●Approved $298,024.50 payment to Statewide Aquastore Inc. for the Water NY Grant (WIIA 2) project.
●Approved $12,772.51 in contingency funds for Department of Public Works (DPW) camera systems.
●Authorized engagement letter with MMB+Co for the May 31, 2025 fiscal year audit.
●Tabled decisions on Positive Pay options and Internet/Phone services until Jan 22.
●Accepted donations totaling $1,250 ($1,000 for July Celebration, $250 to GoArt).
●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.
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Coverage of the Board of Trustees meeting on 2025-01-08,
Village of Albion, NY.
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