The purpose of this chapter is to establish a Merit Award Board pursuant
to General Municipal Law § 88-a, to reward employees of the City
of Albany, New York, for suggestions which result in a more efficient and
economical operation of its government therefor.
There is hereby established in the City of Albany a Merit Award Board
to consist of the Mayor, Corporation Counsel and the Chairman to the Finance
Committee of the Common Council. The Director of Personnel shall serve as
Executive Secretary of such Board.
The Board shall have the power, and it shall be its duty, to:
A. Formulate, establish and maintain a plan or plans to
encourage and reward unusual and meritorious suggestions and accomplishments
by City employees and suggestions of retired City employees promoting efficiency
and economy in the performance of any function of City government.
B. Appoint from time to time, as needed, committees to analyze
and review suggestions and accomplishments of City employees and suggestions
of retired City employees submitted for consideration under such plan or plans
and to make recommendations therefor to the Board.
C. Make and render to and for the benefit of City employees
and retired City employees nominated to receive them in accordance with such
plan or plans.
D. Adopt and promulgate rules and regulations governing
the operation of any plan or plans established pursuant to this chapter, the
eligibility and qualifications of City employees and retired City employees
participating therein, the character and quality of suggestions and accomplishments
submitted for consideration, the method of their submission and the procedure
for their review, nominations for merit awards and the kind, character and
value of such awards and such other rules and regulations as may be deemed
necessary or appropriate for the proper administration of this chapter or
for the accomplishment of the purposes thereof.
The Board may determine the nature and extent of the merit awards to
be made under this chapter, which may include, but shall not be limited to,
certificates, medals or other appropriate insignia or cash and/or United States
savings bonds in such amounts as may be fixed by the Board.
This chapter shall take effect immediately.