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Zoning Board of Adjustment swears in Sarah Young Knox, appoints Joe Ferris as chair and approves minutes
Summary
At its April 17 organizational meeting the Albany Zoning Board of Adjustment swore in new member Sarah Young Knox, noted that Colin Kormack is not yet sworn, approved minutes from 05/01/2025 with one abstention, nominated Joe Ferris as chair and set the next annual meeting for April 20, 2027 at 6:00 p.m.
The Zoning Board of Adjustment convened in Albany on April 17, 2025, and completed several routine organizational items. The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by the presiding member (Chair).
The board formally acknowledged two recent appointments: Sarah Young Knox, who was sworn in, and Colin Kormack, who has not yet completed swearing-in. "My my legal name is Sarah Young Knox," Sarah Young Knox said, noting she had recently changed her name and could now obtain updated identification. The Chair read the names of members present and confirmed attendance for the record.
The board moved to approve the minutes of the May 1, 2025 meeting. The motion was recorded as approved with one abstention; Sarah Young Knox stated she abstained because she was not present at that earlier meeting.
Members discussed quorum logistics and an absent member identified as Peter. The Chair said the ZBA is treated as a judicial branch of local government and noted that state law requires five members; in practice the board discussed how a smaller quorum would affect the ability to take action if an application were filed on short notice. The board also briefly discussed remote participation and said COVID-era flexibilities do not automatically apply to extended remote decision-making.
For leadership roles, a member nominated Joe Ferris to serve as chair; the nomination was seconded and members voiced approval. The board also discussed the vice chair role and volunteers for that position, and members agreed to coordinate availability and keys for office access.
The board scheduled its next organizational meeting for April 20, 2027, and agreed on a 6:00 p.m. start time to avoid conflicts and improve daylight access for members.
A motion to adjourn was made, seconded and approved. The Chair declared the meeting adjourned and members ended the public stream.
Next steps: the board will ensure Colin Kormack completes swearing-in procedures and will follow up on any quorum-related procedures if an application is filed before the next scheduled meeting.
