Common Council Caucus & Regular Meeting
Regular MeetingAlbany, NY · May 31, 2023
Minutes
MINUTES OF CAUCUS
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
The Common Council was convened at 5:34 p.m. in the Council Chambers on the Second Floor
of City Hall, 24 Eagle Street, and was called to order by President Pro Tem Kimbrough. It live
streamed on Youtube.
Members Present: President Ellis, Kimbrough, Farrell, Frederick, Johnson, Robinson, Romero,
Adams, Keegan, Anane, Balarin, Clarke, and Zamer
Staff Present: Shaniqua Dowdy, Brett Williams, Jake Eisland and Bryan Jimenez.
Speakers: Max Thierry
Discussion/Questions:
The agenda for the upcoming June 5th, 2023 meeting was discussed.
Council Member Kimbrough announced that the hiring committee had made a
recommendation for the open Junior Policy Analyst position, Max Thierry, who then
spoke on his experiences and answered questions from the council.
Council Member Farrell spoke on introducing a Common Council resolution advocating
for the Federal Government to adopt a 30-day waiting period for work authorization
eligibility from the current 180-day waiting period.
o Council Member Adams asked a question about the employment authorization
waiting period processes, Council Member Farrell responded
o Council Member Balarin thanked leadership for their role in working on a
resolution and spoke on the immigration and asylum process
o Council Member Anane spoke on the conversations he has had with asylum
seekers
Council Member Anane spoke on a resolution to be introduced advocating for New York
State to pass “Clean Slate” legislation.
Council Member Adams spoke on a resolution to be introduced declaring the week of
June 19th “Black Restaurant Week.”
Council Member Kimbrough spoke on the audio quality and noise levels associated with
the air conditioning.
There being no further business, the President Pro Tem adjourned the meeting 6:08 p.m.
Link to meeting recording:
https://www.youtube.com/live/QpVzj5IHYb0
Respectfully submitted,
Bryan Jimenez
Legislative Aide to Common Council
Agenda
AGENDA FOR THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE ALBANY COMMON COUNCIL
Monday, June 5, 2023
The Common Council meets the first and third Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. (note: when Monday
falls on a legal holiday or day of special observance, the Council meeting is ordinarily moved to the
following Thursday). This meeting will be held in the Common Council Chambers in City Hall and live
streamed on Facebook. If we experience any technical difficulties on Facebook, the video will be
streamed to YouTube. For more information on how to be heard please visit our website. If you wish to
speak during the meeting or provide written comments, they must be received by 12noon on the day of
the meeting. All comments are memorialized on our Facebook page, website, and are subject to FOIL.
ORDER OF BUSINESS:
Roll Call
Welcome
Pledge of Allegiance
Moment of Silence
Public Hearings
Public Comment Period (30 Minutes)
Approval of Minutes from Previous Meetings
Consideration of Local Laws
Communications from the Mayor, Department Heads and other City Officials
Consideration of Vetoes
Presentation of Petitions and Communications
Reports of Standing Committees
Reports of Ad Hoc Committees
Consideration of Ordinances
Consideration of Resolutions
Additional Public Comment (30 Minutes)
Miscellaneous or Unfinished Business
Adjournment
LOCAL LAWS INTRODUCED
F of 2023 A LOCAL LAW AMENDING PART 4 (RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCY
PERMIT AND RENTAL DWELLING REGISTRY) OF CHAPTER 231
(HOUSING) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF ALBANY IN RELATION
TO REQUIRING SUCH PERMITS FOR SHORT-TERM RENTAL
DWELLING UNITS
LOCAL LAWS HELD
1. Johnson LOCAL LAW C-2022
A LOCAL LAW AMENDING CHAPTER 42 (DEPARTMENTS AND COMMISSIONS) OF
THE CODE OF THE CITY OF ALBANY IN RELATION TO CREATING A PUBLIC
SAFETY COMMISSION
*Referred to Public Safety*
2. Planning LOCAL LAW G OF 2022
A LOCAL LAW AMENDING PART 4 (HISTORIC RESOURCES COMMISSION), PART 13
(PLANNING BOARD OF CITY OF ALBANY), AND PART 35 (BOARD OF ZONING
APPEALS) OF CHAPTER 42 (DEPARTMENTS AND COMMISSIONS) OF THE CODE OF
THE CITY OF ALBANY IN RELATION TO REDUCING THE SIZE OF THE HISTORIC
RESOURCES COMMISSION AND AUTHORIZING THE APPOINTMENT OF ALTERNATE
MEMBERS TO THE HISTORIC RESOURCES COMMISSION, CITY PLANNING BOARD,
AND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
*Referred to Planning, Economic Development, and Land Use Committee*
3. Romero LOCAL LAW I of 2022
A LOCAL LAW CREATING A COMMUNITY COMMISSION TO STUDY THE
ENACTMENT OF REPARATIONS REMEDIES RELATED TO THE SALE OF CANNABIS
IN THE CITY OF ALBANY
*Referred to the Joint Finance and Human Rights Committee*
4. Romero LOCAL LAW J of 2022
A LOCAL LAW AMENDING ARTICLE VIIB (ALBANY POLICE DEPARMENT
INTERACTIONS) OF PART 1 (DEPARTMENT OF POLICE) OF CHAPTER 42
(DEPARTMENTS AND COMMISSION) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF ALBANY IN
REALTION TO PROHIBITING THE ALBANY POLICE DEPARMENT FROM
PURCHASING, STOCKPILING, AND USING KINETIC ENERGY MUNITIONS
*Referred to Public Safety Committee*
5. Romero LOCAL LAW K of 2022
A LOCAL LAW AMENDING ARTICLE VIIB (ALBANY POLICE DEPARMENT
INTERACTIONS) OF PART 1 (DEPARTMENT OF POLICE) OF CHAPTER 42
(DEPARTMENTS AND COMMISSION) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF ALBANY IN
RELATION TO PROHIBITING THE ALBANY POLICE DEPARMENT FROM
PURCHASING, STOCKPILING, AND USING CHEMICAL WEAPONS
*Referred to Public Safety Committee*
6. Kimbrough LOCAL LAW L OF 2022
A LOCAL LAW AMENDING ARTICLE VIIB (ALBANY POLICE DEPARTMENT
INTERACTIONS) OF PART 1 (DEPARTMENT OF POLICE) OF CHAPTER 42
(DEPARTMENTS AND COMMISSIONS) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF ALBANY WITH
REGARD TO THE USE OF CHEMICAL WEAPONS AND KINETIC ENERGY MUNITIONS
ON CIVILIAN POPULATIONS
*Referred to Public Safety Committee*
7. Zamer LOCAL LAW M OF 2022
A LOCAL LAW AMENDING CHAPTER 359 (VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC) REDUCING THE
SPEED LIMIT OF THE CITY OF ALBANY FROM 30 TO 25 MILES PER HOUR
*Referred to Public Safety Committee*
8. Romero LOCAL LAW Q of 2022
A LOCAL LAW AMENDING PART 3 (DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY) OF
CHAPTER 42 (BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF
ALBANY CODIFYING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE COMMISSIONER OF
PUBLIC SAFETY AND THE COMMUNITY POLICE REVIEW BOARD
*Referred to Public Safety Committee*
9. Anane Local Law D of 2023
A LOCAL LAW AMENDING SECTION 5 OF LOCAL LAW 1-2016 IN RELATION TO THE
EXPIRATION THEREOF
*Referred to Law, Buildings, and Codes*
10. Keegan Local Law E of 2023
A LOCAL LAW AMENDING CHAPTER 255 (PEACE AND GOOD ORDER) OF THE
CODE OF THE CITY OF ALBANY BY ADDING THERETO A NEW ARTICLE XI TO BE
ENTITLED “HARASSMENT OF A CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, PUBLIC SERVICE
OFFICER, OR TRAFFIC SAFETY AIDE”
*Referred to Law, Buildings, and Codes*
ORDINANCES INTRODUCED
20.61.23 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE GRANT OF
AN EASEMENT OVER A PORTION OF CITY-OWNED PROPERTY AT
2 PITCH PINE ROAD (TAX MAP PARCEL NUMBER 41.13-4-1) TO
NIAGARA MOHAWK POWER CORPORATION FOR THE
INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE OF A PAD-MOUNTED
RECLOSER UNIT AND THE NECESSARY APPURTENANCES
THERETO
21.61.23 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ARTICLE III (OMNIBUS HUMAN
RIGHTS LAW) OF CHAPTER 48 (EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
PROTECTIONS) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF ALBANY IN
RELATION TO EXPLICITLY PROTECTING GENDER EXPRESSION
22.61.23 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 359 (VEHICLES AND
TRAFFIC) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF ALBANY IN RELATION
TO THE PARKING OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES
23.61.23 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 313 (SOLID WASTE) OF THE
CODE OF THE CITY OF ALBANY RESTRICTING ACCESS TO CITY
LANDFILL FACILITIES
24.61.23 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 313 (SOLID WASTE) OF THE
CODE OF THE CITY OF ALBANY CODIFYING THE REGULATIONS
AROUND BUILDING MATERIALS AND MATRESSES FOR CURBSIDE
COLLECTION
25.61.23 AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL AMENDING CHAPTER
323 (STREETS AND SIDEWALKS) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF
ALBANY CODIFYING EXEMPTIONS FOR SNOW REMOVAL FROM
SIDEWALKS
26.61.23 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 48 (EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
PROTECTIONS) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF ALBANY IN
RELATION TO EXPANDING THE SCOPE OF MINORITY AND
WOMEN-OWNED AND CONTROLLED BUSINESSES
ORDINANCES HELD
1. Farrell Ordinance 16.72.22
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ARTICLE I (BICYCLES AND ALL MOTOR VEHICLES) OF
CHAPTER 359 (VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF ALBANY IN
RELATION TO THE REGULATION OF SKATEBOARDING ON SIDEWALKS
*Referred to Law, Buildings and Code Enforcement Committee*
2. Love Ordinance 19.91.22
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PART 21 (COMMON COUNCIL) OF CHAPTER 42
(DEPARTMENTS AND COMMISSIONS) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF ALBANY
ENACTING A SUMMER RECESS IN LEGISLATIVE SESSIONS
*Referred to Council Operations and Ethics*
3. Anane Ordinance 49.121.22
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PART 3 (DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY) OF
CHAPTER 42 (DEPARTMENTS AND COMMISSIONS) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF
ALBANY IN RELATION TO POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
*Referred to Public Safety Committee*
4. Anane Ordinance 5.21.23
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ARTICLE I (LOITERING; DISTURBANCES; DEFACING
PROPERTY) OF CHAPTER 255 (PEACE AND GOOD ORDER) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY
OF ALBANY IN RELATION TO SIMPLIFYING THE ENFORCEMENT GUIDELINES FOR
LOITERING.
*Referred to Public Safety Committee*
5. Clarke Ordinance 11.32.23
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 375 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF ALBANY
(UNIFIED SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE) CHANGING THE ZONING
CLASSIFICATION OF 64 COLVIN AVENUE, 65 COLVIN AVENUE, 67 COLVIN AVENUE
AND 69 COLVIN AVENUE FROM “MIXED-USE COMMUNITY URBAN” (MU-CU) TO
“MIXED-USE NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER” (MU-NC) AND AMENDING THE ZONING
MAP ACCORDINGLY
*Referred to Planning, Economic Development, and Land Use Committee*
6. Clarke Ordinance 12.32.23
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 375 (UNIFIED SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
ORDINANCE) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF ALBANY REGARDING THE MAXIMUM
NUMBER OF DWELLING UNITS IN MIXED-USE-NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER DISTRICTS
*Referred to Planning, Economic Development, and Land Use Committee*
7. Love Ordinance 13.32.23
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ARTICLE III (OMNIBUS HUMAN RIGHTS LAW) OF
CHAPTER 48 (EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROTECTIONS) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF
ALBANY IN RELATION TO PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF HAIR
TEXTURE AND STYLE
*Referred to Human Resources, and Human Rights Committee*
8. Zamer Ordinance 14.32.23
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF 1 ASPEN CIRCLE (TAX MAP NUMBER
64.62-2-4) TO AHMED AMER
*Referred to Finance, Assessment, and Taxation Committee*
9. Romero Ordinance 15.41.23
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ARTICLE V (COMPLETE STREETS) OF CHAPTER 323
(STREETS AND SIDEWALKS) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF ALBANY IN RELATION
TO PEDESTRIAN SIGNALIZATION AND PEDESTRIAN INTERVALS
*Referred to Law, Buildings and Code Enforcement Committee*
10. Farrell Ordinance 16.42.23
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ARTICLE V (UNNECESSARY AND UNUSUAL NOISES)
OF CHAPTER 255 (PEACE AND GOOD ORDER) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF
ALBANY
*Referred to Law, Buildings and Code Enforcement Committee*
11. Romero Ordinance 17.42.23
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 313 (SOLID WASTE) OF THE CODE OF THE
CITY OF ALBANY CREATING AN INCREASING FEE SCALE AND MODIFYING THE
NOTICE REQUIREMENTS FOR REPEAT VIOLATIONS OF TRASH AND LITTER
PROVISIONS
*Referred to General Services, Health & Environment Committee*
12. Kimbrough Ordinance 18.52.23
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 375 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF ALBANY
(UNIFIED SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE) CHANGING THE ZONING
CLASSIFICATION OF 27 MAIN STREET FROM “MIXED-USE NEIGHBORHOOD
CENTER” (MU-NC) TO “LIGHT INDUSTRIAL” (I-1) AND AMENDING THE ZONING MAP
ACCORDINGLY
*Referred to Planning, Economic Development and Land Use Committee*
13. Farrell Ordinance 19.52.23
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 42-228 (REGULAR MEETINGS; SCHEDULE) OF
PART 21 (COMMON COUNCIL) OF CHAPTER 42 (DEPARTMENTS AND COMMISSIONS)
OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF ALBANY IN RELATION TO THE AUTHORITY OF
COMMON COUNCIL LEADERSHIP TO CHANGE OR CANCEL COUNCIL MEETINGS
*Referred to Council Operations and Ethics Committee*
RESOLUTIONS INTRODUCED
53.61.23R A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL HONORING THE
CONTRIBUTIONS OF HAROLD AND RUTH RUBIN TO THE CITY OF
ALBANY AND RENAMING A PORTION OF CHESTNUT STREET IN
THEIR HONOR
54.61.23R A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL APPROVING A
TRANSFER OF BUDGETED FUNDS AND A CHANGE IN THE
AUTHORIZED POSITIONS OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, WHICH
WILL AFFECT A SALARY RATE OR SALARY TOTAL
55.61.23R A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL ENDORSING THE
ALBANY COUNTY HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION’S APPLICATION TO
THE NEW YORK STATE OFFICE OF PARKS, RECREATION, AND
HISTORIC PRESERVATION FOR A GRANT UNDER TITLE 9 OF THE
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT OF 1993
56.61.23R A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL APPOINTING KIRK
DANIELS TO THE PUBLIC, EDUCATION AND GOVERNMENT
ACCESS OVERSIGHT BOARD
57.61.23R A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL DECLARING JUNE 2,
2023 TO BE NATIONAL GUN VIOLENCE AWARENESS DAY AND
PROCLAIMING JUNE 2023 AS NATIONAL GUN VIOLENCE
PREVENTION MONTH IN THE CITY OF ALBANY
58.61.23R A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL RECOGNIZING JUNE
19, 2023 AS “JUNETEENTH INDEPENDENCE DAY” IN RECOGNITION
OF JUNE 19, 1865, THE DATE ON WHICH NEWS OF THE END OF
SLAVERY REACHED THOSE ENSLAVED IN THE SOUTHWESTERN
STATES
59.61.23R A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL RECOGNIZING JUNE,
2023 AS CARIBBEAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH IN THE CITY
OF ALBANY
60.61.23R A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL RECOGNIZING AND
CELEBRATING JUNE AS LGBTQ+ MONTH IN THE CITY OF ALBANY
61.61.23R A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL IN HONORING THE
SACRIFICE OF THE PEOPLE OF BUCHA, UKRAINE AND
ENCOURAGING FURTHER COOPERATION BETWEEN OUR CITIES
RESOLUTIONS HELD
1. Hoey Resolution 13.21.22R
A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL REQUESTING THE ALBANY WATER
BOARD TO FLOURINATE THE WATER OF THE CITY OF ALBANY
*Referred to General Services, Health & Environment Committee*
2. Hoey Resolution 14.21.22R
A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL EXPRESSING ITS DESIRE TO CREATE A
BIKE/WALKING TRAIL ALONG THE NEW YORK STATE THRUWAY
*Referred to Parks, Recreation, and Family Service Committee*
3. Anane Resolution 39.51.23R
A RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF SISTER JOAN BYRNE AND
RENAMING A PORTION OF MADISON AVENUE IN HER HONOR
*Referred to General Services, Health & Environment Committee*
4. Balarin Resolution 49.52.23R
A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL AUTHORZING THE CITY TO ACCEPT
CONVEYANCE OF THE STATE OWNED PROPERTY AT 327 WASHINGTON AVENUE
(TAX MAP NUMBER 65.71-1-55) FROM THE STATE OF NEW YORK FOR PUBLIC
PARKING AND ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING PURPOSES
*Referred to Finance, Assessment, and Taxation Committee*
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