Council of Albany Neighborhood Associations

Meeting Minutes September 6, 2007

Albany Public Library

I. Introduction

President Howard Stoller welcomed everyone back from the summer break and then introduced Graeme McKenna, the Outreach and Marketing Coordinator for WAMC.  Mr. McKenna discussed a new sponsorship opportunity that WAMC is offering neighborhood associations for events taking place at the Linda Norris Auditorium.

WAMC hopes to pool organizations that want to participate in sponsoring a group of events and then each organization will split $2 from each ticket sold to the events.  He explained that there are 210 seats in the auditorium, though they are not always sold out.  The only thing that WAMC would ask in return is that the neighborhood associations promote the events in their newsletters or on their websites.  Howard suggested that there might be interest in doing a CANA Night.  Graeme said that more information can be found at www.thelinda.org

II. New York Bicycle Coalition

Joshua Poppel, Executive Director of the New York Bicycle Coalition, then spoke about the NYBC’s initiatives to make Albany a bicycle friendly community (see end of document).  He then explained that the NYBC is looking for backing for this project, and  it is important for Albany residents to send letters to Mayor Jennings telling him that this is an critical issue.  Joshua said that anyone who is interested can join them at their monthly meetings on the last Thursday of each month at The Muddy Cup on upper Madison Avenue.

III. RPI Website Project

Howard read a letter he received from Anne Miller and RPI student who offered to create a website for one interested neighborhood association as part of a semester long project.

IV. Sustainable Design

Gene Solan discussed the Sustainable Design Charrettes that took place in August.  He explained that areas of discussion included open space, bicycling, transportation, neighborhood issues, and city development.  Sarah Reginelli said that the Mayor’s office was happy with the turnout, which she estimated at between 250-275 people.  The final report will be out in a month and available online and from City Hall.  She further pointed out that Mayor Jennings was “jazzed” about the progress.

V. Officer Rissberger

Pat Maxon informed everyone that Albany Police Officer Kathleen Rissberger had retired and that CANA should do something to acknowledge its gratitude for her service.  Colin McKnight suggested a resolution thanking Officer Rissberger and Officer Alberti for their dedication and service to the neighborhood associations and the residents of Albany.

VI. Committee on University and Community Relations

Tom Gebhardt explained that the next meeting will be held on September 12^th and the topic of discussion will be the “fifteen point plan” regarding the arrival of off-campus students for the Fall semester.

VII. Cable Committee

Aimee Allaud discussed the public access channel being brought to the Common Council for approval (which it was).  It is now being brought to Time Warner for discussion.

VIII. Codes

Eileen Murray met with the City of Albany to focus on the City’s contract with IBM to ge a centralized number for code complaints.  Followed up with Chief Tuffy’s office, the police department has a GIS mapping system for crime; they would like one for Codes.  There was discussion about an Assembly bill to help municipalities determine ownership of property.  Vacant properties issues were discussed, as was historic properties.

IX. Police Issues

The robberies in the city were discussed and that the Albany Police Department was applying for another Weed and Seed grant.  The police department said that they would be spearheading the initiative this time

Finally Harold Rubin introduced Brad Glass form the City of Albany’s Planning Department.  Brad stated that if anyone wanted copies of applications for Board of Zoning appeals that he could be contacted at glassb@ci.albany.ny.us

The meeting adjourned at 8:42 pm.

CANA

September 6, 2007 Meeting Attendees