🏛️ Board of Trustees
Water Grant Progress, Downtown Revitalization Discussed at Albion Board Meeting
Village trustees approved funding for a major water tank project and discussed branding efforts to boost downtown economic development.
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Key Actions & Decisions
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Approved $298,024.50 payment to Statewide Aquastore Inc. for the Water NY Grant (WIIA 2) project.
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Approved $12,772.51 in contingency funds for Department of Public Works (DPW) camera systems.
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Authorized engagement letter with MMB+Co for the May 31, 2025 fiscal year audit.
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Tabled decisions on Positive Pay options and Internet/Phone services until Jan 22.
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Accepted donations totaling $1,250 ($1,000 for July Celebration, $250 to GoArt).
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Scheduled public meeting for Jan 30, 2025, at Snell’s Realty to discuss downtown improvements.
The Village of Albion Board of Trustees took significant steps Wednesday night to advance critical water infrastructure while also casting an eye toward economic revitalization of the downtown core.
During the regular meeting on Jan. 8, 2025, at Village Hall, the board approved a roughly $298,000 payment related to the village’s ongoing water improvement projects. The funding was authorized for Statewide Aquastore Inc. as part of the Water NY (WIIA 2) grant program.
This payment is part of a larger capital project aimed at upgrading the village's water system, specifically the Aquastore. The board also moved to accept the associated state grant revenue to cover the expense.
In addition to water infrastructure, the board voted to enhance security at the Department of Public Works (DPW). Trustees authorized the use of $12,772.51 from the village’s contingency fund to pay Upstate Alarm for the installation of new camera systems. A separate budget transfer of $12,330.52 was also approved to cover associated costs for the security upgrade.
The board also addressed routine financial housekeeping, approving an engagement letter with MMB+Co to conduct the audit for the fiscal year ending May 31, 2025. The firm will audit the village's financial statements to ensure compliance and accuracy.
Trustees also authorized the Village Clerk to obtain a current list of eligible candidates for the Water Treatment Plant (WTP) Operator Trainee position from Orleans County Civil Service, ensuring the village can move forward with staffing essential utility operations.
**Downtown Development and Branding**
Trustee Joyce Riley updated the board on efforts to refine the village’s identity. Discussions are underway regarding the potential "branding" of a name for the village and exploring the possibility of installing Reindeer statues throughout the community as a thematic attraction.
More immediately, Riley announced a scheduled public meeting focused on economic growth. A session to "discuss opportunities for improving our downtown" is set for Jan. 30, 2025, at 6:00 PM. The meeting will be held at Snell’s Realty, located at 107 N. Main Street. Residents interested in the future of the village's central business district are encouraged to attend.
**Financial Adjustments**
The board approved several end-of-year budget adjustments and the allocation of donations. A $1,000 donation intended for the July Celebration was placed into reserve funds for that event, and a separate $250 donation was allocated to GoArt.
A smaller allocation of $337.98 from ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds was moved to cover expenses for Christmas decorations purchased through Keybank.
Two items were tabled until the next meeting on Jan. 22, 2025: a discussion on implementing a "Positive Pay" option for bank fraud prevention and a review of internet and phone service contracts.
**Consent Agenda**
All board members—Mayor Angel Javier Jr., Deputy Mayor Greg Bennett, Trustee Riley, Trustee Timothy McMurray, and Trustee William Gabalski—voted in favor of the resolutions.
The board also unanimously approved the payment of monthly bills totaling $69,425.54. This sum included $49,419.87 for general expenses, $5,548.56 for water operations, and $14,457.11 for sewer maintenance.
Coverage of the Board of Trustees meeting on 2025-01-08,
Village of Albion, NY.
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Related Board of Trustees Meetings
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Albion Police Resignation Highlights Department Strain Amid Contract Disputes
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Key Actions & Decisions
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Animal Control Reviewed: The board acknowledged the 2024 annual report from Animal Control Officer Harry Papponetti.
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State Inspection Passed: A November 2024 inspection by the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets found the facility "satisfactory" regarding dog capture, holding, and euthanasia practices.
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Wildlife Activity Highlighted: Data showed increased interactions with local wildlife, including reports of coyotes, foxes, and bats.
2024-12-19
Albion Trustees Fill Key Water Department Post, Approve New Mechanic and Equipment
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Key Actions & Decisions
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Authorized DPW Superintendent Jay Pahura to purchase an air-tow trailer and truck (Vote: 3-0).
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Approved hiring Shawn Diebel as an Auto Mechanic for the DPW (Vote: 3-0).
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Key Actions & Decisions
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Key Actions & Decisions
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Fire contracts terminated: The board unanimously ended the 2022-2026 contract with the Town of Albion and the 2023-2027 contract with the Town of Gaines, effective Dec. 31, 2024.
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Restore NY grant application: Unanimously approved Resolution 2024-29 to apply for state funding to rehabilitate 132 N. Main Street, a vacant mixed-use building, for commercial space and affordable housing.
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Water infrastructure appropriations: Approved budget adjustments increasing expenses and revenues by $192,923.30 for the WIIA 2 Project and $15,664.71 for the WIIA 1 Project.
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Personnel changes: Accepted resignation of Police Officer Alexandra Reigle and Deputy Treasurer Derek Reiner; authorized the hiring process to fill the police vacancy.
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Monthly bills paid: Approved $94,108.88 in total payments across general, water, sewer, and capital funds.
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Property surplus: Approved the sale of three surplus firearms to Albion Gun Shop for $100 each.
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GOART donation: Authorized up to $500 from recreation reserve funds for a donation to GOART (Greater Orleans Arts Together).
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Cemetery deeds: Approved deeds for Anne E. Neilans and Clark M. & Anne M. Brooks.
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