[Adopted 2-9-2001 by Ord. No. 1.11.01]
A. 
The Common Council recognizes and finds that the identification and recognition of sites and individuals within the City of Albany which were part of the Underground Railroad is of vital importance in the history of the City. Many of these sites are in danger of being lost or destroyed, and there has been no organized effort to preserve their integrity.
B. 
The Underground Railroad, a clandestine effort to assist slaves escaping to freedom, was a national network of homes, hiding places, institutions and people providing hiding places and transportation for runaway slaves. In 1990, the National Park Service was directed by Congress to study how to best interpret and commemorate the Underground Railroad. The Park Service made a number of recommendations for protecting and interpreting the history of the Underground Railroad, and from those recommendations legislation has been introduced in Congress to create a National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program. In 1997, the New York State Legislature passed legislation creating a state commission to commemorate that state's historic sites associated with the Underground Railroad. The Common Council finds that the creation of a local commission can be of assistance in best interpreting and commemorating the City of Albany's role in the Underground Railroad.
There shall be, and is hereby, established an Underground Railroad Commission in the City of Albany to memorialize the Underground Railroad and Albany's role and raise public awareness related to the Underground Railroad and the lives of enslaved African-Americans.
A. 
The Underground Railroad Commission shall be composed of seven voting members: four appointed by the Mayor and three appointed by the Common Council. Members of the Commission shall be appointed for two-year terms. The Commission members shall be residents of the City of Albany who possess an interest in Albany's African-American history and have a time commitment to serve. The members shall serve without compensation.
B. 
The Mayor, with the consent of the Common Council, will designate one of the voting members as Chairperson.
C. 
Vacancies on the Commission shall be filled by the Mayor, with the advice and consent of the Common Council, for the balance of the unexpired term.
The Commission shall:
A. 
Review, plan, and implement a master plan to promote and preserve the history of the Underground Railroad in this City and survey historical records and sites related to abolition and the Underground Railroad.
B. 
Work alone or in conjunction with state and federal authorities to place historical markers, sponsor commemorations, linkages, seminars, and public forums on the Underground Railroad in the City and promote tourism that is related to the City's involvement in the Underground Railroad and the abolitionist movement.
C. 
Assist and promote the making of applications for inclusion in the national and state register of historic places for significant historic places related to the Underground Railroad.
D. 
Assist and develop partnerships to seek public and private funds to carry out activities to protect, preserve, and promote the legacy of the Underground Railroad in the City.
E. 
Involve schools and other organizations in developing public education programs about the role City of Albany residents played in the Underground Railroad.
F. 
Provide appropriate time and involvement of Commission members to comment on any development or redevelopment in the City which may threaten Underground Railroad sites and to report their concerns to the Common Council, Zoning Board of Appeals, Planning Board, and any other City agencies and boards as the Commission deems appropriate.
G. 
Annually report to the Mayor and Common Council on the activities of the Commission in the prior calendar year.
The Mayor shall provide basic support and assistance necessary for the Commission to carry out its duties and train volunteers to correctly research, identify and preserve Underground Railroad sites. Neither the Commission nor its members shall incur any cost or expense for or on behalf of or payable by the City of Albany without written authorization of the Mayor.
The Commission shall establish a regular meeting schedule. Additionally, the Chair of the Commission or two of its voting members may call a special meeting. Four voting members shall constitute a quorum. The presence of a quorum shall be necessary to conduct any official Commission business, and a concurring vote of four voting members shall be necessary to take any official action or adopt any recommendation.