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COUNCIL
OF MEETING
MINUTES - 1.
Introductions 2.
Minutes: Minutes were not taken
at the February 5, 2003, meeting. It
was, however, videotaped and there was a discussion of providing a copy of the
videotape to Deanna Colfels for transcription so that a written record would be
available. 3.
Discussion/guest speakers: a.
Kate Maynard and Lori Harris - City of Ms. Maynard and Ms. Harris presented information about the
City’s efforts to provide comprehensive, positive information about its
neighborhoods in preparation for the anticipated number of individuals and
families who may be considering living in the Capital District. Students from RPI are assisting in the design of a
comprehensive, interactive web page to provide a centralized location for
information about §
Several neighborhood associations presently have websites.
It was suggested that the City’s site provide links to those sites
and/or use information presently on those sites to develop their page. §
Historic districts might be flagged. §
Realtors and the regional chamber of commerce are steering
potential home purchasers away from the City and into the surrounding areas.
The City should consider reaching out to them in its marketing efforts. §
The assessment rolls may be made available on the site. §
Names of developers and realtors may be included
§
Realtors have already divided the city into six zones.
Use of those zones, rather than 17 individual neighborhoods, might be
considered. §
The present Members were asked to provide input by completing
questionnaires that were distributed. Howie
Stoller will also email the questionnaire to Mr. Breslin explained the impact the Additionally, the PINS (Persons in Need of Supervision) age
has been increased, but the State funding to provide services to a larger group
of people has not been increased. The
cost to Mr. Breslin urged the members to contact their State
legislators and request that they reexamine the method by which Medicaid is
funded and cap the local share of the cost. The State has abandoned its plan to stay several mandates.
The increase of property taxes as a result of the new State budget may
mean more abandoned properties since there may be a loss of marginal rental
property. Several programs such as “911”, Internet purchasing, and
road care have been consolidated to form regional, collaborative government. Information about the Albany County Volunteer Program was
distributed by Mr. Breslin. Applications
were also made available. An informational list of pending property foreclosures was
distributed. Mr. Breslin explained
that the county is eager to transfer foreclosed properties to new owners.
Therefore, those who purchase lots and structures that the county has no
interest in for redevelopment, take ownership immediately.
Federal grant money is available for this purpose and several other
sources of funding are being investigated.
There are presently 800 abandoned buildings in The county has had increased expenses for security since Communications and Announcements ARISE Meeting – Tom McPheeters One or more volunteers are needed to represent The The NRC community service award nomination forms were
distributed. Completed forms must be
received no later than Memorial Contributions to A condolence card was sent to Mary Connair on behalf of The Information about this committee and the text of a bill
drafted by Common Council Member Doninic Calsolaro that will be introduced on Gun Violence Task Force – Dominic Calsolaro The Albany Common Council Public Safety Committee has not
acted on the referendum introduced by Council member Calsolaro.
Twelve people spoke at the last meeting—nine were in favor, two were
opposed, and one was a victim. The
Albany Police Department is opposed to the establishment of the task force.
However, they may reconsider that position if the language of the
resolution is very broad and left open for law enforcement, victim groups, and
others to be involved. Board of Zoning Appeals Appointments – Harold Rubin The mayor nominated six individuals to serve on the Board.
Five are reappointments and one individual is a new member.
One nominee, Mr. McCoy, declined leaving five appointees.
They are Michael Apostle (Chair), Leslie Scott Horan, Joseph Ray, Charles
Cronin, Jr. and Susan Tucker Ross. Council
Member Conti recommended that the vacancy be filled by Charles McCaffrey.
After a review of his qualifications, a motion was made for Committee Reports University and Community Relations – Tom Gephardt The next meeting of the Committee will be at Community Police Council – Joe Cunin Neighborhood associations are invited to contribute
information and questions about the CPC brochures that are being revised.
Email addresses have established for the Council.
They are communitypolicecouncil@albany-ny.org
and cpc@albany-ny.org.
The addresses are linked. The
meeting adjourned at Attendees
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