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Albany commission fails to approve short-term MOU to house Sawega Council on Aging programs at Thornton Gym
Summary
The City of Albany declined a three-month memorandum of understanding that would have allowed the Sawega Council on Aging to use Thornton Gym temporarily, citing process and communication concerns. The motion failed on a 4–3 roll call on Feb. 17.
The Albany City Commission on Feb. 17 declined to approve a short-term memorandum of understanding that would have allowed the Sawega Council on Aging to use the city’s Thornton Gym as a temporary site for senior programming.
The item was added to a special-call meeting because Sawega faced a rapid timeline to vacate its building. Staff presented the agreement as a pilot: the city would make the gym available for a small set of daytime programs for roughly two to three months while Sawega pursues more permanent options. "If it worked well, perhaps we could extend it. If it failed, it felt like no harm, no fire," said the staff member who summarized the site visit and scheduling details.
Supporters of the MOU said the measure was meant to avoid interrupting services for seniors. Jacqueline Robinson, CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Albany, told commissioners the club was willing to coordinate schedules and had been asked about facility availability. "We are not privy to long term plans," Robinson said, but added the club "would love to be a partner" and confirmed Thornton is underutilized during weekday daytime hours.
Opponents and some commissioners raised process and communication concerns, saying the commission and some community stakeholders learned of the relocation plans only through media reports and late notices. Several commissioners said they were troubled that they had not been informed earlier. Residents who attend Sawega programs told the commission they feared losing the central, downtown nature of their gathering place. "I’m very concerned that this is going to divide our group again," said participant Debbie Richardson, who described the social and emotional value of the downtown site.
When the commission put the MOU to a roll-call vote, the tally was: John Howard (Ward 1) No; Willie Weaver (Ward 2) No; Vilnius Gaines (Ward 3) No; Chad Warrington (Ward 4) Yes; Colette Jenkins (Ward 5) Yes; Diana Brown (Ward 6) No; Mayor Roach Yes. With four Commissioners voting No and three voting Yes, the motion failed.
Mayor Roach said the city would still seek alternatives for displaced seniors and recommended the issue be placed on a future agenda with more time for public input. Staff and Sawega leadership had proposed the Thornton pilot to prevent a service gap; the commission’s decision means staff must continue seeking other short-term options or bring a revised proposal back for a future vote.
The commission also agreed to include a full public hearing and further community outreach on any future temporary arrangements.
