Res. No. 1145
Resolution calling on the New York City Department of Education to install air conditioning or cooling systems in kitchens in New York City public schools.
By Council Members Treyger, Kallos and Yeger
Whereas, The Office of Food & Nutrition Services for the New York City Department of Education serves approximately 940,000 meals to public school students each school day; and
Whereas, Kitchens in New York City public schools are not currently equipped with air conditioning or cooling systems; and
Whereas, Schools in New York City may be in session even when temperatures rise above 90 degrees; and
Whereas, The annual average temperature in New York statewide has risen approximately 2.4°F since 1970, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation; and
Whereas, Windows in kitchens in New York City public schools are kept closed to prevent insects and other pests from getting in, causing a lack of ventilation and increased temperatures; and
Whereas, Air conditioning or cooling systems in kitchens in New York City public schools are crucial for the health and safety of kitchen workers due to the high temperatures caused by cooking; and
Whereas, Symptoms of heat illness for kitchen workers can include nausea, dizziness, headache, and fatigue; and
Whereas, Heat exposure can also cause a host of illnesses including heat rashes, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and in the most severe cases, heat stroke; and
Whereas, While the Proposed Five-Year Capital Plan for Fiscal Years 2020 through 2024 for the New York City Department of Education includes plans to complete installation of needed air conditioning in all New York City public school classrooms, that plan does not include air conditioning or cooling systems needed in public school kitchens; and
Whereas, As work-intensive cooking from scratch is now being implemented in more New York City public school kitchens, the importance of, and need for, air conditioning or cooling systems in school kitchens is even greater; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York City Department of Education to install air conditioning or cooling systems in all kitchens in New York City public schools.
LS #12000
10/25/19
JB