The Village of Albion Board of Trustees took significant steps Wednesday night to upgrade both its winter fleet and its tax base, approving financing for new snowplow trucks and rezoning a section of East Bank Street to encourage commercial development. During the August 28 workshop meeting, the board unanimously authorized Mayor Angel Javier to secure federal funding for the purchase of two new dump/plow trucks. The package includes a $471,000 loan from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development program at a 4% interest rate, supplemented by a $50,000 grant. The vote formalizes the village’s intent to issue bonds to cover the loan, adhering to state finance laws and USDA requirements. According to the resolution, the village must maintain the trucks and use them for official purposes; the USDA retains the right to take possession of the equipment if the village defaults on the loan. The decision comes as the village continues to manage its aging infrastructure. The new trucks will replace older models in the Department of Public Works (DPW) fleet, ensuring reliable service during Orleans County’s harsh winters. In a move to shape future development, the board also approved a rezoning request for two parcels on East Bank Street (73.6-3-21 and 73.6-3-23). The lots were officially changed from R2 One & Two Family Residential to GC General Commercial following a brief public hearing. The hearing, opened by Trustee Timothy McMurray at 8:04 p.m. and closed just a minute later, saw no public comments recorded in the minutes. The rezoning passed with a 5-0 vote. The change allows for broader commercial use of the properties, potentially increasing the village's tax revenue and business activity along the corridor. In other business, the Board moved to enhance public safety through technology. Trustees authorized Police Chief David Mogle to execute a purchase order with Upstate Alarm for $27,584.58. The cost will be covered by grant funds, meaning the expense will not impact the general tax levy. The new cameras are intended for the DPW and Bullard Park, a project discussed with Upstate Alarm representatives earlier in the evening. The board also addressed financial housekeeping, approving several budget adjustments. Notably, they allocated $4,210 from water improvement reserves to cover expenses related to the "Koester" line item. Additional adjustments were made for revenue lines involving child safety seat grants and additional AIM (Aid and Incentives for Municipalities) monies. Residents received a small break on municipal fees as well. The board voted to reduce property maintenance and mowing charges by 50% for the property at 222 E. Bank St. The move suggests an effort by the board to work with property owners on maintenance compliance. Looking ahead, Jay Grasso of G&G Grant Writing provided an update on active grant applications. A public meeting for NY Forward applicants has been tentatively scheduled for September 12 at 6 p.m. This meeting could be critical for local business owners and developers interested in state funding for revitalization projects. The board also touched on school safety as the academic year approaches. Trustee Greg Bennett requested that a section of McKinstry Street be designated as a school zone or have its speed limit reduced. The village attorney will gather information on the process, with a decision tabled until the September 11 meeting. In the interim, Bennett noted that the Police Department would cover crossing guard duties until an agreement with Albion Central Schools is finalized. All department heads submitted their monthly reports for July, including the DPW, Police, Fire, and Cemetery departments, providing the board with a comprehensive overview of village operations. The next meeting of the Village of Albion Board of Trustees is scheduled for September 11, 2024.