AGENCY TESTIMONY
DCAS Executive Deputy Commissioner Laura Ringelheim's testimony on proposed legislation
0:40:05
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4 min
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 legislation related to bicycle storage, lease notifications, public bathroom access, and water bottle filling stations in city buildings.
- Ringelheim expresses general support for the bills' goals but highlights implementation challenges and areas needing further clarification.
- She emphasizes DCAS's limited authority over all city-owned or leased buildings, which could affect compliance with some proposed measures.
- The testimony demonstrates DCAS's willingness to work with the City Council to enhance public access to city facilities and improve efficiency in their use.
Laura Ringelheim
0:40:05
Thank you so much.
0:40:07
Good morning to our wrestler and members of the committee on governmental operations, state and federal legislation.
0:40:13
My name is Laura Ringelheim, executive deputy commissioner of internal operations at the Department of Citywide Administrative Services, commonly known as Decast.
0:40:22
Across our agency, we work strategically to enact plans that support the management, maintenance, and operation of the city's real estate portfolio, including city owned office and court buildings.
0:40:32
I'd first like to begin by thanking you all for the opportunity to discuss this package of bills that will have an impact on municipal operations.
0:40:40
Decast remains committed to ensuring that we are increasing equity access and efficiency in all facets of city government.
0:40:47
As such, we value the council's input and welcome discussions related to the proposed legislation being considered today.
0:40:54
Regarding introduction 162, this administration has a history of supporting policies that encourage New Yorkers to live healthier lifestyles and promote sustainability.
0:41:04
In alignment with that goal, this bill would provide would require that certain city owned buildings of at least 10,000 square feet or more, in size, provide bicycle storage space for city employees or visitors.
0:41:15
It's worth noting that Fernand Court Facilities Decast has taken an existing bike policy available to any tenant that wishes to explore bikes storage.
0:41:24
We appreciate the council's interest in promoting such policies and recognize that by increasing bike storage, we are making it more practical for New Yorkers visiting city buildings to use bikes.
0:41:35
Decast welcomes a conversation with the council about the practical means by which this goal can be achieved.
0:41:41
Additionally, we would also like to further engage in dialogue about Decast's authority when it comes to managing city owned properties and some of the limitations that can potentially impede our ability to enforce compliance.
0:41:54
Regarding introduction 191, as part of our role, Decast manages the disposition of city owned real estate for private use.
0:42:02
We currently provide customary notification to our tenants of Elise's pending expiration in accordance with that agreement's terms.
0:42:09
This proposed legislation would require to cast to notify tenants of city lease properties via email when their lease or rental agreement is set to expire in 2 years.
0:42:18
At this time, we're seeking additional support from the law department to see if this would have any impact on the city's ability is to meet its obligation regarding the use of city properties.
0:42:29
Regarding introduction 267, So first and foremost, we know the lack of public restrooms throughout the city is a challenge that help that many New Yorkers and visitors to the city must constantly navigate.
0:42:40
In service of helping to remedy this issue, this bill would require decast in a in coordination with other city agents fleeces to allow members of the public to use readily accessible bathrooms in public facing areas of city leased or owned buildings during business hours.
0:42:56
As drafted, the legislation takes steps to address this reality.
0:42:59
But we believe further discussion with councils needed to better understand what is meant by public access to bathrooms.
0:43:05
Furthermore, is written, the bill puts significant compliance authority on DCAS.
0:43:10
While we're charged with managing our 55 buildings, Our authority does not extend to all public facing buildings that are city owned or leased, and that limitation poses considerable challenges to any potential implementation of this measure.
0:43:24
Additionally, the provision requiring the 28 day advanced notice to labor unions representing custodial workers prior to opening available bathrooms for public access poses a unique challenge to implementation as it requires a level of coordination that will prove difficult to achieve within this tight time frame.
0:43:40
Similarly, the 30 day reporting timeline is itself a challenging mark to meet.
0:43:47
Regarding introduction 563, this bill that would require water bottle filling stations in city buildings be made available for use by members of the public.
0:43:57
We recognize that access to clean water is important for the health and wellness of our fellow New Yorkers and public water fountains help reduce plastic waste with the which this measure is is this proposed measure is designed to achieve To reiterate, this administration has historically been supportive of policies that encourage healthier lifestyles and promote sustainability.
0:44:18
Similar to the prior proposals relating to public access to city spaces, Decastal forward to further dialogue with city council about ensuring that there is consistency in how city spaces are defined and Decast's role when it comes to managing those assets.
0:44:34
Again, we thank council for its ongoing commitment to increasing public access to city facilities and improving efficiency in their use.
0:44:41
As reflected here, we at Decast are willing to work with counsel in its efforts to promote practical changes to advance these goals and enhance our ability to best serve all who use our public buildings.
0:44:52
And I'm happy to answer any questions you may have.
0:44:54
Thank you.
