Council Votes to Pass the “Renewable Rikers” Act, and Two Other Items

 

The New York City Council voted on legislation to transfer the land, buildings and facilities of Rikers Island from the Department of Correction (DOC) to the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS). This legislation comes ahead of the August 31, 2027 deadline that prohibits Rikers Island from being used for incarceration. The Council also voted on a bill to require a feasibility study to determine whether different types of renewable energy sources, combined with battery storage, are feasible on Rikers Island.  Int 1592-2019

This local law would establish a process for the transferring of the land, buildings and facilities of Rikers Island from the Department of Correction to the Department of Citywide Administrative Services In biannual evaluations, any portion not in active use for the housing of persons, or providing of services for such persons, would be so transferred, with the entirety being transferred no later than August 31, 2027. Additionally, a Rikers Island Advisory Committee would be established, consisting of relevant commissioners, persons impacted by Rikers, and experts in environmental justice and sustainability. The advisory committee would evaluate and provide recommendations on potential uses of the island for sustainability and resiliency purposes. This local law would require that a feasibility study be conducted as an appendix to the long-term energy plan, to ascertain whether different types of renewable energy sources, combined with battery storage, are feasible on Rikers Island.

The Council also voted to create a pilot program to test sewage for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Wastewater samples are an underutilized early detection tool for this virus. Early detection of the virus early can help to track circulation or re-emergence in the community. This legislation will include a plan for increased testing at each City wastewater treatment plant if deemed appropriate and offers recommendations for making the program permanent. Int 1966-2020

This bill would require the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health and Mental Hygiene to create a pilot program to test the city’s wastewater treatment plants for the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the strain of coronavirus that causes COVID-19, and submit a report with the results of the program.

Additionally, the Council voted on legislation that disqualifies people who have been convicted of certain felonies that relate to public corruption and depriving the public of honest services from holding local elected office. The bill would apply to the offices of Mayor, Comptroller, Public Advocate, Borough President, and Council Member. Int 0374-2018

This bill would disqualify any person that has been convicted of certain felonies, in relation to public corruption and depriving the public of honest services, from holding the office of Mayor, Public Advocate, Comptroller, Borough President or Council Member.