Residents attending the June 26 Village Board workshop learned that brighter, more energy-efficient days could be ahead for two of Albion’s prominent recreational hubs. The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to authorize Department of Public Works Superintendent Jay Pahura to enter negotiations with National Grid. The utility company has proposed replacing outdated lighting infrastructure with modern LED fixtures at the Platt Street municipal parking lot and Canal Park. According to the minutes, the project targets ten 400-watt metal halide fixtures at Platt Street and ten 250-watt fixtures at Canal Park. Beyond these specific locations, the resolution—numbered 2024-20—encourages Pahura to investigate other village-owned sites where an upgrade would be financially beneficial. The goal is to utilize potential incentives and subsidies to offset or eliminate the cost to the village. "This Resolution shall take effect upon the execution of the same," stated the resolution, which passed with Mayor Angel Javier, Deputy Mayor Joyce Riley, and Trustees William Gabalski and Greg Bennett voting in favor. Trustee Timothy McMurray was absent. **Recreation Grants and Events** The board moved to bolster youth services by accepting more than $20,000 in grant funding from New York State. By a vote of 4-0, the trustees authorized the mayor and deputy mayor to accept: * $7,319.00 from the 2024 Sports & Education Opportunity Fund * $5,770.00 from the 2024 Youth Development Program * $7,238.00 from the 2024 Team Sport Funding Trustee Riley specifically recognized Recreation Director John Grillo for his hard work in securing these grants for the department. Grillo also provided updates on summer logistics. Due to construction within the Albion Central School District, the summer tennis camp has been relocated to Holley School. Looking ahead to the fall season, the board approved a special event application for the "WNY Honda-Tech Meet 2024." The car show is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 15, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Bullard Park. They also approved the "Bounce for Bullard Fundraiser" for July 12, pending the submission of proper documentation. **Infrastructure and Sidewalks** Infrastructure concerns were brought to the forefront by residents and department heads alike. Resident Joe Martillotta asked the board during the resident comment period when sidewalks would be worked on along East State Street. In response, Superintendent Pahura indicated that his department believes it will be able to install sidewalks on parts of East State Street this year, assuming no unforeseen issues arise. The board also tackled water and sewer fee adjustments. They denied requests for sewer fee breaks for properties on E. Bank St. and Northwood Drive. However, they did approve a non-meter replacement fee break of $608.61 for a property on W. Park St. **Holiday Plans and Future Committee Work** The Albion Betterment Committee’s request to install a "Santa House" in the Village Municipal lot north of the Presbyterian Church, along with placing a sleigh at Waterman Park, was tabled until the July 10 meeting. The board wants to ensure the project's location is acceptable to the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) before moving forward. In other business, the board appointed Derek Reiner as the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to oversee village cybersecurity. Looking toward long-term planning, Karen Conn, Chairperson of the Planning Board, proposed creating a comprehensive plan committee. The proposed committee would include 12 members drawn from the Planning Board, Zoning Board, Historic Preservation Commission, village residents, the Code Enforcement Officer, and a local business owner. The board entered executive session at 7:07 p.m. to discuss a personal matter and exited at 7:52 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for July 10, 2024.