City Of Albany: City Council Meeting Summary, May 17, 2021

Press release from the City of Albany:

05/19/2021 5:00 PM

The following provides a summary of actions taken by the City Council as part of the special and regular meetings on May 11, & May 17, 2021: 

Closed Session Report: The Council met at a Special Closed Session meeting on May 11, 2021 and authorized the retention of an appraiser to appraise the property located at 700 block of Taft St on Albany Hill. The Council also authorized the City Attorney's Office to work with the appraiser and the easement holder regarding the property in an attempt to acquire the easement. After the appraisal is prepared, the City will have an opportunity to discuss an offer to acquire the easement.

Study Session - Annual Sugar Sweetened Beverage (SSB) Tax:  The Council received an update on the fiscal year 2020-2021 SSB Tax funded programs and received input and recommendations for the expenditure plan. The Council also selected priority items to fund including: the Crossing Guard program, Healthy Me Music & Movement program, Bike Safety program, education campaign, All-bany Swims, Garden Talk program, and partial funding of Walk'n Roll to the Shore project.

Study Session - Fiscal Years 2021/22 and 2022/23 Biennial Budget: The Council received a presentation on the draft biennial budget. This draft budget will be reviewed by Financial Advisory Committee at their June meeting.  Also, this Biennial Budget will be provided for Council's consideration for adoption at their June 7 meeting.

Ceremonial Matters: The Council recognized and presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Girl Scout Leader Laura Hansen.

Proclamations: The Council presented proclamations for the following:  National Emergency Medical Services Week and Emergency Medical Services for Children Day; Older Americans Month; Mental Health Month; LGBTQIA Pride Month.

Pride Flag: The Council authorized the Progress Pride Flag be flown June 1 - 30, 2021 at Albany City Hall, Albany Community Center, and the "Torch" (located at Solano and Key Route).

Amending Albany Municipal Code related to Camping, Hours of Operation for City Property, and Fire Safety: The Council introduced Ordinance No 2021-08 for first reading. The Ordinance will return to Council on June 7 for second reading and final adoption.

Review of Workplan Template for Advisory Bodies to the City Council: Vice Mayor Jordan and Council Member McQuaid will work together and return to Council with a proposed workplan template for the advisory bodies.

Rainbow Crosswalks: The Council approved for staff to allow the installation of temporary chalk rainbow crosswalks adjacent to Albany Unified School District campuses.

Next Regular City Council Virtual Meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 7, 2021 at 7:00 PM. 

View City Council meetings (KALB video Link).

This press release was produced by the City of Albany. The views expressed here are the author’s own.