Albany public meetings in 2022
40 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Finance, Assessment and Taxation Committee
The Finance, Assessment and Taxation Committee reviewed a series of bond and amended ordinances. Following discussions regarding city debt, ARPA funds, and specific projects like the Lincoln Park Pool, the committee voted to move all listed ordinances forward with a positive recommendation.
- Approved positive recommendation for Ordinances 26.111.22 through 47.112.22 (unanimous)
Water Board
The Board approved the 2023 Water and Sewer Rate Schedule and the 2023-2027 Five Year Capital Plan. Members also authorized the purchase of three land parcels in Westerlo, NY, and approved multiple project change orders.
- Adopted 2023 Water and Sewer Rate Schedule (unanimous)
- Adopted 2023-2027 Five Year Capital Plan (unanimous)
- Extended Backwater Valve Grant Program (unanimous)
- Approved purchase of three parcels in Westerlo, NY (unanimous)
- Authorized design services for Reflection & Learning Garden in Lincoln Park (unanimous)
- Designated Board as Lead Agency for sewer main replacement project (unanimous)
- Approved quarterly payment to Graypoint LLC for investment services (unanimous)
- Approved six change orders for Beaver Creek and Erie Boulevard projects (unanimous)
Historic Resources Commission
The Historic Resources Commission approved a request to replace a curved, glass block storefront with a glazed, aluminum storefront at 66 State Street. The property is located in the Downtown Albany Historic District.
- Approved storefront replacement at 66 State Street (6-0)
Common Council Caucus & Regular Meeting
The meeting consisted of a caucus to discuss the agenda for the December 19, 2022, Regular Meeting. No substantive decisions were made during this session.
Public Safety Committee
The committee interviewed Kereama Gorousingh and Antoinette Santos for positions on the CPRB. Following an executive session, the committee voted to move forward with a candidate with a positive recommendation.
- Approved positive recommendation for a CPRB candidate voted on in executive session
Board of Zoning Appeals
The Board approved signage variances for properties at 80 State Street, 1 Sandidge Way, and 1383 Washington Avenue. A request for signage at 943 Central Avenue was tabled, and no action was taken on requests for 75 Park Avenue and 1006 Central Avenue.
- Approved Area Variance #0111 for a fourth wall sign at 80 State Street (4-0-0)
- Approved Area Variances #0112, #0113, #0114, and #0115 for freestanding signs at 1 Sandidge Way (all 4-0-0)
- Tabled Project #00489 regarding signage for Lia Hyundai at 943 Central Avenue (4-0-0)
- Approved Area Variance #0121 for two wall signs at 1383 Washington Avenue (3-1-0)
- Approved Area Variance #0122 for a 72 SF wall sign at 1383 Washington Avenue (3-1-0)
- No action taken on AV #0123, #0124, and #0125 for 75 Park Avenue
- No action taken on AV #0126 for 1006 Central Avenue
Common Council Caucus & Regular Meeting
The meeting consisted of a caucus and discussion with City School District of Albany officials. No substantive decisions, votes, or approvals were recorded in the minutes.
Planning Board
The Planning Board approved a 67-unit residential building with retail space at 67 Livingston Avenue and a parking lot project for the Legal Aid Society of Northeast NY. A zoning map amendment for 60 Fourth Avenue was deferred, and a development plan extension was granted for 60 Colvin Avenue.
- Approved Development Plan Review for 69-85 Sherman Street parking lot (5-0-0)
- Approved Parking Location waiver for 69-85 Sherman Street (5-0-0)
- Approved Street Amenities waiver for 69-85 Sherman Street (5-0-0)
- Approved Demolition Review for 67 Livingston Avenue (4-0-1)
- Approved Development Plan Review for 67 Livingston Avenue 6-story building (4-0-1)
- Deferred Zoning Map amendment for 60 Fourth Avenue (5-0-0)
- Approved two-year extension of Development Plan Review for 60 Colvin Avenue (5-0-0)
Law, Buildings and Code Enforcement Committee
The Law, Buildings and Code Enforcement Committee voted to move two items forward with favorable recommendations. These include a law creating a public code violation database and an ordinance regarding parking lot consumer protection standards.
- Recommended Ordinance 20.91.22 (parking lot consumer protection standards) out of committee
- Recommended Local Law H of 2022 (public code violation database) out of committee
Water Board
The Board adopted the 2023 Budget Summary and Transfer Documents and approved several construction change orders and project awards. A public hearing for a proposed 5% rate increase and new tier billing thresholds is scheduled for December 12, 2022.
- Adopted 2023 Budget Summary and Transfer Documents (Unanimous)
- Awarded Lead Service Replacement Project- ARPA to New Castle (Unanimous)
- Approved amended Mission Statement Policy (Unanimous)
- Approved license agreement with Bank of America on Delaware Avenue in Delmar (Unanimous)
- Approved Change Order 4 for Alcove Reservoir Sodium Permanganate System with AMZ Construction Services, Inc. (Unanimous)
- Approved Change Order 3 for Feura Bush Water Filtration Plant Electrical Upgrades with VMJR Companies LLC (Unanimous)
- Approved Change Order 2 for Marlborough Court and Northern Boulevard Improvements with WM. J. Keller & Sons Constructions Corp. (Unanimous)
- Approved task order with Underwater Solutions for EPA Audit work (Unanimous)
Common Council Caucus & Regular Meeting
The Common Council convened for a caucus to discuss the agenda for the November 21, 2022, Regular Meeting. Members discussed specific ordinances and a resolution. No substantive decisions were made during this session.
Water Board
The Board awarded a Master Service Agreement for specialty tank services to Underwater Solutions, Inc. to address EPA Audit concerns. Additionally, the Board approved six change orders for various infrastructure and building projects.
- Awarded Master Service Agreement for Specialty Tank Services to Underwater Solutions, Inc. (Unanimous)
- Approved Change Order 2 to 35 Erie Blvd Buildings contract with O’Connell Electric Company, Inc. (Unanimous)
- Approved Change Order 4 to 35 Erie Blvd Improvements General Contract with Murnane Building Contractors, Inc. (Unanimous)
- Approved Change Order 2 to Eric Blvd HVAC contract with RMB Heating & Cooling, LLC (Unanimous)
- Approved Change Order 2 to 35 Erie Blvd Plumbing contract with RMB Heating & Cooling, LLC (Unanimous)
- Approved Change Order 1 to UV Disinfection system for Loudonville contract with Trojan Technologies, ULC (Unanimous)
- Approved October 21, 2022 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
Sustainability Commission
The Sustainability Advisory Committee will consider approving a memo outlining climate plan recommendations, including new building codes, fossil fuel bans, and electric vehicle infrastructure. The committee will also review its annual report and discuss Clean Energy Community campaigns approved by NYSERDA.
- Vote on memo recommending a new Climate Action Plan with funding from NY DEC program
- Proposal to set a deadline for all new buildings to be built without fossil fuels for heat or cooking
- Update on three Clean Energy Community campaigns (heat pumps, community solar, electric vehicles) approved by NYSERDA on Oct 18
- Review and approval of the committee's annual report
Board of Zoning Appeals
The Board of Zoning Appeals approved a substitution of nonconforming uses at 64 Colvin Avenue. Several other area variance requests regarding signage were presented during the public workshop, but no action was taken on them.
- Approved substitution of 4 legal nonconforming uses for a self-storage facility at 64 Colvin Avenue (4-0-0)
- No action taken on Area Variance #0111 for 80 State Street
- No action taken on Area Variances #0112, #0113, #0114, and #0115 for 1 Sandidge Way
- No action taken on Area Variances #0116, #0117, #0118, #0119, and #0120 for 943 Central Avenue
- No action taken on Area Variances #0121 and #0122 for 1383 Washington Avenue
Common Council Caucus & Regular Meeting
The meeting consisted of a caucus where members discussed the upcoming November 7 agenda, a legal assistance partnership letter, and redistricting. No substantive decisions were made during this session.
Common Council Caucus & Regular Meeting
The Common Council convened a special caucus to consider a Mayoral appointee for the Public Safety Commissioner post. The candidate provided an introduction regarding professional experience and background and answered questions from members Keegan, Anane, and Hoey. No vote or final decision was recorded in the minutes.
Common Council Caucus & Regular Meeting
The Common Council met to confirm the mayoral appointment of Hon. Gary F. Stiglmeier (Ret.) to the position of Public Safety Commissioner. The resolution was adopted unanimously.
- Confirmed appointment of Hon. Gary F. Stiglmeier (Ret.) as Public Safety Commissioner (10-0)
Water Board
The Albany Water Board approved a contract for legal services and authorized a public hearing on proposed water and sewer rate changes. Several change orders and task orders for construction and engineering projects were also approved. Two resolutions were not voted on.
- Approved Resolution 22-81 awarding legal services contract to Monaco, Cooper, Lamme & Carr (unanimous)
- Authorized Resolution 22-82 scheduling a public hearing on proposed water and sewer rate changes (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution 22-84 change order for lead service replacement contract with Peter Luizzi & Bros (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution 22-85 change order for Beaver Creek Clean River Project with WM J Keller & Sons (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution 22-86 change order for MEP design services with C.T. Male Associates (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution 22-87 task order for Basic Creek Dam improvement with Schnabel Engineering (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution 22-88 fund transfer from Reserve to Capital Account for Basic Creek Dam repairs (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution 22-89 SEQRA determination for water service replacement (unanimous)
General Services, Health and Environment Committee
The General Service, Health and Environment Committee will consider Resolution 88.92.22R, which would rename a portion of Quail Street from Western Avenue to Elberon Place as "Phillip Sabatino Way" in honor of the late World War II veteran and longtime Albany business owner. The resolution has no fiscal impact.
- Resolution 88.92.22R: Renaming portion of Quail Street to "Phillip Sabatino Way"
- Honoring the life of Phillip Sabatino, WWII veteran and owner of Sabatino's Liquor Store
- Two signs reading "Phillip Sabatino Way" to be placed in consultation with Division of Traffic Engineering
- No fiscal impact
Sustainability Commission
The committee is meeting to discuss a draft Climate Agenda for 2022-2023 and review its annual report. The session includes updates on NYSERDA-approved Clean Energy Community Campaigns focusing on heat pumps, community solar, and electric vehicles.
- Discussion of 2022-2023 Climate Agenda
- Update on NYSERDA-approved campaigns for Energy Efficiency/Heat Pumps, Community Solar, and Electric Vehicles
- Review and approval of the Annual Report
- Proposed recommendation to ban new natural gas connections by 2024 or 2026
- Proposed adoption of NYStretch Code to increase new construction energy-efficiency by up to 20%
General Services, Health and Environment Committee
The General Service, Health and Environment Committee is considering a resolution to honor Phillip Moore, owner of the Silver Slipper. The proposal seeks to place an honorary street sign reading “Phillip Moore Way” on Orange Street near Henry Johnson Boulevard.
- Resolution 72.72.22R: Honorary renaming of a portion of Orange Street to Phillip Moore Way
Public, Education & Government Access Oversight Board
The Public, Education and Government Access Oversight Board is meeting to review and take action on changes to its bylaws. The meeting also includes reports from the chair, studio coordinator, and treasurer.
- Review and action on change of PEGAOB bylaws
Sustainability Commission
The Sustainability Advisory Committee is meeting to plan a climate agenda for 2022-2023 and review proposed by-law changes. The body will discuss city climate goals, potential code changes, and gas connection restrictions.
- Planning a Climate Agenda for 2022-2023 including potential code changes and gas connection restrictions
- Proposed by-law changes to reduce quorum and allow information-only meetings
- Update on three NYSERDA-approved Clean Energy Community Campaigns regarding heat pumps, community solar, and electric vehicles
- Review and approval of the Annual Report
- Volunteer recruitment for Zero Waste efforts at Jazz Fest, Sheridan Hollow Block Party, and Upper Madison Ave Street Fair
Sustainability Commission
The committee will discuss planning a climate agenda for 2022-2023. Members will also receive updates on three NYSERDA-approved clean energy community campaigns and review the annual report.
- Planning a Climate Agenda for 2022-2023
- Update on Clean Energy Community Campaigns (Energy Efficiency/Heat Pumps, Community Solar, and Electric Vehicles)
- Review of Annual Report
Sustainability Commission
The Sustainability Advisory Committee will hold planning conversations regarding Albany’s Equity Agenda. The body will also review the Annual Report and receive updates on three NYSERDA-approved Clean Energy Community Campaigns.
- Planning conversations on Albany’s Equity Agenda
- Update on NYSERDA-approved campaigns for Energy Efficiency/Heat Pumps, Community Solar, and Electric Vehicles
- Review and approval of the Annual Report
General Services, Health and Environment Committee
The Common Council is considering a resolution to honor entrepreneurs and activists Adam Blake, Jr. and Catherine Blake. The proposal would rename Steuben Street in their honor and direct the production of two new street signs.
- Resolution 51.52.22R: Renaming Steuben Street to 'Adam & Catherine Blake Way'
- Honorary renaming of a street near the Kenmore Building
Public, Education & Government Access Oversight Board
The Public, Education and Government Access Oversight Board is meeting to review reports from the chair, studio coordinator, and treasurer. The board is scheduled to decide on the approval of a Reinstatement of Privileges Policy.
- Approval of Reinstatement of Privileges Policy
Sustainability Commission
The committee will receive an update on the Albany Geothermal Loop progress and clean energy community campaigns. Members will also review potential legislative endorsements including tenant rights and bottle bill changes.
- Update on Albany Geothermal Loop progress
- Update on NYSERDA-approved Clean Energy Community Campaigns
- Legislative update on Tenant Dignity and Safe Housing Act
- Legislative update on Right to Counsel for tenants
- Legislative update on Better Bottle Bill
General Services, Health and Environment Committee
The General Services, Health and Environment Committee is meeting to discuss Ordinance 2.21.22. This item concerns Chapter 345 Trees and Vegetation.
- Ordinance 2.21.22 regarding Chapter 345 Trees and Vegetation
Public, Education & Government Access Oversight Board
The Public, Education & Government Access Oversight Board will review previous minutes and receive reports from the Chair, Studio Coordinator, and Treasurer. The board is also scheduled to discuss suspending meetings during July and August.
- Discussion regarding suspending meetings for July and August
Sustainability Commission
The Sustainability Advisory Committee is meeting to review updates on NYSERDA-approved clean energy campaigns and a waterfront proposal from CaD. The body will also elect a Treasurer and review recent Earth Day and tree planting activities.
- Update on NYSERDA-approved Clean Energy Community Campaigns regarding heat pumps, community solar, and electric vehicles
- CaD proposal for waterfront
- Election of Treasurer
- Review of Earth Day activities (DEED and SEED)
- Review of May 1 tree planting
General Services, Health and Environment Committee
The General Services, Health and Environment Committee is discussing an ordinance to require the city to replant trees that have been removed. The body is also considering two resolutions to honor local residents by renaming portions of city streets.
- Ordinance 2.21.22: Amends Chapter 345 to require the city to bear full cost of replanting trees removed under section 345-4
- Resolution 35.41.22R: Rename a portion of First Street as 'Jewel and Grace Love Way'
- Resolution 48.51.22R: Rename a portion of Clinton Avenue between South Swan and Dove Streets as 'Charles and Edna Howard Way'
General Services, Health and Environment Committee
The General Service, Health and Environment Committee will meet to discuss city operations. The agenda includes reviews of the most recent winter's snow removal and updates on city landfills and the golf course.
- Discussion on snow removal from the past winter
- Update on City of Albany Landfills
- Updates on the Golf Course
Sustainability Commission
The Sustainability Advisory Committee will host a guest speaker from Ithaca, NY to discuss the Ithaca Green New Deal. The body will also elect a Treasurer and review reports from the Common Council Planning Committee.
- Presentation by Luis Aguirre-Torres on the Ithaca Green New Deal
- Election of Treasurer
- Discussion of SAC Annual Report due June 30th
- Volunteer coordination for Drive Electric Earth Day and South End Earth Day on April 23, 2022
- Volunteer coordination for Tulip Festival on May 7 and May 8
Public, Education & Government Access Oversight Board
The Public, Education and Government Access Oversight Board meeting consists of procedural boilerplate. The agenda includes reports from the Chair, Studio Coordinator, and Treasurer.
Public, Education & Government Access Oversight Board
The Public, Education and Government Access Oversight Board will meet to review reports from the chair, treasurer, and studio coordinator. The board has scheduled an executive session to discuss Studio Coordinator personnel.
- Executive session regarding Studio Coordinator personnel
Public, Education & Government Access Oversight Board
The board met via Zoom to review previous minutes and discuss potential partnerships with Siena College and WVCR. The board held an executive session to discuss the Studio Coordinator RFP and subsequently voted to allow the chair to negotiate and make a job offer to Aprecia Cabey.
- Approval of January meeting minutes
- Authorization for the chair to negotiate and make a studio coordinator job offer to Aprecia C.
- Discussion of potential internship or curriculum integration with Siena College and WVCR
Sustainability Commission
The committee will review priority projects for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. Members will also receive updates on Clean Energy Community Campaigns approved by NYSERDA and legislative ideas for the Common Council.
- Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan project priorities
- Clean Energy Community Campaigns: Energy Efficiency/Heat Pumps, Community Solar, and Electric Vehicles
- Legislative action ideas for the Common Council
Public, Education & Government Access Oversight Board
The Board discussed updating the city code to allow for a more general description of stakeholder seats to fill a vacancy. Members also reviewed the Studio Coordinator's report on new programming and equipment and entered executive session to discuss the Studio Coordinator RFP.
- Approval of 2021 treasurer's report showing a remaining balance of $3,863.91
- Discussion on changing city code to broaden stakeholder descriptions for board vacancies
- Studio Coordinator report on recording new shows including Capital Cannabis and Praise Time
- Executive session held to discuss employment matters regarding the Studio Coordinator RFP
Sustainability Commission
The Sustainability Advisory Committee is meeting to select priority projects from the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. The body will also hold elections for officers and discuss new sustainability-related city positions.
- Selection of priority projects from the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan
- Elections for Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary
- Resolution to create a Treasurer position
- Discussion of Director of Sustainability, Energy Manager, and Climate Justice Fellow positions
- Update on three NYSERDA-approved Clean Energy Community Campaigns regarding heat pumps, community solar, and electric vehicles