Albany Common Council Meeting – September 24, 2026

The Albany Common Council met on September 24, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Common Council Chamber. The meeting included a public hearing and subsequent passage of an ordinance regulating battery energy storage systems, introduction of several resolutions, and reports from standing committees. Council President Kimbrough was absent; Councilmember Keegan served as acting president. The comptroller's fiscal stress score placing Albany second highest in the state was noted as a key concern ahead of budget deliberations.

Consent Calendar

• No consent calendar was explicitly designated. Routine resolutions were introduced and referred to committees as noted below.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made during the meeting. The public hearing on Ordinance 1472-26 had no speakers, and it was closed without testimony.

Discussion Items

• Energy Storage Battery Legislation: Councilmember Keegan introduced Ordinance 1472-26 (sponsored by Councilmember Flynn) to amend the Unified Sustainable Development Code to permit battery energy storage systems. She stated that regulations are necessary because National Grid indicates the city risks blackouts due to grid strain, and the ordinance ensures systems are permitted in ways that protect residents.
• Budget Process: Councilmember Brody requested a council‐side budget process overview. Councilmember Keegan agreed to present an updated schedule and tax cap override information at the next caucus (scheduled for September 30). It was noted that the budget must be released by October 1, but the new administration's format is unknown.
• Fiscal Stress Score: The acting president highlighted the comptroller's fiscal stress score, which ranked Albany second highest in the state, urging careful consideration during budget planning.
• Ranked Choice Voting: Councilmember Anani reported that the Law Committee held a well‐attended meeting on September 22 with presentations from organizations. The next meeting on September 29 will focus on public comment regarding Local Law O of 2026 (ranked choice voting in primaries) and a related petition.
• LaSalle School Landing: Councilmember Hoey announced a ribbon cutting for “The Landing at LaSalle School,” a safe space for youth aged 12–24. The facility, funded by a $500,000/year grant for five years, offers a computer room, kitchen, lounge, and game room. It is open after school until 9:00 PM with no questions asked.
• Public Art Inventory: Councilmember Zamer requested colleagues to help identify covered‐up war memorials and historic markers in their wards for a cataloging effort by the Public Art Commission.
• Resolution Introductions: Several resolutions were introduced and referred to committees:
  • Resolution 9992-26R: Confirming Justin Sheeplebin as Commissioner of Water and Water Supply (to General Services).
  • Resolution 10092-26R: Confirming John J. Riley Jr. as Corporation Counsel (to Law Committee).
  • Resolution 10192-26R: Honoring the Toon family and renaming a portion of Delaware Street (to General Services).
  • Resolution 10292-26R: Consent to appointment of Kim Talavera Brown to the Historic Resources Commission (to Planning).
  • Resolution 10392-26R and 10492-26R: Authorizing federal aid transportation projects (to Finance).

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 9892-26R Passed: The Council declared itself lead agency for state environmental quality review of Ordinance 1472-26, making a negative declaration. Vote: 11–0 (rolled call).
• Ordinance 1472-26 Passed: The ordinance amending Chapter 375 to permit battery energy storage systems was adopted. Vote: 12–0 (including Councilmember Adams, who was initially overlooked).
• Next Steps: The Finance Committee will begin budget deliberations on October 6. The Law Committee will hold a public comment session on ranked choice voting on September 29. The caucus on September 30 will include a budget process overview.