Common Council Caucus & Regular Meeting
Regular MeetingAlbany, NY · September 13, 2023
Minutes
MINUTES OF CAUCUS
Wednesday, September 13th, 2023
The Common Council was convened at 5:34 PM 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, Anane, Balarin, Clarke, Farrell, Hoey, Johnson, Keegan, Kimbrough, Love,
Robinson, Romero, and Zamer
Staff Present: Brad Glass (Director of Planning and Development), Shaniqua Jackson (Acting City
Clerk), Jake Eisland (Research Counsel), Bryan Jimenez (Senior Legislative Aide), Max
Thierry (Junior Policy Analyst), and Juliette Geraghty (Junior Legislative Aide).
Discussion/Questions:
The agenda for the September 18th, 2023 regular meeting was discussed until Resolution 76.71.23R.
President Pro Tempore called Planning Board appointee Shadi Khadivi to speak.
o Shadi Khadivi spoke on her professional background.
o Council Member Farrell thanked Shadi Khadivi.
o Council Member Balarin asked a question about finding balance in Planning Board decision-
making to which Shadi Khadivi responded. Further discussed was Shadi Khadivi’s work on a
neighborhood association board.
o Council Member Romero lauded Shadi Khadivi’s soft skills.
o Council Member Adams asked about further information on Shadi Khadivi’s construction
background to which Shadi spoke on her architectural education and project work.
o Council Member Hoey asked a question on term expiration to which Council Member
Balarin responded that the term ends on December 31, 2026.
o Council Member Anane thanked Shadi Khadivi for pursuing appointment to the Planning
Board.
President Pro Tempore called Planning Board appointee Rachel Breidster to speak.
o Rachel Breidster spoke on her personal and professional background.
o Council Member Balarin spoke on the process for appointment to boards, particularly in
regards to the Planning Board. Council Member Balarin also stated that Resolution
77.71.23R appointing Rachel Breidster passed the Planning, Economic Development and
Land Use committee unanimously.
o Council Member Robinson asked a question on how Rachel’s background and the
understanding of redlining will impact her decision-making on the Planning Board to which
Rachel Breidster responded.
o Council Member Anane informed Rachel Breidster that the Common Council members can
always be a resource.
o Council Member Hoey asked a question on term expiration to which Senior Legislative Aide
Bryan responded.
o Council Member Farrell spoke on the reappointment process.
o Council Member Hoey thanked Rachel Breidster for her willingness to serve on the Planning
Board.
President Pro Tempore called Board of Zoning Appeals appointee Jellisa Joseph to speak.
o Jellisa Joseph provided a professional background and stated that the term she is being
appointed for will end on December 31, 2023.
o Council Member Balarin spoke on the appointment unanimously passing the Planning,
Economic Development and Land Use committee with a favorable recommendation.
o Council Member Farrell thanked Jellisa for her prior service with the city.
o Council Member Anane thanked Jellisa for her prior service with the city.
The remainder of the agenda was discussed.
Council Member Farrell discussed the introduction of a piece of legislation through Majority Consent
related to senior tax exemptions. Council Members Farrell, Zamer, Kimbrough, and Hoey, as well as
Research Counsel Jake Eisland, further discussed the exemption.
Council Member Hoey asked if the Common Council chambers has Narcan available in the event
someone were to overdose at a meeting to which Junior Policy Analyst Thierry responded, discussing
issues with establishing NaloxBoxes in city areas and the need for county assistance. President Pro
Tempore Kimbrough asked Acting City Clerk Jackson about acquiring the opioid overdose
medication.
Council Member Robinson thanked Council Member Balarin for meeting with faith leaders
regarding the cannabis zoning ordinance in committee. Council Member Robinson mentioned the
Planning Committee meeting on September 12th and statements made then. Council Member
Robinson further discussed the services places of worship provide and the potential impact that
cannabis establishments may have.
Council Member Zamer spoke on her comments at the Planning, Economic Development and Land
Use committee and further discussed the suggested changes that were provided late in the discussion
on the ordinance.
Council Member Balarin thanked Council Member Robinson for bringing together the faith leaders
to be able to discuss the ordinance and also thanked city staff for the wealth of knowledge they were
able to provide throughout the process. Council Member Robinson also thanked Assemblyperson
Fahy for providing the state perspective at the faith leader meeting. Council Member Balarin
discussed the legislation as a living document and if there need to be revisions, it may be revised.
Council Member Johnson spoke on difficulties businesses have in opening and operating in the City
of Albany and that the council should be mindful of creating additional barriers to business. Council
Member Johnson also discussed societal changes over the previous years.
Council Member Anane briefly discussed the cannabis zoning ordinance. Council Member Anane
also discussed the creation of park hours and asked other council members to provide thoughts on
how long parks should be open in their wards.
Council Member Hoey discussed the cannabis zoning ordinance and hours that Albany would be
providing compared to other nearby localities. Council Member Hoey also stressed the importance of
having discussions on legislation at committee meetings for the committee as a whole to be able to
participate provided there are questions or concerns from members of the public.
Council Member Robinson spoke on the faith leaders meeting.
Council Member Zamer clarified her comment on "separation of church and state," citing the request
that cannabis establishments not be open on Sundays.
Council Member Balarin spoke on the ordinance being voted on October 2nd.
Research Counsel Jake Eisland spoke on an upcoming staff meeting with the Office of Cannabis
Management and asked that if council members have any questions for the office, to please reach out
to staff.
Council Member Balarin further discussed the faith leaders meeting.
Council Member Romero spoke on an AARP walkability audit and her collection of data with them
regarding pedestrian safety.
Council Member Johnson asked that the council work to maintain a conversation by yielding time to
speak to those who are speaking on a topic at hand as had been done during this meeting.
There being no further business, President Pro Tempore Kimbrough moved to adjourn the caucus/work
session, seconded by Council Member Anane, and passed by voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 6:55 PM.
Link to meeting recording:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqcXAzK114c
Respectfully submitted,
Bryan Jimenez
Senior Legislative Aide
Agenda
AGENDA FOR THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE ALBANY COMMON COUNCIL
Monday, September 18, 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
Page 1 of 8
Local Laws Held
1 Johnson 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 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 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 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 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 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*
7 Zamer 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*
Page 2 of 8
Local Laws Held
8 Anane 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 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 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 Zamer 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*
Page 3 of 8
Ordinances Introduced
1 Flynn 34.92.23
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PART I (ADMINISTRATIVE LEGISLATION) OF THE CODE
OF THE CITY OF ALBANY IN RELATION TO PROVIDING DEFRIBRILLATORS IN
MUNICIPAL WORKPLACES
2 Adams 35.92.23
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ARTICLE XIII (PARKING METERS) OF CHAPTER 359
(VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF ALBANY IN RELATION TO
RENAMING COLUMBUS DAY TO INDIGINOUS PEOPLES DAY
Page 4 of 8
Ordinances Held
1 Farrell 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 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 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 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 Romero 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*
6 Farrell 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*
7 Kimbrough 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*
8 Keegan 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*
Page 5 of 8
Ordinances Held
9 Balarin 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*
10 Balarin 32.81.23
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 375-405 (PARKING AND LOADING) OF CHAPTER 375
(UNIFIED SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF
ALBANY IN RELATION TO REQUIRING OFF-SITE PARKING FOR THE DURATION OF A
PROJECT
*Referred to Planning, Economic Development & Land Use*
11 Adams 33.82.23
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF CITY-OWNED PARCELS AT 34 IRVING
STREET (TAX MAP PARCEL NUMBER 76.40-2-10), 38 IRVING STREET (TAX MAP PARCEL
NUMBER 76.40-2-9), AND 181 MYRTLE AVENUE (TAX MAP PARCEL NUMBER 76.40-2-37)
TO CAPITAL ROOTS, INC.
*Referred to Finance, Assessment and Taxation*
Page 6 of 8
Resolutions Introduced
1 Adams 95.92.23R
A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL DECLARING THE SECOND MONDAY IN
OCTOBER OF EACH YEAR AS INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' DAY IN ALBANY
2 Love 96.92.23R
A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL RECOGNIZING AND HONORING THE
INGENUITY AND COURAGE OF BREEA ANISSA BULGIN, ZALAYA LIPSCOMB, AND
ZYANNA LIPSCOMB IN ASSISTING WITH FINDING A MISSING CHILD
Page 7 of 8
Resolutions Held
1 Hoey 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 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 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
*Passed the General Services, Health & Environment Committee*
4 Balarin 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*
5 Balarin 77.71.23R
A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL CONSENTING TO THE APPOINTMENT OF
RACHEL BREIDSTER TO THE CITY OF ALBANY PLANNING BOARD
*Passed the Planning, Economic Development & Land Use Committee*
6 Balarin 82.72.23R
A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL CONSENTING TO THE REAPPOINTMENT OF
PAIGE BARNUM TO THE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
*Referred to Planning, Economic Development & Land Use*
7 Balarin 83.72.23R
A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL CONSENTING TO THE APPOINTMENT OF
JELLISA JOSEPH TO THE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
*Referred to Planning, Economic Development & Land Use*
8 Flynn 88.82.23R
A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL ENCOURAGING THE PUBLIC TO REFRAIN
FROM GIVING MONEY DIRECTLY TO INDIVIDUALS SEEKING MONEY FROM OTHERS
*Passed the General Services, Health & Environment Committee*
9 Robinson 92.91.23R
A RESOLUTION IN ENCOURAGING THE CITY OF ALBANY TO SEEK ENVIRONMENTAL
BOND ACT FUNDING FOR THE PATROON CREEK GREENWAY
*Referred to General Services, Health & Environment*
Page 8 of 8
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