disease to advocate for increased public bathroom access in New York City. He …
2:18:35
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147 sec
Council Member Restler responds to testimony on public bathroom access
Council Member Lincoln Restler responds to Will Woods' testimony on public bathroom access, emphasizing the urgent importance of the proposed package of bills. He expresses deep appreciation for Woods' personal …
2:21:04
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67 sec
Testimony by Paul Krikler, Member of the Public from Roosevelt Island Community
Paul Krikler, a resident of Roosevelt Island, testifies in support of Resolution 132, which calls for direct election of Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) board members. He represents 1,100 petition …
2:22:43
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82 sec
Testimony by Margie Smith, Former Board Director of Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC)
Margie Smith, a long-time resident of Roosevelt Island and former RIOC Board Director, testifies in support of Resolution 132, which calls for granting Roosevelt Island residents the power to vote …
2:24:08
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174 sec
Testimony by Joyce Short, Roosevelt Island Resident, on Resolution 132
Joyce Short, a long-time Roosevelt Island resident, testifies in support of Resolution 132, which calls for granting Roosevelt Island residents the power to elect members of the Roosevelt Island Operating …
2:27:02
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4 min
Discussion on Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation board structure and representation
Council Member Restler engages in a Q&A session with testifiers about the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) board structure and representation issues. The discussion covers the board's composition, appointment process, …
2:31:27
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173 sec
Council Member Restler's closing remarks and expressions of support
Council Member Restler concludes the discussion by thanking the testifiers and expressing support for the resolution. He acknowledges the importance of representation for Roosevelt Island residents and commits to visiting …
2:34:22
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81 sec
Testimony by Penina Gold on Roosevelt Island Governance
Penina Gold, a resident of Roosevelt Island, testified in support of Resolution 132-2024, which calls for allowing Roosevelt Island residents to vote for members of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation …
2:35:45
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173 sec
Testimony by Christopher Leon Johnson, Member of the Public
Christopher Leon Johnson provided testimony on various topics discussed in the hearing, including Roosevelt Island governance, bike storage, public bathrooms, and gender identity options on city forms. He expressed support …
2:38:42
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178 sec
Council member commends previous speaker and addresses concerns
Council Member Restler commends the previous speaker for their comprehensive testimony and agrees with their concerns about DCAS police arbitrarily restricting access to public buildings. He mentions that Councilmember Joseph's …
2:41:41
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33 sec
Testimony by Amanda Brown on Resolution 132 for Roosevelt Island Governance
Amanda Brown, a Roosevelt Island resident for 8 years, testifies in support of Resolution 132, which would allow residents to elect members of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) board. …
2:42:32
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74 sec
Testimony by Cathy Kross, Resident of Roosevelt Island
Cathy Kross, a 36-year resident of Roosevelt Island, testifies in support of Resolution 132, which calls for granting Roosevelt Island residents the power to vote for members of the Roosevelt …
2:43:59
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86 sec
Testimony by James Starace on Roosevelt Island Governance
James Starace, a resident of Roosevelt Island for 14 years, testified in support of allowing residents to elect members of the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) board. He emphasized the …
2:45:38
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105 sec
Testimony by Mbacke Thiam, Housing, Health & CAN Community Organizer from Center for Independence of the Disabled New York (CIDNY)
Mbacke Thiam, representing the Center for Independence of the Disabled New York (CIDNY), testified in support of several pieces of legislation aimed at improving accessibility and services for people with …
2:47:39
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5 min
