The Albion Village Board took a significant step forward in its water infrastructure upgrades Wednesday, authorizing over $750,000 in payments for major capital projects, while also instituting temporary restrictions at the village spray park to conserve water. During the regular meeting on May 22, trustees unanimously approved payments totaling nearly $750,000 to contractors STC and Core & Main. These payments cover the ongoing WIIA 1 and WIIA 2 water projects, which represent critical updates to the village's water infrastructure. The financial authorizations included a $419,306.25 payment and a $116,850 payment to STC for the WIIA 2 project, alongside $171,271.62 and $26,362.50 for the WIIA 1 project. To aid in conservation efforts while the Gaines one-million-gallon water tank is being upgraded, the Board unanimously voted to reduce the hours at the village spray park. The facility, located in Bullard Park, will now operate from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM, a reduction from the previous 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM schedule. Trustee Timothy McMurray, who moved the resolution, noted that the shorter hours and reduced cycle times are necessary to manage water demand during the infrastructure improvement. The Board plans to revisit the hours once the new tank is completed. In zoning business, the Board voted 4-1 to approve a request to change the designation of 210 South Main Street from Residential Conservation (RC) to General Commercial (GC). Trustee Greg Bennett cast the sole vote against the measure. The property, represented by John Pastore of the Reid Group, is currently used as a parking lot and contains underground fuel tanks. The change in zoning allows for continued commercial use of the site. The public hearing for the item was opened and closed during the meeting, with Pastore addressing the board regarding the property's history. Code Enforcement Officer Chris Kinter was appointed to a full-time position with the village, a move approved unanimously. Kinter, appointed from the Orleans County civil service list, will earn $28.00 per hour for a 2,080-hour annual schedule with a 42-week probationary period. Several housekeeping items and community engagements were also addressed: * **Intermunicipal Agreement:** The Board approved an agreement with the Town of Albion regarding zoning and code enforcement. * **Cannabis Code:** Trustees scheduled a public hearing for June 26 at 6:00 PM to discuss updates to the village cannabis code. * **Infrastructure Improvements:** A public hearing was also set for June 12 regarding a USDA grant/loan application for a new plow/dump truck. * **Sandstone Park:** The Board authorized the donation of 10 yards of millings to the park for parking lot improvements, a request made by resident Bruce Sidari. * **Community Recognition:** The Board proclaimed May 22 as "Blue Heroes Day," honoring Officer Reigle and Officer Cotriss for their heroism on April 15. Additionally, Jack Burris was named the Community Hero Award recipient for the first quarter of 2024. In other business, the Board approved the "Albion Summer Festival" at Bullard Park for August 2 and 3, pending a map showing the alcohol tent location. KeyBank employees were also granted permission to volunteer at Bullard Park and the Cemetery on June 6 as part of "Neighbors Make the Difference Day."