Thursday, February 21, 2008
The Common Council was convened at 7:00 p.m. and was called to order by Council President Morris.
The roll being called, the following answered to their names: Council Members Calsolaro, Casey, Conti, Ellis, Fahey, Fox, Herring, Igoe, McLaughlin, O’Brien, Rosenzweig, Sano, Scalzo, Smith, and Timmons.
Also present was the following staff: John Marsolais, Patrick Jordan, Barbara Samel and Cashawna Parker.
Council President Morris led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Council Member Conti made a motion to change the order of business to consider Resolution Number 15.21.08R, Honoring Reverend Robert W. Dixon, Sr., Resolution Number 19.22.08R, Commemorating Black History Month 2008, and to present Citations to the honorees, prior to the Public Comment Period, which was approved by unanimous voice vote.
Council Member McLaughlin moved for passage of Resolution 15.21.08R (RESOLUTION HONORING REVEREND ROBERT W. DIXON, SR. AND DEDICATING A PORTION OF ALEXANDER STREET IN HIS HONOR) which had been previously introduced and which was Co-Sponsored by all elected officials voting in favor thereof, and asked for a roll call vote thereon:
Passed by the following vote of all the Council Members elected voting in favor thereof:
Affirmative -- Calsolaro, Casey, Conti, Ellis, Fahey, Fox, Herring, Igoe, McLaughlin, O’Brien, Rosenzweig, Sano, Scalzo, Smith, and Timmons
Affirmative 15 Negative 0 Abstain 0
In recognition of Black History Month, February 2008, the Common Council nominated an exceptional resident from each ward who exemplifies the valuable contributions of African-Americans to the City of Albany. The Common Council presented each nominee with a Citation in honor of their service and dedication.
Council Member McLaughlin offered the following, which was Co-Sponsored by all elected officials voting in favor thereof, and asked for a roll-call vote thereon:
RESOLUTION NUMBER 19.22.08R
RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2008 AND HONORING THE EXTRAORDINARY CONTRIBUTIONS OF AFRICAN-AMERICANS TO THE NATION AND THE CITY OF ALBANY.
WHEREAS, African-Americans have provided much labor, intellect, creativity, strength and leadership that has made the United States of America a great place to live and a leader in the attainment of freedom and justice in the modern world, and
WHEREAS, African-Americans have also supplied much of the labor, intellect, creativity, strength and leadership that built the City of Albany and its many neighborhoods and communities since colonial times and played a major role in the justice and freedom seeking activities of the Underground Railroad, and
WHEREAS, the extraordinary role of African-Americans in the nation as a whole and Albany in particular has too often been overlooked by both well-meaning individuals and those blinded by the legacy of racism left in the wake of our nation’s history of slavery and bondage, and
WHEREAS, despite the many obstacles placed in the way of generations of African-Americans, they have proven their ability to keep the dream of freedom and racial justice alive by constantly striving to overcome those who would limit their educational and economic opportunities by restricting their choices and limiting their options through the use of Jim Crow laws, poll taxes and other restrictions, and
WHEREAS, the sacrifices and successes of those many generations of African-Americans led to the establishment of churches known for their religious leadership, the founding of historically black colleges and universities responsible for educating millions throughout the nation, entrepreneurs who have created thousands of jobs, and the flourishing of a rich cultural and artistic heritage that has contributed greatly to our nation and beyond, and
WHEREAS, efforts to restrict the rights of African-Americans have continued to this day and the struggle against racism remains a crucial battle throughout our nation generally and the City of Albany specifically that is directly relevant to our communities, and
WHEREAS, the intellect, creativity and leadership of African-Americans throughout the City of Albany’s history remains a largely untold story and it is important for all residents of our City to become familiar with it, and
WHEREAS, Black History Month celebrations raise awareness and have proven to be valuable tools in drawing attention to contributions made by African-Americans to the United States, and
WHEREAS, it is important for the Common Council, as the legislative body that represents all residents of the City of Albany to commemorate the valuable contributions of African-Americans to the city and the nation, and
WHEREAS, the 1st Ward is proud to recommend Muhammed Abdullah as our honoree in 2008. Muhammad Abdullah lives in the south end of Albany and is the father of six children. He is actively involved in the community as an activist, advocate and mentor and has been for over twenty years. He dedicates his time to empowering individuals within the community through his time, effort and heart. Muhammad Abdullah is currently Assistant Administrator at the Zoller Elementary School in Schenectady where he has been employed for the past 8 years. He has coached at the American Little League for 26 years and has been a karate instructor for in the city of Albany for 10 years. Muhammad is the former Director of the summer program at Giffen Elementary School. Presently, Muhammad Abdullah is the Executive Director of the United Front Youth Organization, Inc. where he has organized family dances, prayer vigils for victims of violent crimes and for families who have loved ones incarcerated in the corrections system, community marches for peace and unity in Albany’s uptown and downtown neighborhoods, and has engaged youth in meaningful discourse in our schools. Muhammad Abdullah’s tireless efforts to help make a difference in the lives of our youth single him out as deserving of this honor, and
WHEREAS, the 2nd Ward is privileged to have the opportunity to honor George Marbley as we celebrate African-American History Month in the City of Albany. Forty-two years ago, George Marbley established tenancy with the Albany Housing Authority when he moved his family to the newly opened Thacher Homes located at 230 Green Street. The Albany Housing Authority now had a tireless tenant advocate, a champion for all with a history in the Civil Rights Movement. Mr. Marbley worked as a volunteer from 1958 to 1966 with the late Olivia Rorie in the Better Homes Community Organization. The group was dedicated to delivering quality housing and better living conditions throughout the community, confronting slum landlords whenever necessary. They also worked successfully with the late Mayor Erastus Corning to get the City to provide trash removal for the residents. Prior to this, each resident had to secure private removal service, a policy that proved to be a burden to many low-income families and led to many backyards and vacant lots being overrun with trash. Since 1966, both Mr. Marbley and the Albany Housing Authority have experienced many changes. After raising nine children, Mr. Marbley retired from the Veterans Administration Hospital in 1974. Mr. Marbley immediately went to work as a tenant advocate within the Albany Housing Authority. In 1975, he became president of the Thatcher Homes Tenant Association, a position he continued to hold through the transition of Thatcher Homes into the development that it is today. He presently serves as the president of the Steamboat Square Tenant Association. Since 1975 he has also continued to travel to Washington, D.C. to lobby for the betterment of public housing. The renovations at Steamboat Square were a dream come true for Mr. Marbley. As a result of various grants, the high rises and the surrounding community became restructured. The process was lengthy and many felt that Mr. Marbley’s voice would not be heard. During President Carter administration, Mr. Marbley met with the Undersecretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and secured a pledge that the five high rise buildings at Thatcher Homes would not be destroyed or converted into college dormitories, but instead would be restored. He proved that one man’s voice can make a difference. In addition to his duties as president of Steamboat Square Tenant Association, Mr. Marbley has also served as president of the City Wide Tenant Council since 1977. These two jobs keep him busy acting as a liaison between Albany Housing Authority and the tenants, as an advocate for tenants dealing with Social Services and other agencies and as a referral source for people in need of food or furniture. If all this is not enough, to many of us, he is a spiritual father. He portrays the love of God the Father’s heart as he guides us through the rough spots of life and rejoices with us in our victories. For each of us who have known him in this capacity, he is a tremendous blessing and our lives are all the better for having his love, his guidance and his influence, and
WHEREAS, the 3rd Ward is proud to recognize and honor James Bouldin during Black History Month. James was raised in Albany’s South End and attended public schools, graduating from Philip Schuyler High School in 1965. He served in the U.S. Army from 1966 through 1968 and was discharged as a Sergeant. Mr. Bouldin then went on to attend the State University of New York at Albany where he received a Bachelors of Arts degree in Political Science in 1972. He was employed by the New York State Department of Civil Service for over thirty years. Initially, he was appointed to the position of Personnel Examiner Trainee and retired as a Principal Program Specialist, developing an expertise in recruitment, selection, retention, promotion and equal employment opportunity. James is well known as a community activist, working tirelessly to preserve his community and maintain affordable housing opportunities. He served on the Albany County Legislature from 1987-1991. He has served on numerous community boards and organizations; presently serving on the Board of Directors of the Albany Community Land Trust, the Albany Housing Coalition, Affordable Housing Partnership and the Historic Albany Foundation. James has managed substantial restoration of several properties in the historic Ten Broeck Triangle District and is committed to working to promote the preservation and appreciation of the built environment in and around the City of Albany, and
WHEREAS, members of the Albany Police Department provide invaluable and courageous service to the City of Albany every single day as they protect our residents, keep our communities safe, and enhance our quality of life. Albany Police Officers Evelyn Blackwell, Willie J. Hughes Jr., Kelly Kimbrough, and Kevin Seel are residents of Albany’s 4th Ward and have continuously demonstrated their commitment to public service, to being responsive to their community, and to mentoring y