Good evening, everybody.

Welcome to the City of Albany Common Council Public Safety Committee meeting.

Tonight I am joined by committee members Mark Robinson and uh John.

And John and Committee member John Williamson.

And I apologize for the brain freeze.

And tonight we have two things on the agenda.

And second, we are going to watch a training film that uh police department's uh latest class that graduated put together, and I think it's good for the committee to be able to see the training that the police department has to go through.

So we can discuss a personnel matter.

Do I have a motion?

Thank you.

Hello, everybody.

Okay.

Good evening, everybody.

Um, we are out of exec session.

Um, we did have a discussion on um a personnel matter.

So at this point, um I'm gonna open it up for a nomination um for the person we had discussed in exec session to be placed on the CPR B.

Okay, jump second.

All in favor, I'll thank you.

Um, so we will move forward with that.

Um, this part of the meeting uh what I want to do is uh I had attended the uh police academy graduation in June, and during the graduation ceremony, they showed a film showing what the candidates or the cadets go through to become an opening uh city policeman.

And I thought it was useful maybe for the committee to see the type of training, and again, we can always make recommendations for training, and you know, I'd like it to be kind of that it's not just you know, we can make as public safety, we can also make recommendations for future trainings.

Um so with that, I'm gonna go ahead and uh we'll start up this uh video.

Yes, sir.

Um it it does he want to make some talk tonight?

Oh, sure, let's do it right now.

So we'll hold off on the film for now, and we're gonna have uh public comment.

So you know, because we do have public comment.

Yeah, come on up.

So we need what's in the same way.

Yeah, just give your name and uh where you live and uh in your comment.

Um, and I'd be glad to to talk to you about what I know is oh please just stay there, go ahead, hang out.

Um so let me just tell you because I just talked to Garrett Chaff, the he's the director of CPRB.

Talked to him this morning.

He said, because I asked him what's going on with Malk.

And he said that HR was waiting to verify one of your employment references that you had put down.

So, but he's also said he's reached out to you several times and you haven't gotten back to him.

Okay, good.

Good.

Yeah, well, the the agency is actually HR.

We don't do background checks.

Yeah.

Okay.

Okay.

Yeah, we'll be glad.

Let me talk to he couldn't make the meeting tonight.

He had other plans because I asked him, are you gonna be at the meeting tonight?

I didn't know you were gonna be here tonight.

But look, let me talk to him tomorrow.

Let's if we have to do a three-way call, let's do a three-way call.

I don't want you to feel like you know, it has been a while.

It's been a few weeks.

So let's, or maybe move it longer.

But let's find out where it's at, and you know, you you passed committee.

You got, you know, this comes up to the council, but we want to make sure when you go to the full council that you have everything is set.

Now, and I think I told you that we've gotten in trouble before with the Times Union writing really nasty stuff about us.

Um, because we didn't do background checks.

So you can understand why we are a little bit slow to make sure that we have all the I's dotted and T's crossed.

And believe me, it's nothing personal, but let's let me talk to him.

Okay, yeah, and that that's where we're at.

So be glad to talk to Garrett tomorrow.

We'll try to get you on the is there a good time of day to call you or any time or okay.

We'll do that then.

Yes, John, go ahead and more.

Thank you.

Thank you very much uh coming, um, Mr.

Anderson.

Greatly appreciate that.

Um as we was talking, you know, um, I'm hoping that um everything be resolved.

I strongly think that you will be a great asset um when you get on board, you know.

So I I just want to encourage you, don't get discouraged.

You will you will be there, you know.

Um, like I said, I think you'll be uh a great access to the community once you get on board.

Thank you.

And again, um Mr.

Anderson, I just want to, you know, thank you for your willingness to serve on a community um review police board, community police review board.

Um I know how passionate you are about right and wrong, you know, and I know from your character and from your work in the community, how you stand strong for standing for what's right and speaking out against what's wrong.

Um I agree with my colleague, you know.

I know that you'll be a great asset.

I know that you'll be the eyes and the ears of the community because you are in bedded in the community.

I know that you will have a laser focus because of your lived experience with police misconduct.

Um you know, also I just want to really, you know, um be aware of you know, the role that you will play and how you know, you know, under a normal day, if something is wrong or something you feel that is wrong, you know, and there's a social media thread behind something that may have took place, you know.

I ask that you be very mindful, right?

When you go in and you decide, if you decide to add your input, because right now you are you know I'm saying you are you know you are serving um you're on a board where you know you can't rush the judge, you know what I'm saying, without actually really looking at the facts and circumstance of the situation.

Um and I say that because there's uh there's uh there you know, when uh when you was first interviewed, there was a question that was asked, you know, about you know, you know, your willingness to understand that uh the role that you will be playing, how important it is for you really just to reserve your comment in public that may even hurt the case or turn our taunt, you know, um the police, you know what I'm saying, allegations before the facts and circumstances really bought to you in the full form for you to, you know, I'm saying shift through, you know, I'm saying find the wrongs, find the rights, and then as a unit, that press statement, you know what I'm saying, may come out.

So it's very easy for us, right, when certain things come across social media for us just to jump on it, you know, and make comments, but I want to make sure that you are aware that you know you are being held to a higher standard right now, whereas that and I know because we had this conversation, right?

I'm not, you know, I'm not trying to belittle you, and I'm not trying to disrespect you in the scene that you don't know what's right and wrong, you don't know what I'm saying, the course that has to be taken.

But you know, again, you know, a lot of times out of you know, out of emotions, you know, and I that just that just out of general, you know what I'm saying?

We can find ourselves, you know, just you know, engaging in something where we sit back and relax.

When we sit back, we realize we'd be like, oh, you know, maybe we should have waited that out, maybe we should have heard both sides of the story, if not all five to the story before we decided to give our input on a certain situation.

So, you know, that's what I asked that, you know, just you know, um, just try to be very mindful, you know what I'm saying, when they come to social media interaction or any interaction that come across where that there's police misconduct, or is a case that's in front of you, you know, that um, you know, you really reserve your right and how you really, you know, add on to that conversation before it comes to the full board, and you and the board, you know, I'm saying, shift through it, you know what I'm saying, and find what's right and find what's wrong and address it as a full body.

Well, thank you, and uh, just want to introduce we have council members of Brody join us, and Farrell and Council President uh Kelly Kimbrough.

We're gonna do a film.

Would you mind watching it?

Um it's about how they train the police, and you might get some ideas, you know, doing it, but we're gonna run out of time if I don't start it now, if you don't mind.

Thank you.

Do you mind if we um do it now or I'm talking to you more?

I didn't mean to cut you off.

I feel like okay.

Okay.

Let's start the film so I can close this meeting out.

Thank you.

Thank you, and we'll get back to you tomorrow.

I promise you.

I don't know if you want to watch it or not.

All right, everybody.

Um, I will entertain a motion to adjourn the uh public safety meeting.

Aye.

Thank you all.

Um, we can start caucus.

Umenez, do you mind calling the role and all of that good stuff?

Present.

Are we present?

Johnson, Jones.

Powell?

Robinson.

Williamson.

President.

Zammer.

Here.

Nine in the room.

We do have quorum.

We are expecting Councilmember Robinson to appear shortly.

We're also joined by Council President Kelly Kimbrough, City Clerk Shinkwa Jackson, Assistant Corporation Council, Martha Moskowitz, Legislative Director Brian Amenaz, Council and Director Policy Robert Winner, and Policy Analyst Carly Johnson.

Thank you so much.

We'll go through the agenda.

And I just will note quickly before we go into that.

It is a really good video that definitely recommend people watching.

So I will make sure that we're I'm not sure if we're able to share that publicly or not.

I'm gonna see you have to have permissions.

What I can do is ask for permissions for the full council.

Yeah, yeah, at the very least.

I think that would be a good thing.

Um so to go through the agenda.

We'll be um approving the July 6th, 2026 minutes.

And local laws introduced from Councilmember Flynn, local law O of 2026, which will go to law.

That is uh a local law uh regarding rank choice voting for the city of Albany.

Did you want to say anything on that tonight?

Uh all I want to say is uh I'm glad that we're getting this discussion going publicly rather than on social media and everybody's lip service.

So I'm glad we're getting it to uh for debate for discussion for facts, lip service, and uh I hope we have a good few months of discussing this.

Thank you.

Thank you so much.

From Councilmember Howie, local law P of 2026, which will go to public safety.

That is a law local law amending the code of the city of Albany in relation to the establishment of police disciplinary procedures and creation of a public safety officer.

Did you want to say anything on that this evening, Councilmember Howie?

Um real briefly, we passed this law back in 2021, and uh the courts it did go to court, and the courts found some parts of it were not constitutional.

So we've made changes and we're gonna bring it back to the council, but there will be a full discussion explaining exactly what parts were uh considered uh not constitutional and uh and we'll take it from there.

Thank you so much.

Um in local oh, Councilmember Keegan?

I just I had a quick question on that because that's also related to our disciplinary procedures.

Do we know what we're doing in the meantime to be able to proceed with disciplinary cases?

Do we know?

And I'm sorry with the noise.

I I couldn't hear the first part of the question.

I so this is how we were this was the independent arbitrator, third party that was managing discipline, not just for the police department for but for all of our bargaining units.

No, it was just for the police department.

It wasn't fire, it wasn't any other department, it was just set up, but do we know what they're doing in the meantime?

I'm gonna I'm gonna have to refer that to our council, uh Robert.

I don't think anyone up here has uh been working on this particular matter, but we can look into it and report back.

Can we try and get an answer on that in the next one?

I mean, and this will come up during committee.

We'll be glad to really fully discuss it.

Thank you.

And local laws held, um, councilmember Brody's local law L of 2026 will be voting on that this evening.

Did you want to say anything on that, Councilmember Brody?

I think I'll hold my comments until the full meeting.

Thank you.

Excellent.

And ordinances introduced from Councilmember Robinson, ordinance 1372 26, which will go to public safety.

That's an ordinance amending the code of the Sydney City of Albany establishing a pilot youth program by enacting a new charter to be entitled Albany Youth Safety and Support Hours.

Did you want to say anything on that this evening, Councilmember Robinson?

Yes, yes, briefly.

Um the week in assembly Gabriella, she had put together a collaborative task for us with youth, and we need as many toolboxes in our toolbox as possible to address, you know what I'm saying, our youth in and in their development and how we want to see them grow in our city.

So this is just another tool that we have in our tool chess to actually try to engage in our youth and just want to put them in the right direction where that they will be productive and um in the community and help the community grow.

Thank you.

Thank you so much from Councilmember Flynn ordinance 14726, which will go to planning.

That is an ordinance of the code of the city of Albany in relation to permitting battery energy storage systems.

Did you want to say anything on that, Councilmember Flynn?

Yeah, that this is just a growing issue amongst the nation and the states, and uh I'm glad that we're taking it at the local level so that we can uh get our own rules and regulations on this matter.

Thank you.

Thank you so much.

The rest of the ordinances will be held and resolutions introduced.

We have resolution 73, 72, 26R uh resolution honoring um celebrating Albany's history as the oldest continuously chartered city in the United States since the grant of the Donegan Charter on July 22nd, 1686.

Um we did want to all be co-sponsors in caucus.

I just want to confirm that this evening, everybody wants to be co-sponsors.

That looks like a yes.

Excellent.

We will be all co-sponsors on that, council member or council president.

Um next, uh I'll just note the next four resolutions are um different supports for uh that we're doing with capitalized Albany for different potential funding opportunities.

They did come in and speak in depth on these during caucus, but they are also here this evening.

Should anybody have any questions?

So I'll just go one through the other.

And if anybody does have any questions, you can put your hand up and we'll have them come up.

Um so we have resolution 7274 72 26R.

Um that is a support in support of Capitol Streets and its application to the Office of Parks for Parks Preservation and Heritage.

Um then we have resolution 7572R.

That is a in support of an EPF grant program for parks through the Office of Parks.

Um next we have resolution 7672 26R, that is a resolution of the City of Albany in support of the New York Department of State Local Waterfront Revitalization Program, and then 70s resolution 77, 72, 26R, uh in support of the consolidated funding application to the Empire State Development New York Kicks program.

Um does anybody have any further questions that may not have asked during caucus on Wednesday?

Councilmember Howie.

Thank you.

Um President Pro Temp.

Uh, I just wanted to find out what uh these all go into one committee or what commission.

We're passing them this evening.

That's what we we discussed them.

We asked a lot of questions and discussed them at caucus.

And I missed it.

Um just a reminder that when it comes to these resolutions, they are in support of this.

It doesn't mean that it necessarily that we'll get the money, that the projects will definitely happen even if we do get the money.

Um, but it is in order to apply for these grant programs, we have to have a resolution in support.

And there's a very quick turnaround, so we don't actually have time to send them to committee because of when the applications are due to capitalize Albany and then to the actual hub.

So um, so we it every year we have to do a quick turnaround with them, which is why we asked them to come in on our longer caucus so we can have in-depth questions.

So any in-depth questions should have been on Wednesday.

Um, but if there's any quick follow-ups, that we're definitely happy to entertain them.

But um obviously Wednesday was the big night to ask most of the questions.

And obviously, follow-up questions can happen afterwards.

Everybody capitalized Albany is always been very accessible and loves doing things to promote the city of Albany.

So I it's not even something I think that they would be thrilled if somebody had further questions and wanted to know more about how to get involved more.

So are there any other questions?

Uh Councilmember Brody.

Um two administrative items.

Uh first Steve Mercier from the water department is open to setting up a tour for anybody who's interested.

I know he sent out the question.

Just quickly, is is this about can we get through the agenda first?

Are these sorry for capitalized Albany?

No.

Okay.

Let's get through the agenda and then happy to bring in some other things.

Um next from Councilmember Zamer, resolution 7872 26R, which will go to planning.

That is a reappointment of Serena White Lake to the Board of Zoning Appeals.

And then Councilmember Zamer also has resolution 79, 72 26R, uh, which will also go to planning, a resolution of the Common Council consenting to the appointment of Celeste Knight to the Board of Zoning Appeals.

Did you want to say anything on those?

Okay, those will be discussed in committee.

We have two Majority Consent additions this evening.

Um we have they're in your packet.

Resolution 8072 26R.

This is a resolution um setting up the standard work days for elected officials.

This is required by regulation, uh New York State regulation to go to the state controllers so that all of elected officials, since we don't have normal workday times, this sets it up so that everyone is able to be part of the pension system.

So thank you to everybody for getting that together for new council members.

It is a giant pain, and um you did it, and you don't need to do it again for a long stretch.

Um so we will be voting on that this evening, and then we have resolution 81726R.

This is a resolution of the common council approving a transfer of budgeted funds and a change in the authorized positions, including in the 2026 city budget, which will affect the salary rate or salary total.

This is um part of the vital statistics move back to the administration, and this will be going to finance, so it will be discussed in the finance committee more in depth.

And um the rest of the resolutions are held.

Councilmember Brody, you had a couple of things.

Thank you.

Sort of more administrative items.

Um so if you haven't replied and you are interested in the water department tour, um, I just email Steve back.

Um you guys all got emails to your city email.

Um, especially in advance of budget season, he's really uh looking forward to giving, especially new council members uh an inside look into what they do and how they do it so we can go into those discussions well informed.

Um and then second of all, um, just want to note the city's downgraded bond rating was uh the full report was officially posted by the treasurer to the treasurer's um annual reports part of their website.

Um and I encourage everybody to take a look.

It's um we're gonna have to really roll up our sleeves this budget season and for a couple more, and I think it was a um a very fair analysis of where our current finances are.

So if you haven't already, I encourage you to to take a look at that as well.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Does anybody else have any announcements or anything that they want to say?

Councilman Bernani.

Yeah, I just want to give an update.

Um I attended a round table which was talking about the data centers.

Uh, as many of you know, the governor did a one-year moratorium on the hyperscale data centers.

Uh, generally those which are deemed of 50 megawatts or more uh during the pause.

Uh you know, the state plans to develop a regulatory framework for future projects.

Um something that the governor expressed at the uh round table is that you know um particularly with the resolution that we passed here is really being concerned about you know electric electrical grid, high electricity costs, um addressing concerns about our water use, land use, and our environmental impacts.

Um but generally what I got from that round table was particularly that you know the governor has emphasized that she's not opposed to AR or data centers in principle, uh, but has said that the goal was to essentially to create a stronger statewide standard so future developments can uh make way that protects communities and infrastructure and high administration as well.

So I just wanted to share that information.

And also uh council member Deb Zamer was able to join too as well.

Did you want to add anything to that, Councilmember?

Um is there anything else?

We have a few minutes left.

I would just um add for any on the water department tour, if you haven't been on it yet, I highly recommend doing it.

It's very eye-opening and um and also something that as water becomes more scarce in our entire nation.

Um, Albany is in a really good spot, and it's because of a lot of planning a hundred years ago and a lot of investment and infrastructure that we are still doing.

Um, so definitely recommend jumping on that if you have not done that already.

So with that, um, especially for the council members that were in the public safety might want to stretch your legs, and we'll be back at seven o'clock.

Okay, welcome to the Monday July twentieth uh meeting of the Albany Common Council.

Um Adams.

Anani.

Present.

Ballerin.

Brody.

Farrell.

Here.

Lynn.

Here.

Hoey.

Present.

Johnson.

Jones.

Keegan.

Here.

Lumpkin.

Present.

Powell.

Present.

Robinson.

Williamson.

Present.

Zamer.

Here.

Twelve present, three absent.

Thank you.

Okay, will you join me in the Pledge of Allegiance?

And a moment of silence.

One nation on the visible justice.

Do the numb number of speakers.

We'll be allotting three minutes per speaker.

Uh, once you take the seat, give us your name and address.

Uh again, follow the lights on the table there.

Um, they'll indicate how much time you have left.

And when I ask you to stop, please stop.

Um with that.

Um also uh remember to be respectful to members.

Um, if you have a problem or you want to go at somebody, bring it to me as chair of this body.

Um, uh, be respectful and uh in your comments.

Please call the first speaker.

This is in a give and take a back and forth.

We receive public comment from you, and after that, we'll have a time when members can speak on that on the comments.

With the issues of gun violence in this city than me.

No one's hold more meetings, no one's held more wrote more editorials, you name it.

I've done it for years.

So I'm speaking as an authority on the subject.

We need to fight this fight where it needs to be for, not by hauling parents out, but by getting on these streets and addressing these issues on the streets.

That's where the problem is.

That's where people are dying at.

Parents aren't putting out hits on other people's other peers, kids.

Parents are now selling guns to people.

It's gun dealers.

It's the gun culture.

It's the street.

So again, not the parents.

Fight to fight in the streets where it belongs.

Thank you.

Our next speaker is former Councilmember Richard Conte.

Welcome, Mr.

Conte.

Okay, so my name is Richard Conte, our City of Albany resident, uh, Chestnut Street.

Um June thirtieth, over thirty-two hundred Albany City voters petitioned this council to place on the ballot a city charter amendment enacting ranked choice voting in a unified single election for municipal offices.

I'm here tonight uh to fully endorse that request.

According to the uh National League of Cities, fully seventy-five percent of municipalities nationwide hold nonpartisan elections for municipal office.

Twenty-three of the thirty largest U.S.

cities use nonpartisan elections.

Nonpartisan elections represent uh progressive good government reform where elections focus on issues and problem solving versus party labels.

Thus further limiting electoral participation in already low voter turnout elections.

And if you're an unaffiliated voter, um your vote and your opinion is not likely to be a priority in a municipal general election.

Gives early voters every voter an equal voice, and ensures majority winners without costly run-offs.

Across the country, ranked choice voting is no longer experimental.

It's used in over sixty jurisdictions, uh, including two states.

And has grown roughly five fold in the past decade.

Cities that adopt it report higher voter satisfaction, more civil campaigns, and broader participation.

Albany voters are ready for this.

Let the people decide what our city should adopt whether our city should adopt a fairer, more inclusive election system.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Wade Holman.

Hello, council.

Thank you for letting me comment today.

I live on Delaware Avenue on Ward 7.

I'm here today to speak in opposition to the flock surveillance cameras positioned all around our city.

Flock manufactures AI-powered automated license plate readers or ALPRs.

One thing I want to point out right away is that these cameras are all about surveillance, not safety.

Surveillance of our friends, family, and neighbors without their consent.

Flock collects and aggregates data on every passing vehicle, regardless if the driver is suspected of a crime or not, and knows that data in perpetuity, which they provide the law enforcement agencies through a nationwide lookup service.

This is a blatant violation of our Fourth Amendment.

On my way to and from work, I pass five flock cameras each way over a four-mile commute down Madison.

Whenever I visit my girlfriend, I pass four more each way.

So that's nine every day, each way.

These cameras go beyond being simple license plate readers.

They not only take pictures of license plates, they also establish what's known as the vehicle fingerprint, noting the make and model of car as well as other identifying factors such as roof racks, bumper stickers, and dents.

On top of that, flock data has been used by law enforcement officers to stock ex-partners and love interest with over a dozen documented cases across the U.S.

A Kansas police chief used flock safety license plate readers to track his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend's vehicles for over four months.

He later resigned.

This is a recurring pattern enabled by infrastructure that was designed for addressing crime, but was deployed without the necessary safeguards, their power of that scale demands.

Flock was used by police in Texas to track a woman seeking medical care related to an abortion.

A Johnson County, Texas Sheriff used Flock's nationwide search for a woman he believed had an abortion, giving the surge log reason, had an abortion search for female.

Data revealed that the officer surged cameras nationwide, searching 83,000 license plate readers to look for the woman.

And police aren't the only ones abusing this technology.

Flocks flock, excuse me, flock safety's own employees even tapped into live feeds at a Jewish community center in Dunwoody, Georgia, and viewed children in their gymnastics class and at the pool.

Not for safety, not for security, but to impress potential customers during sales demonstrations.

This is not acceptable by any means.

Additionally, police departments around the country are performing lookups in Flock's AI powered system for immigration-related searches as part of his ICE investigations, giving federal enforcement side door access to a tool that it currently does not have a formal contract for.

I talk about him because he had a lab built in Lincoln, what is now Lincoln Park.

Opened in 1852.

He worked out of it for uh 50 years.

It was somehow acquired though in a park by the school board, which built this which built the Sunshine School right next to it.

Now after about two uh 2000, the city, the school board lost any interest in it.

It tried to sell it.

It tried to sell it to the uh Albany Boys and Girls Club.

That failed.

Most recently, about 2019, as described in a little three-page thing that I had that we handed out to the uh council people.

It was bought by a mysterious thing called Future is Bright, which is on Washington Avenue.

It was to uh the James Hall Lab was to become a center for community activity.

Nothing happened, Albany.

Albany, you dropped the ball.

The school board dropped the ball.

Now, most recently, this site, which is a national historic site.

It was made a national historic site and the bicentennial.

Two days after the sesquisnial, it's burned.

Where have you been, Albany, in preserving this scientific heritage?

Now I think this place should be secured.

There should be a security camera, parks and rec and historic preservation must work to preserve this site.

Albany, let's wake up.

There's a great history here.

They talk about 150 million dollars being spent on Albany.

Spend a small amount of it there for your heritage and for educational purposes, and maybe MAGA make Albany great again.

Thank you, sir.

Lynn Jackson.

Okay.

My name is Lynn Jackson.

I live at 223 South Swan Street in Albany.

First, I would like to thank the Common Council for our beautiful pool in Lincoln Park.

The pool is a joy to swim in.

It is a wonderful and beautiful place, and it shows what our government can do for us.

I love the pool.

I would also like to thank the Common Council for the Lincoln Park Learning Garden.

And the garden is so beautiful.

If you have not been down there yet, I really suggest that you go.

It's almost finished, and it's beautiful, and I hope people in Albany really like it.

I have lived near Lincoln Park for more than 40 years.

This pool, the pools and the garden are really the first renovations and additions that have been done to the park since I moved in on South Swan Street in 1984.

I'm here this evening to ask the common council to save another resource in the park, the James Hall Laboratory Building.

Ed Landing just described more about the building, but I think it's really important for us to save this building from the 1800s.

And I believe the city should preserve the building.

James Hall was an American hero in science.

In 1860, he broke with the dominant creation beliefs in proposing that Earth was not created as it now appears, but rather underwent successive mounted building and erosion episodes through an interval far longer than what was recorded in the Bible.

One of the kiosks in the in our Lincoln Park Learning Garden explains the geology of the park.

This kiosk is located so that the reader can see the bedrock outcropping in the park.

So this laboratory of a geologist also relates to what is actually in Lincoln Park.

I think it's very important in this day and age that we preserve our history and especially that we preserve our science history.

Albany is a very old and historic city, and saving the James Hall Laboratory would save another important piece of Albany's history.

Thank you very much.

Thank you, ma'am.

Yvette Alfonso.

Buenas noches, good evening, Council members.

Some of you who know me have not seen me in a while.

I've been out of commission for the better part of this year, undergoing several surgeries.

And I haven't been on much in public, but I thought the this topic I wanted to address was important enough for me to come out.

The petition to propose a ballot, to propose a valid question on ranked choice voting with single unified elections has to be addressed.

Actually, I have no problem with ranked choice voting.

In fact, when someone asked if I would sign the petition, only mentioning rank choice voting at this time.

Only to find out later about the unified elections proposal, and actually I feel deceived, and I know that I'm not the only one.

What I do have found objectionable about doing away with primaries.

What do I find objectional?

You say I haven't been out in public enough to be able to talk about doing away with primaries.

It robs voters the opportunity to vet candidates according to a party destination and throws all the candidates in the jumble to kind of fight it to the end.

Voters choose to enroll in a party and should not be denied the right to choose who represents them in the general elections and hopefully wins the wins the office.

Also, uh this would really affect the issue of fusion voting, which is especially explicitly allowed under the New York State Constitution.

Specifically in Albany, the unified elections proposal would prevent the grassroots organization, such as the working families party from challenging the democratic establishment by championing candidates who espouse progressive values.

And I know we have the WFP has supported several of the people who are now in office here.

I end with saying yes to ranked choice voting, no to unified elections.

Thanks for hearing me out.

Thank you, Ms.

Alphar.

Andy Kyer.

Although my comment tonight is my own.

I have two main comments tonight.

Firstly, to register my support for ranked choice voting within partisan primaries, and secondly, to voice opposition to the attempt to move Albany's elections to a single unified election.

You're likely familiar with the arguments in favor of ranked choice voting, so I will focus my remarks primarily on the removal of partisan primaries.

Primary elections serve an important role in our democratic process through party vetting and gathering of grassroots support.

After a primary general election voters know that a majority of party members have supported a certain candidate.

Under the single unified proposal, having a D or a WFP next to the candidate name would not indicate victory in a primary election.

Rather, it would indicate either one, the candidate's party enrollment or two, the candidate having reached a quote, formal agreement with a political party.

That means that under the single unified proposal, a D or WFP next to a name would sometimes refer to party enrollment and sometimes refer to a party agreement.

And because Albany would be adopting a system not used at the county or state level, uh a party label would mean something different again if there were any state or county races on the very same ballot, which would make voting far more confusing.

The single unified elections proposal is also an attack on fusion voting, as Yvette just mentioned.

It's enshrined in the New York State Constitution, and it's how the working families party has built political power from outside the two-party system.

By denying parties the ability to select their candidates and vote on a dedicated party line, the single unified proposal may be in violation of the state constitution.

If we want to talk about real barriers to political participation, let's look at who can actually afford to run for office in the first place.

The cost of a campaign, the untime uh paid time away from a job, the lack of child care, or any uh safety net for a working parent who wants to knock on doors instead of clocking in.

Those are meaningful barriers keeping working people out of Albany's elections.

Further, removing the primary election vetting process would decrease the influence of organized groups that do important work in meeting invented candidates and increase the influence of money in politics.

Such a reform would tip the scales in favor uh of candidates who can pay for TV ads and mailers rather in favor than those candid of those candidates who have done the hard work of engaging with local political organizations, including community groups, nonprofits, political parties, and labor and tenant unions who support candidates to primaries.

The rising success of primar progressive challengers within Democratic primaries, New York City's Zoran Mamdani chief among them has made the primary process itself a target.

Unite New York, aligned with the National Group Unite America is supporting efforts to eliminate uh or open partisan primaries around New York State.

With historic progressive firsts in Albany, including the election of Gabriela Romero as the first Latina Assembly member from upstate New York, endorse the appears as the first black mayor of Albany, we cannot allow the rules of the game to be changed in a way that brings us backwards.

I strongly urge the count council to reject any proposal to remove Albany's partisan primaries.

Eric Poe.

And I live in the Mountholk neighborhood of the South End.

I would like to thank the Council for its bravery and courage in voting in the affirmative to pass the recent resolution on July 6th in support of the statewide moratorium on data centers.

Your action showed a commitment to standing with your constituents, and your leadership is deeply appreciated.

Because of the resolve of the council, the constituents, and various advocacy groups, this moratorium measure was subsequently signed by Governor Holkel and codified into law.

This milestone for our state proves that when local leaders act with conviction, backed by the voice and support of the community, resistance is possible.

A special thank you goes to Councilwoman Zamer, the sponsoring member of this resolution.

Your dedication to drafting the resolution was the catalyst for the success in endorsement by your colleagues.

Additionally, the Mountholk community must extend a special thank you to Councilman Johnson.

He has tirelessly stood for the interest of the South End community, regardless of the political headwinds.

His dedication is defined by his consistent efforts to listen to every concern brought forth by the community.

He is a leader who unwaveringly stands on his word, proving his promises are backed by actionable integrity.

His reliability ensures that the Mountholk community and South End will always have a fierce advocate in City Hall.

While we celebrate this victory, we must express our deep disappointment in Councilman Williamson of Ward 1, who decided to abstain from the vote while representing the community with the most to lose from the first proposed hyperscale data center in our city.

An elected official's primary interest should always be to act on the best interests of his community.

Choosing silence on a critical matter that directly impacts the Malhol community creates profound uncertainty in his ability to appropriately represent Ward 1 going forward.

By refusing to cast a vote, Councilman Williams silence presents an image of being either politically conflicted or willfully ignorant on the most significant issue the neighborhood has ever faced.

In either event, such a posture is entirely unacceptable for a representative elected to lead.

If it is political conflict, it shows a willingness to prioritize external interests over community interests.

If it is willful ignorance, it shows a disqualifying failure to do the basic homework required of the office.

True representation requires active advocacy, not passive detachment.

By failing to take a stand on this issue, Councilman Williamson has shown an inability to lead when it matters most.

Thank you again for every council member vote.

Yes, for choosing courage, objectivity.

That's your time, sir.

And community welfare over political convenience.

You need to stop.

Okay.

Mr.

President.

Yes.

Point of information and privilege.

At the beginning of the uh public comment, you said people should not attack members of this council.

I will not sit here tonight and have my fellow members attacked.

Thank you.

I think we need to step up.

Thank you, Mr.

Howie.

So I need folks to be mindful.

And again, I did bring this up in the beginning.

We're being respectful here.

Um I'll I'll stop you if you're attacking our members.

Okay.

Just be mindful of that as you sit down and speak moving forward.

Aldrey Lyman.

Mabel, Mabel Petrangelo.

If I tell yes, I'm I apologize.

Okay.

I should have just put Peep it simple.

No problem.

Good evening, Council members.

My name is Mabel Pietronello.

I um live in East Greenbush, but my passion and my heart is in Albany.

Councilman Johnson, how you doing?

Good to see you.

Um first of all, I'd like to thank you for the privilege and opportunity to have this moment to speak because all of you are servants, and I just wanted to say thank you.

You make a difference.

Your passion for serving this city.

Um I know a lot of people have a lot of negativity, but I see the positivity and wanted to bring that to you.

Um there's a program called SEET, and um hopefully you'll get to know more about that.

But I'm one of the ambassadors of CET.

I'm also the former volunteer of the year of Trinity Alliance, volunteer of the year.

They call me Vody.

But one of my passions is to unify the beautiful um organizations that reside in the city of Albany.

A lot of us have programs that are just not unified, so they use me as one of the vessels to connect.

So CET has come, they've um entered into our community downtown, and they have embraced our community.

They have opened their doors and I just love them.

And so that's why they allow me to be their ambassador.

We have dancing with the elders on Wednesdays from 2.30 to 3.30.

C has the parking lot from Hattie's.

They allow the seniors to park there so that we don't have a long walk.

And when they were doing construction on Trinity, C welcomed them.

They open their doors so that organizations who need a place to um meet at can go there.

They do catering, and I have cards if you'd like that information too.

But they're wonderful.

But the biggest thing is that they have a program for the culinary for youth 18 to 22 who may not be college material, who tried or whatever.

It's free.

And we need you to know that these group of students are being helped.

And it's not that they just go there, but they are welcome there and they're a family, and they make a difference there.

The other thing about is they in it's intergenerational.

The um C program came to the Ruby Used Block Party, which I'm always here talking about because that's my mama.

And um they came, Giffen school came and danced with us.

We had intern, we celebrated 20 years of dancing with the elders, which is down there.

There's a lot of life, and seat has come in and they have um basic basically gave CPR to that neighborhood.

So I I'm just a big fan.

And in closing, because I see my time is almost up.

They have a pledge that they do every single morning.

It is with the staff, it is with the youth, and it really gets them going.

I'm going to share it with you in close.

As a community, we are engaged in a united struggle to overcome the social, political, economic, educational, and spiritual inequities which threaten to destroy us as a community.

We pledge our commitment to transform our lives and communities to get up, dress up, and never give up, to develop our potentials as leaders and positive role models.

All this we do with appreciation, love, dignity, respect, and knowing there is a purpose for our lives.

That is the seat pledge.

I hope that we grow into it as a community.

Thank you.

Lee Newberg evening.

Thank you for this opportunity to speak.

My name is Lee Newberg, and I live in the 14th ward.

I'm here to speak about ranked choice voting and a single unified election.

I see that there is legislation to let Albany voters decide whether we want ranked choice voting and a single unified.

Oh, excuse me.

The legislation is does not include the single unified election.

I think that it is on the right track, and I thank you for that.

However, I think that we should do better by also eliminating the primary election, and I'll give you two of my several reasons.

My first reason is that 3200 Albany voters signed a petition asking for ranked choice voting and a single unified election.

That's an average of more than 200 voters per ward that has requested that all Albany voters be given the chance to vote this idea up or down.

The petitions have demonstrated that the interest is there and that it is intense.

Now is the time to let all Albany voters decide yay or nay.

My second reason for a single unified election is more obvious when we look at the national level because it happens so often there.

I am a Democrat and I have always been.

With ranked choice voting in a single unified election, my dilemma goes away.

I vote for my favorite first.

If my favorite wins, that's the best outcome.

But if my candidate doesn't make it, instead of four years of a Republican administration, my vote shifts to my next favorite Democrat, and so on as necessary.

I can vote for my favorite without being a spoiler who lets the Republican win.

It is what an average of more than 200 voters per ward have asked you to do.

It removes the spoiler effect that voters like me worry about.

And eliminating the primary has the potential to save the city a lot of money.

Please, let's let the Albany voters decide.

This year marks a major milestone for us.

In March, we celebrated our 10-year anniversary serving the Capitol Region and its residents through workforce development, training, and pathways to economic mobility.

Shout outs to our representative, Miss Mabel there.

Over the last decade, SEET has helped what we call our growth opportunity young people between the ages of 18 and 24 gain educational employment, gain soft skills, and build on sustainable careers.

Today I'm here because we are entering another season, which is vital and important to us as well as the City of Albany.

Right now, we are actively hiring for our culinary training program.

This paid training in a real restaurant environment is designed to prepare our young residents for immediate employment in Albany's growing hospitality and food service industry.

The application deadline is August 17th, and we are encouraging our council members to help us spread the word to the constituents in your neighborhoods and neighborhood associations and community partners.

In addition to our culinary program, the seat center, which stands for the Social Enterprise and Training Center.

In addition to our culinary program, the seat center, which stands for the Social Enterprise and Training Center, we offer construction HVAC as well as film production.

Our film program is especially exciting, being that it's being revitalized under new direction.

We have a short film called Seat at the uh seat at the table that's being pre premiered at the Harlem International Film Festival, as well as a media house that is based in France.

Those are just two of the most notable film uh premieres that we're gonna be conducting uh showing this film that our young people starred in, as well as help behind the scenes production.

C is not simply just teaching technical skills, we are building confidence, creating a network, and helping residents see a future for themselves here in Albany and in the Capitol region.

Every participant moves into employment, represents a stronger family, a safer neighborhood, and a stronger local community.

As council members, you guys are uniquely positioned to help connect residents to these opportunities, whether through referrals, community outreach, or partnerships.

Your support can help ensure that more Albany residents benefit from pro from these programs and produce a measurable results, such as Gabrielle Romero, she's doing the uh youth program pilot.

We are also here looking to do the same.

Uh, help us share the culinary program opportunity uh before August 17th deadline to encourage our young people to get on board and find a career for themselves.

Uh, let's continue to expand the social enterprise and training opportunities in the Albany region.

Um, and I want to thank you guys for hearing us out.

And thank you, Ms.

Deborah as well.

Mariana A.

Hello everyone.

Good evening.

My name is Mariana Ashelu, organizing chair for Indivisible Albany, part of the driving forces behind the coalitions for ranked choice voting, uh DFLOC 518 and stop Ken Wood.

And I am here to hand this council a draft ordinance for a one-year local moratorium on data center development in Albany and speak truth to the reality of what this legislative body is also doing to rank choice voting initiative within Albany.

Amid concerns that the Democratic Party isn't quite grasping how much people really hate data centers.

We are handing you the solution because the democratic establishment on every level has failed we the people.

Last week, Governor Hochel bypassed the state legislature's robust responsible data center development act.

Instead, she issued a watered-down executive order full of corporate exemptions.

Unsurprisingly, the Kenwood developers immediately called her order a positive development.

Are we kidding?

The governor's order will not save Albany from Kenwood.

Our future is entirely back in your hands, and quite frankly, we are tired of this game of ping pong.

Neighboring communities get it.

Tonight, Albany must follow suit.

And Indivisible Albany is giving you the legislative foundation to do so.

Instead of engaging in political theater and affirmations, this body could have and should have worked on a data data center moratorium for the people of this city.

Nobody wants this data center in our community.

Because this council has failed to act, Indivisible Albany has done the work for you.

And now look at what we are doing with ranked choice voting.

Over 3,200 Albany residents did the grueling grassroots work to bring real ranked choice voting, unified election petition right to your door.

But instead of respecting the voters, this council is pushing its own watered-down version, vastly different, and a substitute designed to protect the political machine rather than power the electorate.

Look at the choice before you tonight.

Look at who you are serving.

You can choose to protect the political machine, or you can choose to protect the people that live here and vote.

I urge this council to again reject what I coined to be trickle-down politics.

Accept this draft legislation, pass a local moratorium to halt Kenwood, advance the genuine rank choice voting measure that the people actually signed and let the people, not the party, decide this November.

Do your jobs.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Chris Whitaker Good evening, everyone.

My name is Chris Whitaker.

I'm from Ward 7, 38 Ramo Street, and I'm here to speak in favor of ranked choice voting and an open, unified Albany election.

Our country faces the alarming erosion of democratic protections through entrenched gerrymandering, the invalidation of key provisions of the Voting Rights Act, and the consolidation of power by anti-democratic moneyed interests.

But we have a chance to swim upstream and do something positive for democracy here in Albany and foster more voter participation.

If you believe in democracy, you must believe that when more people vote, the process will yield better candidates, better politics, and better results for Albany.

And I'm not talking about personally more moderate candidates for myself, but candidates who must creatively build coalitions farther beyond traditional party power structures.

I understand why that's uncomfortable to current elected officials.

You got here through the current process.

It would be a bold and courageous act to change the process to take away some degree of control and comfort from the parties and from you.

But these are times that demand courage, even in tiny Albany.

There's no better time to model that increasingly rare sentiment, country over party, and leave the democratic process better than you found it.

So if you're going to help, please consider amending Councilman Flynn's proposal.

Let's widen the gates and invite more of our citizens into a freer and fairer unified ranked choice election.

Thank you for listening.

Thank you.

Keith Iris, good evening.

My name is Keith Irish, a lifelong city resident, currently in the ninth ward.

I'm going to read comments that I wrote for last the last meeting that I had trouble displaying in a modified version.

I'd like to reference a presentation that was made to your planning, economic development, and land use committee on June 22nd, where only four of you were in attendance.

I'd like to start by saying that the presentation was supposed to be done by the Public Education Government Access Oversight Board, aka the Peg Board, but was actually done by the one part-time studio coordinator, which was filled with lies and myths truths from start to finish of past, current, and future issues.

Several residents that watched the meeting, not on the government cable channel, by the way, since it's not even promoted by this body that way, contacted me afterward and said the same thing to me.

This current person also has many other priorities in staffing the studio at the Washington Avenue Library behind three locked doors, and it's almost never there for the public needs, but can be seen elsewhere around the city without video recording equipment.

Next, I'd like to reference two resolutions that were on the agenda at the last meeting.

55, 61, 26R, and 59, 61, 26R, the potential reappointments of two current members of the Peg Board.

I brought these issues up back on the April 6th meeting in which you passed 13 to 2, the reappointment of another appointee of yours.

I said again that just because the current appointees are still interested in saving serving another term does not mean that they are the right candidates for the PEG board position.

They should and must go through.

Yes, they must go they should and must go through the same call for application or CFA process each and every time.

Why?

It's obvious that since they are your appointees to the Peg Board, you should want the best possible candidates appointed each time.

After I made similar public comments at the April 6th meeting, when it was time to vote, two of the planning committee members spoke and frankly basically called me a liar on what I strongly suggested the common council does.

Also, the planning committee is not the correct committee for these issues.

In the past, there has always been an ad hoc peg committee, but this time there was not was not done, and I did not care for the reasons stated by the planning committee, as those were also lies.

As members of an ad hoc committee should also be spectrum cable subscribers and have knowledge of peg operations and needs.

I urge all of you to vote no, which only 13 of you, uh two of you did uh on these two possible reappointments.

Thank you.

Eduardo Hernandez, hello, council.

Uh, my name is Edward Hernandez.

I am a resident of Albany.

I live over on Lancaster Street in the Sixth Ward.

Um, and I'm here.

I'm the organizer of citizen action in the Capitol District.

I'm here first of all to thank you for the support that you've uh shown citizen action in the past uh on initiatives that we've had, and also uh currently uh we've been in communication with uh some of our members, Michelle and Nick.

I've been in communication with uh uh councilmember Ballorin, who's not here tonight, um, discussing a potential resolution on an action that we're taking place that we're holding on July 30th in support of the anniversary of the signing of Medicare and Medicaid Acts.

Um that's gonna be July 30th at West Capitol Park at noon.

Uh as I'm sure that we all understand, we're at a pivotal time in terms of health care in our country.

Uh we've seen the MAGA Federal administration cut funding for essential services, including Medicare and Medicaid, while passing along credible tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy and corporate interests.

As a result, as of June 1st, right here in the state of New York alone, we've seen 450,000 of our residents previously covered under the Essential Plan lose coverage due to these cuts.

Another example of those most in need being left to fend for themselves.

Uh we value the support of the Albany Common Council, recognizing the need for our state government to step up and do what's right.

When the MAGA administration cuts funding, our state should be there to mend the holes in our social safety nets.

But that's not been the reality that we have in front of us right now.

Our own governor, Kathy Hochel has come out and said publicly that it's not the responsibility of the state to make up the funding gap caused by the federal government.

I'm here to say that it is the state's responsibility to step up and ensure that the governor's constituents who voted her in to the position that she holds now that they are covered, uh, and who voted her in under the assumption that she would keep their interests at the forefront of policy decisions, that they are covered in care for and no longer used as pawns in a political chess match at the expense of their well-being and potentially their lives.

Again, I wanted to thank the council for your continued support to push forward the ideal of health care as a fundamental human right for all of us.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Dorian Salat Mr.

Good evening.

My name is Dorian Solot, and I'm the co-chair of ranked choice voting Albany.

I really appreciate that ranked choice voting is now part of the conversation our city is having.

That's exciting to me.

And I appreciate that tonight, Councilmember Flynn is introducing ranked choice voting legislation.

Thank you for that.

To be honest, when I first started advocating for ranked choice voting for our city, I was probably imagining a model more like Councilmember Flynn's legislation.

Just add ranked choice voting to our current election system.

But then I spent the last year learning.

I learned a lot.

It was quite a journey.

And I'll tell you what I learned that brought me to this conclusion that the model that our group is proposing, the single unified election with ranked choice voting that has so much support from voters in the city is better, simpler, cheaper, and more inclusive.

Here's what I learned.

Number one, I learned that in citywide elections, the winner of the Democratic primary always wins the general election.

So I realized that really the Democratic primary has become the general election because it is the election that determines all the outcomes.

Number two, I was surprised to learn, I did not realize how many registered voters in our city choose not to affiliate with a political party.

Twenty-three percent of our voters in the city of Albany are independent, mostly younger people.

And even though I am a registered Democrat, I understand feeling really frustrated with our two-party system.

I sympathize with all those young people who are like, I don't want to be part of it.

And that percentage of younger people who are choosing not to be part of a political party that is growing every year.

And even though I am a Democrat and I do have the right to vote in the election that decides all the outcomes, the more I thought about it over this past year, the more it just didn't seem right.

It didn't feel democratic, that this city has all these registered voters who don't have a say.

There is no law that says you have to join a political party to have a right to vote.

And then I learned that the model of the all voter November election using ranked choice voting, the model we are proposing is the most common way to do ranked choice voting in the cities that are already using this model, the Democratic Party and very progressive minor parties are alive and well in Minneapolis, in San Francisco, in Burlington, Vermont, in Portland, Maine, and many others.

These are very blue cities.

The sky did not fall.

The organizing is still happening.

They are doing democracy right and letting voters have a voice in city elections.

It's also really important to remember that our majority minority wards have a higher percentage of unaffiliated voters than our whitest wards.

So while Councilmember Flynn's legislation wouldn't change anything, it would sort of keep the status quo in terms of disenfranchisement.

So I urge Councilmember Flynn to amend his legislation to be sure that every voter gets a voice.

And also the fact stands that 3200 citizens of Albany signed a petition calling on their council member to let them vote, let them decide about the single unified election model.

That is a very strong mandate.

So I urge you to respect the wishes of your constituents and move quickly to let the voters vote on the model.

That is better, simpler, cheaper, and more inclusive.

Thank you.

I'm on Grove Avenue.

A few weeks ago, this council voted to support a resolution for Governor Cochle to sign the data center moratorium.

Believing that once it was signed, the city of Albany would be protected, but we are not.

Instead, it creates a loophole that without your brave action will doom residents to increase utility bills, increased rates of cancer, increased air pollution, water pollution, and noise pollution.

Why did the city of Albany spend millions of dollars to filter runoff water into the Hudson with the Lincoln Park project only to have it contaminated by data centers runoff wastewater?

Why spend the money to encourage businesses to turn on the lights when utility rates can be expected to increase by four times?

Making Albany unaffordable to residents, nonprofits, and businesses.

Data centers operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, generating constant industrial noises from cooling systems, generators, and HVAC equipment.

Research consistently links chronic noise pollution to sleep disruption, elevated stress hormones, vascular cardiovascular disease, and reduced quality of life, particularly for children and the elderly.

Once a data center is operating, the community will have to live with the damage permanently.

No matter which ward you live in, this proposed data center will negatively impact your quality of life and inevitably inevitably be a public health care disaster.

I believe that this council can have the bravery and courage to join the large and rapidly growing wave of communities protecting residents from this industry.

I ask you to act today and support your own moratorium.

Thank you.

Thank you.

That was the last public speaker, so our public comment is now closed.

We will move into comments from members.

And uh I will start by saying that we started off.

I I laid some groundwork and I didn't didn't stick to it.

I have no issue with folks being critical of count of members.

I I don't but there were some words that Mr.

Pugh used in there that were uh that I do take exception with, and I missed them.

Um I apologize for the body for that.

Uh but again.

I'm not gonna stop people from criticizing you.

Um but yeah, that was uh a bridge from thought.

So um any further comments from members.

Uh Mr.

Flynn and then Mr.

Robinson.

Thank you.

First, I want to thank all the RCP folks for coming down to speak publicly.

Um part of my intention of my legislation is to get two sides to the story.

There's the one side and the other one.

In order to have good legislation, sometimes you have to have one legislation and sometimes you have to have another legislation.

And what does that do is it allows the whole public to come in and give their facts, give their data like you guys all did today.

Give us your data, which is great.

Um the 32 sign 100 signatures, that's great.

You guys all did that.

You know, I want to thank Shanequa and her staff, because she's got to go through all of them.

I don't know if you know it.

She's got to make sure they're all legal.

Yeah.

It's great you submitted 3200, but I'm sure we can find 100 or two that are invalid, but that's a whole different process.

Um this I'm glad that we're gonna have these meetings.

I don't know if you guys notice this is gonna go to law committee, and we're gonna have many meetings about this.

My legislation and the petition that was filed.

So thanks the press for press for uh educating people on this on uh RCV.

As you all learned, probably some tonight.

There's many forms of RC voting, it's just not single unified.

There's many, there's many ways to do it.

There's many ways the Albany County Board of Elections can administer it.

And these are the discussions that we're gonna have in our committee so that we can come up with uh the best solution and the best uh version for the City of Albany.

Thank you.

Mr.

Robinson.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

I would just want to have some clarification to one of the speakers that came and spoke about the parental responsibility bill.

Um that bill is not on the table in the city, is in the county legislators, so they want to the county legislative, so they want to come and voice these concerns for support our polls.

I I ask that you come to the county legislative on public comment and put it on record.

Um that bill is not on in the city, is with the county.

Thank you.

Ms.

Farrell.

Um, I I just wanted to note that um to thank the county board of elections for their support.

Um the clerk Jackson and her staff have been doing a great job, and they are working with the county board of elections to go through the petitions to make sure that they are done appropriately into the letter of the law and um they with the county board of elections and the clerk Jackson and her staff.

I know that we'll be through them and that they will be done appropriately.

So thank you.

Okay.

Any further comment from members?

Okay.

Seeing none, uh, we'll move on.

Uh approval minutes from a previous meeting.

Um Ms.

Farrell.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

I offer the July 6th, 2026 minutes for approval.

Second.

Okay, all in favor.

Aye.

Aye.

Aye.

The motion passes.

Okay, next uh to reports of standing committees.

Ms.

Keegan.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

The finance committee met on.

Um July 15th.

Which will be coming to legislation in our August 3rd meeting as a resolution.

Thank you.

Mr.

Howie.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

The public safety committee met tonight on Monday, July 20th, 2026 to discuss a candidate for the CPRB.

The candidate was approved with a positive recommendation, and we'll be uh a background check will be done, and then um pending that will be brought in front of the full council.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mr.

Howie.

Ms.

Zamer.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

The planning land leads and development committee met July 6th to discuss the reappointment of two members of the Sustainability Commission.

We also had a presentation from the vice chair of the commission giving us an overview of what the commission has done and is currently doing.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Any further committee reports.

Okay.

Seeing none on to consideration of local laws.

Mr.

Flynn.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

I notice local law O of 2026.

And as for its introduction.

Madam Clerk, please read the law.

A local law amending the charter of the City of Albany in relation to amending Article 2 to establish rank choice voting for City of Albany primary and general elections.

Thank you.

Ms.

Farrell.

Thank you, Ms.

President.

That will go to the law committee.

Okay.

Thank you.

Mr.

Howie.

Thank you, Ms.

President.

I notice local law P of 2026 and ask for its introduction.

Thank you.

Madam Clerk.

A local all amending part one, Department of Police, and Part 3, Department of Public Safety of Chapter 42, Boards and Commission of the Code of the City of Albany in relation to establishing establishment of police disciplinary procedures and creation of a public safety officer.

Ms.

Farrell.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

That will go to public safety.

Thank you.

And the oh no, never mind.

Okay.

Ms.

Brody.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

I notice local law L and ask for its reading introduction and reading.

Passage.

Passage.

We've been through the introduction reading.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Madam Clerk.

A local law amending Chapter 99, website financial debt financial data of the code of the city of Albany by updating existing financial reporting requirements applying to the city auditor and adding requirements applying to the treasurer and department of administrative services.

Okay, discussion.

Ms.

Brody.

Thank you.

As the finance committee heard a few weeks ago, um the elements of local law L are really meant to add to that toolbox we have in the proper management of our finances going forward.

Um in voting that out of committee.

First, it requires that we have a monthly report of expenditures produced no later than five business days after the close of each month that will be uh published by the city auditor.

Second, it requires that the city treasurer generates a monthly report documenting the city's cash on hand situation also within uh days after the end of each um uh reporting month um and also that it requires uh the comparison to available funds for the same months for each previous of the five calendar years.

Third, it requires quarterly reporting on grants and intergovernmental funding.

Um so understanding what we're owed uh through our pilot through the extra 20 million dollars that came through from the state this year and other grants that we are afforded from federal and state agencies, and fourth uh it requires essentially codifies what the treasurer does today already in the treasurer's interim financial report on a quarterly basis, um, but requires that these are published no later than 30 days after the close of the previous quarter.

Um none of this is information that's new.

This is all information that is currently collected is currently reported in one way or another.

Uh what this legislation aims to do is really shore up the amounts of time that it takes to get this information into the public's hands into borrowers' hands into this body's hands and gives us better, more actionable information, especially as we move into budget season.

I think the timing of this is going to be particularly important.

Um in speaking with each of the different branches who would be responsible for producing these reports.

I've had confirmation from each of them that these are manageable.

There will be, I'm sure, a bit of a learning curve, um, but they are all also in favor of it.

The idea that we are pro-transpiring, we are pro-accountability, and that we are pro-financial accuracy.

I can confidently say it's something is a value shared, not just by the finance committee and this body, but by uh the auditor, the treasurer, and the mayor's administration as well, which I was very glad to hear.

Um, with that, I'm happy to discuss any of the other questions that I think came up during committee.

If anybody um needs any further clarification, but I look forward to uh hopefully having you all support this this evening.

Thank you.

Okay.

We're not discussing tonight.

We're not discussing.

Love love for you to vote it on it.

Thank you.

Okay, any further discussion?

Uh Mr.

Anani.

I I just want to thank the sponsor for this meaningful legislation.

Uh this is what happens when different branches of government all work together to get things accomplished on behalf of the residents of this city.

This is a good piece of legislation, and I want to thank the sponsor for introducing it.

I'm not sure this first one, but this is great.

Thank you so much.

Mr.

Robinson.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

I also would like to thank the sponsor for doing due diligence.

She just didn't she just didn't have an ideal about legislation.

She followed up on it.

You know, she went through to certain departments and she had conversations with the departments.

And you know, that's doing homework.

And I'm glad to support, you know, I'm saying this piece of legislation because it's something that you know she just didn't have the thought and said she was going to put some legislation together.

She actually followed through with it.

She connected the dots, and I have to support this.

Thank you, urge my colleagues to do the same.

Thank you, Mr.

Robinson.

Any further discussion?

Seeing none.

Madam Clerk, please call the roll.

Anani.

Yes, co-sponsor, please.

Brody.

Yes.

Farrell.

Yes, co-sponsor, please.

Flynn.

Yes, co-sponsor.

Howie.

Yes, co-sponsor, please.

Johnson.

Keegan.

Yes, co-sponsor, please.

Lumpkin.

Yes, co-sponsor, please.

Powell.

Yes, co-sponsor, please.

Robinson.

Yes.

Williamson.

Yes, co-sponsor, please.

Zamer.

Yes, co-sponsor, please.

11 in the affirmative, one abstention.

The motion passes.

Yes, yes.

Okay.

The rest of the local laws are held.

Thank you, Ms.

Farrell.

On to Mr.

Robinson.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

I recognize audience 13, 72, 26, and asked for to be read as introduction.

Thank you, Mr.

Robinson.

Madam Clerk.

An ordinance amending the code of the city of Albany establishing a pilot youth program by enacting a new a new chapter 100 to be entitled Albany Youth Safety and Support Hours.

Thank you, Ms.

Farrell.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

That will go to public safety.

Okay.

Thank you.

Mr.

Flynn.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

I notice ordinance 1472 26 and ask for its introduction.

Thank you.

Madam Clerk.

In ordinance amending chapter 375, Unified Sustainable Development Ordinance of the Code of the City of Albany in relation to permitting battery energy storage systems.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

That will go to planning and the rest of the ordinances are held.

Okay.

Thank you.

We're on to the I'm sorry, what did what did you say?

Oh, yeah.

I'm someplace else right now.

Ums Farrell.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

I notice resolution 73722R and ask for its introduction and passage.

Thank you, Ms.

Farrell.

Madam Clerk.

A resolution of the Common Council celebrating the city's history as the oldest continually chartered city in the United States since the grant of the uh uh Dungan charter uh on July 22nd, 1686.

Thank you.

Discussion, Ms.

Farrell.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

I I just wanted to note um with 340 years of the city of Albany.

Um we are considered the quote unquote longest running instrument of municipal government in the Western Hemisphere.

Um and I will note that the mayor plears is throwing a birthday party for the city of Albany on Wednesday, July 22nd at 5 p.m.

at Academy Park, right across the street.

There will be a concert with the Carillion, which is the amazing um instrument in the bell tower that we can hear.

Um Albany was incorporated as a city issued by Governor Thomas Doncan.

And at the time there was about 500 people living here in about four 140 houses.

Um in 1986, there was a reenactment of the signing of the that was the 300th anniversary of the Donegan Charter.

And Mario Cuomo played Governor Donegan and Mayor Whalen played Mayor Schuyler, which is kind of a funny thing to think of.

There's an enormous cake, and there's a hot air balloon lift off in Lincoln Park.

And I just think it's uh a really wonderful thing that right now, if that was to happen, we would have two women and uh one of them a person of color to reenact that.

And I I think that that is a wonderful thing, uh wonderful change.

I also wanted to note some of Albany's firsts uh because I we've invented quite a few things and some of them are kind of interesting.

Um the thing that we're most known for is the invention of toilet paper.

Um perforated toilet paper was invented here in this beautiful city of Albany.

Um the Baker's Dozen was originated here in the city of Albany.

There was a baker who um did not want, he wanted to make sure everybody knew that they were definitely getting the weight uh that they were supposed to get with the dozen, so they he always gave an extra um and it was called a baker's dozen and took off to a lot of different places.

Um the modern concept of Santa Claus invented right here in the city of Albany.

Um it was first printed about in Albany's Van Renssler Manor Papers, uh the idea of the St.

Nicholas handing out presents.

Um the first toboggan ride was also here in the city of Albany.

Um the first passenger railroad originated in Albany.

It was not invented here to be clear, but it did start here.

And um the first synthetic billiard balls were also invented here.

Before this, they were made of ivory, um, which obviously very expensive and also not very humanitarian.

Um so those are some of the fun firsts that we have had, and there's also been many amazing people that have lived here and have done incredible things.

We were an important stop on the Underground Railroad and um a lot of other great things.

So here's to Albany.

I hope that everybody celebrates on Wednesday, and um thanks to Mayor Players for throwing at what will be a wonderful birthday party.

Thank you.

Thank you, Ms.

Farrell.

Further discussion.

No, uh you're all we're all co-sponsors, so voice vote.

All in favor?

Aye.

Okay.

The motion passes uh next, Ms.

Farrell.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

I notice resolution 74726R and ask for its introduction and passage.

Thank you, Ms.

Farrell, uh, Madam Clerk.

A resolution of the Common Council in support of Capitol Streets and its application to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Preservation, Environmental Protection Fund Grants Program for Parks Preservation and Heritage.

Okay, discussion seeing none.

Uh Madam Clerk, please call the role.

Anani.

Yes, co-sponsor, please.

Brody.

Yes, co-sponsor, please.

Farrell.

Yes.

Howie.

Yes, co-sponsor, please.

Johnson.

Yes, cool sponsor, please.

Keegan.

Yes, co-sponsor, please.

Lumpkin.

Yes, co-sponsor, please.

Powell.

Yes, co-sponsor, please.

Robinson.

Yes, co-sponsor, please.

Williamson.

Yes, co-sponsor, please.

Zamer.

Yes, co-sponsor, please.

11 in the affirmative.

Motion passes.

Ms.

Farrell.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

I notice resolution 757226R and ask for its introduction and passage.

Thank you, Ms.

Farrell.

Madam Clerk?

Resolution of the Common Council supporting the City of Albany in its application to the Environmental Protection Fund.

EPF grant program for parks preservation and heritage through the Office of Parks Recreation and Heritage Preservation.

OPRHP.

Comments?

Seeing none.

Madam Clerk, please call the roll.

Anani?

Yes, co-sprody?

Yes, co-sponsor, please.

Farrell.

Yes.

Hoey.

Yes, co-sponsor, please.

Johnson?

Yes, co-sponsor, please.

Keegan.

Yes, co-sponsor, please.

Lumpkin?

Yes, co-sponsor, please.

Powell.

Yes, co-sponsor, please.

Robinson.

Williamson.

Yes, co-sponsor, please.

Zamer.

Yes, co-sponsor, please.

11 in the affirmative.

Motion passes.

Ms.

Farrell.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

I notice resolution 767226R and ask for its introduction and passage.

Resolution of the Common Council supporting the City of Albany in its application to the New York State Department of State Local Waterfront Revitalization Program.

Any discussion?

Seeing none.

Madam Clerk, please call the roll.

Anani.

Yes, co-sponsor, please.

Brody.

Yes, co-sponsor, please.

Farrell.

Yes.

Flynn?

Yes, co-sponsor.

Hoey.

Yes, co-sponsor, please.

Johnson?

Yes, co-sponsor, please.

Keegan.

Yes, co-sponsor, please.

Lumpkin?

Yes, co-sponsor, please.

Powell?

Yes, co-sponsor, please.

Robinson?

Williamson?

Yes, co-sponsor, please.

Zamer.

Yes, co-sponsor, please.

12 in the affirmative.

The motion passes.

Ms.

Farrell.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

I notice resolution 76.

I'm sorry, 7772 26R, and ask for its introduction and passage.

Thank you, Ms.

Farrell.

Madam Clerk.

Resolution of the Common Council supporting the City of Albany in its 2026 consolidation funding application to the state.

Excuse me, to the Empire State Development.

Discussion.

Madam Clerk.

Mr.

Anani.

Yeah, thank you.

And I fully support all these resolutions, but definitely some of that stands out, particularly the Empire State Development Kicks Program.

As many of us, we always try to encourage improvements on many of our public spaces, whether it's basketball courts, soccer fields, uh whole host of public space that many of our youths utilize in our city.

Creating opportunities for our youth is really making a lasting difference in our city.

When we invest in our youth, we invest in stronger future for everyone.

So I notice the funding will come from a state, but I definitely wanted to share my support for this again.

Thank you so much.

Thank you, Mr.

Anani.

Madam Clerk, please call the role.

Anani.

Yes, co-sponsor, please.

Brody.

Yes, co-sponsor, please.

Farrell?

Yes.

Flynn?

Yes, co-sponsor.

Uh Howie.

Yes, co-sponsor, please.

Johnson.

Yes, co-sponsor, please.

Keegan.

Yes, co-sponsor, please.

Lumpkin?

Yes, co-sponsor, please.

Powell?

Yes, co-sponsor, please.

Robinson?

Yes, co-williamson.

Yes, co-sponsor, please.

Zamer.

Yes, co-sponsor, please.

12 in the affirmative.

Motion passes.

Okay.

Ms.

Zamer.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

I notice resolution 7872 26R and ask for its introduction.

Thank you.

Madam Clerk.

A resolution of the Common Council consenting to the reappointment of Serena White Lake to the Board of Zoning Appeals.

Ms.

Farrell.

That will go to planning.

Thank you.

Ms.

Zamer again.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

I notice resolution 7972 26R and ask for its introduction.

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

A resolution of the Common Council consenting to the appointment of Celeste Knights to the Board of Zoning Appeals.

Ms.

Farrell.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

That will go to planning as well.

Thank you.

All right.

So next uh on to the majority consent.

Ms.

Farrell.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

I move that we add resolution 8072 26R and resolution 8172 26R to the agenda.

Second.

Thank you, Mr.

Howie.

All in favor?

9.

Any abstentions?

No.

Pass it.

The motion passes.

Farrell.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

I notice resolution 8072 26R and ask for its introduction and passage.

Thank you.

A resolution of the Common Council establishing standard work days for the Common Council as required by Regulation 3 315.4 of the New York State Comptrollers Effective.

August 12th, 2009.

Thank you, Ms.

Farrell.

Any discussion?

Anything about it?

Uh I would just note that this is something that is required by the Comptroller's Office in order for elected officials to establish hours to be part of the pension system.

Thank you.

Madam Clerk.

Ms.

Anani.

Yes.

Brody.

Yes.

Farrell.

Yes.

Uh Flynn?

Yes.

Howie?

Yes.

Johnson?

Yes.

Keegan.

Yes.

Lumpkin?

Yes.

Powell?

Yes.

Robinson.

Yes.

Williamson.

Yes.

Zamer.

Yes.

Affirmative.

Motion passes.

Ms.

Farrell.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

I notice resolution 817226R and ask for its introduction.

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

A resolution of the Common Council approving a transfer of budgeted funds and a change in the authorized positions included in the 2026 city budget, which will affect a salary rate or salary total.

Okay, any discussion.

Nope, uh, but that will be assigned to the finance committee.

Okay.

Oh, there's an interest.

Thank you.

Okay, so that's it for the regular agenda.

Ms.

Farrell.

Uh motion to adjourn.

Hold on.

I don't know.

I was closing out resolutions.

Oh, uh the rest of the resolutions are held.

Okay.

Um Ms.

Keegan.

Um I apologize.

I think my brain scrambled a little bit when we were voting for local law, and I wanted to co-sponsor that bill, and I don't believe I said so on the record.

So I just wanted to correct that.

Yes.

Okay, thank you.

Miss Mr.

Johnson.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

I just um I know we all lose people, and um there's been a lot of losses in the last month, but I just wanted to talk about two of them in particular.

Miss Fredda.

Uh I only knew her by Fredda.

I didn't think I learned her last name until she passed away.

I beat I believe it's for Rets, if I'm saying it right.

But um just a small Jewish giant who was a huge advocate on many inner city issues, especially with the school district.

And um she's somebody that came in my life and um had a huge impact.

And um, I didn't talk about her initially because I just wanted to um show respect to her family, but uh for a person to just move up to Albany and work her way into the hearts of many um to advocate on issues that weren't uh particularly important to many of the people that she probably um grew up around.

It was just heartfelt uh when I got the phone call and um learned that she had passed on.

Um you know I'm gonna miss the invitation at uh Thanksgiving just to come over there and sit with her and and other advocates, people that um were still fighting for things to get better um way past the time that they should have been uh fighting, and um I'm forever grateful to the friendship that um blossom just by meeting, you know.

Sometimes you don't know what's gonna happen uh when you go to meetings when you are uh fighting for things, sometimes you just make connections and and they just grow uh um so strong.

And so I just wanted to say rest in peace, Freder.

Job well done.

And you gonna you're gonna be missed.

And secondly, I wanted to talk about Bishop McKinley Johnson, um, you know, who all my life he's been fighting uh for good in the city.

He's been a uh religious constant, um, a great man.

Uh uh, you know, somebody that I knew on a personal level growing up, he was just Uncle Kenny.

And um we weren't blood related, but we were love related and um loved on each other all the way to the end, and the thing that um stood out and stands out the most about him is you know, through all the years, you know, he he had a strong voice, and he wasn't scared to put that voice behind um issues.

Um definitely inside the church, but outside the church.

And you know, his family has a long uh rooted history with the city.

His uh father Jack Johnson is responsible for many people's migration from Mississippi to the city, and um, you know, um McKinley Johnson worked his his way all the way up to bishop in the um church of God in Christ, and that's a big honor, it's a huge honor.

And um, you know, he many Johnson men know what it is to be a Johnson, and he definitely was a Johnson all of the time.

He used his voice, he used whatever he could to help people, and um just somebody that I always respected, always uh could count on, and um just wanted the the record to reflect you know my sentiments, how I felt about Bishop Johnson, and again I say job well done, thank you, Bishop.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mr.

Johnson.

Mr.

Howie.

Uh thank you, Mr.

President.

Um I just wanted to say uh last week I had to go to the American Federation of Teachers Convention down in Washington, DC, and uh we we had a night where we spent at the uh African American Cultural and History Museum.

I hope I got the title right.

Um and it was just amazing.

They had four floors.

Uh I saw Henry Johnson's uh picture put up with the Medal of Honor along with other black servicemen who had served and received the Medal of Honor, but also in sports in community.

Um it really opened my eyes, you know, as a white person, uh you know, I don't understand some of the things, but that trip to that museum was for me very inspirational, and I just wanted to put it out there.

If you're ever done in Washington, make sure you visit that museum because it is very, very informative and educational.

Thank you.

I did I just wanted to say um that uh Shaniqa's gonna have a lot of work with these petitions.

That is why I follow up on uh uh what Jeannie said about it, but the county board of elections is helping him, but it's not work that you were planning on doing, so I we appreciate your work on that.

Thank you, Mr.

Flynn.

Um Ms.

Farrell motion to adjourn.

Second, all in favor?

Hi meeting adjourned.