Albany Common Council Regular Meeting - January 22, 2026

The Albany Common Council met on Thursday, January 22, 2026, with 14 members present and one absent. The meeting included approval of previous minutes, introduction of local laws and resolutions, public comment, and discussion on community concerns. Key topics included a tax exemption for seniors, sustainability efforts, confirmation of a commissioner, budget transfers, a street renaming, and a majority whip election. Public comments highlighted issues at the West Hill Community Center, ICE enforcement, parking regulations, and employee grievances at the Department of General Services (DGS).

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the January 5, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously.
• Local Law A of 2026: Introduced and referred to the Finance Committee. This law amends Article 3 of the City Code to increase the maximum exemption percentage levels for senior citizens tax exemptions, as allowed by New York State law. Councilmember Keegan noted a timeline requiring a Finance Committee meeting on January 29 to allow age and mayoral signature by March 1.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Beverly Lyons (West Hill Neighborhood Association): Reported seeing two employees smoking cannabis inside the gated area of the West Hill Community Center, which she considered inappropriate for a safe haven for children.
• Cheryl DeCrosta (West Hill resident): Welcomed new council members, expressed disappointment at being turned away from a scheduled meeting at the West Hill Community Center, and raised alarm about ICE agents taking children off the streets in West Hill, urging the council to work with the mayor's administration and community groups to protect immigrants.
• Dawn Hewitt (West Hill resident): Repeated concerns about the West Hill Community Center, described parking difficulties on 2nd Street due to multiple-car households, and expressed fear of ICE targeting based on appearance, asking for help for immigrant families.
• Sharon Davis (Vice President, West Hill Neighborhood Association): Stated she and six other women were turned away from the West Hill Community Center and told they were a liability, despite the center being established for the community. She called for an apology and noted that West Hill children are on waiting lists while other programs serve non-residents.
• Shakuna Lewis (DGS Sanitation Driver): Alleged retaliation and discrimination by Labor Relations Manager Kathy Igo, including missing FMLA paperwork, improper suspensions, and a hostile work environment. She stated she filed federal, city, and state EEO complaints and urged the council to address the situation.
• Michael Simonelli (DGS employee): Also complained about Kathy Igo, citing missing doctor's notes, discrimination, improper drug testing, and suspensions that caused financial hardship. He claimed the testing algorithm targeted him and another employee disproportionately.

Discussion Items

• Resolution 21226R – Paper Reduction Sustainability: Councilmember Zamer introduced a non-binding resolution affirming the council's commitment to reducing paper usage. It passed unanimously with 14 co-sponsors.
• Resolution 31226R – Confirmation of Miriam Dixon: Introduced and referred to the Council Operations and Ethics Committee. Council President Farrell noted that a confirmation meeting would be scheduled after the next caucus and that all members could attend.
• Resolutions 41226R, 51226R, and 71226R – Budget Transfers: Three resolutions approving transfers of budgeted funds affecting salary rates or totals were introduced and referred to the Finance Committee. Resolution 71226R was added by majority consent.
• Resolution 61226R – Street Renaming for Larson Family: Introduced and referred to the General Services Committee. Councilmember Flynn clarified that the family approved the wording after communication with former Councilmember Judy Lugo.
• Majority Whip Election: Councilmember Osu Anani was nominated and elected by voice vote. He thanked colleagues and expressed commitment to legislative priorities and collaboration.
• Public Safety and ICE: Councilmember Hoey announced a protest at West Capitol Park on January 23, 2026, at 4:00 PM against ICE actions, citing two Albany school district children detained with their parents. Councilmember Johnson urged the body to respond to public concerns about ICE. Council President-elect Howie, as Public Safety Chair, agreed to follow up with the police chief to ensure council members are notified of incidents in their districts.
• Parking Regulations: Councilmember Flynn highlighted faded signs and outdated alternate-side parking rules, calling for a committee review. Councilmember Keegan noted that a parking study was funded in 2019 but data not used, and she has a bill to align parking rules with street sweeping. Councilmember Johnson criticized the lack of response from the transportation department and called for better service to residents.
• West Hill Community Center: Councilmember Robinson apologized to the neighborhood on behalf of the city, noted the center was opened prematurely, and urged the council to hold the incoming commissioner accountable and visit frequently. He also called for better communication from the police chief after shootings in his district.

Key Outcomes

• Local Law A of 2026 (Senior Tax Exemption): Referred to the Finance Committee, with a meeting scheduled for January 29, 2026.
• Resolution 21226R (Paper Reduction): Passed unanimously (14-0).
• Resolutions 31226R, 41226R, 51226R, 61226R, 71226R: All introduced and referred to appropriate committees.
• Majority Whip: Osu Anani elected by voice vote.
• Committee Meetings: General Services Committee will meet on February 2, 2026 at 6:00 PM to discuss Resolution 61226R. Finance Committee will meet on January 29, 2026 to discuss Local Law A and staffing resolutions, contingent on attendance from the mayor's and auditor's offices.
• Public Safety: Council President Howie committed to updating the notification list for council members regarding incidents in their districts.
• Parking: Councilmember Keegan offered to work with colleagues on a bill to reform alternate-side parking rules.