🏛️ Board of Trustees
Fluoride Debate Continues: Albion Board Schedules Second Public Hearing
The Albion Village Board heard conflicting testimony on removing fluoride from the water supply and scheduled a second hearing for May 28. Trustees also approved funding for park security cameras and a new "Santa House" on Main Street.
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Key Actions & Decisions
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Fluoride Decision Delayed: Board scheduled another public hearing on eliminating water fluoride for May 28, 2025, following a 46-minute session with 18 resident speakers.
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Bullard Park Security: Approved $4,741.64 for Upstate Alarm cameras; Trustee Timothy McMurray agreed to use his 2025-2026 salary to cover the invoice.
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Santa House Approved: Voted 4-1 to approve ABC’s plans to build a Santa House on Village parcel 73.6-3-57.1 on Main St.
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Mobile Home Meters: Approved $3,000 from the water fund balance for master meters at OOE and West State mobile home parks.
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New Hire: Appointed Josh Narburgh as a part-time police officer at $31.00/hr.
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Utility Relevy: Approved placing $7,276.88 in outstanding water/sewer charges and $17,675.00 in property maintenance fees onto 2025-2026 tax rolls.
ALBION — A proposal to eliminate fluoride from the village’s drinking water remained unresolved Wednesday night after a nearly hour-long public hearing revealed a deep community divide.
During a workshop meeting at Village Hall, the Board of Trustees heard from 18 residents regarding the possible cessation of water fluoridation. The discussion, which lasted from 6:01 PM to 6:47 PM, featured testimony from medical professionals, local residents, and neighbors from surrounding towns.
According to the meeting minutes, seven individuals spoke in favor of removing fluoride, while eight individuals—including local dentists, doctors, and the Public Health Director—argued against the removal. Three residents remained neutral, asking questions about the process.
Rather than making a decision, the board moved to schedule a second public hearing to continue the discussion. The meeting is set for May 28, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Village Hall.
The move to delay came as Trustee Joyce Riley and Deputy Mayor Greg Bennett arrived late to the meeting, with Bennett appearing just after the public hearing closed at 7:27 PM.
**Security and Recreation Upgrades**
While the fluoride debate dominated the early session, the board moved forward with several infrastructure and quality-of-life improvements.
Trustees unanimously approved the installation of security cameras at Bullard Park. The $4,741.63 contract with Upstate Alarm will be covered personally by Trustee Timothy McMurray, who agreed to use his 2025-2026 board salary to pay the invoice.
The board also directed the Department of Public Works to place signage regarding the cameras throughout the park. The village attorney requested signs be placed at both entrances, the main bathroom, and near the remaining camera locations. Additionally, the board requested a portable toilet be placed on the west side of the park, pending weather conditions.
In a festive development, the board voted 4-1 to approve plans for a new "Santa House" on Main Street. The structure, proposed by the group ABC, will be built on Village parcel 73.6-3-57.1. Trustee Riley cast the lone nay vote.
**Infrastructure and Personnel**
Under department head reports, the board addressed water management for mobile home parks. Trustees authorized the use of $3,000 from the water fund balance to purchase two master meters for the OOE and West State mobile home parks.
The Police Department will see an immediate addition to its force. Chief David Mogle announced the hiring of Josh Narburgh as a part-time police officer. Narburgh will start at a rate of $31.00 per hour. The chief noted the hiring is intended to alleviate overtime costs and assist with special events.
However, discussions regarding two major police acquisitions—a K9 unit and an MRAP vehicle—were tabled until the April 23, 2025 meeting.
Levi Boyer was appointed to a non-competitive position under the HELP title at the Water Treatment Plant, effective immediately.
The board also addressed delinquent accounts, voting to relevy $7,276.88 in outstanding water and sewer charges and $17,675.00 in property maintenance fees onto the 2025-2026 tax rolls.
**Other Business**
* **Tower Placement:** The village attorney is tasked with reaching out regarding a ground lease agreement and height concerns for a tower intended for the Water Treatment Plant.
* **Pro-Housing:** The Code Enforcement Officer provided an update to the board regarding state housing mandates.
* **Donations:** The board accepted donations totaling $1,275 for the July 3rd Celebration reserves from Marsha Gaddis, Sheret Post No. 35, and Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes.
Coverage of the Board of Trustees meeting on 2025-03-26,
Village of Albion, NY.
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Related Board of Trustees Meetings
2025-03-31
Albion Trustees Approve $40,450 Cemetery Excavator in Brief Special Meeting
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Key Actions & Decisions
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Approved the purchase of an excavator for the Cemetery Department for $40,450, utilizing Cemetery Capital Funds (Vote: 4-0).
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Entered executive session at 6:02 p.m. to discuss employee personnel.
2025-03-17
Albion Village Board Settles Tenant Debt, Repairs Canal Park Roof
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Key Actions & Decisions
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Mt. Albion Tenant Settlement: Board authorized attorney to settle unpaid rent for 50% of the outstanding balance (3-0 vote).
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Canal Park Roof Repair: Approved $1,106.20 from reserves to repair the pavilion roof; payment to be made to Stockham Lumber (3-0 vote).
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Personal Donations: Trustee McMurray pledged $1,500 total; Mayor Javier pledged $1,100 from their pay to the Senior Citizen picnic, VFW, American Legion, and Village Historian.
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Budget Review: Board reviewed the Recreation budget, led by John Grillo, and Clerk budget, led by Tracy VanSkiver.
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Albion Board Greenlights New Police Tahoe, Water Meters for Mobile Parks
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Key Actions & Decisions
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Approved financing document for 2025 Chevy Tahoe; initial invoice of $27,884.47 paid to USBANCORP (Unanimous).
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Approved purchase of 2 master meters for Oak Orchard and Heritage Estates at $3,000 each (Unanimous).
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Approved $10,462.40 in grant reimbursements for water infrastructure projects (WIIA Grant) (Unanimous).
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Approved $5,580 budget adjustment to fund a Crossing Guard position (Unanimous).
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Accepted $5,800 in donations for park events, placing funds in reserve (Unanimous).
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Approved street closure for 4th Annual Easter Egg Hunt hosted by Royal Body Shop Ministry on April 19 (Unanimous).
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Tabled discussion on "Pro-Housing" compliance until March 26.
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Tabled discussion on Water/Sewer rate changes until April 9.
2025-03-12
Albion Residents Face 7% Water, Sewer Rate Hikes to Cover Rising Costs
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Key Actions & Decisions
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Approved a 30-cent increase to water consumption rates, raising the residential in-village rate from $3.90 to $4.20 per 1,000 gallons.
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Approved a 30-cent increase to sewer consumption rates, raising the residential in-village rate from $4.25 to $4.55 per 1,000 gallons.
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Established the 2025-2026 Water Fund budget, projecting total revenues of $2,216,949.
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Established the 2025-2026 Sewer Fund budget, projecting total revenues of $1,276,390.
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Voted to leave water and sewer administrative customer charges flat for all meter sizes.
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Voted to maintain the flat "Northwoods" sewer rate structure at $6.49 per 1,000 gallons.
2025-04-14
Albion Board Votes to Override Tax Cap, Sets Financial Policy for Coming Year
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Key Actions & Decisions
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Override Tax Levy Limit: Unanimously (5-0) approved Local Law 2-2025 to override the tax levy limit established in General Municipal Law §3-c.
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Strawberry Festival Approved: Unanimously approved use of the E. Bank St. municipal parking lot for the Annual Strawberry Festival on June 13 and 14.
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Procurement Policy: Unanimously adopted Chapter 66 of the Village Code regarding procurement.
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Investment Policy: Unanimously adopted Resolution 2025-05, dictating how village funds are invested and safeguarded.
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Official Depositories: Unanimously adopted Resolution 2025-04, designating Key Bank, 5Star, JP Morgan Chase, and NYCLASS as official village depositories.
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Annual Appointments: Unanimously appointed over a dozen residents to various boards, including Planning, Zoning, Library, and Recreation committees.
2025-03-06
Albion Trustees Review Public Safety Budgets in Special Session
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Key Actions & Decisions
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Animal Control Budget Reviewed: The Board reviewed the budget proposal presented by Animal Control Officer Harry Papponetti. No vote was taken.
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Police Budget Reviewed: The Board reviewed the police budget proposal, presented by Police representatives Dave Mogle and Brandon Annabel. No vote was taken.
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