Common Council Caucus & Regular Meeting
Regular MeetingAlbany, NY · July 12, 2023
Minutes
MINUTES OF CAUCUS
Wednesday, July 12th, 2023
The Common Council was convened at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers on the Second Floor of City Hall,
24 Eagle Street, and was called to order by President Pro Tempore Kimbrough. It livestreamed on YouTube
and Facebook.
Members Present: Adams, Balarin, Farrell, Flynn, Frederick, Hoey, Johnson, Keegan, Kimbrough, Romero,
and Zamer
Staff Present: Danielle Gillespie, Brett Williams, Jake Eisland, Bryan Jimenez, Max Thierry, and Juliette
Geraghty.
Speaker(s):
Renee McFarlin, Senior Economic Developer with Capitalize Albany
Sarah Reginelli, President at Capitalize Albany
Discussion/Questions:
Renee McFarlin spoke on the consolidated funding applications. Four applications required a
Common Council resolution. These include the Liberty Park stabilization project, the North Pearl
Street target area, a Climate Action Plan, and the Washington Park playground.
Council Member Adams asked what the North Pearl Street target area project entails, to which Renee
McFarlin responded the project is looking to take vacant commercial space and create market-rate
apartments.
Council Member Adams asked how often the application process happens, to which Renee McFarlin
responded that the portal is open year-round but the big push for economic development funding
happens annually, starting in the spring.
Council Member Adams asked where projects that are getting a 50/50 match are getting the
investment from, to which Renee McFarlin responded.
Council Member Hoey asked about a potential project for a fence around the park on the corner of
Madison Ave and Ontario Street, to which Renee McFarlin responded.
Council Member Adams asked about future projects that may bring in further economic
development, to which Sarah Reginelli responded.
President Pro Tempore Kimbrough thanked Renee McFarlin and Sarah Reginelli for their
appearances.
The agenda for the July 17th, 2023 regular meeting was discussed.
President Pro Tempore Kimbrough discussed CPRB’s access issues.
President Pro Tempore Kimbrough also discussed the status of Local Law P of 2022.
Brett Williams discussed the future West Hill Community Center at 520 Livingston Ave.
Council Member Farrell thanked Brett Williams for his work with 520 Livingston Ave.
Council Member Keegan spoke on CPRB’s issues with access to records and recommended
including funds for a separate counsel into the CPRB’s budget.
Council Member Adams asked about the status of legislation regarding short-term rentals, to which
President Pro Tempore Kimbrough responded.
Council Member Romero spoke on CPRB’s contract with outside counsel, to which Council Member
Keegan responded.
There being no further business, the President Pro Tempore adjourned the caucus/work session at 6:08 p.m.
Link to meeting recording:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bjhr3qLcM2E
Respectfully submitted,
Juliette Geraghty
Junior Legislative Aide
Agenda
AGENDA FOR THE REGULAR MEETING OF
THE ALBANY COMMON COUNCIL
Monday, July 17, 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
I of 2023 A LOCAL LAW AMENDING ARTICLE XV (HOMESTEAD AND
NONHOMESTEAD BASE PROPORTIONS) OF CHAPTER 333
(TAXATION) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF ALBANY IN
RELATION TO EXTENDING THE REPEAL DATE OF SUCH
ARTICLE
LOCAL LAWS HELD
1.Johnson Local Law C of 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 & Land Use*
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 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*
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*
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*
LOCAL LAWS HELD
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*
8. 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 & Code Enforcement*
9. 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 & Code Enforcement*
10. Adams Local Law 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
*Referred to Law, Buildings & Code Enforcement*
11. Planning Local Law G of 2023
A LOCAL LAW AMENDING PART 4 (HISTORIC RESOURCES COMMISSION) 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
*Referred to Planning, Economic Development & Land Use*
12. Zamer Local Law H of 2023
A LOCAL LAW AMENDING CHAPTER 42 (DEPARTMENTS AND COMMISSIONS) OF THE CODE
OF THE CITY OF ALBANY BY ADDING A NEW PART 41 THERETO CREATING THE CITY OF
ALBANY COMMISSION ON MONUMENTS AND PUBLIC ART
*Referred to Law, Buildings & Code Enforcement*
ORDINANCES INTRODUCED
31.72.23 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF 177 FIRST STREET
(TAX MAP NUMBER 65.73-5-68) TO MICHAEL LANE
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 & Code Enforcement*
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 & 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*
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*
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 & Land Use*
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 & Land Use*
ORDINANCES HELD
7. 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 & Code Enforcement*
8. 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 & Code Enforcement*
9. 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*
10. 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 & Land Use*
11. Clarke Ordinance 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
*Referred to Finance, Assessment and Taxation*
12. Flynn Ordinance 23.61.23
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 313 (SOLID WASTE) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF
ALBANY RESTRICTING ACCESS TO CITY LANDFILL FACILITIES
*Referred to General Services, Health & Environment*
ORDINANCES HELD
13. Zamer Ordinance 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
*Referred to General Services, Health & Environment*
14. Keegan Ordinance 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
*Referred to General Services, Health & Environment*
15. Kimbrough Ordinance 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
*Referred to Human Resources & Human Rights*
16. Frederick Ordinance 27.62.23
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NUMBER 46.112.22 (AS AMENDED 12/22/2022)
WHICH AUTHORIZED CERTAIN PURCHASES BY THE CITY OF ALBANY, NEW YORK AT A
MAXIMUM ESTIMATED COST OF $2,000,000 AND AUTHORIZED THE LEASE FINANCING OR
THE ISSUANCE OF $2,000,000 SERIAL BONDS OF SAID CITY TO PAY THE COST THEREOF (APD
– IMPROVEMENTS TO APD FACILITIES) BY INCREASING SUCH AUTHORIZATION TO
$3,441,000
*Referred to Finance, Assessment and Taxation*
17. Keegan Ordinance 28.62.23
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 313 (SOLID WASTE) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF
ALBANY BY ADDING A PERMITTING SYSTEM FOR COMMERCIAL HAULERS OF SOLID WASTE
*Referred to General Services, Health & Environment*
18. Balarin Ordinance 29.71.23
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 375 (UNIFIED SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
ORDINANCE) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF ALBANY ESTABLISHING STANDARDS FOR
CANNABIS DISPENSARIES AND CONSUMPTION SITES
*Referred to Planning, Economic Development & Land Use*
RESOLUTIONS INTRODUCED
78.72.23R A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL SUPPORTING
CAPITALIZE ALBANY CORPORATION IN ITS APPLICATION TO NEW
YORK STATE HOMES AND COMMUNITY RENEWAL FOR STATE
ASSISTANCE IN FUNDING THE LIBERTY PARK DOWNTOWN
STABILIZATION PROJECT
79.72.23R A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL SUPPORTING THE
CITY OF ALBANY IN ITS APPLICATION TO NEW YORK STATE
OFFICE OF PARKS, RECREATION AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION’S
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FUND FOR STATE ASSISTANCE IN
FUNDING THE WASHINGTON PARK PLAYGROUND
IMPROVEMENTS DESIGN PLAN
80.72.23R A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL SUPPORTING THE
DOWNTOWN ALBANY BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT IN ITS
APPLICATION TO NEW YORK STATE HOMES AND COMMUNITY
RENEWAL FOR STATE ASSISTANCE IN FUNDING THE NORTH
PEARL STREET TARGET AREA PROJECT
81.72.23R A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL SUPPORTING THE
CITY OF ALBANY IN ITS APPLICATION TO NEW YORK STATE
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION FOR STATE
ASSISTANCE IN FUNDING A CITYWIDE COMPREHENSIVE
CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
82.72.23R A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL CONSENTING TO THE
REAPPOINTMENT OF PAIGE BARNUM TO THE BOARD OF ZONING
APPEALS
83.72.23R A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL CONSENTING TO THE
APPOINTMENT OF JELLISA JOSEPH TO THE BOARD OF ZONING
APPEALS
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*
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 & Family Services*
3. Clarke Resolution 9.21.23R
A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL HONORING THE LIFE OF BEVERLY BARDEQUEZ
AND RENAMING A PORTION OF RAPP ROAD IN HER HONOR
*Referred to General Services, Health & Environment*
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*
5. Finance Resolution 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
*Referred to Finance, Assessment and Taxation*
6. Balarin Resolution 67.62.23R
A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL REAPPOINTING JESSICA WILCOX TO THE
PUBLIC, EDUCATION, AND GOVERNMENT ACCESS OVERSIGHT BOARD
*Referred to PEG Ad Hoc*
RESOLUTIONS HELD
7. Balarin Resolution 75.71.23R
A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL CONSENTING TO THE REAPPOINTMENT OF
GLINNESA D. GAILLIARD, ESQ. TO THE CITY OF ALBANY PLANNING BOARD
*Referred to Planning, Economic Development & Land Use*
8. Balarin Resolution 76.71.23R
A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL CONSENTING TO THE APPOINTMENT OF SHADI
KHADIVI TO THE CITY OF ALBANY PLANNING BOARD
*Referred to Planning, Economic Development & Land Use*
9. Balarin Resolution 77.71.23R
A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL CONSENTING TO THE APPOINTMENT OF
RACHEL BREIDSTER TO THE CITY OF ALBANY PLANNING BOARD
*Referred to Planning, Economic Development & Land Use*
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