The Albion Village Board moved to bolster its police technology and water infrastructure capabilities during its regular meeting on June 12, while also taking steps to fill key staff vacancies. Police equipment is set for an upgrade following the board’s unanimous acceptance of a $44,256.43 grant from the Local Law Enforcement Technology Assistance Program (LETECH). Trustee Tim McMurray moved to accept the funds, which were subsequently authorized for use on police equipment. The funds will likely be used to update or replace essential gear for the department, though a specific breakdown of the purchases was not detailed in the meeting minutes. On the personnel front, the board moved to stabilize operations at the Waste Water Treatment Plant by appointing William Malone to the position of Sewer Treatment Plant Operator Trainee, effective April 30. Malone’s appointment was approved unanimously, with a starting hourly rate of $21.20. The appointment includes a probationary period of 66 weeks, and Malone is required to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) by the end of 2024. The position addresses a critical need in the Department of Public Works (DPW), which has seen previous discussions regarding staffing levels. The board also shuffled the membership of the Planning Board. Following the resignation of Linda Smith, which was accepted by the board, trustees moved quickly to fill the vacancy. Jeff Holler was appointed to the Planning Board with a term set to expire in April 2028. Trustees also tackled a significant amount of financial housekeeping, approving roughly $220,606 in total bill payments. This sum was split across General government expenses ($184,023.73), Water fund costs ($29,978.59), and Sewer fund expenditures ($6,603.90). Additionally, the board authorized several budget adjustments to align with state grant funding and local capital projects. Notably, expense lines for the Water Infrastructure Improvement Act (WIIA) projects were increased. Approximately $94,975.59 was added to the WIIA 2 project budget, and revenues were adjusted to match. The board also signed documents necessary to finalize these grant fund adjustments. In other business, the board approved new memberships for the Albion Fire Department (AFD). Adam Standish and Robert Toman were approved as new members, joining the volunteer force that protects the village. Residents looking to voice their opinions on the village’s proposed Cannabis code will have to wait a little longer. The board canceled the originally scheduled public hearing and moved the date to July 24, 2024, at 6:00 PM. The delay will allow the board more time to finalize the draft legislation or scheduling logistics. Two upcoming events were greenlit for the summer season. The Grand Army of the Republic Cemetery (GARCE) will host a chicken BBQ on July 3 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The Oasis Church is also permitted to hold a "Family Funday" on August 10 from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. A brief public hearing regarding a USDA Community Facilities grant was opened and closed within a minute, as no members of the public wished to speak. The board went into executive session at 6:44 p.m. to discuss a personnel matter, exiting at 7:15 p.m. before adjourning the meeting at 7:16 p.m. Deputy Mayor Joyce Riley was absent from the meeting.