RESOLUTION
BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT COLLINS-BELLAMY, MAJORITY LEADER RUBBO, MAJORITY WHIP NORMAN, MINORITY LEADER BREEN, COUNCILMEMBERS PINEDA-ISAAC, DIAZ, AND HODGES:
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING NEW YORK STATE SENATE BILL S.1187 AND ASSEMBLY BILL A.1793 AUTHORIZING MUNICIPALITIES IN NEW YORK STATE TO USE SURVEILLANCE TO ADDRESS ILLEGAL DUMPING
Whereas, New York State Bill S.1187 and Assembly Bill A.1793 would authorize certain local municipal agencies to install and use surveillance cameras to combat illegal dumping under Environmental Conservation Law; and
WHEREAS, illegal dumping of waste in public spaces such as streets, parks, vacant lots, and other community areas has become a persistent problem throughout New York State, including Yonkers, resulting in environmental degradation, increased municipal cleanup costs, unsanitary conditions, and threats to public health and quality of life; and
WHEREAS, municipalities and local sanitation departments often face challenges identifying individuals who unlawfully dispose of waste, limiting their ability to enforce anti-dumping laws and issue fines or pursue corrective action; and
WHEREAS, New York State Senate Bill S.1187 and Assembly Bill A.1793 would amend Environmental Conservation Law to expressly authorize municipal agencies with sanitation or waste-management authority to install and use surveillance cameras to monitor known dumping hotspots and review such footage to help identify and hold accountable those who engage in illegal dumping; and
WHEREAS, such surveillance measures can be implemented in ways that respect individual privacy and comply with applicable laws and regulations governing public records and camera usage.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Yonkers hereby expresses its strong support for New York State Senate Bill S.1187/Assembly Bill A.1793; and be it further
RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Yonkers hereby urges the New York State Legislature to expeditiously pass this legislation empowering local governments with effective tools to combat illegal dumping; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the City Council requests the City Clerk to forward a copy of this Resolution to the Legislature of the State of New York requesting passage of the legislation; and be it further
RESOLVED, that this resolution shall take effect immediately.