🏛️ Board of Trustees
Health Insurance Costs Spike Nearly 19% as Village Names 'Erie Canal Park'
The Village Board approved an 18.72% increase in medical insurance premiums for the upcoming fiscal year. Trustees also officially designated a new village park along the historic waterway and moved to hire a replacement for a retiring Department of Public Works employee.
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Key Actions & Decisions
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Approved an 18.72% increase in Univera Healthcare premiums for village employees effective Sept. 1, 2024 (Vote: 5-0).
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Officially named the village parcel #73.23-1-13 "Erie Canal Park" (Vote: 5-0).
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Scheduled a public hearing for Aug. 28, 2024, to rezone East Bank Street properties from residential to commercial (Vote: 5-0).
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Mandated new DPW hires must obtain a CDL (B) within one year or face termination (Vote: 5-0).
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Approved $99,990.91 in total bills across general, water, and sewer funds.
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Authorized overtime for DPW workers for the next three weeks to handle time-sensitive projects (Vote: 5-0).
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Set a public hearing date for Sept. 7, 2024, regarding the closure of East State Street for a church event.
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Accepted the resignation/application for a new DPW hire to replace a retiring employee, with the new hire starting immediately.
The Albion Village Board unanimously approved a significant increase in employee health insurance costs during their regular meeting on Wednesday, August 14, while simultaneously moving to staff up the Department of Public Works (DPW) and officially name a new park.
Rising Insurance Costs
In a 5-0 vote, the board approved an 18.72% premium increase for Univera Healthcare coverage, effective September 1, 2024. The new rates will impact single subscribers, families, and those with spouse or dependent coverage.
Under the new rates, a single subscriber will pay $530.03, up from $446.46. Family coverage will increase to $1,510.59, up from $1,272.41. The increase applies to the plan year ending August 31, 2025.
Staffing and Infrastructure
To maintain operations, the board authorized the immediate hiring of a new Motor Equipment Operator (MEO) for the DPW. This move aims to fill a vacancy created by an upcoming retirement in December, allowing for a training overlap period.
The board also voted to allow overtime for DPW workers over the next three weeks. Trustee Joyce Riley, who seconded the motion, noted the overtime is necessary to complete "time sensitive" projects before the season changes.
Additionally, the board implemented stricter requirements for heavy equipment operators. New hires in the DPW must now possess a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class B or obtain one within their first year of employment. Failure to do so will result in termination, though extensions can be granted by the Board. This requirement does not apply to cemetery, sewer, or water plant personnel, unless they transfer into the DPW.
Erie Canal Park and Zoning
In a move to formalize local geography, the board voted to name village parcel #73.23-1-13 as "Erie Canal Park."
The property is located near the historic Erie Canal. Following the naming, the board discussed a related structure—the gazebo at the park. Trustee William Gabalski introduced a motion to offer the public the opportunity to name the gazebo, but the discussion was tabled until the September 25 meeting to allow for further public input.
The board also scheduled a public hearing regarding a potential zoning change. Trustees moved to rezone two parcels on East Bank Street (73.6-3-21 & 73.6-3-23) from R-2 (One and Two Family Residential) to GC (General Commercial). The public hearing is set for August 28.
Financials and Grants
Total approved bills for the period amounted to $99,990.91. This included $76,770.37 from the general fund, $14,862.76 from water, and $8,357.78 from sewer funds.
The board also processed several financial adjustments, including:
- Accepting a $1,290 donation from Renovation Lodge No. 97 and a $50 donation from Jake Stinson for recreation reserve funds.
- Paying $5,474.06 in Recreation Grant invoices to various vendors, including nearly $3,800 to NVB Playgrounds.
Upcoming Events
The board approved permits for two upcoming special events.
First Presbyterian Church of Albion received approval to close East State Street from North Main Street to Platt Street on Saturday, September 7, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Additionally, the Care Net Center of Greater Orleans was granted use of the Bullard Park amphitheater and electricity on September 21.
The next regular meeting of the Albion Village Board is scheduled for August 28 at 6:00 p.m. at Village Hall.
Coverage of the Board of Trustees meeting on 2024-08-14,
Village of Albion, NY.
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This article was drafted by AI (claude-sonnet-4-20250514) from the official meeting transcript and reviewed by a human editor.
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Related Board of Trustees Meetings
2024-08-06
Albion Board Holds Three-Hour Executive Session on Personnel Matters
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Key Actions & Decisions
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Entered executive session at 5:31 PM to discuss the employment history of a specific person.
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Exited executive session at 9:06 PM.
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Adjourned the meeting immediately following the executive session.
2024-08-28
Village of Albion Secures Funding for New Plow Trucks, Approves East Bank Street Rezoning
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Key Actions & Decisions
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Approved a $471,000 loan (4% interest) and $50,000 grant from USDA Rural Development for two new dump/plow trucks (5-0).
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Voted to rezone 73.6-3-21 and 73.6-3-23 East Bank St from R2 Residential to GC General Commercial (5-0).
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Authorized Police Chief David Mogle to purchase camera equipment from Upstate Alarm for $27,584.58 using grant funds (5-0).
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Approved budget adjustments allocating $4,210 in water improvement reserves for Koester repairs.
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Accepted the July treasurer's report and departmental reports from DPW, Police, and Fire officials.
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Agreed to waive 50% of mowing charges for a property at 222 E. Bank St.
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Scheduled a NY Forward public meeting for applicants on Sept. 12 at 6 p.m.
2024-09-03
Village Board Ratifies Formation of New Albion Joint Fire District, Sets Water Plant Salary Range
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Key Actions & Decisions
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Adopted Resolution: Formally approved the establishment of the Albion Joint Fire District (AJFD), encompassing the Village of Albion, Town of Albion, and Town of Gaines.
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Executive Session: Board met privately for over an hour (5:30 p.m. to 6:39 p.m.) to discuss pending negotiations.
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Legal Strategy: Directed Village Attorney John Gavenda to respond to the "Police Attorney" regarding ongoing contract negotiations.
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Salary Range: Established a pay range of $65,000 to $75,000 for the Chief Water Treatment Plant Operator civil service position.
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Park Protection: Voted to prohibit cars from parking on the grass at the multi-use field at Bullard Park during the upcoming Honda-Tech and Hospice Car Show.
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Commissioner Approval: Ratified the appointment of David Buczek as the Village's representative to the AJFD Board of Commissioners.
2024-07-24
Cannabis Regulations Advance, Main Street Property Gets Second Look from Albion Board
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Key Actions & Decisions
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Cannabis Local Law: Public hearing opened and closed for Chapter 83 regarding cannabis retail dispensaries; code sent to planning board and attorney for final review.
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Spray Park Policy: DPW Superintendent Jay Pahura authorized to adjust spray park hours if temperatures exceed 90 degrees.
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Bullard Park Improvements: Approved numbering pavilions for better identification; reviewed quotes for security cameras (tabled).
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Main Street Property: Albion Betterment Committee approved to place Santa house on Village-owned N. Main St. land, pending code review; 121 N. Main St. vacancy advertised at $2.50/sq ft.
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Personnel Actions: Board approved sick time donation between employees and swapped a salary raise for vacation time for one employee.
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Grants & Funding: Approved $3,677.50 in Youth Department Program grants and authorized Assemblyman Hawley’s support for a CFA Comprehensive Planning Grant.
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Fire Commissioner: Appointed David Buczek to represent the village.
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Cemetery Purchase: Approved $7,000 deposit to Peter Snell Realtors for land purchase.
2024-09-11
Albion Village Board Approves Pay Hikes for Water Operator, Addresses Crossing Guard Dispute
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Key Actions & Decisions
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Approved Levi Boyer as acting Chief Water Treatment Plant Operator with a $5,000 salary increase, effective Sept. 21 (Vote: 4-0).
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Agreed to pay 100% of the first semester cost for a school crossing guard at Albion Central School, capped at 2 hours daily at $17/hr (Vote: 4-0).
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Authorized the Village Clerk to advertise the vacant Chief Water Treatment Plant Operator position for 30 days.
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Adjusted the employment status of a currently suspended employee from unpaid to paid suspension pending outside litigation.
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Approved an 18.72% increase in healthcare premiums for village employees for the 2024-2025 plan year.
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Ratified invoices for the Water Infrastructure Improvement Act (WIIA) grant totaling $2,898.
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Named Rebekah Karls as the second-quarter Community Hero Award recipient.
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Accepted a new lease agreement with Crown Castle for a cell tower, pending legal review.
2024-07-10
Albion Trustees Adopt 'Pro-Housing' Pledge to Unlock State Funding, Code Enforcement Officer Gets Raise
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Key Actions & Decisions
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Adopted "Pro-Housing Community" resolutions to apply for state designation and funding priority (3-0 vote).
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Approved hourly wage increase for Code Enforcement Officer Chris Kinter from $28 to $30, with $400 in retroactive pay (3-0 vote).
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Authorized over $55,000 in budget adjustments for water infrastructure consulting and bond services (3-0 vote).
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Accepted $500 donation from residents Joyce O’Connor and Donna Boyce for police equipment reserves.
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Referred John Fitzak’s request to rezone East Bank Street property from Residential (R-2) to General Commercial (GC) to the Planning Board.
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Acknowledged loss of Certificate of Occupancy for 43 Brown St; owners must restart process to operate adult day care.
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Modified Special Events permit for "Family Funday" to allow Friday setup and a large tent at the Amphitheater.
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Tabled discussions on MEO positions and Ingersoll Street/bridge matters until the July 24 meeting.
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