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Council
of Meeting Minutes 1)
Introductions Gene Solan distributed a
survey about First night from the Albany Department of Special Events. 2)
Minutes Minutes of the February 2006 3)
Guest Speaker:
Shawn Morris, President, The newly elected common
council president discussed new perspectives and the opportunities to look at
the city’s big picture.” She
recognized that As the Capital of New York
State, The Council is more engaged
than ever and is eager to be pro-active about difficult issues.
A formal planning session was held and the council will be focusing on
issues of youth, the landfill, convention center and community policing this
year and the next practical steps were identified. ·
Landfill: Informational
sessions on the future of the solid waste landfill are being scheduled. ·
Convention Center:
It is likely that a city authority will be appointed ·
Youth: The
Youth and Recreation Committee will develop a comprehensive plan to provide
services Several plans are taking shape
and many people are engaged in undertaking the tremendous responsibility for
government to guide and use public input for maximum usefulness.
Ms. Morris addressed questions
on the following topics. ·
The issues of race in the city work force and
enforcement of rules in schools need to be openly addressed to create equal
opportunity for all residents. ·
Equitable code enforcement is important to keep
housing affordable. Many out- of-town investors have purchased two-family houses
and take them out of the hands of owner-investors. ·
Federal funds for smaller building renovations are
drying up and State funds are earmarked specifically for the convention center.
State codes limit the actions available for vacant buildings.
It may be possible to leverage other funds.
·
As a result of CDBG policy choices individuals have
been prevented from renovating buildings. The
council will revisit that policy this year and hopes for a public planning
process to set priorities ·
The implications of the recent council approval for
“spot zoning” to approve development of an area on ·
Condominiums will probably be part of the housing
mix as the city develops new housing options. ·
There is overwhelming support for the issue of
getting city hall better “wired” on the internet, the televising of public
and common council meetings, and upgrading the sound system in the common
council chambers. The cable contract
has been stalled. There will be
public discussion to get the ball rolling. ·
The Pastures Neighborhood Homeowners Association
owns the park at Franklin and Herkimer Streets.
Alternatives to that arrangement will be explored. ·
A bicycle safety measure has been introduced to the
council. The comprehensive
planning process will further address making ·
The CANA Comprehensive Plan Task Force (Gene Solan)
acknowledged the efforts of L. Worden, M. Bailey, L. Amstrom, The
draft of A motion was approved to
recommend that the Albany Common Council not
approve a resolution (03.12.06R) that was proposed and held on A motion was made for 4)
Committee Reports 3.
The event will be held at the
University Club. It was suggested
that a vegetarian meal option be added. 4.
Community
and University Relations Committee A celebration of the 15th
committee’s anniversary will be held on March 21. 5.
Codes
Committee The
committee will make a presentation at the next 5)
Announcements and New Business ·
Two positions are available on the Board of the
Albany Public Library. Candidates will be discussed at the March 14 meeting ·
Eva Joseph has been invited to speak wt the May
CANA meeting ·
Steve Winters is the producer and, therefore, the
owner of the videotapes of ·
Citizens for Responsible Zoning is collecting
plaintiffs for Article 78 lawsuits concerning the recent zoning decision on 6)
Adjournment
Recorded by Pat Maxon
Transcribed by Deanna Colfels . Meeting Attendees
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