Albany holds public hearing on proposed ethics code; no public testimony

The Albany Common Council opened a public hearing on Local Law F of 2024, a proposal to create Chapter 50 (Ethics) of the City of Albany code and to establish a Board of Ethics, but heard no public testimony and closed the hearing at 11:16 a.m.

The local law would "create a new Chapter 50, Ethics of the Code of the City of Albany, by establishing a Code of Ethics for the City of Albany and a Board of Ethics," the record shows. City officials said the hearing was properly noticed and that the full text is available on the City of Albany website under the Common Council public hearing notices.

Deputy Mayor David Gallen, City Clerk Shaniqua Jackson and Deputy City Clerk Demetra Brown were present for the hearing. Officials paused briefly to allow anyone traveling to Albany City Hall to arrive; the record indicates a pause of about five to seven minutes. At the time the hearing was closed, no one had signed up to speak. The clerk noted that each person would have three minutes to provide public comment if anyone arrived.

No vote or formal action on the local law was taken at the hearing. The law remains before the mayor for consideration, according to remarks in the record. The hearing record shows times during the proceeding at 11:05 a.m. and 11:15 a.m., with the public hearing formally closed at 11:16 a.m.

Officials repeatedly read the proposed text of the law into the record and directed members of the public to the city website for the full notice and text. The record does not include public testimony, amendments, or a Council vote on the measure.