This article sets forth the basic operating procedures for the
City of Albany Common Council. The Common Council also follows its
own “Rules of Procedure” adopted by resolution of the
Common Council at the annual organizational meeting and amended from
time to time.
The minutes of each meeting of the Common Council
shall comply with the requirements of the New York State Open Meetings
Law and any requirements contained in the Common Council Rules
of Procedure. Minutes of each official meeting shall be made available
within seven days after adjournment and immediately distributed, one
to the Mayor, one to each member of the Common Council and one to
the head of each department. At the end of the year the printed minutes
shall be maintained by the City Clerk as an official City record.
Eight members of the Common Council shall constitute
a quorum, but any number may adjourn from time to time and compel
the attendance of absent members at official meetings. The Council
shall be called to order by the President or, if the President is
absent, by the President Pro-Tempore, who shall preside until the
President appears.
The President of the Common Council or a majority
of its members may call a special meeting by causing a written notice
thereof specifying the objects of the meeting to be served by the
City Clerk upon each member personally, by mail, facsimile, or electronic
mail at least 24 hours before the time of such meeting. The City Clerk
shall make every reasonable attempt to insure that each Council member
actually receives notice of the special meeting. No other business
than that stated in said notice shall be transacted at such meeting.
In case the Common Council shall convene with less than a quorum
at any regular or special meeting; or if, while any meeting is in
progress, any less number than a quorum shall be present, the majority
of the members present are authorized to send a police officer for
any or all absent members, as such majority of members shall agree.
The regular official meetings of the Council
shall be held on the first and third Mondays of each month. The Common
Council shall convene at 7:00 p.m. Regular meetings of the Common
Council may be changed by consent of the Council President, President
Pro-Tempore and Majority Leader, when the regular meeting date falls
on a holiday, religious or cultural observance. The public shall be
notified of the new date as provided in the NYS Open Meetings Law.