Albany Common Council Meeting: May 4, 2026 Honors and Resolutions

The Albany Common Council met on Monday, May 4, 2026, at the City Hall chambers. The meeting began with the pledge of allegiance and a moment of silence, followed by roll call showing 12 members present. The council took several items out of order, passing resolutions to honor community figures and celebrate local sports achievements. The meeting also included a presentation from the City Auditor on a computer donation policy, public comments, committee reports, and the introduction of new ordinances.

Honoring Mother Clara Lumpkin (Resolution 28-42-26R)

• Councilmember Lumpkin sponsored a resolution to rename a portion of South Swan in honor of his mother, Mother Clara Lumpkin, recognizing her decades of service through prison ministry, nursing home visits, and work with God's soup kitchen. The resolution passed unanimously, with all 12 council members voting yes. Several community members spoke in support during public comment, highlighting her faith, consistency, and impact on the community.

Honoring Reverend Reginald E. Graham (Resolution 32-42-26R)

• Councilmember Williamson sponsored a resolution to rename a portion of Second Avenue as Reginald E. Graham Way in honor of Reverend Graham, pastor and owner of Village Barber and Beauty. The resolution passed unanimously. Councilmember Johnson noted that Graham is being honored while living, which he called important. The renaming celebration is scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026, marking Graham's 25th anniversary. Family members and community supporters spoke in favor during public comment.

Celebrating CBA Basketball State Championship (Resolution 29-51-26R)

• The council recognized coach Jayla Cancer and the Christian Brothers Academy varsity basketball team for winning the state championship with an undefeated season. Councilmember Johnson highlighted that two team members are Albany residents. The resolution passed by voice vote, with all members co-sponsoring.

Celebrating KIPP Capital Charter School Basketball (Resolution 35-51-26R)

• The council recognized the KIPP Capital Charter School basketball team for winning sectional and regional championships in the school's first year. Councilmember Johnson commended coaches for their extra support, including providing transportation and food. The resolution passed by voice vote.

City Auditor Presentation: Computer Donation Policy (Resolution 33-42-26R)

• City Auditor Sam Fine presented a resolution authorizing the city to adopt a policy to donate unused computer equipment to schools, libraries, and nonprofits. He stated this is allowed by state law and would cost nothing, while promoting environmental sustainability and closing the digital divide. Councilmember Williamson asked if churches could be included; Fine said he would check state regulations. The resolution later passed with 10 votes in favor.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Robin Thomas (Colonie, NY): Praised Mother Lumpkin’s work with God’s Soup Kitchen.
• Pastor Betty Smith: Shared a personal story of meeting Lumpkin at Albany Medical Center and praised her consistency.
• Akasia Dunquez (Albany, NY): Called Lumpkin a role model and appreciated her community impact.
• Evangelist Shirley Johnson: Praised Lumpkin’s faithfulness and described her as a “spiritual mother.”
• Pastor Kelly Brewington (Albany, NY): Thanked God for Lumpkin’s prayer and compassion.
• Sarah Fowler: Testified to Lumpkin’s reliability and prayer, including a healing after a stroke.
• Janelle Fonder (Half Moon, NY): Recalled Lumpkin praying for her son, who was healed.
• Pastor Timothy Harper (Troy, NY): Noted Lumpkin opens the church doors and leads services, reducing his stress.
• Minister Justice (Albany, NY): Called Lumpkin “a beautiful example of what a woman of God should be.”
• Supreme Allah (Albany, NY): Shared that Lumpkin visited him in prison and continues to pray for him.
• Bob Ward (Albany, NY): Raised concerns about the city’s high and increasing debt burden, thanking the finance committee for their work.
• Leisha Graham Perry: Spoke as Reverend Graham’s sister, thanking the council for honoring her brother.
• Betty Graham: Wife of Reverend Graham, thanked the council and Councilmember Williamson.
• Annette Brown (read by Leisha Graham Perry): Expressed strong support for the street renaming for Reverend Graham.
• Keith Irish (Albany, NY): Raised multiple issues at the new West Hill Community Center: entry and bathroom doors not ADA-compliant, no address on the building, inadequate signage, and restrictive rules for the senior program that are discouraging attendance.

Discussion Items

• Finance Committee (Councilmember Keegan): Met on April 22 and April 29 to discuss the city’s budget.
• Public Safety Committee (Councilmember Hoy): Met on April 27 and April 28, interviewed seven candidates for the Community Police Review Board (CPRB), selected one candidate (background check pending). Met again on May 4 to hear a report from UAlbany on violence prevention. Upcoming interviews on May 20 for remaining four openings.
• General Service Committee (Councilmember Flynn): Met April 30 to discuss three resolutions, including Resolution 33-42-26R (computer donation), which came with a favorable recommendation.
• Planning Committee (reported by Councilmember Hoy): Met April 21 to review the appointment of Jill Delaney to the Albany Convention Center Authority Board, with a unanimous vote to move the nomination forward.
• Local Law H (Councilmember Ballorin): A local law amending city code to add protections against housing discrimination and increase enforcement of fair housing violations was read and referred to the housing committee.
• Ordinance Introductions:
  • Ordinance 105-26: Authorizing an easement to Center Square LLC at 1233 Broadway (referred to Finance).
  • Ordinance 115-26: Amending vendor code to expand mobile vendor opportunities (referred to Planning).
• Resolution 34-51-26R (Councilmember Keegan): Recognizing May 1, 2026 as International Workers Day (May Day). Councilmember Keegan cited 16.5 million union members in the U.S. and stressed the importance of workers' rights. Passed by voice vote.
• Commissioner of Deeds Appointments (Councilmember Anani): Appointments for term ending December 31, 2026 approved by voice vote.

Key Outcomes

• Resolutions honoring Mother Clara Lumpkin and Reverend Reginald E. Graham passed unanimously (12-0).
• Resolution celebrating CBA basketball state championship passed by voice vote.
• Resolution celebrating KIPP Capital Charter School basketball championships passed by voice vote.
• Resolution authorizing a computer donation policy (33-42-26R) passed with 10 votes in favor.
• Resolution consenting to the appointment of Jill Delaney to the Albany Convention Center Authority Board passed by roll call vote, with Councilmembers Lumpkin and Williamson absent from the vote.
• Resolution recognizing International Workers Day (34-51-26R) passed by voice vote.
• Local Law H (housing discrimination protections) was referred to the housing committee.
• The council will continue CPRB interviews on May 20.
• Staff will investigate whether churches can be included under the computer donation policy (Auditor Fine).
• Commissioner of Deeds appointments approved.