Finance, Assessment and Taxation Committee

ALBANY COMMON COUNCIL FINANCE, ASSESSMENT AND TAXATION COMMITTEE MINUTES Sonia Frederick, Chair Meeting called by: Sonia Frederick, Chair | Date: November 6, 2024 | Time: 5:34 PM Committee Members Present: Frederick, Chair ☒ | Balarin ☐ | Farrell ☒ | Adams ☒ | Keegan ☒ Council Members Present: City Personnel Present: Shaniqua Jackson (City Clerk), Jake Eisland (Research Council), Bryan Jimenez (Legislative Director), Alyssa Kamara (Junior Policy Analyst) Minutes Topic(s) of Discussion:  Budget discussion and possible vote on recommendations and bond ordinances: 39.102.24 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING CERTAIN PURCHASES BY THE CITY OF ALBANY, NEW YORK AT A MAXIMUM ESTIMATED COST OF $650,000 AND AUTHORIZING THE LEASE FINANCING OR THE ISSUANCE OF $650,000 SERIAL BONDS OF SAID CITY TO PAY THE COST THEREOF (ENGINEERING – STREETLIGHTS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS) 41.102.24 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING CERTAIN PURCHASES BY THE CITY OF ALBANY, NEW YORK AT A MAXIMUM ESTIMATED COST OF $3,366,000 AND AUTHORIZING THE LEASE FINANCING OR THE ISSUANCE OF $3,366,000 SERIAL BONDS OF SAID CITY TO PAY THE COST THEREOF (DGS – WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN) 43.102.24 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 – PUBLIC BATHROOMS) 56.102.24 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING CERTAIN PURCHASES BY THE CITY OF ALBANY, NEW YORK AT A MAXIMUM ESTIMATED COST OF $500,000 AND AUTHORIZING THE LEASE FINANCING OR THE ISSUANCE OF $500,000 SERIAL BONDS OF SAID CITY TO PAY THE COST THEREOF (APD – POLICE STATION INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS) 59.102.24 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING CERTAIN PURCHASES BY THE CITY OF ALBANY, NEW YORK AT A MAXIMUM ESTIMATED COST OF $300,000 AND AUTHORIZING THE LEASE FINANCING OR THE ISSUANCE OF $300,000 SERIAL BONDS OF SAID CITY TO PAY THE COST THEREOF (AFD – FIRE STATION INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS)  60.102.24 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NUMBER 66.102.23, WHICH AUTHORIZED CERTAIN PURCHASES BY THE CITY OF ALBANY, NEW YORK AT A MAXIMUM ESTIMATED COST OF $10,000,000 AND AUTHORIZED THE LEASE FINANCING OR THE ISSUANCE OF $12,000,000 SERIAL BONDS OF SAID CITY TO PAY THE COST THEREOF (RECREATION – WEST HILL COMMUNITY CENTER) BY INCREASING SUCH MAXIMUM ESTIMATED COST TO $20,500,000 AND SUCH AUTHORIZATIONS TO $18,500,000 61.102.24 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NUMBER 67.102.23, WHICH AUTHORIZED CERTAIN PURCHASES BY THE CITY OF ALBANY, NEW YORK AT A MAXIMUM ESTIMATED COST OF $5,000,000 AND AUTHORIZED THE LEASE FINANCING OR THE ISSUANCE OF $7,400,000 SERIAL BONDS OF SAID CITY TO PAY THE COST THEREOF (RECREATION – HOFFMAN COMMUNITY CENTER) BY INCREASING SUCH MAXIMUM ESTIMATED COST TO $10,150,000 AND SUCH AUTHORIZATIONS TO $7,750,000 62.102.24 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING CERTAIN PURCHASES BY THE CITY OF ALBANY, NEW YORK AT A MAXIMUM ESTIMATED COST OF $1,220,000 AND AUTHORIZING THE LEASE FINANCING OR THE ISSUANCE OF $1,220,000 SERIAL BONDS OF SAID CITY TO PAY THE COST THEREOF (RECREATION – PLAYGROUNDS) Discussion:  Council Member Frederick noted that the committee has transitioned into a deliberation period wherein they will be discussing budget adjustments and clarification on bond ordinances.  Council Member Frederick noticed the Finance, Assessment and Taxation Committee meeting for November 13th and the budget vote for the Regular Meeting on November 18th  Public comment was heard.  Council Member Frederick announced that the committee would begin discussing written clarifications provided by Budget Director Grande on Bond Ordinances  Council Member Frederick introduced Bond Ordinance 39.102.24, reviewed previous clarifying questions from the committee, and read Budget Director Grande’s response which justified why the request was included in the capital plan.  Council Member Keegan recalled that the clarifying question to which they requested verification was regarding if the request was enforcing the full warranty and if new expenses were falling outside the warranty.  Council Member Farrell did not recall any warranty on the lights.  Council Member Frederick noted that if a warranty existed it likely only covered through the useful life that was originally listed.  Council Member Frederick requested Legislative Director Jimenez to gain more clarifying information on Bond Ordinance 39.102.24 around warranties of streetlights, noting that otherwise the response was comprehensive.  Council Member Farrell noted that she would still be happy to move this out of committee as additional concerns can be raised later.  Council Member Farrell motioned to move Ordinance 39.102.24 out of committee with positive recommendation which was seconded by Council Member Keegan and passed by voice vote.  Council Member Frederick reminded the committee that some clarifications provided by Budget Director Grande may be skipped as there is still more information gathering to be completed.  Council Member Frederick moved to discuss Ordinance 56.102.24, noting that the funding is for the renovation of the South and Center Station lobbies.  Farrell commented that it is important to keep our police station lobbies safe, up-to-date, and welcoming.  Council Member Farrell motioned to move Ordinance 56.102.24 out of committee with positive recommendation which was seconded by Council Member Keegan and passed by voice vote.  Council Member Frederick moved on to discuss ordinance 59.102.24; she explained this ordinance will be used to pay the cost of Albany Fire Department’s fire station infrastructure improvements  Council Member Keegan motioned to move Ordinance 59.102.24 out of committee with positive recommendation which was seconded by Council Member Adams and passed by voice vote.  Council Member Frederick introduced Ordinance 62.102.24, recalling questions about playground accessibility. She noted that the Department of Recreation has contracted with a consultant to evaluate inclusivity, vendor information is not yet available, and that there will be a community input process in the playground design.  Council Member Keegan noted that she would like to know who the consultant and their expertise in inclusive playgrounds.  Council Member Farrell commented that she is willing to defer to Council Member Keegan, recommending that she collects specific questions so they can collect further information.  Council Member Frederick decided to hold Ordinance 62.102.24 to seek further information on the consultant and their specific qualifications.  Council Member Adams questioned holding Ordinance 62.102.24, inquiring if there are any additional questions that the Council needed answered.  Council Member Keegan explained she has concerns about what is being bonded for as projects should align with Council asks.  Council Member Adams thanked Council Member Keegan for the clarification.  Council Member Frederick asked Legislative Director Jimenez if the committee could receive a copy of Ordinance 61.102.24 as related to Albany South as it was missing on the active calendar  Council Member Frederick discussed requesting further information regarding Albany West and Albany South due to bond increases.  Council Member Frederick introduced Ordinance 60.102.24, discussing increases estimated costs related to different components of the project.  Upon seeing no questions, Council Member Farrell motioned to move Ordinance 60.102.24 through committee with a positive recommendation, which was seconded by Council Member Keegan.  Council Member Frederick introduced 61.102.24, discussing the cost breakdown provided by the Department of Recreation.  Council Member Keegan explained that to her understanding, the construction costs estimate increased after evaluating the requested design.  Council Member Keegan motioned to move Ordinance 61.102.24 out of committee with positive recommendation which was seconded by Council Member Farrell and passed by voice vote.  Council Member Frederick decided to go over the remaining bond ordinances.  Council Member Frederick introduced Ordinance 41.102.24R, asked Council staff if they had any further information on it to which staff responded, and Council Member Frederick noted that it will be held.  Council Member Frederick introduced Ordinance 43.102.24, asked Council staff if they had any further information on it to which staff responded.  Council Member Keegan asked for further clarification on Ordinance 43.102.24 to which Council Member Frederick explained that there was confusion regarding if the cost per bathroom and which locations this will include.  Council Member Farrell noted that Council Member Balarin had questions about Ordinance 43.102.24.  Director Jimenez conferred with Council Member Frederick to Council Member Balarin’s concerns.  Council Member Farrell and Council Member Frederick noted Balarin’s concerns regarding location.  Council Member Farrell said that she would still be happy to move Ordinance 43.102.24 out of committee.  Council Member Frederick explained the two locations chosen for self-cleaning public bathrooms would be Crank Park and Buckingham Lake.  Council Member Keegan asked if this is an approximate $500,000 investment for each park to which Council Member Fredrick noted that Legislative Director Jimenez was printing out related documents that should be waited for.  Council Member Frederick explained that in the meanwhile she would be discussing other outstanding bond ordinances.  Council Member Frederick noted that they still need to discuss Ordinances 51.102.24 and 52.102.24 which are both streets and sidewalks that they are awaiting the list for.  Council Member Frederick noted that the committee held Ordinance 62.102.24 to get further clarification on ADA compliance and the consultant’s specific qualifications.  Council Member Frederick returned to Ordinance 43.102.24; she read the explanation from Budget Director Grande on the self-cleaning bathroom facilities, noting that it would cost an estimated $500,000 each for these facilities.  Council Member Adams motioned to move Ordinance 43.102.24 with a positive recommendation out of committee to which Council Member Farrell seconded and was passed by voice vote.  Council Member Frederick reviewed the held ordinances, noting the committee’s progress, and initiated to discuss potential budget amendments.  Council Member Frederick sought to begin the conversation with a simplified list provided to committee members which that complied various requests from council members throughout this budget cycle.  Council Member Frederick read the request sheet which outlined different requests and related costs.  Council Member Frederick noted the request regarding the Office of the City Clerk funding and salaries.  Council Member Frederick asked what may be missing from the provided list.  Council Member Farrell mentioned that they are not discussing salaries however there was discussion surrounding adding an Animal Control Officer. Council Member Farrell noted that both of these actions are not typical of the Common Council but recommended adding support for the additional Animal Control Officer within the budget intent memo to which Council Member Frederick agreed.  Council Member Keegan asked Council Member Frederick a question to which she clarified a change in maximum range for a budget item.  Council Member Frederick requested again for any missing budget requests.  Council Member Keegan noted that total the Council was looking to shift within the budget costs approximately $478,000 if they include a salary for a new animal control officer but totals $418,000 without.  Council Member Frederick asked Legislative Director Jimenez to print a running list wherein budgetary changes and totals were being recorded.  Council Member Keegan noted the total requested costs for the CPRB, vacancy study, for licensing, audit, and the animal control officer totaling approximately $478,000.  Council Member Frederick recognized a request to continue discussions regarding the vacancy study into the 13th to ensure Council Member Balarin’s participation.  Council Member Frederick moved onto discuss the CPRB increased budget request, reviewing components for the request.  Frederick opened the floor for conversation  Council Member Adams asked if their request was plausible for the board’s capacity.  Council Member Farrell discussed her delight with the CPRB coming into the city and shared her belief that this will help the board moving forward to save money as there is no need to outsource or duplicate services. Council Member Farrell continued to say that they do existing funding in the original request to assist with their transition. She noted that the sameness of their financial request raises questions and  worries about the request. Council Member Farrell noted that CPRB staff should also be included in the pension system and they should not be removed.  Council Member Keegan noted that the CPRB will be adding more staff throughout the fiscal year, meaning there is a possibility to go through an Estimates and Apportionment process to move the salary line to the contracted services line as needed. She discussed that she was unsure if they would be able to find $250,000 in the budget and reminded others that this would need to compromise elsewhere.  Council Member Frederick recognized the CPRB’s work and commented on their hopes for increased efficiency with an increased budget. She suggested that the committee should compromise on the contracted services line.  Council Member Frederick pointed out row 7440 for the contracted services budget, read the financial breakdown, and read comments provided by the CPRB.  Council Member Keegan shared worries about the CPRB using subpoena powers due to union and constitutional issues, noting her aspirations for the board to better coordinate their investigations with internal affairs.  Council Member Farrell noted her confusion on the CPRB’s budget asks.  Frederick explained how the CPRB’s budget asks differed from what was outlined in the budget book.  Council Member Farrell noted that the committee required a better understanding of the contracted services budget line after other expenses to better fit in the overall budget.  Council Member Frederick further explained their budget breakdown, illustrating the differences in the 2024 and 2025 fiscal year budgets for the CPRB.  City Clerk Jackson expressed the CPRB’s request to continue utilizing consultants, their role, and their costs.  Council Member Frederick noted that contracted services may be helpful until the board gains a Program Director.  City Clerk Jackson noted that the CPRB’s requests to simultaneously contract with the consultants and have a Program Director.  Council Member Farrell noted worries regarding prioritizing this ask over others, noting that the committee would need to return to this issue as the board gains staff.  Council Member Keegan discussed the amount of funding that could be shifted from the salary to contracted services line until the open positions are filled.  Council Member Frederick expressed that the committee will move onto discussing animal control licensing understanding that they will be pursing some increase to the contracted services line.  Council Member Frederick noted that Animal Control does not have access to the dog licensing platform that the city clerk has access to, creating an administrative hurdle for the department.  City Clerk Jackson explained the costs for associated licenses requested is for 5 additional platform users—3 officers and 2 supervisors.  Council Member Farrell expressed passion for better addressing the issues animal control has been facing.  Council Member Keegan noted that she wholeheartedly supported the funding, pointing out the low cost.  Council Member Adams noted he supported it as well, also discussing the low costs.  Council Member Frederick noted that the committee would be pursuing an amendment to support animal control’s access to the licensing system and adding support for a new Animal Control Officer position in the budget intent memo.  Council Member Frederick introduced the Clerk’s Office request for a furniture and fixtures increase.  City Clerk Jackson expressed changes in the original quote.  Council Member Frederick asked if there were additional requests.  City Clerk Jackson noted that there were originally additional costs to cover her office, however she would prefer for the funding to go towards her staff’s furniture.  Council Member Farrell noted that her support for these updates and including the Clerk’s office.  City Clerk Jackson noted that her office could wait, emphasizing the needs of the new staff for furniture.  Council Member Frederick noted that the committee will be pursuing an amendment for a City Clerk Office increase for furniture and fixtures.  Council Member Frederick asked Director Jimenez to provide copies of the violence prevention task force request.  Council Member Frederick moved onto discussing Albany Fire Department’s request for training funds.  Council Member Farrell mentioned that AFD themselves were unsure if they needed the funding.  Council Member Frederick noted that she received a request for $40k for trainings but she would like to request a further breakdown.  Council Member Keegan noted that their union does not often ask for anything so she assumes there is a legitimate need for access to training.  Council Member Frederick explained that they are not declining the request, they just would like to clarify more information.  Council Member Farrell commented that she agreed with both Council Members Keegan and Frederick, but she believes that there must be due diligence to collect information for the budget.  Council Member Frederick proceeded to discuss concerns from blue collar workers and their union contracts, noting the need for strong language regarding settlement within the budget intent memo.  Council Member Farrell supported including that language in the memo and shared her support of union members coming into advocate.  Council Member Frederick clarified a request of a $26,000 increase for the Violence Prevention Task Force from its coordinator, noting that they are not currently funded except for the program director.  City Clerk Jackson noted that the total requests were developed by the subcommittees of the task force.  Council Member Keegan asked about overlap in requests within the education and the informational resources.  Clerk explained the structure of the budget having been separated by subcommittee.  Council Member Keegan requested clarification regarding the miscellaneous budget line.  Council Member Frederick directed the committee to refer to the budget book where she noted the existing proposed budget, calculating that the request of $26,000 therefore the real additional cost of the request equaled $16,000.  City Clerk Jackson expressed the VPTF’s needs for additional equipment to ensure that they can livestream their meetings.  Council Member Adams asked if the Task Force could not use the PEG equipment to livestream.  Council Member Keegan explained that the request is likely for a laptop.  City Clerk Jackson expressed barriers to using current equipment.  Council Member Frederick reviewed the rest of the VPTF’s budget request.  Council Member Farrell expressed her support for this request.  Council Member Keegan expressed the need to consider increasing the budget for the task force to ensure the longevity and equitable compensation for the Task Force’s work.  Council Member Frederick shared being supportive the new funds and the future of possible stipends for task force members.  Council Member Frederick expressed her support of the funding and stated that the committee will pursue the increase of $16,000.  Council Member Frederick noted that she will continue to Ethics and Workforce audit funding.  Council Member Keegan asked if the Office of Audit and Control had funding within their contracted services line that could be used for the Ethics and Workforce Audit. She expressed a need to balance different budget requests and the importance of approaching related complaints.  Council Member Frederick shared that the committee is seeking clarification with Audit and Control Office to investigate if they have enough budgeted to act on this request.   Council Member Adams expressed his support for this funding over other requests, emphasizing that this requires immediate action.  Council Member Farrell expressed the importance of this funding and the lack of flexibility the committee has in allocating expenditures.  Council Member Keegan noted the need to prioritize requests and that there would be no way to clarify concerns until 2027 unless these funds are allocated.  Council Member Frederick thanked her for the clarification.  Council Member Frederick returned to discuss the proposed changes for the Office of City Clerk, noting that the office may require advocacy for salary increases.  Council Member Farrell expressed that salary ranges were adopted that department heads could give their staff raises without going through the budget process and expressed her support for City Clerk Jackson to do so.  Council Member Frederick noted the significant work conducted by City Clerk staff and proceeded to ask about additional discrepancies in the Contracted Service line request.  City Clerk Jackson expressed that the systems used for FOILs and licensure require payment for existing users and an additional 5% cost increase.  Council Member Frederick clarified the systems and the overall increases in fees  Council Member Farrell asked about bingo licensing.  City Clerk Jackson noted the lack of requests for bingo licenses.  City Clerk Jackson shared that her office accepts and processes passports.  Council Member Frederick asked the committee if there is any additional information that would support their conversation on housing and the Vacancy Study on the 13th.  Council Member Keegan shared her confusion regarding United Tenants Albany’s email because the methodology outlined in the original report. She additionally shared her concern about the Department of Neighborhood Services not being included in these conversations and her support for possibly revisiting this conversation in 2026.  Council Member Frederick asked Council Member Farrell about inviting the Department of Neighborhood Services to the upcoming Common Council caucus.  Council Member Farrell expressed that it may be helpful to have an in depth presentation how the study was conducted.  Council Member Frederick suggested inviting Neighborhood Services to the caucus to share additional information about their methodology and United Tenants Albany to break down their budget request at the next Finance, Assessment and Taxation meeting.  Council Member Adams expressed that the study would be best discussed with Neighborhood Services, illustrated worries about legal issues regarding the study, and noted that the study can be in the 2025 budget memo.  Council Member Keegan disputed common arguments regarding the length of the study.  Council Member Frederick reviewed what the committee will review in the upcoming meeting. Public Comment:  Canyon Ryan, 25 North Pine Ave, Albany NY—Support for an outsourced second vacancy study Adjourn: Council Member Adams moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Council Member Keegan and passed by voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 7:20PM. Respectfully Submitted, Alyssa Kamara Junior Policy Analyst Albany Common Council