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Council of Albany Neighborhood Associations Meeting Minutes May 2, 2007 Albany Public Library 1) Introductions Tim O’Brien of the Albany Times Union and Officers Kelly
Kimbrough and Janet Parker of the Albany Police Department are introduced. 2) Guest Speaker:
Dr. Eva Joseph, Superintendent of the Albany City School District Dr. Joseph discusses the Albany City School District budget
vote which is scheduled for May 15, 20007. She
also offers to come to any Neighborhood Association meeting to discuss it with
NA members (please call 475-1000). Dr. Joseph explains that the budget will be a tough sell to
voters due to the $19.7 million increase and 6.89% tax levy increase. She points
out that the increase is due to the fact that the budget is supporting two
school systems (public and charter schools).
Dr. Joseph states that some residents will see increases in their tax
bills, while others may see decreases. The budget will continue and expand programs focused on
improving student’s performance. The overview of what the budget will fund is
laid out in a slide presentation and handout, which is given to all CANA
members. It is explained that $252,000 of the budget will be used to
fund special needs students who live outside of the City of Albany but attend
private schools here (i.e. Delmar resident attending Albany Academy). Dr. Joseph notes that charter schools are impacting Albany
more than any other city in the state. If New York City were to have the same
amount of charter schools per capita as Albany, they would be required to build
800. She further notes that the impact of charter schools could
be felt in the next few years when the city may be forced to decide to close
some of its public schools, and that a strategic discussion will be needed on
the implications of the growth of charter schools. Dr. Joseph said that she is being vigilant in asking the
state for more aid, but they have been non-committal, stating, “lets see where
you are next year.” There is a discussion about the process that takes place if
the budget is not approved. 3) Committee
Reports
Next meeting will be held on May 9th,
with guest speaker Sgt. Anthony Ryan of the Albany P.D. discussing the new
“Information Coordination Unit.” Tom
Gebhardt also discussed several other current and upcoming initiatives.
Harold Rubin discussed the meeting
with Mayor Jennings and Phil Calderone, where the committee presented their
concerns. Deputy Mayor Calderone recommended that they continue to meet on a
regular basis.
Gene Solan discussed the NRC’s
2007 Annual Members Meeting which will be held on May 23, at the First Lutheran
Church Hall, and the South End Community Day which is set for May 19th
at 4) New
Business and Announcements There were further discussions on charter schools and their
impact, the progress of the Comprehensive Plan, and a report that was done by
DGS on the condition of Albany’s roads. Howard
also commented on an email he received from the City of Albany Webmaster
(printed below). 5) Adjourned
Meeting adjourned at 8:58 pm. To Whom It May
Concern: Hi, I am the City of Sincerely, Simone Mendonca Information
Specialist/Webmaster Department of
Administrative Services City Hall, Room 301 24 Eagle Street Albany, NY 12207 (518) 434-5003
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