Schulman questions on multi-agency coordination and advisory board
Schulman asks about multi-agency coordination, the Rental Horse Advisory Board, and whether it has met or made recommendations. Schiff says the board has not delivered recommendations in many years.
Please describe how DOHMH communicates and works with DCWP to enforce local laws governing the carriage horse industry.
Is there a multi-agency team that regularly coordinates on enforcement, trainings, and emergency response?
We do communicate regularly with the many agencies that have a role in oversight of the industry.
I would add to that.
I know I've personally participated in...
A citywide task force that is focused on Central Park and issues as it relates to particularly horse-drawn carriages.
That also work happens in coordination with local stakeholders as well.
Are any other agencies such as Parks and NYPD involved in this process?
Yes, they are.
They're both part of it.
The Rental Horse Advisory Board is required to advise the Commission on regulations affecting the health, safety, and welfare of carriage horses and the public.
Has the Advisory Board met in recent years, and if so, what recommendations or actions has it taken to improve passenger safety?
So the advisory board is established in the local law.
It has been constituted.
There isn't a formal role for the health department beyond once the health commissioner has designated the members.
So we are aware of meetings, but we don't have a role in those meetings, so I can't speak to really their meeting schedule.
They have not delivered recommendations to the commissioner, the health commissioner, in many, many years.
The Rental Horse Advisory Board is required to advise the Commissioner on regulations affecting the health, safety, and welfare of carriage horses in the public.
What?
Oh, I did?
I'm sorry.
Oh, yeah, sorry about that.
Does the agency envision any potential challenges should Intro 943 be enacted?
We are continuing to review the bill, but as you have heard from both Deputy Commissioner Ortiz and myself, the administration supports the bill with some interest in continuing to discuss some of the provisions with the council.