[0:16] Hello, everyone. Good evening. Welcome to the Monday, August 3rd, planning, economic development and land use meeting. I'm Deborah Zamer, the chair. We are joined by committee members, Tom Holy, a fatal dollar in, limanzo Jones, Arthur Lumpkin, our staff, Brian Hemenez, Carly Johnson, Robert Winner.

[0:41] And we have two items on the agenda tonight.

[0:47] First is there any public comment, Carly?

[0:53] So our first item we're going to take up is resolution.

[0:57] I got everybody introduced.

[1:01] Our first item is resolution 78, 72, 26 are a resolution

[1:07] of the Common Council consenting to the re-appointment of Serena White Lake to the board of

[1:13] zoning appeals. We are joined by Ms. White Lake. Would you mind coming up and having a seat?

[1:40] Thank you for taking the time to come in this evening. If you wouldn't mind just giving us sort of

[1:48] a brief introduction, how your time has been on the board of zoning appeals and why you would like

[1:54] to continue with your work.

[1:58] Hi, I'm Serena Joyce White Lake from City of Albany.

[2:02] I've been a member of the Board of Zoning of Pills since 2017.

[2:06] And I enjoy serving on the board

[2:10] because we make important decisions

[2:12] about giving variances to different businesses

[2:15] or entrepreneurs or homeowners

[2:18] who want to build an area or they need a variance

[2:22] for many different reasons.

[2:24] and we as a board have been able to work together,

[2:27] we usually, and effectively, we've been able to give the minimum

[2:32] variance that is being requested.

[2:36] And I feel as though I'm fulfilling my duty as a resident of the city

[2:41] of Albany who cares deeply about where I live.

[2:44] I've learned a lot about the USDO and the code learned a lot about zoning

[2:51] and the rules and regulations that help shape Albany.

[2:57] And I have enjoyed working with the staff

[3:00] and my colleagues on the board.

[3:03] I'm a attorney and still I've been able to use the skills

[3:06] that I have acquired over the years

[3:08] in order to analyze the applications

[3:10] that come before the board.

[3:13] And I enjoy the public comment

[3:16] and the discussions that we have.

[3:19] And I feel like, when I'm walking around the city, I can see our impact.

[3:23] I can see, okay, this is a sign that, you know, we discuss as part of our deliberations.

[3:30] I see, you know, new development in the area.

[3:33] I see the changes, and I see that the way that the U.S.

[3:36] The O.S. being followed and it's impact in our city.

[3:40] And so, though they're the main reasons why I want to continue to serve the city as a member

[3:44] of the Board of Zoning.

[3:45] Thank you.

[3:48] Thank you very much. Any committee members have a question? Council member Holy.

[5:13] Thank you. Any other questions?

[5:21] I'll just ask you briefly if you don't mind.

[5:26] What for your next term? Do you have a challenge or a goal or something that you are hoping for?

[5:37] to accomplish that either hasn't been wasn't finished yet in your first term or might possibly

[5:46] in the future require some policy change, some lodging, I don't mean to put you on the spot.

[5:52] I can always get back to me about it, but if there is anything I'd be curious to hear.

[5:58] Well, I feel as though the board has been operating very effectively, so let's say,

[6:03] In terms of going forward, now that I've been on for several years, I'm definitely more confident when it comes to asking drilling questions of the applicants to come before us because they do submit their presentation beforehand and then we review it beforehand.

[6:21] But sometimes when they're in the hot seat, right, they can kind of clam up a little bit.

[6:26] And I think it's important to, while the public is in attendance and while we're live streaming and all of that,

[6:34] to make them explain, even if they're explaining it again, in the public forum, why they need this variant,

[6:42] and making them go through each of the considerations that they take.

[6:45] Because in the past, I've kind of just, um,

[6:52] project, but I think it is important to make them say it again in the public forum.

[6:59] And so I think that going forward, I will continue to have our do more in terms of asking

[7:04] more of those specific drilling questions for our applicants during our meetings, our BVA meetings.

[7:12] Thank you.

[7:13] No, that's a great answer.

[7:14] I mean, it's basically what you're saying is you need the experience of a term in order

[7:21] to know sort of what direction to go, and the right things to ask and how to ask them.

[7:26] So thank you, we appreciate your service.

[7:31] Thank you very much for your time. Thank you. We're also joined by council member, Sergio Adams.

[7:38] Sergio, I know you're just coming in, but do you have a question at this point from his white lake?

[7:55] Good evening. Thank you, Ms. Lake. We're joining us. Thank you for your continued service on serving on the board of zoning appeals.

[8:02] My question refers to the upcoming meetings for the BZA and the meeting minutes.

[8:12] So when the meeting minutes and stuff are recorded,

[8:17] the person who's in charge of that

[8:19] does that are those meetings shared with the group before they go out or do you get to review anything

[8:25] before those meeting minutes go out?

[8:26] Yes, so yes, the staff, they're very, very good about providing the minutes from the meeting, they give us a chance to review and make sure, you know, if there are

[8:39] Corrections that need to be made we're able to tell them that and then we review the minutes and have a of a vote to

[8:47] approve those minutes

[8:50] In person at the meeting. So they do a very very good job of that we haven't had any issues since I've been on the board

[8:56] with respect to the minute.

[8:57] I think maybe one time someone was marked absent.

[9:00] When they were actually the abstaining,

[9:02] I think they had to abstain from a vote

[9:04] and they were, they had to correct that.

[9:06] But other than that, which was easily corrected,

[9:08] there hasn't been any issues with the minutes.

[9:11] And I do want to take a chance to say that.

[9:13] I do really value the help of the BVA staff.

[9:19] They also spend a lot of time on their recommendations.

[9:22] And I can tell that they're extremely thorough.

[9:25] they bring their expertise, they go through their recommendations during the meeting, they take

[9:31] our questions, but they definitely defer to us in terms of our decisions on the application.

[9:37] So the BBA staff has been very effective in terms of drafting minutes, drafting recommendations,

[9:42] listening to our questions and helping to applicants during the process.

[9:45] Thank you for their response.

[9:47] Final question in the last year, have you seen an increase in the amount of applications that

[9:52] have come in or do you see a increase in a foreseeable future as to applications come in

[9:58] for this upcoming year?

[10:02] Yeah, I would say I've kind of seen a decrease I would say.

[10:07] We see familiar faces, so a lot of the same developer coming in.

[10:12] But I've seen a noticeable decrease in the applications.

[10:15] I think part of that might have to do with, again, the effective work of staff, where they are working with the applicants before they go before us.

[10:21] way they have a full application package and they don't have to go back and we have to table

[10:26] their applications because they don't have everything that they need for their presentation.

[10:31] So I think that we've made the process a lot more streamlined and so the meetings actually run

[10:37] better and when applicants do come before us they have a full application they're ready to present

[10:44] and they've done their due diligence with the help of the staff. Thank you for your responses.

[10:51] I'll give you my questions.

[10:56] And if there are no further questions?

[11:00] Okay, thank you so much for your time.

[11:08] Thank you.

[11:10] Thank you.

[11:13] Is there a motion to move resolution?

[11:17] Tom?

[11:17] Yeah, I think a motion there.

[11:22] I'll do the presentation.

[11:25] Second.

[11:27] Sorry, who second did?

[11:28] Okay, Council Member Baller in second, all in favor, I, any opposed, any abstentions.

[11:38] Okay, Resolution 78-72-26R has been moved out of committee with a unanimous favourable

[11:45] recommendation.

[11:53] Okay, moving on to our next item, which is Resolution 79-72-26R, a resolution of the Common Council

[12:01] consenting to the appointment of Celeste Knight to the Board of Zoning Appeals, Ms. Knight, would you

[12:08] mind joining us up here? Thank you.

[12:23] Thank you for joining us. If you wouldn't mind, would

[12:25] you just take a moment to introduce yourself and tell us why you would like to continue serving

[12:32] on the Board of Zoning. Oh, you're new. There is sorry. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. Yes. Yes. Yes.

[12:38] I know. My apologies. So okay, a full introduction and please give us some indication as to why you would like to serve.

[12:48] My name is Celeste Knight. I am a lifelong Albany resident.

[12:54] I currently work for the New York State Senate. I've been there for just about 30 years in various capacities.

[13:02] I served as the ward leader.

[13:06] I've been the State Committee person for my district,

[13:09] so I've been very active in the community in Albany for over 20 years.

[13:17] The reason that I want to serve, I think I bring a unique perspective.

[13:21] Being that I've seen what Albany was, I've seen what Albany became,

[13:27] I've seen what Albany is, and I definitely know what Albany can become.

[13:32] I would like to work with this administration as I trust this administration to move the city forward and the direction that we need to go in.

[13:41] I think that we need a perspective on the board because we get a lot of pushback about redevelopment.

[13:50] And I don't think we see all the time both sides of the argument, not necessarily that's an argument, but both sides of the issue.

[13:58] And I think that I can just be fair, I am not a little greater, so I'm a type of person

[14:05] that follows the law to the T. So I think that just having someone who will follow the

[14:11] letter of the law, somebody who will look at both sides fairly,

[14:19] I think I can bring that

[14:20] the table and serve in that capacity.

[14:28] Well, thank you so much, I mean, obviously, I thought you may already be serving because

[14:35] you are well known in the community, you obviously, given a lot of service to the city

[14:43] and we appreciate it.

[14:44] Are there any questions from committee members?

[14:49] Council Member Ballern.

[14:51] Thank you, sir. I just wanted to thank you for your willingness to take this on and all the work that you've done for our city 12 years.

[14:59] It is truly appreciate.

[15:01] What are your knowledge and experience of what are some thoughts that you have regarding? I was prone to zoning policies

[15:09] and how they should be implemented as we look to grow and give our city the best opportunity as we move forward?

[15:18] But when it comes to zone and I think it is actually a case by case, you have to look at each case differently because we've got a variety of different neighborhoods and communities in the city of Albany.

[15:34] So I don't think that there's like a blanket answer.

[15:37] I believe in redevelopment, I would love to see reinvestment in the communities.

[15:44] Like I said, I've seen a flourishing south end since I've been living in Oregon.

[15:51] I've seen the Henry Johnson corridor flourishing and vibrant since I've been here.

[15:57] So I know what it can become, I know what it has been, and I think I'm very open to all

[16:08] the opportunities that it will present in terms of job growth, economic development, bringing tourism

[16:16] to the city of Albany. There's a variety of things that can happen in possibilities that are

[16:22] on the horizon. And I think if we just deal fairly with the people that are coming and not

[16:28] treat everybody like an outsider, but rather what's the benefit for the city of Albany. So I think

[16:35] to put up things from that perspective. Thank you. Thank you again for all of you don't

[16:40] force it. You welcome.

[16:44] For the questions?

[16:50] Well, seeing none. Do you have any questions for us

[16:54] before we let you return to your seat? No, I'm very familiar with the board.

[17:03] Okay. Well, thank

[17:04] you appreciate your time. Absolutely thank you so much. And with that, Council Member Lumpian,

[17:11] I believe.

[17:22] Second.

[17:23] Second, from Council Member Adams, all in favor.

[17:28] Aye.

[17:29] Any opposed?

[17:30] Any abstentions?

[17:32] Okay.

[17:33] Resolution 79, 72, 26, R has been moved out of committee with a unanimous positive recommendation

[17:39] congratulations.

[17:40] Thank you.

[17:49] Seeing no more businesses, is there any discussion by the motion to adjourn?

[17:56] Second.

[17:57] I'll in favor, meeting adjourn, thank you very much everyone.

[1:02:52] Good evening everyone.

[1:02:56] Welcome to caucus. I'm fine if you could go through the roll and say who's here to be wonderful.

[1:03:05] Addams.

[1:03:09] Anane.

[1:03:12] Present.

[1:03:13] Brody Ferrell.

[1:03:16] Flynn.

[1:03:20] Johnson.

[1:03:22] Jones.

[1:03:22] Present.

[1:03:24] Keegan.

[1:03:25] Here.

[1:03:26] Lumpkin.

[1:03:27] Present.

[1:03:27] Powell.

[1:03:28] Here.

[1:03:29] Robinson.

[1:03:31] Williamson.

[1:03:32] Present.

[1:03:33] Zamer.

[1:03:35] Here.

[1:03:36] All of them present.

[1:03:36] We're also joined by a city clerks in the projects and senior assistant corporation council

[1:03:40] Martha Mahoney, Legislative Director of Rhinomeness, Council and Director of Policy

[1:03:43] Robert Winner, junior policy and list, Carly Johnson.

[1:03:49] Thank you so much.

[1:03:52] So, we will go through the agenda.

[1:03:57] All of our local laws will be held this evening.

[1:04:02] We do have minutes, Carly, which minute?

[1:04:07] we have the minutes from July 25th

[1:04:14] that will be passing and then in ordinances introduced we have

[1:04:20] from councilmember balleron ordinance 1581-26 which will go to the law committee that is in ordinance

[1:04:27] amending article five domestic partnerships of chapter 245 of the code of city of Albany in

[1:04:33] relation to updating the fee and documentation requirements for domestic partnerships.

[1:04:38] Is that anything you want to say anything about Councilmember Rowland?

[1:04:41] We'll be discussing it in committee.

[1:04:44] And that came to us via our clerk and our council kind of updating things to ensure that our fee structure is fair,

[1:04:57] but also bringing in revenue to appreciate.

[1:05:01] And the rest of the ordinances will be held and resolutions introduced from Councilmember Jones,

[1:05:06] Resolution 82-81-26R, a resolution of the Common Council recognizing and celebrating my

[1:05:14] and our culture and expressing support for the capital, and I'm not going to try to pronounce

[1:05:20] that apologies to anyone who is here for that festival on August 15, 2026, is that something

[1:05:26] everybody would like to be co-sponsors on. That looks like that is an all-play, and did you

[1:05:37] want to say anything on that right now, Council Member Jones? And are there people here from

[1:05:42] that? Should we take that out of order?

[1:05:45] That's not like it. I'll check in later. From Council Member

[1:05:56] Medicaid and Medicare. Is that something we would all like to be co-sponsors on?

[1:06:03] Art's like, yes.

[1:06:07] That will, everyone will be voting on that. Council Member

[1:06:09] Valorant did you want to say anything about that?

[1:06:14] Next from Council Member Robinson,

[1:06:16] Resolution 84, 81, 26 are a resolution honoring the life and legacy of Nathaniel.

[1:06:23] Colleem and renaming a portion of Henry Johnson Boulevard in his honor that will go to

[1:06:28] Council Member Lumpkin, resolution 85, 81, 26, are a resolution that comes in Council honoring

[1:06:33] the lives and legacies of George and Helen Torian.

[1:06:37] And we're naming, of course, the 10th for a place in their honor that will go to general services.

[1:06:40] Did you want to say anything about that at this time?

[1:06:42] No, it's just fine.

[1:06:43] Thank you.

[1:06:44] Next, from me, resolution 86, 81, 26, are, which is impacting salaries and positions that is for the

[1:06:56] register our vital statistics, that will be assigned to finance, so we will discuss that in committee.

[1:07:05] Next from Councilmember Keegan, resolution 87-81-26R, a resolution that comes in Council.

[1:07:12] We're requesting the City of Albany's budget office to provide various documents to allow for a sound review of the

[1:07:17] 2027 proposed budget. That was something that was discussed before it was introduced in committee. Did you want to say anything

[1:07:23] and that comes from Brickigan.

[1:07:25] Yeah, I mean, this is just sort of minor change to how we...

[1:07:30] Conduct the budget process so rather than asking for a whole slew of documents after the budget's been announced, we are requesting those upfront so that hopefully we can have them by the end of September so that we have those documents in hand as we're debating the budget is coming fall. Thank you.

[1:07:54] And do any council members have any questions on that?

[1:07:59] We did discuss it in committee, but as it didn't go through the general committee process,

[1:08:04] it doesn't have to as a resolution, but I figured I could give an opportunity.

[1:08:09] Excellent.

[1:08:10] And for anybody that is interested that's listening, you're welcome to go back and watch the finance committee meeting where we discuss that in depth.

[1:08:18] So we'll be voting on that this evening.

[1:08:20] Next, from Councilmember Zamer, Resolution 88-81-26R,

[1:08:24] a Resolution Common Council can send to the appointment

[1:08:27] of Chester Bennett to the Albany Parking Authority

[1:08:30] Board of Directors that will go to planning

[1:08:32] did you want to say anything on that?

[1:08:35] Thank you.

[1:08:36] Members, Zamer.

[1:08:37] Resolution is held from Councilmember Zamer,

[1:08:41] a Resolution 78-72-26R, a Resolution consenting

[1:08:46] to the reappointment of Serena White Lake

[1:08:48] to the Board of Zoning Appeals that passed through

[1:08:51] with a positive recommendation this evening?

[1:08:54] Yes, unanimous positive recommendation.

[1:08:57] And we'll be going right into

[1:08:59] from Councilman for the name of Resolution 79, 72, 26

[1:09:02] are Resolution the Common Council of Consenting

[1:09:04] to the appointment of Celeste Knights,

[1:09:06] the Board of Zoning Appeals,

[1:09:07] which was also discussed this evening.

[1:09:08] And it was also voted out

[1:09:10] with a unanimous favorable recommendation.

[1:09:13] Excellent.

[1:09:14] So we will be voting on that this evening as well.

[1:09:25] The

[1:09:36] leadership meeting last week with the mayor's office, we discussed speedhumps and requested

[1:09:48] that we potentially have someone come in and just have a broader discussion about that.

[1:09:53] As we all know, because of fiscal situations, we're not doing speedhumps this year, which we all totally understand,

[1:10:00] but wanted to have a more full conversation on that and what the best process would be moving

[1:10:07] forward because I'm sure everyone is getting the same request that we have gotten and just to

[1:10:14] kind of figure out how to navigate that as council members and advocates and really speak

[1:10:18] to our constituents. So we'll be working with the mayor's office and that we might be doing that

[1:10:24] in a general services committee meeting that might be the best spot for it because we could have

[1:10:28] more in depth discussion that way, so if that's something that is impacting you

[1:10:33] stay tuned and we can kind of circle back with that once that's together.

[1:10:39] We checked in on the hiring freeze for the city, we are still in a hiring freeze

[1:10:45] however as before any essential positions they are hiring for, so I know that we've

[1:10:52] gotten pretty much everybody has gotten a lot of requests and discussion

[1:10:57] And about engineering and there's a lot of vacancies there, they are still actively recruiting

[1:11:07] for that.

[1:11:08] And they actually said, at this stage, they've done a lot of things and they've also asked

[1:11:16] council members if anybody is aware of engineers that might be willing to work for the

[1:11:20] city, please have them apply.

[1:11:25] They are gearing up for the mid-year report so we expect to have a more full discussion

[1:11:33] after August 15th on that.

[1:11:37] We did discuss the capital city collective and making sure that there was an appropriate

[1:11:42] council voice involved in that and said that once that was together we would happily promote

[1:11:49] that and work on getting that to constituents.

[1:12:00] They are in the next phase of budget.

[1:12:05] So when they were going through the budget process,

[1:12:08] the first stage was operational to see where

[1:12:12] the operational needs were, where the cost

[1:12:15] were, the second stage was staffing.

[1:12:18] So they've been trying to do a granular look

[1:12:21] And then take a step back to a broader look to see how services can be shared, what can

[1:12:28] be kind of brought together.

[1:12:31] And then now they're in the last phase, which is the capital phase to kind of get that

[1:12:35] five-year capital plan together and check in on the past plans to see what next steps are.

[1:12:41] So those are the high-level pieces that they will be talking way more in-depth and committee

[1:12:46] on.

[1:12:47] Come to remember, Keegan.

[1:12:49] Do you know if they're going to send us back, like a fully flushed out budget for the council

[1:12:54] because I know we submitted documentation, but it's not the way it's submitted is necessarily laid out

[1:13:01] the way we typically see it so we can ensure everything translated.

[1:13:07] I believe we're going, there's another meeting with them, Brian, is that accurate?

[1:13:13] I believe so. I'm looking for the calendar invite right now. I think that might be the August 20th.

[1:13:21] Okay. Yeah, so there's there's additional meetings on it. It is a new process.

[1:13:26] Yeah, I just wanted to make sure that the pieces that we put together and submitted earlier and July translated properly to whatever this new format is.

[1:13:37] We will see.

[1:13:45] So those are the high points of things to anybody. We still have about 15 minutes. Does anybody have anything that they'd like to discuss?

[1:13:56] Council member, and also I should not happy birthday Council member Keegan.

[1:14:00] On that note, I made cake tennis in the back, since I'm going to be here when it's normally time for a studio cake.

[1:14:12] So, please, please feel free to go get a piece cake.

[1:14:20] Thank you very much and we appreciate you bringing in a cake for your own birthday.

[1:14:24] Very fine.

[1:14:30] Was there anything else that anybody wanted to bring up?

[1:14:42] That's not appropriate for this place.

[1:14:45] You're welcome to talk to him offline on that.

[1:14:50] We appreciate that.

[1:14:52] Is there anything else Council related?

[1:14:56] Now, with that, please feel free to stretch your-

[1:15:19] Thank

[1:15:22] you very much. I would like to note that it is actually in our rules, that no one is supposed to come on the other side of the council.

[1:15:32] defense unless they are speaking public comment. We obviously are relaxed in that in some ways,

[1:15:38] but it is, there are, we have had, there are reasons why those rules are there, unfortunately.

[1:15:44] So if you could respect that, and our staff is very happy to disseminate any information.

[1:15:51] Anything else? Then we will allow caucus to fade and we will re-adjurn in seven o'clock.

[1:28:57] Okay, is now 7 p.m. welcome to the Albany Common Council's Monday, August 3rd, 2026 meeting.

[1:29:08] Adam Putz, please call the roll.

[1:29:09] Addams.

[1:29:11] Pleasant.

[1:29:11] Anani.

[1:29:13] Valorant.

[1:29:14] Pleasant.

[1:29:15] Brody.

[1:29:16] Pleasant. Farrow.

[1:29:17] Here.

[1:29:18] Glenn.

[1:29:23] Holy.

[1:29:25] Pleasant.

[1:29:26] Pleasant.

[1:29:27] Keegan.

[1:29:29] Here.

[1:29:31] Excuse me, Jones.

[1:29:32] Pleasant.

[1:29:33] Lumpkin.

[1:29:34] Present.

[1:29:35] Howell.

[1:29:36] Present.

[1:29:37] Robinson.

[1:29:39] Williamson.

[1:29:40] Present.

[1:29:40] Zaymer.

[1:29:41] Here.

[1:29:42] 14.

[1:29:43] Present.

[1:29:43] One.

[1:29:43] Thank you.

[1:29:48] Next.

[1:29:49] Please join me in saying of the pledge of allegiance of followed by a moment of silence.

[1:29:57] But...

[1:30:19] Thank you. You see it?

[1:30:30] Again, welcome to our one of the Augusto meeting. We'll begin.

[1:30:37] We'll do our public comment.

[1:30:42] This public comment is a process in which we receive the comment from you.

[1:30:48] The public is not meant to be a back and forth. Once you take the seat, you have five minutes to speak on any topic.

[1:30:56] So desire, be respectful, follow the timer, or lights on the panel there, and when I ask you to stop, please, please stop speaking.

[1:31:07] Okay, did that?

[1:31:09] Madam Clerk, please call the first speaker.

[1:31:10] Our first speaker is Daniel Platte.

[1:31:26] Cha cha.

[1:31:28] Dan Platte, one, eight, seven, Oak Street.

[1:31:31] Okay, so Dan Platte, I'm also chair of the Albany County Green Party.

[1:31:37] I'm here to speak on support of the proposal of ranked choice voting Albany, first I'll start with our public statement on the subject that the Green Party has always supported reform, like ranked choice voting, to increase people's choices on the ballot and break the defense of politics that are played in our stagnant elections.

[1:31:57] Ranked choice voting in a unified election will allow voters to choose but they truly want to represent them and allow us and

[1:32:05] others the opportunity along with further needed reforms to provide that choice on the ballot.

[1:32:13] This effort in particular is exciting to me because it is the first time a group in our city has pursued using the citizen lead referendum.

[1:32:21] Regardless of the proposal, this is a historic and positive act because it is a tool of democracy that is structured

[1:32:28] It's tested by the petition process and it's done by citizens for citizens.

[1:32:36] And as I petitioned for it and did my part gathered about 200 signatures,

[1:32:40] I found many eager residents excited for this reform,

[1:32:44] ranked choice voting in general, and the unified general election beyond it.

[1:32:49] Even more were excited for the reform that didn't live in the city,

[1:32:54] even though they identified as residents of Albany.

[1:32:57] Now, when I did relate to people signing or as they were before, as I was making the pitch they would end local party primaries, half did not care.

[1:33:08] The other half were even more supportive. About 1% that I was asking, turn down signing for the sake of their concerns over losing the primary process.

[1:33:18] But let's consider the history we're working with then.

[1:33:22] The primary was originally in progressive movement tool

[1:33:26] to rest control of party candidates from bosses,

[1:33:32] some oakville drones, and whatnot.

[1:33:34] Now over time, the shifted control of parties themselves

[1:33:38] from bosses to fundraisers in Albany.

[1:33:41] That was a bit slower, but we have a continuation

[1:33:47] of majority voters, not participating in our elections.

[1:33:52] Reform is needed, and it needs to focus on expanding voter participation and choice,

[1:33:56] not only of the diversity of candidates, but the ideologies in backgrounds that are there on the ballot,

[1:34:03] because people do not show up. If there is no one there who is actually representing them,

[1:34:08] speaking to their issues, or actually fighting for their shared interests.

[1:34:14] The objections themselves, and ended up furthermore on the petitioning, I did so in my

[1:34:19] ward the third one myself, participation in interest is a bit lower for reform there.

[1:34:25] I found because concerns that the people face are more deeper and desperate than that

[1:34:29] local politics can address or is willing to, but we also collected generally roughly 90 to 100 signatures

[1:34:37] in Sheridan Hallow.

[1:34:40] So a form, an expansion of new options and possibilities of this reform, sorry, that this reform,

[1:34:47] an expansion of options, of new possibilities of organizing and empowerment can then occur.

[1:34:53] And we also welcome the objections I've been raised because they're kind of good for this,

[1:34:58] because they bring up further questions about the meaning of representation, organizing voters, and generally our government.

[1:35:06] It's true, ranked choice voting, and the single unified election are a disruption to the way things are done.

[1:35:12] They mark an end of the current tactics on offer for representation within the confined constraints of our current election system.

[1:35:18] High bars to access, pay to play, limited, media reach, atomized civil society.

[1:35:26] Thus, raises a question for the need for further reforms that I mentioned.

[1:35:31] Professional representation, multi-member districts, campaign block grants for qualifying

[1:35:36] candidates, which is more simple than the matching money system than New York City uses.

[1:35:43] It's wrapping up.

[1:35:44] We thank you for certifying our petition.

[1:35:47] We urge you to take prompt action within the lawful time frame to send our publicly

[1:35:52] support proposal to the voters as a whole.

[1:35:55] Reform is popular, it's needed, and it needs to happen.

[1:35:58] Thank you very much.

[1:35:59] Thank you.

[1:36:06] A net brown.

[1:36:21] I'm into my key to testing.

[1:36:23] Good evening, everyone.

[1:36:24] My name is a net brown and I was invited to speak by Councilman John Williamson from Ward 1 where I live.

[1:36:31] But I was Ward 7 where I work.

[1:36:34] But I also represent Ward 7 with my friend.

[1:36:41] Sergio.

[1:36:42] I'm coming to just bring awareness about our organization, parents of Angel Children.

[1:36:50] We are a new organization that was founded in 2024, after 10 years, anniversary of the loss

[1:36:58] of my son, due to gun violence.

[1:37:00] Our organization has since, has a location at 2-2-0, second avenue here in Albany, New York.

[1:37:07] Our mission is to make sure that no parent or people that live in trauma have to walk this journey alone.

[1:37:16] Since we have moved into the Village Community Resource Center owned by Reverend Reginald Graham at 2-2-0 second avenue.

[1:37:25] A lot of people in the city of Albany do not know what we offer, but we do.

[1:37:30] We do offer services to our community every Thursday. We do a free here cut day. We have a senior program. We have a youth program. We have the feed, the homeless community program. We do a grief support group for parents who have lost the child on any circumstances, not just homicide, like a loss of my son. We just want to bring to the city of Albany Awareness that there is an organization that's out here. I do have just a couple of brochures.

[1:38:00] I didn't bring a lot with me, but we are in the building for the community to stay

[1:38:05] through Saturdays from 10 to 2 or beyond if we need it to, what else did I want to bring

[1:38:14] to the community?

[1:38:15] We were asking the city of Albany, we're not looking for any money, we know money makes

[1:38:19] the world go around, but we're asking for the city of Albany to just recognize parents

[1:38:24] of angel children, of being an organization out here for people who are suffering from grief

[1:38:29] and trauma.

[1:38:31] For two years now, we have been going down to the city by gift school and I believe that

[1:38:38] is your award and talking to the people at the bus stop and talking to the people at the

[1:38:44] mission.

[1:38:45] We have made an impact in lives down there, and I have testimonies and stories from people

[1:38:52] we actually changed their life by just coming down the

[1:38:55] and feeding them and giving them good hope,

[1:38:57] the words of encouragement.

[1:38:59] So we're acting the city of Albany to just recognize

[1:39:02] parents of angel children.

[1:39:04] We look at the city calendar, our senior program,

[1:39:08] which our seniors love, and I do believe,

[1:39:10] and we want to thank our friend back here, Keith,

[1:39:13] for getting the seniors aware of our program.

[1:39:17] I think we've been doing that over six months now,

[1:39:19] And we're not in any calendars for the city, the county, for anything.

[1:39:25] And we're going on over two years now that we've been doing things for the residents of the city of Albany and beyond.

[1:39:32] So that's all that I come to speak about tonight.

[1:39:35] And I do thank you, Councilwoman John Williamson, for inviting me to speak.

[1:39:40] And once again, we are parents of angel children.

[1:39:44] Thank you so much.

[1:39:46] Thank you.

[1:39:52] I rain, do I agree?

[1:40:05] Good evening everyone.

[1:40:07] That's a hard speech to follow.

[1:40:08] My name's Irene Gullier.

[1:40:10] Do I depress this?

[1:40:12] Okay.

[1:40:17] I lost a child, but it was too abortion because my husband didn't want it.

[1:40:22] I can't imagine losing a child to violence like in Rochester over the weekend.

[1:40:28] I'm sure you're aware of it,

[1:40:34] right?

[1:40:34] Right? Yes?

[1:40:37] You're not too busy on your phones. Are you over with your day jobs, correct?

[1:40:42] There's no violence in Albany.

[1:40:43] We never lost a child in Albany or in SchemeckTV or Troy, correct?

[1:40:49] Do you think putting police in the schools is the answer to that violence?

[1:40:54] Yes or no?

[1:40:55] Do you think defunding the boys and girls club and big brothers and big sisters?

[1:41:03] Is the answer to that?

[1:41:07] I cannot imagine, but anyway, I digress, I would have voted for Ralph Nader in 1999, you know why?

[1:41:20] Because I believe in Ralph Nader.

[1:41:22] I knew Ralph when he was, you know, unsafe at any speed.

[1:41:28] And he forced me all the mode of industry to put a seatbelting cars.

[1:41:33] My sister had a core there.

[1:41:34] I'm so proud of any speed. We were native's rotors.

[1:41:45] I believe in the Robo Carolition.

[1:41:47] I believe in the Reverend Jesse Jackson. I believe in I am somebody for

[1:42:02] you for forty

[1:42:03] fifty years. Doing corporate crap,

[1:42:11] working two jobs,

[1:42:16] I hate it when you're on your phones.

[1:42:18] And you're not paying attention and you get paid by the tax dollar.

[1:42:24] I hated when the mayor leaves his $20 million dollars.

[1:42:28] The rest $20 million dollars.

[1:42:30] Holy Mother of God.

[1:42:32] Nobody would help me.

[1:42:35] They would call me a panhandle in West.

[1:42:39] I was in the building of Lancaster,

[1:42:42] 893 Lancaster, purple one.

[1:42:45] I built over the management.

[1:42:47] It was a pig style.

[1:42:48] And I've gotten frozen, I've not eaten the front room, I've to pay my own utility still

[1:42:55] of my national good bill here.

[1:42:58] You have to pay, do you

[1:43:06] hear?

[1:43:06] Your personal bulk,

[1:43:11] the athlete,

[1:43:16] my brother, if it didn't go the way I've made, I wouldn't

[1:43:19] want to go.

[1:43:20] You wouldn't have to count a hanging child or son of a doucheat part of my language in

[1:43:27] Florida.

[1:43:28] You don't have to register today.

[1:43:35] I've been voting since I was, whatever the age of voting

[1:43:38] is 18. I don't want to tell you, 1978.

[1:43:45] And I've been voting Democratic ever since,

[1:43:51] but I hope you'll tell you today. If Governor Jerkel doesn't come through,

[1:44:02] if she will

[1:44:03] and Chris Iran and others don't come through.

[1:44:07] I read the words of Republican, I'm an independent.

[1:44:12] And she will tell others what she is.

[1:44:17] Because that's plenty of money.

[1:44:20] You guys are getting paid to be here.

[1:44:22] I am not.

[1:44:29] Stand up.

[1:44:31] I don't care what party belong to.

[1:44:35] I want people to believe in government.

[1:44:38] So, Governor, all the people, all the people, all the people, all the people, shall not perish from both plain.

[1:44:47] Kobyish?

[1:44:50] Now, I know it's inappropriate to say this, but do you have any questions?

[1:45:00] I served 13 seconds.

[1:45:05] All right? Let's stand together. And we don't hang together surely. We all hang apart. And then, and then.

[1:45:15] Thank you.

[1:45:17] Thank you.

[1:45:19] Thank you.

[1:45:23] Mariana Arthaluk.

[1:45:38] Truly, I don't know how.

[1:45:42] Truly, I do not know how to follow up with that, but let's go.

[1:45:46] So my name is Mariana Aschaluk.

[1:45:48] I am the organising chair for indivisible Albany.

[1:45:52] I just recently moved.

[1:45:54] So I believe I am in deodorant Brody's district.

[1:45:58] So, I'm here to speak about ranked choice voting and the moratorium because that seems to be the thing that I come here for every single time now and guess what I'll be coming back soon to talk about flock.

[1:46:13] So, get used to seeing us and a lot more of us activists because we're not going away, which I think is symbolized by how many ranked choice voting signs are behind me.

[1:46:25] 2,600 plus, Albany City residents have asked that a ranked choice unified election proposal

[1:46:32] will be put on the ballot this November.

[1:46:35] If members of the common council think that a ranked choice unified election is a bad idea,

[1:46:42] they are free to campaign against it and try and persuade voters not to approve it.

[1:46:47] But to refuse to even put the measure on the ballot because you are afraid in my past is blatantly

[1:46:54] on Democratic and demonstrate to sustain for your constituents.

[1:46:59] So here we go.

[1:47:00] Let the people decide.

[1:47:02] This is how a citizen ballot initiative works.

[1:47:06] Citizens getting of signatures to call for vote.

[1:47:09] This is an question of whether you, or personally,

[1:47:12] or not personally, support it.

[1:47:14] It's a question of whether you respect your constituents enough

[1:47:17] to respect their asking to vote on this.

[1:47:20] It comes down to communication and respect and believe you me, I believe the city, the people of Albany have spoken by rights of their signatures on the petition.

[1:47:32] New York State Law states that the voters in each municipality have the right to decide by vote how they want to structure their local elections.

[1:47:40] Don't block or impede the voters this right, pretty straight forward.

[1:47:46] In the amount of time that this body has dedicated to stifling reform,

[1:47:52] zero energy has been dedicated to fighting or even evaluating the amount of invasive tech

[1:47:57] that is right in our doorstep with things like Kenwood,

[1:48:01] flock cameras, or even Waymo.

[1:48:05] This is, even with indivisible Albany,

[1:48:07] writing this council more to our legislation again said data center.

[1:48:12] The priorities it seems are misguided and quite frankly silly.

[1:48:18] So again, I sit here and tell you to again,

[1:48:21] reject, trickle down politics, and really truly evaluate where your alliance is

[1:48:30] people, party, because at the end of the day, this system of government, regardless of party

[1:48:38] affiliation, are two sides of the same coin, are the halves and the half-notts, and the

[1:48:46] quite frankly, it's how this society and culture and American society has gotten to where

[1:48:51] it is in the first place. It's stifling reform like ours. It's putting party politics in front

[1:48:58] people. It's making people choose, well, if I have to get my voice heard, I have to sign up to be a

[1:49:05] Democrat and a democratically controlled area. Oh, I guess the same could be said for Republicans,

[1:49:11] as well, instead of the party or the politicians or the elected officials are either listening

[1:49:15] to the people. So again, I ask you and I will continue to say so, reject party politics,

[1:49:28] reject

[1:49:28] Because at the end of the day, we are the ones that put you here and we put our trust in you.

[1:49:35] So now pay us the same due diligence of respect.

[1:49:38] Thank you.

[1:49:40] Thank you.

[1:49:43] Nora?

[1:50:08] Good evening, Members of the Common Council.

[1:50:11] My name is Nora, and I'm a homeowner and a investor in Albany's First Ward.

[1:50:16] I'm here today because I want to address the ongoing sanitation issue in my neighborhood.

[1:50:24] I appreciate the hard work our sanitation crew do, but I have personally witnessed garbage

[1:50:29] bags breaking while they are being emptied into the truck.

[1:50:33] When that happens, trash falls onto the street and too often it is simply left there instead

[1:50:40] of being picked up.

[1:50:41] I'm not repeating something I've heard, I've seen it with my own eyes on multiple occasions.

[1:50:47] What concerns me even more is that when I drive through other neighborhoods such as the Whitehall area,

[1:50:53] which is left in two minutes from the First Ward, I don't see the same problem.

[1:50:58] The streets appear much cleaner and loose trash isn't left behind after collection.

[1:51:04] Every neighborhood in Albany deserves the same level of service and attention.

[1:51:09] I also want to ask what happened to the street sweepers.

[1:51:14] I remember when they regularly cleaned our streets,

[1:51:16] but I really see them in the first ward anymore.

[1:51:19] If the program has changed, I'd like to understand why.

[1:51:23] If it still exists, I respectfully ask that our neighborhood

[1:51:26] we see regular street sweeping as well.

[1:51:30] When trash is left on the ground, it creates unsanitary conditions.

[1:51:34] a track's rodents and discourages investment in our community.

[1:51:41] As a homeowner and investor, I want to see the first word continue to improve and clean

[1:51:47] streets are a basic part of that effort.

[1:51:50] I respectfully ask the Common Council to work with the Department of General Services to ensure

[1:51:56] a sanitation cruise pick up any trash that falls during collection.

[1:52:01] That street sweeping services are provided consistently and that every neighborhood, including the first ward,

[1:52:08] received the same standard of cleanliness and care.

[1:52:12] Clean streets should not depend on what part of the city you live in.

[1:52:17] Thank you for your time and consideration.

[1:52:21] Thank you.

[1:52:25] Lee Nubberg.

[1:52:45] Hello, my name is Lee Newberg, and I'm a resident in the 14th ward, a voter in the 14th ward.

[1:52:53] Now that the petition asking for ranked choice voting with a single unified election has been certified, the question comes down to how we might want to do ranked choice voting in the city of Albany elections.

[1:53:06] There are many localities in the United States that do this, but the trend is clear, and

[1:53:12] I'll mention only three.

[1:53:15] Berkeley, California, a very progressive place, has had ranked choice voting and a single

[1:53:21] unified election since 2004 for mayor, city council, and auditor.

[1:53:27] That's pretty clear, but maybe you think that voters have evolved since 22 years ago, so I'll

[1:53:33] to examples of efforts currently underway.

[1:53:38] The effort in Sacramento, California is quite similar to Albany's petition.

[1:53:43] Better ballots, Sacramento was collecting signatures to get a ballot measure,

[1:53:47] implementing ranked choice voting in a single unified November election for the city of Sacramento.

[1:53:54] The proposal aims to eliminate the standalone primary system for city offices.

[1:53:58] Instead, all candidates would run directly in the high turnout November general election using ranked choice voting.

[1:54:08] The effort in Honolulu Hawaii is only a little different from the Albany petition.

[1:54:13] The Honolulu Charter Review Commission voted to place a ranked choice voting measure on the November ballot.

[1:54:20] If there are five or fewer candidates for an office in the nonpartisan open primary, then the primary is canceled,

[1:54:26] and ranked choice voting is used in the November General Election.

[1:54:33] In summary, what the petition asking for here is neither new nor obsolete.

[1:54:40] Thousands of city of Albany voters have asked you via petition for the chance to vote this ballot measure up or down.

[1:54:47] Please honor that request.

[1:54:53] Thank you.

[1:54:57] Michael Becker.

[1:55:15] Thank you for having the upper tone.

[1:55:17] Sorry for giving us the opportunity for public comment.

[1:55:20] And it's always easy to take unfiltered comments

[1:55:24] from the public to maybe here criticisms

[1:55:25] from the public sometimes.

[1:55:27] So I appreciate you all taking the time to listen to us.

[1:55:30] I am happy birthday to Council Member Keegan.

[1:55:34] My name is Michael Becker.

[1:55:35] I live in the fourth board.

[1:55:37] And this is my first time giving public comment

[1:55:39] at this Council or really any public council.

[1:55:43] But this is something that I feel very strongly about.

[1:55:46] As you can probably guess, I'm speaking in support

[1:55:48] of the rank-choice-booning ballot initiative.

[1:55:52] I think it's important to bear in mind a few things

[1:55:55] that first, that supporting the initiative

[1:55:57] and voting, it's a part of the initiative

[1:55:58] doesn't decide the question.

[1:56:00] It isn't even deciding definitively what election

[1:56:04] model will choose.

[1:56:05] It's just allowing the people of Albany the chance to decide.

[1:56:09] And people of Albany have made a great effort

[1:56:11] to express their support for this for getting this on the ballot.

[1:56:15] We've collected thousands of signatures.

[1:56:17] This campaign has collected, and again, 2600 signatures, or how many of the Talias exactly

[1:56:23] after, you know, it was verified in a city with 55,000 registered voters is no small

[1:56:31] amount, just over 100,000 people is no small amount, it's a significant show of support, I would

[1:56:37] say.

[1:56:38] And it also shows that your constituents are mindful of this, that this has popularity and

[1:56:42] this is something that they're going to, you know, watch and be concerned how they're

[1:56:47] representative to side on this.

[1:56:51] We've been talking about this proposal for some

[1:56:54] time people from ranked-trice voting, all many have been speaking about this proposal

[1:56:59] for some time and they've talked about the demographics of people who are unafiliated

[1:57:05] voters of it. It's the second largest group of voters in Albany. It's the second

[1:57:09] largest party status because it's a very democratic city.

[1:57:13] I believe it's about 25, about one in four voters

[1:57:16] are unafiliated.

[1:57:18] And because there's such a large democratic advantage

[1:57:22] in Albany, it effectively excludes many of these voters,

[1:57:25] many of these younger voters, many of these voters

[1:57:27] in communities of color.

[1:57:31] And voters who are often the most unmotivated

[1:57:35] and left out of our democracy whose perspectives

[1:57:37] are often not included.

[1:57:41] Turn out an Albany elections has been very low in recent years.

[1:57:43] Out of those 55,000 people, about 15,000 people voted in the last election in 2025.

[1:57:51] So less than 30% just over one in four voters.

[1:57:55] And it's not hard to figure out why.

[1:57:56] Interview members of the county board of election who said that the race really takes

[1:58:01] pace in the primary or a political science professor Kevin Barron at Standing University who said

[1:58:05] that people already feel like they know the outcome

[1:58:08] of the election, and they won't show up.

[1:58:10] And in many cases, it's not hard to see why they would think

[1:58:13] that the outcome was already decided,

[1:58:14] because there was only one candidate effectively

[1:58:16] contesting the race.

[1:58:19] Or that, again, because there's a very large democratic voter

[1:58:22] advantage, or registration advantage,

[1:58:24] many of those elections in the general election,

[1:58:27] are not really competitive.

[1:58:28] And that means that the primary, which excludes all those

[1:58:31] unread, unafiliated voters, and excludes many Democrats

[1:58:34] to jump simply for whatever reason.

[1:58:37] Don't participate in those primaries.

[1:58:39] They effectively don't get a say.

[1:58:43] Now, and I say all of that, our organization

[1:58:46] is nonpartisan, the campaign that's been behind this

[1:58:49] has been people with different parties.

[1:58:51] Most of them might imagine our Democrats

[1:58:52] because most people in the city of Albany are Democrats.

[1:58:56] I myself am a registered Democrat.

[1:58:58] And I believe in Democratic values.

[1:58:59] I believe in aggressive values.

[1:59:02] I think the same that you've heard some people

[1:59:04] talking about that primaries or progressive reform

[1:59:06] and this can be a progressive reform.

[1:59:08] I believe in equal rights.

[1:59:10] I believe in equal access as a value and access

[1:59:13] to the political process.

[1:59:15] I grasp roots and bottom up political process being important.

[1:59:20] And I believe in the politics that are elected officials

[1:59:23] and the process that we choose are elected officials

[1:59:26] should represent everyone.

[1:59:27] All of us, all of our perspectives, all of our communities

[1:59:29] and all of our voices.

[1:59:31] And it's so same values that really lead me to, again, support ranked choice voting and the single unified primary, general election November election.

[1:59:41] And I hope that those same values that you all share as members of the Democratic Party, I believe, all of the members of the council.

[1:59:48] The evidence that myself and others have put forward hopefully not at Nazium and the thousands of voters in the city of Albany who have endorsed this proposal encourage you all to support it as well.

[1:59:59] And stop it.

[2:00:00] Anything else to support continuing that discussion by letting it be on the ballot for an next year's election?

[2:00:05] Continue that conversation and let the people of the city of Albany make that choice in the final decision.

[2:00:10] Again, thank you all for taking the time listening to us.

[2:00:14] Thank you.

[2:00:19] That was our last speaker.

[2:00:21] So our public comment is officially closed.

[2:00:26] Any members want to speak?

[2:00:29] Mr. Johnson.

[2:00:31] Thank you.

[2:00:33] And, you know, in no ways am I apologize if I ring our speaker, but for me I was just happy

[2:00:41] to see her.

[2:00:41] I haven't seen her in a long time.

[2:00:43] She's somebody from the second board who, you know, if you ever get a chance to know or you

[2:00:49] a lover, I just, you know, just wanted to go on record and say that I was happy to see

[2:00:57] her today.

[2:00:57] And then I also want to speak about parents of angel children.

[2:01:03] I believe in the sister's name, Ms. Brown, and she has been a huge present in all of

[2:01:09] any since she's been here.

[2:01:11] When I leave work, I actually see them interacting with the kids on the daily basis, you

[2:01:17] know, whether it's, and in our ice cream, they feed them something at the bus stop of

[2:01:24] singland and second half and you know I apologize for not highlighting the work that she's been

[2:01:34] doing because she's consistent. She's a heavy presence in the second word and the first word and

[2:01:41] you know I appreciate her after and I'm sat in that she had to come down here and bring it to our

[2:01:50] but definitely she's doing the work that is needed in the neighborhood and people actually

[2:01:58] appreciate her presence and I also would like to say to the people that's coming down here

[2:02:05] it's talking about ranked choice low. I hear you loud and clear and I stand on the side and any

[2:02:12] conversation I have about this is I'm going to go with the consensus of the people and my

[2:02:17] and so our here you and thank you thank you Mr. Johnson, Mr. Robinson

[2:02:31] thank you Mr. President.

[2:02:36] I'd just like to address the art give an answer to the organization that came and said and acts that the city just recognized the organization.

[2:02:52] through the mayor's violence prevention initiative

[2:02:56] through the Office of our Violence Prevention,

[2:02:59] there's a website dedicated

[2:03:02] because one thing we all understand

[2:03:04] that we all have organizations that does the work,

[2:03:08] okay, and the organization's working silos.

[2:03:11] And this is the full scope of the mayor's attention

[2:03:17] of intentions to actually come back violence in the city of Albany, to bring all the

[2:03:25] organizations that's doing the work, but they're doing the work in silos.

[2:03:31] On the one umbrella where all the information is being stored in document where now, when someone

[2:03:41] who has programs, that's doing the work in the community.

[2:03:49] There's a dedicated website that they can go and they can put the information of the organization,

[2:03:55] what their organization does, and what brings to the community.

[2:03:59] And that's orbiting NY.gov slash OVP.

[2:04:05] So once they go on that website, I'm saying that'd be directed to just register the organization,

[2:04:11] to work their organization, though, because that's what it, you know, I'm saying the whole

[2:04:16] initiative is in this infant stage, okay, but it's gonna grow, it's gonna work, and it's

[2:04:27] gonna change the projectivity of how our city address new violence. So I just wanted, you know,

[2:04:36] make sure that I go on record to let her know that there is a starting point in some place

[2:04:41] that she can go to actually get her organization onto the city's radar and again that's

[2:04:50] Good evening, N.Y.

[2:04:53] Doggub, Slash, O.V.P.

[2:04:57] Thank you.

[2:04:57] Thank you Mr. Robinson.

[2:04:59] Mr. Holy.

[2:05:52] Okay.

[2:05:53] Any other?

[2:05:55] Comments from members is over.

[2:05:59] Okay.

[2:06:00] Moving on to approval minutes from previous meeting.

[2:06:04] Mr. Ferrell.

[2:06:05] Thank you, Mr. President.

[2:06:06] I noticed that July 25th,

[2:06:08] 2026 meetings and minutes and asked for their approval.

[2:06:13] All in favour?

[2:06:15] Aye.

[2:06:16] Any names or extensions?

[2:06:18] Motion passes.

[2:06:23] We're on to reports of standing committees.

[2:06:26] Mr. Holy.

[2:06:41] Thank you, Mr. Holy.

[2:06:43] Any other?

[2:06:46] Ms. Hammer.

[2:06:48] Thank you, Mr. President.

[2:06:49] The planning economic development and land use committee met this evening.

[2:06:57] August 3rd.

[2:06:58] and voted resolution 78, 72, 26 are and resolution 79, 72, 26 are both out of committee with unanimous favorable recommendations.

[2:07:12] Thank you.

[2:07:14] Tuskegee.

[2:07:16] Thank you, Mr. President.

[2:07:18] Our finance meeting, which was scheduled for last week, unfortunately, has be canceled due to weather.

[2:07:23] Finance will be meeting on August 12th to address a number of bills.

[2:07:41] All right, let's move on to consideration of local laws.

[2:07:48] Thank you.

[2:07:53] Thank you.

[2:07:55] All right.

[2:07:59] Moving on to consideration of local laws.

[2:08:05] The local laws are held at this time.

[2:08:08] Thank you.

[2:08:10] Two ordinances.

[2:08:11] Mr. Boweren.

[2:08:14] Thank you, Mr. President.

[2:08:15] I asked that ordinance 15 that 81 that 26 begins to do, please.

[2:08:24] Thank you, Mr. Boweren.

[2:08:25] Madam Court.

[2:08:26] In ordinance and mending article five,

[2:08:28] domestic partnerships of chapter 245 licenses of the cold of the city of Albany.

[2:08:32] in relation to updating the fee and documentation requirements for domestic partnerships.

[2:08:38] Thank you, Ms. Ferrell.

[2:08:41] That will go to the law committee.

[2:08:44] Thank you.

[2:08:46] And the rest of the residents are helped.

[2:08:49] Thank you.

[2:08:51] Okay, you're on to resolutions Mr. Jones.

[2:08:56] Thank you, Ms. President.

[2:08:56] I'd like to notice resolution 82, 81, 26 are and as far as introduction and passes.

[2:09:06] Thank you, Madam Court.

[2:09:07] A resolution of the Common Council recognizing and celebrating my, my and our,

[2:09:13] I'm proud to say I'm all cultural and expressing support for the capital,

[2:09:17] thinking, festival on August 15, 26.

[2:09:22] Thank you, when discussion.

[2:09:23] Okay.

[2:09:29] All right. See you in none.

[2:09:35] We'll have a visit. All in favor say aye.

[2:09:41] These extensions,

[2:09:45] not motion passes.

[2:09:49] Okay, until the next, this power.

[2:09:52] Thank you, Mr. Faisan. I asked that I noticed resolution 83.81 that 26 are

[2:10:02] and actually move forward for a vote.

[2:10:06] Thank you, Mr. Bowler.

[2:10:08] A resolution of the common council celebrating the 61st anniversary of Medicaid and Medicare.

[2:10:17] The discussion, Mr. Bowler.

[2:10:19] Thank you, Mr. President. Last week, July 30th,

[2:10:23] mocked the 61st celebration of Medicare and Medicare.

[2:10:30] And I appreciate all the advocates everyone who mocked this and acts for more, because healthcare is something that affects all of us.

[2:10:43] It's something that we all deal with.

[2:10:44] It's something that all of our loved ones deal with in one way or another.

[2:10:48] We've seen some significant cuts to those programs in the last year.

[2:10:53] I would hope that one day they get, we funded through the federal government or two, the state can come in and provide the gap in the meantime.

[2:11:04] Because it's our families, it's our neighbors, it's our communities that are facing the burden.

[2:11:12] The number one reason for bankruptcy is healthcare costs.

[2:11:17] And that is very understandable because who wouldn't put every sin they have to keep the ones they love alive and careful.

[2:11:30] So I appreciate the support for my colleagues on this. I do hope that our state and our federal government take a stronger stance on something that affects every single human being that lives in our country.

[2:11:45] Thank you.

[2:11:46] Thank you, Mr. Balleron. Further discussion?

[2:11:50] Excuse me.

[2:11:52] Thank you, Mr. President.

[2:11:54] I want to thank my colleague for introducing this resolution.

[2:12:01] And also take all of us in a little bit of a history jump.

[2:12:07] So Medicaid and Medicare were the United States alternative to universal health care as the rest of the industrialized world

[2:12:16] was creating some system of either universal healthcare coverage or a completely government

[2:12:23] run healthcare system. And what most of us don't realize is that that compromise came to

[2:12:30] be because we agreed to offset the cost of private health insurance through taxes. So we've

[2:12:36] essentially always, always, as a government,

[2:12:42] paid for healthcare for everyone.

[2:12:46] We've just done it in a very odd and bizarre

[2:12:50] and really incredibly expensive way.

[2:12:53] And Medicare is something that is incredibly impactful

[2:13:02] to families like mine who have profoundly disabled loved ones

[2:13:07] who are unable to work,

[2:13:12] would that they could, but have never been able to work throughout their lives,

[2:13:16] and it is incredibly challenging to be in a country that continually seeks to strip benefits away from people who desperately need them in order to survive.

[2:13:31] So, once again, I want to thank Council Member Balloron for bringing this resolution forward and reiterate my hope that at some point this country is going to get itself together on healthcare.

[2:13:47] Thank you.

[2:13:49] Thank you, Ms. Keegan.

[2:13:51] further discussions and none we're all your all co-sponsors on this so we'll do both

[2:13:57] avoid waste both so all in favor yeah okay motion passes thank you Mr. Bower

[2:14:08] for that moving on Mr. Robinson

[2:14:15] thank you Mr. President I recognize resolution

[2:14:20] in 84-81-26 are in acts force and adoption, please.

[2:14:26] Thank you.

[2:14:27] Thank you Mr. Robinson, Madam Clerk.

[2:14:29] A resolution of the common council honoring the life and legacy

[2:14:31] of Nathaniel Puleum and renaming a portion

[2:14:34] of Henry Johnson Boulevard in his honor.

[2:14:36] Ms. Farrell.

[2:14:38] Thank you, Mr. President.

[2:14:39] That will go to General Services.

[2:14:41] Thank you.

[2:14:43] Mr. Lumpkin.

[2:14:46] Thank you, Mr. President.

[2:14:47] I know this resolution 85.81.26R and actual introduction.

[2:14:55] Thank you, Mr. Lumpkin.

[2:14:57] Madam Court.

[2:14:58] A resolution of the Common Council Honor.

[2:15:00] And the lives and legacies of George and Helen Torion and renaming a portion of sin broke place in their honor.

[2:15:09] Ms. Ferrell.

[2:15:11] Thank you, Mr. President. I look at a general services.

[2:15:15] Thank you.

[2:15:16] Hey, Ms. Ferrell.

[2:15:19] Thank you, Mr. President. I noticed resolution 8681-26R and ask for its introduction.

[2:15:25] Thank you, Madam Good.

[2:15:27] A resolution of the Common Council approving a change in the authorized positions included in the

[2:15:33] which will affect a salary rate or salary total.

[2:15:36] This barrel?

[2:15:38] Thank you, Mr. President, that will go to the Finance Committee.

[2:15:44] All right, Ms. Kiegen.

[2:15:46] I notice resolution 87.81.26R and asks for its introduction and pass it to your roll for a vote.

[2:15:54] Thank you, Madam Clerk.

[2:15:57] A resolution of the Common Council of the City of Albany requesting the City of Albany's budget office

[2:16:02] provide various documents to allow for sound and sound for a sound review of the 2027 purpose budget.

[2:16:09] Thank you. Discussion. Miss Kigan? No? No?

[2:16:14] Hold the discussion. Okay.

[2:16:18] We'll do a roll call vote. Call the roll.

[2:16:23] Yes. Adams. Yes. Anani? Yes. Valorant? Yes. Brody? Yes. Ferro? Yes.

[2:16:33] Yes.

[2:16:34] Yes.

[2:16:35] Yes.

[2:16:37] Jones.

[2:16:38] Yes.

[2:16:38] Kegan.

[2:16:40] Yes.

[2:16:41] Lumpkin.

[2:16:41] Yes.

[2:16:42] Powell.

[2:16:43] Yes.

[2:16:46] Williamson.

[2:16:46] Yes.

[2:16:47] Zaymer.

[2:16:49] Yes.

[2:16:49] Cosponsor police.

[2:16:50] 14 in the affirmative.

[2:16:52] Motion passes.

[2:16:56] Okay.

[2:16:58] Yes.

[2:16:59] The same.

[2:16:59] Thank you, Mr. President.

[2:17:00] And I know it is resolution 88, 81, 26R, and ask for its introduction.

[2:17:07] Thank you, Madam Court.

[2:17:08] A resolution of the Common Council consenting to the appointment of Chester Bennett to the

[2:17:12] Albany Park Authority Board of Directors.

[2:17:15] This fellow?

[2:17:17] Thank you, Mr. President. That would go to planning.

[2:17:20] Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

[2:17:22] Thank you, Mr. President. I notice resolution 78, 72, 26R, and ask for its passage.

[2:17:30] Thank you.

[2:17:31] Not in court.

[2:17:32] A resolution of the common council

[2:17:33] concentrating to the re-appointment of Serena White Lake

[2:17:36] to the board of zoning appeals.

[2:17:39] Scusion?

[2:17:40] No.

[2:17:43] Well...

[2:17:44] Adams?

[2:17:47] Yes, cosmon.

[2:17:48] Anani?

[2:17:49] Yes, cosmon.

[2:17:50] Valorant?

[2:17:51] Yes, cosmon's a police.

[2:17:52] Brody?

[2:17:53] Yes, cosmon's a police.

[2:17:55] Ferro?

[2:17:56] Yes, cosmon's a police.

[2:17:57] Hoi?

[2:17:59] Johnson?

[2:18:00] Yes, cosmon's a police.

[2:18:01] Jones. Yes, co-faster police. Kigan. Yes, co-sponsor police. Lumpkin. Yes, co-sponsor police.

[2:18:09] Howell. Yes, co-sponsor police. Robinson. Yes, co-sponsor police. Williamson. Yes, co-sponsor police.

[2:18:21] Yes, for it's in the affirmative.

[2:18:24] The motion passes.

[2:18:28] I'm in the same room.

[2:18:29] Thank you, Mr. President.

[2:18:31] I noticed resolution 79-72-26R and asked for its passage.

[2:18:36] Thank you, Madam Court.

[2:18:38] A resolution of the Common Council

[2:18:39] consensing to the appointment of the last night

[2:18:41] to the Board of Zoning Appeals.

[2:18:44] discussion?

[2:18:46] None.

[2:18:47] Please follow me.

[2:18:48] Adams?

[2:18:52] Yes, goes.

[2:19:22] before it's seen in the infirmant and the motion passes and that's it for legislation

[2:19:30] we're on to miscellaneous or unfinished business this is Johnson yes I make this quick

[2:19:38] I wanted to follow up earlier when the personal was talking about the Garbis cans and the

[2:19:47] street sweeper because I'm my way to the meeting tonight someone yelled at me and

[2:19:52] regards to the sweet, sweet, sweet sweeper, not coming, and you know that old argument about

[2:19:58] people having to move their cars. So if we could talk to DGS and see if we can get some

[2:20:05] consistency with the street sweepers, I think that would be appreciated as well as how they

[2:20:11] handled the garbage cans in our neighborhood. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Johnson. Anyone else?

[2:20:19] So, what?

[2:20:21] Motion to return.

[2:20:24] All in favour?

[2:20:25] All right.

[2:20:26] Okay.

[2:20:40] All right, got to go too.

Albany Common Council 08 03 26

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