Common Council Caucus & Regular Meeting

Name: Common Council Caucus & Regular Meeting — Albany, NY
Start: 2023-12-13
End: 2023-12-13
Location: Albany, NY

Regular Meeting

Albany, NY · December 13, 2023

Agenda Minutes

Minutes

MINUTES OF CAUCUS Wednesday, December 13th, 2023 The Common Council was convened at 5:36 PM in the Council Chambers on the Second Floor of City Hall, 24 Eagle Street, and was called to order by President Pro Temp Kimbrough. It livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook. Members Present: Adams, Anane, Farrell, Flynn, Frederick, Hoey, Johnson, Keegan, Kimbrough, Love, Robinson, Romero, Zamer, and Council President Ellis Staff Present: Darius Shahinfar, Shaniqua Jackson, Brett Williams, Jake Eisland, Bryan Jimenez, Max Thierry, Juliette Geraghty Discussion/Questions:  The agenda for the December 18th, 2023 regular meeting was discussed. o Senior Assistant Corporation Counsel Williams and Research Counsel Eisland discussed typographical updates to the charter as part of Local Law M of 2023. o Council Member Kimbrough plans to refer Local Law M of 2023 to the Law, Buildings and Code Enforcement committee. o Council Member Kimbrough plans to refer Ordinance 76.122.23 to the Planning, Economic Development and Land Use committee. o Council Member Kimbrough plans to refer Ordinance 77.122.23 to the Law, Buildings and Code Enforcement committee. o Council Member Kimbrough plans for there to be a vote on Resolution 121.122.23R on December 18th, 2023. o Resolution 122.122.23R  Council Member Kimbrough plans for there to be a vote on the resolution.  Treasurer Shahinfar discussed a correction this resolution makes to a resolution passed at the December 4 meeting.  The closure of the College of Saint Rose was discussed. o Treasurer Shahinfar discussed the closure of the College of Saint Rose and their request for emergency funding. Treasurer Shahinfar further discussed the difficulties with regards to providing support for the institution and the limited actions that the city could take to support the community through the closure of the college. Also discussed was the impact that the closure of the College of Saint Rose will have with regards to educating teachers and social workers. o Council Member Zamer discussed the public comment provided by the president of HVCC and how the organization wished to expand into the city of Albany and asked if HVCC has expressed interest for the properties to which Darius responded that HVCC may not be likely to fully acquire the properties and keep the same programming. o Council Member Johnson asked if the athletic fields managed by the College of Saint Rose will be taken in by the city to which Treasurer Shahinfar responded affirmatively and that the city owns the property itself. Treasurer Shahinfar also discussed educational institution interest in use of those fields once the College of Saint Rose is no longer using them. Also discussed was establishing that the fields should be accessible to all interested parties through a clear process. o Council President Ellis spoke on the issue that educational institutions have with regards to securing sufficient funding to acquire these properties and the issue with bondholders holding first rights over the property. Council President Ellis further spoke on the difficulties of recommending that private institutions take on responsibility for those properties. Treasurer Shahinfar further expanded. o Council Member Hoey stated for the record that the Albany Soccer Club has had difficulty accessing the athletic fields. Council Member Hoey further spoke on the county of Albany not having its own community college and suggested that a new community college could take the place of the College of Saint Rose. Council Member Hoey asked if the benefits granted by the Capital Resource Corporation (CRC) will impact the city financially to which Treasurer Shahinfar responded that the city will not lose funds as a result of the closure. o Council Member Farrell asked if the City of Albany owns other lots on which College of Saint Rose properties exist to which Treasurer Shahinfar responded that he is not aware of any other similar situations with regards to the College. Treasurer Shahinfar spoke on the lease agreements to the fields ending June 30 and when possession will be taken by the City. Council Member Farrell and Treasurer Shahinfar discussed the process the state would use to take over the college. o Council Member Kimbrough asked if the College of Saint Rose bondholders have any rights over the athletic fields to which Treasurer Shahinfar responded no and provided a brief list of other properties that the bondholders have no rights over. o Council Member Hoey asked if the City would be able to maintain the fields to which Treasurer Shahinfar discussed on possible lease situations that the City might encounter that would provide revenue for the City to maintain the fields. o Council Member Anane spoke on the need to establish a committee to provide a vision for the future development of the College of Saint Rose area to impress on the bondholders what the community desires for their neighborhood. o Council Member Johnson spoke on the College of Saint Rose and the impact that allowing outside organizations to control assets within the city had on the closure of the College of Saint Rose. Council Member Johnson called for the City of Albany to take a more active role in this transition. o Council Member Hoey asked if the properties will be added to the tax rolls once they are no longer being used for a tax exempt reason to which Treasurer Shahinfar responded yes. o Council Member Farrell asked if the bondholders would be responsible for property tax payments to which Treasurer Shahinfar responded. Council Member Farrell also spoke in support for a committee to establish a vision for the neighborhood.  Council Member Farrell spoke on a holiday gathering she is hosting.  Planned resolution calling for an end to hostilities in Palestine. o Council Member Adams spoke on a draft resolution calling for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Council Member Adams discussed community input on the topic, including the presence of community voices in attendance at the caucus/work session, and a resolution that he is planning on introducing. Council Member Adams called for the Council to discuss and consider supporting the resolution to acknowledge the situation in Palestine and support the Albany Palestinian community. o Council Member Romero spoke on the development of the resolution and the need for an end to hostilities and the release of hostages. o Council Member Zamer asked a clarifying question regarding which version of the resolution is to be introduced. Council Member Adams responded, discussing the two versions of the resolution presented to council members. Council Members Zamer, Adams, and Kimbrough discussed the version to be introduced. Council Member Zamer gave her thoughts on the introduction of a resolution on the matter so soon after shots were fired at Temple Israel and the need to consider the unity, safety, and security of Albany residents. o Council Member Robinson asked if the resolution will be introduced Monday night to which Council Members Kimbrough and Adams responded that it will not be considered December 18 and when it will be introduced, the plan is to introduce and refer the resolution to the Human Resources and Human Rights committee on January 4. Council Member Zamer confirmed with Council Member Kimbrough that it will not be introduced December 18. o Council Member Farrell thanked the sponsors for allowing more voices to be heard in discussions on the resolution. o Council Member Romero stated that she looks forward to collaborating with all council members on the resolution. o Council Member Hoey spoke on recent events at Albany High School and the need for the Council to address the situation.  Council Member Farrell spoke on compliance training that council members need to take and discussed the ability to use training in officials’ other employment to satisfy that requirement.  Council Member Adams spoke on a Green Tech Charter school event related to Toys-for-Tots on December 16, from 1-4 PM. There being no further business, President Pro Temp Kimbrough called for a motion to adjourn, which was duly made by Council Member Hoey, seconded by Council Member Anane, and the meeting was adjourned at 6:30 PM. Link to meeting recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqTTQ9wyvEY Respectfully submitted, Bryan Jimenez Senior Legislative Aide

Agenda

AGENDA FOR THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE ALBANY COMMON COUNCIL Monday, December 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 Introduced 1 Kimbrough M of 2023 A LOCAL LAW AMENDING SECTION 604 OF THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF ALBANY BY CORRECTING A TYPOGRAPHICAL ERROR THEREIN Page 2 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* 8 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* Page 3 of 8 9 Hoey K of 2023 A LOCAL LAW AMENDING CHAPTER 371 (WATER AND WATERWAYS) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF ALBANY IN RELATION TO ADDING FLUORIDE COMPOUNDS TO THE WATER SUPPLY *Passed the General Services, Health & Environment Committee* 10 Anane L of 2023 A LOCAL LAW AMENDING PART II (GENERAL LEGISLATION) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF ALBANY BY ENACTING A NEW CHAPTER 337 TO BE ENTITLED “TOBACCO RETAIL LICENSE” *Referred to Law, Buildings & Code Enforcement* Page 4 of 8 Ordinances Introduced 1 Frederick 76.122.23 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 375 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF ALBANY (UNIFIED SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE) BY CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF PARCEL KNOWN AS 280 MOUNT HOPE DRIVE FROM MIXED USE CAMPUS/INSTITUTIONAL (MU-CI) TO MIXED USE-COMMUNITY HIGHWAY (MU-CH) AND AMENDING THE ZONING MAP ACCORDINGLY 2 Kimbrough 77.122.23 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PART II (GENERAL LEGISLATION) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF ALBANY IN RELATION TO UPDATING THE PROCESS FOR SPECIAL EVENT PERMITS Page 5 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 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* 5 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* 6 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* 7 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* 8 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* 9 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 10 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 *Referred to Law, Buildings & Code Enforcement* 11 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 *Referred to Law, Buildings & Code Enforcement* 12 Romero 38.101.23 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ARTICLE XII (VEHICLE AND TRAFFIC CONTROLS) OF CHAPTER 359 (VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF ALBANY IN RELATION TO PEDESTRIAN SAFETY INFRASTRUCTURE *Referred to Law, Buildings & Code Enforcement* 13 Frederick 39.102.23 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING CERTAIN PURCHASES BY THE CITY OF ALBANY, NEW YORK AT A MAXIMUM ESTIMATED COST OF $9,825,000 AND AUTHORIZING THE LEASE FINANCING OR THE ISSUANCE OF $5,000,000 SERIAL BONDS OF SAID CITY TO PAY THE COST THEREOF (DGS – STREET RECONSTRUCTION) *Referred to Finance, Assessment and Taxation* 14 Frederick 40.102.23 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING CERTAIN PURCHASES BY THE CITY OF ALBANY, NEW YORK AT A MAXIMUM ESTIMATED COST OF $1,000,000 AND AUTHORIZING THE LEASE FINANCING OR THE ISSUANCE OF $1,000,000 SERIAL BONDS OF SAID CITY TO PAY THE COST THEREOF (DGS – ADA COMPLIANCE) *Referred to Finance, Assessment and Taxation* 15 Frederick 41.102.23 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING CERTAIN PURCHASES BY THE CITY OF ALBANY, NEW YORK AT A MAXIMUM ESTIMATED COST OF $600,000 AND AUTHORIZING THE LEASE FINANCING OR THE ISSUANCE OF $600,000 SERIAL BONDS OF SAID CITY TO PAY THE COST THEREOF (DGS – SIDEWALK RECONSTRUCTION) *Referred to Finance, Assessment and Taxation* 16 Frederick 69.102.23 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING CERTAIN PURCHASES BY THE CITY OF ALBANY, NEW YORK AT A MAXIMUM ESTIMATED COST OF $588,000 AND AUTHORIZING THE LEASE FINANCING OR THE ISSUANCE OF $325,000 SERIAL BONDS OF SAID CITY TO PAY THE COST THEREOF (RECREATION – PLAYGROUNDS) *Referred to Finance, Assessment and Taxation* 17 Anane 74.111.23 AN ORDINANCE CREATING THE “COMMISSION ON THE MUNICIPAL FLAG” AND PROVIDING FOR THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMMISSION WITH RESPECT TO CREATING A CONTEST TO DETERMINE A NEW FLAG FOR THE CITY OF ALBANY *Referred to Law, Buildings & Code Enforcement* Page 7 of 8 Resolutions Introduced 1 Hoey 121.122.23R A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL DECLARING ITS INTENT TO ACT AS LEAD AGENCY FOR THE STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW OF THE FLUORIDATION OF THE CITY’S WATER SUPPLY 2 Frederick 122.122.23R A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL AMENDING RESOLUTION 120.121.23R, WHICH AUTHORIZED THE LEVY OF 2024 BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (BID) CHARGES AND AUTHORIZED THE TREASURER TO PLACE SUCH CHARGES ON 2024 CITY TAX BILLS 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 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 *Referred to Law, Buildings & Code Enforcement* 5 Anane 113.112.23R A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL SUPPORTING REDEVELOPMENT OF I-787 AND THE HUDSON RIVERFRONT TO INCREASE THE EFFICIENT USE OF SPACE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, RIVER ACCESS, ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION, AND AESTHETIC BEAUTY WHILE MAINTAINING REASONABLE TRAFFIC FEATURES THAT INCREASE PEDESTRIAN, BIKER AND MOTORIST SAFETY IN THE AREA *Referred to Planning, Economic Development & Land Use* Page 8 of 8

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