Altmann approves County ethics law; hears testimony on proposed migratory bird law

Nassau County Presiding Officer Lisanne Altmann (D-Great Neck) and fellow lawmakers unanimously approved a new ethics law for the county that brings sweeping changes to the County’s Ethics Code and will now slap violators with fines up to $10,000.

The law, sponsored by Legislator Dave Mejias (D-North Massapequa) and supported by the Majority caucus, resolves inconsistencies in the present code and addresses areas of ethics such as the hiring of relatives, the acceptance of gifts, conflicts of interest, lobbying and the misuse of county funds and resources.

“The county’s public servants should be under an ethical microscope,” said Legislator Altmann. “I believe this law will send a strong and clear message to elected officials and county employees about what is expected of them.”

Legislators also listened to testimony from experts regarding a proposed law that would prohibit the feeding of migratory waterfowl on county property to control the rampant waterfowl problem. The proposed law passed through Planning, Development & the Environment committee last month week and will go before the full legislature April 25.

“This law will benefit county residents in several different ways,” Altmann explained. “The law will increase the chance for federal or state support to curb the increasing goose population.”

The feeding of waterfowl on County property increases the potential for damage to County parks by causing water quality problems and increase the potential for the spread of disease to residents, she said. 

Legislators also approved the following supplemental appropriations: $9,833 in grant funds for a TB elimination program which provides education, surveillance, case management control and investigation, intervention and Direct Observed Therapy; $525,249 in grant funds for the purpose of  providing services to at-risk and high-risk populations who are in need of intervention.  Such services include: advocacy; counseling; case management; job readiness, preparation and placement; and youth development. 

Lawmakers approved a resolution authorizing the county to enter into an inter-municipal agreement, on behalf of DSS, with Suffolk County, in relation to HIV health services.  The Agreement, required by federal law, provides that Nassau County applies for and acts as the grantee of Ryan White C.A.R.E. Act funds, as it has done since 1992.

The next legislative session will be on Wednesday, April 25 at 10 a.m.