Maintaining the village’s aging water infrastructure took center stage at the Wednesday, February 5 meeting of the Albion Board of Trustees, as the board authorized urgent repairs and sought to plug a leak in the system. With Mayor Angel Javier, Jr. and Trustee William Gabalski absent, Deputy Mayor Greg Bennett led the board through a short agenda that prioritized public safety and water system stability. The meeting also saw the addition of a new officer to the police force and the initiation of long-term financial planning. **Water Infrastructure Takes Priority** The board moved quickly to address mechanical failures at the Water Treatment Plant. Chief Water Treatment Plant Operator Levi Boyer briefed the trustees on two pressing issues: a High Service Pump that is currently out of service and a "wobble" discovered in the shaft of the Low Service Pump. To address the out-of-service pump, Trustee McMurray moved to utilize Water Reserve Funds to cover the cost of repairs. The motion passed unanimously. Boyer and Jay McCall, the DPW Superintendent, were also authorized to work collaboratively to locate a reported leak at Booster Station 1. According to the minutes, the board authorized Boyer to proceed with repairs immediately if the leak is found, rather than waiting for a second round of approvals. The issue of the wobbling Low Service Pump was tabled until the next regular meeting on February 12, allowing staff time to assess the severity of the shaft issue before the board commits to a specific repair contract. **Police Department Expansion** The board officially expanded the village’s police presence by voting to hire Cory J. Martindale as a Police Officer/Patrolman. The vote sets Martartdale’s starting pay at Step 3 of the APBA Contract. He will serve a 52-week probationary period, with his official start date left to the discretion of the Chief of Police. **Property and Housing Matters** In property enforcement business, the board authorized Deputy Mayor Bennett to sign a Notice of Eviction for a tenant at the Cemetery Apartment, identified in the minutes as Diane Rouse. Additionally, the board ratified an agreement regarding a property line dispute. Trustees approved an Encroachment Agreement with Jaime Riveria, the owner of 33 Caroline Street. The agreement acknowledges that a garage and fence on the property encroach 1.61 feet and 1.0 feet, respectively, onto the southerly boundary of Hughes Alley, which is village-owned property. The vote allows the Deputy Mayor to sign the agreement, formalizing the encroachment. **Planning for the Future** Looking beyond immediate repairs, the board took steps to ensure better long-term budgeting. Trustee Riley introduced a motion requiring all Department Heads to present comprehensive project projections at upcoming Budget Hearings. Department heads are now required to submit minimum one-year, three-year, and five-year plans detailing personnel, financial, and equipment needs. The Board intends to discuss these projections with department heads during a scheduled meeting on February 26. **Labor Negotiations** Following the public session, the board entered executive session at 6:20 p.m. to discuss contract negotiations. They emerged just under an hour later at 7:19 p.m. Upon returning to open session, the board authorized Trustee Riley and Deputy Mayor Bennett to present the board’s list to the DPW Union, signaling the next step in labor discussions for the Department of Public Works. The meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m. The next meeting of the Board of Trustees is scheduled for February 12, where the board is expected to take up the tabled discussion regarding the Low Service Pump and crossing guard staffing.