Finance, Assessment and Taxation Committee

COMMON COUNCIL MEETING FINANCE, TAXATION AND ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE Sonia Frederick, Chair DATE: October 21, 2025 TIME: 5:30PM LOCATION: Council Chambers-2nd Floor, City Hall LIVESTREAM: YouTube— https://www.youtube.com/@albanycommoncouncil Facebook— https://www.facebook.com/albany.commoncouncil TOPIC(S) OF DISCUSSION: • Department of Neighborhood and Community Services Budget Presentations o Department of Community Services o Department of Planning and Development o Department of Buildings and Regulatory Compliance o Albany Community Development Agency • Ordinance 54.101.25 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING CERTAIN PURCHASES BY THE CITY OF ALBANY, NEW YORK AT A MAXIMUM ESTIMATED COST OF $250,000 AND AUTHORIZING THE LEASE FINANCING OR THE ISSUANCE OF $62,500 SERIAL BONDS OF SAID CITY TO PAY THE COST THEREOF (NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES – LINCOLN PARK CONNECTOR) • Ordinance 13.81.25 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NUMBER 46.102.23, WHICH AUTHORIZED CERTAIN PURCHASES BY THE CITY OF ALBANY, NEW YORK  AT A MAXIMUM ESTIMATED COST OF $600,000 AND AUTHORIZED THE LEASE FINANCING OR THE ISSUANCE OF $600,000 SERIAL BONDS OF SAID CITY TO PAY THE COST THEREOF (DGS – FUEL STORAGE & DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM) BY INCREASING SUCH AUTHORIZATION TO $800,000 • Ordinance 22.92.25 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF 27 ALEXANDER STREET (TAX MAP PARCEL NO. 76.65-1-62) TO ROSEMARY QUISPE • Resolution 121.101.25R A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL AUTHORIZING A PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING ACQUISITION BY EMINENT DOMAIN OF 502, 504, & 506 RAPP ROAD N FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A SOLID WASTE TRANSER STATION PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: YES Council Member Frederick, on behalf of the Finance, Taxation and Assessment Committee, introduced the following ORDINANCE 54.101.25 (MC) AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING CERTAIN PURCHASES BY THE CITY OF ALBANY, NEW YORK AT A MAXIMUM ESTIMATED COST OF $250,000 AND AUTHORIZING THE LEASE FINANCING OR THE ISSUANCE OF $62,500 SERIAL BONDS OF SAID CITY TO PAY THE COST THEREOF (NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES – LINCOLN PARK CONNECTOR) The City of Albany, in Common Council convened, does hereby ordain and enact: Section 1. The objects or purposes to be authorized and financed pursuant to this ordinance are set forth below, together with estimates of the maximum estimated costs thereof; determinations of the periods of probable usefulness thereof and the subparagraphs of Section 11.00(a) of the New York Local Finance Law pursuant to which it is determined; the maximum amount of the bonds to be issued with respect to such object or purpose and the maximum term of the obligations to be issued with respect to each project or purpose. Object or Purpose: Design of pedestrian connection between Lincoln Park and the Empire State Plaza complex. Local Finance Law Section 11(a) Clause: 62(a) Period of Probable Usefulness: 5 years Maximum Term of Obligations: 5 years Maximum Estimated Cost: $250,000 Maximum Amount of Bonds: $62,500 Account: 36010000.C602026102 Section 2. The plan of financing such objects or purposes is the lease financing of or the issuance of $62,500 serial bonds hereby authorized to be issued. Section 3. It is hereby ordered and directed that the projects specified above be undertaken and the amounts set forth as the maximum estimated costs are hereby appropriated therefor. The Board of Contract and Supply is hereby authorized to take such necessary and further steps to carry out the provisions of this section. Section 4. Pending the sale of the bonds herein authorized, the temporary use of funds from the City’s general fund, pursuant to the provisions of section 165.10 of the New York Local Finance Law, is hereby authorized. The City reasonably expects to reimburse such temporary expenditures with the proceeds of the bonds or bond anticipation notes authorized by Section 1 of this ordinance. This ordinance shall constitute the City’s “official intent” to reimburse such temporary expenditures in accordance with Untied States Treasury Regulation section 1.150-2. Section 5. The faith and credit of the City of Albany, New York, are hereby irrevocably pledged for the payment of the principal of and interest on such leases or bonds as the same respectively become due and payable. An annual appropriation shall be made in each year sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on such leases or bonds becoming due and payable in such year and such debt service payments may be made in substantially level or declining amounts as may be authorized by law. There shall annually be levied on all taxable real property of said City, a tax sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on such leases or bonds as the same become due and payable. Section 6. Subject to the provisions of the New York Local Finance Law, the power to authorize the issuance of and to sell bond anticipation notes in anticipation of the issuance and sale of the serial bonds herein authorized, including renewals of such notes, is hereby delegated in the City Treasurer, as chief fiscal officer of the City of Albany. Such notes shall be of such terms, form and contents, and shall be sold in such manner, as may be prescribed by said City Treasurer, consistent with the provisions of Local Finance Law. Section 7. The City Treasurer is further authorized to take such actions and execute such documents as may be necessary to ensure the continued status of the interest on the leases or bonds authorized by this resolution and any notes issued in anticipation thereof, as excludable from federal income taxation pursuant to Section 103 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and to designate the bonds authorized by this resolution, and any notes issued in anticipation thereof as “qualified tax-exempt bonds” in accordance with Section 265(b)(3)(B)(i) of the Code. Section 8. The City Treasurer is further authorized to enter into a continuing disclosure agreement with the initial issuer of the leases or the purchaser of the bonds or notes authorized by this resolution, containing provisions which are satisfactory to such purchaser in compliance with the provisions of Rule 15c12-12, promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. Section 9. The validity of such leases or bonds and bond anticipation notes may be contested only if: (a) Such obligations are authorized for an object or purpose for which said City is not authorized to expend money, or (b) The provisions of law which should be complied with at the date of publication of this ordinance pursuant to Section 8 hereof are not substantially complied with, and an action, suit or proceeding contesting such validity is commenced within twenty days after the date of such publication, or  (c) Such obligations are authorized in violation of the provisions of the Constitution. Section 10. Upon this ordinance taking effect, the Clerk of the Common Council is hereby authorized and directed to publish the same together with a notice in substantially the form set forth in section 81.00 of the New York Local Finance Law. Section 11. It is hereby determined that except as hereinafter specified, the authority and funding of the projects aforesaid constitute either unlisted or Type II actions under the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder having no adverse effect upon the environment. Section 12. This ordinance shall be dated October 1, 2025, and shall take effect immediately upon passage. APPROVED AS TO FORM THIS 1ST DAY OF OCTOBER, 2025 _______________________________ Corporation Counsel Council Member Frederick, on behalf of the Committee on Finance, Assessment, and Taxation, introduced the following: ORDINANCE 13.81.25 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NUMBER 46.102.23, WHICH AUTHORIZED CERTAIN PURCHASES BY THE CITY OF ALBANY, NEW YORK AT A MAXIMUM ESTIMATED COST OF $600,000 AND AUTHORIZED THE LEASE FINANCING OR THE ISSUANCE OF $600,000 SERIAL BONDS OF SAID CITY TO PAY THE COST THEREOF (DGS – FUEL STORAGE & DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM) BY INCREASING SUCH AUTHORIZATION TO $800,000 The City of Albany, in Common Council Convened, does hereby ordain and enact: Section 1. Sections 1 and 2 of Ordinance 46.102.23, passed by the Common Council on November 6, 2023, are hereby amended to read as follows: Section 1. The objects or purposes to be authorized and financed pursuant to this ordinance are set forth below, together with estimates of the maximum estimated costs thereof; determinations of the periods of probable usefulness thereof and the subparagraphs of Section 11.00(a) of the New York Local Finance Law pursuant to which it is determined; the maximum amount of the bonds to be issued with respect to such object or purpose and the maximum term of the obligations to be issued with respect to each project or purpose: Object or Purpose: Replacement of fuel storage and distribution system at DGS Local Finance Law Section 11(a) Clause: (32) Period of Probable Usefulness: 5 years Maximum Term of Obligations: 5 years Maximum Estimated Cost: $600,000 $800,000 Maximum Amount of Bonds: $600,000 $800,000 Treasurer’s Project Number(s): GH.1494.5010.9423 Section 2. The plan of financing such objects or purposes is the lease financing of or the issuance of $600,000 $800,000 serial bonds hereby authorized to be issued. Section 2. Ordinance 46.102.23, as herein amended, is hereby ratified, continued, and approved. Section 3. This ordinance shall take effect immediately. APPROVED AS TO FORM THIS 25TH DAY OF JULY, 2025 ______________________________ Corporation Counsel To: Shaniqua Jackson, City Clerk From: Brett Williams, Esq., Deputy Corporation Counsel Re: Common Council Legislation Supporting Memorandum Date: July 24, 2025 Sponsor: Council Member Frederick o/b/o Finance Committee ORDINANCE 13.81.25 TITLE AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NUMBER 46.102.23, WHICH AUTHORIZED CERTAIN PURCHASES BY THE CITY OF ALBANY, NEW YORK AT A MAXIMUM ESTIMATED COST OF $600,000 AND AUTHORIZED THE LEASE FINANCING OR THE ISSUANCE OF $600,000 SERIAL BONDS OF SAID CITY TO PAY THE COST THEREOF (DGS – FUEL STORAGE & DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM) BY INCREASING SUCH AUTHORIZATION TO $800,000 GENERAL PURPOSE OF LEGISLATION The fuel system used by all City agencies is in need of replacement. This project was originally appropriate as part of the 2024 City budget. The original estimate for a full system replacement was conducted in the third quarter of 2023. Since that time, the amount needed to complete the project has increased by $200,000, due to time, inflation, and other factors. NECESSITY FOR LEGISLATION AND ANY CHANGE TO EXISTING LAW Ordinances, including those authorizing bond debt, can only be amended by subsequent ordinance. FISCAL IMPACT The issuance of an additional $200,000 in debt will result in increased debt service costs of approximately $20,000 annually in future fiscal years. Council Member Johnson introduced the following: ORDINANCE 22.92.25 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF 27 ALEXANDER STREET (TAX MAP PARCEL NO. 76.65-1-62) TO ROSEMARY QUISPE The City of Albany, in Common Council convened, does hereby ordain and enact: Section 1. It is hereby ordered and directed that all the right, title, and interest of the City of Albany in and to the 0.03± acre parcel known as 27 Alexander Street, also identified as tax map parcel number 76.65-1-62, be sold at private sale, pursuant to the provisions of Local Law 4 of 1984 to the Albany Housing Authority; SUBJECT to all easements, restrictions, and rights-of-way of record. Section 2. It is hereby determined that the aforesaid property has been abandoned for municipal or public purposes. Section 3. The form, content, terms, and conditions, of such conveyance shall be approved by the Corporation Counsel and shall be subject to approval by the Board of Estimate and Apportionment, and if approved by the said Board, the Mayor is hereby authorized and directed to execute a proper deed of conveyance for valuable consideration. Section 4. This ordinance shall take effect immediately. APPROVED AS TO FORM THIS 4TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2025 _____________________________ Corporation Counsel To: Shaniqua Jackson, City Clerk From: Brett Williams, Esq., Deputy Corporation Counsel Re: Common Council Legislation Supporting Memorandum Date: September 4, 2025 Sponsor: Council Member Johnson ORDINANCE 22.92.25 TITLE AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF 27 ALEXANDER STREET (TAX MAP PARCEL NO. 76.65-1-62) TO ROSEMARY QUISPE GENERAL PURPOSE OF THE LEGISLATION Rosemary Quispe owns the adjacent lot 25 Alexander Street and wishes to obtain 27 Alexander Street, a vacant parcel, to care for and improve the property. NECESSITY FOR LEGISLATION Sale of City-owned property requires Common Council approval. FISCAL IMPACT Ms. Quispe obtained an appraisal of the property, which values it at $6,500. Council Member Clarke introduced the following: RESOLUTION 121.101.25R A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL AUTHORIZING A PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING ACQUISITION BY EMINENT DOMAIN OF 502, 504, & 506 RAPP ROAD N FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A SOLID WASTE TRANSER STATION WHEREAS, the City of Albany is considering the use of eminent domain to acquire certain real property located at 502, 504, and 506 Rapp Road N. in the City of Albany for the construction of a solid waste transfer facility; and WHEREAS, Article 2 of the New York State Eminent Domain Procedure Law requires that a Public Hearing be held to consider the acquisition of such property by eminent domain; and WHEREAS, the purpose of the hearing is to outline the public purpose of the Project, describe the public need for the Project, and show its proposed location, provide other pertinent information, and to assess the impact of the acquisition on the environment and the residents prior to acquisition of the Property; and WHEREAS, the proposed acquisition map and public use report are available for public inspection at the City Clerk's Office Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. through 4:00 p.m., by appointment only; and WHEREAS, for over a decade, the City has been in discussion with the property owners about the City’s interest in acquiring the properties, which are located adjacent to the City’s existing landfill; and WHEREAS, on April 4, 2024, the City entered into an Agreement for Right of First Refusal with the property owners whereby the City paid the property owners $60,000 to obtain the right of first refusal in the event a third party was interested in purchasing the properties and for the right to conduct inspections and sampling of the properties; and WHEREAS, such informal discussions with the property owners regarding the City’s acquisition of title to the properties have not been successful and necessitate the City commencing an eminent domain proceeding; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that a public hearing be scheduled on November 3, 2025 commencing at 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible, to inform the public, determine and consider the need and location of the proposed acquisition, to review the public use to be served, and to assess the impact of the acquisition on the environment and the residents prior to acquisition of the Property; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all persons having an interest in the acquisition are to be invited to attend the hearing and/or to give oral or written statements and to submit other documents concerning the proposed acquisition that evening; and  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Clerk is directed to publish the notice required by section 202 of the Eminent Domain Procedure Law for the hearing in the Times Union at least ten (10) days but no more than thirty (30) days prior to the Public Hearing in five (5) successive issues; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Clerk is to mail individual Notices of Public Hearing to each of the assessment record billing owners by regular mail and certified mail, return receipt requested at least ten (10) but no more than thirty (30) days prior to such Public Hearing. To: Shaniqua Jackson, City Clerk From: Brett Williams, Deputy Corporation Counsel Re: Common Council Legislation Supporting Memorandum Date: September 4, 2025 Sponsor: Council Member Clarke RESOLUTION 121.101.25R TITLE A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL AUTHORIZING A PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING ACQUISITION BY EMINENT DOMAIN OF 502, 504, & 506 RAPP ROAD N. FOR CONSTRUCTION OF SOLID WASTE TRANSER STATION GENERAL PURPOSE OF LEGISLATION The City has been in discussions with the owners of 502, 504, and 506 Rapp Road N, which the City needs to acquire as part of its project to build a transfer station adjacent to the current landfill. Since these negotiations have not proved fruitful, the City is considering the use of eminent domain to obtain the properties. This resolution, which schedules a public hearing regarding the use of eminent domain, begins the process. NECESSITY FOR LEGISLATION AND ANY CHANGE TO EXISTING LAW The Common Council must pass a resolution scheduling the public hearing, which is required by the Eminent Domain Procedure Law. FISCAL IMPACT None, beyond the cost of publishing the requisite notice in the newspaper.