Public Safety Committee

ALBANY COMMON COUNCIL PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MINUTES Thomas Hoey, Chair Meeting called by: Thomas Hoey, Chair | Date: February 5, 2023 | Time: 6:15 PM Committee Members Present: Hoey, Chair ☒ | Balarin ☒ | Flynn ☒ | Frederick ☒ | Kimbrough ☒ Council Members Present: Council President Ellis, Johnson, Love City Personnel Present: Shaniqua Jackson (City Clerk), Jake Eisland (Research Counsel), Bryan Jimenez (Senior Legislative Aide), Juliette Geraghty (Junior Legislative Aide), Max Thierry (Junior Policy Analyst) Minutes Topic(s) of Discussion:  RESOLUTION 9.12.24R (MC) A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL RECOGNIZING INCREASED VIOLENCE IN THE CITY OF ALBANY AND REAFFIRMING THE COUNCIL’S COMMITMENT TO A PERMANENT END TO VIOLENCE IN OUR COMMUNITIES Discussion  The Chair called the meeting to order and introduced Resolution 9.12.24R (MC) as the topic of discussion. He discussed the upcoming schedule of meetings regarding the resolution.  Resolution 9.12.24R (MC)  The Chair recognized Councilmember Love. o Councilmember Love said that the language in the resolution was a start. She said that she would like to see input from Albany Police Chief Hawkins, Assemblymember Fahy, and Assemblymember McDonald before passage.  The Chair thanked Councilmember Love and recognized Councilmember Johnson. o Councilmember Johnson spoke on the Council’s passage of Resolution 84.81.23R as a call to address quality of life issues in the City. He said that he was looking for language that would shift conversations with the Albany Police Department and constituents beyond talk of national trends and individuals involved in violent crime knowing one another. He said that he was looking for a more hopeful resolution. o Councilmember Hoey asked Councilmember Johnson whether he thought it made sense in include language from Resolution 84.81.23R in the new resolution, to which Councilmember Johnson responded that it would be a start. He spoke on the need for follow-through by City officials and shared personal experiences. o Councilmember Hoey spoke on the need to revisit previously held public safety legislation. o Councilmember Johnson thanked the Chair.  The Chair recognized Council President Ellis.  o Council President Ellis asked councilmembers about the intended recipient of the resolution, to which Councilmember Hoey responded. o Council President Ellis suggested that the Council follow up on the actions suggested by Resolution 84.81.23R. o Councilmember Hoey spoke on the content of both resolutions.  The Chair recognized Councilmember Frederick. o Councilmember Frederick spoke on the desire to both tie the resolution to previous actions taken by the Council and point toward future actions by the City.  The Chair thanked Councilmember Frederick and recognized Councilmember Flynn. o Councilmember Flynn spoke on the need to add more substance to the legislation.  The Chair recognized Councilmember Love. o Councilmember Love spoke on the need to include Albany County officials in discussions.  The Chair recognized Councilmember Balarin. o Councilmember Balarin spoke on the need to address issues at the state level, including bail reform. He said that he would like to see data on how many individuals involved in violent crimes were benefitted by recent state legislative changes. He said that if the data showed no link between justice-involved individuals and certain crimes committed at a later date, the conversation needed to shift to addressing mental health issues that contribute to interpersonal violence, with a focus on violence prevention.  The Chair thanked Councilmember Balarin and spoke on Resolution 84.81.23R.  The Chair asked whether committee members had any further questions. Adjourn: The Chair adjourned the meeting at 6:33 PM. Respectfully Submitted, Max Thierry Junior Policy Analyst Albany Common Council